Few 20th-century designers had influential furniture that regularly flew at 30,000 feet, but Warren McArthur did. His work — and the work of his company, the Warren McArthur Corporation — on seating for military aircraft came near the end of his career, following decades of Machine Age furniture shaped from tubular forms and made of steel, chrome and aluminum.
Warren McArthur Jr. graduated with an engineering degree from Cornell University in 1908. After moving to Los Angeles in 1929, he founded the Warren McArthur Corporation a year later. His initial output of sleek, metal designs were popular in offices and hotels.
At the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair, Americans witnessed a new “Streamlined America” campaign, which included everyday furniture made from metal, opening the door for McArthur and other Machine Age designers to a residential audience. With this increase in demand for metal furniture, the Warren McArthur Corporation relocated to Rome, New York, and sold their aluminum furnishings out of a showroom on Park Avenue in New York City.
Actors Marlene Dietrich, Fredric March and Clark Gable were among his A-list clientele. McArthur also produced furniture for the dining cars on the Union Pacific Railroad and the Chrysler Headquarters. His designs were featured in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s 1934 exhibition “Contemporary American Industrial Art.”
During World War II, McArthur pivoted production after a ban on the private use of aluminum. McArthur made an estimated three-quarters of all American military aircraft seating, including adjustable seats for the Beechcraft C-45 and revolving seats for navigators aboard the Grumman HU-16 Albatross.
Warren McArthur closed his business in 1948. He died in 1961.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Warren McArthur armchairs, tables and other seating.
Warren McArthur Industrial Design Side Chair with Sling Back, c. 1935
By Warren McArthur, Warren McArthur Corporation
Located in Chicago, IL
Warren McArthur Industrial Design Side Chair with Sling Back, c. 1935 Aluminum, Rubber Feet and Upholstery (cotton-poly blend) A rare example of early American industrial design by W...
Metal, Aluminum
Warren McArthur Style No. 977L AUR 3 Seater Sofa Celadon Mohair 1938
By Warren McArthur Corporation, Warren McArthur
Located in Camden, ME
Rare and early Warren McArthur Style No. 977L AUR three-seat sofa, circa 1938. This example represents a transitional phase in McArthur’s production, preceding his later work designing aircraft seating during the 1940s. Constructed with McArthur’s patented system of precision-engineered anodized aluminum tubing, the frame exemplifies his mastery of structural lightness and visual clarity. The softly contoured seat and back reflect his ergonomic sensibility and his pursuit of mechanical elegance in domestic furnishings. Distinctive black rubber “donuts” at both the feet and armrests are original design features, later replaced in subsequent production with smaller fittings. This early detail, combined with the elongated frame geometry, firmly situates the piece within McArthur’s pre-war output. Reupholstered in celadon green mohair with contrasting ivory piping, the sofa presents a refined interplay of color and texture — industrial yet luxurious. The aluminum retains a subtle, even patina consistent with age. This example is both labeled and cataloged, underscoring its authenticity within McArthur’s documented oeuvre. It is only the second 977L AUR I have handled; the last example was acquired in 2013. A superb and historically significant work from one of America’s foremost machine-age designers, bridging the evolution from streamline moderne furniture...
Aluminum
Warren McArthur Anodized Aluminum Study Desk, State Library of Virginia, 1939
By Warren McArthur, Warren McArthur Corporation
Located in Camden, ME
This rare study desk is a documented, site-specific design by Warren McArthur, produced for the Rare Book Room of the State Library of Virginia and installed in 1939. The commission ...
Aluminum, Steel
Rare Warren McArthur Two-Tier Desk with Drawers, Reversible, Machine Age 1930s
By Warren McArthur, Warren McArthur Corporation
Located in Chicago, IL
Warren McArthur two-tier desk with drawers Aluminum and black lacquered wood Warren McArthur Corporation, 1930s Measures: 48" x 24" x 30" desk height D...
Aluminum
Warren McArthur Pair of Console Tables 1933
By Warren McArthur Corporation, Warren McArthur
Located in Chicago, IL
Warren McArthur Pair of Console Tables Warren McArthur Corporation, c. 1933 Aluminum frame with painted wood tops and rubber components. Dimensions: 30¼ h × 35¼ w × 14 d in (77 × 90 ...
Aluminum
Warren McArthur Art Deco Dining Table, Aluminum & Black Formica, 1938
By Warren McArthur Corporation, Warren McArthur
Located in Camden, ME
This square table by Warren McArthur, circa 1938, embodies the refined industrial elegance that defines the designer’s work. With its compact yet generous 42 x 42 inch footprint, it ...
Aluminum
Warren McArthur Low Lounge Version of Chair Model 1132 ASU Rome, NY 1936
By Warren McArthur, Warren McArthur Corporation
Located in Camden, ME
An unusual Warren McArthur lounge chair, a low version of Warren McArthur's standard Style No. 1132ASU, exemplifies the innovative engineering and modernist elegance that defined McA...
Aluminum
Warren McArthur Custom Model 1642-5 Glass Top Console 1935 Table Rome, NY
By Warren McArthur, Warren McArthur Corporation
Located in Camden, ME
vWarren McArthur custom ordered console/display table for the B&M Department Store of Peoria, Illinois with its attached Rome NY order label dated 2/35. The standard dimensions ...
Aluminum
Warren McArthur Armchairs, for McArthur Corporation 1933
By Warren McArthur, Warren McArthur Corporation
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of Six Warren McArthur Armchairs for McArthur Corporation, 1933 Aluminum frames with woven linoleum upholstery and rubber elements. Set includes four examples of model 1047-A and...
Aluminum
Rare Warren McArthur Console / Hall Table, Art Deco, Machine Age, 1930's
By Warren McArthur, Warren McArthur Corporation
Located in Buffalo, NY
Extremely rare demilune console table designed by Warren McArthur. Amazing design, proportion, table has been re-painted (at some point) Retains remnants of original label, Also orig...
Aluminum
Warren McArthur Pair of Matched Sofas Style No. 917-3 C. 1938
By Warren McArthur Corporation, Warren McArthur
Located in Camden, ME
A Warren McArthur Corporation matched pair of Style No. 917-3 3-seater sofas from the late 30s. A stunning example of Art Moderne or Machine Age design, this pair of Warren McArthur...
Aluminum
Warren McArthur Aluminium Armchair Style No 1170 AU, circa 1939
By Warren McArthur Corporation, Warren McArthur
Located in Camden, ME
A Warren McArthur aluminium armchair style no 1170 AU in excellent vintage condition. This chair is a classic example of Warren's mastery of tube bending. The elongated S of the b...
Aluminum
Warren McArthur for Warren McArthur Corporation Table or Desk
By Warren McArthur, Warren McArthur Corporation
Located in Chicago, IL
Warren McArthur for Warren McArthur Corporation Table or Desk from the Virginia State Library, Richmond V.A. Aluminum base, wood top with laminate surface Dimensions: 30¼"high 50½" w...
Aluminum
Pair of Warren McArthur Pull-Up Chairs, 1930's
By Warren McArthur, Warren McArthur Corporation
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Warren McArthur pull-up chairs, 1930's Aluminum tubular frame with back-slats. Manufactured in Rome, New York Decal underside. We reupholstered with new Iron Cloth, a polye...
Aluminum
Pair of Aluminum Warren McArthur Sling Lounge Chairs Style No. 1000-A, 1938
By Warren McArthur Corporation, Warren McArthur
Located in Camden, ME
Pair of lounge chairs by Warren McArthur manufactured at his factory in Connecticut in the late 1930s. The designs that Warren introduced in the very beginning of his furniture making he referred to as "suspension chairs...
Aluminum
Warren McArthur Vanity Stool Style No. 1131, circa 1936
By Warren McArthur, Warren McArthur Corporation
Located in Camden, ME
Warren McArthur aluminum vanity stool from the mid- 1930s. The stool is worn and has a separation crack on the inside edge of one of the floor tube. Early McArthur is made from weld...
Aluminum
Warren McArthur Console Sky Blue Cafolite Top c. 1935
By Warren McArthur Corporation, Warren McArthur
Located in Camden, ME
Unusual Warren McArthur console or perhaps a work table from a department store or beauty salon cosmetic cubicle. The sky blue Cafolite top was produced for the Warren McArthur Corp...
Aluminum
Warren McArthur Occasional Table, 1933
By Warren McArthur, Warren McArthur Corporation
Located in Chicago, IL
Warren McArthur Occasional Table,1933 Model 1551 Warren McArthur Corporation Aluminum frame with laminated top. Distinctive tubular construction characteristic of McArthur’s early m...
Aluminum
Warren McArthur Side Table Anodized Aluminum Black Cafolite One Park Avenue 1938
By Warren McArthur Corporation, Warren McArthur
Located in Camden, ME
This Warren McArthur side table represents the designer’s most sophisticated period of production between 1936 and 1940. Featuring a black Cafolite top—a phenolic resin surface prize...
Aluminum
Early Warren McArthur Reclining Shampoo Chair, Custom Wood-Base Model, 1930s
By Warren McArthur, Warren McArthur Corporation
Located in Camden, ME
This exceptionally rare reclining shampoo chair was created by Warren McArthur, confirmed through its patented tubular-aluminum construction and the surviving shadow remnant of the o...
Aluminum, Steel
Machine Age / American Art Deco Warren McArthur Aluminum Cocktail Table
By Warren McArthur Corporation
Located in Buffalo, NY
Machine Age / American Art Deco Warren McArthur cocktail table, c.1935, Classic design, aluminum base, black laminate top, aluminum banding. R...
Aluminum
Warren McArthur Occasional Table, 1942
By Warren McArthur Corporation, Warren McArthur
Located in Chicago, IL
Warren McArthur Occasional Table, 1942 Stained maplewood top with black-painted edge over a lightweight aluminum frame. The tubular structure is engineered with McArthur’s signature ...
Maple
Warren McArthur Demi-Lune Console Table, Anodized Aluminum, c. 1935
By Warren McArthur Corporation, Warren McArthur
Located in Camden, ME
A reserved and well-considered demi-lune console table by Warren McArthur, dating to around 1935. Works from this period reflect McArthur’s focus on lightweight structural systems an...
Aluminum
Warren McArthur Desk Chair
By Warren McArthur Corporation, Warren McArthur
Located in Chicago, IL
Warren McArthur Desk Chair, Aluminum frame with upholstrey. Reupholstered Seat height 20"
Aluminum
Warren McArthur Set of Four Lounge Chairs, Aluminum, Devon Blue, 1939
By Warren McArthur Corporation, Warren McArthur
Located in Camden, ME
Warren McArthur suite of four lounge chairs circa late 1930s. These seldom seen examples retain their original finish to their tubular aluminum fram...
Aluminum
Warren McArthur Modified Revolving Stool Aircraft Seat 1947/2024
By Warren McArthur Corporation, Warren McArthur
Located in Camden, ME
.A rotating stool made from a Warren McArthur designed aircraft navigational stool created in 1947 for Grumman Aircraft Corporation. The Grumman Albatross SA-16 was deve...
Metal, Aluminum, Steel
H 30 in W 60 in D 21 in
Art Deco Machine Age Industrial Desks by Bel Geddes for Simmons Furniture Co.
By Norman Bel Geddes, Simmons Company Furniture
Located in New York, NY
High Style, Art Deco, Machine Age, Industrial design desk(s) by Norman Bel Geddes for Simmons Furniture Company circa 1930's. The desks feature a bank of three drawers which flank th...
Steel
H 28.35 in W 118.12 in D 51.19 in
Large Art Deco Cerused Oak Dining Table By Maison Carlhian- Paris 1938.
By Maison Carlhian
Located in Brussels, BE
Exceptional Art Deco cerused oak dining room table with two additional extentions forming a table for 10 people. Labeled under the top: R & M Carlhian decorateurs-Paris. In the s...
Bronze
H 29.53 in W 47.25 in D 23.63 in
Walnut desk with two solid walnut drawers in mid-century modern style
Located in SULECHÓW, -
Desk in mid-century style with two drawers and brass handles. The tapered legs are finished with brass plated aluminum feet. Desk made of solid American walnut wood and wood covered ...
Brass
H 30.25 in W 60 in D 30 in
Lacquered Neoclassical Style Desk or Library Writing Table
By John Hall
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Bespoke library table or desk crafted in the neoclassical taste by John Hall Designs, Los Angeles, CA. The desk is constructed from beech and features an intentionally weathered, dis...
Wood, Beech
H 30.91 in W 72.05 in D 30.71 in
19th century Tuscan library desk
Located in Jesteburg, DE
A beautiful desk, library table or console table possibly having been used as a writing desk. Great sculptural presence, works wonderfully in a contemporary or classic interior. We a...
Walnut
H 30.32 in W 70.87 in D 38.98 in
Italian Art Deco Dining Table
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
Italian Art Deco Dining Table This stunning Art Deco dining table, a true masterpiece of Italian craftsmanship from the 1930s. Adorned with exceptional figured walnut and contrastin...
Walnut
H 28 in W 24 in D 12 in
Rare Warren McArthur Console / Hall Table, Art Deco, Machine Age, 1930's
By Warren McArthur, Warren McArthur Corporation
Located in Buffalo, NY
Extremely rare demilune console table designed by Warren McArthur. Amazing design, proportion, table has been re-painted (at some point) Retains remnants of original label, Also orig...
Aluminum
H 44 in W 70.5 in D 36 in
Queen Anne Style Three Seat Sofa
Located in Cheshire, GB
Bring refined character into your space with this beautifully upholstered three-seat sofa, distinguished by its graceful silhouette and richly detailed craftsmanship. The gently scal...
Wood
H 40 in W 92 in D 38 in
Regency Mohair Upholstered Mahogany Sofa
Located in Astoria, NY
Regency Mahogany Scroll End Sofa, early 19th century, with mustard and burgundy mohair upholstered cushions, the frame with carved floral bouquet motif to the center on four scroll f...
Mohair, Upholstery, Mahogany
H 31 in W 130 in D 46 in
Curved Mohair Sofa, Walnut Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Curved Mohair Sofa, Walnut Base New, 1 of 1
Mohair, Walnut
H 28.5 in W 48 in D 28 in
Antique Oak Arts and Crafts Library Desk Table
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Beautiful handcrafted piece with beautiful patina. This antique table has all the character a piece of this nature should. This truly is a stunning table in this style. It has been w...
Oak
H 34.5 in W 49.75 in D 23.5 in
Mainline by Hooker Mid-Century Modern Walnut & Brass Two-Tiered Desk
By Hooker Furniture, Mainline by Hooker
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed and made in the USA, this desk is the most dynamic and handsome of all the Mainline pieces. While most others tend to look clunky, this model features some design cues that ...
Brass
Early Warren McArthur J-Leg 36" Round Table, Patent Applied For Label, 1933–34
By Warren McArthur, Warren McArthur Corporation
Located in Camden, ME
This early Warren McArthur Corporation round table—manufactured in Rome, New York in 1933–34—is an excellent example from the designer’s first production years. The original green Mc...
Aluminum
H 28 in W 30 in D 30 in
Warren McArthur Card Table 30" Formica Top Double-X Base Splayed Legs c. 1938
By Warren McArthur, Warren McArthur Corporation
Located in Camden, ME
This compact Warren McArthur table, dating to circa 1938, exemplifies the designer’s unique fusion of industrial engineering and refined American modernism. At 30 x 30 inches with a ...
Aluminum
H 21.5 in W 28 in D 14 in
Warren McArthur Console Table 1933
By Warren McArthur, Warren McArthur Corporation
Located in Chicago, IL
Warren McArthur Console Table 1933, Warren McArthur Corporation, Rome, New York Model 1551 Aluminum frame with laminate top 21½ h × 28 w × 14 d in (55 × 71 × 36 cm) Decal manufacture...
Aluminum
H 23 in W 44 in D 24 in
Warren McArthur Corporation Model 1541-2 Two Drawer Desk Rome. NY c.1934/35
By Warren McArthur, Warren McArthur Corporation
Located in Camden, ME
EAn early Warren McArthur Corporation desk, manufactured during the first years of Rome, NY production (1933–1934). This compact yet substantial writing desk highlights McArthur’s t...
Aluminum
H 31.25 in W 20.5 in D 23.5 in
Warren McArthur for Namco Aluminum Z- Chair, 1950
By Warren McArthur, Warren McArthur Corporation
Located in Chicago, IL
Warren McArthur for Namco Aluminum Z- Chair, model 950 Aluminum frame with upholstered corduroy seat and backrest. The seat back features a slight swivel for added comfort—an innova...
Aluminum
H 31 in W 22 in D 22 in
Warren McArthur Chair
By Warren McArthur Corporation
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Warren McArthur chair possibly from the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, Arizona. Chair measures 22" wide, 22" deep and 31" high. Seat height is 17". Chair shows where there once was a l...
Aluminum
H 32 in W 25 in D 20.5 in
Warren McArthur Early Armchair for The Pullman Company 1920's
By Warren McArthur, Warren McArthur Corporation
Located in Chicago, IL
Warren McArthur Early Armchair for The Pullman Company 1920's Rare Special Chair, This elegant early armchair by Warren McArthur features a combination of lacquered steel, aluminum, ...
Aluminum
H 31 in W 26 in D 34.75 in
Warren McArthur Lounge Chair
By Warren McArthur, Warren McArthur Corporation
Located in Chicago, IL
Warren McArthur Lounge Chairs by Warren McArthur Corporation aluminum frame , upholstery Great Plains woven wool, rubber feet Dimensions: 31"high 26" wide 30" deep
Aluminum
H 31.5 in W 26.5 in D 34 in
Warren McArthur Rolling Cart Yellow and Green Anodized Rings, circa 1938
By Warren McArthur, Warren McArthur Corporation
Located in Camden, ME
Rare Warren McArthur bar cart / service cart from the late 1930s with yellow and green turnings. Green Vitrolite shelf inserts are replacements. Good condition.
Aluminum
H 32 in W 26 in D 32 in
Rare Warren McArthur Arizona Biltmore Era Lounge Chair and Ottoman C. 1931
By Warren McArthur, Warren McArthur Corporation
Located in Camden, ME
A wonderful Warren McArthur club chair and ottoman that personify the comfort of his furniture. Warren's patented compression assembly was designed to provide flexibility in the frame to add more comfort via a slight flex in addition to the cushions. The aluminum strap back added to this flexibility in contrast to the rigid welded steel tube frame that was the standard of McArthur's contemporaries. This club chair and ottoman were manufactured at the Warren McArthur Furniture Company in Los Angeles between 1931/33. The chair's design, while similar in overall look, predates Warren McArthur's classic Park Avenue Lounge (Style No. 1003 EAU p. 9 of his 1936 corporation catalog) by at least two years. This is the only example of this chair that I have seen. The pair was said to have come from the Arizona Biltmore but I cannot confirm that provenance. The absence of labels is typical of all Arizona Biltmore furniture...
Aluminum
H 32 in W 25 in D 23 in
Warren McArthur Armchair Bronze Anodize Style No. 1049-A Rome , NY c. 1933/34
By Warren McArthur Corporation, Warren McArthur
Located in Camden, ME
Warren McArthur bronze anodized armchair labeled: Patent Applied For,Rome ,New York. c. 1932/33 Upholstered in Mohair 20+ years ago .Matching settee and additional armchair available.
Aluminum
H 32 in W 45 in D 23 in
Rare Warren McArthur Bronze Anodize Settee Style No 947 Rome, NY C. 1933/34
By Warren McArthur Corporation, Warren McArthur
Located in Camden, ME
Warren McArthur bronze anodized Settee labeled: Patent Applied For,Rome ,New York. c. 1932/33 Upholstered in Mohair 20+ years ago Two Matching armchairs available.
Aluminum