Few 20th-century designers had influential furniture that regularly flew at 30,000 feet, but Warren McArthur did. His work 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 Art Deco Easy Chair
By Warren McArthur
Located in Astoria, NY
Warren McArthur (American, 1885-1961) Art Deco Easy Chair, aluminum, Bakelite, and fabric upholstery. 34" H x 23" W x 28" D; seat 17" H. Provenance: From a New York City Collection.
Aluminum
Warren McArthur Set of Four Webbed Lounge Chairs Style No. 612, circa 1938
By Warren McArthur
Located in Camden, ME
Warren McArthur rare suite of four webbed anodized aluminum armchairs from a Long Island New York estate. Light weight anodized aluminum frames with original webbing distinguish these lounges. This design was known as the tennis chair...
Aluminum
Warren McArthur, Brown Leather, Aluminum, Folding Chairs, USA c. 1935
By Warren McArthur
Located in Stamford, CT
Warren McArthur, American Mid-Century Modern, Brown Leather, Aluminum, Folding Occasional Chairs, USA c. 1935 Pair of leather and steel foldable arm chairs designed and produced by Warren McArthur for Mayfair Industries...
Aluminum
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Warren McArthur Aluminium Armchair Style No 1170 AU, circa 1939
By Warren McArthur, Warren McArthur Corporation
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
$12,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Warren McArthur Set of Four Lounge Chairs, Aluminum, Devon Blue, 1939
By Warren McArthur, Warren McArthur Corporation
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
Set of Four Warren McArthur Aluminum & Blue Velvet chairs
By Warren McArthur
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
A set of four Warren McArthur in original brushed Aluminum with freshly reupholstered cushions in rich Blue velvet. A beautiful set of chairs.
Aluminum
Pair of Armchair Warren McArthur Rare Model with Hidden Ashtrays
By Warren McArthur
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of metal armchairs designed by Warren McArthur (1885-1961) and made by Warren McArthur Corporation for Chrysler headquarter in Chicago b...
Aluminum
Warren McArthur Aircraft Navigator’s Seat, Grumman XJR2F Albatross (Model 364)
By Warren McArthur
Located in Camden, ME
This rare revolving aircraft navigator’s seat, Model 360, was designed and manufactured by the Warren McArthur Corporation in 1947 for installation in the Grumman XJR2F Albatross, a ...
Aluminum
$2,400 / set
H 31.5 in W 22.5 in D 24 in
Set of Four Mid-Century Milo Baughman Style Cantilever Chairs
By Milo Baughman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This gorgeous set of four vintage modern chairs feature a heavy cantilever chrome frame with padded armrests. A sleek design with an overstuffed seat and backrest ensuring optimal co...
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Leather and Aluminum Lounge Chairs
Located in North Hollywood, CA
These exceptional vintage lounge chairs represent the pinnacle of 1970s American craftsmanship, where bold architectural design meets timeless luxury. Each chair features midnight-bl...
Aluminum
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.5 in W 17 in D 18 in
Warren McArthur Industrial Design Side Chair with Sling Back, c. 1935
By Warren McArthur Corporation, Warren McArthur
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
$32,183
H 34.26 in W 39.38 in D 42.92 in
"Aulanko" Sheepskin Armchair/Lounge Chair by Märta Blomstedt, Finland, 1939
By Märta Blomstedt
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Amazing lounge chair by Märta Blomstedt, designed for the interior of the “Aulanko” hotel in 1939. Märta Blomstedt was the architecht behind the hotel. Oversized, voluptuous design w...
Sheepskin, Wood
Andre Arbus set of Four Chairs
By André Arbus
Located in CA, CA
A set of four chairs attributed to André Arbus stained to resemble ebony macassar. Presented in original condition these chairs have received a light polish, the original silk upho...
Fruitwood
Marquetry Armchair with Satinwood Inlays, New York, circa 1890
By R.J. Horner & Co.
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A late 19th century New York armchair in the early 18th century Dutch-Style in mahogany decorated with inlays in other woods of bows, birds, rinceau ...
Tulipwood, Kingwood, Mahogany, Satinwood
$16,135 / set
H 29.53 in W 27.56 in D 21.66 in
Set of Four Platner Armchairs by Warren Platner for Knoll, Steel, Velvet, 1960s
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Glasgow, GB
This set of four Platner armchairs by Warren Platner for Knoll, designed in the 1960s, represents a defining example of American mid-century modern design. Each chair is constructed ...
Steel
Pair of Warren Platner Easy Lounge Chairs and Ottoman
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A pair of Model 1705 easy chairs with ottoman, designed by Warren Platner for Knoll. Zinc steel wire rods are bent and welded to form a graceful, sculptural Silhouette. A generously ...
Zinc
Lounge Chair and Footstool by Warren Platner, 1966
By Warren Platner
Located in Berlin, Berlin
VINTAGE Easy chair and footstool designed by Warren Platner. U.S.A, Knoll International, 1966. The lounge chair, model number 1725. Welded curved steel and wool upholstery. Beautifu...
Metal
Selection of Warren McArthur Chairs
By Warren McArthur
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of Art Deco aluminum chairs, designed by Warren McArthur, American, circa 1930s. These can be used as dining, desk, or occasional cha...
Metal, Aluminum
$2,200 / item
H 36.03 in W 31.5 in D 33.47 in
Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau Set of Four Lounge Chairs in Light Blue Leather
By Gio Ponti, Poltrona Frau
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau, lounge chairs, model ´Dezza´ nr. 48, leather, lacquered wood, metal, Italy, 1965. Set of four stylish lounge chairs designed by Gio Ponti for Poltrona ...
Metal
$5,800
H 33 in W 25 in D 20 in
Warren McArthur Aircraft Navigator’s Seat, Grumman XJR2F Albatross (Model 364)
By Warren McArthur
Located in Camden, ME
This rare revolving aircraft navigator’s seat, Model 360, was designed and manufactured by the Warren McArthur Corporation in 1947 for installation in the Grumman XJR2F Albatross, a ...
Aluminum
Sold
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, Warren McArthur Corporation
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
Sold
H 32 in W 25 in D 23 in
Warren McArthur Armchair Bronze Anodize Style No. 1052-Au Rome, Ny C. 1933/34
By Warren McArthur, Warren McArthur Corporation
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
Aluminum
Warren McArthur Lounge Chair in Original Leather
By Warren McArthur
Located in Dallas, TX
Warren McArthur for Namco lounge chair in original leather.
Leather
Warren McArthur Armchair in Original Leather
By Warren McArthur
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautifully patinated leather and aluminum armchair designed by Warren McArthur, 1930's.
Aluminum
Warren McArthur Z Chair Model 708, circa 1938
By Warren McArthur, Warren McArthur Corporation
Located in Camden, ME
Warren McArthur anodixzed aluminum light armchair Model 708 manufactured by the Warren McArthur Corporation circa 1938.
Aluminum
Warren McArthur Lounge Chair
By Warren McArthur
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rare Art Deco aluminum lounge chair, designed by Warren McArthur, American, circa 1930s. In twenty five years of collecting McArthur furniture, this is only the second time we have ever seen this lounge chair. It has been reupholstered in a Tiffany blue color...
Metal, Aluminum
Sold
H 32 in W 25 in D 22 in
Warren McArthur Lounge Chair Early Variant of Style No. 1044- A, 1933-1935
By Warren McArthur Corporation, Warren McArthur
Located in Camden, ME
Warren McArthur lounge chair with splayed legs manufactured in Rome, NY between 1933-1935. A chair frame assembled of arced tubes spaced on four vertical arching supports formed fro...
Aluminum
Warren McArthur Armchair Style No. 1038 AU, circa 1933-1935
By Warren McArthur Corporation, Warren McArthur
Located in Camden, ME
A Warren McArthur armchair from the early to mid-1930s has an anodized aluminum frame. Titled "The Office Manager" in his 1936 furniture catalog and listed as Style No. 1038 AU (arm ...
Aluminum
Sold
H 33 in W 23 in D 21 in
Warren McArthur Stainless Steel Armchairs Style No. 1130 Au 1935/36 Unique Pair
By Warren McArthur, Warren McArthur Corporation
Located in Camden, ME
A pair of stainless steel armchairs by the Warren McArthur Corporation from the mid 1930s . The armchairs are Style No. 1130AU reproduced on page 3 of the Warren McArthur Corpora...
Stainless Steel
Pair of Warren McArthur Aluminium Chairs
By Warren McArthur
Located in Chicago, IL
Upholstered aluminum curved back Pull-up chairs with rubber capped feet.
Aluminum
Set of Four Warren McArthur Two-Tone Folding Armchairs
By Warren McArthur, Mayfair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of four, 1940s, Warren McArthur two-tone folding armchairs for Mayfair Industries. In excellent vintage condition. Tubular, brushed aluminum frames are sculptural and fold with e...
Warren McArthur Armchair
By Warren McArthur
Located in Atlanta, GA
Warren McArthur armchair, American, circa 1930s.
Aluminum