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.
Streamline Moderne Tubular Aluminum Seating Set by Warren McArthur for ClassiCon
By Warren McArthur
Located in San Diego, CA
Warren McArthur for ClassiCon Streamline Moderne Three-Piece Tubular Aluminum Seating Set Model #947 Settee and Pair of Model #1047 Armchairs, Circa 1990s A refined and architectura...
Aluminum
Pair of Warren McArthur Style No. 612 Tennis Chairs , 1935
By Warren McArthur Corporation, Warren McArthur
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Warren McArthur Style No. 612 Tennis Chairs ,1935 Pair of Warren McArthur webbed anodized aluminum armchairs, known as the “Tennis Chair” or Style No. 612. The chairs feature...
Aluminum
Warren McArthur South Hampton Model 635 Lounge Chairs, 1935
By Warren McArthur Corporation, Warren McArthur
Located in Chicago, IL
Warren McArthur South Hampton Model 635 Lounge Chairs, 1935 Description: Pair of Warren McArthur “South Hampton” model 635 lounge chairs, designed in 1935 and produced by the Warren ...
Aluminum
$6,800 / set
Pair of Petite Lounge Chairs by Warren McArthur
By Warren McArthur
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of petite lounge chairs designed by Warren McArthur for the Arizona Biltmore Hotel, 1929. Reupholstered in a Holly Hunt boucle.
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
Pair of Petite Lounge Chairs by Warren McArthur.Classic Art Deco / Machine Age
By Warren McArthur
Located in Buffalo, NY
Pair of Petite Lounge Chairs by Warren McArthur.Classic Art Deco / Machine Age...Classic design,, as fresh and modern today as the day they were designed,,Pure ,original , unmolested condition,, Original black leather upholstery,,minor cracking,(see photos) Retains original label...Hand delivery avail to New York City or anywhere en route from Buffalo NY Warren McArthur Jr. was born in Chicago, Illinois to Warren McArthur Sr., a successful businessman, and Minnie Jewel McArthur.Frank Lloyd Wright was a friend of the McArthur family. In 1892, Wright designed the house for the McArthur family, located in Chicago. McArthur attended Cornell University where he studied engineering. In January 1912, McArthur announced his engagement to his future wife Lorraine Peaslee of Dubuque, Iowa. Shortly after graduating from Cornell, in 1912, McArthur received a patent for the short-globe lamp, which he sold to the Dietz Lantern...
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
$10,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
Classic Pair of Art Deco Machine Age Aluminium Lounge Chairs by Warren McArthur
By Warren McArthur
Located in Buffalo, NY
Matched pair of Art Deco. Machine Age aluminium lounge chairs by Warren McArthur, original unmolested condition, retains original cut mohair fabric upholstery as well as McArthur lab...
Aluminum
$8,400 / set
After Warren McArthur for Namco Lounge Chairs
By Warren McArthur, Namco
Located in Chicago, IL
After Warren McArthur for Namco Lounge Chairs, Tubular Aluminum, and leather lounges by Warren McArthur for Namco. Reupholstered with Spinneybeck leather.
Aluminum
$9,800 / set
H 30.25 in W 36.5 in D 25.5 in
Pair of Warren Platner for Knoll Lounge Chairs in Sapphire Velvet
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Culver City, CA
Available right now we have 2 pairs of Warren Platner Lounge Chairs. Priced per pair these chairs are a sublime fusion of opulence and iconic design that are timelessly chic. Crafted to perfection, these lounge chairs are not merely pieces of furniture; they are functional pieces or art. Enveloped in a sumptuous deep sapphire velvet, these lounge chairs redefine comfort and style. The allure of the plush upholstery beckons you to sink into a world of indulgence, with the rich velvety texture against your skin, a tactile symphony that will elevate your relaxation to an art form. Warren Platner was a luminary in the world of modern design, Platner's career was marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation and elegance. Trained as an architect, he seamlessly transitioned into the realm of furniture design, leaving an indelible mark with his distinctive creations. Platner's ingenuity was particularly evident in his collaboration with Knoll, a legendary name in the world of modern furniture. Founded in 1938 by Hans Knoll and later joined by his wife Florence Knoll, the company became synonymous with cutting-edge design and a commitment to quality craftsmanship. Knoll became a trailblazer, collaborating with visionaries like Warren Platner to create pieces that would go on to define an era. The Platner Lounge Chairs, with their unique design and quality materials, stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of both Warren Platner and Knoll. These chairs aren't just pieces of furniture; they are collectors' items, highly sought after by those who appreciate the intersection of art and functionality. In a world where trends come and go, the Platner Lounge Chairs stand the test of time. They aren't just a place to sit; they are an experience, a visual and tactile journey into the lap of luxury. Owning these chairs isn't just a choice; it's an affirmation of a lifestyle that values the finer things – where comfort meets design, and every piece of furniture is a statement. These chairs would look incredible in any mid century modern, contemporary or modern environment. We currently have these chairs in our gallery alongside other iconic pieces, and Arne Jacobsen egg chair, and Eero Saarinen dining set...
Nickel
Pair of Art Deco Style Lounge Chairs
Located in Pasadena, TX
Pair of Art Deco style lounge chairs Burl framed lounge chairs upholstered in a rich eggplant fabric. Measures: 31.25 Width x 29.5 Depth...
Burl
$1,400
H 30.5 in W 24.75 in D 32 in
Art Deco Machine Age Lounge Chair designed by Gilbert Rohde for Troy Sunshade
By Gilbert Rohde, Troy Sunshade Company
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Art Deco, Machine Age lounge chair designed by Gilbert Rohde for the Troy Sunshade Company circa 1930's. The chair features a sexy tubular chrome frame with large upholstered ...
Chrome
Pair of Warren Platner Easy Lounge Chairs and Ottoman
By Knoll, Warren Platner
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
Art Deco Machine Age Sling Chair by McKay Craft Furniture Company
By McKay Furniture Corp., John McKay
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Art Deco, Machine Age sling seat lounge chair having elegant chrome and black arms on a blacked steel spring base. The chair is in overall very good condition, the chrome is b...
Steel, Chrome
Warren Platner Chrome & Fabric Lounge Chairs for Knoll, a Pair
By Warren Platner
Located in Greensboro, NC
A Pair of Warren Platner lounge chair for Knoll in a neutral herringbone woven fabric. Timeless, beautiful mid-century modern design, incredibly well made, very comfortable. These ...
Metal
Streamline Art Deco Chrome Tubular Bauhaus Lounge Chair
By Gilbert Rohde, Kem Weber, Bauhaus, Wolfgang Hoffmann
Located in Chicago, IL
Streamline Art Deco Chrome Tubular Lounge Chair in the manner of Kem Weber. Designer unknown. Chair was reupholstered at some point with a black vinyl and airplane motif added. Sho...
Chrome
$6,750
H 31 in W 89 in D 30 in
Warren McArthur Art Deco Sofa circa 1930s Streamlined Aluminum Reupholstered 89"
By Warren McArthur
Located in Atlanta, GA
Streamlined Art Deco Aluminum Sofa, designed by Warren McArthur, circa 1930s. This sofa is currently being reupholstered and can be completed in your fabric. Simply send us 12 yards ...
Aluminum
Unavailable|$9,222 / set
H 30.32 in W 36.62 in D 26.38 in
Pair of Warren Platner Lounge Chairs for Knoll International
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
This pair of Platner chairs are in great condition, the chrome rods are not at all rusty or bent and the upholstery has just been done in a Salm...
Chrome
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 33.5 in W 21.5 in D 17.5 in
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
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
Pair Warren Platner Lounge Chairs
By Warren Platner
Located in New York, NY
Pair Warren Platner lounge chairs. The chairs have brown upholstery with a nickeled steel frame.
Steel
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
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
Art Deco Aluminum and Leather Lounge Chair by Warren McArthur
By Warren McArthur
Located in San Diego, CA
Art Deco aluminum and black leather lounge chair with hockey puck feet by Warren McArthur, circa 1930s. The chair frame and feet are in great original condition while the upholstery has been recently replaced with gorgeous black leather. What a looker! The chair measures 25.75"W x 32"D x 31.5"H with a seat height of 16". This is a very rare and hard to find chair and would be the focal point of any art deco or machine age room! Check out our period side tables that would look fabulous with this chair! #3094 Warren McArthur (1885–1961) was an American industrial and furniture designer who specialized in aluminum tubular furniture during the 1930s. Warren McArthur, Jr. was born in Chicago, Illinois to Warren McArthur, Sr., a successful businessman, and Minnie Jewel McArthur. Frank Lloyd Wright was a friend of the McArthur family. In 1892, Wright designed the house for the McArthur family, located in Chicago. McArthur attended Cornell University where he studied engineering. In the late 1920s, McArthur began his career as an industrial designer by creating furniture for the Arizona Biltmore Hotel, which was designed by his brother Albert Chase McArthur. After the Wall Street Crash of 1929, the Arizona Biltmore failed, and McArthur moved to Los Angeles, California to create a furniture fabrication company. In the early 1930s, aluminum became a popular industrial design material, and McArthur developed a specialization in designing and making aluminum tubular furniture, including chairs, tables, sofas, lamps, and ashtrays. McArthur soon began to receive commissions from prominent architects. Paul R. Williams commissioned McArthur to design 30 pieces of aluminum furniture for the Cord family who owned the Cord automobile company. He was also commissioned to make aluminum furniture for Rudolph Schindler's design for Sardi's restaurant location in Los Angeles. So too, McArthur's aluminum furniture was popular with Hollywood stars and producers of the 1930s. His clients included Jack L. Warner, Marlene Dietrich, Fredric March...
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 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
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 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
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
Pair of Petite Lounge Chairs by Warren McArthur
By Warren McArthur
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of petite lounge chairs designed by Warren McArthur for the Arizona Biltmore Hotel, 1929.
Aluminum
Sold
H 32 in W 25 in D 25 in
Warren McArthur Pair of Lounge Chairs in Tubular Aluminum, 1930s 'Signed'
By Warren McArthur Corporation, Warren McArthur
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of lounge chairs model no. 1044-A in tubular aluminum with upholstered seat and back sections by Warren McArthur, American 1930's. (label on the bottom of the stretcher that rea...
Aluminum
Warren McArthur Cocktail Lounge Chair Frame, circa 1946
By Warren McArthur Corporation, Warren McArthur
Located in Camden, ME
A Warren McArthur model 1017 lounge chair frame. The employees had this furniture after the factory closed in 1948. I was fortunate to purchase this frame from a retiree of the Wa...
Aluminum
Sold
H 32 in W 27 in D 39 in
Warren McArthur Stainless Steel Lounge Chairs and Ottoman, circa 1935-1936, Pair
By Warren McArthur Corporation, Warren McArthur
Located in Camden, ME
A pair of Warren McArthur "Arizona Biltmore" chairs and a single ottoman in stainless steel. This is the 2nd lounge chair Style No. 1002 AUR (Arm Upholstered Round) that he designed ...
Stainless Steel
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
Pair of Lounge Chairs Warren McArthur Style No. 1014 AUR, circa 1935
By Warren McArthur Corporation, Warren McArthur
Located in Camden, ME
A pair of lounge chairs by the Warren McArthur Corporation from the mid-1930s with stainless steel frames. Union Carbide commissioned this pair of lounge chairs with 14 other McA...
Stainless Steel