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.
Classic Warren McArthur "J" Leg Art Deco Center Table
By Warren McArthur
Located in Buffalo, NY
One of the rarer forms,,Stunning Art Deco,Machine Age Center table,designed by Warren McArthur.Aluminum in Beautiful original condition, free of dents,,scratches etc. Original vitrol...
Aluminum
Barbara Baker for Baker Art Deco Walnut Fluted Center Table
By Baker Furniture Company, Barbara Barry
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A beautifully crafted Art Deco style center table designed by Barbara Barry and made by Baker Furniture in the US. The table features a two-tiered design in a deep ebonized lacquer o...
Walnut
Classic Empire Center Table, Oatmeal
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Classic Empire style grey cerused oak oatmeal stained center table with a carved ogee edge, raised on an octagonal pedestal base. Dimensions: 42" W x 42" D x 30" H. Clearance: 27"
Wood
Classic Empire Center Table - Weathered Finish
Located in Westwood, NJ
Crafted from grey cerused oak with an unusual weathered acacia finish, this table features a beautifully carved ogee edge that adds a touch of intricate detailing. The table is supp...
Wood
Scandinavian art deco inlaid birch center table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Scandinavian art deco inlaid birch center table circa 1920. We are pleased to offer this stunning table which has just been re-polished by hand in our workshop. Circular top with f...
Birch
French art deco marquetry center table, 1930s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Elegant art deco center table or dining table with marquetry inlay top and a tripod base. The beautiful mix of colours and types of wood makes this piece very attractive. It comes ...
Wood
Warren McArthur Art Deco Dining Table, Aluminum & Black Formica, 1938
By Warren McArthur, Warren McArthur Corporation
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
Stunning Dutch Art Deco Amsterdam school round center table 1930s
Located in Den Haag, NL
Amsterdam School Dutch Art Deco side or center table 1930s Beathiful condition . Nice warm color . The Art Deco table features a beautiful, clean-lined design. The cylindrical leg t...
Satinwood
Art Deco Gueridon Center Table by Jules Leleu, France, 1930
By Jules Leleu
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Art Deco gueridon center table by Jules Leleu, France, 1930. Mahogany wood, marquetry. 4 floral golden details. 4 brass feet sabots. Fully restored. High gloss laquor, hand pol...
Wood
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 Art Deco Desk and Chair
By Warren McArthur
Located in Atlanta, GA
Art Deco aluminum desk and chair designed by Warren McArthur, American, circa 1930s. The chair measures 31"H x 15.75"W x 17"D x 18" seat height.
Aluminum
Oak Art Deco Amsterdamse School Center Table, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and rare Art Deco Amsterdamse School center table. Striking Dutch design from the 1920s. Solid oak well designed base with original solid oak top. This wonderful Art Deco...
Oak
1930s Art Deco Center Table in Walnut and Aluminium - Italy
Located in Girona, Girona
Large Art Deco center table with two levels, French polished walnut veneer. Base decorated with a polished aluminum circle. Can be dismantled. Italy, circa 1930.
Aluminum
Warren McArthur Art Deco Dining Table
By Warren McArthur
Located in Atlanta, GA
Streamlined Art Deco dining table, designed by Warren McArthur, American, circa 1930s. This piece is a versatile size and can be used as a small dining or breakfast table, or as a la...
Aluminum
Warren McArthur Centre Table
By Warren McArthur
Located in Atlanta, GA
Art Deco centre table, designed by Warren McArthur, American, circa 1930s. It is a versatile size and can be used as centre table, lamp table, or small dining or dinette table. The t...
Aluminum
Warren McArthur Table
By Warren McArthur
Located in Atlanta, GA
Warren McArthur table, American, circa 1930s. This is a rather rare occasional or centre table. We have not seen another in 25 years of collecting Warren McArthur. The top is current...
Aluminum