A popular designer who had his heyday from the late 1940s into the 1970s, Harvey Probber is one of the post-war American creative spirits whose work has been recently rediscovered by collectors. His designs are by-and-large simple and elegant, but his signal achievement was to pioneer one of the key innovations of mid-20th century furniture: sectional, or modular, seating.
Even as a teenager, the Brooklyn-born Probber was making sketches of furniture designs — and selling them to Manhattan furniture companies. He began working as a designer for an upholsterer once he finished high school and, apart from a few evening classes he took as an adult at Pratt Institute, he was self-taught about design and furniture making.
After wartime service — and a stint as a lounge singer — Probber founded his own company in the late 1940s. A lifelong familiarity with the needs of New York–apartment dwellers doubtless sparked his most noteworthy creation: a line of seating pieces in basic geometric shapes — wedges, squares, half-circles — that could be arranged and combined as needed. Modular furniture remained the core idea of Probber’s business throughout his career.
As a self-trained designer, Probber was never wed to any particular aesthetic. He preferred the simple lines now associated with mid-century modernism for their inherent practicality, but often used hardware to enliven the look of his pieces, or added elements — such as a ceramic insert in the center of a round dining table — that was visually interesting and could serve as a trivet. He gravitated toward bright fabrics with attractive, touchable textures that might be satin-like or nubbly. Above all, Probber insisted that the sofas, case goods and other products that came out of his Fall River, Massachusetts, factory be built to last.
“The quality of aging gracefully,” Probber once told an interviewer, is “design's fourth dimension.” This quality he realized: Probber furniture is just as useful and alluring now as it was when made — and maybe even more stylish.
Find a collection of vintage Harvey Probber side tables, sectional sofas, chairs and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Harvey Probber Mid Century Walnut Barrel Lounge Chairs - Pair
By Harvey Probber
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Harvey Probber Mid Century Walnut Barrel Lounge Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 28.5 wide x 31 deep x 30.25 high, with a seat height of 18 and arm height/chair clearance of 25 in...
Upholstery, Walnut
Large Custom Mid-Century Modern 2 Piece Sectional Attributed to Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in Chicago, IL
A fabulous mid-century modern sectional attributed to Harvey Probber likely from the Nuclear Sert series. It is a pioneering example of modular furniture. This unit is in 2 pieces....
Upholstery, Wood
Harvey Probber Pair of Leather & Chrome Slipper Lounge Chairs Cantilevered Seats
By Harvey Probber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This elegant pair of Probber lounge chairs has a dynamic profile acheived by the use of a cantalievered seat supported by polished stainless steel frames...
Stainless Steel
Harvey Probber Chaise Lounge
By Harvey Probber
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Upholstery
$3,850 / set
Pair of Curvaceous Harvey Probber Lounge Chairs
By Harvey Probber
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Curvaceous modern lounge chairs, designed by Harvey Probber, American, circa 1960s. They are currently being refinished and reupholstered and can be refinished in your choice...
Upholstery, Wood
Gorgeous Restored Pair of Walnut Cane Lounge Chairs by Probber- 2 Pr Available
By Harvey Probber
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning meticulously restored pair of difficult to source Organic lounge chairs by Harvey Probber, c 1965. Expertly crafted solid walnut construction with stellar lines and detail...
Cane, Walnut
Tuxedo Sofa by Harvey Probber with Original Tags for Reupholstery, circa 1950
By Harvey Probber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Tuxedo Sofa by Harvey Probber with Original Tags for Reupholstery - Extra Long "you pick the fabric / make it your own" "current fabric is not the original fabric" "current fabric...
Upholstery
Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Gondola Slipper Chairs by Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in New York, NY
This beautifully proportioned and elegantly fashioned Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Gondola Slipper Chairs are by the esteemed designer Harvey Probber and originate from the United S...
Fabric, Walnut
Customizable New and Made to Order Harvey Probber Deep Tuft Modular Sofa
By Harvey Probber
Located in New York, NY
Price listed for Asator - Kvadrat and polished stainless steel base Deep Tuft sectional seating was designed by Harvey Probber in 1972. Recognized as a pioneer in sectional seating, ...
Upholstery
Harvey Probber Lounge Chair 1955
By Harvey Probber
Located in Chicago, IL
Harvey Probber Lounge Chair (1955) This classic lounge chair by Harvey Probber features gently used mohair upholstery, providing luxurious comfort and style. It includes a loose cush...
Mohair, Walnut
Harvey Probber Set of Four Occasional Chairs, Salmon Lacquer & Cane, 1960c
By Harvey Probber
Located in Chicago, IL
Harvey Probber Set of Four Occasional Chairs, Salmon Lacquer & Cane, 1960c An elegant quartet of mid-century seating by Harvey Probber, these “Occasional” chairs showcase a gently cu...
Upholstery, Cane, Wood
Harvey Probber Model PUB 70½ Mahogany and Brass Bench
By Harvey Probber
Located in Lynn, MA
Rare luxurious upholstered bench with mahogany legs with solid brass accents. Cataloged as PUB 70 ½ which is the largest version of the model. The bench is robust, heavy and well mad...
Brass
Large Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Two-Piece Sectional Sofa, Labeled
By Harvey Probber
Located in St. Louis, MO
Large Mid-Century Modern 1950s Harvey Probber two-piece sectional sofa with mahogany tapered legs. Sofa has original fabric, it needs to be reupholstered and foam replaced. There is ...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair of Harvey Probber Slat Back Wood and Caned Seat Side Chairs
By Harvey Probber
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American mid-century side / desk chairs with wooden frames with four vertical back slats and a caned seat. (HARVEY PROBBER)(PRICED AS PAIR)
Wood
Harvey Probber American Mid-Century Green Velvet Round Sofa
By Harvey Probber
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century large round sofa with a low curved partial backrest and emerald green velvet upholstery with a button tufted removable seat cush...
Metal, Brass
$8,100Sale Price|25% Off
Harvey Probber Sectional Sofa
By Harvey Probber
Located in Savannah, GA
Sectional corner sofa with integrated end table, 1960s. Original orange velvet upholstery. sofa with full back: 84 inches wide by 33 inches deep by 30 inches tall sofa with half...
Upholstery, Wood
$3,600 / set
6 Harvey Probber Cane Back Dining Chairs
By Harvey Probber
Located in Hanover, MA
Set of six original Harvey Probber dining chairs from the collection of a 35 year employee in Fall River, MA. Nearly in New Old Stock (NOS) condition. Minimalist design with loose cu...
Cane
$13,930Sale Price|30% Off
Red and Blue Harvey Probber Sofa with Jupe by Jackie Hand Embroidered Fabric
By Jack Lenor Larsen, Harvey Probber
Located in Berlin, DE
Hard to believe, that this art piece is completely hand embroidered by master artisans in India. The superb color combination of sky blue cotton thread on the deep red silk velvet ba...
Cotton, Silk, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Harvey Probber Lounge Chair in Reupholstered White Leather
By Harvey Probber
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous lounge chair design by Harvey Probber c1960 in a very modern sleek minimalist manner. Reupholstered in white leather with buttons to give it a little charm and break up the...
Steel, Chrome
$5,000 / set
Harvey Probber Swivel Cube Club Lounge Chairs
By Harvey Probber
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of classic swivel chairs by Harvey Probber. The bases are walnut. And the upholstery is a soft boucle. The swivel is 360.
Bouclé, Wood
Harvey Probber, Large Bench, Mahogany, Brass, USA, 1960
By Harvey Probber
Located in High Point, NC
A large mahogany and brass bench designed and produced by Harvey Probber, USA, c. 1960 Provenance: A Tommi Parzinger Furnished Home, Westfield NJ Moderate scratches on surface. Mi...
Brass
$4,160Sale Price|20% Off
Wonderful 2 Piece Harvey Probber Sectional Sofa Mid-century
By Harvey Probber
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful 2 piece signed Harvey Probber sectional sofa. This piece is in vintage condition with it's original floral tapesty fabric which does show wear. This sofa will definitely n...
Upholstery
$6,800Sale Price|22% Off
Mid-Century Harvey Probber Burger Bun Pink Velvet Settee
By Harvey Probber, Adriano Piazzesi
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic Mid-Century Modern settee designed by Italian architect Adriano Piazzesi for Harvey Probber, Inc. Burger bun is a whimsical kidney shaped form des...
Steel
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
Marvelous Pair Harvey Probber Swivel Barrel Back Lounge Chair Mid-Century Modern
By Harvey Probber
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Marvelous pair of Harvey Probber barrel back club chairs on wooden swivel platform bases. We love the original small round back cushion. Chairs looks to have been reupholstered in ...
Upholstery, Wood
Harvey Probber Mid Century Barrel Back Chrome Lounge Chairs in Knoll Fabric
By Harvey Probber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Absolutely stunning, sleek design by Harvey Probber, chrome frame with floating armchair. Gorgeous example of timeless modern styling, and in an enviable pair. Chrome is in excel...
Chrome
Four Piece Cubo Sectional Sofa by Harvey Probber, circa 1972
By Harvey Probber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the iconic 4 Piece Cubo Sectional by Harvey Probber, originally designed in 1972. This stunning piece exudes timeless elegance and sophistication, making it a must-have a...
Chrome
Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Stools with Button Detailing by Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in New York, NY
This elegant and refined pair of stools were designed by the legendary Harvey Probber and handmade in Fall River, Massachusetts circa 1960. Probber believed that "aging gracefully" r...
Walnut
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Tufted Aluminum Lounge Chairs by Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Simple and elegant pair of Mid-Century Modern Sculptural tufted lounge chairs by Harvey Probber. Alcoa aluminum is the main material making up the beautiful frames. Button tufted wit...
Aluminum
Harvey Probber, Large Bench, Mahogany, Brass, USA, 1960
By Harvey Probber
Located in High Point, NC
A large mahogany and brass bench designed and produced by Harvey Probber, USA, c. 1960. Provenance: A Tommi Parzinger Furnished Home, Westfield NJ Minor tabletop surface scratches ...
Brass
Rare Pair of Off White Boucle Lounge Chairs by Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1970’s Off white boucle and polished aluminum lounge chairs by Harvey Probber. Newly recovered in a beautiful boucle fabric.
Aluminum
Harvey Probber Bench in Holly Hunt Upholstery with Brass Trim
By Harvey Probber
Located in Dallas, TX
Discover a hard-to-find shorter bench by Harvey Probber, designed for those who appreciate rare mid-century modern furnishings. Unlike most, which are 57", this one is a compact 37" ...
Brass
Mahogany and Brass Daybed by Harvey Probber, C. 1950s
By Harvey Probber
Located in Westport, CT
Mahogany and brass daybed by Harvey Probber, fully restored by Stamford Modern. Reupholstered in refined oatmeal twill for a soft, timeless look. The mahogany frame has been brought ...
Brass
Harvey Probber Hoop Barrel Back Cane Lounge Chairs / Edward Wormley Dunbar
By Paul McCobb, Harvey Probber
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Harvey Probber Hoop Barrel Back Cane Lounge Chairs Wear to original finish. Cane in nice shape. Pronbably requires reupholstery...
Cane
Mid Century Daybed Sofa by Harvey Probber with Lavender Leather Cushions
By Harvey Probber
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional, chic, voguish and rare mid century sofa, daybed, designed by Harvey Probber. This stunning example features an architectural frame constructed of solid brass and mahogan...
Brass
Pair of Black Leather Harvey Probber Swivel Lounge Chairs
By Harvey Probber
Located in Dallas, TX
If you're looking for a set of classic barrel chairs that'll stand the test of time, consider Harvey Probber, Model 303A swiveling chairs. The chair's solid-body design is perfectly ...
Wood, Leather
Mid Century Modern Harvey Probber Spoon-back Slipper Chairs, 1960s, Pair
By Edward Wormley, Harvey Probber, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Raleigh, NC
Beautiful sculptural pair of mahogany slipper chairs from Harvey Probber. A wonderful combination of traditional elegance and modernism. Walnut stained frames with mohair upholstery.
Mohair, Mahogany
$24,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Magnificent 9-Piece Harvey Probber Caramel Brown Leather 'Cubo' Sectional Sofa
By Harvey Probber
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Harvey Probber caramel brown leather 'Cubo' sectional sofa nine sections of Harvey Probber designed 'CUBO' modular seating. Set includes six seating units and three ottomans. The sec...
Leather, Wood
$6,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Harvey Probber Saber Leg Pull-Up Chairs 1960's
By Harvey Probber
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Harvey Probber Saber Leg Pull-Up Chairs 1960's Elegant pair of Harvey Probber pull-up chairs with solid mahogany frames and signature saber legs. Fully restored to original s...
Fabric, Mahogany
Vintage Architectural Modern Parsons Bench Harvey Probber
By Edward Wormley, Milo Baughman, Harvey Probber, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
An Original Harvey Probber Vintage Parsons Bench. A nice, well crafted solid parsons form with soft inside corners to legs. Original brown fabric. This item is best purchased with...
Wood
Harvey Probber Deep Tufted Sectional from the Nuclear Sert Series Early 1950s
By Harvey Probber
Located in Dallas, TX
This two-piece Harvey Probber Nuclear Sert sectional sofa is one of his earliest designs and was fabricated in the early 1950s. This is a beaut...
Upholstery, Wood
Harvey Probber Model PUB 70½ Mahogany and Brass Bench
By Harvey Probber
Located in Lynn, MA
Rare luxurious upholstered bench with mahogany legs with solid brass accents. Cataloged as PUB 70 ½ which is the largest version of the model. The bench is robust, heavy and well mad...
Brass
Harvey Probber Dark Wood, Caning, and Striped Upholstery Armchair
By Harvey Probber
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century armchair with a curved dark wood frame, caned sides and back, and a multi-colored striped seat cushion, resting on four tapered wooden legs. (HARVEY PROBBER)(Similar chair...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
$10,500
Harvey Probber Tuxedo Sofa
By Harvey Probber
Located in New York, NY
Harvey Probber tuxedo sofa . We have upgraded this sofa with complete new set of springs and upholstered it in Pierre Frey's Chenille Saint ...
Upholstery, Wood
Customizable New and Made to Order Harvey Probber Deep Tuft Modular Sofa
By Harvey Probber
Located in New York, NY
Price listed for Asator - Kvadrat and polished stainless steel base Deep Tuft sectional seating was designed by Harvey Probber in 1972. Recognized as a pioneer in sectional seating,...
Upholstery
$4,200Sale Price|20% Off
Stylish Harvey Probber Super Deep 3 Seat Sofa Mid-Century Modern
By Harvey Probber
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stylish Harvey Probber 3 seater sofa with super deep cushions. We just love everything about this handsome mid-century sofa from the 37"deep seat cushions to the Dorothy Leibes attri...
Upholstery, Walnut
$10,395 / set
Harvey Probber Mid Century Lounge Chairs, Pair
By Harvey Probber
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Harvey Probber Mid Century lounge chairs - Pair This chair measures: 26 wide x 26 deep x 29 inches high, with a seat height of 18 and arm height of 25.25 inches All pieces of f...
Chrome
Harvey Probber Mid Century Gondola Slipper Side Chair
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Milo Baughman, Harvey Probber
Located in Chicago, IL
Original Vintage Harvey Probber Mid Century Gondola Slipper Side Chair. Require reupholstery. Would be best to refinish.
Wood
Harvey Probber Brass Frame Bench, 1960
By Harvey Probber
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful brass frame bench by Harvey Probber circa 1960s. Fully restored, and reupholstered
Brass
"Premier" Arm Chair Attributed to Adriano Piazzesi Italy 1970
By Adriano Piazzesi, Harvey Probber
Located in Sarasota, FL
No makers mark. These were upholstered in the 1970s in a mauve pink geometric velvet. We have seven of these available and one ottoman.
Velvet
$4,850 / item
Rare Pair of Harvey Probber Sling Chair, circa 1948
By Harvey Probber
Located in St. Louis, MO
Rare pair of Harvey Probber sling chairs. This design was selected for by the Museum of Modern Art in 1948 for their good design exhibit. Be...
Upholstery, Bentwood
$3,850Sale Price|30% Off
Harvey Probber Knights Bench ca' 1950's
By Harvey Probber
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic "Knights" bench by Harvey Probber ca' 1950's. Mahogany slats with brass supports and an original suede cushion. In very good restored condition, cushion is not attached.
Brass
Harvey Probber Mid-Century Modern Bench by Michael Michalsky, 1960s
By Harvey Probber
Located in Berlin, DE
A two-seater bench, originally designed by Harvey Probber, has been redesigned by Michael Michalsky upholstered with patented leather (vernice leather) by La Gazarara. The wooden fra...
Leather, Wood
Harvey Probber Lounge Chair and Ottoman c. 1970's
By Harvey Probber
Located in New York, NY
Chic low slung upholstered lounge chair and ottoman designed by Harvey Probber, circa 1970's. The upholstered elements sit on recessed wood plinth bases. Both the chair and matching...
Upholstery
Harvey Probber “Series 70” Solid Oak Bench, Circa 1940s
By Harvey Probber
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Very rare Mid Century Modern, plinth base, solid oak bench designed by Harvey Probber for his ‘series 70’ line. Believe this to be a prototype and one of the earliest iterations of...
Upholstery, Oak
Mid-Century Modern Swivel Cube Chairs, Model 1461, by Harvey Probber, 1950s
By Harvey Probber
Located in San Francisco, CA
Lovely pair of Mid-Century Modern swivel cube chairs by Harvey Probber from the 1950s. Upholstery updated in 2020 with Holly Hunt wool, and the cube rests upon a round wooden swivel ...
Wool, Wood
$7,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Rare Pair of Harvey Probber Lounge Chairs and Ottoman Mid-Century Modern
By Harvey Probber
Located in Pemberton, NJ
This is a rare pair of large scale Harvey Probber lounge chairs with one matching ottoman. These are perfect candidates for your magnificent new upholstery which we can assist you wi...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Harvey Probber Sloped Arm Sofa
By Harvey Probber
Located in Hanover, MA
At last, a mid-century sofa at a comfortable seat height thanks to its 10 inch high legs. Original Harvey Probber mid-century modern sofa with distinctive sloped arms and square tape...
Brass
Black Leather Leather 'Cubo' Sectional Sofa by Harvey Probber, 1970s
By Harvey Probber
Located in Dallas, TX
Thirteen-section black leather 'Cubo' sofa designed by Harvey Probber. The Cubo sectional is comprised of five sections with attached back cushions, one...
Leather
$4,200Sale Price|23% Off
Harvey Probber Swivel Club Chair, circa 1960s, Reupholstered and Refinished
By Harvey Probber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Harvey Probber swivel club chair from circa 1960 has been refinished and reupholstered. Featuring a scalloped front end and loose seat cushion over a round wood swivel base whic...
Upholstery, Wood
Harvey Probber Gazelle Mid Century Ebonized Mahogany Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Harvey Probber
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Harvey Probber Gazelle Mid Century Ebonized Mahogany Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each armless chair measures: 17.75 wide x 32 deep x 39.25 high, with a seat height of 19 inches Each ca...
Upholstery, Cane, Mahogany