The Michigan-based furniture maker Steelcase has a long and distinguished history, but collectors focus on its vintage office furniture and desk chairs from the 1950s to the ’70s, when, along with such companies as Knoll and Herman Miller, the firm helped define the aesthetics of American mid-century modernism.
Steelcase was founded in Grand Rapids in 1912 as the Metal Office Furniture Company, promoting steel desks and other furnishings as safer, fireproof alternatives to wooden pieces at a time when smoking in the workplace was common. Boston’s first skyscraper — the 32-story Customs House — was furnished by the company in 1915. Frank Lloyd Wright, an American architect and furniture designer whose work had a profound influence on the shape of modern life, turned to the firm in 1937 to fabricate the enameled metal chairs and desks for his Johnson Wax Headquarters in Racine, Wisconsin.
In the 1950s, when Steelcase formally adopted the name it still uses today, the company developed a sleek and functional style employing rectilinear chrome frames for glass-topped tables and upholstered seating pieces. The look is similar to that of the minimal, Bauhaus-inspired designs of Florence Knoll, another icon of furniture design who helped shape the ethos of the postwar business world.
By the 1970s, Steelcase had enlivened its styling, offering such pieces as chairs and side tables designed by Gardner Leaver, with circular bases and curving supports. As you will see on these pages, Steelcase designs offer a perfect foundation for a modernist decor, with a touch of flair.
Find vintage Steelcase furniture on 1stDibs.
Steelcase Campfire Soft Seating Sofa
By Steelcase
Located in Pasadena, TX
The Campfire Big Lounge acts as a gathering spot in any space. Perfect for relaxing on with your laptop for a bit, or invite more people over to lounge, bringing people together and ...
Fabric
1980s Modular Ganging ELYSÉE Sofa Unit Sectional by Steelcase
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman, Steelcase
Located in Bensalem, PA
Great six piece Steelcase modular sectional sofa
Upholstery
1970's Space Age William Andrus Steelcase Sofa
By Steelcase, William Andrus
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1970's Space Age Steelcase three seat sofa by William Andrus. Fiberglass haul and red/orange fabric. In good vintage condition.
Fabric, Fiberglass, Lucite
$3,500 / set
H 32 in W 65 in D 30 in
Mid Century Modern 2 Piece Sofa Set by Steelcase Newly Reupholstered in Mohair
By Steelcase
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Steelcase 3 Seat & 2 Seat Sofa Set Newly Reupholstered in “Cobalt Blue” Mohair - Set of 2 This Mid Century Modern Ste...
Steel
$8,500
H 26.5 in W 84 in D 34 in
Fabulous Steelcase Fiberglass Leather Space Age Modern Sofa William Andrus
By Steelcase
Located in Pemberton, NJ
One of the iconic designs of the Space Age modern movement is this awesome and uber rare Steelcase fiberglass, leather and Lucite sofa. Previously...
Leather, Fiberglass, Lucite
Teknion by Steelcase Upholstered Sofa
By Teknion
Located in Pasadena, TX
The is a very heavy quality sofa. Made by Teknion for Steelcase, it has chrome plated steel legs. The back is contoured for comfort. The arms, just the right height for relaxing. ...
Chrome
Contemporary Extra Long Taupe Leather Sofa
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary extra long sofa (11.5' wide) with taupe leather cushions and a polished dark wood frame and matching leather pillows (2 Matching armchair...
Leather, Wood
William Andrus Steelcase #465 Soft Seating Sofa
By William Andrus
Located in Pasadena, TX
William Andrus steelcase #465 soft seating sofa Classic early 1970s sofa designed by William C. Andrus for Steelcase Soft Seating Group. The cream ...
Fiberglass, Lucite
extra large leather sofa by Poltrona Frau
By Pierluigi Cerri
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iconic sofa made by Poltrona Frau in the 1970's in beige leather with large cozy cushions Sofa is made of two pieces ( 220cm & 160cm ) that could be held together of used as an angle...
Leather
Carla Extra Large Sofa
Located in Paris, FR
Sofa Carla extra large with structure in solid mahogany wood in black lacquered finish. Upholstered with high quality red velvet fabric. Also available with different structure fini...
Velvet, Mahogany
Extra Long Mid Century Modular 6-Seat Sofa
By Lewittes Furniture Enterprises
Located in New York, NY
Unusual sectional, or modular, sofa having 6 distinct chair sections, which can be hooked together to form one very long sofa (143 inch) or used in s...
Upholstery, Oak
Postmodern Sectional Sofa Bench by Steelcase
By Steelcase
Located in New York, NY
Phenomenal sectional sofa, bench, or single chair set made by Steelcase, circa 2002. The pieces have tubular chrome feet, which support a thick and heavy board, to which a thick upho...
Chrome
Leather Box Style Loveseat Sofa by Charles Pfister for Knoll
By Knoll, Charles Pfister
Located in New York, NY
Chic, sophisticated, and voguish loveseat sofa, designed by Charles Pfister for Knoll. This example was executed in grayish blue leather, it is in good, original condition, showing l...
Leather
Large Curved Sectional Sofa by Weiman
By Bassett Furniture, Weiman
Located in New York, NY
Dramatic and impressive sectional sofa by Weiman in luxurious purple fabric, with brown tone two tier base, and armrest. . The sectional consists of four pieces , two straight, the c...
Upholstery
Large Leather Tufted Chesterfield Sofa by Cabot Wrenn
By Cabot Wrenn
Located in New York, NY
Incredible leather Chesterfield sofa by noted maker. Cabot Wrenn. The sofa feathers an allover tufted seat, back, and arms, with brass nailhead trim, on solid wood bun feet. Super ch...
Leather, Wood
Bamboo Sofa
By Ficks Reed
Located in New York, NY
Classic Mid Century Art Deco bamboo sofa with original tropical themed fabric cushions ( fabric shows wear ). The frame features a wrap around bamboo base...
Upholstery, Bamboo
