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.
Baker Furniture Manhattan Sofa
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Baker Furniture Manhattan Sofa This sofa measures: 93.25 wide x 37.5 deep x 30.5 inches high, with a seat height of 17.5 and arm height of 24 inches We take our photos in a control...
Upholstery
$3,000
H 37 in W 92 in D 38 in
Preview (Weiman) Furniture Adjustable Contemporary Modern Three Seater Sofa
By Preview
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Designed for Preview Furniture, this adjustable three-seater sofa embodies the designer’s signature blend of sculptural form and exceptional comfort. The sofa features generously pro...
Fabric
Flexform Feel Good Ten Alto Two Seater Sofa
By Flexform
Located in Rochester, England
Introducing the Feel Good Ten Alto Sofa by Flexform, a luxurious addition to any living space. Crafted with the highest quality materials, this sofa boasts a sleek and modern design ...
Metal
Super-plush Organic Modern Sofa in Performance Bouclé
Located in Nyack, NY
This sofa's deep, ultra-plush cushions invite you to sink in, while the soft, organic curves and gently arched back add an elegant touch to any space. Crafted with the highest qualit...
Fabric
$15,950 / item
H 29 in W 77 in D 36 in
Sofa, Couch, Mid Century Modern-Style, Custom, Upholstery, Hardwood, Semigood
By Semigood Design
Located in Issaquah, WA
Deep-seated sofa available in the upholstery of your choice. The lead time provided is an estimate and may extend up to 12 months. If you require delivery by a specific date, we ki...
Hardwood
$13,560Sale Price|20% Off
H 30 in W 124.5 in D 72 in
Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofa in Textured Linen
Located in North York, ON
Mid-Century Modern large sectional sofa. Masterfully restored with all new upholstery, in a textured beige linen fabric. Iconic mid-century design, 1970’s, America. Sofa rests upon i...
Fabric, Wood
Melia Made to Order Customizable Modern Sofa
By Dwell Floor Five
Located in Studio City, CA
Sleek and midcentury scaled the Melia sofa is stylish and hip. The sofa can be customized to your liking with plenty of fabric colors and options to choo...
Chrome
Fine Vintage Sofa With Custom Upholstery
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Light and very well made Two cushion sofa with gentle sloping arm and tapered wood legs. Solid feeling and comfortable with plush feather wrap seat cushion. The refined raised white-...
Fabric, Wood
1 Steelcase Modular Seating Group Lounge
By Steelcase
Located in Pasadena, TX
Turnstone for Steelcase Jenny Collection Designed with posture and a better sitting experience in mind, Jenny Modular seating provides ultimate comfort...
Wood
$5,556 / item
H 33.86 in W 98.43 in D 39.38 in
Mid-Century Modern Style 2 Seats Sublime Sofa Made with Wood and Textile
Located in Seroa, PT
Measurement Units 2 Seats - D 100 x W 250 x H 86 cm 3 Seats - D 100 x W 350 x H 86 cm With Chaise Longue - D 195 x W 350 x H 86 cm Available in other configurations. The Sublime co...
Textile, Wood
Mid Century Sectional Sofa att. to Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional two piece sectional, having two curved sections, with an even arm and seat back. This sofa can be set up together, or each piece can be placed separately if that works be...
Upholstery
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
Rare Smilow Daybed Couch
By Mel Smilow
Located in New York, NY
Wood frame, loose cushion seat and back. Well-crafted and well designed, the frame is in excellent condition, the cushions show significant wear and will need to be replaced. Rare fo...
Upholstery, Walnut
Classic Leather Sofa Couch
By Classic
Located in New York, NY
Comfy burgundy leather sofa, with brass studs. Classic form, original condition, clean, ready to use. Cushions do sit flat, they were just not p...
Leather
Post Modern Sofa by Robert and Trix Haussmann for Knoll 1980's
By Knoll, Robert and Trix Haussmann
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Post Modern sofa designed by Robert and Trix Haussmann for Knoll as part of The Lounge Seating series, circa 1980's. The upholstered box form sofa rests on an aluminum ...
Aluminum
Mid Century Brutalist Sofa by Percival Lafer made in Brazil c 1970's
By Percival Lafer
Located in New York, NY
Rare Brutalist Mid Century sofa, designed by Percival Lafer, made in Brazil, circa 1970's. The sofa features a frame constructed of rare hardwood, with original and extremely comfort...
Leather
