Items Similar to Mid-Century Modern Heavy Steel Airport Tandem Sofa, circa 1950s
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 21
Mid-Century Modern Heavy Steel Airport Tandem Sofa, circa 1950s
$6,800
£5,183.62
€5,921.88
CA$9,568.56
A$10,480.54
CHF 5,518
MX$125,081.74
NOK 70,322.02
SEK 64,284.93
DKK 44,252.37
About the Item
A striking example of mid-century American contract design, this three-seat tandem sofa was sourced directly from the Long Beach Airport (used in the 1950s and 60s) and embodies the refined industrial aesthetic that defined public and corporate interiors of the era. With its sculptural brushed-steel frame, generous proportions, and exceptional weight and build quality, the piece reflects the same design language seen in the work of Zographos, Florence Knoll, and early Eames/Herman Miller seating systems, while presenting a unique configuration not commonly found on the market.
The cushions are upholstered in their original thick, high-quality turquoise vinyl, a period-perfect colorway that pairs beautifully with the satin-metal frame. Each seat features crisp square tufting and a subtly contoured profile, adding both comfort and architectural clarity. Wide steel arms with warm wood cap details anchor the composition, giving the sofa a modernist presence that is both functional and elevated.
Supported by two substantial Y-shaped pedestal legs, the sofa is exceptionally sturdy and intentionally heavy, as was typical of high-traffic institutional furniture specified for airports, universities, and government buildings in the 1950s and 60s. The result is a commercial-grade construction that has aged with integrity and offers decades of continued use.
A fantastic statement piece for Mid-Century Modern, Industrial, Minimalist, Corporate Modern, or Contemporary interiors. Ideal for a loft, gallery, office, retail space, media room, or as a sculptural focal point in a residential setting.
MEASUREMENTS:
H 31.25" x W 81.25" x D 26.5"
Seat Height: 16"
Seat Depth: 20"
Arm Height: 24.25"
CONDITION:
Overall good vintage condition. Some scuffs, staining, fading, scratches and small tears to leatherette, mostly concentrated to corners. Metal and wood elements have light patina. Attractive vintage piece ready for use in a vintage setting.
- Dimensions:Height: 31.25 in (79.38 cm)Width: 81.25 in (206.38 cm)Depth: 26.5 in (67.31 cm)Seat Height: 16 in (40.64 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1950s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Good vintage condition. See description for more details.
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1330248010682
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2012
1stDibs seller since 2015
2,189 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
Associations
20th Century Specialists
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Long Beach, CA
- Return Policy
More From This Seller
View AllRestored Charles Eames for Herman Miller Tandem Seating System w Edelman Leather
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exemplary Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller 'Tandem' seating system was designed in 1962, originally for Chicago O'Hare airport and then adopted by many other airports and...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
Materials
Aluminum
$6,400 Sale Price
23% Off
New York
Settee by Katavolos, Littell and Kelley for Laverne Intl, c. 1952
By Laverne International, Douglas Kelly, Ross Littell and William Katavolos
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare collectors piece is the 'New York' settee sofa by William Katavalos, Ross Littell and Douglas Kelley for Laverne International (Erwine
Estelle Laverne), designed in 1...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Settees
Materials
Steel, Chrome
$5,450 Sale Price
37% Off
PK-31 Settee by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen, 1960s Denmark, Signed
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This highly collected early production original of the PK-31 loveseat sofa by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen has beautifully aged black leather and patinated steel.
Designed...
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
Materials
Steel
T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Model 1676 by Widdicomb Attributed Sofa
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stylish Mid-Century Modern three-seat sofa, attributed to model 1676 by T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb featuring a blonde wood frame and velvet upholstery. This sofa was ...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
$1,900 Sale Price
64% Off
Preben Fabricius
Jørgen Kastholm for Alfred Kill
FK-6720
Leather Sofa, 1960s
By Alfred Kill International, Preben Fabricius, Jørgen Kastholm
Located in Los Angeles, CA
For those who love beautifully distressed leather, this three-seat sofa designed by Preben Fabricius and Jørgen Kastholm for Alfred Kill International in the 1960s is a fantastic col...
Category
Vintage 1960s German Modern Sofas
Materials
Steel
$14,400 Sale Price
20% Off
Leather Percival Lafer
MP-97
Rosewood Three-Seat Sofa, Brazil, c. 1970, Signed
By Lafer, Percival Lafer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous collectors piece is an all original and signed yellow leather 'MP-97' three-seat sofa by Brazilian designer Percival Lafer for Lafer MP was designed in 1970 and produce...
Category
Vintage 1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
$11,100 Sale Price
20% Off
You May Also Like
Vintage MCM Signed Russell Woodard Wrought Iron Sofa
By Russell Woodard
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A spectacular vintage MCM wrought iron sofa. Made by thr iconic Russell Woodard and stamped on the bottom. Separated into four sections. Cushions for thr bottom and the back. Acquire...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Wrought Iron
Mid Century Three Seat Sofa / Bench on a Chrome Base after Florence Knoll, 1960s
By Florence Knoll
Located in Deland, FL
A minimal design in original orange upholstery set on an architectural chrome base. Provides a minimum of three seats. A great piece for home or the workplace. If the upholstery is n...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric
Sofa with Iron Frame Attributed to William Armbruster
By William Armbruster
Located in Highland, IN
This terrific sofa with it's floating back and arms attached to the iron frame is classic post-war design. Attributed to William Armbruster for Edgewood Furniture. A well built pi...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Iron
Vintage Mid Century Modern Knoll Style Waiting Room Bench
By Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Mid Century Modern Knoll Style Waiting Room Bench
This Mid-Century Knoll Style 3 Seat Waiting Room Bench is a tasteful and practical seating solution that combines mid-cent...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Metal
$1,044 Sale Price
43% Off
Tufted Upholstery Chrome Base Settee Loveseat Sofa Couch Lounge Chair Set
By Poul Kjærholm, Knoll
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-century modern chrome metal bent Z-base tufted upholstery living room set. The lounge chair width is 25".
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Gerald McCabe Slat Settee for Pacific Furniture
By Pacific Iron, Gerald McCabe
Located in New York, NY
Rare slatted settee on chromed steel base designed by Gerald McCabe and produced in California by Pacific Furniture, circa 1965. Sort of Marshmallow sofa m...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Settees
Materials
Chrome
