Warren McArthur

American  [1885-1961] 

Warren McArthur Jr. an American industrial designer and manufacturer, active in Los Angeles and New York. Raised in Chicago, Illinois during a time when new technology and design was encouraged.

In 1929 Mcarthur started a metal furniture business using his custom designs developing new ways of joining metal pieces together. Notched aluminum tubes with milled washers, standardized manufacturing, and the anodizing process that made the aluminum hard and impossible to tarnish were all developed by McArthur, allowing his aluminum furniture to have a lifetime guarantee. Some of the technological innovations in aluminum furniture production that Warren McArthur devised are still used today.

McArthur enjoyed an incredible success with Hollywood's elite and both the Ambassador Hotel and Warner Brothers decorated their buildings with his designs. Many movies made during the time featured McArthur's furniture, and are recognizable for their curved tubing design and rounded edges. his His signature grid with overlaying bars in the framework, black "puck" feet  and "tootsie roll" armrests used on lounges, sofas, chairs and end tables made for some of his most successful sellers. These trademark design elements along with the use of colors for the upholstery and for the aluminum using an anodizing process the furniture was dramatic + contrasting.

McArthur’s furniture quickly became popular with the Hollywood crowd and both Warner Brothers and the Ambassador Hotel decorated their establishments with his designs. Many movies made during the time featured McArthur's furniture, and they are very recognizable for their curved tubing design and rounded edges. Lounges, sofas, and end tables with his signature grid and overlaying bars in the framework were some of his best sellers.

McArthur's furniture helped define the glamor of 1930's Art Deco curves.

** We are always looking to buy Warren McArthur furniture and lamps as well as other top designers + art deco furniture from the period. Please contact us if you are looking to sell. Calls are always welcome: 305.778.2182 **