Richard Schultz Chairs
American, 1926-2021
Many of today’s most popular outdoor furniture designs exist thanks to the talents of designer Richard Schultz. His mid-century modern style introduced unimposing pieces to gardens and outdoor spaces. The airy shapes and timeless appeal of his furniture reflect his motto: “Form follows technique.”
Born Moses Richard Schultz in Lafayette, Indiana, in 1926, he displayed an early talent as an engineer, building steam engines in his family’s basement. Although he possessed an engineer’s mind, Schultz struggled with mathematics, and he dropped out of the Iowa State University mechanical engineering program. He joined the U.S. Navy, working as a radio operator. Following his military service, he enrolled at the Institute of Design in Chicago.
After he graduated in 1950, Schultz traveled to Europe, where he spent the summer sketching. When he returned to the United States in 1951, he applied for a position as a designer at the furniture company Knoll Inc. in New York City. It is said that Florence Knoll, wife of the company’s founder Hans Knoll, hired him on the spot based solely on his sketches.
Schultz’s first assignment was to assist designer Harry Bertoia with the Bertoia Wire Collection at Knoll’s factory in Pennsylvania. Schultz’s 715 Chaise Longue, with its adjustable frame and signature solid wheel, complemented Bertoia’s collection. It was acquired in 1963 by the Museum of Modern Art for its collection of contemporary furniture. Another iconic piece Schultz produced around this time was the Petal Table. Its wooden “petal” tabletop and enameled metal base were inspired by the plant Queen Anne’s lace.
In 1966, one of Schultz’s most esteemed collections, the Leisure Collection (reissued in 1992 as the 1966 Collection), was created when Florence Knoll requested some outdoor furniture for her Florida home that could withstand the salty ocean air. Schultz designed a line of aluminum patio coffee tables and lounge chairs that were not only fashionable and comfortable but would not rust.
In 1972, Knoll laid off its designers, including Schultz, and he started his design studio — Richard Schultz Design — out of a Pennsylvania farmhouse. He enjoyed success with another of his influential pieces, the Paradigm office chair, which he sold to furniture manufacturer Stow & Davis in 1978. In 2012, Knoll acquired Richard Schultz Design and re-released many of his classic works.
Schultz died in 2021. He left a legacy as one of the 20th century’s most celebrated outdoor furniture creators.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of vintage Richard Schultz tables, building and garden elements, seating and more.
10
to
9
10
10
10
5
3
10
3
7
3
4
2
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
7
1
1
3
1
10
5
4
3
2
10
10
60
379
342
299
285
Creator: Richard Schultz
Set of Four 1966 Collection Outdoor Chairs by Richard Schultz
By Richard Schultz
Located in Dorchester, MA
Originally designed by Richard Schultz for Florence Knoll, these later productions of his classic 1966 outdoor chairs were produced by Richard Schultz Designs just after the company ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
1407 Chair Richard Schultz Chair for Knoll
By Richard Schultz
Located in Princeton Junction, NJ
simple, elegent design by renowned designer Richard Schultz. Famous for his "Petal" table and his outdoor collection.
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Richard Schultz Chairs
Materials
Metal
1980 Richard Schultz & Knoll Prototype Flat Matte Black Outdoor Dining Armchair
By Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Richard Schultz stainless steel armchair prototype with perforated steel seat, produced circa 1980. This is a marvelous and rare example of this model series, which was intended to take the place of the famous 1966 series. The matte black powder-coated steel frame is in terrific shape. As quoted from Peter Schultz: "Prototypes for new seating line designed for Knoll circa 1980. Knoll requested a new design to replace the 1966 Collection which they were discontinuing. Shown in Knoll au Louvre book...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Chairs
Materials
Steel
Prototype Richard Schultz for Steelcase Sheet Metal Dining Chair from Circa 1985
By Steelcase, Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Richard Schultz sheet metal dining chair prototype for Steelcase, dating to circa 1985. This is a marvelous and rare example. The frame is in very good shape wit...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Knoll 1407 Chair by Richard Schultz
By Richard Schultz
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Immerse yourself in the distinct appeal of this exceptionally rare Knoll 1407 chair. An embodiment of Richard Schultz's visionary design from the 1980s, thi...
Category
1980s American Bauhaus Vintage Richard Schultz Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Richard Schultz Prototype Aluminum Stacking Chair #1
By Richard Schultz
Located in New York, NY
Prototype stacking chair hand-built of an aluminum sheet and tubular aluminum by furniture designer and artist Richard Schultz as a full-size 3-D model exploring the ergonomic and sc...
Category
1990s American Modern Richard Schultz Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Richard Schultz Prototype Aluminum Stacking Chair #2
By Richard Schultz
Located in New York, NY
Prototype stacking chair hand-built of aluminum by furniture designer and artist Richard Schultz as a full-size 3-D model exploring the ergonomic and sculptural qualities of a design...
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Richard Schultz Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Knoll 1407 Chair by Richard Schultz
By Richard Schultz
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Immerse yourself in the distinct appeal of this exceptionally rare Knoll 1407 chair. An embodiment of Richard Schultz's visionary design from the 1980s, thi...
Category
1980s American Bauhaus Vintage Richard Schultz Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Eight Dining Chairs by Richard Schultz for Knoll, White Frames, Red Orange Seats
By Richard Schultz
Located in Kansas City, MO
Set of 8 Richard Schultz dining chairs, made by Knoll, 1960s. The frames and seat backs have been expertly refinished in a soft white / ivory color and the original red orange seats...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Chairs
Materials
Steel
Set of Four Richard Schultz 1966 Series Dining Chairs
By Richard Schultz, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Richard Schultz 1966 series Knoll. Set of four outdoor dining chairs Model No. 1966-46-H. Seat and back are woven vinyl coated polyester mesh with vinyl s...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel, Steel
Related Items
Ten Dining Chairs Designed by Richard McCarthy for Selrite
By Richard McCarthy, Selrite
Located in Dallas, TX
A unique set of ten dining chairs designed by Richard McCarthy and manufactured by Selrite. The black painted iron against the smooth grain of the wood perfectly embodies the Industrial feel of the era. Consists of eight arm and two armless chairs. The armchairs feature curved wood arms...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Chairs
Materials
Metal
Set of Four Chairs by Steelcase
By Steelcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A minimal design made up of a chrome frame and brown vinyl seats allows these vintage chairs by Steelcase to be versatile in a range of settings. M...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Richard Schultz Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Set of two 1966 Adjustable Chaise - Original Design Knoll by Richard Schultz
By Knoll
Located in New York, NY
1966 Adjustable Chaise
Richard Schultz 1966
Richard Schultz's adjustable chaise lounge has been punctuating the patios, porches and pools of modern homes around the world for over 5...
Category
2010s European Richard Schultz Chairs
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
H 36 in W 25.25 in D 75 in
Modern Aluminum Stacking Chairs Garden Chairs Dining Chairs Jorge Pensi 1980s
By Jorge Pensi
Located in Vienna, AT
Modern set of 4 chairs or garden chairs or dining chairs from aluminum by Jorge Pensi 1986-1988, Spain.
The name Toledo is given from a fortress, which obtain impregnable.
Produced ...
Category
Late 20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Richard Schultz Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
H 30.71 in W 22.05 in D 22.44 in
1950's Original Tolix Model A Dining Outdoor Chairs, Set of Four
By Xavier Pauchard
Located in Hook, Hampshire
1950’s original Tolix Model A dining outdoor chairs – set of four. Tolix is one of our all time favourite companies. In 1907 Frenchman Xavier Pauchard di...
Category
1950s French Vintage Richard Schultz Chairs
Materials
Metal
Richard Schultz Pair of Single Beds for Knoll, Will Also Serve as a King Bed
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of steel-reinforced bedframes with tilting cane headboards and walnut legs produced by Knoll in the early 1950s. The body is upholstered in the original Alexander Girard striped material. The two frames can be placed side by side and will support a king mattress...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Richard Schultz Chairs
Materials
Steel
Set of Four Richard Schultz 1966 Series Armless Lounge Chairs
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Chicago, IL
Richard Schultz for 1966 series for Knoll. Set of four outdoor lounge chairs.
No longer in production. Seat and back are woven vinyl coated polyester mesh with vinyl straps and stai...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel, Metal
Mid-Century Patio Lounge Chairs Florence Knoll Richard Schultz
By Florence Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Baltimore, MD
Set of four patio lounge armchairs by famous designer Richard Schultz for Florence Knoll, made in the United States, circa 1960's. Superbly crafted, each features aluminum white pain...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
2021 Richard Schultz 1966 Two Seat Outdoor Lounge Chairs / Loveseat for Knoll
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single (two are available, but they are sold separately) 1966 series two seat lounge chair / loveseat designed by Richard Schultz and produced by Knoll. This pie...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Richard Schultz Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
H 26 in W 46 in D 28.25 in
Matte Aluminum Outdoor Dining Chair BT
By Klein Agency
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Our alumiunum dining chair has been developed for Chef Lincoln Carson’s all-day restaurant Bon Temps. With good times rolling from morning to the evening, the old industrial building...
Category
2010s American Modern Richard Schultz Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Richard Schultz 1966 Collection Outdoor 3-Seat Sofa
By Richard Schultz
Located in Media, PA
Richard Schultz was commissioned to design the 1966 collection by Florence Knoll who, after retiring to Florida, wanted outdoor furniture that could withstand the corrosive ocean air...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Richard Schultz Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Zigzag chair prototype - Netherlands, 1970
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Iconic Zigzag chair prototype
Netherlands, 1970
73,5 x 39 x 39,5 cm
Iconic chair composed by four wooden planks hinged end to end to form an extremely striking example of an unstabl...
Category
1970s Belgian Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Chairs
Materials
Wood
Previously Available Items
1966 Lounge Chairs for Florence Knoll by Richard Schultz, Set of 4
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of 4 Richard Schultz 1966 Collection outdoor lounge chairs for Knoll. These examples are made in white mesh vinyl with gray leather...
Category
20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Richard Schultz Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Vintage Midcentury Richard Schultz 1966 Series Dining Chairs - Set of 8
By Richard Schultz
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fantastic set of 8 vintage outdoor dining chairs. Made by the iconic Richard Schultz and tagged on the bottom. White mesh seats with bro...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Richard Schultz Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
H 29.25 in W 23.25 in D 17.5 in
Double Rocker by Richard Schultz for Knoll 1966 Collection
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in San Diego, CA
Super fun double rocker designed by Richard Schultz as part of his 1966 collection for Knoll, circa 1990s. Craving furniture that could stand up to the s...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Richard Schultz Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Richard Schultz for Knoll 1966 Collection
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in San Diego, CA
Handsome pair of armless lounge chairs with designed by Richard Schultz as part of his 1966 Collection for Knoll, circa 1990s.
Craving furniture that could stand up to the salty ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Richard Schultz Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Pair of Sling Lounge Chairs by Richard Schultz for Knoll 1966 Collection
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in San Diego, CA
Handsome pair of sling lounge chairs with arms designed by Richard Schultz as part of his 1966 Collection for Knoll, circa 1990s. Craving furniture that could stand up to the salty e...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Richard Schultz Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Pair of Richard Schultz Leather and Chrome RS48 Lounge Chairs
By Richard Schultz, Nienkamper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Richard Schultz leather and chrome RS48 lounge chairs from Nienkamper. Leather and chrome lounge chairs. Designed by Richard Schultz in 1987.
All items are viewable at our L...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Richard Schultz 1966 Collection Dining Table and Chairs
By Richard Schultz
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Originally conceived for Florence Knoll's Palm Beach Home.
The collection was put into production by Knoll in 1966.
The group was executed in a combination of cold-painted aluminum, ...
Category
1960s American Vintage Richard Schultz Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Set of Four Richard Schultz Stacking Dining Chairs for Knoll
By Knoll, Richard Schultz, Art Metal Co.
Located in Topeka, KS
Incredible set of four I48 stacking chairs by Richard Schultz for Knoll. This set is in wonderful vintage condition. The black faux leather or Naugahyde is in fabulous shape; however, the white finish on the shells, shaft, and feet has some imperfections. There is cracking, chipping, scuffs, and abrasions on the textured paint, mostly on the bottoms; but, the overall condition and look is good. Please see photos, circa 1960s.
This is quite an incredible set of chairs! Designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll and introduced in 1961. Named the I 48 Stacking Chair, it is comprised of a shell of fiberglass with black Naugahyde upholstery on a steel shaft base with four pronged feet which have an off white textured paint. There is a split in the seat for stacking purposes. Quite innovative and unique. Each chair is marked in some way; one has both the small Knoll sticker and the larger fabric tag, two have only the small Knoll sticker, and one has only the larger fabric tag. The fabric tag reads: Art Metal – Knoll...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Chairs
Materials
Steel
Richard Schultz for Knoll Six Dining Chairs with Rare Plated Base, 1960
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Houston, TX
Richard Schultz for Knoll dining chairs with upholstered backs and rare plated base,
USA, 1960s.
Knoll.
Original canary yellow u...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Chairs
Materials
Chrome, Steel
Set of Five Richard Schultz for Knoll Dining Chairs
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of five dining chairs by Richard Schultz, manufactured by Knoll.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Richard Schultz Chairs
Materials
Metal
Knoll / Schultz Chaise Lounge Chair
By Richard Schultz
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A Knoll chaise lounge chair which defined the outdoor three season summer living look for the 60's and beyond. The mesh seat meant breathable comfortable seating, white powder coated...
Category
20th Century American Modern Richard Schultz Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Knoll / Schultz Lounge Chairs
By Richard Schultz
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A pair of lounge chairs with off white mesh seating, brown leather type edge trim sitting on white powder coated aluminum bases. From the 1966 Collection from Knoll International.
Category
20th Century American Modern Richard Schultz Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Richard Schultz chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Richard Schultz chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Richard Schultz chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original chairs by Richard Schultz were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider chairs by David Rowland, Harvey Probber, and Warren McArthur. Prices for Richard Schultz chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,000 and can go as high as $16,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,495.