Massimo and Lella Vignelli Chairs

Massimo Vignelli and Lella Vignelli’s legacy can be seen everywhere in the logos of Bloomingdale’s, Ford and American Airlines, among others. In addition to their work in branding, they were prolific creators of modernist home furnishings, products and interiors, and the duo’s collaborations, which span 50 years, have left a profound mark on design and wider visual culture.

After meeting in Italy, Lella (1934–2016) and Massimo (1931–2014) began working together in 1961 and a decade later formed Vignelli Associates in New York. A self-described “information architect,” Massimo was committed to streamlining complex ideas into clear, visually arresting forms. (Witness the graphic identity that he cocreated with Bob Noorda for the New York City Transit Authority as well as his influential 1972 subway map.) The Vignellis’ most recognizable piece, for example, may be the Handkerchief chair, a stackable office chair made of compression-molded plastic that has the look of a cloth floating in air. It was created for Knoll in 1983 after they designed the brand’s logo.

Evidence of the couple’s influence can also be found in their Saratoga line (1964), the first collection of lacquered furniture, which helped herald in the trendy “glossy” look of the decade (and beyond). When the Vignellis created the Poltrona Frau Interview chair in 1988 for an Italian television station, it became widely sought after, “which goes to show you the power of the TV media,” the couple once said. Much like their elemental graphic designs, the Kono (1984) and Pisa tables (1985) — both created for Casigliani — cull the form of the table down to geometric shapes.

Vignelli furniture is often labeled as Massimo Vignelli’s alone, though he fought to have Lella recognized for her work, even throwing away magazines that neglected to give her due credit. As he wrote of their lifelong collaboration in his book Designed By: Lella Vignelli: “It is not holding a pencil with four hands that makes a partnership; it is sharing the creative act and exercising creative criticism which is reflected in the end result.”

Find vintage Massimo and Lella Vignelli seating, tables and other furniture today on 1stDibs.

Creator: Massimo and Lella Vignelli

Set of 4 Impeccable Handkerchief Chairs by Lella & Massimo Vignelli for Knoll

$3,600 / set

Set of 4 Impeccable Handkerchief Chairs by Lella & Massimo Vignelli for Knoll

By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Knoll

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Set of 4 stacking 'Handkerchief' chairs designed by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Knoll International. This set was produced in 1991 and retains its original tags. Massimo and Lella Vignelli both studied architecture before founding the Vignelli Office of Design and Architecture in 1960. In 1971 they established Vignelli Associates, a vehicle for focusing on projects that incorporated their industrial, furniture and graphic design talents. Their diverse portfolio includes corporate identity work for IBM, American Airlines, and Bloomingdales as well as signage for the New York Subway system and Washington, D.C. Additionally, Vignelli Associates contributed two furniture designs to the Knoll portfolio: the Handkerchief chair (designed together with David Law) and the Paperclip table...

Category

1990s Italian Post-Modern Massimo and Lella Vignelli Chairs

Materials

Chrome

MCM Massimo & Lella Vignelli for Knoll Internat Handkerchief Chairs - Set of 4

$1,250 / set

MCM Massimo & Lella Vignelli for Knoll Internat Handkerchief Chairs - Set of 4

By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Knoll

Located in Chicago, IL

Mid Century Modern Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Knoll International Handkerchief Chairs in Red - 4 Piece Set This Handkerchief chair was designed by the husband and wife team of M...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Massimo and Lella Vignelli Chairs

Materials

Steel

Set of 5 Tulip chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International, 1970s

$7,295 / set

H 31.89 in W 19.3 in D 20.87 in

Set of 5 Tulip chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International, 1970s

By Knoll, Eero Saarinen

Located in Renens, CH

The Tulip chair, designed by Eero Saarinen in 1956 for Knoll International, is a key piece of mid-century modern design. Saarinen aimed to create a chair that removed the clutter of ...

Category

1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Massimo and Lella Vignelli Chairs

Materials

Steel

Lella and Massimo Vignelli Handkerchief Chairs for Knoll, Set of Four

$1,600 / set

H 29.25 in W 22 in D 20.5 in

Lella and Massimo Vignelli Handkerchief Chairs for Knoll, Set of Four

By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Knoll

Located in Miami, FL

Black high-gloss lacquered Handkerchief chairs on black lacquered frames by Lella and Massimo Vignelli for Knoll. In 1968 Vignelli was contracted by Knoll to re-envision the corpo...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Massimo and Lella Vignelli Chairs

Materials

Steel

Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Intl 'Handkerchief' Set w Unique Provenance, Signed

$2,000Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 29.25 in W 22 in D 20.5 in

Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Intl 'Handkerchief' Set w Unique Provenance, Signed

By Knoll, Massimo Vignelli, Massimo and Lella Vignelli, David Law

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This classic Post-Modern design by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Knoll International is called the 'Handkerchief' stacking chair, labelled underneath with early production (original) year labels. Great for stacking when you need more open space in the room and easy to unstack when you have guests. Perfect for those who require versatility in their space. Priced as a set of five (5). Unique provenance on this set - as it was ordered by David Law who worked with Vignelli Associates and participated in many of the designs they created for Knoll and Acerbis including the Serenissimo Table...

Category

1990s American Post-Modern Massimo and Lella Vignelli Chairs

Materials

Steel

Set of 6 Blue 1305-U for Knoll Bentwood Postmodern Dining Chairs, 1970s

$3,560Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 32 in W 23 in D 22 in

Set of 6 Blue 1305-U for Knoll Bentwood Postmodern Dining Chairs, 1970s

By Knoll, Bill Stephens

Located in Madison, WI

Here is an incredible, Rare Set of 6 Post Modern Knoll Oak bentwood upholstered armchairs. The seats are upholstered in a sturdy and very cool Blue pattern textile. Price is for the ...

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Massimo and Lella Vignelli Chairs

Materials

Bentwood

Pair of Lella and Massimo Vignelli Saratoga Chairs, 1960s

$12,500 / set

H 25 in W 35.25 in D 36.25 in

Pair of Lella and Massimo Vignelli Saratoga Chairs, 1960s

By Poltronova, Massimo and Lella Vignelli

Located in Raleigh, NC

Pair of Saratoga chairs designed by Lella and Massimo Vignelli for Poltronova, featuring the distinctive wraparound frame construction that defines th...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Massimo and Lella Vignelli Chairs

Materials

Leather, Lacquer

Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova 'Saratoga' Two-Seater Sofa

$11,800

H 24.41 in W 59.06 in D 39.38 in

Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova 'Saratoga' Two-Seater Sofa

By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Poltronova

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova, 'Saratoga' two-seat sofa, polyester lacquered wood, leather, Italy, 1964. This two-seat sofa named 'Saratoga' is designed by Italian desig...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo and Lella Vignelli Chairs

Materials

Leather, Polyester

Massimo and Lella Vignelli "Saratoga" Living Room Set Poltronova, 1960s

$9,142Sale Price / set|35% Off

H 23.63 in W 82.68 in D 35.44 in

Massimo and Lella Vignelli "Saratoga" Living Room Set Poltronova, 1960s

By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Poltronova

Located in Padova, IT

Exceptional Saratoga set designed by Massimo and Lella Vignella, produced by Poltronova, Italy 1960s. A beautiful living room set composed of two sofas (three-seater/two-seater) and...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo and Lella Vignelli Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Club Lounge Chair by Massimo and Lella Vignelli

$720Sale Price / item|20% Off

H 20.5 in W 32.5 in D 27.5 in

Club Lounge Chair by Massimo and Lella Vignelli

By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Sunar

Located in Pasadena, TX

High back club lounge chairs Designed by Massimo & Lella Vignelli for Sunar 2 in black 1 in blue Plastic gliders This ad is for (1) chair

Category

1980s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo and Lella Vignelli Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Handkerchief Chairs in White by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Post Modern a Pair

$800 / set

H 29 in W 22 in D 22 in

Handkerchief Chairs in White by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Post Modern a Pair

By Massimo Vignelli, Knoll

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Iconic design by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll. These ethereal chairs, seeming floating in air are fully labeled with an embossed Knoll, Vignelli design and a paper Knoll Label. This...

Category

Late 20th Century European Post-Modern Massimo and Lella Vignelli Chairs

Materials

Fiberglass

Saratoga Sofa Set by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova, Italy, 1968

$28,240 / set

H 23.63 in W 82.68 in D 35.44 in

Saratoga Sofa Set by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova, Italy, 1968

By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Poltronova

Located in Melbourne, VIC

The Saratoga sofa, designed by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova, is a modernist masterpiece. The sofa features a bold, cubic form that is both elegant and functional, adding...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo and Lella Vignelli Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Lacquer

Tulip Dining Chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International, 1970s, Set of 6

$8,674 / set

H 31.5 in W 19.69 in D 22.05 in

Tulip Dining Chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International, 1970s, Set of 6

By Knoll, Eero Saarinen

Located in bruxelles, BE

Set of 4 chairs and 2 armchairs in fibreglass, aluminium and green fabric. The chairs turn but the armchairs do not. Stamped Knoll. Seat height: 47 cm. Armchair width: 67 cm. Wear du...

Category

1970s Central American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo and Lella Vignelli Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Postmodern Handkerchief Chair, 7 Available

$408 / item

H 28.75 in W 23.5 in D 21 in

Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Postmodern Handkerchief Chair, 7 Available

By Massimo Vignelli, Knoll

Located in South Bend, IN

A stylish postmodern stacking "handkerchief" chair By Massimo Vignelli for Knoll International USA, 1980s Molded fiberglass seat, with powder coated steel base. Measures: 23.5"W ...

Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Massimo and Lella Vignelli Chairs

Materials

Steel

Previously Available Items

Large Set of Eight Chairs by Lella & Massimo Vignelli, circa 1980

Sold

H 47.64 in W 18.12 in D 19.69 in

Large Set of Eight Chairs by Lella & Massimo Vignelli, circa 1980

By Massimo and Lella Vignelli

Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR

Here is a rare and substantial suite of eight "La Serenissima" model chairs, designed by the renowned duo Lella and Massimo Vignelli. These chairs feature a striking high, perforat...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Massimo and Lella Vignelli Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Pair of Massimo & Lella Vignelli "Saratoga" Cube Chairs for Poltronova

Sold

H 27.5 in W 35.5 in D 35.5 in

Pair of Massimo & Lella Vignelli "Saratoga" Cube Chairs for Poltronova

By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Poltronova

Located in Long Island City, NY

Massimo and Lella Vignelli's "Saratoga" cube chair manufactured by Poltronova, Italy. The chair features a wood base that has a thick polyester lacquer and finished with brown distre...

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Massimo and Lella Vignelli Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Acrylic, Wood

A Pair of Italian Modern Cube Chairs

Sold

H 27.5 in W 35.5 in D 35.5 in

A Pair of Italian Modern Cube Chairs

By Poltronova, Massimo and Lella Vignelli

Located in Long Island City, NY

A Pair of Italian Modern Cube Chairs. The chair features a wood base that has a thick polyester lacquer and newly reupholstered in vintage tapestry.

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Massimo and Lella Vignelli Chairs

Materials

Leather, Acrylic, Wood

Set of Four Knoll "Handkerchief" Chairs

Sold

H 29.53 in W 20.87 in D 22.84 in

Set of Four Knoll "Handkerchief" Chairs

By Knoll, Massimo and Lella Vignelli

Located in Dronten, NL

Handsome set of four Knoll handkerchief armchairs in recent grass green upholstery. These chairs where designed by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for ...

Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo and Lella Vignelli Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Set of 4 Italian High Back Pine Chairs by Lella & Massimo Vignelli, 1974

Sold

H 47.2 in W 14.2 in D 15.7 in

Set of 4 Italian High Back Pine Chairs by Lella & Massimo Vignelli, 1974

By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Driade

Located in Odense, DK

Rare set of 4 Italian modern high back pine chairs by Lella & Massimo Vignelli, for Driade, 1974. Honorable mentions in smilar style include Roland Wilhelmsson, Pierre Chapo, and ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Scandinavian Modern Massimo and Lella Vignelli Chairs

Materials

Pine

Italian Solid Wood Chair Mod Ara by Lella and Massimo Vignelli for Driade, 1974

Sold

H 55.12 in W 12.21 in D 16.93 in

Italian Solid Wood Chair Mod Ara by Lella and Massimo Vignelli for Driade, 1974

By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Driade

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian solid wood chair mod Ara by Lella and Massimo Vignelli for Driade, 1974 Solid wood chair mod. Ara with particular very high backrest. Drawing by Lella and Massimo Vignelli ...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo and Lella Vignelli Chairs

Materials

Wood

Set of Four Knoll "Handkerchief" Chairs

Sold

H 29.53 in W 20.87 in D 22.84 in

Set of Four Knoll "Handkerchief" Chairs

By Knoll, Massimo and Lella Vignelli

Located in Dronten, NL

Handsome set of four Knoll Handkerchief chairs designed by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Knoll, circa 1996. This particular set is in wonde...

Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo and Lella Vignelli Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Knoll Handkerchief Side Chairs in Gray by Massimo & Lella Vignelli a Pair

Sold

H 29 in W 23 in D 21 in

Knoll Handkerchief Side Chairs in Gray by Massimo & Lella Vignelli a Pair

By Knoll, Massimo and Lella Vignelli

Located in Topeka, KS

Handsome pair of Knoll handkerchief side chairs in gray with chromed steel wire base. This chair was designed by the husband and wife team of Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Knoll, ci...

Category

Late 20th Century Modern Massimo and Lella Vignelli Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Massimo And Lella Vignelli chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Massimo and Lella Vignelli chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Massimo and Lella Vignelli chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original chairs by Massimo and Lella Vignelli were created in the mid-century modern style in italy during the 21st century and contemporary. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider chairs by Luigi Caccia Dominioni, Marcello Cuneo, and Fratelli Saporiti. Prices for Massimo and Lella Vignelli chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $5,875 and can go as high as $12,650, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $9,429.

Creators Similar to Massimo and Lella Vignelli

Fly Line

Shop All Fly Line Chairs

Maurizio Peregalli

Shop All Maurizio Peregalli Chairs

Segis

Shop All Segis Chairs

Memphis Milano

Shop All Memphis Milano Chairs

Michele de Lucchi

Shop All Michele De Lucchi Chairs

Flexform

Shop All Flexform Chairs

George Sowden

Shop All George Sowden Chairs

Rodney Kinsman

Shop All Rodney Kinsman Chairs

Achille Castiglioni

Shop All Achille Castiglioni Chairs

Questions About Massimo and Lella Vignelli Chairs

What was Massimo Vignelli most famous for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJanuary 19, 2025
Massimo Vignelli was perhaps most famous for the Handkerchief chair, a stackable office chair made of compression-molded plastic that has the look of a cloth floating in the air. It was created for Knoll in 1983. Vignelli and his wife, Lella Vignelli, are also legendary names in branding and were prolific creators of home furnishings, products and interiors. The duo’s modernist furniture collaborations, which spanned 50 years, also left a profound mark on design and wider visual culture. Furniture created by the couple is often labeled as Massimo Vignelli’s alone. However, he fought to have Lella recognized for her work, even throwing away magazines that neglected to give her due credit. Explore a range of Massimo Vignelli furniture on 1stDibs.

More Massimo and Lella Vignelli Furniture

Massimo and Lella Vignelli Sofas

Massimo and Lella Vignelli Living Room Sets

Massimo and Lella Vignelli Lounge Chairs

Massimo and Lella Vignelli Side Chairs

Massimo and Lella Vignelli Dining Room Chairs

Massimo and Lella Vignelli Club Chairs

Massimo and Lella Vignelli Tables

Massimo and Lella Vignelli Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Massimo and Lella Vignelli Lighting

Massimo and Lella Vignelli Decorative Objects

Massimo and Lella Vignelli Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Massimo and Lella Vignelli Decorative Bowls

View All Popular Chairs Searches