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Otto Zapf Executive Chair

Executive Leather Office Chair by Otto Zapf for Knoll
Executive Leather Office Chair by Otto Zapf for Knoll

Executive Leather Office Chair by Otto Zapf for Knoll

By Knoll, Otto Zapf

Located in Chicago, IL

c. 1980s. USA. Black leather upholstery with padded cushions

Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Otto Zapf Executive Lounge Chair by Knoll in Original Chocolate Brown Leather
Otto Zapf Executive Lounge Chair by Knoll in Original Chocolate Brown Leather

Otto Zapf Executive Lounge Chair by Knoll in Original Chocolate Brown Leather

By Knoll, Otto Zapf

Located in Stamford, CT

While modular design is commonplace today, it was still a novel concept when German designer Otto Zapf began working with Knoll in 1973. His work combined a systems-based approach wi...

Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather

Otto Zapf for Knoll International Leather Executive Chairs, c. 1985, Reupholsted
Otto Zapf for Knoll International Leather Executive Chairs, c. 1985, Reupholsted

Otto Zapf for Knoll International Leather Executive Chairs, c. 1985, Reupholsted

By Otto Zapf, Knoll

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This gorgeous newly reupholstered leather management desk chair is by Otto Zapf for Knoll International, circa 1985.

Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

Otto Zapf for Knoll Intl. 1970s Patinated Tan Leather Executive Highback Chair
Otto Zapf for Knoll Intl. 1970s Patinated Tan Leather Executive Highback Chair

Otto Zapf for Knoll Intl. 1970s Patinated Tan Leather Executive Highback Chair

By Knoll, Otto Zapf

Located in St. Louis, MO

This gorgeous on trend highly patinated carmel brown leather highback executive desk chair is by Otto Zapf for Knoll International.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Steel

Recent Sales

Otto Zapf Executive Chair
Otto Zapf Executive Chair

Otto Zapf Executive Chair

Sold

H 44 in W 31 in D 31 in

Otto Zapf Executive Chair

By Knoll, Otto Zapf

Located in Chicago, IL

Otto Zapf Executive desk chair. Chair tilts and swivels.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Otto Zapf Executive Chairs in Original Saddle Brown Leather by Knoll
Otto Zapf Executive Chairs in Original Saddle Brown Leather by Knoll

Otto Zapf Executive Chairs in Original Saddle Brown Leather by Knoll

By Knoll, Otto Zapf

Located in Stamford, CT

We currently have six of Otto Zapf’s Executive Chairs in stock, each in its original condition, showcasing a rich patina that speaks to its history.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Otto Zapf Executive Chair in Original Saddle Brown Leather by Knoll
Otto Zapf Executive Chair in Original Saddle Brown Leather by Knoll

Otto Zapf Executive Chair in Original Saddle Brown Leather by Knoll

By Knoll, Otto Zapf

Located in Stamford, CT

At a Glance: While modular design is commonplace today, it was still somewhat novel during the time of Otto Zapf, the designer of this now-discontinued Knoll Zapf Executive Chair.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Steel

Otto Zapf Executive Desk Chair
Otto Zapf Executive Desk Chair

Otto Zapf Executive Desk Chair

Sold

H 44 in W 30 in D 29 in

Otto Zapf Executive Desk Chair

By Otto Zapf

Located in Chicago, IL

Zapf for Knoll, highback adjustable tilt swivel desk chair on five star base with twin wheels. Original leather. Total of four available. Seat height 19" to 21.50". Arm height 26...

Category

Late 20th Century American Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Otto Zapf Executive Desk Chair
Otto Zapf Executive Desk Chair

Otto Zapf Executive Desk Chair

Sold

H 44 in W 30 in D 29 in

Otto Zapf Executive Desk Chair

By Otto Zapf

Located in Chicago, IL

Zapf for Knoll, highback adjustable tilt swivel desk chair on five star base with twin wheels. Original Leather. Total of four available. Seat height 19" to 21.50". Arm height 2...

Category

Late 20th Century American Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Otto Zapf For Knoll Executive Lounge Chair
Otto Zapf For Knoll Executive Lounge Chair

Otto Zapf For Knoll Executive Lounge Chair

By Otto Zapf

Located in Pasadena, TX

A mid century modern chair designed by Otto Zapf and made by Knoll. Four-star chrome base that tils and swivels and new white upholstery in leather.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Chrome

1 vintage Knoll Zapf Vintage Executive Low Back Armchairs
1 vintage Knoll Zapf Vintage Executive Low Back Armchairs

1 vintage Knoll Zapf Vintage Executive Low Back Armchairs

By Otto Zapf

Located in Pasadena, TX

Chairs are upholstered in original gray fabric. Four star swivel and tilt base with casters. This listing is for 1 chair

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Fabric

A luxurious executive desk chair in brown leather by Otto Zapf for Knoll
A luxurious executive desk chair in brown leather by Otto Zapf for Knoll

A luxurious executive desk chair in brown leather by Otto Zapf for Knoll

By Knoll

Located in Houston, TX

A luxurious executive desk chair in brown leather by Otto Zapf for Knoll, circa 1970s.

Category

Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Otto Zapf Executive Chair
Otto Zapf Executive Chair

Otto Zapf Executive Chair

Sold

H 35.5 in W 30 in D 31 in

Otto Zapf Executive Chair

By Knoll, Otto Zapf

Located in Chicago, IL

Otto Zapf executive chair, low-back lounge, tilt swivel adjustable seat height on wheels.

Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

Otto Zapf Executive Chair
Otto Zapf Executive Chair

Otto Zapf Executive Chair

Sold

H 38 in W 26 in D 28 in

Otto Zapf Executive Chair

By Knoll, Otto Zapf

Located in Chicago, IL

"The Pillow Chair" zapf for Knoll executive lounge chair with tilt and swivel functions. Original leather upholstery with chrome base on rollers. Adjustable seat.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Otto Zapf Executive Chair

Otto Zapf Executive Chair

Sold

H 44 in W 29 in D 30 in

Otto Zapf Executive Chair

By Knoll, Otto Zapf

Located in Chicago, IL

Large pillow like cushions upholstered in original tan leather. Tilts and swivels with adjustable height.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Otto Zapf Executive Chair
Otto Zapf Executive Chair

Otto Zapf Executive Chair

Sold

H 44 in W 29 in D 30 in

Otto Zapf Executive Chair

By Knoll, Otto Zapf

Located in Chicago, IL

Large pillow like cushions upholstered in original espresso brown leather. Tilts and swivels with adjustable height.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Knoll Otto Zapf Executive Conference Leather Chair
Knoll Otto Zapf Executive Conference Leather Chair

Knoll Otto Zapf Executive Conference Leather Chair

By Otto Zapf

Located in Pasadena, TX

Otto Zapf resides in Konigstein, Germany. (1) Knoll Otto Zapf executive chair. 1970s Design.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Otto Zapf Executive Desk Chair
Otto Zapf Executive Desk Chair

Otto Zapf Executive Desk Chair

Sold

H 47 in W 31 in D 32.5 in

Otto Zapf Executive Desk Chair

By Otto Zapf

Located in Chicago, IL

Zapf for Knoll, High-Back Adjustable Tilt Swivel Desk Chair on 5 star base with twin wheels. Original Leather. Total of 4 available. Seat height 19" to 21.50" Arm height 26" to...

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Otto Zapf Executive Desk Chair
Otto Zapf Executive Desk Chair

Otto Zapf Executive Desk Chair

Sold

H 44 in W 30 in D 29 in

Otto Zapf Executive Desk Chair

By Otto Zapf

Located in Chicago, IL

Zapf for Knoll, High back adjustable tilt swivel desk chair on five-star base with twin wheels. Original leather.

Category

Late 20th Century American Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Executive Low Back Office Chair by Otto Zapf for Knoll
Executive Low Back Office Chair by Otto Zapf for Knoll

Executive Low Back Office Chair by Otto Zapf for Knoll

By Knoll, Otto Zapf

Located in Chicago, IL

c. 1980s. Was previously reupholstered in new blue fabric. Designed by Otto Zapf for Knoll.

Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Otto Zapf for Knoll International Patinated Leather Executive Chair, Signed
Otto Zapf for Knoll International Patinated Leather Executive Chair, Signed

Otto Zapf for Knoll International Patinated Leather Executive Chair, Signed

By Knoll, Otto Zapf

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This gorgeous highly patinated brown leather highback executive desk chair is by Otto Zapf for Knoll International, circa 1979, signed with early Knoll International label.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Otto Zapf for Knoll International Highback Executive Leather Desk Chair, Signed
Otto Zapf for Knoll International Highback Executive Leather Desk Chair, Signed

Otto Zapf for Knoll International Highback Executive Leather Desk Chair, Signed

By Knoll, Otto Zapf

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This gorgeous highly patinated burgundy leather highback executive desk chair is by Otto Zapf for Knoll International, circa 1981 .

Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Otto Zapf for Knoll Mahogany Brown Leather Executive Swivel Desk Chair, 1970s
Otto Zapf for Knoll Mahogany Brown Leather Executive Swivel Desk Chair, 1970s

Otto Zapf for Knoll Mahogany Brown Leather Executive Swivel Desk Chair, 1970s

By Knoll, Otto Zapf

Located in Decatur, GA

Otto Zapf Executive Desk Chair for Knoll in Brown Leather, 1970s A striking executive desk chair designed by Otto Zapf for Knoll, showcasing the designer’s signature approach to erg...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

1 Vintage Knoll Zapf Vintage Executive Low Back Armchair
1 Vintage Knoll Zapf Vintage Executive Low Back Armchair

1 Vintage Knoll Zapf Vintage Executive Low Back Armchair

By Otto Zapf

Located in Pasadena, TX

Chair is upholstered in original gray fabric. Four star swivel and tilt base with casters.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Otto Zapf Executive Chair for Knoll International, USA, 1970
Otto Zapf Executive Chair for Knoll International, USA, 1970

Otto Zapf Executive Chair for Knoll International, USA, 1970

By Otto Zapf, Kill International

Located in Wilnis, UT

A stunning executive desk chair by Otto Zapf, manufactured by Knoll International in the United States of America, circa 1970.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Chrome

1970s Otto Zapf for Knoll Executive Chair
1970s Otto Zapf for Knoll Executive Chair

1970s Otto Zapf for Knoll Executive Chair

Sold

H 40.5 in W 30 in D 25.5 in

1970s Otto Zapf for Knoll Executive Chair

By Otto Zapf, Knoll

Located in Houston, TX

Handsome Otto Zapf for Knoll executive desk chair in cognac leather on four-star base with casters included.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Knoll Otto Zapf Executive Conference Chair
Knoll Otto Zapf Executive Conference Chair

Knoll Otto Zapf Executive Conference Chair

Located in Alhambra, CA

Fleece fabric with chrome swivel base. Item can be reupholstered in leather for an additional $600.

Category

20th Century American Swivel Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Executive Desk Chair by Otto Zapf for Knoll
Executive Desk Chair by Otto Zapf for Knoll

Executive Desk Chair by Otto Zapf for Knoll

Located in New York, NY

A luxurious desk chair in brown leather upholstery with swivel and tilt mechanism by Otto Zapf for Knoll. American, circa 1970.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather, Upholstery

Otto Zapf for Knoll International Grey Leather Executive Desk Chair
Otto Zapf for Knoll International Grey Leather Executive Desk Chair

Otto Zapf for Knoll International Grey Leather Executive Desk Chair

By Knoll, Otto Zapf

Located in Palm Springs, CA

This very comfortable high back office or desk chair was designed by Otto Zapf and manufactured in West Germany for Knoll International. The chair tilts and swivels and retains its o...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather

Mid-Century Modern Executive Desk Chair by Otto Zapf for Knoll, circa 1970s
Mid-Century Modern Executive Desk Chair by Otto Zapf for Knoll, circa 1970s

Mid-Century Modern Executive Desk Chair by Otto Zapf for Knoll, circa 1970s

By Knoll, Otto Zapf

Located in Austin, TX

Comfortable, cushioned executive style desk chair on swivel base, designed in the style of Otto Zapf for Knoll.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

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Otto Zapf Executive Chair For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the otto zapf executive chair you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Frequently made of animal skin, leather and metal, every otto zapf executive chair was constructed with great care. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect otto zapf executive chair — we have versions that date back to the 20th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available. When you’re browsing for the right otto zapf executive chair, those designed in Mid-Century Modern and Modern styles are of considerable interest.

How Much is a Otto Zapf Executive Chair?

A otto zapf executive chair can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $4,700, while the lowest priced sells for $900 and the highest can go for as much as $5,800.

Finding the Right Office-chairs-desk-chairs for You

An essential part of every office or home workstation, office chairs and desk chairs are critically important to your comfort and getting the job done.

Desk chairs have evolved over time. While writing the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson pined for a wider range of motion and introduced some improvements to his English-style Windsor chair, inventing the swivel chair along the way. So the next time you roll, recline or swivel at your vintage desk, remember: The third president of the United States had a lot to do with that functionality.

Changes in the availability of resources have also led to innovations in desk chair design. After World War II, for example, optimistic American designers made use of wartime materials in their efforts to create practical domestic goods.

Mid-century modernism is the name given to the broad postwar time period that prioritized thoughtful design. Journalist Cara Greenberg, who coined the term “mid-century modernism,” cites “ergonomic wisdom” as part of the reason for the longevity of the era’s furnishings, and when it comes to sitting in a desk chair for hours at a time, what could be more important than ergonomic support?

As mid-century modernism was marked by resourcefulness and boundless creativity — and produced designers who, in most cases, prioritized comfort and support — it follows that all mid-century chairs are not the same. Nowhere is this perhaps more evident than at Herman Miller. The legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer got its start in the office, with design director George Nelson enlisting the likes of Charles and Ray Eames to produce desk chairs and lounge chairs that are still celebrated today. Elsewhere at the time, the numerous pieces Florence Knoll created for Knoll’s office furniture line were envisioned as design solutions for the changing needs of residential and office spaces.

If you’re working remotely and streamlined seating isn’t your thing, don’t be afraid of making a statement with your office chair. Introduce a touch of drama to your video calls by way of 19th-century desk accessories and the alluring forms we typically associate with antique desk chairs designed in the Empire and Regency styles. For a minimalist touch, a spare, utilitarian Industrial-style office chair can work in any space but will fit in particularly well amid the exposed brick and steel architecture that characterizes a loft apartment.

An inspiring home office cleverly mixes materials and styles to create a welcoming place of productivity and comfort, and if you’re gathering with colleagues at your company HQ, an array of wood, leather and metal office chairs can help integrate disparate textures in a conference room or any other collaborative space. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse collection of office and desk chairs today.