Knoll Folk Art

American

As a company that produced many of the most famous and iconic furniture designs of the 20th century, Knoll was a chief influence in the rise of modern design in the United States. Led by Florence Knoll, the firm would draw stellar talents such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Eero Saarinen into its compass. Their work would help change the face of the American home and office.

The company was formed in 1938 by the German immigrant Hans Knoll. He first worked with his fellow ex-pat, the Danish designer Jens Risom, who created furniture with flowing lines made of wood. While Risom served in World War II, in 1943 Knoll met his future wife, Florence Schust. She had studied and worked with eminent emigré leaders of the Bauhaus, including Mies, Walter Gropius and Marcel Breuer. She won Knoll over with Bauhaus notions of industrial arts, and an aesthetic that featured flat and tubular metal frames and angular forms. When Hans died in a car crash in 1955, Florence Knoll was appointed head of the company. It was as much through her holistic approach to design — a core division of the firm was dedicated to planning office systems — as Knoll's mid-century modern furnishings themselves that she brought about the sleek and efficient transformation of the American workplace.

Today, classic Knoll furnishings remain staples of modern design collections and decor. A history of modern design is written in pieces such as the elegant Barcelona chair — created by Mies and Lilly Reich — Saarinen’s pedestal Tulip chair, Breuer’s tubular steel Wassily lounge chair and the grid-patterned Diamond chair by Harry Bertoia.

As you can see from the collection of these designs and other vintage Knoll dining chairs, sofas and tables on 1stDibs, this manufacturer's offerings have become timeless emblems of the progressive spirit and sleek sophistication of the best of modernism.

Creator: Knoll

1950s Pair Knoll Leather Butterfly Chairs Jorge Ferrari Hardoy Bonet and Kurchan

$5,900 / set

1950s Pair Knoll Leather Butterfly Chairs Jorge Ferrari Hardoy Bonet and Kurchan

By Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy, Knoll

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Listed for sale is a gorgeous pair of C. 1950 vintage cognac leather Butterfly chairs, designed by Jorge Ferrari Hardoy, Antonio Bonet, and Juan Kurchan for Knoll. This is a vintage ...

Category

1950s American Modern Vintage Knoll Folk Art

Materials

Metal

2021 Jens Risom for Knoll Counter Height Stool in Clear Maple with Black Webbing

$975

2021 Jens Risom for Knoll Counter Height Stool in Clear Maple with Black Webbing

By Jens Risom, Knoll

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Listed for sale is a single 2021 production Risom counter height stool designed by Jens Risom and produced by Knoll. This example was acquired directly from a Knoll employee, who pur...

Category

2010s American Modern Knoll Folk Art

Materials

Birch, Maple

Pair of Empire Sphinx, Bronze and Alabaster, France 19th Century Napoleon III

$6,085Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 13 in W 6.3 in D 5.12 in

Pair of Empire Sphinx, Bronze and Alabaster, France 19th Century Napoleon III

By Napoléon III

Located in Milano, IT

Beautiful pair of Sphinx made of bronze skillfully worked, sealed to a green alabaster base. The sphinxes have an excellent workmanship and are depicted winged. Finely chiseled. In e...

Category

Early 1800s French Napoleon III Antique Knoll Folk Art

Materials

Marble, Brass

Art Deco Birdeye Maple Petite Radio by Emerson - Cabinet by Ingraham C1930

$995

H 5.75 in W 9.5 in D 4.5 in

Art Deco Birdeye Maple Petite Radio by Emerson - Cabinet by Ingraham C1930

By Ingraham, Emerson Radio Corporation

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Fabulous and rare, timeless and very cool in original as found condition this Emerson radio is a petite model and the likes of which i have not seen before. Back of cabinet is missi...

Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Knoll Folk Art

Materials

Plastic, Bakelite, Birdseye Maple

Vintage 1997 Hotwheels Mattel Ferrari F512m Toy - 2Y192

$131Sale Price|60% Off

H 0.6 in W 2.76 in D 0.99 in

Vintage 1997 Hotwheels Mattel Ferrari F512m Toy - 2Y192

Located in Bordeaux, FR

A collectible piece for car enthusiasts, this vintage Hotwheels model of the Ferrari F512m, produced by Mattel in 1997, is a must-have for fans of iconic sports cars and die-cast mod...

Category

1990s French Empire Knoll Folk Art

Materials

Metal

Leather Doctors Bag, 1940s France

$1,200

H 10 in W 11 in D 7 in

Leather Doctors Bag, 1940s France

By Jacques Adnet

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Substantial cowhide bag with brass hardware and closure. Used a travel bag for physicians to play tools and prescriptions in. Perfect as a purse or for tra...

Category

1940s American Colonial Revival Vintage Knoll Folk Art

Materials

Brass

Set of Two African Masks for Hanging – Crafted in Precious Wood - 2Y268

$217Sale Price / set|70% Off

H 9.85 in W 2.37 in D 1.58 in

Set of Two African Masks for Hanging – Crafted in Precious Wood - 2Y268

Located in Bordeaux, FR

This set features two hand-carved African masks made from precious wood, perfect for hanging as part of your home décor. One mask is in good condition, while the other has a small break at the bottom, which is not too noticeable. These masks showcase the rich cultural artistry of African craftsmanship and add an exotic touch to any interior space. Please refer to the photos for more details. Type: Hanging Masks...

Category

20th Century Unknown Knoll Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Antique Handcrafted and Stable Solid Oak & Great Patina Joint Stool Or Table

$1,111

H 19.7 in W 21.75 in D 11 in

Antique Handcrafted and Stable Solid Oak & Great Patina Joint Stool Or Table

Located in Lisse, NL

Solid oak joint stool, great shape and beautiful color. This handcrafted joint stool seat is both rustic and stylish. It is an absolute joy to watch and to sit on. It is as stabile ...

Category

1890s European Renaissance Revival Antique Knoll Folk Art

Materials

Oak

The Riace Warriors, A Fine Pair of Cold-Cast Copper and Resin Replica Figures

$6,760Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 19.75 in W 8 in D 6 in

The Riace Warriors, A Fine Pair of Cold-Cast Copper and Resin Replica Figures

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The Riace Warriors, a fine pair of cold cast copper and resin figures of the Riace Warriors, reduced replicas of the original bronze sculptures currentl...

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Classical Greek Knoll Folk Art

Materials

Copper

Antique Pram With Wicker Basket & Original Black Canopy From 1900s

$579

H 48.04 in W 19.69 in D 50.01 in

Antique Pram With Wicker Basket & Original Black Canopy From 1900s

Located in Lejre, DK

Antique pram from around 1900 with wicker basket and original canopy. The pram stands on a beautifully curved metal frame with large spoked wheels and wh...

Category

Early 1900s Danish Other Antique Knoll Folk Art

Materials

Metal

Antique New England Sack Back Chair

$3,800

H 36.5 in W 23.5 in D 16.5 in

Antique New England Sack Back Chair

Located in Lancaster, PA

A very fine sack back armchair, circa 1780-90. This armchair has a bowed crest rail mortised into a continuous rear rail with eleven spindles, seven of which are full height. The con...

Category

1780s North American Antique Knoll Folk Art

Materials

Hickory, Maple, Pine

19th C Oakwood Counter Top Cigar Store Indian Statue, Netherlands

$7,987

H 20.87 in W 5.91 in D 5.91 in

19th C Oakwood Counter Top Cigar Store Indian Statue, Netherlands

Located in Leuven , BE

The cigar store Indian originated as a tradition, not in the United States but in Europe, where carved “Virginie men,” as Europeans called native Americans, were used for advertising...

Category

19th Century Dutch Antique Knoll Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Swedish Stump Chair late 1700 century

$3,745

H 29.53 in W 19.69 in D 19.3 in

Swedish Stump Chair late 1700 century

Located in Farsta, SE

Exceptional Swedish Stump Chair ca 1650–1700 Crafted from driftwood sourced in Dalarna, Northern Sweden, this remarkable chair is made from a sing...

Category

1690s Swedish Folk Art Antique Knoll Folk Art

Materials

Pine

Stele for Medeia

$659,784

H 25.79 in W 22.45 in D 3.94 in

Stele for Medeia

Located in London, GB

A finely carved fragment of an Attic marble grave stele carved in high relief, depicting a female figure in profile within an architectural frame. The figure of the young woman faces...

Category

15th Century and Earlier Greek Antique Knoll Folk Art

Materials

Marble

Knoll folk art for sale on 1stDibs.

Knoll folk art are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. Many of the original folk art by Knoll were created in the modern style in united states during the 1950s. Prices for Knoll folk art can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $975 and can go as high as $5,900, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,438.

Questions About Knoll Folk Art

Who is Florence Knoll?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Florence Knoll was an architect and furniture designer who greatly influenced mid-century design. She established the furniture company Knoll, Inc., which continues to manufacture pieces inspired by her designs. Knoll died on January 25, 2019, at the age of 101. Find a collection of Florence Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
What is a Knoll Sofa?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A Knoll sofa, or a Knole sofa, is an interesting piece of furniture that’s believed to have its origins in the 1600s and to be the precursor to the modern sofa. It features two side-by-side cushions and arms that are as high as the back of the sofa. The most interesting feature is that these arms can often be tied back or dropped to change the profile of the sofa. Find an assortment of Knole sofas from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
Who is the CEO of Knoll furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Andrew B. Cogan is the CEO of Knoll furniture as of December 2021. He also serves as the Chairman of the Board. He took on the role in 2001. Prior to that time, he worked as the company's COO. Shop a range of Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
Does Herman Miller own Knoll?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes, the noted furniture brand Herman Miller acquired Knoll in 2021 and announced a new name, MillerKnoll. The new name is meant to take advantage of the long history and reputation that each brand brings to the table and to introduce a new, stronger joint effort to the public. Shop a collection of Herman Miller and Knoll furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
How do I pronounce Florence Knoll?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
To pronounce Florence Knoll, say "FLO-rens Noll." The "K" in the designer's last name is silent. Florence Knoll's maiden name was Florence Marguerite Schust, pronounced "shusht." She changed her name after marrying Hans Knoll in 1946. Find a range of Florence Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
How do I date Knoll furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
How to date Knoll furniture depends on the piece. Some pieces feature stickers that bear the brand's name and logo, and the graphics changed over the years. By comparing the style of the logo to samples online, you can estimate the age of the piece. In some cases, the manufacturing year may appear on the sticker. To date a Knoll chair, look for the tag sewn on the back of the seat cushion. Often, the manufacturer prints the date there. You'll find a collection of expertly vetted Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
What is a Parker Knoll chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021
A Parker Knoll chair is designed by the British furniture manufacturing company Parker Knoll. These chairs are considered to be luxurious — they are handmade in the company’s Nottinghamshire factory from high-quality wood and feature plush upholstery in leather as well as in a variety of fabrics. Find Parker Knoll chairs on 1stDibs.
Who owns Knoll furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
MillerKnoll owns Knoll furniture. The company formed when Herman Miller, Inc., acquired Knoll, Inc., on April 19, 2021. The publicly traded company operates from its headquarters in Zeeland, Michigan. Andi Owen serves as its CEO, as of December 2021. Shop a collection of Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
Where is Knoll furniture made?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Florence Knoll produced her furniture designs largely in a factory located in East Greenville, Pennsylvania. As of December 2021, the company she founded, Knoll, Inc., manufactures furniture in the same factory, as well as in Grand Rapids, Michigan; Muskegon, Michigan; Toronto, Canada; and Foligno and Graffignana, Italy. Find a selection of Florence Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
What is the history of the Knoll sofa?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 15, 2024
The history of the Knoll sofa began in 1954. The sofa was made during American designer and entrepreneur Florence Knoll’s direction of the Knoll Planning Unit, the company's pioneering "design consultant service" that would define the look of the postwar workplace. The versatile Florence Knoll sofa, with its angular silhouette and tasteful mix of textures, could as easily fit into the glass lobby of a skyscraper as the living room of a home. That same year, Florence Knoll also introduced a companion lounge chair that coordinated with the sofa. Knoll, Inc. continues to produce the Florence Knoll sofa over half a century after it was introduced, and vintage models are still prized for their sturdy construction and timeless qualities. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Florence Knoll sofas.
Where are Knoll chairs made?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Knoll maintains manufacturing plants in the United States, Canada, and Italy. Countless designers have worked for Knoll over the years to create exquisite furniture that’s beloved by collectors worldwide. Shop a collection of antique and contemporary Knoll chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
Where does Florence Knoll live?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Florence Knoll lived in the U.S. throughout her life. She was born in Saginaw, Michigan, on May 24, 1917, and she died in Coral Gables, Florida, on January 25, 2019. From 1940 to 1941, she attended the Chicago Armour Institute in Chicago, Illinois. After that, she lived and worked in New York City for many years. On 1stDibs, find a range of Florence Knoll furniture.
Where are Parker Knoll sofas made?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
Where Parker Knoll sofas are made has changed over time. In 2016, the luxury furniture maker moved its factory to Castlewood, Nottinghamshire. Prior to the relocation, the company produced most of its pieces in London and High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Parker Knoll sofas from some of the world's top sellers.
How do you tell if a chair is Parker Knoll?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024
To tell if a chair is a Parker Knoll, look for the maker's label, usually found under the seat on dining chairs and on the bases or frames on office and accent chairs. Although the company has modified its markings over the years, most pieces will at least state "Parker Knoll.” Many pieces also feature serial numbers. By cross-referencing these numbers with information published on trusted online resources, you can learn about the age, style name and other features of your chair. If you need assistance with identification, seek the opinion of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Shop a collection of Parker Knoll chairs on 1stDibs.
How can you tell if a chair is Parker Knoll?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024
To tell if a chair is Parker Knoll, look under the seat. Most Parker Knoll chairs will be marked with the company's logo and a model number. Some may also display the designer's signature. You can cross-reference the model number with information published on trusted online resources to learn more about your chair. If you can't locate a maker's mark or run into other difficulties identifying your chair, consider enlisting the help of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of Parker Knoll chairs.
How can I tell if my Knoll table is real?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
To tell if your Knoll table is real, look for a label on the underside of the tabletop. Nearly all Knoll pieces feature marks, but the specific style of the label and the information included on it have varied over the years and from table to table. As a result, you should try searching trusted online resources for images of the labels found on authentic tables of the same age and model as your own. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer evaluate your piece. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Knoll tables.
How can you tell if a Knoll chair is real?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
To tell if a Knoll chair is real, first look for Knoll Furniture markings, usually found under the seat. These labels have varied over the years, but by comparing what's present on your furniture to images of authentic pieces found on trusted online resources produced around the same time, you can spot any inconsistencies that might indicate a replica. Knoll Furniture has sold many different chairs since its founding in 1938. Researching the characteristics of your specific chair can help you identify signs that your piece may be a replica. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can also help with authentication. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Knoll chairs.
What furniture did Florence Knoll make?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Florence Knoll made a number of well-known furniture designs and founded the company Knoll, Inc. Some of her most acclaimed pieces include the Florence Knoll lounge chair, the Florence Knoll sofa, the Florence Knoll bench and the Florence Knoll settee. Shop a variety of Florence Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
Where do I buy Parker Knoll furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
You can buy Parker Knoll furniture through an authorized dealer. The manufacturer partners with brick-and-mortar stores all over the world and also works with some online platforms. While you can browse the entire selection of current Parker Knoll designs on their official website, you cannot buy directly from the company online. Shop a collection of Parker Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
When did Knoll start stamping furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Knoll began to stamp their furniture in 2004. An authentic stamp consists of the brand's name printed in the correct font. Normally, the manufacturer places the stamp on the upper section of the base. Shop a selection of expertly vetted Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.

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