Mid-century modern design in America wouldn’t look the way it does without Knoll. The company’s acclaimed seating — lounge chairs, armchairs, office chairs and other furnishings created by a who’s who of designers and by Knoll’s pioneering cofounder, Florence Knoll (1917–2019) — helped define high-rise corporate culture and was rapidly adopted for use in living rooms, where it endures as a timeless favorite all over the world.
“Many of the designs that he had at that time were ones that I did not approve of,” Florence Knoll once recalled of her German-born husband, Hans Knoll (1914–55), the son of German modernist furniture manufacturer Walter Knoll.
A native of Michigan, Florence already had a world-class immersion in design when she met Hans. Orphaned at age 12, she was enrolled at Kingswood School, part of the Cranbrook Academy of Art, which became the go-to school for legends of mid-century design. Florence became very close with Cranbrook head Eliel Saarinen, his wife and their son, Eero. She later studied with Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and worked for Marcel Breuer and Bauhaus school founder Walter Gropius. When Florence married Hans in 1946, he had been at work since 1938 on his own eponymous furniture line in New York City.
With Florence’s design acumen, the Knolls turned the company into a powerhouse of modernist design. The Knoll Planning Unit, created by Florence in the mid-1940s, designed office spaces for the likes of GM and CBS, helping to define the postwar corporate aesthetic.
The department’s small team designed furniture with practicality, efficiency and sleekness in mind, attributes that clearly define furnishings such as Eero Saarinen’s sculptural Executive chair, which was introduced in 1948 as the Model 72 and used for the General Motors Technical Center in Warren, Michigan. (The armed version, which followed in 1950, was also specified for the campus, an architectural project of Saarinen’s.) This seating, as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients, soon became desirable for apartments and houses.
Knoll collaborated with an all-star cast of designers, including Saarinen, whose Womb chair arose from Florence’s request for “a chair that was like a basket full of pillows.” The catalogue includes some of the century’s most recognizable forms: Saarinen’s Tulip chairs, Harry Bertoia’s wire-lattice Diamond chair, the Cyclone table by artist Isamu Noguchi and pieces by Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Jens Risom, Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who granted Knoll exclusive permission to produce his designs. The manufacturer continues to produce the only authorized version of the elegant and oft-copied Barcelona chair, which Mies created in collaboration with designer Lilly Reich, his creative and romantic partner.
By 1950 — when production for Knoll was moved to East Greenville, Pennsylvania — more than one third of the designs in the company’s portfolio were Florence’s own. She thought of her furniture as “meat and potatoes,” mere practicality.
“People ask me if I am a furniture designer,” she once said. “I am not. . . . I designed the fill-in pieces that no one else was doing.” But decades later, her own designs, like the Florence Knoll sofa, with its clean architectural lines, and her Bauhaus-inspired Lounge chair, are icons in their own right.
In 2021, Knoll was acquired by Herman Miller, another legendary American furniture manufacturer that turned a number of designers into mid-century household names. The combined company operates under the name MillerKnoll.
Find a collection of vintage Knoll dining chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs.
Mies Van der Rohe for Knoll Polished Bronze Brno Flat Bar 255 Desk Chair
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in North Miami, FL
The Flat Bar Brno chair model 255 is a remarkable example of modern design by the renowned architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. This particular chair is polished bronze, which makes ...
Bronze
Krefeld Lounge Chair by Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 2004. USA. Matching sofa available. Upholstered in Knoll Textiles Velvet.
Velvet
2015 Pair of Eero Saarinen for Knoll Dining Arm Chairs with Wooden Legs
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Saarinen Executive Armchairs, designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International in 1950. These examples were produced in the USA in 2015. These pieces feature uphol...
Foam, Oak, Fabric
2018 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Dining Arm Chairs in Purple Velvet
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Saarinen Executive Armchair, designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International in 1950. This example was produced in the USA in 2018. The chair features upholstered seats i...
Foam, Wood, Fabric
East Side Lounge Chair by Ettore Sottsass for Knoll, Italy, 1980's
By Ettore Sottsass, Knoll
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Wonderful lounge chair with its original soft leather upholstery in great condition. This suburb lounge chair features gray lacquered steel feet with translucent plastic end pieces. ...
Metal
$715Sale Price / item|35% Off
Knoll "Tulip" Chrome Stool by Eero Saarinen w/ Nairobi Upholstery Seat
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Knoll "Tulip" Chrome Stool by Eero Saarinen with Sunbrella "Nairobi" acrylic upholstery seat making a striking black and white botanical fern pattern on the bark cloth fabric. The st...
Steel, Chrome
Jens Risom Armchair for Knoll
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This armchair is an early example of Jens Risom's design for Knoll and is a simple yet innovative design. The chair is two separate pieces: a singular seat / back component is simply...
Birch, Textile
Warren Platner, Knoll International, Kvadrat Tonus Fabric Stool Bronze Metal
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Authentic stool, designed by Warren Platner in 1966. Recent Knoll edition in bordeaux burgondy Kvadrat Tonus fabrics and bronze metal structure. Knoll ...
Metal
1990s Ettore Sottsass Studio Westside Lounge Chair in Multi-Color Fabric
By Ettore Sottsass, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Westside Collection Lounge Armchair, initially designed by Ettore Sottsass for KnollStudio in 1983. Not too many of these were produced. This one dates to the 1990s based o...
Steel
1950s Harry Bertoia for Knoll Associates Slatted Oak Bench w/ Base, Model 400
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an iconic slatted-oak bench, Model 400, designed by Harry Bertoia and produced by Knoll. It is an early piece, and dates to circa 1952. The bench was constructed using solid ...
Steel
$4,250 / set
Knoll Barcelona Stools by Mies Van Der Rohe
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Atlanta, GA
Iconic Pair of Barcelona stools or ottomans, designed by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, American, circa 2000s. Retains Knoll tag underneath. They have been cleaned and a leather condit...
Metal
2021 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Arm Chair Leather w/ Wood Legs
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eero Saarinen for Knoll executive armchair in off-white leather with light walnut wood legs. The chair was produced in 2021, acquired directly from a Knoll employee. It ha...
Wood, Leather
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Side Chair in White Ivory Shearling c. 1950
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Executive side chair designed by Mid Century Modern designer royalty Eero Saarinen and constructed by one of the very top makers of quality modern furniture of the time, Knoll. Eero ...
Metal
1960s Eero Saarinen for Knoll Womb Lounge Chair and Ottoman, Model 70L
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original Womb lounge chair and its accompanying ottoman, models 70L and 74y, designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll in 1948. This set was man...
Steel
1980s Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Desk or Dining Chair in Hopsack Fabric
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Saarinen Executive Chair, Model 71 USB, designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll in 1950. This particular example dates to the 1980s, as indicated by the 655 Madison Avenue labe...
Steel
Barcelona Daybed Sofa Model 258L by By Mies van der Rohe for Knoll
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in New York, NY
Barcelona Daybed Sofa, Model 258L, designed by Lilly Reich and Mies van der Rohe in 1930. This example was produced by Knoll Associates in the 1980s. It features a tubular polished s...
Stainless Steel
$1,980Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Four Armchairs by Ettore Sottsass for Knoll Memphis Era
By Ettore Sottsass, Knoll
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice set of four Mandarin chairs designed by Sottsass for Knoll, in red fabric on foam black enameled tubular legs and silver pipping arms, simple and elegant by this master architect.
Metal
Mid Century Blue Brno Chairs by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, 2006
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Detroit, MI
This pair of mid century modern Brno arm chairs by Mies van der Rohe were manufactured by Knoll in 2006. These iconic Bauhaus chairs were designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1930...
Steel, Chrome
$4,900Sale Price / item|24% Off
Otto Zapf for Knoll International Leather Executive Chairs, c. 1985, Reupholsted
By Knoll, Otto Zapf
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous newly reupholstered leather management desk chair is by Otto Zapf for Knoll International, circa 1985. Constructed of heavily cushioned sections, with the top head sect...
Metal
1970s Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Desk or Dining Chair in Hopsack Fabric
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Saarinen Executive Chair, Model 71 USB, originally designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll in 1950. This particular example dates to the 1970s. The listed price includes one ch...
Steel
George Nakashima N19 Straight Chair in Walnut and Hickory for Knoll Studio
By George Nakashima, Knoll
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The N19 Straight Chair is designed by George Nakashima for Knoll Studio, 1946. The chair is a modernist interpretation of the traditional Windsor chair. Expertly crafted from solid W...
Hickory, Walnut
Executive Arm Chairs by Eero Saarinen, Knoll International, Germany, Set of 6
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in München, BY
Dimensions larger model: 73 x 60 x 80 x 46 cm (28.7" × 23.6" × 31.5" × 18.1") Dimensions smaller model: 65 x 65 x 78 x 46 cm (25.6" × 25.6" × 30.7" × 18.1") (Width x Depth x Height ...
Steel
3 Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Wire Side Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll Int
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Timeless and fabulous design by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. Set of 3 classic beauties with full leather pads for seats and backs. All labeled and in very good condition wi...
Steel
$9,000 / set
Set of custom ordered Florence Knoll Benches
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Amarillo, TX
Florence Knoll Pair of benches USA 1954 leather, steel Measures: 48 W x 19.5 D x 16.75 H inches Pair of custom-sized Florence Knoll benches in a custom flat steel finish wit...
Steel
Florence Knoll two-seater sofa in mustard yellow leather, 1970
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
Bring timeless elegance into your interior with this iconic vintage two-seater sofa designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International in 1954. Manufactured in the early 1970s under ...
Chrome
Canapé Modèle 54 par Gae Aulenti pour Knoll – Restauration Bonjour Gallery
By Knoll, Gae Aulenti
Located in Rouen, FR
Canapé deux places Modèle 54, conçu par Gae Aulenti dans les années 1970 pour Knoll International. Icône du design post-moderniste italien, ce modèle se distingue par sa structure tu...
Metal
2006 Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Tubular Brno Chair in Leather w/ Thin Pad
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Brno dining chair, model 245A, originally designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1929. This particular example was produced in 2006 by Knoll. The listed price includes one chair,...
Steel
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...
Steel
Florence Knoll Leather Bench, Knoll Associates Inc.
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Florence Knoll bench with early label Knoll Associates, Inc. Madison Ave, NY. We had the bench redone in brown leather. Bench measures 80" wide, 20" deep and 17.5" high. The bench...
Steel
Rare Early Pair of Eero Saarinen Womb Chairs and Ottomans, Knoll, USA, 1950s
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A very rare pair of early production Eero Saarinen womb chairs and ottomans, made by Knoll, USA, 1950s. Fibreglass, black enameled steel frames and first edition feet / glides. Newl...
Steel
MR30/5 Tubular Steel Arm Chair by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Set of 2
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Kelkheim (Taunus), HE
MR30/5 Tubular Steel Arm Chair by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Set of 2 Designer Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (03.1886 – 08.1969) Brand Knoll International Era 1920’s Material ...
Steel, Chrome
Richard Sapper for Knoll Desk Task Executive or Conference Chair - Brown Leather
By Knoll, Richard Sapper
Located in St. Louis, MO
Designer Richard Sapper for Knoll the desk chairs in rich dark brown Spinneybeck leather, fully adjustable on 5 star bases on casters. Product...
Steel
Set of 6 White Metal Indoor / Outdoor Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Freehold, NJ
This set of mid century modern indoor / outdoor chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll feature white painted metal seats with signature mesh back atop sled legs. Additional set of six ch...
Metal
Set of Four Bentwood Upholstered Armchairs by Bill Stephens for Knoll
By Bill Stephens, Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
This incredible armchair set, model 1305-U, is the works of the legendary mid-century artist: William 'Bill' Stephens, the young Knoll designer whose 1300 series of chairs took off a...
Bentwood, Upholstery
Set of 4 Executive Chairs by Eero Saarinen, Knoll International, Germany
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in München, BY
Dimensions larger model: 73 x 60 x 80 x 46 cm (Width x Depth x Height x Seat Height) Dimensions smaller model: 65 x 65 x 78 x 46 cm (Width x Depth x Height x Seat Height) The Execu...
Steel
Pair of Vintage Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Flat Bar Brno Chairs For Knoll Mohair
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in San Diego, CA
These vintage modern Brno flat bar chairs are sleek and timeless. Chairs feature cantilevered, heavy stainless steel flat-bar frames. The seat, backrest and the arched armrest . in m...
Steel
Model 72 Dining Chair by Eero Saarinen in 4 mixed colors, USA 1960s, Set of 4
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in GORINCHEM, NL
The Saarinen Model 72 Dining Chair by Knoll International is a true design icon. Introduced in 1950 by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, it reflects his signature vision of s...
Steel, Chrome
Set of 6 White Metal Indoor / Outdoor Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Freehold, NJ
This set of mid century modern indoor / outdoor chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll feature white painted metal seats with signature mesh back atop sled legs. Additional set of six ch...
Metal
Knoll Two Seater Relax Sofa
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Rochester, England
Introducing the ultimate in relaxation and comfort - the Two Seater Relax Sofa by Knoll. Crafted with high-quality materials, this sofa combines luxury with sophistication. Its sleek...
Steel
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
Leather
Set of Six (6) Eero Saarinen Executive Armless Chairs for Knoll
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in North Miami, FL
These executive armless chairs with bentwood legs and vinyl upholstery are wonderfully comfortable and in ready-to-use condition. Designed by Eero Saarinen, it is a fantastic set fo...
Oak
Mcm Rockwell Unscripted Upholstered Swivel Seat Low Cylinder by Knoll
By Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid-Century Modern rockwell unscripted upholstered swivel seat low cylinder by Knoll. The rockwell unscripted upholstered seat offers fun punctuation to dining, living or office spaces. Mix them with Classic Knoll dining chairs to create an Eclectic Statement at Your Table or Sprinkle Them Around for impromptu Guest Seating. All are display pieces...
Fabric
Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Barcelona Ottomans circa 1979 Pair Available
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Atlanta, GA
Iconic Barcelona Stools or Ottomans, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, American, circa 1979. Signed with Knoll labels underneath. Please note they have some cat scratches...
Metal
Bertoia chair by Harry Bertoia manufactured by Knoll
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Ravenna, IT
Molded Shell Side chair designed by Harry Bertoia in 1956 and produced by Knoll International. The chair has a steel wire frame and a mass-dyed polypropylene seat in a dark gray colo...
Steel
2005 Richard Sapper for Knoll Management Desk Chairs in Dark Cognac Leather
By Richard Sapper, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Sapper Series Management Desk Chairs, designed by Richard Sapper in 1979. These particular examples were produced by Knoll in the year 2005. This is one of Sapper's most ic...
Steel
$875 / set
Pair of Bertoia child's chairs by Knoll
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Highland, IN
The classic Bertoia wire chair was produced in the standard size for adults, but also in two smaller sizes for children. This pair is the larger of the two kid's sizes. They were often marketed with the Noguchi cyclone side table as a diminutive version of the dinette set to be used as a child's activity table...
Steel
1974 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Upholstered Rolling Office Desk Chair in Tan Vinyl
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Saarinen Executive Swivel side chair, originally designed by Eero Saarinen in 1957. This particular example was produced by Knoll in the USA C. 1974. We acquired this piece...
Steel
Knoll Charles Pfister Sofa Set in Grey Leather, USA, 1970s in Gray
By Charles Pfister, Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
A original three-seat leather sofa design in 1971 by Charles Pfister for Knoll. Original grey color Knoll leather. Overall dimensions: 86” wide, 33” deep, 29” high, 16” seat, 24” arm...
Leather
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Womb Chair in Pierre Frey Boucle'
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
The iconic Eero Saarinen for Knoll Womb Chair, newly upholstered in an exquisite bouclé with black frame.
Metal
Stunning Pair Leather Chairs, Tobia Scarpa for Knoll, Made in Italy
By Knoll, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning pair of leather chairs. Tobia Scarpa for Knoll, made in Italy.....Nice original condition, amazing quality / construction, stainless steel bases, retain original Knoll label...
Steel, Stainless Steel
$1,096Sale Price|20% Off
Authentic Mid-Century Modern Knoll Style White Wire Chair – Diamond Lounge
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A stunning and timeless example of Mid-Century Modern design, this sculptural white wire lounge chair is an authentic piece by Knoll, designed by renowned Italian-American designer H...
Wire
Armchairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll Swiss Production, 1970s – Set of 4
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Renens, CH
A set of four iconic “Pedestal” swivel armchairs designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International, produced in Switzerland during the 1970s. Each chair features a molded white fibe...
Aluminum
$4,900 / set
Set of 4 Davis Allen 'Exeter' Chairs for Knoll
By Knoll, Davis Allen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Refined and minimalist, this set of four “Exeter” chairs — designed by Davis Allen for Knoll — blends functional design with quiet elegance. Each chair features a solid wood frame (t...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Beech
Frank Gehry for Knoll Mid Century Power Play Chair and Ottoman
By Frank Gehry, Knoll
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Frank Gehry for Knoll Mid Century Power Play Chair and Ottoman The chair measures: 32 wide x 30.5 deep x 33 high, with a seat height of 16 inches and arm height/chair clearance of 2...
Wood
$6,553 / set
1950s Grasshopper Chair and Stool for Knoll
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Praha, CZ
- The chair was carefully refurbished from early model original piece. - The wooden parts have been black lacquered in high gloss finish. - Newly upholstered in white leather. - S...
Leather, Wood
Bird Chair with Ottoman by Harry Bertoia for Knoll, 1960s
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in bruxelles, BE
Black metal armchair and ottoman by Harry Bertoia. Model: Bird. Ottoman dimensions: H: 59 cm W: 39 cm D: 42 cm. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BE...
Metal
$3,195 / set
L54 pair of armchairs by Gae Aulenti for Knoll
By Knoll, Gae Aulenti
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Pair of Gae Aulenti model 54L design armchairs for Knoll international. Beautiful timeless design armchairs with black lacquered metal frames and orange/red fabric upholstery. The ...
Metal
Knoll Mid-Century Wooden Bench with Leather Strapping, Circa 1955
By Knoll
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century American rectangular wooden bench with a lattice mesh of 2" wide leather strapping plus removable two-drawer cabinet with inlaid blue enamel top, standing on four metal l...
Brass
Mid-Century Large Knoll Diamond Bertoia Lounge - Single
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Raleigh, NC
1960’s Large Knoll Diamond bertoia lounge designed by Harry Bertoia. Very comfy with rubber pads allowing this lounge to flex for comfort. Bertoia ...
Metal, Chrome
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Krefeld Settee or Sofa in Dark Brown Leather for Knoll
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in St. Louis, MO
Architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe designed Krefeld settee in a rich dark brown leather for Knoll. Recent 2009 production based on his 1930s designs for the Esters and Lange residenc...
Leather, Wood
Knoll Seats are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive objects are frequently made of metal and designed with extraordinary care. In our collection of Knoll seating, there are many options to choose from, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. In stock are 600 vintage editions of these items, while there are 3 modern editions to choose from as well. Many of the original Knoll seating was created in the Mid-Century Modern style in North America during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional seating, many customers also consider seating by Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller and Milo Baughman. Knoll seating prices can vary depending on size, time period and other attributes. Price for these items starts at $295 and tops out at $54,000, while pieces like these can sell for $3,999 on average.