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.
Pair of Gae Aulenti '54L' Armchairs for Knoll International in Beige Leather
By Gae Aulenti, Knoll
Located in Zagreb, HR
Exceptionally rare and collectible, armchairs, model ’54L’ designed by Gae Aulenti for Knoll International. Late 1970s production in beige leather and white metal. Iconic design of ...
Metal
Harry Bertoia for Knoll International Wooden Slat & White Metal Bench
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century rectangular bench with a wooden slat seat resting on two white finished Y-shaped metal legs. (HARRY BERTOIA FOR KNOLL INTERNATIONAL) Some chipping to finish on ...
Metal
Early Vintage Eero Saarinen for Knoll Orange Vinyl Executive Arm Chairs - a Pair
By Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Early Vintage Eero Saarinen for Knoll Orange Vinyl Executive Arm Chairs - a Pair. Item features very comfortable form, classic Mid-Century design and early original Knoll label. Circ...
Metal
Pair of Early Wassily Chairs by Marcel Breuer for Knoll, Leather and Chrome
By Marcel Breuer, Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
Marcel Breuer's 1925 design is a widely recognized masterpiece of modern furniture, having long ago achieved iconic status. This pair of Wassily chairs date to the 1960s. The chrome...
Steel
Pair of Bouclé Slipper Chairs by Bruce Hannah and Andrew Morrison for Knoll
By Bruce Hannah & Andrew Morrison, Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of vintage slipper sling chairs in charcoal bouclé with off-white powder-coated steel frames designed by Bruce Hannah and Andrew Morrison for Knoll (1971, New York, NY USA). The...
Steel
1980s 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, designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll in 1950. This particular example dates to the 1980s, as indicated by the 655 Madison Avenue labe...
Steel
Armchair by Warren Platner for Knoll International, 1960s
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in bruxelles, BE
Armchair by Warren Platner in metal with green fabric. Knoll edition. Large model. Seat height: 49 cm. Wear due to time and age.
Metal
Hat Trick Chair by Frank Gehry for Knoll
By Frank Gehry, Knoll
Located in Ravenna, IT
The Hat Trick chair, designed by Frank Gehry for Knoll, features a distinctive striped frame of natural maple. The soft shape of the frame is complemented by a padded cushion in the...
Leather, Maple
1960s Pair of Florence Knoll Parallel Bar Slipper Lounge Chairs in Bask Leather
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Florence Knoll Parallel Bar System Armless Slipper Lounge Chairs, Model 51, originally designed by Florence Knoll in 1955. These examples date to the 1960s and have...
Steel
1973 Pair of Richard Schultz for Knoll 1966 Series Rare Armless Lounge Chairs
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an original pair of rare 1966 series armless lounge chairs, designed by Richard Schultz and produced by Knoll International. This set was acquired from a the son o...
Aluminum
1960s Wassily Chairs by Marcel Breuer for Gavina / Knoll in Original Canvas
By Gavina, Marcel Breuer, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are original Wassily Lounge Chairs, model B3, initially designed by Marcel Breuer in 1925. These particular examples were produced by Gavina in Italy in the 1960s, and were imp...
Steel, Chrome
Barcelona Chairs, 8 Pieces, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll, Early 2000s
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Barcelona chair (8 pieces, sold separately), design Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, manufactured by Knoll, Early 2000s. Chrome frame, leather upholstery. Marked. Good vintage condition, mi...
Steel, Chrome
2010's Knoll Mies Van Der Rohe Krefeld Loveseat Sofa Fabric Sets Available
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a (sold separately) gorgeous and original Mies Van Der Rohe Krefeld Sofa, produced by Knoll. Multiples of these two-seater sofas are a...
Fabric
Italian Modular Sofa by Piero Lissoni for Knoll Avio System with Marble Base
By Piero Lissoni, Knoll
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Designed by Piero Lissoni for Knoll, this rare configuration of the Avio modular sofa was produced in the 1980s and reflects the elegance of Italian modernism. Upholstered in soft iv...
Marble, Chrome
2023 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Womb Lounge Chair in Purple Fabric
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Womb Lounge Chair, designed by Eero Saarinen for Florence Knoll and Knoll Associates in 1948. This particular example was manufactured by Knoll in the USA in 2023. The piec...
Steel
$5,565Sale Price|43% Off
1990, Frank Gehry Powerplay by Knoll International
By Frank Gehry, Knoll
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This chair is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beac...
Wood, Plywood
Luxurious Soft Womb Chair, by Saarinen for Knoll Switzerland Production, 1960s
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Renens, CH
The Womb Chair was designed by Eero Saarinen in 1946 at the request of Florence Knoll, who wanted a chair that would provide complete comfort: “like a basket full of pillows.” Saarin...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Scoop Leather Lounge Chair By Jens Risom For Knoll
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, scoop, lounge chair by Jens Risom for Knoll features a minimal, black lacquered maple frame with a floating scoop seat newly upholstered in mustard yellow, textur...
Leather, Maple
Jehs + Laub Pedestal Lounge Chair by Knoll
By Jehs & Laub, Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
The strikingly simple Jehs+Laub Lounge Chair combines a sleek profile with a sculptural interior, offering seating that is both refined and approachable. Its generous proportions and...
Aluminum
Barcelona Ottoman by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The iconic Barcelona ottoman from Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll International c.1970s, USA. The ottoman has an X-shaped base with a polished chrome finish. The cushion features ...
Chrome
Pair of Wassily Chairs by Knoll in Brown Leather and Chrome
By Knoll, Marcel Breuer
Located in Toledo, OH
Pair of Wassily sling armchairs by Knoll in brown leather and chrome. The Wassily Chair, also known as the Model B3 chair, was designed by Marcel Breuer in 1925–1926 while he was the...
Chrome
Four Vintage 1970 Made in Italy Stamped Marcel Breuer Cesca Knoll Dining Chairs
By Knoll
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this suite of four, Mid Century Modern circa 1970's, made in Italy stamped, Marcel Breuer, Cesca armchairs with chrome frames and bergere upholster...
Chrome
Knoll Saarinen Executive Arm Chairs in Bouclé and Terracotta Leather & Hardware
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Stamford, CT
Eero Saarinen’s career, though brief, left an indelible mark on both furniture design and architecture. His work was visionary, bridging disciplines and redefining how design could h...
Leather, Fabric, Bouclé, Coating
C. 2021 Marcel Breuer Cesca Bar Stool in Crimson Fabric w/ Cantilever Base
By Marcel Breuer, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an armless Cesca bar stool, model 51CH, originally designed by Marcel Breuer in 1928. The listed price includes one Cesca bar stool. This example was...
Steel, Chrome
1949 Jens Risom No. 23 Sofa with New Upholstery Signed H.G. Knoll Products
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an exceptionally rare and early Jens Risom Sofa, model number 23, produced by Knoll and labelled H.G. Knoll Products. This particular examples dates to circa 1949....
Fabric, Wood
Set of 3 Harry Bertoia for Knoll International Black "Bucket" Barstools
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 3 Mid-Century American (1960s) curved, concave barstools with black fiberglass "bucket" seats resting on splayed metal legs with square stretcher bases, ending in small circul...
Chrome
$6,800 / set
Pair of Ernst Schwadron Lounge Chairs
By Ernst Schwadron, Knoll
Located in Hanover, MA
Pair of shapely down filled lounge chairs designed by Austrian emigre Ernst Schwadron and retailed through Rena Rosenthal inc. New York in the...
Mahogany
1984 Charles Pollock for Knoll Desk Chair in Charcoal Grey Fabric, 5x Available
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Pollock Executive Chair designed by Charles Pollock for Knoll in 1963. These particular examples date to 1984. We currently have five chairs available for purchase in this ...
Aluminum
Vintage "Womb" White Bouclé Chair and Ottoman by Eero Saarinen for Knoll
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful vintage “womb” bouclé chair and ottoman designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll in the United States, early 1940s. This chair has a modern design and could be considered even a...
Chrome
Set of Four Rare Early Production Eero Saarinen for Knoll Dining Chairs
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Ferndale, MI
From the put me in a museum collection. Out of long long term storage. The Earliest production set of four Eero Saarinen for HG Knoll executive chairs I have ever seen. All four on f...
Aluminum, Steel
2010s Harry Bertoia for Knoll Bar Stool in Chrome 4x Available
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Bertoia Bar Stools, originally designed by Harry Bertoia in 1952. These particular examples were produced by Knoll in the 2010s. The stools are comprised of welded and chro...
Steel
1990s Charles Pfister for Knoll Club Lounge Chair in Grey Geometric Fabric
By Charles Pfister, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Pfister Lounge Chair, originally designed by Charles Pfister for Knoll in 1971. These examples were produced in the United States and date to the 1990s. Their design featur...
Metal
Walter Knoll Set of 16 Dining Room Chairs in Bentwood and Leather, Germany 1970s
By Knoll
Located in Almelo, NL
Walter Knoll Set of 16 Dining Room Chairs in Bentwood and Leather, Germany 1970s A set of 16 modern armchairs or dining room chairs, manu...
Leather, Bentwood
Mid-Century Modern Knoll Bertoia Wire Bar Counter Stool
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Single Knoll bar stool by Harry Bertoia. Seat pad labeled with tag and printed into the fabric Knoll. Has some loss to vinyl coating, pictured. Very ti...
Steel
$9,500 / set
Pair Vintage Warren Platner Chairs For Knoll
By Knoll
Located in Toledo, OH
Pair Warren Platner for Knoll vintage chairs. Bronze tone base. Old recover work in very nice condition with minor wear. 36" wide x 27" deep x 30....
Fabric
Saarinen Executive Armless Chairs in Noir Velvet, Gold Edition, Set of 6
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Wilton, CT
The next generation of Eero Saarinen's famed executive chairs have arrived, 100% authentic Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Chairs completely restored ground-up with an extra touch ...
Steel
Bertoia for Knoll Small Diamond Chairs, Mid-Century Modern, USA
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Bertoia for Knoll Pair of Small Diamond Chairs. New aftermarket seat pads in Blue. Great pop of color! Metal is solid and no breaks in the metal. Shows some wear from chairs bein...
Metal
1970s Hannah Morrison for Knoll Armless Sofa in Brown Leather
By Knoll, Bruce Hannah & Andrew Morrison
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Armless Sofa, originally designed by Bruce Hannah and Andrew Morrison for Knoll in 1971. It features a black cast-steel frame, and has an upholstered seat & back. The fram...
Steel
Italian Mid Century Barcelona Pouf by Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll, 1970s
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Mid-Century Modern white leather Barcelona pouf or footrest by Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll, 1970s. Pouf or footrest mod. Barcelona with polyurethane foam seat covered in whit...
Steel
Executive Arm Chairs by Eero Saarinen, Knoll International, Germany, Set of 6
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in München, Bavaria
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
Warren Platner for Knoll Dining Chair, Circa 1970s
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Wheat Ridge, CO
Warren Platner for Knoll circa 1970s armchair / dining chair. In the 1960's, Warren Platner transformed steel wire into a sculptural furniture collection, creating what is now consi...
Steel
Pair of Cesca Armchairs by Marcel Breuer For Gavina Knoll, Italy
By Marcel Breuer, Knoll, Gavina
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Marcel Breuer Cesca Armchairs made in Italy in the 1960s by Knoll Gavina.
Chrome
$665Sale Price|30% Off
Mies van der Rohe Tubular BRNO Black Leather 245 Chair for Knoll, 1980s
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Miami, FL
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe tubular chrome BRNO 245 chair with thin black leather seat and back for Knoll. Designed in the 1930s, this chair was manufactured and sold by Knoll circa 19...
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
$1,700 / set
Mandarin Chairs by Ettore Sottsass for Knoll
By Ettore Sottsass, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Reupholstered and new foam.
Fabric, Wood
Desk Chair by Charles Pollock for Knoll, 1963
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A vintage Pollack executive chair on five leg pedestal base featuring his ‘rim technology’ of metal edge banding around the chair’s periphery s...
Aluminum
Harry Bertoia for Knoll Early Model 400 Oak Slat Bench with RARE 82" Length
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in St. Louis, MO
A rare, exceptionally scaled masterpiece of mid-century minimalism, this 82-inch Oak slatted bench on black welded steel Y-legs, was designed by legendary artist & designer Harry Ber...
Steel
Saarinen Executive Arm Chairs in Camel Leather with Brass Legs, Set of 6
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Stamford, CT
Eero Saarinen remains one of the most influential furniture designers of the 20th century, celebrated for his sculptural approach to form and his pioneering use of materials. His ico...
Metal, Brass
Mid Century Sofa Bastiano by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Knoll, around 1960
By Knoll, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Berlin, DE
This iconic Bastiano sofa, designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Knoll around 1960, is a masterful expression of Italian Mid-Century modern design. Defined by its bold architectura...
Fabric, Upholstery, Ash, Lacquer
Jens Risom Lounge Chair for Knoll. Expertly Restored in Off White Boucle
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Kansas City, MO
Classic and rare lounge chair designed by Jens Risom when he was design director for Knoll in the early 1950s. This example has been expertly refinished and reupholstered in an off ...
Upholstery, Walnut
$12,375 / set
Six Mies van der Rohe Tubular Brno Chairs by Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
The definition of minimalism in a singular design, achieved by the great Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1929; the Brno chair is just that, world renowned for its modern architectural fo...
Chrome
1950s Harry Bertoia for Knoll Associates Model 400 Bench in Oak with Black Base
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an iconic slatted oak bench designed by Harry Bertoia and produced by Knoll. It dates to circa 1952. This piece was constructed using solid oak wood for the top an...
Steel
1980s Pair of Gae Aulenti for Knoll Orsay Dining Arm Chairs with Frame & Leather
By Gae Aulenti, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Orsay Armchairs, originally designed by Gae Aulenti in 1976. These particular examples were produced by Knoll in the USA circa the 1980s. This armchair was named af...
Aluminum
Set Of Four Chairs Designed By Warren Platner And Edited by Knoll 1960's
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Madrid, ES
Set of 4 chairs designed by Warren Platner between 1968 and 1970, featuring a chrome-plated steel structure and dark wool upholstery. First edition, produced by Knoll. Warren Platn...
Steel
Pair of Early Bertoia Large/ Wide Diamond Chairs - ALL Original
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in North Miami, FL
The wide/ Large diamond chair is the largest of the Bertoia seating group. These vintage chairs have the ORIGINAL brown covers in very good o...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Pair of Warren Platner for Knoll Dining Arm Chairs with Bronzed Frames
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Platner Armchairs, designed by Warren Platner for Knoll. These are early examples, probably dating to the late 1960s. The frames of these chairs are composed of pat...
Steel
Knoll Saarinen Executive Arm Chairs in Sand Velvet & Ebony Oak Legs
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Stamford, CT
Eero Saarinen is widely regarded as one of the most influential furniture designers of the 20th century, celebrated for his innovative use of materials and sculptural approach to for...
Velvet, Wood, Ebony, Oak
Fritz Hansen Arne Jacobsen Knoll Series 7 Danish Teak Arm Chairs (A) - Pair
By Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Fritz Hansen Arne Jacobsen Knoll Series 7 Danish Modern Teak Arm Chairs (A) - Pair. Item features manufacturer labels found on the underside of each chair. Current retail is approx. ...
Teak
Mies Van Der Rohe For Knoll Stainless Steel Brno Chairs Blue Velvet 1977, Pair
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Mies van der Rohe flatbar Brno for Knoll in stainless steel with the original navy-blue velvet Fabric. In very good condition marked with label, Knoll Inte...
Stainless Steel
1974 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Rolling Executive Office Chair Original Blue Fabric
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single (each chair is sold separately, though two are available) Eero Saarinen rolling executive office chair with arms. These are gorgeous and original examples...
Metal
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.