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.
2010s Florence Knoll Two Seat Settee / Loveseat Sofa in Brown Leather
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a two-seater Florence Knoll Settee Sofa, Model 1205S2, originally designed by Florence Knoll in 1954. This example dates to the 2010s. The design features a square tufted bac...
Steel
Ettore Sottsass “Westside” Living Room Set for Knoll International, 1982
By Ettore Sottsass, Knoll
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Ettore Sottsass “Westside” Living Room Set for Knoll International, foam and fabric, Italy, 1982, set of three. The “Westside” collection is an icon...
Fabric, Foam
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
1960s Florence Knoll Chrome and Green Mohair Bench 36x18 2x Available
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Florence Knoll Bench, designed for Knoll in 1954. This particular example dates to the 1960s. The design incorporates a simple chromed steel frame with a padded seat that i...
Steel
Knoll Parallel Bar Sofa Re-Upholstered in Knoll Rivington Fabric
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A lovely complete re-upholstered vintage Knoll Parallel Bar Sofa or 2 seat settee. The fabric we chose to use is a sophisticated all-over multi...
Steel
Knoll Intenational Barcelona Hocker Mies van der Rohe Leder schwarz
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen von insgesamt zwei wunderschönen Barcelona Hockern/ Ottomane von Knoll International aus den 1970er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Die Polsterung wurde im Jahr 2000 erneuert...
Steel
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
$639Sale Price|20% Off
Knoll Aluminum & Black Leather Life Chair
By Knoll
Located in East Freetown, MA
Knoll Life fully adjustable office chair. Aluminum and black leather chair with casters and Knoll stamp.
Aluminum
Barcelona Ottoman by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
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
1960s Eero Saarinen for Knoll Armless Executive Dining Chair with Wooden Legs
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Saarinen Executive Dining Chair, Model 72C, originally designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International in 1950. This particular example dates to the 1960s. The chair feat...
Walnut, Upholstery, Foam
1980s Pair of Harry Bertoia for Knoll Dining/Side Chairs in White with Red Pads
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Bertoia Side Chairs, designed in 1952 by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. These particular examples date to the 1980s. Their design consists of welded steel r...
Steel
Warren Platner for Knoll Mid Century Dining Chair
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Warren Platner for Knoll Mid Century Dining Chair This chair measures: 28.5 wide x 22 deep x 29.5 inches high, with a seat height of 18.5 and arm height/chair clearance of 24.5 inch...
Metal
Saarinen Exec Armchair in Powder Sky Blue Leather on Polished Nickel Swivel Base
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Wilton, CT
We've been restoring Saarinen executive chairs for years in every fabric one can imagine, right in our very own workroom. This authentic vintage Saarinen chair has been reupholstered...
Steel, Nickel
$2,185Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Saarinen Executive Armchairs Knoll Mid-Century Modern
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Enhance your space with this timeless pair of Mid-Century Organic Modern Executive Armchairs by renowned designer Eero Saarinen for Knoll. These iconic chairs feature a classic 4-leg...
Metal
Knoll Saarinen Executive Arm Chairs in Schumacher Fabric, Leather, & Walnut
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
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...
Leather, Fabric, Upholstery, Walnut
2020 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Armless Executive Side Chair in Boucle Fabric
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Saarinen Executive Side Chair, originally designed by Eero Saarinen in 1957. This particular example was produced by Knoll in the USA in 2020. The chair features an upholst...
Steel
1990s Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Tubular Brno Chair w/ Thin Pad in Leather
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Brno Tubular Steel Armchair, Model 245A, originally designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1930. These particular examples were produced by Knoll in Italy in the 1990s. The liste...
Steel
Vincent Cafiero for Knoll Swivel Lounge Chairs in Midnight Blue Mohair, Pair
By Vincent Cafiero, Knoll
Located in Stamford, CT
While under the direction of Florence Knoll, her namesake company was known for more than just the impressive portfolio of designs still celebrated to this day. Knoll’s teams of tale...
Metal, Aluminum
$3,920Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Maple Frame Knoll Sofa by Lewis Butler for Knoll
By Knoll, Lewis Butler for Knoll
Located in Pasadena, TX
Vintage maple frame Knoll sofa by Lewis Butler for Knoll. An arm-less sofa with walnut back legs, cotton web seats and back support. A great example of classic Knoll style and substa...
Teak
Pair of Warren Platner for Knoll Easy Chairs in Blue Mohair
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
Warren Platner's iconic Easy chair for Knoll. We have reupholstered this in a high-quality mohair.
Nickel
$8,000 / set
Pair of Otto Zapf Lounge Chairs for Knoll
By Knoll, Otto Zapf
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of leather lounge chairs by Otto Zapf for Knoll International, c.1990s, USA. The plush lounge chairs feature original deep camel leather uphols...
Leather
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
1970s Pair of Model 1315 Lounge Chairs in Oak by Bill Stephens
By Bill Stephens, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Model 1315 Lounge Chairs, originally designed by Bill Stephens for Knoll in 1967. This pair dates to the early 1970s, and the listed price includes the pair. Their ...
Oak, Plywood, Fabric, Foam
Ettore Sottsass “Westside” Armchairs for Knoll International, 1982, Set of 2
By Ettore Sottsass, Knoll
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Ettore Sottsass “Westside” armchairs for Knoll International, foam and fabric, Italy, 1982, set of two. The “Westside” collection is an iconic proje...
Foam
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
$4,900 / set
Set of 4 Davis Allen 'Exeter' Chairs for Knoll
By Davis Allen, Knoll
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
Knoll Saarinen Executive Arm Chairs in Italian Bouclé and Oak Legs, Set of 6
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Stamford, CT
Eero Saarinen is widely regarded as one of the most important furniture designers of the 20th Century, known for his innovative use of materials and sculptural approach to form. His ...
Fabric, Bouclé, Oak
Brno Flat-Bar Chairs in Velvet, Brushed Brass by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Wilton, CT
The definition of minimalism in a singular design, achieved by the great Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1929; the Brno flat-bar chair is just that. We have edited these contemporary ite...
Brass, 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
$6,800 / item
Desk Chair by Max Pearson for Knoll
By Max Pearson, Knoll
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A desk chair with the original channel-stitched upholstery, on an X-form caster base.
Upholstery
1950s Harry Bertoia for Knoll Associates Slatted Oak Bench w/ Base, Model 400
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
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
2018 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Dining Arm Chairs in Purple Velvet
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
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
George Nakashima N19 Side Chair for Knoll, Walnut, Mid-Century Modern
By Knoll, George Nakashima
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by master craftsman George Nakashima for Knoll in 1946, the N19 chair was intended as a mass-produced counterpoint to the Nakashima Studio’s popular “Straight Chair...
Walnut
$950 / item
13 jens Risom Side Chairs for Knoll
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the Knoll Risom Side Chair - A Timeless Icon of Modern Design! The Knoll Risom Side Chair is a true testament to the enduring legacy of modern furniture design. Created ...
Cotton, Wood
Mid Century Sofa Bastiano by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Knoll, around 1960
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Knoll
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
1960s Florence Knoll Armless Slipper Lounge Chair in Fabric
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Armless Slipper Lounge Chair, Model 51, originally designed by Florence Knoll in 1955. This particular example dates back to the 1960s. The chair is comprised of a solid s...
Steel
$9,000 / set
Set of custom ordered Florence Knoll Benches
By Knoll, Florence 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
Early Saarinen Executive Arm Chairs in Moss Silk Mohair with Walnut Legs, Pair
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
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...
Fabric, Walnut, Wood, Velvet, Upholstery
1960s Wassily Chairs by Marcel Breuer for Gavina / Knoll in Original Canvas
By Marcel Breuer, Gavina, 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
2010s Pair of Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Krefeld Lounge Chairs in Brown Leather
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Krefeld Lounge Chairs, Model 751, initially designed by Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich in 1927. These particular chairs were produced by Knoll in the USA in the ...
Steel
$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
1993 Frank Gehry for Knoll Power Play Lounge Arm Chair in Maple
By Frank Gehry, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Power Play Lounge Chair, originally designed by Frank Gehry for Knoll in 1992. This particular example was produced in the United States and dates to the year 1993. The scu...
Maple
Set of 2 Ettore Sottsass Mandarin Chairs by Knoll - Black + Red Post Modern
By Knoll, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Decatur, GA
Set of two (2) Knoll International "Mandarin" chairs by Ettore Sottsass. Exemplifying Sottsass’s bold postmodern sensibility, these sculptural chairs feature vivid red enameled arms ...
Metal
Set of Four Bentwood Upholstered Armchairs by Bill Stephens for Knoll
By Knoll, Bill Stephens
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
1960s Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Flat Bar Brno Chair in Leather & Bronze Finish
By Knoll, Lilly Reich, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a ‘Brno’ Armchair, model MR50, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe & Lily Reich in 1929. This particular piece was produced by Knoll in the 1960s. The design features a ...
Steel
1980s Pair of Gae Aulenti for Knoll Orsay Dining Arm Chairs with Frame & Leather
By Knoll, Gae Aulenti
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
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Mid Century Womb Chair with Ottoman
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Mid Century Womb Chair with Ottoman The chair measures: 39.25 wide x 35 deep x 35.5 high, with a seat height of 17 inches and arm height/chair clearance of 2...
Metal
Brno Tubular Chairs in Navy Velvet Polished Brass by Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Wilton, CT
The definition of minimalism in a singular design, achieved by the great Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1929; the Brno Flat-Bar Chair is just that. We have edited these contemporary iteration authentic originals in a way that’s never been done before. We have been restoring Brno Tubular Chairs...
Brass, Steel
2010s Pair of Harry Bertoia Wire Bar Stools with Leather Pads with Chrome Frames
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Bertoia Stools, originally designed in 1952 by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. These particular examples date to the 2010s. Their design consists of a welded...
Steel
$12,375 / set
Six Mies van der Rohe Tubular Brno Chairs by Knoll
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
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
$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
$8,500 / item
Gio Ponti Cane Seat Armchair for Knoll International
By Knoll, Gio Ponti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning and rare walnut armchair by Gio Ponti for Knoll International, c.1960s, Italy, is an exquisite example of mid-century craftsmanship. This piece features a modernist and mini...
Cane, Walnut
1960s Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Dining Chair Arm in Beige 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 1960s. Its design features legs of polished tubula...
Steel
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
1963 Pair of Eero Saarinen for Knoll Red Vinyl Armless Executive Dining Chairs
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a pair of armless executive dining / side chairs, designed by Eero Saarinen and produced by Knoll International in 1963. The chairs retain original labels from Met...
Metal
"Culbuto" Armchair by Marc Held for Knoll International, 1960s
By Knoll, Marc Held
Located in bruxelles, BE
High back armchair in black leather with moulded fibreglass shell. The chair can be tipped. Measure: Seat height: 40 cm. Wear due to time and age. For shipping, request us for receiv...
Leather, Fiberglass
Vintage Boho Ettore Sottsass for Knoll Lounge Chairs - A Pair
By Knoll, Ettore Sottsass
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Embrace the iconic design of the late 20th century with this rare pair of vintage lounge chairs, designed by the legendary Ettore Sottsass for Knoll. These chairs embody a distinctiv...
Metal
6 Knoll Saarinen Executive Arm Chairs in Holland & Sherry Navy Velvet, Wood Legs
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Stamford, CT
Eero Saarinen is widely regarded as one of the most important furniture designers of the 20th Century, known for his innovative use of materials and sculptural approach to form. His iconic pieces, such as the Tulip Chair, Womb Chair, and these Executive Chairs continue to embody his design philosophy and are celebrated for their timeless elegance and functional simplicity. We offer a collection of authentic Knoll Saarinen Executive Chairs...
Fabric, Velvet, Wood
Tan Leather Sofa by Richard Schultz for Knoll
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Toledo, OH
This 1970 sofa designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll features a leather cushioned front and back, and was created with modular sections that hang from a ste...
Steel
$1,269Sale Price|50% Off
Hannah & Morrison for Knoll Grey Sling Sofa, 1970s
By Bruce Hannah & Andrew Morrison, Knoll
Located in Rochester, England
Designed by Bruce Hannah and Andrew Ivar Morrison for Knoll, this Sling sofa is a fantastic example of 1970s design. Inspired by sail boats, the Sling sofa features an industrial ...
Fabric
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.