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.
$4,800 / item
Swiveling Armchair by Eero Saarinen for Knoll
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Mid-Century Modern sculptural swiveling armchair designed by Eero Saarinen featuring a cruciform chromed steel base with casters. The seat retains its original textured wool uphols...
Stainless Steel
Knoll Saarinen Executive Arm Chair in Original Ink Blue Leather, Swivel Base
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Stamford, CT
Eero Saarinen’s design career was both wildly iconic yet sadly short-lived. His work in furniture design and architecture was centuries ahead of its time and quite possibly only achi...
Steel
Modernist Classic Marcel Breuer Chaise Longue "Isokon" 1970s
By Knoll, Marcel Breuer
Located in Renens, CH
The Isokon Chaise Longue was originally created by Marcel Breuer during the late 1930s from his refuge in England, for the British firm Isokon. It was later produced under license by...
Plywood
Saarinen Executive Arm Chairs in Schumacher Fabric, Leather, & Walnut, Set of 6
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
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
Tan Leather Sofa by Richard Schultz for Knoll
By Richard Schultz, Knoll
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
Vintage Warren Platner Bronze Dining Chairs for Knoll - Set of Four
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Set of four bronze wire frame upholstered dining chairs in original burnt orange and red fabric. Designer: Warren Platner Manufacturer: Knoll International Year: 1960s Origin: US...
Bronze
2015 Pair of Eero Saarinen for Knoll Armless Executive Dining Chair Red Fabric
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Saarinen Executive Side Chairs, originally designed by Eero Saarinen in 1957. These particular examples were produced by Knoll in the USA in 2015. The chairs featur...
Steel
1971 Bill Stephens for Knoll 1300 Series Dining Chair in Blue Fabric and Walnut
By Bill Stephens, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is of 1300 Series Dining Chair, originally designed by Bill Stephens for Knoll in the late 1960s. This particular example dates back to the year 1970. The frame and legs are com...
Walnut, Fabric
Knoll Two Seater Relax Sofa
By Knoll, Florence 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
Original Knoll Brigadier Dreisitzer Leder weiß Cini Boeri 1980
By Knoll, Cini Boeri
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes, weißes Dreisitzer Sofa (Modell: Brigadier) von Knoll aus den 1980er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Ciri Boeri, einer der einflussreichste...
Leather, Wood
2010s Set of Four Don Chadwick Spark Lounge Stacking Chairs in Lime Green
By Knoll, Don Chadwick
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of four Spark Lounge Stacking Chairs, originally designed by Don Chadwick in 2009. These particular examples were produced in the 2010s. They are comprised of a polypro...
Steel
1996 Richard Sapper Management Desk Chair in Grey Leather with Pneumatic Base
By Knoll, Richard Sapper
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Management Desk Chair designed by Richard Sapper, originally introduced for Knoll in 1979. This particular example dates to 1996. It features grey leather upholstery with a...
Aluminum
Knoll Saarinen Executive Arm Chairs in Bouclé & Terracotta Accents, Set of 6
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
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
2014 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Desk Arm Chair in Peach Fabric 5x Available
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Saarinen Executive Arm Chair with Swivel Base, originally designed in 1957 by Eero Saarinen and produced by Knoll. These particular examples were produced in 2014. The desi...
Steel
Pair of 1980s "East Side" Club Lounge Chair by Ettore Sottsass and Knoll
By Knoll, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Paris, France
This rare pair of tricolor "Eastside model" club armchairs was created by designer Ettore Sottsass for Knoll International. Its structure in gray steel tube and its soft leather cove...
Metal, Aluminum
1960s Pair of Eero Saarinen for Knoll Full-Back Executive Arm Chairs
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a rare pair of Saarinen Executive Chairs, Model 68 UPC, originally designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll in 1950. These examples date to the 1960s. The listed price includes th...
Steel
1974 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Upholstered Rolling Office Desk Chair in Tan Vinyl
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
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
Saarinen Executive Armchairs in Velvet, Swivel Base, Gold Edition, Set of 6
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
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
Eero Saarinen Executive Chairs Mid Century Modern Furniture
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
One of the greatest chairs ever designed, the Eero Saarinen executive arm chair, adds a timeless elegance to any home. This iconic piece is not only comfortable and stylish but also ...
Metal
2008 Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Krefeld Gray Fabric Lounge Chair 2x Available
By Lilly Reich, Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Krefeld Lounge Chairs, Model 751, initially designed by Mies van der Rohe and Lily Reich in 1927. These particular chairs were produced by Knoll in the USA in 2008, and the...
Steel
2019 Marcel Breuer for Knoll Cesca Armless Side Chair in Blue and Fabric
By Knoll, Marcel Breuer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an armless Cesca side chair, model 51C, originally designed by Marcel Breuer in 1928. The listed price includes one 51C chair, and we have seven available for individual purc...
Steel, Chrome
Original Knoll Brigadier Zweisitzer Leder schwarz Cini Boeri 1980
By Knoll, Cini Boeri
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Zweisitzer Sofa von Knoll aus den 1980er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Ciri Boeri, einer der einflussreichsten Möbeldesignerinnen des 20....
Leather, Wood
2005 Harry Bertoia for Knoll Diamond Lounge Chairs in w/ Blue Seat Pads
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are classic Bertoia Diamond Chairs, Model 421, initially designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll in 1952. These particular examples date to 2005. The listed price includes one chai...
Steel
2011 Set of Four Eero Saarinen for Knoll Armless Executive Side / Dining Chairs
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of four Saarinen Executive Armless Side Chairs, Model 72C, originally designed by Eero Saarinen in 1957. These particular examples were produced by Knoll in the USA dur...
Steel
Mid Century Jens Risom Knoll Side Dining Room Chairs Model 666
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Baltimore, MD
Spectacular set of 10 beautifully, ebonized, dining room chairs model "666" of the "600" a model introduced by Knoll Associates in 1941, by iconic designer Jens Risom for Knoll manuf...
Wood
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
Pair of Warren Platner for Knoll Easy Chairs in Holly Hunt White Boucle'
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Dallas, TX
Discover the epitome of mid-century modern elegance with this pair of iconic Warren Platner Easy Chairs for Knoll, now reupholstered in luxurious Holly Hunt white boucle'. Our dedica...
Nickel
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
Ultra Rare 30th Knoll Anniversary Limited Edition Barcelona Chair No 27/100
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Aachen, NW
This very rare Barcelona chair and ottoman were designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1929 and produced by Knoll International in 1981 for the 30th anniversary of Knoll International. The...
Stainless Steel
1950s Set of Four Eero Saarinen for Knoll Armless Executive Side Chairs w/ Legs
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of four Saarinen Executive Chairs, model 72C, originally designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International in 1950. The set was produced in the USA at around the same t...
Fiberglass, Walnut, Upholstery, Foam
Single Brno Armchair in Tubular Chrome Designed by Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful single armchair chrome piping and original fabric by Knoll nice and clean condition elegant and simple design. with light marks overall very clean.
Chrome
Warren Platner Easy Lounge Chair for Knoll, 1980s
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Aachen, NW
Early Easy Lounge chair by Warren Platner for Knoll. The groundbreaking Easy chair was designed in the 1960s by Warren Platner and produced by Knoll in the early 1980s. This mid-ce...
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern Executive Armchair by Eero Saarinen in Citron Wool
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in München, Bavaria
Dimensions: approx. 73 × 60 × 80 × 46 cm (28.7 × 23.6 × 31.5 × 18.1 in) (Width × Depth × Height, Seat height) Iconic Executive Chair designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll Internationa...
Steel
Knoll Intenational Barcelona Sessel Mies van der Rohe schwarz 2
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen von insgesamt zwei wunderschönen Barcelona Sesseln von Knoll International aus den 1970er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Die Polsterung wurde im Jahr 2000 erneuert. Die Rahm...
Steel
Set of Three Harry Bertoia Barstools for Knoll, Signed & New in Original Boxes
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Enhance your home or office space with this exquisite set of three Harry Bertoia barstools for Knoll. Crafted with impeccable attention to deta...
Steel
2012 Florence Knoll 3 Seat Leather Sofa w/ Custom Leather
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a classic Three Seat Sofa designed by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll in 2012. The sofa was custom ordered for the executive suite of a corporate office in New York City...
Steel
$9,500 / set
Pair of Barstools by Horst Brüning for Knoll
By Horst Bruning, Knoll
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair of split beam steel bar stools with black leather seats.
Steel
1947 Pair of George Nakashima for Knoll N19 Straight Chairs in Natural Birch
By Knoll, George Nakashima
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a gorgeous pair of early George Nakashima for Knoll N19 birch straight chairs, produced by Knoll Associates. This chair appears to be natural birch. It shows some ...
Birch
1980s Trix & Robert Haussmann for Knoll Tan Brown Saddle 2-Seat Sofa
By Knoll, Trix and Robert Haussmann
Located in Dallas, TX
This iconic modern-design of peerless quality is a 2-seat lounge seating sofa designed by Trix and Robert Haussmann and manufactured by the world-renown Furniture House, Knoll Intern...
Upholstery
Knoll Brown Leather Fabricius Sofa
By Preben Fabricius, Knoll
Located in Rochester, England
The Fabricius Sofa embodies timeless luxury and modern sophistication. Designed with meticulous attention to detail and crafted from the finest materials, it is a true statement piec...
Steel
1950s Florence Knoll Parallel Bar System Three Seat Sofa for Reupholstery
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an early Florence Knoll Parallel Bar System Sofa, Model 53, initially designed by Florence Knoll in 1955. This piece was produced in the USA at around the same time. It is a ...
Steel
$2,200 / set
Set of 6 Mid-Century Armchairs
By Knoll, Stendig Co., Bill Stephens
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Four Bill Stephens for Knoll, two Stending Co chairs. All in the same upholstery with bentwood arms. 4 chairs measure 31 1/2" h x 22 3/4" w x 23" d. Seat height 17...
Wood
1973 Florence Knoll International Slipper Lounge Chair Brown/Burnt Orange Fabric
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an original 1973 Florence Knoll for Knoll International slipper lounge chair in burnt orange/brown fabric. This example is beautifully preserved and in honest orig...
Metal
1990s Eero Saarinen Womb Chair and Ottoman in New Cognac Leather Model 70L & 74Y
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original Womb lounge chair and its accompanying ottoman, Model 70L, designed by Eero Saarinen for Florence Knoll in 1948. This example was manufactured by Knoll in the USA...
Steel
1970s Warren Platner Dining Arm Chair in Bronze with Original Fabric Upholstery
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Platner Armchair, Model 1725, designed by Warren Platner for Knoll in 1966. This example dates to the 1970s. The frame of the chair is composed of patinated bronzed-steel, ...
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
2004 Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Brno Thin Pad Dining Arm Chair in Black Leather
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Brno Thin Pad Dining chair, model 245A, initially designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1929. These examples were produced by Knoll in 2004, and the listed price includes on...
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Knoll Rockwell Unscripted Swivel Bar and Low Stool, Set of 2
By Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid-Century Modern Knoll Rockwell unscripted swivel bar and low stool - set of 2 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. Make funky colorful side...
Fabric
1960s Pair of Florence Knoll Parallel Bar Slipper Lounge Chairs in Bask Leather
By Florence Knoll, 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
Brigadier black leather sofa by Cini Boeri, Knoll, 1980s
By Knoll, Cini Boeri
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Knoll Brigadier in black leather is a timeless statement of modern luxury and sophisticated comfort. Featuring premium craftsmanship, sleek lines, and high-quality leather upholstery...
Leather, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Eero Saarinen for Knoll New Executive Swivel Desk Arm Chair
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Stunning authentic mid-century modern Saarinen executive arm chair features a height-adjustable swivel base with weight-adjusted tilt. One of Knoll's most popular designs that achiev...
Aluminum
2024 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Womb Lounge Chair in Red Fabric and Chrome
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
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 2024. The piec...
Steel
1960s Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll International Brown Leather Three Seat Sofa
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a gorgeous Model No. 263 three-seater sofa, designed by Mies Van Der Rohe and produced by Knoll International. These pieces were produced in the late 1960's to ear...
Leather, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Armless Chairs, Set of 4
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Stunning authentic Mid-Century Modern set of four Saarinen executive armless chairs by Knoll. One of Knoll most popular designs that achieved comfort through the shape of its shell. ...
Steel, Chrome
2022 Florence Knoll Three Seat Bench in Dark Brown Leather and Chrome
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Florence Knoll Bench, designed for Knoll in 1954. This bench dates to 2022, and is seemingly pristine (or near pristine). The design incorporates a simple chromed steel fra...
Steel
Rare Early Mid Century Wooden Rocking Chair by Ralph Rapson, 1940s
By Ralph Rapson, Knoll
Located in Detroit, MI
The rare and early wooden rocking chair designed by Ralph Rapson for Knoll is circa 1940. It features original solid birch wood frame with more recent black webbed seat. Ralph Rapson...
Fabric, Wood, Birch
Knoll Ettore Sottsass "Mandarin" Post-modern Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Knoll, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Miami, FL
Knoll Ettore Sottsass "Mandarin" Post-modern Dining Chairs, Set of 6 Offered for sale is a set of 6 Knoll North America Ettore Sottsass "Mandarin" Post-modern Dining Chairs from the...
Metal
2006 Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll Studio Red Leather MR EO7M Lounge Arm Chairs
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a (sold separately) Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll Studio MR arm chair in gorgeous red leather upholstery. These examples came from the e...
Steel
Florence Knoll 51W Lounge Chair, 1955
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Hamburg, PA
SHIPPING COSTS NOT INCLUDED. PLEASE CONFIRM YOUR SHIPPING COST BEFORE PURCHASING. SEE SHIPPING INFORMATION BELOW. Designed by Florence Knoll in 1955 for Knoll Associates, this elega...
Upholstery, Walnut
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.