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.
2005 Richard Sapper for Knoll Executive Side Chairs in Black Leather
By Knoll, Richard Sapper
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Knoll Executive Side Chairs, originally designed by Richard Sapper in 1979. These particular examples were produced during the years 2005 to 2007. They are comprised of a s...
Steel
Vintage Chrome Dining Chairs by Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage set of four chrome dining chairs designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe manufactured by knoll circa 1970s. . These chairs stand out for their floating design due to the chrome ...
Chrome
1990s Heli Three-Seat Sofa by Otto Zapf for Knoll International in Brown Leather
By Knoll, Otto Zapf
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original Heli three-seat sofa, initially designed by Otto Zapf for Knoll International in 1983. This particular piece was produced in Czechoslovakia in the early 1990s, an...
Steel, Aluminum, Enamel
2022 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Child Size Womb Chair in White Leather, Model 70LS
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original Children’s Womb lounge chair, Model 70LS, initially designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll in 1948. This particular example was manufactured by Knoll in the USA ci...
Steel
2021 Pair of Knoll Bertoia Side Chairs in Steel w/ Full Seat Covers in Fabric
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of classic Bertoia side chairs, model 420c, originally designed in 1952 by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. This particular pair dates to 2021. The listed price ...
Steel, Chrome
Otto Zapf Follow Me Sofa, Maple Wood Frame, Mid-Century Modern, 1976
By Otto Zapf, Knoll
Located in bari, IT
Original comfortable Follow Me two-seater sofa maple wood frame and original fabric seats in good condition, designer Otto Zapf for Koll International 1970s production. The seat is slightly reclining Industrial designer Otto Zapf was born into a family of cabinetmakers in 1931 in Rossbach, former Czechoslovakia. In 1945 his family moved to Germany, to Eschborn near Frankfurt, where, discouraged by the dustiness of his father’s carpenter’s studio...
Fabric, Beech
Otto Zapf Follow Me Sofa, Beech Frame, Mid-Century Modern, 1976
By Otto Zapf, Knoll
Located in bari, IT
Original comfortable Follow Me two-seater sofa maple wood frame and original fabric seats in good condition, designer Otto Zapf for Koll International 1970s production. The seat is slightly reclining Industrial designer Otto Zapf was born into a family of cabinetmakers in 1931 in Rossbach, former Czechoslovakia. In 1945 his family moved to Germany, to Eschborn near Frankfurt, where, discouraged by the dustiness of his father’s carpenter’s studio...
Fabric, Beech
2010s Knoll Saarinen Executive Arm Chair in Orange Fabric 1x Available
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Saarinen Executive Arm Chair, Model 71A, designed in 1950 by Eero Saarinen and produced by Knoll. The listed price includes one chair. This particular example was produced ...
Steel
1960s Harry Bertoia for Knoll Small Diamond Chair with Fabric Upholstery
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Bertoia Small Diamond Chair, originally designed by Harry Bertoia in 1952. This particular example was produced by Knoll in the USA in the 1960s. The chair's design is comp...
Steel
Knoll Armless Saarinen Chair with Black Velvet Seat
By Knoll
Located in Wilton, CT
This Eero Saarinen for Knoll plastic-back side chair was reupholstered in black cotton velvet fabric. Perfect for a kitchen, as a desk chair, or a single...
Steel
1980s Set of Six Harry Bertoia for Knoll Dining Side Chairs with Full Cushions
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of six Bertoia Side Chairs, originally designed in 1952 by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. These particular examples date to the 1980s. Their design consists of ...
Steel
Knoll Armless Saarinen Chair Plastic Back in Beaded Silver Leather
By Knoll
Located in Wilton, CT
Out of this world! This white-plastic back Eero Saarinen for Knoll side chair was recently reupholstered in an incredibly supple bea...
Leather, Plastic
2012 Pair of Florence Knoll Lounge Chairs with Custom Leather
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a classic pair of lounge chairs with arms designed by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll in 2012. The chairs were custom ordered for the executive suite of a corporate offi...
Steel
Harry Bertoia for Knoll Bar Stools in Custom Italian Parker Hotel Style Cushions
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Saint Louis, MO
How would you like to show these? Hollywood Regency Palm Springs Parker Hotel? Mid Century Modern Minimalist? Perhaps interchange both. This pair of bar stools came about in 1952 when Italian Sculptor and Furniture Designer Harry Bertoia experimented with bending metal rods to create practical art. Bertoia's bar stool has a filigree appearance that contradicts its strength and durability. In his own words, “If you look at these chairs, they are mainly made of air, like sculpture. Space passes through them.” Made of bent metal frames finished in chrome with bends and curves to support all of yours, these sexy mid century modern bar stools are comfortable. Photographed along with custom made cushions inspired by Norma's Restaurant at the Parker Hotel in Palm Springs, California. Custom Cushions add comfort and a cozy experience while traditional Knoll yellow...
Metal, 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
1960s Pair of Harry Bertoia for Knoll Childs Chairs in White
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Child's Bertoia Side Chairs, originally designed by Harry Bertoia in 1955. These particular examples were produced by Knoll in the USA in the 1960s. The design is c...
Steel
Tulip Dining Chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International, 1970s, Set of 6
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in bruxelles, BE
Set of 4 chairs and 2 armchairs in fibreglass, aluminium and green fabric. The chairs turn but the armchairs do not. Stamped Knoll. Seat height: 47 cm. Armchair width: 67 cm. Wear du...
Aluminum
Pair of Early Bertoia Large/ Wide Diamond Chairs - ALL Original
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
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
"Power Play" Chair by Frank Gehry for Knoll
By Knoll, Frank Gehry
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
"Power Play" Chair designed by Frank Gehry for Knoll. Beautiful and ingenious design of 'woven' of bended wood. This particular chair is manufact...
Bentwood
Knoll Armless Saarinen Plastic-Back Side Chair in ZigZag Fabric
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Wilton, CT
This Eero Saarinen for Knoll plastic-back side chair was reupholstered in a geometric zigzag mutlicolor fabric. We offer this at a set - perfect for a fun kitchen - or as a single ch...
Steel
Longitude Chaise Lounge by Maya Lin for Knoll
By Maya Lin, Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Longitude chaise lounge designed by Maya Lin for Knoll. This chaise is the from the Earth is (not) flat series for Knoll International, 1998. Original...
Metal
Mid Century Modern Knoll Rockwell Unscripted Swivel Bar Stool
By Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid-Century Modern Knoll rockwell unscripted swivel bar stool 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
Pair of Warren Platner for Knoll Easy Chairs in Blue Mohair
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Dallas, TX
Warren Platner's iconic Easy chair for Knoll. We have reupholstered this in a high-quality mohair.
Nickel
Saarinen Exec Armchair in Powder Sky Blue Leather on Polished Nickel Swivel Base
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
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
Easy Lounge Chair by Warren Platner for Knoll International, 1980
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in New York, NY
Model 1715 easy chair, designed by Warren Platner for Knoll. Zinc steel wire rods are bent and welded to form a graceful, sculptural Silhouette. A generously sized lounge chair, the ...
Metal
2010s Eero Saarinen for Knoll Medium Size Womb Lounge Chair in Grey Leather
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a medium-size Womb Lounge Chair, originally designed by Eero Saarinen for Florence Knoll and Knoll Associates in 1948. These particular examples were manufactured by Knoll in...
Steel
Model 245 Chrome and Leather Armchair by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, 1960s
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Milan, IT
245 armchair by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Early edition with original leather and stainless steel frame.
Chrome
1970 Vincent Cafiero for Knoll Dining Arm Chair in Walnut and Red Fabric
By Knoll, Vincent Cafiero
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Cafiero armchair, designed by Vincent Cafiero for Knoll in the late 1950s. It features a frame in stained walnut having arms, and has tomato-red hopsack upholstery with cla...
Fabric, Walnut, Foam
Krefeld Lounge Chair by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stamped midcentury armchair by Knoll. Designed in 1927, the Krefeld chair features the pure composition featured in all of of Mies van der Rohe’s work. T...
Fabric
$4,800 / item
Swiveling Armchair by Eero Saarinen for Knoll
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
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
1960s Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll MR 20 Dining Chair w/ Arms in Hair on Hide
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a vintage MR20 Armchair, originally designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1927. We believe that it was likely produced by Knoll or Thonet in the 1960s. The chair was part of the c...
Steel, Metal
$17,850Sale Price / set|25% Off
Warren Platner Gray Leather 1705 Easy Chair and Ottoman Set of Two, Knoll, 1966
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Warren platner gray leather easy chair and ottoman set of two, Knoll, 1966. Knoll Models 1705L and 1705Y. See final two images for proper dimensions...
Stainless Steel, Nickel
C. 1951 Jens Risom for Knoll Stool 667-W in Maple and Canvas with Label
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Risom Stool, Model 667-W, originally designed by Jens Risom in 1946. This particular example was produced by Knoll in the USA C. 1951. The stools design is comprised of a m...
Maple, Fabric
$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
2003 Knoll Sapper High Back Swivel Office Chair by Richard Sapper in Leather
By Knoll, Richard Sapper
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Sapper Executive Desk chair, originally designed by Richard Sapper for Knoll in 1979. This example dates to 2003. The piece is comprised of ...
Steel
$3,600 / item
Barstool by Harry Bertoia for Knoll & Associates
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A spare and sculptural stool crafted from shaped steel rods retaining the original woven green wool upholstery. Measures: 40.5" tall, seat height 31". Designed by Harry Bertoia in 1...
Steel
2009 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Arm Chair in Striped Fabric Model 71APC
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Saarinen Executive Chair, Model 71 APC, originally designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll in 1950. These particular examples date to 2009, and the listed price includes one ch...
Steel
1990s Pair of Davis Allen Exeter Dining Chairs in Black with Red Fabric
By Davis Allen, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Exeter Dining Arm Chairs, originally designed by Davis Allen for Knoll in 1993. These particular examples date to the 1990s. They are comprised of a wood frame, wit...
Foam, Wood, Fabric
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
1960s Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Barcelona Lounge Chair & Ottoman in Sabrina
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a fully restored Barcelona Lounge Chair and Ottoman, originally designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1929. This particular example was produced by Knoll in the USA and dates to t...
Steel
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
1971 Set of 4 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Side Chairs w/ Edelman Leather Upholstery
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of four Saarinen armless executive side chairs on pedestal bases, originally designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll in 1950. These particular examples are circa 1971 produ...
Steel
Knoll Armless Saarinen Chair White Plastic Back with "Funfetti" Upholstery
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Wilton, CT
This Eero Saarinen for Knoll plastic-back side chair was reupholstered in a super fun mutli-color dot fabric. We offer this at a set - perfect for a fun ...
Textile, Plastic
Brno Black Fabric Tubular Dining Chairs by Knoll, Set of 2
By Knoll
Located in Pasadena, TX
Originally designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1930 for his House in Brno, Czech Republic, the Brno chair remains a design icon. Sleek and simple, these cantilever chairs are upholster...
Fabric
Knoll Mid-Century Modern Eero Saarinen Executive Armless Chairs Black - a Pair
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Stunning, authentic mid-century modern pair of Saarinen executive armless chairs by Knoll. One of Knoll's most popular designs that achieved supreme comfort through the shape of its ...
Steel, Chrome
$6,800 / item
Desk Chair by Max Pearson for Knoll
By Knoll, Max Pearson
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A desk chair with the original channel-stitched upholstery, on an X-form caster base.
Upholstery
2004 Vincent Cafiero for Knoll Black Leather Executive Desk Chair, Model 180SPS.
By Vincent Cafiero, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Cafiero Executive Desk Chairs, Model 180 SPS, designed by Vincent Cafiero for Knoll in 1960. These examples date to 2004. The listed price includes one Cafiero chair, and w...
Enamel, Steel
Brno Flat-Bar Chairs in Dove Velvet, Lunar Gloss 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...
Steel
$2,200 / set
Set of 6 Mid-Century Armchairs
By Stendig Co., Bill Stephens, Knoll
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
Brno Flat-Bar Chairs Velvet, Obsidian Gloss by Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll, 6
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...
Steel
Knoll Armless Saarinen Chair Polka Dot Deluxe
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Wilton, CT
This whimsical Eero Saarinen for Knoll side chair was just reupholstered in our Connecticut workroom. It was completed in a velvet p...
Chrome
2000s Richard Sapper for Knoll Management Desk Chair in Cognac Leather
By Knoll, Richard Sapper
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Sapper Series management desk chair, designed by Richard Sapper in 1979. This particular example was produced by Knoll in the 2000s. This is one of Sapper's most iconic wor...
Steel
Vintage Harry Bertoia for Knoll International Large Chrome Bird Chair
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
Vintage Harry Bertoia for Knoll International Large Chrome Bird Chair Bird chair in chrome with a purple cushion. The chair has a beautiful and elega...
Chrome
2010s Eero Saarinen for Knoll Desk Chairs with Arms 15x Available
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Saarinen Executive Arm Chairs with swivel bases designed in 1957 by Eero Saarinen and produced by Knoll. These particular examples were produced in the 2010s. The design fe...
Steel
2019 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Armless Executive Dining Chair in Red Fabric
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
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 2019. The chair features an upholst...
Steel
1990s Ettore Sottsass for Knoll Mandarin Dining Chairs in Teal w/ Upholstery
By Knoll, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Postmodern “Mandarin” armchair, initially designed by Ettore Sottsass for Knoll in 1986. These examples date to the 1990s, and the listed price includes one chair. We h...
Steel
Chrome Bird Chair by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
Bird chair in chrome. The chair has a beautiful and elegant design with beautiful angles and details. The chair shows some traces of use, like some rusty spots, which can be polished...
Metal
2004 Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Brno Thin Pad Dining Arm Chair in Black Leather
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
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
American modern floral fabric round stool Tulip by Eero Saarinen for Knoll 1970s
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in MIlano, IT
American modern floral fabric round stool Tulip by Eero Saarinen for Knoll 1970s Stool mod. Tulip with a round base. The round seat is padded and covered in damask fabric, with a bei...
Metal
$14,500 / item
Swivel Chair by Vincent Cafiero for Knoll
By Knoll, Vincent Cafiero
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A swivel lounge chair, with the original button-tufted black leather upholstery, on a five-point polished aluminum base. Upholstery required.
Aluminum
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.