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.
2000s Set of Three Vico Magistretti for DePadova "Cirene" Armchair Ebonized Wood
By Vico Magistretti, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are a set of three Cirene stackable Ebonized chairs, originally designed by Vico Magistretti in 1999. These particular examples were produced by DePadova for Knoll in Italy. Th...
Steel
1963 Gordon Bunshaft's Personal Mies van der Rohe Flat Bar Brno Chair
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll, Lilly Reich
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Brno Armchair, model MR50, initially designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich in 1929. This particular example was produced by Knoll in 1963. The design feature...
Steel, Chrome
Pair of Florence Knoll for Knoll International Black & Silver Bar Stools
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Mid-Century American bar stools standing on black metal, rectangular legs anchored by a silver metal stretcher with seat upholstered in a neutral tone, salt and pepper weave ...
Fabric
$660Sale Price|40% Off
Eero Saarinen "Tulip" White Stool for Knoll W/ Leopard Print Seat
By Knoll
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Eero Saarinen's iconic white "Tulip" stool, a design synonymous with Knoll, showcases a sleek, steel-cast construction with a white finish. Adding a touch of flair, its seat is uphol...
Steel
2021 David Adjaye for Knoll Washington Prism Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Black
By Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
We present this rare and unusual Washington Prism lounge chair and ottoman, designed by Sir David Adjaye and produced by Knoll. First off, it should be noted that the set is free of ...
Fabric, Acrylic, Wood
Jens Risom for Knoll Mid-Century Modern Striped Upholstered Side Chair
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century Modern slipper / side chair with red, blue, yellow, and beige striped fabric upholstery, resting on an angled blonde wood base with angled and tapered legs. (JENS RISOM F...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
1964 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Tulip Dining Arm Chair with Red Seat
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Saarinen Tulip Pedestal Swivel Armchair, Model 150A, initially designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll in 1956. This particular example dates to 1964, which is dated on the und...
Aluminum
$356Sale Price / item|50% Off
Knoll by Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby Black Piton Swivel Stool
By Knoll
Located in Rochester, England
Originally designed by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby for Knoll in 2015, the Piton stool is a fantastic example of contemporary furniture design. Perfectly balancing style and practi...
Metal
Warren Platner for Knoll big Easy Lounge Chair with Bronzed Finish
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful Warren Platner Big Easy Chair for Knoll. Originally purchased in the 1980's this chair was recently re-upholstered in a pretty Knoll fabric....
Steel
$11,390Sale Price / set|20% Off
Warren Platner Lounge Chairs by Knoll, Vintage 1960s Design, USA
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of Warren Platner lounge chairs for Knoll.
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
$14,500 / item
Swivel Chair by Vincent Cafiero for Knoll
By Vincent Cafiero, Knoll
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
Otto Zapf Follow Me Sofa, Beech Frame, Mid-Century Modern, 1976
By Knoll, Otto Zapf
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
$520Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Post Modern Royal Blue Chrome & Walnut Accent Chair
By Knoll
Located in Madison, WI
Chrome framed Side / accent / lounge / Office chair in the manner of Knoll has walnut armrests & royal blue wool upholstery in good condition. The upholstery could use a good cleaning. Very comfortable Original Mid Century Modern accent chair...
Chrome
Original Florence Knoll Sessel Modell 65a Knoll Intenational
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen Vintage Sessel von Knoll International zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Florence Knoll Bassett und ist bekannt unter der Modellbezeichnung 65a. I...
Steel
Knoll Bulldog Executive Ergonomic Office Desk Chair in Black Leather, Adjustable
By Knoll, Michael McCoy
Located in Secaucus, NJ
The Knoll Bulldog executive desk chair is a classic ergonomic office chair, designed by Dale Fahnstrom and Michael McCoy in 1990 for Knoll. Known for its...
Aluminum, Steel
2022 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Child Size Womb Chair in White Leather, Model 70LS
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
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
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
Pair of Early 1960s Knoll Wassily Lounge Chairs by Marcel Breuer
By Marcel Breuer, Knoll
Located in Portland, OR
Original Knoll stickers intact! Pair of 1960’s Wassily Chairs production by Knoll International. The chairs have the original Knoll stickers and feature a gorgeous patina only achiev...
Chrome
Modern Ross Lovegrove for Knoll Sprite Stacking Armless Dining Chairs- Set of 10
By Knoll, Ross Lovegrove
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Stunning, authentic set of ten Sprite armless stacking dining chairs by Knoll. The Sprite chair, designed by British industrial designer Ross Lovegrove in 2004 for Knoll, is a sleek ...
Steel, Chrome
Warren Platner Easy Lounge Chair for Knoll, 1980s
By Knoll, Warren Platner
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 1980s. This mid-century ...
Aluminum
1963 Pair of Eero Saarinen for Knoll Red Vinyl Armless Executive Dining Chairs
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
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
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
$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
Parallel Bar Sofa, Model 57, by Florence Knol, USA, 1960s.
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sofa Model nº57, "Parallel bar" series, designed by Florence Knoll in 1959 and produced by “Knoll International” during the 1960s. The sofa, two-seater, with arms at both ends, is...
Chrome
Completely Restored Florence Knoll 25 BC Three-Seat Sofa by Wohnbedarf, 1950s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Renens, CH
Three-seat sofa designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International, and produced under license by Wohnbedarf AG, in the early 1950s. The sofa still has the original Wohnbedarf metal shield on the underside, which is in many cases lost after almost 70 years of age. The “25 BC...
Wool
Saarinen Executive Armchair in Black Velvet, Black Powder Coated Legs
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Wilton, CT
The mid-century Classic vintage Eero Saarinen Executive Armchair, manufactured by Knoll Furniture and custom upholstered in a deep 100% cotton Italian Velvet in glamorous Black. All ...
Stainless Steel
2019 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Armless Executive Dining Chair in Green Fabric
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Saarinen Executive Side Chair, originally designed by Eero Saarinen in 1957. These particular examples were produced by Knoll in the USA in 2019. The chairs feature upholst...
Steel
Brno Flat-Bar Chairs in Velvet, Lunar Gloss by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, 10
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
C. 1941 Jens Risom for Knoll Associates Three-Seater Sofa/Settee w/ New Webbing
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a three-seater settee, designed by Jens Risom for Knoll Associates in 1941. The piece has a frame constructed of pine (or possibly birch), and has newly re-done webbed straps...
Copper
Mid-Century Modern Eero Saarinen for Knoll New Executive Swivel Desk Arm Chair
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Stunning authentic mid-century modern Saarinen executive armchair features a height-adjustable swivel base with weight-adjusted tilt. One of Knoll's most popular designs that achieve...
Aluminum
2010s Harry Bertoia for Knoll Bird Lounge Chair & Ottoman in Black, 2x Available
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original Bird lounge chair and coordinating ottoman, Models 423LU/424YU, initially designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll in 1952. These examples of the chairs were produced ...
Steel
2021 Jens Risom for Knoll Risom Side Dining Chair Ebonized Maple & Black Webbing
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single Risom dining chair in ebonized maple with black cotton webbing designed by Jens Risom and produced by Knoll. This example was produced in 2021 and came di...
Ash
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
Brno Flat-Bar Chairs Velvet, Obsidian Gloss by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, 10
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
Modern Ross Lovegrove for Knoll Sprite Armless Stacking Dining Chairs, Set of 12
By Ross Lovegrove, Knoll
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Stunning, authentic set of twelve Sprite armless stacking dining chairs by Knoll. The Sprite chair, designed by British industrial designer Ross Lovegrove in 2004 for Knoll, is a sle...
Steel, Chrome
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
1971 Vincent Cafiero for Knoll Black Leather Rolling Desk Chair 4x Available
By Vincent Cafiero, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Cafiero Executive Desk Chair, Model 187, originally designed by Vincent Cafiero for Knoll in 1960. These examples date to the year 1971. Their design features black tufted ...
Steel
Warren Platner for Knoll Mid Century Easy Lounge Chair
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Warren Platner for Knoll Mid Century Easy Lounge Chair This lounge chair measures: 41.25 wide x 34 deep x 39.5 high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height/chair clearance 21 inche...
Metal, Chrome
Early Pair Harry Bertoia Molded Fiberglass Shell Side Chairs for Knoll, Labeled
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
Matched Pair molded fiberglass shell side chairs designed by Harry Bertoia and manufactured by Knoll. Originally debuted in 1960, this very early set is from 1966 ,Classic modernist ...
Iron
2022 Richard Schultz for Knoll 1966 Collection Lounge Chair w/ Aluminum Frame
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a 1966 Collection Outdoor Lounge Chair, Model 1966-25, originally designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll in 1966. This particular example dates to 2022. The chair is construct...
Aluminum
Warren Platner, Knoll International, Kvadrat Tonus Fabric Stool Bronze Metal
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Authentic stool, designed by Warren Platner in 1966. Recent Knoll edition in red Kvadrat Tonus fabrics and bronze metal structure. Knoll ''K'' fabrics ...
Metal
$1,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
1 Knoll Pollock Executive Swivel Armchair Black Leather
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Pasadena, TX
Knoll Pollock Executive Swivel armchair black leather 1956 Design Charles Pollock’s 1965 executive chair, now considered one of Knoll’s most memorable designs, features a chrome rim that supports the chair both structurally and visually Stainless steel cap over steel armature base on casters or glides. Tufted leather with polyurethane and polyester padding over molded shell...
Leather
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
Rare and Early Jens Risom Stool for Knoll Associates, New York City
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare and early Jens Risom stool for Knoll Associates, New York City. Simple, elegant design. Retains original finish as well as original early oil cloth upholstered top. Also origina...
Upholstery, Birch
1979 Vincent Cafiero for Knoll Leather Rolling Desk Chair Model 187DSBS
By Vincent Cafiero, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Cafiero Executive Desk Chairs, Model 187-DSBS, designed by Vincent Cafiero for Knoll in 1960. These examples date to the 1970s, many of them dated 1979. The listed price in...
Steel
Brno Flat-Bar Chairs in Velvet, Lunar 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
1950s Set of Four Harry Bertoia for Knoll Child Size Side Chair No. 425-N
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of four Child's Bertoia Side Chair with seat cushion, originally designed by Harry Bertoia in 1955. These particular examples were produced by Knoll in the USA in the 1...
Steel
Brno Flat-Bar Chairs in Velvet, Obsidian Gloss by Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
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
Don Albinson Stacking Side Chairs by Knoll Set of 14
By Don Albinson, Knoll
Located in Highland, IN
Important industrial designer Don Albinson, a Cranbrook peer of Charles and Ray Eames, Ralph Rapson, Harry Bertoia and Eero Saarinen worked in the Eames office as head designer for 1...
Aluminum
Brno Flat-Bar Chairs Velvet, Obsidian Gloss by Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll, 6
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
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
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
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
Knoll Armless Saarinen Chair White Plastic Back with "Funfetti" Upholstery
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
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
$3,600 / item
Barstool by Harry Bertoia for Knoll & Associates
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
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
American modern black leather chaise longue by Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll 1970s
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in MIlano, IT
Usa modern black leather and steel chaise longue by Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll, 1970s Chaise longue with padded seat and backrest, upholstered in black leather with black straps on ...
Steel
Knoll Armless Saarinen Chair Polka Dot Deluxe
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
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
2011 Harry Bertoia for Knoll Bar Stools in White, Model 428C, 9x Available
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a classic Bertoia bar stool, model 428C, designed in 1952 by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. These particular examples date to 2011. The listed price includes one bar ...
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
2015 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Armless Executive Side Chair in Hopsack Fabric
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Saarinen Armless Executive Chair, model 72C, designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International in 1950. This particular example was produced in the USA in 2015. The design ...
Steel
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.