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.
American modern black leather chaise longue by Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll 1970s
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
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
1990s Pair of Davis Allen Exeter Dining Chairs in Black with Red Fabric
By Knoll, Davis Allen
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
1979 Vincent Cafiero for Knoll Leather Rolling Desk Chair Model 187DSBS
By Knoll, Vincent Cafiero
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
Gray Velvet Lounge Chair by Warren Platner for Knoll International
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Renens, CH
Originally designed by Warren Platner in 1966 for Knoll International, this design icon consists of steel rods curved and welded to a circular frame. The lounge chair is relativel...
Metal
2002 Trix and Robert Haussmann for Knoll Lounge Chair in Brown Leather
By Knoll, Trix and Robert Haussmann
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Upholstered Club Chair from 'The Lounge Seating' series, designed by the Swiss husband-and-wife design duo Robert and Trix Haussmann for Knoll International in 1988. The c...
Aluminum
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
1990s Heli Three-Seat Sofa by Otto Zapf for Knoll International in Brown Leather
By Otto Zapf, Knoll
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
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
1980s Eero Saarinen for Knoll Womb Lounge Chair w/ Ottoman in Brown Leather
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original Womb lounge chair and its accompanying ottoman, Model 70L, designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll in 1948. This example was manufactured in the USA in the 1980s. The...
Steel
1980s Set of Six Harry Bertoia for Knoll Dining Side Chairs with Full Cushions
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
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
Original Florence Knoll Sessel Modell 65a Knoll Intenational
By Knoll, Florence 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
1960s Pair of Eero Saarinen for Knoll Full-Back Executive Arm Chairs
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
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
BERTOIA Chair, Model 420, Harry Bertoia for Knoll
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Neuss, NW
BERTOIA chair, model 420, designed in 1952 by Harry Bertoia for Knoll. Frame made of wire mesh with a new felt seat cover in yellow. Quality Features: very good workmanship ...
Metal
1952 Franco Albini for Knoll No. 48 Desk / Dining Chair w Arms Walnut and Fabric
By Franco Albini, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an exceptionally rare No. 48 desk/dining chair, designed by Franco Albini and produced by Knoll. This was one of Knoll's earliest designs an...
Fabric, Walnut
Side Chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll, Switzerland, 1970s – Set of 4
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Renens, CH
A set of four original “Pedestal” side chairs designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International. Produced under license in Switzerland during the 1970s, these chairs exemplify Saarin...
Aluminum
2000s Richard Sapper for Knoll Management Desk Chair in Cognac Leather
By Richard Sapper, Knoll
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
1971 Set of 4 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Side Chairs w/ Edelman Leather Upholstery
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
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
1960s Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Arm Desk Chair in Fabric and Bronze Base
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Saarinen Executive Swivel Arm Chair, originally designed by Eero Saarinen in 1957. This particular example was produced by Knoll in the USA circa the 1960s. The chair's des...
Bronze
American modern metal and red fabric chairs by Warren Platner for Knoll, 1970s
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in MIlano, IT
American modern metal and red fabric chairs by Warren Platner for Knoll, 1970s Cockpit chairs with a round base. The structure follows curved and rounded lines and makes up the backr...
Metal
Eero Saarinen Knoll 2020 Executive Side Chair w/ Wood Legs & Ivory Leather
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single 2020 production Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive side chair with ivory leather and ebonized walnut wooden legs. This appears to be Knoll's Volo leather, ...
Wood, Leather
Stool by Harry Bertoia for Knoll Inc, 1970s
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in bruxelles, BE
Black metal stool designed by Harry Bertoia. Seat height 77cm. Wear due to time and age of the stool. For shipping, request us for receive the best price.
Metal
1999 Richard Sapper for Knoll Executive Desk Chair in Leather 12x Available
By Knoll, Richard Sapper
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Sapper Executive Desk chair, initially designed by Richard Sapper for Knoll in 1979. This is one of Sapper's most iconic works, along with t...
Steel
Modern Knoll Open Up Black Leather Ergonomic Chair Designed by Mathias Seiler
By Knoll
Located in Secaucus, NJ
The open up chair is a fully adjustable ergonomic office task chair, feature a sleek modern look with a slim contoured leather seat and a generous reclining ba...
Steel
2008 Knoll Divina Two Seat Sofa/Settee by Piero Lissoni in Volo Leather Model 68
By Knoll, Piero Lissoni
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Divina Two-Seater Settee, designed by Piero Lissoni for Knoll in 2001. This example dates to 2008. The piece is upholstered in a chocolate-brown leather, likely Volo leathe...
Steel
Tulip Stool by Saarinen/Knoll for the Rolex Geneva HQ
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Renens, CH
Knoll Tulip stool designed by Eero Saarinen and produced by Knoll in Switzerland during the 1970s. Re-upholstered in high-quality leather. These stools (we have two more with their ...
Metal
Rare 1960s Eero Saarinen Associates Upholstered Executive Tulip Swivel Armchairs
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Executive desk chairs, designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll Associates in the 1960s. This is a rather rare model, 150UDS. The listed price includes one chair, and we have several available for purchase. They have a four-point cast aluminum base with a white finish and retain their original rubber casters. Some of the chairs also retain their original 320 Park Avenue Knoll...
Aluminum, 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
2021 Jehs+Laub Wire Lounge Chair for Knoll Studio in Dark Marine Blue Leather
By Knoll, Jehs+Laub 1
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a 2021 production Jehs+Laub Wire Lounge Chair designed by Jehs+Laub and produced by Knoll. This is a gorgeous example, which was acquired directly from a Knoll emp...
Leather
1960s Lewis Butler for Knoll 655 Arm Chair in Walnut with Tan Fabric
By Knoll, Lewis Butler for Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a 655 Lounge Chair, originally designed by Lewis Butler in 1955. This particular example was produced by Knoll in the USA in the 1960s. The chair is made of walnut and has cu...
Fabric, Foam, Walnut
$13,440Sale Price / set|45% Off
Warren Platner Grey Leather Easy Chair and Ottoman Set of Three, Knoll, 1966
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Warren platner grey leather easy chair and ottoman set of three, Knoll, 1966. Knoll Models 1705L and 1705Y. Please see last image for proper dimensions. Warren Platner for Knoll gr...
Stainless Steel, Nickel
2010s Set of Four Eero Saarinen for Knoll Tulip Dining Arm Chairs in Grey
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of four Saarinen Pedestal Tulip Armchair, Model 150, initially designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll in 1957. These particular examples were produced in the United States...
Aluminum
1980s Charles Pfister for Knoll Club Chair in Navy Blue Leather, Model 1051C
By Charles Pfister, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Pfister Lounge Chair, model 1051C, originally designed by Charles Pfister in 1971. This example dates to the 1980s. The design features a steel frame with plywood inserts, ...
Steel
1971 Vincent Cafiero for Knoll Black Leather Rolling Desk Chair 4x Available
By Knoll, Vincent Cafiero
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
2021 Pair of Knoll Risom Side Chairs w/ Ebonized Maple Wood Frame, Model 666C-WB
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Risom side chairs, Model 666C-WB, designed by Jens Risom for Knoll in 1943. These examples date to 2021. Their design features an ebonized maple frame, and has blac...
Metal
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
2007 Emilio Ambasz for Knoll Visor Stacking Dining Arm Chair in Black
By Emilio Ambasz, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are 'Visor' Steel and Dining Armchairs, designed by Emilio Ambasz for Knoll in 2002. These examples were produced in 2007. The listed price includes one chair, and we have seve...
Steel
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
Chrome Bird Chair by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
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
Black Eero Saarinen Series 71 Armless Chair for Knoll International
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Original Eero Saarinen executive armless side or dining chair in black wool fabric with chrome legs. Original fabric and foam in very good condition.
Chrome
Set of 4 chairs Harry Bertoia Knoll International 1980s upholstered
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
We are offering for sale a beautiful set of 4 upholstered chairs by Knoll International from the 1980s. The design is by Harry Bertoia and is characterized by its functional elegance...
Fabric
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
$12,500 / item
Lounge Chair by Davis Allen for Knoll
By Knoll, Davis Allen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Mid-Century Modern leather club chair of generous proportion designed by Davis Allen. This chair features a streamlined rectilinear form with the arm level even to the backrest and...
Steel
2015 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Armless Executive Side Chair in Hopsack Fabric
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
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
2010s Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll Krefeld Club Chair with Cognac Leather
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Krefeld Club Chair, originally designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1927. This particular example was produced by Knoll in the 2010s. Upholstered in a rich cognac leathe...
Wood, Leather, Foam
Knoll Mid-Century Modern Eero Saarinen Executive Armless Chairs Black - a Pair
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
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
1960s Pair of Harry Bertoia for Knoll Childs Chairs in White
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
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
$3,100 / set
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Knoll Armchairs
By Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish pair of vintage modern chairs by Knoll International makes the perfect eye catching addition to any modern interior. An extremely co...
Metal, Aluminum
Parallel Bar Sofa, Model 57, by Florence Knol, USA, 1960s.
By Knoll, Florence 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
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
Contemporary Modern Marc Krusin for Knoll Krusin Wood Side Dining Armchair
By Knoll, Marc Krusin
Located in Secaucus, NJ
The Krusin wood dining or side chair is contemporary and very comfortable. Well-constructed frame and steam bent top rail with light and graceful clean lines that are engaging from ...
Fabric, Foam, Hardwood, Oak
1950s Set of Four Harry Bertoia for Knoll Child Size Side Chair No. 425-N
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
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
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
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
Contemporary Pierre Beucler for Knoll Architecture & Associes Residential Settee
By Knoll
Located in Secaucus, NJ
This fabulous Architecture and Associes residential Settee designed by Pierre Beucler and Jean-Christophe Poggioli of Paris-based Architecture and Associes offer a casual comfort wit...
Steel, Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Krefeld Brown Lounge Chair
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Classic and timeless design authentic Krefeld brown leather lounge chair. Mid-Century Modern was originally Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1927 for the Esters and Lange residences in Krefeld, Germany. One of the most popular designs of the 20th century a masterpiece that fits seamlessly into any environment. Classic detailing, clean lines and exceptional comfort make the Krefeld lounge appropriate for residential and commercial use. Specifications: Upholstery: Leather, color brown saddle. Cushions are high-density foam with a Dacron top layer. The seat uses coil-spring suspension for enhanced comfort. The back uses dynamic suspension for added flexibility and support. The inner frame is constructed in engineered hardwood and plywood. Legs are ash hardwood in a medium cherry finish. The seat cushion is reversible. Model: 751 Krefeld lounge chair...
Leather, Fabric, Hardwood, Plywood
Rare Barstool Enameled, Brushed Chrome Steel w/ Upholstered Seats By Knoll, 1960
By Knoll
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A bar or counter stool having a patinated steel frame with a floating satin steel footrest and an upholstered square seat.
Steel
C. 1951 Set of Nine Jens Risom for Knoll 666 Dining Chairs in Walnut with Seats
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of nine American Walnut Armchairs, Model 666, designed by Jens Risom for Knoll Associates in 1942. This set dates to circa 1951, and the listed price includes the set o...
Steel
2022 Florence Knoll Three Seat Bench in Dark Brown Leather and Chrome
By Florence Knoll, 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
Tulip Stool by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International, 1970s
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in bruxelles, BE
Stool stamped Knoll International. Cast aluminium base, Wear due to time and use of the stool. For shipping, request us for receive the best price.
Aluminum
1990s Ettore Sottsass Mandarin Dining Chair in Silver w/ Grey Upholstery
By Ettore Sottsass, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Mandarin Chairs, designed by Ettore Sottsass and produced by Knoll in 1986. The listed price includes one chair, and we have three available for purchase in this colorway. ...
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.