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.
Contemporary Modern Marc Krusin for Knoll Krusin Wood Side Dining Armchair
By Marc Krusin, Knoll
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
1975 Pair of Warren Platner for Knoll Lounge Chairs Steel Frame with Red Fabric
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Platner Lounge Chairs, model 1715L, initially designed by Warren Platner for Knoll in 1966. These examples date to 1975, and the listed price includes the pair of c...
Steel, Nickel
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
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
2001 Pair of Raul De Armas for Knoll Arm Chairs in Maple Wood with Grey Fabric
By Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of DeArmas side chairs, originally designed by Raul De Armas in 1991. De Armas was a partner at Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill Architects (SOM) in the interior design d...
Fabric, 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
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
Gray Velvet Lounge Chair by Warren Platner for Knoll International
By Warren Platner, Knoll
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
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
1950 Knoll Risom Side Chair in Maple with Black Webbing, Model 666C-WB
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Risom side chair, Model 666C-WB, designed by Jens Risom for Knoll in 1943. This is an early example, dating to the early 1950s. The design features a lacquered maple frame,...
Steel
2008 Piero Lissoni for Knoll Divina Lounge Chair in Black Pinstripe Fabric
By Knoll, Piero Lissoni
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Divina Lounge Chair, originally designed by Piero Lissoni in 2001. This particular example was produced by Knoll in the United States and dates to the year 2008. This piece...
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
2010s Eero Saarinen for Knoll Armless Executive Side Chair in Pebbled Leather
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 the 2010s. The ch...
Steel
1999 Charles Pfister for Knoll Settee Loveseat from IBM Headquarters Model 1052C
By Knoll, Charles Pfister
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original Tuxedo Love Seat Settee, Model 1052C, designed by Charles Pfister for Knoll in 1971. This example dates to 1999. The piece retains its original upholstery, which ...
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
1980s Pair of Harry Bertoia for Knoll Dining/Side Chairs in White with Red Pads
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Bertoia Side Chairs, designed in 1952 by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. These particular examples date to the 1980s. Their design consists of welded steel r...
Steel
1946 Jen Risom 666 WSP Side Chairs Black Webbing for Knoll Associates Set of Six
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a set of six circa mid 1940s dining chairs designed by Jen Risom and produced by Knoll Associates. The model number is 666 WSP, a model introduced by Knoll Associa...
Wood, Maple
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
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
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
$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
Ettore Sottsass for Knoll Eastside Lounge Chairs Memphis Italy Blue
By Knoll, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a pair of gorgeous and original Ettore Sottsass Eastside lounge chairs, produced by Knoll International. These two lounge chairs came from the American Airlines ex...
Leather, Fabric
2019 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Armless Executive Dining Chair in Green Fabric
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
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
C. 1946 Rare Ralph Rapson for Knoll Associates Dining / Side Arm Chair in Birch
By Knoll, Ralph Rapson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an exceptional early Knoll Associates armchair, designed by Jens Risom. This example has what looks to be a natural maple frame and lovely striped black fabric. Th...
Fabric, Birch
Early Bird Chair & Ottoman Bouclé by Harry Bertoia for Knoll, 1970s
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Aachen, NW
Early Bouclé wool edition Bird chair & ottoman by Harry Bertoia for Knoll. The groundbreaking Bird chair was designed in the 50s by Harry Bertoia and made by Knoll. This mid-century classic supports countless positions and offers a comforting oasis of calm. This edition is a very nice fully restored Bouclé...
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
Diamond Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Brussels, BE
Diamond chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International, 6 available Sold par piece 1200€.
Chrome
C. 2001 Richard Sapper Management Desk Chair in Grey Leather with Tilt Mechanism
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 around 2001. It features grey leather upholstery...
Aluminum
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
C. 2009 Pair of Mies Van Der Rohe Knoll Krefeld Lounge Chairs in Red Leather
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a pair of Krefeld Lounge Chairs produced by Knoll and designed by Mies Van Der Rohe. These chairs were specified in red leather...
Leather, Walnut
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
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
2003 Richard Sapper for Knoll Executive Desk Chair in Grey Leather 2x Available
By Richard Sapper, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Sapper Executive Desk chair, initially designed by Richard Sapper for Knoll in 1979. These examples date to 2003. These pieces are comprised...
Steel
1960s Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Dining Arm Chair in Black Leather
By Ettore Sottsass, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a 1960s executive armchair No. 71 USB designed by Eero Saarinen and produced by Knoll. This particular example retains part of its original 320 Park Avenue label, ...
Chrome
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
1960s Pair of Warren Platner for Knoll Lounge Chairs w/ Grey Kvadrat Fabric
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Platner Lounge Chairs, model 1715L, initially designed by Warren Platner for Knoll in 1966. These particular examples date to the 1960s, and the listed price includ...
Steel, Nickel
1986 Pair of Knoll Mandarin Dining Arm Chairs by Ettore Sottsass in Fabric
By Ettore Sottsass, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of 'Mandarin’ Chairs, designed by Ettore Sottsass and produced by Knoll in 1986. The listed price includes the pair. They have sculptural, black enameled-steel arms,...
Steel
2021 Jehs+Laub Wire Lounge Chair for Knoll Studio in Dark Marine Blue Leather
By Jehs+Laub 1, Knoll
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
1990 Pair of Knoll International New Weissenhof Chairs Trix & Robert Haussmann
By Trix and Robert Haussmann, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Upholstered Club Chairs from 'The Lounge Seating' series, designed by the Swiss husband-and-wife design duo Robert and Trix Haussmann for Knoll International in 198...
Aluminum
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
Barstool by Harry Bertoia for Knoll & Associates, 1952
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A spare and sculptural stool crafted from shaped steel rods, retaining the original red upholstery. Measures: 40.5" tall, seat height 31". Designed by Harry Bertoia in 1952, manufac...
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
1990s Ettore Sottsass Mandarin Dining Chairs in Mint Green w/ Upholstery
By Ettore Sottsass, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Postmodern armchair, initially designed by Ettore Sottsass for Knoll in 1986. These examples date to the 1990s, and the listed price includes one chair. We have three chair...
Steel
2021 Harry Bertoia for Knoll Counter Stool in White with Full Cover
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a classic 2021 production Harry Bertoia for Knoll Counter Stool, Model 426C, originally designed in 1952. The piece is fabricated of a wel...
Steel
2021 Knoll Pilot Low Back Armless Chair by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby
By Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original low-back Pilot lounge chair, designed by the British design duo Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby for Knoll in 2016. This particular example dates to 2021 and has nev...
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
$6,800
Lounge Chair for Knoll
By Knoll
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A dark walnut French polished lounge chair.
Walnut
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 Eero Saarinen for Knoll White and Black Executive Arm Chair
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Stunning authentic mid-century modern Saarinen Executive armchair by Knoll. One of Knoll's most popular designs that achieved supreme comfort through the shape of its shell. It was i...
Steel, Chrome
American Midcentury Black White Metal High Stools by Bertoia for Knoll, 1960s
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in MIlano, IT
American mid-century Black and white metal High stools by Harry Bertoia for Knoll, 1960s Set of 4 high bar stools with seat and back made of a white ...
Metal
C. 1958 Pair of Florence Knoll 84 ULB Lounge Arm Chairs in Fabric and Wood
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an unusual pair of Florence Knoll Armchairs, model 84 ULB, initially designed by Florence Knoll in 1956. We date this pair to C. 1958, and the listed price includes the pair....
Steel
1995 Ettore Sottsass for Knoll Mandarin Dining Chair in Silver Pink Upholstery
By Ettore Sottsass, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Mandarin Chair, designed by Ettore Sottsass for Knoll in 1986. This chair dates to 1995. It has sculptural, silver enameled-steel arms, and has an upholstered seat & back i...
Steel
1993 Ettore Sottsass Mandarin Dining Chairs in Blue w/ Blue Fabric 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
$3,000Sale Price / set|33% Off
Early Set of Four Harry Bertoia Molded Shell Side Chairs for Knoll, Labeled
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Set of four molded shell side chairs designed by Harry Bertoia and manufactured by Knoll. Originally debuted in 1960, this very early set is from 1963 and...
Metal
Price Upon Request
16 Fine Mid-Century Armchairs by De Coene Freres for Knoll International
By De Coene Frères, Knoll
Located in Long Island City, NY
Sixteen fine Belgian solid oak arm chairs by De Coene Freres for Knoll International LTD New-York. To our knowledge, this rare model was commissioned for a project in Belgium. One ch...
Oak
Price Upon Request
Empire Chair in Molded Plywood by Robert Venturi & Denise Scott, 1984
By Knoll, Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown
Located in New York, NY
Empire chair in molded plywood with laminated finish in the "Grandmother" pattern. Designed by Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown for Knoll, USA, 1984.
Plywood
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.