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.
Early MODERNIST Lounge Chair designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll 1940s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early production,, late 1940's iconic modernist club chair designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll A ( Park Ave ). in good, clean, ready to use (original) condition, minor wear consist...
Fabric, Teak, Walnut
$4,000Sale Price / set|27% Off
Pair of Knoll International Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Brno Leather Lounge Chairs
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Wayne, NJ
Pair Of Knoll International Mies Van Der Rohe Brno leather lounge chairs from 1971 If you are in the New Jersey , New York City Metro Area , please contac...
Leather
Four (4) NIB Cesca Bar Stools Marcel Breuer Knoll Chromed Steel Upholstery
By Knoll, Marcel Breuer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
At the Bauhaus, Marcel Breuer married traditional craftsmanship with industrial methods and materials to help make tubular steel furniture an international sensation and a modern institution. Marcel Breuer was also the designer of the iconic Wassily chair and the Breuer Building, which now houses the Whitney Museum of American Art in the heart of NYC. This brand new set is in the super elegant "Caviar Hourglass" upholstery, and have never been used. These chairs are new in box, and have been priced near the first-party Knoll price. However, we can offer discounted and faster shipping, and are willing to reasonably negotiate. At this time, we have a total of 8 stools...
Steel, Chrome
Vintage Settee by Warren Platner for Knoll
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage wire frame settee in original green fabric designed by Warren Planter for Knoll. Designed in 1966, this sofa exemplifies Platner’s visionary approach to blending form and fun...
Steel
Set of 4 Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll Brno Chairs in Cato Upholstery 60 available
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Hudson, NY
Set of 4 Knoll Brno chairs designed by Mies Van der Rohe. These chairs are upholstered in Knoll's Cato upholstery. Color is 'natural'- which reads as a pale oatmeal color. These chai...
Steel
Pr. Vintage Saarinen for Knoll Executive Chairs c. 1960/70's
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in New York, NY
Pair of iconic Mid Century architectural design, from recognized master of the genre, Eero Saarinen. The Executive Arm Chair is considered to be one of the most important pieces to ...
Steel
$6,000 / set
Mies Van Der Rohe Calfskin Brno Chairs Set of 4
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Saint Louis, US
A set of 4 Mies Van der Rohe Brno chairs fully reupholstered in a California alabaster cowhide. The intelligent creative eye of Van der Rohe makes the chairs appear as if they are floating in thin air...
Stainless Steel
Frank Gehry Power Play Chair and Ottoman for Knoll, Signed, Great Condition
By Frank Gehry, Knoll
Located in Kansas City, MO
Power play chair and ottoman designed by Frank Gehry for Knoll in very close to new condition. There are no chips, cracks or repairs to the wood slats...
Maple
Model 71 Dining Chair in Mohair Velvet by Eero Saarinen for Knoll, USA 1960s
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in GORINCHEM, NL
A confident presence, and unmistakably Saarinen, this Model 71 dining chair embodies over seventy years of refined design thinking, where comfort, elegance, and innovation converge i...
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Slipper Lounge Chair by Jens Risom for Knoll
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in San Diego, CA
A classic strapped slipper lounge chair designed by Jens Risom and produced by Knoll Studio. The chair features blonde wood framing with dark gray straps. Very clean and ready to use...
Wood
Black Leather Eero Saarinen for Knoll Womb Chair and Ottoman
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful black leather Eero Saarinen for Knoll Womb Chair and Ottoman. Both pieces retain their original labels. The chairs have seen very light use. There are some creases to the...
Steel
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Barcelona chair for Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Austin, TX
An authentic 21st century Barcelona Chair by Knoll, originally designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. This iconic modernist lounge chair features the classic hand-tufted leather cushi...
Steel
Barcelona lounge chairs by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll International (Signed)
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Argelato, BO
Early edition Barcelona chairs in black leather, Mies van der Rohe, Knoll International Originally designed in 1926 for the International Exposition, the Barcelona chair was recon...
Metal
$925Sale Price / item|50% Off
Saarinen Executive Armchair in Original Black Leather, Steel Tubular Legs
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Wilton, CT
Manufactured by Knoll Furniture, the mid-century classic vintage Eero Saarinen Executive Armchair in its original black leather and chromed steel tubular legs. We have more chairs av...
Chrome
Saarinen Executive Armchairs in Velvet, Swivel Base, Gold Edition, Set of 6
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Wilton, CT
The next generation of Eero Saarinen's famed executive chairs have arrived, 100% authentic Eero Saarinen for Knoll executive chairs completely restored ground-up with an extra touch ...
Steel
Classic early / original Florence Knoll 3-seat sofa. electric blue velvet.
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic early original Florence Knoll 3-seat sofa.upholstered in electric blue velvet. Amazing original condition,Extremely comfortable,, Superior quality and construction,, Retains...
Steel, Chrome
$6,000 / set
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Tulip Chairs
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
Great looking pair of armed tulip chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll. Practically brand new, very light use.
Aluminum
Saarinen Executive Armchair in Saddle Leather, Swivel Base
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Wilton, CT
We have been restoring Saarinen executive chairs for years in every fabric one can imagine, right in our very own workroom. We’ve restored these chairs using a supple Italian Leather...
Metal
Vintage Leather Butterfly Chair by Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy for Knoll
By Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy, Knoll
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural Butterfly Chair, designed by Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy for Knoll, American, circa 1960s. This example retains it's dark chocolate brown leather sling and the black iron base ha...
Iron
$2,370Sale Price|20% Off
Very rare and early Richard Stein Sofa / Daybed for Knoll
By Knoll, Richard Stein
Located in Munich, DE
All original. can be converted to a bed.
Fabric
Bauhaus MR 20 Black Leather Arm Chairs by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, 1979
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Detroit, MI
This pair of vintage Bauhaus Mies van der Rohe MR 20 black leather cantilever arm chairs were made by Knoll in 1979. The MR chair was designed by modernist architect Ludwig Mies van ...
Steel, Chrome
$13,600Sale Price|24% Off
Buffalo Leather Sofa by Robert and Trix Haussmann for Knoll, c. 1988, Signed
By Robert and Trix Haussmann, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This phenomenal buffalo leather three-seat sofa is by Robert and Trix Haussmann for Knoll International (designed in 1988) and signed with Knoll decking fabric and Knoll Made in Ital...
Aluminum
$3,500Sale Price|30% Off
8 Max Pearson for Knoll Mid-Century Modern Red Tulip Swivel Dining Office Chairs
By Max Pearson, Knoll
Located in Dayton, OH
8 Max Pearson for Knoll International red wool upholstered rolling swivel chairs, circa 1960s. Great for conference table or dining use. Tulip shaped padded seats over steel swivel r...
Steel
$5,195 / set
Knoll Mid Century Hat Trick Chairs - Set of 4
By Knoll
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Knoll Mid Century Hat Trick Chairs - Set of 4 Each chair measures: 19.75 wide x 21 deep x 34 inches high, with a seat height/chair clearance of 18 inches Fair Vintage Condition - C...
Wood
Joe D'Urso for Knoll Pair of Swivel Club Lounge Chairs in Deep Blue Wool Blend
By Joe D'Urso, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
One of Joe D'Urso's most iconic designs, this pair of chairs was produced in by Knoll. This pair forgoes the 'return to center' feature in favor of the more practical height adjustm...
Aluminum
Single Jamaica Swivel Bar Stool by Pepe Cortes for Amat Spain
By Amat-3, Knoll, Pepe Cortés
Located in San Diego, CA
The Jamaica Swivel Stool from Amat brings an ultra-modern aesthetic to your living space. It was designed by Pepe Cortes. This stool boasts swivel capabilities that allow you to rest...
Chrome
Mid Century Sofa Bastiano by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Knoll, around 1960
By Knoll, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Berlin, DE
This iconic Bastiano sofa, designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Knoll around 1960, is a masterful expression of Italian Mid-Century modern design. Defined by its bold architectura...
Fabric, Upholstery, Ash, Lacquer
Mid-Century Slat Bench by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Wonderful mid-century slat bench or coffee table by Harry Bertoia for Knoll, 1950s. Stained ash. Early original Bowtie Label (Knoll Associates) that predates Knoll International. Has...
Steel
1970s Minimalist Charles Pfister for Knoll Chair & Ottoman Off White Upholstery
By Knoll, Charles Pfister
Located in St. Louis, MO
An original lounge / club chair with rarely seen ottoman, originally design in 1971 by Charles Pfister for Knoll. Elegant lines, beautifully proportioned with a minimal footprint, a ...
Upholstery, Foam, Down
Jens Risom, Lounge Chair, Maple, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in High Point, NC
A white fabric and maple lounge chair designed by Jens Risom and produced by Knoll, USA, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 31.0"H x 24.0"W x ...
Fabric, Maple
$25,200Sale Price / set|21% Off
Robert Venturi Post-Modern 'Chippendale' Chairs for Knoll International, c. 1985
By Robert Venturi, Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare and sought after set of collectors chairs is called the 'Chippendale' chair by Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown for Knoll International, circa 1985 featuring a black c...
Leather, Laminate, Plywood
Set of 8 Saarinen Executive chairs by Eero Saarinen – Knoll International
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Uccle, BE
Set of 8 “Saarinen Executive” armchairs with tubular legs. Cognac-colored leather cover. This armchair with ample shapes offers excellent comfort. Featured in many interiors, Eero Saarinen’s chair...
Leather
Mid-Century Armless Sofa by Florence Knoll, Black Leather, 1950s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century (Knoll style) armless black leather 3-seat sofa with chrome steel base and classic button-tufted leather seat & back Light wear, consistent with use.
Steel
Model 71 Dining Chair in La Toile du Peintre by Eero Saarinen, USA 1960s
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in GORINCHEM, NL
A confident presence, and unmistakably Saarinen, this Model 71 dining chair embodies over seventy years of refined design thinking, where comfort, elegance, and innovation converge i...
Steel, Chrome
$4,513Sale Price / set|33% Off
Bauhaus Style Set of 4 Spoleto Chairs by Ufficio Tecnico for Knoll International
By Knoll
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Ufficio Tecnico, Knoll’s own team of engineers and designers, created this cantilevered tubular metal chair in 1971 and called it the Spoleto. The ...
Steel
Pair of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll MR10 Chairs 1970 c.
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll MR10 Chairs 1970 c. A striking pair of MR10 cantilever chairs designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Originally de...
Stainless Steel
Knoll Marble Dining Table With 5 Chairs by Eero Saarinen, 1960s
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Magnificent and fully original Tulip dining set designed by Eero Saarinen. It is produced by Knoll International in the 1960s. The set consists of 5 original tulip chairs and the o...
Carrara Marble, Metal
$1,920Sale Price / set|86% Off
Eero Saarinen Dining Chairs Model 72 by Knoll 1960s - Set of 10
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Esperance, NY
For sale is this monumental lot of 10 1960s Eero Saarinen Dining Chairs Model 72 by Knoll. The chairs are constructed with a steel base and a fiberglass backrest. The chairs are black.
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Swivel Desk Chair by Andrew Morrison & Bruce Hannah for Knoll
By Bruce Hannah & Andrew Morrison, Knoll
Located in Lafayette, IN
Arguably one of the most elegant desk chair designs from the mid-century era, this Morrison/Hannah design for Knoll Studios is utilitarian sculpture at its best. Chair features a cur...
Aluminum, Chrome
Saarinen Executive Armless Chairs in Cognac & Créme Velvet, Walnut Legs
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Stamford, CT
Eero Saarinen’s design career, though tragically short, left an indelible mark on the worlds of furniture and architecture. His visionary work was far ahead of its time, driven by an...
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Wood, Walnut
Warren Platner for Knoll Mid Century Easy Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Warren Platner for Knoll Mid Century Easy Lounge Chair and Ottoman The chair measures: 40.25 wide x 36 deep x 39.25 high, with a seat height of 16.5 inches and arm height/chair clea...
Steel
Harry Bertoia Leather Bench for Knoll, Chrome Frame, Mid-Century, 72
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century rectangular bench with a two section chocolate brown leather upholstered seat resting on a square chrome tube frame. (HARRY BERTOIA FOR KNOLL ASSOCIATES).
Metal, Chrome
Model 71 Dining Chair by Eero Saarinen for Knoll in Pink. USA 1960s, Set of 2
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in GORINCHEM, NL
A confident presence, and unmistakably Saarinen, this set of two Model 71 dining chairs embodies over seventy years of refined design thinking, where comfort, elegance, and innovatio...
Steel, Chrome
Pair of Wassily Chairs by Knoll in Brown Leather and Chrome
By Marcel Breuer, Knoll
Located in Toledo, OH
Pair of Wassily sling armchairs by Knoll in brown leather and chrome. The Wassily Chair, also known as the Model B3 chair, was designed by Marcel Breuer in 1925–1926 while he was the...
Chrome
Early Ralph Rapson Rocker with Leather Webbing
By Knoll, Ralph Rapson
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
This is a rare first year production from HG Knoll Associates of a stunning rocking chair designed by Ralph Rapson. It boasts a solid birch frame with original woven leather webbing...
Leather, Birch
$1,470Sale Price / item|30% Off
Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Brno Flat Bar Armchair 255 AC, Black Leather, Italy
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Brno Flat Bar Armchair 255AC, Black Leather with armpads (original design). The Tugendhat House, often considered to b...
Stainless Steel
$5,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Frank Ghery Hat Trick Arm Chairs for Knoll
By Frank Gehry, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Frank Ghery hat trick arm chairs for Knoll, bentwood furniture inspired by the simple bushel basket. Gehry quotes:"These come out of m...
Maple
Armless Executive Chairs with Wood Base by Eero Saarinen for Knoll Associates
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1960s. USA. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Original fabric, bentwood leg construction.
Fabric, Bentwood
MR Armless Lounge Chair by Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. USA. Upholstered seat pad with chrome frame. Signed.
Chrome
Set of Two Eero Saarinen Model 151 Tulip Armchairs
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Vienna, AT
Pair of armchairs 'Tulip', model 151, design Eero Saarinen, 1955-1956. Early production, probably 1960s. White lacquered molded fiberglass and seat with wool cover. Produced by Knoll...
Aluminum
Restored Knoll Butterfly Chair, Carmel Latigo Leather, White Iron Frame c.1950s
By Knoll
Located in Oakland, CA
Knoll Butterfly chair c.1950s in a Carmel colored latigo leather that has been hand crafted and reinforced with copper rivets. The iron frame has been resprayed in a soft white as pe...
Iron
1960s Knoll Warren Platner Easy Chairs in Sheepskin, Pair
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Raleigh, NC
Pair of Warren Platner Easy Chairs produced by Knoll in the 1960s, featuring the designer's signature wire rod base construction. Hundreds of steel rods are welded to circular frame...
Steel, Chrome
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Mid Century Bentwood Executive Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Mid Century Bentwood Executive Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each chair measures: 21.75 wide x 20.5 deep x 31.25 inches high, with a seat height/chair clearance o...
Upholstery, Bentwood
Vintage Harry Bertoia for Knoll Bird Lounge Chair with Ottoman, Labeled, 1960s
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage Harry Bertoia for Knoll Bird Lounge chair with ottoman, Labeled, 1960s, Original Upholstery Originally designed in 1952, these ergonomic lounge chairs...
Metal
$3,840Sale Price / set|20% Off
Vintage Pair of Black Bird Lounge Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll Associates
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid Century Modern Pair of 'Bird' Wire Lounge Chairs designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll Associates, circa 1960's. This iconic space age set is structurally supported by welded stee...
Steel
Bacelona Daybed, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll, Early 2000s
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Barcelona daybed, design Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, manufactured by Knoll, Early 2000s. Mahogany frame, leather upholstery. Steel legs. Marked. Good vintage condition, minor patina co...
Steel
Pair of Mies Brno Side office dining Chairs for Knoll
By Knoll
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Mies Brno chairs for Knoll.
Chrome
Florence Knoll Sofa. Expertly redone in Charcoal Robert Allen Chenille Fabric.
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Kansas City, MO
Armless Florence Knoll parallel bar sofa expertly reupholstered in Robert Allen Chenille fabric. Charcoal gray. Beautiful and comforta...
Steel, Chrome
Knoll Postmodern Black Lacquered Ricchio Dining Chairs, Set of Eight
By Knoll
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of eight iconic Postmodern dining chairs By Joseph and Linda Ricchio for Knoll USA, Circa Early 21st Century (originally designed in 1990) Black lacquered maple...
Upholstery, Maple, Lacquer
Florence Knoll - Vintage Sofa Knoll International, Mid-Century Modern 1954
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Vintage sofa by Florence Knoll, designed in 1954 for Knoll International – a true icon of modernist furniture and architectural elegance. With its clean lines, balanced proportions, ...
Steel, Chrome
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.