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.
Mies van der Rohe Three-Seat Sofa
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Mies Knoll Production three-seat sofa, reupholstered with Spinneybeck leather aniline dyed hides, tufted seats backs with down and foam filled inside. Rosewood plinth...
Leather, Rosewood
1970s Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Desk or Dining Chair in Hopsack Fabric
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Saarinen Executive Chair, Model 71 USB, originally designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll in 1950. This particular example dates to the 1970s. The listed price includes one ch...
Steel
Orsay Armchairs by Gae Aulenti for Knoll, White Leather, Italy, 1975
By Gae Aulenti, Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of Orsay armchairs by Gae Aulenti for Knoll, 1975. Made of white leather and lacquered steel, these chairs feature a bold, curved design. They remain in their original vintage c...
Steel
1990s Harry Bertoia for Knoll Wire Dining / Side Chair
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Wire Dining Side Chair designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll, originally introduced in 1952. This particular example was produced in the 1990s and features a welded steel wir...
Steel
2015 Pair of Eero Saarinen for Knoll Dining Arm Chairs with Wooden Legs
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Saarinen Executive Armchairs, designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International in 1950. These examples were produced in the USA in 2015. These pieces feature uphol...
Foam, Oak, Fabric
Knoll Associates Couch, Park Avenue, New York, Made in Italy
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Knoll Associates sofa on steel frame. Sofa has been restored with new webbing, foam and upholstery. Label located on the left hand side of sofa. Label is Knoll Associates, 320 Park Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10022. Made in Italy. Upholstered in Knoll textile called Infinite in Sugar (Infinite is a highly usable upholstery and wrapped panel fabric showing continuous circles defined by a fine black outline...
Steel
2012 Florence Knoll 3 Seat Leather Sofa w/ Custom Leather
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a classic Three Seat Sofa designed by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll in 2012. The sofa was custom ordered for the executive suite of a corporate office in New York City...
Steel
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
1978 Harry Bertoia for Knoll Bird Chair and Ottoman w/ Knoll Labels
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A wonderful Harry Bertoia for Knoll Bird chair and ottoman that we had completely redone. The covers have been replaced. The chair and ottoman retain their original Knoll 745 Park Av...
Steel
Early Jens Risom Knoll Associates Armless Settee
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Southampton, NJ
Classic early Knoll Associates sofa designed by Jens Risom in the early 1940s. Solid birch base with sleek angled and tapering legs support a comfortable cantilevered seat with origi...
Upholstery, Birch
$556Sale Price / item|20% Off
Knoll Cesca Armless Cane Chair
By Knoll
Located in Commerce, CA
A Herman Miller Brand! Marcel Breuer's Cesca Chair (1928) by Knoll is a comfortable cantilever design with a poetic blend of materials. Named after his daughter Francesca, the icon...
Steel, Metal
Jens Risom for Knoll Mid Century Lounge Chairs - Pair
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom for Knoll Mid Century Lounge Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 29 wide x 33 deep x 31.5 high, with a seat height of 16.5 and arm height/chair clearance of 23.25 inches ...
Upholstery
Contemporary Modern Richard Sapper for Knoll Sapper Management Ergonomic Chair
By Knoll, Richard Sapper
Located in Secaucus, NJ
The classic Sapper Management Chair for Knoll was introduced in 1979 by the German acclaimed industrial designer Richard Sapper. Ergonomic and very Comfortable design, the chair fra...
Steel
Saarinen for Knoll Executive Chair in Vibrant Red Upholstery c. 1970's
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Saarinen Executive chair in unusual red upholstery, on bright metal legs. This example is in very fine, original, clean and ready to use condition, showing only light cosmetic...
Metal
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
Knoll By Otto Zapf Black Leather chairs, a pair
By Knoll
Located in Wichita, KS
A pair of Otto Zapf for Knoll International black leather lounge chairs, Marked as manufactured in 1988 . These chairs are large in scale and impactful. The plush lounge chairs ...
Leather
Ettore Sottsass “Westside” Living Room Set for Knoll International, 1982
By Knoll, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Ettore Sottsass “Westside” Living Room Set for Knoll International, foam and fabric, Italy, 1982, set of three. The “Westside” collection is an icon...
Fabric, Foam
Bruce Hannah and Andrew Morrison for Knoll Sling Settee Sofa Design, 1970s
By Bruce Hannah & Andrew Morrison, Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
Iconic Knoll sling bench designed by Hannah Morrison, black coated aluminum frame with grey wool upholstery. Some small marks on the frame but in otherwis...
Aluminum, Steel
Warren Platner for Knoll Nickel Finish and Fabric Stool, circa 1980s
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Oakland, CA
Architect Warren Platner designed stool constructed of nickel-plated steel and fabric for Knoll. Hand crafted by Matricola of Italy for Knoll, the frame is resist welded and the plat...
Steel, Nickel
Rare No. 704 Richard Schultz Knoll International Daybed / Sofa
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Munich, DE
Convertible sofa designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll International. The seat pulls forward and up to create a flat and level bed. Wonderful and classic Mid-Century Modern design.
Metal
Set of 6 White Metal Indoor / Outdoor Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Freehold, NJ
This set of mid century modern indoor / outdoor chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll feature white painted metal seats with signature mesh back atop sled legs. Additional set of six ch...
Metal
Forsyth Bespoke Eero Saarinen Womb Chair and Ottoman in Texas Sheepskin
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
A favorite of the Forsyth design team! We have an incredible collection of vintage chairs and design icons waiting for a new life. Our upcycled womb chairs are some of our most p...
Sheepskin
Vintage Florence Knoll Slipper Lounge Chairs Restored in Leather
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautiful set of unique and very high-quality 'slipper chairs' model 51W, an early design by American designer Florence Knoll dates from 1955 and is becoming more rare to find nowa...
Upholstery, Wood
$23,300Sale Price / set|27% Off
Robert Venturi 'Queen Anne' Chair for Knoll International, C. 1985, Signed
By Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown, Robert Venturi, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare and sought after set of four (4) collectors pieces are called the 'Queen Anne' chairs by Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown for Knoll International, circa 1985 and feature a faux olive burl design with tan leather seats. Post-Modern functional art ready to be used as stand-alone collectible sculptures or as chairs. Signed underneath three chairs with Knoll International labels. Please note, the color amongst the 4 chairs are consistent however due to the studio lighting they appear slightly different from chair to chair, this is simply due to the angle and position of the studio photography lights...
Laminate, Plywood
Eero Saarinen Limited Edition ‘Conference’ Armchairs of UNESCO Paris
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Eero Saarinen for Knoll International, limited edition ‘Conference’ armchairs, velvet, coated metal, France, Paris, designed in 1957 This set of armchairs was commissioned by the UN...
Metal
Saarinen Executive Chair for Knoll in Black Vinyl Upholstery
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in New York, NY
Classic Mid Century Executive armchair, designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll, circa 1950/60's. The chair features an upholstered seat, arms and back rest, mounted on steel legs. This...
Steel
$2,240Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 6 Harry Bertoia for Knoll International Black Wire Dining Chairs, 1970s
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This set of six wire dining chairs, designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll, represents one of the most iconic and enduring designs of mid-century modern furniture. Introduced in the ear...
Metal
Set of 4 Mid Century Modern Charles Pollock Knoll Black Leather Executive Chairs
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
Located in Portland, OR
An authentic set of four Mid Century Modern Charles Pollock black leather Executive Arm Chairs, for Knoll International, designed in 1963. This iconic set of four original Pollak ch...
Chrome, Steel
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
Eero Saarinen Limited Edition ‘Conference’ Armchairs of UNESCO Paris
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Eero Saarinen for Knoll International, limited edition ‘Conference’ armchairs, velvet, coated metal, France, Paris, designed in 1957 This pair of armchairs was commissioned by the U...
Metal
Warren Platner for Knoll Mid Century Bronzed Steel Dining Chair
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Warren Platner for Knoll Mid Century Bronze Dining Chair This chair measures: 27.5 wide x 21.5 deep x 29.5 inches high, with a seat height of 15 and arm height/chair clearance of 24...
Steel
Pair of Warren Platner Mid Century Modern Lounge Chairs for Knoll
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic pair of Mid Century Modern Sculptural Lounge Chairs by Warren Platner for Knoll International. An ottoman, listed separately, is also available. This pair of lounge chair...
Steel, Chrome
Pair of Modern Piero Lissoni for Knoll Divina Club Lounge Chairs Black Leather
By Knoll, Piero Lissoni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modern Pre Owned Piero Lissoni for Knoll Divina Club Lounge Chair in Black Leather. Clean lines and exceptional comfort characterize the Divina Lounge Chair from Italy’s Piero Lisson...
Chrome
Eastside Sofa by Ettore Sottsass for Knoll
By Knoll, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. Italy. Upholstered in original leather and reworked with boucle seats and back rests. Metal base.
Leather, Bouclé
"Butterfly" Chair designed by Designed by Jorge Hardoy-Ferrari for Knoll, 1960s
By Knoll, Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy
Located in Antwerp, BE
Original "Butterfly" chair black lacquered metal and original red leather, suede. Designed by Jorge Hardoy-Ferrari. Manufactured from 1947-1975 by Knoll International. An absolute au...
Metal
Mies van der Rohe for Knoll MR Mid Century Rattan and Chrome Chairs - Pair
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Mies van der Rohe for Knoll MR Mid Century Rattan and Chrome Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 22 wide x 33.5 deep x 32.5 high, with a seat ...
Chrome
Frank Gehry Power Play Chair for Knoll, Black Lacquered
By Frank Gehry, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Frank Gehry Power Play chair. Hard maple, black finish. Frame constructed of hard white maple veneer strips. The underside of both piece...
Maple
$1,143Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Black Leather 1960s Eero Saarinen Knoll Executive Armchair
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Basel, BS
A Saarinen Executive Armchair in Black leather with a metal base. This chair is completely original from the 1960's, and beautifully patinated. The leather is conditioned and rock ...
Metal
Warren Platner for Knoll Bronze Finish Lounge Chair, 1960's
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Platner for Knoll Bronzed Steel Lounge Chair. Featuring his classic, 1962 designed, airy vertical Steel Wire rod construction, original Antique Bronze finish, ergonomic bucket seat, ...
Steel
C. 2010 Eero Saarinen Full-Size Womb Chair & Ottoman in Crimson Red Boucle
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original Womb Lounge Chair and Ottoman, originally designed by Eero Saarinen for Florence Knoll and Knoll Associates in 1948. This particular example was manufactured by K...
Steel
Early Pair Harry Bertoia Molded Fiberglass Shell Side Chairs for Knoll, Labeled
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
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
Forsyth Bespoke Eero Saarinen Womb Chair in Australian Sheepskin
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
We have an incredible collection of vintage chairs and design icons waiting for a new life. Our upcylced womb chairs are some of our most popular designs. This womb chair will be made to order with the finest Australian sheepskins...
Sheepskin
$1,700 / set
Mandarin Chairs by Ettore Sottsass for Knoll
By Knoll, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Reupholstered and new foam.
Fabric, Wood
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Mid Century Tulip Armchair Dining Chair
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Mid Century Tulip Armchair Dining Chair This chair measures: 25.75 wide x 24.5 deep x 32.25 inches high, with a seat height of 19.5 and arm height/chair clea...
Upholstery, Fiberglass
Cesca Armchair by Marcel Breuer for Gavina Knoll, Italy – 1970s, Caned, Ebonized
By Knoll, Marcel Breuer
Located in Palm Desert, CA
An iconic Cesca armchair by Marcel Breuer, produced by Gavina for Knoll, Italy, circa 1970s. This stunning chair features newly replaced caning with ebonized beech wood and a sleek c...
Chrome
$1,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Ettore Sottsass “Mandarin” Black Eco Leather Dining Chairs for Knoll, a Pair
By Ettore Sottsass, Knoll
Located in Miami, FL
Memphis Postmodern Mandarin chairs rendered in black lacquered steel frame with black Naugahyde cushioned seats designed by Ettore Sottsass for Knoll.
Steel
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Mid Century Grasshopper Lounge Chairs – Pair and Ottoman
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Mid Century Grasshopper Lounge Chairs – Pair and Ottoman Each chair measures: 30.25 wide x 33 deep x 35.5 high, with a seat height of 16.5 inches and arm hei...
Upholstery, Wood
1970s Richard Schultz for Knoll Adjustable Chaise Lounge Chair 2x Available
By Richard Schultz, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a 1966 Adjustable Chaise Lounge, originally designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll and introduced in 1966 as part of his iconic Leisure Collection. This example was produced i...
Aluminum
$1,016 / item
Vintage Knoll International Armchair – 1980s Design
By Knoll
Located in Hilversum, NL
Experience timeless comfort and style with this luxurious armchair by Knoll International. Featuring a sleek chrome frame, the chair is upholstered in premium beige leather for a sop...
Chrome
Pair of Mid-Century Chrome and White Leather Armchairs
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of chrome Brno chairs with white leather upholstery (MIES VAN DER ROHE FOR KNOLL) (PRICED AS PAIR) Some wear to seats.
Chrome
1990 Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Barcelona Lounge Chair in Tan Leather
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll, Lilly Reich
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Barcelona Lounge Chair, model 250LS, initially designed by Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich in 1929. This example was produced by Knoll in the United States in 1990. It features a solid, hand-polished stainless-steel frame (vs. the more commonly seen chrome-plated editions) and has cushions upholstered in a toffee brown or dark tan leather. The retail price of this chair was over double the cost of a standard chrome Barcelona chair...
Steel
Knoll Florence Relaxed 3-Seater Sofa
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Miami, FL
Offered is a brand new, never used Knoll Florence Relaxed 3-Seater Sofa — an authentic original from the iconic Florence Knoll Collection. This piece reflects Florence Knoll’s design...
Metal, Stainless Steel, Chrome
Eero Saarinen Knoll Mid Century Modern Secretarial Desk Chair Eames' Fabric 50s
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Miami, FL
Mid Century Modern vintage Eero Saarinen Secretarial Swivel Desk Chair, model 76 S produced by Knoll from 1953-1968. The minimalist office desk chair was designed in the 50s and popu...
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Bentwood Executive Dining Chairs - Set of 8
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Mid Century Bentwood Executive Dining Chairs - Set of 8 Each armless chair measures: 22 wide x 21 deep x 31 high, with a seat height of 18.75 inches Each cap...
Upholstery, Bentwood
Butterfly Chair by Knoll, 1960s
By Knoll
Located in Stockholm, SE
Excellent condition. Produced by Knoll.
Leather
Vintage Harry Bertoia for Knoll Bird Lounge Chair with Purple Fabric Upholstery
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
An iconic "Bird Chair" by Harry Bertoia for Knoll. The high back design is a modern statement but also practical by providing additional comfort when lounging. Per Knoll, "The Bird C...
Metal
Eero Saarinen Womb Chair for Knoll Upholstered in Hand Sewn Champagne Alpaca
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Timeless and iconic mid century modern Womb chair designed in 1948 by Eero Saarinen in response to Florence Knoll's request for a comfortable chair that felt like a basket of pillows...
Chrome
Knoll Saarinen Executive Arm Chairs in Schumacher Fabric, Leather, & Walnut
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Stamford, CT
Eero Saarinen is widely regarded as one of the most influential furniture designers of the 20th century, celebrated for his innovative use of materials and sculptural approach to for...
Leather, Fabric, Upholstery, Walnut
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Mid Century Bentwood Executive Dining Chairs - Set of 10
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Mid Century Bentwood Executive Dining Chairs - Set of 10 Each armless chair measures: 22 wide x 21 deep x 31 high, with a seat height of 18.75 inches Each ca...
Upholstery, Bentwood
Warren Platner High Back Easy Chair and Ottoman in Gray Knoll Velvet & Nickel
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
Easy chair and ottoman designed by Warren Platner for Knoll. This set is crafted in polished nickel with the highest grade of Knoll Mohair Velvet upholstery. These chairs were deacc...
Nickel
Florence Knoll, Model 75 Stools, Birch, Iron, Knoll Associates, USA, 1948
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of birch and iron stools, model 75, designed by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll Associates, USA, 1948.
Iron
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.