Knoll Armchairs
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.
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Creator: Knoll
Brno Armchair with Chrome Frame, Knoll Style A Midcentury Masterpiece
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Knoll Brno armchair was designed by Meis van der Rohe in 1930 and is celebrated for its lean profile, clean lines and meticulous attention to detail. These chair are a faithful homag...
Category
Late 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Pair of Saarinen Executive Armchairs Knoll Mid-Century Modern
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Enhance your space with this timeless pair of Mid-Century Organic Modern Executive Armchairs by renowned designer Eero Saarinen for Knoll. These iconic chairs feature a classic 4-leg...
Category
1960s American Organic Modern Vintage Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Set Of 6 Armchairs Designed By Warren Platner, 1960's
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Madrid, ES
Set of six armchairs designed by Warren Platner for Knoll, composed of a steel structure with welded rods creating curved shapes and upholstered with bouclé white wool.
Table also a...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Blue Velvet Executive Chair Charles Pollock for Knoll with Height Tension Knob
By Knoll, George Nelson, Charles Pollock
Located in Chattanooga, TN
I don't think there could be a cooler color / fabric combination Pollock chair in existence. The blue velour looks both original and in exceptional condition. The chrome edge band se...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Large Diamond Chair by Harry Bertoia for Knoll, 1970s
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Lasne, BE
Armchair in metal and blue fabric by Harry Bertoia. Large Diamond model. Seat height: 39 cm. Wear due to time and age.
Category
1970s Central American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Metal
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 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Rare Early Eero Saarinen Womb Chair and Ottoman, Knoll, USA, 1950s
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in London, GB
A rare early production Eero Saarinen womb chairsand ottoman, made by Knoll, USA, 1950s. Fibreglass, black enameled steel frames and first edition feet / glides. Newly upholstered i...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Pair Saarinen Knoll Executive Chairs Black Leather Tilt Swivel Height Adjustable
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of contemporary (less than 10years old) Eero Saarinen Executive armchairs, with rolling swivel bases, Tilt and height adjustment seats, in black Volo leather upholstery.
Feat...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Bird Chair by Harry Bertoia for Knoll, 1960s
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Lasne, BE
Black metal chair by Harry Bertoia. Model: Bird. Seat height: 22 cm. Wear due to time and age of the chair.
Category
1960s Central American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Mid Century White & Black Diamond Wire Chair by Bertoia for Knoll
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Detroit, MI
This vintage mid century modern diamond wire lounge chairs designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll is circa 1970. Originally designed by Bertoia in 1952, the industrial material and scul...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Steel, Iron, Wire
Mid Century White Diamond Wire Chairs by Bertoia for Knoll
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Detroit, MI
This set of four vintage mid century modern diamond wire lounge chairs designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll are circa 1970. Originally designed by Bertoia in 1952, the industrial mate...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Steel, Iron, Wire
Pair of 54 L Armchairs by Gae Aulenti for Knoll International, 1970s
By Knoll, Gae Aulenti
Located in Ixelles, Bruxelles
Designer - Gae Aulenti
Producer - Knoll
Model - 54 L Armchairs
Design Period - Seventies
Measurements - Width 70 cm x Depth 61 cm x Height 77 cm x Seat Height 35 cm
Materials - Leat...
Category
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Marcel Breuer Wassily Lounge Chair signed Knoll Studio
By Knoll, Marcel Breuer
Located in Vilnius, LT
Vintage Wassily lounge chair, designed by Marcel Breuer, circa 1925.
Manufacture date 2003 by Knoll Studio.
Stamped Knoll Studio on the frame and labeled.
In black leather, chromed s...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Mid-Century Modern Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Ettore Sottsass, Knoll, Mid-Century Modern, Mandarin Armchairs, Italy, 1990s
By Ettore Sottsass, Knoll
Located in Stamford, CT
Ettore Sottsass, Knoll, Mid-Century Modern, Mandarin Armchairs, Italy, 1990s
Set of five mid-century modern arm chairs designed by Ettore Sottsass for Knoll in Italy, 1986. Featurin...
Category
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Pair of Marcel Breuer Wassily Lounge Chairs signed Knoll Studio
By Knoll, Marcel Breuer
Located in Vilnius, LT
Pair of Wassily lounge chairs designed by Marcel Breuer, circa 1925.
Manufacture date 2003 by Knoll Studio.
Stamped Knoll Studio on the frame and labeled.
In black leather, chromed s...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Mid-Century Modern Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Set of 6 Warren Platners Chairs in cream/beige fabric by Knoll International
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in amstelveen, NL
Warren Platner chairs, set of 6, Knoll International
In 1966, the Platner Collection captured the “decorative, gentle, graceful' shapes that were beginning to infiltrate the modern ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Wool
Gae Aulenti, Set of 3 "Orsay" Armchairs for Knoll International, 1970s
By Knoll, Gae Aulenti
Located in Paris, FR
Nice set of 3 "Orsay" armchairs designed by Gae Aulenti produced by Knoll International in Italy. Circa 1970s.
New upholstery.
Dark brown lacquered metal feet.
Good vintage conditio...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Four Ettore Sottsass Mandarin Chairs for Knoll in Red & Black, 1986 Italy
By Ettore Sottsass, Knoll
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Icon of the Memphis Milano Movement. A set of four Ettore Sottsass Mandarin chairs for Knoll. Black Alcantara upholstery. Arms in red lacquer.
A 1986 design by Ettore Sottsass for K...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Metal, Steel
Eero Saarinen for Knoll 'Executive' Armchair in Beige Creme Fabric and Oak
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Eero Saarinen for Knoll International, dining chair, model 71, oak, fabric, United States, design 1948, later production
An organic shaped chair designed by Eero Saarinen. A fluid, ...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak
Knoll Tulip Dining Set by Eero Saarinen 1960s Large Marble Table Armchairs
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Magnificent fully original tulip dining set designed by Eero Saarinen and produced by Knoll International in the 1960s. The set consists of 6 original marked tulip armchairs and the ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Carrara Marble, Aluminum
Restored Set of (8) Saarinen for Knoll Executive Armchairs with Wood Legs
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Set of eight vintage Saarinen for Knoll executive chairs. These chairs come in variety of iterations, but I think we have a winning combo here. Our group of Saarinen chairs features ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Maple
Warren Platner for Knoll Arm Chairs/ Pair
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Warren Platner for Knoll Pair of Armchairs. In like new condition! Chairs are not even 2 years old! Beautiful chairs in great condition! 1966 Design that still looks current! Ni...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Nickel
Eero Saarinen for Knoll 'Executive' Armchair in Beige Creme Fabric and Oak
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Eero Saarinen for Knoll International, armchair, oak, fabric, United States, design 1948, later production
An organic shaped armchair designed by Eero Saarinen. A fluid, sculptural ...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak
Warren Platner Easy Lounge Chair for Knoll 1966 (Old Edition)
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Argelato, BO
Vintage Warren Platner Easy Chair (Model 1705; aka Easy Lounge Chair)
It is one of the most iconic and representative models of the famous American architect and designer Warren Pl...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Eero Saarinen for Knoll 'Executive' Armchairs in Leather and Oak
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Eero Saarinen for Knoll International, dining chair, model 71, oak, patinated leather, United States, design 1948, later production
An organic shaped pair of chairs designed by Eero...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Oak, Leather
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...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Pair of "Wassily" Armchairs, Breuer (designer) Knoll (Manufacturer), Circa 1980
By Marcel Breuer, Knoll
Located in PARIS, FR
Beautiful pair of “Wassily” model armchairs designed by Marcel Breuer in 1925. These armchairs are in chrome tubes and black leather. Published by Knoll.
Marcel Breuer designed this ...
Category
1980s Hungarian Modern Vintage Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Vintage Mies van der Rohe Armchair Barcelona by Knoll International, 1980's
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Vilnius, LT
Vintage Barcelona Chair designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1920-1949.
The base is in chrome metal and black leather upholstery.
Labeled on the base: Knoll, Knoll International,...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Eero Saarinen for Knoll 'Executive' Chair in Beige Creme Fabric and Oak
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Eero Saarinen for Knoll International, dining chair, oak, fabric, United States, design 1948, later production
An organic shaped chair designed by Eero Saarinen. A fluid, sculptural...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak
1970s Vintage Warren Platner Occasional Chair Knoll Beige Knobby Wool
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Hyattsville, MD
The perfect glamorous vanity chair. Very sculptural wire armchair designed by Warren Platner and produced by Knoll in the 1970s. Dingy original woven knoll knobby wool blend biege ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Superb Brno Armchairs for Knoll in Stainless Steel Not Chrome
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
beautiful set.
These are special order non-magnetic stainless steel frames with a different sheen and slightly different color then the chrome frames. Hand-polished stainless steel ...
Category
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
KNOLL Eero Saarinen Executive Armchairs- Textured Knoll Upholstery 7 available
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Hudson, NY
Executive armchairs designed by Eero Saarinen and manufactured by Knoll. Have original labels as well as Knoll ticking on underside of each chair. These chairs are all in very good o...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Tulip Armchair by Eero Saarinen for Knoll
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A classic piece of modern design combining elegance and functionality, the Knoll tulip armchair was designed by Eero Saarinen in 1957. It feature...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Ettore Sottsass East Side Arm Chair
By Knoll, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Dronten, NL
Iconic East Side arm chair in Royal Blue designed by Ettore Sottsass for Knoll International in 1983.
Postmodern chair with original upholstery in wonderful vintage condition.
The ch...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Vintage Leather Armchairs by Paul Tuttle for Strässle International
By Knoll
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of lounge chairs by Paul Tuttle for Strässle International featuring soft cognac colored leather upholstery and strong and dynamic chrome structures. Each seat sits back to crea...
Category
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Fritz Hansen Kasper Salto Runner Armchairs for Knoll Studios, 2 Pairs Available
By Knoll, Kasper Salto, Fritz Hansen
Located in Miami, FL
Fritz Hansen Kasper Salto Runner Arm Chairs for Knoll Studios, 2 Pairs Available
Offered for sale as pairs with 2 pairs available are Kasper Salto- 1997 designed "Runner" armchairs....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll Brno Chair in Cato Upholstery 60 available
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Hudson, NY
Knoll Brno chair 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 chairs are fro...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Early Womb Chair Designed for Eero Saarinen
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Stamford, CT
A early production womb chair designed by Eero Saarinen. Produced by Knoll starting in 1946 this model was produced in 1952. It re...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Cini Boeri for Knoll 'Brigadiere' Living Room Set in Black Leather
By Knoll, Cini Boeri
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Cini Boeri for Knoll, sofa and armchairs, model 'Brigadiere', leather, lacquered wood, Italy, 1976.
Architectural 'Brigadiere' living room set designed by Italian designer Cini Boe...
Category
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Pair of Frank Gehry for Knoll Maple Hat Trick Chairs
By Knoll, Frank Gehry
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic pair of maple plywood hat trick chairs designed by Frank Gehry for Knoll. Each beautiful chair is signed and dated on bottom. Constructed on 8-7...
Category
20th Century American Post-Modern Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Maple
1960s Pair of Warren Platner for Knoll Dining Arm Chairs with Bronze Frames
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Platner Armchairs, designed by Warren Platner for Knoll in 1966. These are early examples, dating to the late 1960s. The frames of these chairs are composed of pati...
Category
1960s American Modern Vintage Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Pair of China red lacquered “Diamond” chairs by Harry Bertoia, 1950
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Roma, RM
Pair of China red lacquered “Diamond” chairs by Harry Bertoia.
Production: Knoll, 1950s
Dimensions: 90 W x 70 H x 74 D cm
Sold as set of 2.
Category
1950s Vintage Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Set of 4 Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll Brno Chairs in Cato Upholstery 60 available
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Knoll Eero Saarinen Model 71 IBM Executive Chair
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Garnerville, NY
A nice example of a Eero Saarinen Model 71 Executive armchair fro Knoll International. This particular chair came directly from the IBM offices in the Poughkeepsie, New York campus. ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome, Nickel
Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll Brno Chair in Cato Upholstery 60 available
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Hudson, NY
Knoll Brno chair 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 chairs are fro...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Saarinen Executive Armchair in Black Velvet, Black Powder Coated Legs
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Wilton, CT
The mid-century Classic vintage Eero Saarinen Executive Armchair, manufactured by Knoll Furniture and custom upholstered in a deep 100% cotton Italian Velvet in glamorous Black. All ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Eight Chrome Mies van der Rohe Tubular Brno Chairs by Knoll in Green Velvet
By Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
Completely restored set of eight tubular Brno chairs by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll. Professionally re-upholstered in a green velvet and the chrome is in great condition. "Knoll Inte...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
1960s Charles Pollock Armchair "Sling Chair" Model 657
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
Located in Oakland, CA
The Charles Pollock "Sling Chair" or Model 657, designed in 1960 and produced from 1964 to 1979 by Knoll. Created out of a leather sling, seat cushion, cast aluminum and chromed stee...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
Womb Chair and Ottoman by Eero Saarinen for Knoll
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed for Knoll by Eero Saarinen in 1948, the Womb chair with ottoman has become a modernist classic. The contoured frame of fiberglass and polished ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Florence Knoll, "Parallel Bar" Lounge Chair, circa 1965
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Paris, FR
"Parallel Bar" easy chair designed by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll International, circa 1965.
Newly re-upholstered with a dark blue velvet from the Kvadrat Raf Simons collec...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Steel, Metal
1970s Cesca B64 Armchair by Marcel Breuer for Knoll / Thonet 12+ Avail
By Marcel Breuer, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a 'Cesca' armchair, model B64, originally designed by Marcel Breuer in 1928. These particular examples were seemingly manufactured by Knoll in the 1970s. Some may have been p...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Brass, Steel
Mid-Century Vintage Jens Risom Knoll Webbed Armchair
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Baltimore, MD
A stunning iconic cotton strap, webbed, lounge, armchair, 652W design (1943) early edition, designed by Jens Risom for Knoll International. Features a solid maple frame with original woven cotton straps. It is one of the most comfortable pieces you will sit in, the exquisite curved back provides lumbar support making this chair as comfortable as it is beautiful. The removable webbed, basket seat, shell is supported and rests on the arm frame base. Very Rare Vintage Modern Classic design. An iconic piece of furniture, this example has remained in a single collection since it was acquired by the prior owner from Knoll International and the original early label remains affixed beneath. (Knoll Associates Inc. 601 Madison Ave New York 22). This label has the earliest Knoll Associates showroom address, which opened in 1946.
Measurements: 24.5 ” tall x 24? wide x 30? deep x seat height 18? (arm height 21") (seat to the lowest point 11")
Jens Risom
Danish-American architect-designer Jens Risom was born in Copenhagen in 1916, the son of a nationally renowned architect of the Nordic Classicism style. Between 1935 and 1938, he trained at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts under Ole Wanscher and Kaare Klint, alongside classmates Hans Wegner and Børge Mogensen. For a short time following his studies, he took on furniture and interior designer projects for the Copenhagen-based architectural firm Ernst Kuhn. He then moved briefly to Stockholm, where he worked for Nordiska Kompaniet and met Alvar Aalto and Bruno Mathsson. Around 1939, he immigrated to New York with ambitions to introduce the Scandinavian modernist approach to the US furniture market.
Risom’s arrival in the US coincided with the years of materials shortages brought on by the war. As a result, Risom was unable to secure a position in a furniture company, and, instead, found work designing textiles for decorator Dan Cooper. Eager to do more, he soon convinced Cooper to expand into the furniture market, and together they found projects with young, progressive architects like Ed Stone and George Nelson. In 1939-40, Ed Stone was invited to create Collier Magazine’s House of Ideas pavilion at Rockefeller Center as part of the New York World’s Fair, and Risom designed all of the furniture.
Around 1941, Risom met Hans Knoll, a German-born entrepreneur in the furniture industry who had a showroom on Madison Avenue dedicated to rather lackluster furnishings. Sharing a dream to do something more vanguard, they joined forces and set off on a four-month tour of the US in search of design inspiration. By 1942, Knoll launched Hans Knoll Furniture Company with Risom on board as his head designer.
Risom’s early designs for Knoll made use of military surplus...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Maple
Eight Chrome and Camel Colored Mies van der Rohe Tubular Brno Chairs by Knoll
By Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
Completely restored set of eight tubular Brno chairs by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll. Professionally re-upholstered in camel color and the chrome is in great condition. "Knoll Interna...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
2021 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Arm Chair Leather w/ Wood Legs
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eero Saarinen for Knoll executive armchair in off-white leather with light walnut wood legs. The chair was produced in 2021, acquired directly from a Knoll employee. It ha...
Category
2010s American Modern Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Wood, Leather
Set of 12 Executive "Pollock" Chairs by Charles Pollock for Knoll, USA, 1963
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Hellouw, NL
These 12 executive chairs are a true classic hailing from the illustrious stable of manufacturer Knoll, designed in 1963 by the American designer Charles Pollock. An absolute master ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Aluminum
UNIQUE PAIR OF ENGLISH FULLY RESTORED KNOLL DROP ARM BROWN LEATHER ARMCHAIRs
By Knoll
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning fully restored pair of Art Deco style, hand dyed rich Whisky brown leather, extending Knoll cl...
Category
20th Century English Art Deco Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Pair of Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll Flat Bar Brno Chairs
By Knoll
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Mid-Century Modern pair of Mies van der Rohe for Knoll brno armchairs. The chairs feature a steel flat bar design with a chrome finish. The frames have navy blue leather seat covers....
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Chrome, Steel
Saarinen Executive Armchair with Metal Legs for Knoll
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Glendale, CA
Eero Saarinen Executive Chair with metal legs for Knoll. Originally designed in 1946, this late 1990s / early 2000s edition is executed in geometric fabric and metal legs with Knoll ...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Knoll Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Knoll armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Knoll armchairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Knoll armchairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original armchairs by Knoll were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider armchairs by Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller, and Dunbar. Prices for Knoll armchairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $295 and can go as high as $36,450, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,450.
Creators Similar to Knoll
Questions About Knoll Armchairs
- Who is Florence Knoll?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Florence Knoll was an architect and furniture designer who greatly influenced mid-century design. She established the furniture company Knoll, Inc., which continues to manufacture pieces inspired by her designs. Knoll died on January 25, 2019, at the age of 101. Find a collection of Florence Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
- What is a Knoll Sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Knoll sofa, or a Knole sofa, is an interesting piece of furniture that’s believed to have its origins in the 1600s and to be the precursor to the modern sofa. It features two side-by-side cushions and arms that are as high as the back of the sofa. The most interesting feature is that these arms can often be tied back or dropped to change the profile of the sofa. Find an assortment of Knole sofas from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Does Herman Miller own Knoll?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, the noted furniture brand Herman Miller acquired Knoll in 2021 and announced a new name, MillerKnoll. The new name is meant to take advantage of the long history and reputation that each brand brings to the table and to introduce a new, stronger joint effort to the public. Shop a collection of Herman Miller and Knoll furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To pronounce Florence Knoll, say "FLO-rens Noll." The "K" in the designer's last name is silent. Florence Knoll's maiden name was Florence Marguerite Schust, pronounced "shusht." She changed her name after marrying Hans Knoll in 1946. Find a range of Florence Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Andrew B. Cogan is the CEO of Knoll furniture as of December 2021. He also serves as the Chairman of the Board. He took on the role in 2001. Prior to that time, he worked as the company's COO. Shop a range of Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
- What is a Parker Knoll chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021A Parker Knoll chair is designed by the British furniture manufacturing company Parker Knoll. These chairs are considered to be luxurious — they are handmade in the company’s Nottinghamshire factory from high-quality wood and feature plush upholstery in leather as well as in a variety of fabrics. Find Parker Knoll chairs on 1stDibs.
- How do I date Knoll furniture?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022How to date Knoll furniture depends on the piece. Some pieces feature stickers that bear the brand's name and logo, and the graphics changed over the years. By comparing the style of the logo to samples online, you can estimate the age of the piece. In some cases, the manufacturing year may appear on the sticker. To date a Knoll chair, look for the tag sewn on the back of the seat cushion. Often, the manufacturer prints the date there. You'll find a collection of expertly vetted Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
- Who owns Knoll furniture?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022MillerKnoll owns Knoll furniture. The company formed when Herman Miller, Inc., acquired Knoll, Inc., on April 19, 2021. The publicly traded company operates from its headquarters in Zeeland, Michigan. Andi Owen serves as its CEO, as of December 2021. Shop a collection of Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
- Where are Knoll chairs made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Knoll maintains manufacturing plants in the United States, Canada, and Italy. Countless designers have worked for Knoll over the years to create exquisite furniture that’s beloved by collectors worldwide. Shop a collection of antique and contemporary Knoll chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Where is Knoll furniture made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Florence Knoll produced her furniture designs largely in a factory located in East Greenville, Pennsylvania. As of December 2021, the company she founded, Knoll, Inc., manufactures furniture in the same factory, as well as in Grand Rapids, Michigan; Muskegon, Michigan; Toronto, Canada; and Foligno and Graffignana, Italy. Find a selection of Florence Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
- Where does Florence Knoll live?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Florence Knoll lived in the U.S. throughout her life. She was born in Saginaw, Michigan, on May 24, 1917, and she died in Coral Gables, Florida, on January 25, 2019. From 1940 to 1941, she attended the Chicago Armour Institute in Chicago, Illinois. After that, she lived and worked in New York City for many years. On 1stDibs, find a range of Florence Knoll furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 15, 2024The history of the Knoll sofa began in 1954. The sofa was made during American designer and entrepreneur Florence Knoll’s direction of the Knoll Planning Unit, the company's pioneering "design consultant service" that would define the look of the postwar workplace. The versatile Florence Knoll sofa, with its angular silhouette and tasteful mix of textures, could as easily fit into the glass lobby of a skyscraper as the living room of a home. That same year, Florence Knoll also introduced a companion lounge chair that coordinated with the sofa. Knoll, Inc. continues to produce the Florence Knoll sofa over half a century after it was introduced, and vintage models are still prized for their sturdy construction and timeless qualities. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Florence Knoll sofas.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024Where Parker Knoll sofas are made has changed over time. In 2016, the luxury furniture maker moved its factory to Castlewood, Nottinghamshire. Prior to the relocation, the company produced most of its pieces in London and High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Parker Knoll sofas from some of the world's top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Knoll began to stamp their furniture in 2004. An authentic stamp consists of the brand's name printed in the correct font. Normally, the manufacturer places the stamp on the upper section of the base. Shop a selection of expertly vetted Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Florence Knoll made a number of well-known furniture designs and founded the company Knoll, Inc. Some of her most acclaimed pieces include the Florence Knoll lounge chair, the Florence Knoll sofa, the Florence Knoll bench and the Florence Knoll settee. Shop a variety of Florence Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022You can buy Parker Knoll furniture through an authorized dealer. The manufacturer partners with brick-and-mortar stores all over the world and also works with some online platforms. While you can browse the entire selection of current Parker Knoll designs on their official website, you cannot buy directly from the company online. Shop a collection of Parker Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024What Florence Knoll called the Womb chair after it was created is unknown. However, its creator Eero Saarinen stated that Knoll inspired him to make the piece by asking him to design the most comfortable chair ever, saying specifically that she wanted something that felt like "a basket full of pillows." Presented with the challenge, Saarinen went primal. What, the designer figured, better signifies the very essence of comfort than the womb? "It was designed on the theory that a great number of people have never really felt comfortable and secure since they left the womb,” the designer said of his chair. Find a selection of vintage Womb chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022No, Florence Knoll didn't usually put a number on her pieces. To identify Florence Knoll furniture, look for a tag or mark that bears the name "Knoll" or "Knoll, Inc." On chairs, the labels are usually on the bottom cushion. On 1stDibs, find a collection of expertly vetted Florence Knoll furniture.