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.
Knoll Barcelona Daybed or Couch by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Mid Century Modern
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Atlanta, GA
Iconic Barcelona Couch or Daybed, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohde for Knoll, American, circa 2000s. One of the most iconic and enduring modernist designs, the Barcelona daybed ...
Stainless Steel
$7,800Sale Price|35% Off
Midcentury Barcelona Daybed Ludwig Mies van Der Rohe for Knoll
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Barcelona couch daybed for Knoll International, USA, 1980s. One of the most iconic and enduring modernist des...
Chrome
Barcelona Daybed by Knoll, Brown Leather
By Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
This iconic daybed pairs Bauhaus simplicity with refined craftsmanship. Upholstered in rich brown leather with a tufted cushion and bolster, it rests on a solid wood frame with sleek...
Steel, Chrome
Barcelona Daybed Sofa Model 258L by By Mies van der Rohe for Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Barcelona Daybed Sofa, Model 258L, designed by Lilly Reich and Mies van der Rohe in 1930. This example was produced by Knoll Associates in the 1980s. It features a tubular polished s...
Stainless Steel
$8,600Sale Price|21% Off
Oxblood Leather MR Adjustable Chaise Lounge by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Intl
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully preserved example of the iconic MR Chaise Lounge, originally designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1927 and later produced by Knoll International. This particular piece is best attributed to Knoll’s mid to late 1980s to 1990s production, distinguished by its seamless heavy-gauge tubular steel frame with a continuous bend, stitched (as opposed to riveted) saddle leather support straps, exposed button-head cushion straps, and its original deep oxblood / burgundy leather upholstery. Unlike earlier two-position examples from the 1970s, this model features Knoll’s three-position reclining system, a refinement introduced in the late 20th century to enhance comfort and usability. The original leather cushion presents beautifully, with a rich, even patina consistent with careful use in a well-maintained environment. As expected of Knoll International’s production in the 1980s and 1990s, the leather is of exceptional quality, supple yet robust, complemented by thick matching saddle-leather straps with stitched detailing that reinforce the chaise’s luxurious character. The polished tubular steel retains its bright luster with only minimal signs of age, while the upholstery remains supple, surface-rich, and clearly consistent with Knoll’s late-20th-century construction methods. Highly versatile, this MR Adjustable Chaise...
Chrome
Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe Bauhaus Coffee Leather Barcelona Daybed for Knoll
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Vicenza, IT
Barcelona daybed, designed by Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe in 1929 and manufactured by Knoll International. The Barcelona chair epitomizes functional minimalism, initially crafted in 19...
Chrome
2005 Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Barcelona Daybed in Spinneybeck Espana Leather
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Barcelona Daybed / Couch, originally designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1930. This particular example was produced by Knoll in the United States and dates to 2005. It feature...
Steel
Vintage circa 1985 Mies Van Der Rohe Barcelona Daybed with Zebra Rug
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
We collected this cult-favorite, vintage Mies Van Der Rohe daybed at auction. The stainless steel legs, walnut base, and black leather upholstery are all in excellent condition. See ...
Leather, Zebra Hide
Midcentury Modern Barcelona Daybed by Mies Van Der Rohe, Vintage Camel Leather
By Knoll, Lilly Reich, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Antwerp, BE
A beautiful, authentic original daybed for a designer collection. The daybed is in good vintage condition. Several pieces of leather in the patchwork were replaced in the 1980s. The ...
Metal, Chrome
Rare No. 704 Richard Schultz Knoll International Daybed / Sofa
By Richard Schultz, Knoll
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
Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe Bauhaus Brown Leather Barcelona Daybed for Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Vicenza, IT
Barcelona daybed, designed by Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe in 1929 and manufactured by Knoll International. Made of chromed steel and coffee brown leather. Fully restored in Italy. The ...
Chrome
Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe Bauhaus White Leather Barcelona Daybed for Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Vicenza, IT
Barcelona daybed, designed by Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe in 1929 and manufactured by Knoll International. Made of chromed steel and leather. Fully restored in Italy. The Barcelona cha...
Chrome
Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe Red Barcelona Lounge Chair for Knoll, 1972, Set of 2
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of 2 Barcelona lounge chair, designed by Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe in 1929 and manufactured by Knoll International in 1972. Made of chromed steel and leather. Excellent vintage co...
Chrome
Rare Richard Schultz Knoll International Daybed / Sofa No. 703
By Richard Schultz, Knoll
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 up...
Metal, Chrome
Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe Bauhaus Red Barcelona Lounge Chair for Knoll, 1972
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Vicenza, IT
Barcelona lounge chair, designed by Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe in 1929 and manufactured by Knoll International in 1972. Made of chromed steel and leather. Excellent vintage condition. ...
Chrome
Rocking Chaise by Richard Meier for Knoll, 1982. Black Leather. Rare. Signed.
By Knoll, Richard Meier
Located in Kansas City, MO
Richard Meier Rocking Chaise manufactured by Knoll, 1982. Designed to lay either direction and wide enough for two people. The original black leather was in hardly used condition, ...
Leather, Birch
1960s Richard Schultz Daybed Lounge w/ Cream Hopsack Upholstery and Metal Legs
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an uncommon Daybed, designed in circa 1958 by Richard Schultz for Knoll International. Around the same time, Florence Knoll & Charles Niedringhaus were designing their own se...
Steel
Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Barcelona Chair and Stool
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Dallas, TX
Mies van der Rohe's iconic Barcelona chair with stool. Stamped Knoll.
Metal
Knoll Barcelona Stools by Mies Van Der Rohe
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Atlanta, GA
Iconic Pair of Barcelona stools or ottomans, designed by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, American, circa 2000s. Retains Knoll tag underneath. They have been cleaned and a leather condit...
Metal
Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Barcelona Chair circa 1979
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Atlanta, GA
Iconic Barcelona Lounge Chair, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, American, circa 1979. Signed with Knoll label underneath. The leather retains it's warm original patina...
Metal
$6,750
H 16 in W 79 in D 39 in
1970s Barcelona daybed In The Style of Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe for Knoll
By Knoll
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and iconic Barcelona daybed. Not signed but in the Style of Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe for Knoll. Very high quality. Black leather...
Chrome
$3,521Sale Price|21% Off
H 26.78 in W 77.56 in D 34.65 in
Very Early and Rare Richard Stein Daybed for Knoll
By Richard Stein
Located in Munich, DE
Birch plywood with upholstered backrest and loose seat cushion, original finish to wood, reupholstered, foot pedal releases back which retracts to form a large sleeping surface.
Birch
Stitched Leather Daybed by Jacques Adnet
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Bois-Colombes, FR
Stitched leather daybed by Jacques Adnet 1950s France.
Brass
Pair of Knoll Barcelona Chairs by Mies Van Der Rohe
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in San Mateo, CA
Pair of Barcelona chairs manufactured by Knoll. These have a polished stainless steel frame with tan or saddle colored leather. These were purchased in the 1970's. The chair frames s...
Stainless Steel
Ludwig mies Van Der Rohe Barcelona Chairs
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fine original Pair of Mies Van Der Rohe Barcelona Chairs Original Full Grain Leather Seats and Straps Clean Polished Steel Frame Or...
Leather
$12,000 / set
H 17.5 in W 78 in D 39 in
Vintage circa 1985 Mies Van Der Rohe Barcelona Daybed with Zebra Rug
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
We collected this cult-favorite, vintage Mies Van Der Rohe daybed at auction. The stainless steel legs, walnut base, and black leather upholstery are all in excellent condition. See ...
Leather, Zebra Hide
$14,000 / set
H 29.5 in W 30 in D 27 in
Pair of Early Barcelona Chairs by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, circa 1955
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rare and desirable pair of early Barcelona chairs designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and produced by Knoll during the formative years of auth...
Steel, Chrome
$1,479
H 15.75 in W 22.64 in D 23.23 in
Italian Mid Century Barcelona Pouf by Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll, 1970s
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Mid-Century Modern white leather Barcelona pouf or footrest by Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll, 1970s. Pouf or footrest mod. Barcelona with polyurethane foam seat covered in whit...
Steel
Rare No. 704 Richard Schultz Knoll International Daybed / Sofa
By Richard Schultz, Knoll
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
Sold
H 17.33 in W 76.78 in D 37.41 in
Original Mies van der Rohe Barcelona Daybed Midcentury Sofa Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Daybed von Knoll aus dem Jahr 1987 vom deutschen Traditionshersteller Knoll zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Mies van der Rohe, einem der einflussr...
Steel, Chrome
Brown Mies van der Rohe Knoll Barcelona Daybed
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Mies van der Rohe Knoll Barcelona Daybed in rich brown offers a timeless blend of modern design and luxurious comfort. With its s...
Chrome
Barcelona Daybed by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The iconic Barcelona daybed from Ludwig Mies van der Rohe originally designed in the 1930s and remade for Knoll International in the 2000s, this daybed is timeless. The daybed or cou...
Stainless Steel
Mid Century Sofa Daybed Rolf Grunow Couch Knoll Beech
By Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
We are offering a beautiful and rare daybed by Walter Knoll for sale. The design comes from the German designer Rolf Grunow and combines a sofa for everyday use and a classic daybed,...
Beech
Sold
H 36 in W 26 in D 68 in
MR Adjustable Chaise Lounge by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Intl, 1970s, Signed
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fantastic collectors example of an early production signed 'MR Adjustable Chaise Lounge' by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll International, 19...
Chrome
A Knoll Antimott daybed and sofa by Wilhelm Knoll
By Wilhelm Knoll, Knoll
Located in BE
a piece of multifucntional furniture. This daybed or sofa bed was manufactured by Knoll in the 1960s. Knoll designed this piece of furniture to be versatile. It is a 3 seat sofa but ...
Wood
Midcentury Barcelona Daybed Ludwig Mies van Der Rohe for Knoll
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
One of the most important and iconic modern chair designs, the Barcelona daybed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe is as stylish and relevant today as when it was first designed in 1929 for...
Chrome
Mies van der Rohe Knoll Mid Century Barcelona Daybed
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Mies van der Rohe Knoll Mid Century Barcelona Daybed This daybed measures: 77 wide x 38.25 deep x 25 inches high, with a seat height of 16.75 in...
Metal
Knoll Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe Barcelona Day Bed, 2010
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Hamburg, PA
A classic modern Barcelona Day Bed designed by Mies Van der Rohe for Knoll. This designer day bed is from 2010 and was originally priced new for $14,0...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Sold
H 25.6 in W 37.8 in D 77.96 in
Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe Bauhaus Coffee Leather Barcelona Daybed for Knoll, 1970
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Vicenza, IT
Barcelona daybed, designed by Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe in 1929 and manufactured by Knoll International in 1972. Made of chromed steel and leather. Excellent vintage condition. The B...
Chrome
Lettino daybed Knoll International Bercelona Van der Rohe pelle verde
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Milano, MI
Rara versione in pelle verde Bauhaus dell'iconico lettino Barcelona e prodotto da KNOLL. Il lettino è nella versione classica come disegnato disegnato da Miles Van der Rohein 1930....
Aluminum
Sold
H 17.72 in W 77.17 in D 38.59 in
Barcelona Daybed in Brown Leather by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, 1980s.
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Eindhoven, Noord Brabant
This iconic Knoll Studio Barcelona daybed was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1930. Just like the Barcelona chair, the daybed is characterized by a high degree of detail. Eac...
Leather, Walnut