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.
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Krefeld Settee or Sofa in Dark Brown Leather for Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in St. Louis, MO
Architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe designed Krefeld settee in a rich dark brown leather for Knoll. Recent 2009 production based on his 1930s designs for the Esters and Lange residenc...
Leather, Wood
'Brigadier' Loveseats by Cini Boeri for Knoll, Italy, 1980s
By Cini Boeri, Knoll
Located in Antwerp, BE
Exceptional sofa from the award-winning Brigadier Series by renowned Italian architect and designer, Cini Boeri (1924–2020). Crafted in the 1980s for Knoll, these sofas feature a sle...
Leather, Lacquer
Pair of 1970s Trix & Robert Haussmann for Knoll Black Leather Mirror Sofa Settee
By Robert and Trix Haussmann, Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of 1970s Trix & Robert Haussmann for Knoll 2-seat sofa settee. This pair is made in black leather and mirror. All original collectors condition. The Mirror Sofa...
Mirror, Leather
Florence Knoll two-seater sofa in mustard yellow leather, 1970
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
Bring timeless elegance into your interior with this iconic vintage two-seater sofa designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International in 1954. Manufactured in the early 1970s under ...
Chrome
Contemporary Pierre Beucler for Knoll Architecture & Associes Residential Settee
By Knoll
Located in Secaucus, NJ
This fabulous Architecture and Associes residential Settee designed by Pierre Beucler and Jean-Christophe Poggioli of Paris-based Architecture and Associes offer a casual comfort wit...
Steel, Chrome
Italian Mohair Settee Sofa, Brown, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful mohair upholstered curved sofa with wooden legs. Perfect shape and size. In excellent condition, 1950s, Italy. Same era as: Ch...
Mohair, Wood
Florence Knoll for Knoll Mid-Century Modern Sofa in Fuchsia
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An iconic sofa designed by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll in the early 1960s. It features a stainless steel frame with fuchsia tweed upholstery.
Stainless Steel
Post Modern Sofa by Robert and Trix Haussmann for Knoll 1980's
By Knoll, Robert and Trix Haussmann
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Post Modern sofa designed by Robert and Trix Haussmann for Knoll as part of The Lounge Seating series, circa 1980's. The upholstered box form sofa rests on an aluminum ...
Aluminum
De Sede 'DS-47' Two Seat Sofa in Brown Leather
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, 'DS-47' sofa, leather, Switzerland, 1970s. Highly comfortable DS47 sofa in a patinated cognac brown leather by De Sede. The design is simplistic, yet very modern. This desi...
Leather
Knoll Antimott Sofa in Off-White Alcantara
By Knoll Antimott
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Knoll Antimott, sofa, alcantara, chrome, Germany, 1960s Somewhere between 1925-1929 Wilhelm Knoll developed a patented system of seating named 'Antimott'. The line consisted of fur...
Chrome
Italian Modern Two Seat Sofa, c. 1950s
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning two seat settee features sculpted hardwood arms with sleek and delicate legs. Unique vintage fabric adds to the mid-century appeal of this elegant Italian love seat...
Upholstery
$3,800 / set
H 16.5 in W 25 in D 23 in
Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Barcelona Stools in Chocolate Brown Leather
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Atlanta, GA
Iconic Pair of Barcelona Stools or Ottomans, designed by Mies van der Rohde for Knoll, American, circa 1980s. They are upholstered in their original chocolate brown leather which is ...
Chrome, Metal
$2,850
H 30.5 in W 48.5 in D 33.5 in
1950s Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Loveseat Settee or Sofa
By Paul McCobb
Located in St. Louis, MO
Paul McCobb for Planner Group loveseat, settee or sofa. Upholstery needs to be updated as it has stains, foam is good. Price includes refinishing of legs. Measures: Seat 16" H, arm 1...
Upholstery, Wood
$9,700Sale Price|24% Off
H 26.5 in W 51 in D 27.5 in
'LC2' Black Leather Settee Sofa Loveseat by Le Corbusier for Cassina, Signed
By Pierre Jeanneret, Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand, Cassina
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredibly comfortable Le Corbusier for Cassina 'LC2' two-seat loveseat sofa, signed (see pics, in gorgeous thick Italian black leather on chrome steel frame is in beautiful vin...
Steel
$2,500Sale Price|51% Off
H 27 in W 64 in D 39 in
'Bounty' Leather Loveseat by L. Davanzati for The Pace Collection, 1980s
By Lorenzo Forges Davanzati, Pace Collection, Elam
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A lovely example of the 'Bounty' series two-seat loveseat / settee by The Pace Collection in the early 1980s, this deep seated channel-tufted loveseat sofa was designed by L. Davantazi produced by Elam and retailed by The Pace Collection. Perfect for a cigar, whiskey or wine lounge or any space that can use something a bit modern yet still refined and classy. *Note, we have the matching club lounge chair and three-seater couch in another listing. Last two photos show the entire set. See our other listings or contact us for more details if you wish to create a living room or office / hotel lobby set. This channel-tufted leather love seat retains its original supple leather upholstery in an intriguing deep burgundy-brown color, almost like dark-cognac with beautiful lightly aged leather patina. The sumptuous seats are encased in a dark colored lacquer, providing an attractive modern contrast with the rich and elegant leather. This two-seater sofa has casters for ease of relocation according to occasion and mood or to better suit a view. The back is finished with tufted leather making this loveseat look incredible when floating in a room with the back exposed. Curved Art Deco styled arms lend 1980s juxtaposition and character to any room. Similar in style to the Saratoga Sofa by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova 1970s, but at a fraction of the price. Plus something you don't get with the Saratoga sofa is the refined style of the elegant channel-tufted leather cushions on this Bounty loveseat sofa by The Pace Collection. The Pace Collection also offered the highly sought after collection by Guido Faleschini such as the Tucroma chair which is an interior designer and 20th century Modern design collector's favorite go to chair. Another example is the wild 1970s bed that featured interior design magazine covers when Lenny Kravitz home was featured with the Mariani bed...
Leather, Lacquer
$2,680
H 26.75 in W 80 in D 27 in
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
Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll Krefeld Chairs- A Pair
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Wonderful pair of club chairs designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll circa 2004. The original design of these was from the 1920s. These are very well made and comfortable cha...
Leather, Ash
Tobia Scarpa 'Bastiano' Two-Seat Sofa with Cognac Leather
By Knoll, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Tobia Scarpa for Knoll, 'Bastiano' settee, leather and walnut, Italy, design 1960, manufactured between 1969-1970s. Beautiful Bastiano sofa made with a walnut frame and dark cognac ...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 28.55 in W 83.08 in D 31.11 in
Listing for C.: Pair of 'Bastiano' Sofas by Tobia Scarpa for Knoll
By Knoll, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Tobia Scarpa for Knoll, 'Bastiano' sofas, leather, wood, Italy, design 1962, 1990 production. This pair of Bastiano sofas is designed by Tobia Scarpa in 1962. The three-seat feature...
Leather, Wood
Pair Charles Pfister for Knoll Mohair Settees, 1980
By Knoll, Charles Pfister
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair Charles Pfister for Knoll mohair Settees, 1980. Original upholstery in excellent condition. 4 available.
Mohair
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
Sold
H 35 in W 61.25 in D 36 in
c. 1975 Rare Eero Saarinen Womb Settee, Restored in The Elder Statesman Cashmere
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
Rare, vintage Womb Settee designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll. Rebuilt and reupholstered in the most luxurious cashmere from The Elder Statesman. One of a kind.
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 31 in W 73 in D 32 in
Early Jens Risom for Knoll Model 23 Armless Sofa in Italian Espresso Velvet
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Stamford, CT
With great reason, the name Jens Risom is synonymous with the Mid-Century Modern design movement, his original body of work is not only still with us today but much of it is still in...
Upholstery, Velvet, Maple
Sold
H 27.56 in W 80.71 in D 27.56 in
Vintage “Sling” Sofas by Bruce Hannah and Andrew Morrison for Knoll
By Bruce Hannah & Andrew Morrison, Knoll
Located in Raleigh, NC
Two matching three-seat settee sofas. Designed by Bruce Hannah and Andrew Morrison for Knoll circa 1970s. These “sling” sofa...
Aluminum, Chrome
Warren Platner Settee
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in New York, NY
Spectacular original Warren platner Settee in anodized stainless. Recently upholstered in Dark Arabica Belgian Linen.
Metal
Sold
H 31.75 in W 68.25 in D 30 in
Platner Collection for Knoll Early Production Settee in Bronzed Copper, 1966
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
Rare, early production settee designed by Warren Platner from The Platner Collection in 1966 for Knoll International. Constructed from solid copper rods with an applied oil-rubbed br...
Copper
Knoll Krefeld Sette by Mies Van Der Rohe
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This rare Knoll Krefeld settee has been with us in our storefront gallery since we began fabricating our pieces. This one is a dark navy blue design with...
Fabric, Hardwood
Knoll by Eero Saarinen Womb Dusty Pink Velvet Settee Sofa
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Rochester, England
This iconic chair was designed by prolific designer Eero Saarinen in 1948. Eero Saarinen designed the ground breaking womb chair at Florence Knoll's ...
Chrome
Sold
H 28 in W 81 in D 30 in
Bruce Hannah and Andrew Morrison for Knoll Sling Sofa in Chocolate Cashmere
By Bruce Hannah & Andrew Morrison, Knoll
Located in Culver City, CA
This Mid-Century Modern sling sofa, designed by Bruce Hannah and Andrew Morrison for Knoll during the 1970s, features three seats, reupholstered in a c...
Steel