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.
Warren Platner, Knoll International, Kvadrat Tonus Fabric Stool Bronze Metal
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Authentic stool, designed by Warren Platner in 1966. Recent Knoll edition in bordeaux burgondy Kvadrat Tonus fabrics and bronze metal structure. Knoll ...
Metal
Pair of Florence Knoll for Knoll International Black & Silver Bar Stools
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Mid-Century American bar stools standing on black metal, rectangular legs anchored by a silver metal stretcher with seat upholstered in a neutral tone, salt and pepper weave ...
Fabric
$9,500 / set
Pair of Barstools by Horst Brüning for Knoll
By Knoll, Horst Bruning
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair of split beam steel bar stools with black leather seats.
Steel
Harry Bertoia for Knoll Bar Stools in Custom Italian Parker Hotel Style Cushions
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Saint Louis, MO
How would you like to show these? Hollywood Regency Palm Springs Parker Hotel? Mid Century Modern Minimalist? Perhaps interchange both. This pair of bar stools came about in 1952 when Italian Sculptor and Furniture Designer Harry Bertoia experimented with bending metal rods to create practical art. Bertoia's bar stool has a filigree appearance that contradicts its strength and durability. In his own words, “If you look at these chairs, they are mainly made of air, like sculpture. Space passes through them.” Made of bent metal frames finished in chrome with bends and curves to support all of yours, these sexy mid century modern bar stools are comfortable. Photographed along with custom made cushions inspired by Norma's Restaurant at the Parker Hotel in Palm Springs, California. Custom Cushions add comfort and a cozy experience while traditional Knoll yellow...
Metal, Chrome
1960s Original Four Seasons Bar Stool by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll
By Philip Johnson, Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original Four Seasons Bar Stool, designed by Mies Van Der Rohe and Phillip Johnson in 1958 for the Four Seasons Restaurant in the Sea...
Steel, Chrome
Warren Platner, Knoll International, Kvadrat Tonus Fabric Stool Bronze Metal
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Authentic stool, designed by Warren Platner in 1966. Recent Knoll edition in red Kvadrat Tonus fabrics and bronze metal structure. Knoll ''K'' fabrics ...
Metal
2010s Knoll Bertoia Bar Stools in Satin Chrome w/ Blue Seats
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a classic Bertoia bar stool, model 428C, designed in 1952 by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. These particular examples date to the mid-2010’s. The listed price inclu...
Steel
2011 Pair of Harry Bertoia for Knoll Chrome Counter Stools w/ Ivory Fabric Pads
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of 427C Counter Stools, originally designed by Harry Bertoia in 1952. These particular examples were produced by Knoll in the USA during 2011. The stools are comprised...
Steel
Tulip Stool by Saarinen/Knoll for the Rolex Geneva HQ
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Renens, CH
Knoll Tulip stool designed by Eero Saarinen and produced by Knoll in Switzerland during the 1970s. Re-upholstered in high-quality leather. These stools (we have two more with their ...
Metal
C. 2020 In-Box Marcel Breuer for Knoll Cesca Bar Stool in Gray and Black Fabric
By Marcel Breuer, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Cesca Bar Stool, originally designed by Marcel Breuer in 1928. These particular examples were produced by Knoll circa 2020. The stools feature a two-tone upholstered finish...
Steel
Mid Century Modern Knoll Rockwell Unscripted Swivel Bar Stool
By Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid-Century Modern Knoll rockwell unscripted swivel bar stool The rockwell unscripted upholstered seat offers fun punctuation to dining, living or office spaces. Mix them with Classic Knoll dining chairs to create an Eclectic Statement at Your Table or Sprinkle Them Around for impromptu Guest Seating. Make Funky colorful side...
Fabric
2011 Harry Bertoia for Knoll Chrome Bar Stools with Ivory Fabric Seat Pads
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Bertoia Bar Stools, originally designed by Harry Bertoia in 1952. These particular examples were produced by Knoll in 2011. The stools are comprised of welded and chromed s...
Steel
Warren Platner Stool for Knoll Black Leather, 2000s
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Aachen, NW
Black leather stool by Warren Platner for Knoll. The groundbreaking stool was designed in 1966 by Warren Platner and produced by Knoll after the 2010s. This mid-century classic ...
Aluminum
American modern floral fabric round stool Tulip by Eero Saarinen for Knoll 1970s
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in MIlano, IT
American modern floral fabric round stool Tulip by Eero Saarinen for Knoll 1970s Stool mod. Tulip with a round base. The round seat is padded and covered in damask fabric, with a bei...
Metal
Rare and Early Jens Risom Stool for Knoll Associates, New York City
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare and early Jens Risom stool for Knoll Associates, New York City. Simple, elegant design. Retains original finish as well as original early oil cloth upholstered top. Also origina...
Upholstery, Birch
Stool by Harry Bertoia for Knoll Inc, 1970s
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in bruxelles, BE
Black metal stool designed by Harry Bertoia. Seat height 77cm. Wear due to time and age of the stool. For shipping, request us for receive the best price.
Metal
Warren Platner for Knoll Bronze Stool in Mohair
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautiful stool designed by Warren Platner for Knoll. Stool has been reupholstered in a high quality mustard colored mohair. Stool is bronze and bears Art-Metal Knoll label.
Bronze
2021 Harry Bertoia for Knoll Chrome Bar Stool w/ Red Pads Model 428C
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a classic Bertoia bar stool, model 428C, designed in 1952 by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. These particular examples date to 2021. The listed price includes one bar ...
Steel
$3,600 / item
Barstool by Harry Bertoia for Knoll & Associates
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A spare and sculptural stool crafted from shaped steel rods retaining the original woven green wool upholstery. Measures: 40.5" tall, seat height 31". Designed by Harry Bertoia in 1...
Steel
Tulip Stool by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International, 1970s
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in bruxelles, BE
Stool stamped Knoll International. Cast aluminium base, Wear due to time and use of the stool. For shipping, request us for receive the best price.
Aluminum
Mcm Rockwell Unscripted Upholstered Swivel Seat Low Cylinder by Knoll
By Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid-Century Modern rockwell unscripted upholstered swivel seat low cylinder by Knoll. The rockwell unscripted upholstered seat offers fun punctuation to dining, living or office spaces. Mix them with Classic Knoll dining chairs to create an Eclectic Statement at Your Table or Sprinkle Them Around for impromptu Guest Seating. All are display pieces...
Fabric
Mid-Century Modern Knoll Rockwell Unscripted Swivel Bar and Low Stool, Set of 2
By Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Knoll rockwell unscripted swivel bar and low stool - set of 2. The Rockwell unscripted upholstered seat offers fun punctuation to dining, living or office spaces. Mix them with classic Knoll dining chairs to create an eclectic statement at your table or sprinkle them around for impromptu guest seating. Make funky colorful side...
Fabric
$3,600 / item
Fiberglass Shell Barstool by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A barstool with a black fiberglass shell on splayed, painted legs.
Fiberglass
2011 Harry Bertoia for Knoll Bar Stools in White, Model 428C, 9x Available
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a classic Bertoia bar stool, model 428C, designed in 1952 by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. These particular examples date to 2011. The listed price includes one bar ...
Steel
2021 Harry Bertoia for Knoll Counter Stool in White with Full Cover
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a classic 2021 production Harry Bertoia for Knoll Counter Stool, Model 426C, originally designed in 1952. The piece is fabricated of a wel...
Steel
2023 Set of 4 Harry Bertoia for Knoll Molded Shell Bar Stools in White Plastic
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of four Bertoia Molded Shell Plastic Bar Stools, model 428PL, designed in 1960 by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. These particul...
Steel
Barstool by Harry Bertoia for Knoll & Associates, 1952
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A spare and sculptural stool crafted from shaped steel rods, retaining the original red upholstery. Measures: 40.5" tall, seat height 31". Designed by Harry Bertoia in 1952, manufac...
Steel
Rare Barstool Enameled, Brushed Chrome Steel w/ Upholstered Seats By Knoll, 1960
By Knoll
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A bar or counter stool having a patinated steel frame with a floating satin steel footrest and an upholstered square seat.
Steel