Massimo and Lella Vignelli Side Chairs

Massimo Vignelli and Lella Vignelli’s legacy can be seen everywhere in the logos of Bloomingdale’s, Ford and American Airlines, among others. In addition to their work in branding, they were prolific creators of modernist home furnishings, products and interiors, and the duo’s collaborations, which span 50 years, have left a profound mark on design and wider visual culture.

After meeting in Italy, Lella (1934–2016) and Massimo (1931–2014) began working together in 1961 and a decade later formed Vignelli Associates in New York. A self-described “information architect,” Massimo was committed to streamlining complex ideas into clear, visually arresting forms. (Witness the graphic identity that he cocreated with Bob Noorda for the New York City Transit Authority as well as his influential 1972 subway map.) The Vignellis’ most recognizable piece, for example, may be the Handkerchief chair, a stackable office chair made of compression-molded plastic that has the look of a cloth floating in air. It was created for Knoll in 1983 after they designed the brand’s logo.

Evidence of the couple’s influence can also be found in their Saratoga line (1964), the first collection of lacquered furniture, which helped herald in the trendy “glossy” look of the decade (and beyond). When the Vignellis created the Poltrona Frau Interview chair in 1988 for an Italian television station, it became widely sought after, “which goes to show you the power of the TV media,” the couple once said. Much like their elemental graphic designs, the Kono (1984) and Pisa tables (1985) — both created for Casigliani — cull the form of the table down to geometric shapes.

Vignelli furniture is often labeled as Massimo Vignelli’s alone, though he fought to have Lella recognized for her work, even throwing away magazines that neglected to give her due credit. As he wrote of their lifelong collaboration in his book Designed By: Lella Vignelli: “It is not holding a pencil with four hands that makes a partnership; it is sharing the creative act and exercising creative criticism which is reflected in the end result.”

Find vintage Massimo and Lella Vignelli seating, tables and other furniture today on 1stDibs.

Creator: Massimo and Lella Vignelli

Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Intl 'Handkerchief' Stacking Chairs, Signed, 19 Avail

$465Sale Price / item|28% Off

Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Intl 'Handkerchief' Stacking Chairs, Signed, 19 Avail

By Massimo Vignelli, Knoll, Massimo and Lella Vignelli

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This classic Post-Modern design by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Knoll International is called the 'Handkerchief' stacking chair, labelled underneath with early production (original...

Category

1990s American Post-Modern Massimo and Lella Vignelli Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Modern Handkerchief Chair

$485

Modern Handkerchief Chair

By Massimo and Lella Vignelli

Located in Minneapolis, MN

A durable, wide chair with an undulating seat and back.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Scandinavian Modern Massimo and Lella Vignelli Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Donald Knorr Chair for Knoll Associates, 1948

$2,999 / item

H 28.5 in W 22 in D 21 in

Donald Knorr Chair for Knoll Associates, 1948

By Knoll, Donald Knorr

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

For your consideration to of six Knorr chairs. Comprised of sheet metal bolted to steel rod legs. This chair is exceptionally rare (a set of six in simply unheard of) Model #132 cha...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Massimo and Lella Vignelli Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

Early Set of Four Harry Bertoia Molded Shell Side Chairs for Knoll, Labeled

$3,000Sale Price / set|33% Off

H 30.5 in W 20.5 in D 22 in

Early Set of Four Harry Bertoia Molded Shell Side Chairs for Knoll, Labeled

By Knoll, Harry Bertoia

Located in Chesterfield, NJ

Set of four molded shell side chairs designed by Harry Bertoia and manufactured by Knoll. Originally debuted in 1960, this very early set is from 1963 and...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo and Lella Vignelli Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Jens Risom 666 Side Chairs for Knoll

$2,250 / set

H 30 in W 17.75 in D 18 in

Pair of Jens Risom 666 Side Chairs for Knoll

By Knoll, Jens Risom

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Rare Jens Risom chairs made in the 1940s, model “666” of the 600 series from 1941.

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo and Lella Vignelli Side Chairs

Materials

Birch

Suelo Modern Outdoor Side Chair

$3,000 / item

H 31.5 in W 28.5 in D 31 in

Suelo Modern Outdoor Side Chair

By Bertu Furniture

Located in Oak Harbor, OH

This Suelo® outdoor modern side chair is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. This silhouette is simple, modern, and sleek with comfortable back and seat cushions. T...

Category

2010s American Modern Massimo and Lella Vignelli Side Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Don Albinson Stacking Side Chairs by Knoll Set of 14

$5,600 / set

H 32 in W 21 in D 21.5 in

Don Albinson Stacking Side Chairs by Knoll Set of 14

By Don Albinson, Knoll

Located in Highland, IN

Important industrial designer Don Albinson, a Cranbrook peer of Charles and Ray Eames, Ralph Rapson, Harry Bertoia and Eero Saarinen worked in the Eames office as head designer for 1...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo and Lella Vignelli Side Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Scandinavian Modern by Carl Malmsten ”Lata Greven” Pair of Chairs

$4,609 / set

H 30.32 in W 23.63 in D 24.41 in

Scandinavian Modern by Carl Malmsten ”Lata Greven” Pair of Chairs

By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren

Located in Kramfors, SE

Scandinavian modern “Lata Greven” chairs designed by Carl Malmsten around 1953. This particular pair is likely made during the later years of the 1900s. Produced by O.H Sjögren. The ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Massimo and Lella Vignelli Side Chairs

Materials

Birch, Wool

Suelo Modern Side Chair

$2,250 / item

H 31.5 in W 28.5 in D 31 in

Suelo Modern Side Chair

By Bertu Furniture

Located in Oak Harbor, OH

This Suelo® modern side chair is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. The lounge chair's silhouette is simple, modern, and sleek with comfortable back and seat cushi...

Category

2010s North American Modern Massimo and Lella Vignelli Side Chairs

Materials

Hardwood

Chile Modern Side Chair

$2,000 / item

H 31.5 in W 28.5 in D 31 in

Chile Modern Side Chair

By Bertu Furniture

Located in Oak Harbor, OH

This Chile modern side chair is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. The lounge chair's silhouette is simple, modern, and sleek with comfortable back and seat cushions. This is the perfect chair for any space, indoor or outdoor. This specific wood species is for indoor only; please contact for outdoor options. Price includes thick weave fabric (multiple colors available) and finish of your choice. Shown here in leather for additional cost. This chair is for indoor use! Please contact us or find our other Suelo® listings for the outdoor version. Designer Inspiration: "I am inspired by my love for travel. So many places that inspire me have very minimal furniture, often built-in sofas with big comfy cushions, hammocks, raw natural wood, etc. The feel is low-key, simple, and comfortable. The wood isn't refined, it just IS. I envision this furniture used for indoor/outdoor spaces or any room that needs some comfort or relief. The Chile chair...

Category

2010s American Modern Massimo and Lella Vignelli Side Chairs

Materials

Hardwood

Scandinavian Modern Rainer Daumiller Side Chairs for Hirtshals Savvaerk, Denmark

$2,250 / set

H 29.93 in W 19.69 in D 19.3 in

Scandinavian Modern Rainer Daumiller Side Chairs for Hirtshals Savvaerk, Denmark

By Hirtshals Savvaerk, Rainer Daumiller

Located in Almelo, NL

Scandinavian Modern Rainer Daumiller Side Chairs for Hirtshals Savvaerk, Denmark, 1970s A beautifully crafted set of two solid pine side chairs designed by Rainer Daumiller for Hirt...

Category

1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Massimo and Lella Vignelli Side Chairs

Materials

Pine

Ib Kofod-Larsen Walnut Scandinavian Danish Modern Lounge Chair for Selig

$2,400Sale Price|20% Off

H 28.58 in W 30 in D 28 in

Ib Kofod-Larsen Walnut Scandinavian Danish Modern Lounge Chair for Selig

By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen

Located in Wayne, NJ

Lovely chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen imported by Selig. It features stunning sculpted arms new Removable / Washable Cushion cover. The webbing is in good condition. The Selig emblem is pr...

Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Massimo and Lella Vignelli Side Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Set of Four Chrome Dining Chairs by Bertoia for Knoll

$2,200 / set

H 29 in W 21 in D 19 in

Set of Four Chrome Dining Chairs by Bertoia for Knoll

By Harry Bertoia, Knoll

Located in New York, NY

Set of matching Bertoia side, or dining, chairs in chrome with original white pad seat covers. This nice set is in very fine, original, clean and ready to use condition, the only cav...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Massimo and Lella Vignelli Side Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chair

$1,600

H 36.75 in W 27 in D 34 in

Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chair

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The unique Danish modern design of this midcentury rocking chair makes a striking addition to home or business seating area. Sculptural spoke seat back adds to the distinctive Scandi...

Category

1960s Scandinavian Modern Vintage Massimo and Lella Vignelli Side Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Previously Available Items

Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Intl 'Handkerchief' Set w Unique Provenance, Signed

Sold

H 29.25 in W 22 in D 20.5 in

Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Intl 'Handkerchief' Set w Unique Provenance, Signed

By Knoll, Massimo Vignelli, David Law, Massimo and Lella Vignelli

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This classic Post-Modern design by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Knoll International is called the 'Handkerchief' stacking chair, labelled underneath with early production (original) year labels. Great for stacking when you need more open space in the room and easy to unstack when you have guests. Perfect for those who require versatility in their space. Priced as a set of five (5). Unique provenance on this set - as it was ordered by David Law who worked with Vignelli Associates and participated in many of the designs they created for Knoll and Acerbis including the Serenissimo Table...

Category

1990s American Post-Modern Massimo and Lella Vignelli Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Set of 4 Vintage Knoll Black Handkerchief Chairs by Massimo and Lella Vignelli

Sold

H 29 in W 23 in D 21.5 in

Set of 4 Vintage Knoll Black Handkerchief Chairs by Massimo and Lella Vignelli

By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Knoll

Located in New York, NY

Vintage knoll set of 4 black Handkerchief Chairs designed by Massimo and Lella Vignelli. The ergonomic seat made of molded fiberglass resembles a handkerchief in the wind . Very comf...

Category

20th Century American Modern Massimo and Lella Vignelli Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Intl 'Handkerchief' Chairs, Signed, Set of Twelve

Sold

H 29 in W 22 in D 22 in

Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Intl 'Handkerchief' Chairs, Signed, Set of Twelve

By Knoll, Massimo Vignelli, Massimo and Lella Vignelli

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This classic Post-Modern design by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Knoll International is called the 'Handkerchief' stacking chair, labelled underneath with early production (original...

Category

1990s American Post-Modern Massimo and Lella Vignelli Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Intl 'Handkerchief' Stacking Chairs, Signed, 20 Avail

Sold

H 29 in W 22 in D 22 in

Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Intl 'Handkerchief' Stacking Chairs, Signed, 20 Avail

By Knoll, Massimo Vignelli, Massimo and Lella Vignelli

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This classic Post-Modern design by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Knoll International is called the 'Handkerchief' stacking chair, labelled underneath with early production (original...

Category

1990s American Post-Modern Massimo and Lella Vignelli Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Pair of Rare Red Handkerchief Chairs by Massimo Vignelli, 1985

Sold

H 29 in W 20.5 in D 18 in

Pair of Rare Red Handkerchief Chairs by Massimo Vignelli, 1985

By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Knoll

Located in Palm Springs, CA

These pair of rare red handkerchief chairs made by Knoll and designed by Massimo Vignelli were made in 1985. Signed with metal plaque underneath. All original.

Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Massimo and Lella Vignelli Side Chairs

Materials

Other

Knoll Handkerchief Side Chairs in Gray by Massimo & Lella Vignelli a Pair

Sold

H 29 in W 23 in D 21 in

Knoll Handkerchief Side Chairs in Gray by Massimo & Lella Vignelli a Pair

By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Knoll

Located in Topeka, KS

Handsome pair of Knoll handkerchief side chairs in gray with chromed steel wire base. This chair was designed by the husband and wife team of Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Knoll, ci...

Category

Late 20th Century Modern Massimo and Lella Vignelli Side Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Set 4 Knoll Handkerchief Chairs

Sold

H 29 in W 20.5 in D 17 in

Set 4 Knoll Handkerchief Chairs

By Massimo and Lella Vignelli

Located in New York, NY

Nice set of four Knoll Handkerchief Chairs, designed by Massimo and Lella Vignelli. These chairs are in white, with white metal bases. All are...

Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Massimo and Lella Vignelli Side Chairs

Massimo And Lella Vignelli side chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Massimo and Lella Vignelli side chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of steel and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Massimo and Lella Vignelli side chairs, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original side chairs by Massimo and Lella Vignelli were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider side chairs by and Driade. Prices for Massimo and Lella Vignelli side chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $360 and can go as high as $4,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $485.

Questions About Massimo and Lella Vignelli Side Chairs

What was Massimo Vignelli most famous for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJanuary 19, 2025
Massimo Vignelli was perhaps most famous for the Handkerchief chair, a stackable office chair made of compression-molded plastic that has the look of a cloth floating in the air. It was created for Knoll in 1983. Vignelli and his wife, Lella Vignelli, are also legendary names in branding and were prolific creators of home furnishings, products and interiors. The duo’s modernist furniture collaborations, which spanned 50 years, also left a profound mark on design and wider visual culture. Furniture created by the couple is often labeled as Massimo Vignelli’s alone. However, he fought to have Lella recognized for her work, even throwing away magazines that neglected to give her due credit. Explore a range of Massimo Vignelli furniture on 1stDibs.

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