Skip to main content

Massimo Vignelli Building and Garden Elements

Italian, 1931-2014

Massimo Vignelli and Lella Vignelli are legendary names in branding and were prolific creators of home furnishings, products and interiors. The duo’s modernist furniture collaborations, which span 50 years, have also left a profound mark on design and wider visual culture. Furniture created by the couple 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 Massimo 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.”

After meeting in Italy, Lella (1934–2016) and Massimo 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.

Many of the Vignellis’ designs are considered modern masterpieces and are included in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York and other important institutions.

Find vintage Massimo Vignelli furniture today on 1stDibs.

to
1
1
1
Height
to
Width
to
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
45
369
351
122
118
Creator: Massimo Vignelli
Mid-Century Modern Handkerchief Chairs by Massimo Vignelli, USA
Mid-Century Modern Handkerchief Chairs by Massimo Vignelli, USA

Mid-Century Modern Handkerchief Chairs by Massimo Vignelli, USA

$1,125Sale Price / set|25% Off

Mid-Century Modern Handkerchief Chairs by Massimo Vignelli, USA

By Massimo Vignelli

Located in Lomita, CA

This is a beautiful trio -- Massimo Vignelli for Knoll. To know these is to love them. Handkerchief chairs are my favorite outdoor seating picks. They are beautiful in gray, with tha...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Massimo Vignelli Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Acrylic

Related Items
1960s Mid-Century Modern Black Spun Fiberglass Plant Stand, USA
1960s Mid-Century Modern Black Spun Fiberglass Plant Stand, USA

1960s Mid-Century Modern Black Spun Fiberglass Plant Stand, USA

$1,195

H 29.75 in Dm 17.25 in

1960s Mid-Century Modern Black Spun Fiberglass Plant Stand, USA

Located in Topeka, KS

Fabulous Mid-Century Modern spun fiberglass plant stand. It is in wonderful vintage condition and has a fresh coat of black paint. Please see ph...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Massimo Vignelli Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Paint, Fiberglass

Mid-Century Modern White Metal Vintage Garden Chairs Auersperg by Sonett
Mid-Century Modern White Metal Vintage Garden Chairs Auersperg by Sonett

Mid-Century Modern White Metal Vintage Garden Chairs Auersperg by Sonett

$12,633 / set

H 32.29 in W 18.31 in D 23.23 in

Mid-Century Modern White Metal Vintage Garden Chairs Auersperg by Sonett

Located in Vienna, AT

Mid Century Modern set of 8 white elegant metal armchairs designed by J.O.Wladar & V. Mödlhammer Vienna circa 1955 for Sonett Karl Fostel´s Sen. Erben. Also the garden chairs...

Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo Vignelli Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal

Set 6 Mid Century Modern Orange Slice Chairs by Tempestini & Salterini + a Table
Set 6 Mid Century Modern Orange Slice Chairs by Tempestini & Salterini + a Table

Set 6 Mid Century Modern Orange Slice Chairs by Tempestini & Salterini + a Table

$4,595 / set

H 27.25 in W 22.25 in D 23.75 in

Set 6 Mid Century Modern Orange Slice Chairs by Tempestini & Salterini + a Table

By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Fabulous and rare set of six orange slice chairs. Freshly painted in a satin white enamel, chairs are in excellent vintage condition. Exceptional design by Maurizio Tempestini for Jo...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo Vignelli Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Modern Sculptura by Russell Woodard 3 Piece Set Iron Sofa & 2 Chairs
Mid-Century Modern Sculptura by Russell Woodard 3 Piece Set Iron Sofa & 2 Chairs

Mid-Century Modern Sculptura by Russell Woodard 3 Piece Set Iron Sofa & 2 Chairs

$3,795 / set

H 27 in W 54 in D 28.5 in

Mid-Century Modern Sculptura by Russell Woodard 3 Piece Set Iron Sofa & 2 Chairs

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Fabulous set of Russell Woodards Sculptura featuring a loveseat sofa a 4 legged lounge chair and a cantileverd spring chair all very well taken care of in Black paint. No repairs nec...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo Vignelli Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Steel, Iron

Mid-Century Modern 5pc Iron Hoop Chairs with Table by Maurizio Tempestini
Mid-Century Modern 5pc Iron Hoop Chairs with Table by Maurizio Tempestini

Mid-Century Modern 5pc Iron Hoop Chairs with Table by Maurizio Tempestini

$3,895

H 30 in W 25.75 in D 20 in

Mid-Century Modern 5pc Iron Hoop Chairs with Table by Maurizio Tempestini

By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Fabulous 5 piece set which includes 4 iron hoop chairs and a iron table. Table is 36.25 in diameter x 29h. In excellent vintage condition with minimal ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo Vignelli Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Modern Settee by Salterini, Flamingo Pink, USA, 1960s
Mid-Century Modern Settee by Salterini, Flamingo Pink, USA, 1960s

Mid-Century Modern Settee by Salterini, Flamingo Pink, USA, 1960s

$1,995

H 29.5 in W 52 in D 24 in

Mid-Century Modern Settee by Salterini, Flamingo Pink, USA, 1960s

By Salterini

Located in Southampton, NJ

Mid Century Modern Salterini settee freshly powder- coated in Flamingo pink. Heirloom quality nicely suited for indoor or outdoor use. Seat Dimension...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo Vignelli Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Modern Orange Slice Iron with Sailcloth Lounge Chairs by Salterini
Mid-Century Modern Orange Slice Iron with Sailcloth Lounge Chairs by Salterini

Mid-Century Modern Orange Slice Iron with Sailcloth Lounge Chairs by Salterini

$1,995 / set

H 27.25 in W 22.5 in D 24 in

Mid-Century Modern Orange Slice Iron with Sailcloth Lounge Chairs by Salterini

By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Fabulous and rare to find radar chairs by Maurizio Tempestini with Sailcloth as the seating material. Actual sails were cut and installed professionally. Chairs need a good cleaning ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo Vignelli Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Modern Iron Hoop Lounge Chair by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini
Mid-Century Modern Iron Hoop Lounge Chair by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini

Mid-Century Modern Iron Hoop Lounge Chair by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini

$995

H 29.25 in W 32 in D 25.75 in

Mid-Century Modern Iron Hoop Lounge Chair by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini

By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Fabulous iron hoop chair designed by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini c1955. In very good condition needing a spray job. New plastic feet glides. Poss...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo Vignelli Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Classic Mid Century Modern Fiberglass Rocking Lounge Chair by Lawrence Peabody
Classic Mid Century Modern Fiberglass Rocking Lounge Chair by Lawrence Peabody

Classic Mid Century Modern Fiberglass Rocking Lounge Chair by Lawrence Peabody

$1,180

H 32 in W 27.5 in D 29 in

Classic Mid Century Modern Fiberglass Rocking Lounge Chair by Lawrence Peabody

By Lawrence Peabody

Located in Buffalo, NY

Classic Mid Century Modern Fiberglass Wingback Rocking Lounge Chair by Lawrence Peabody.. Exterior or interior,, Great in the garden , porch or patio / deck,, but also would be amazi...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo Vignelli Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Rocking Chair by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Rocking Chair by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini

Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Rocking Chair by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini

$1,799

H 28 in W 31 in D 32 in

Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Rocking Chair by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini

By John Salterini

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Spectacular and rare piece in outstanding condition. Radar rocking chair designed by Maurizio Tempestini for John Salterini. Unmistakable design and we have some accompanying pieces ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo Vignelli Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

1970's Mid-Century Modern Outdoor Patio Lounge Chair by Tropitone
1970's Mid-Century Modern Outdoor Patio Lounge Chair by Tropitone

1970's Mid-Century Modern Outdoor Patio Lounge Chair by Tropitone

$1,499

H 36.5 in W 25 in D 26 in

1970's Mid-Century Modern Outdoor Patio Lounge Chair by Tropitone

By Tropitone, Ames Aire, Knoll

Located in Burbank, CA

Vintage Midcentury Modern patio lounge chair for sale. Manufactured in the 1970's Tropitone in California, and is really well made. It has an aluminum frame in a powder coated gray f...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo Vignelli Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Aluminum

Mid Century Modern Sculptura Lounge Rocking Chair by Russell Woodard
Mid Century Modern Sculptura Lounge Rocking Chair by Russell Woodard

Mid Century Modern Sculptura Lounge Rocking Chair by Russell Woodard

$1,395

H 30 in W 27 in D 28.5 in

Mid Century Modern Sculptura Lounge Rocking Chair by Russell Woodard

By Russell Woodard

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Fabulous and totally restored rocking lounge chair by Russell Woodard. Sand blasted and powder coated silver with new plastic tips on the ends of the rockers. Very comfy and super st...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo Vignelli Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Steel

Massimo Vignelli building and garden elements for sale on 1stDibs.

Massimo Vignelli building and garden elements are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of plastic and are designed with extraordinary care. Many of the original building and garden elements by Massimo Vignelli were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the mid-20th century. Prices for Massimo Vignelli building and garden elements can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $699 and can go as high as $699, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $699.

Creators Similar to Massimo Vignelli

Homecrest
Shop All Homecrest Building and Garden Elements
Tropitone
Shop All Tropitone Building and Garden Elements
Paolo Soleri
Shop All Paolo Soleri Building and Garden Elements
Gainey Pottery
Shop All Gainey Pottery Building and Garden Elements
Kartell
Shop All Kartell Building and Garden Elements
Alessandro Albrizzi
Shop All Alessandro Albrizzi Building and Garden Elements
Meadowcraft
Shop All Building and Garden Elements
Maurizio Tempestini
Shop All Maurizio Tempestini Building and Garden Elements
Mario Papperzini
Shop All Mario Papperzini Building and Garden Elements
Questions About Massimo Vignelli Building and Garden Elements
  • 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.

More Massimo Vignelli Furniture

Massimo Vignelli Lighting
Massimo Vignelli Seating
Massimo Vignelli Tables
Massimo Vignelli Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Massimo Vignelli Decorative Objects
Massimo Vignelli Wall Decorations
Massimo Vignelli Chandeliers and Pendants
Massimo Vignelli Table Lamps
Massimo Vignelli Dining Room Chairs
Massimo Vignelli Wall Lights and Sconces
Massimo Vignelli Dining Room Tables
Massimo Vignelli Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
View All Popular Building and Garden Elements Searches