Massimo Vignelli Dining Room Chairs

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.

Creator: Massimo 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 and Lella Vignelli, Massimo Vignelli, Knoll

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 Vignelli Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Steel

Massimo Vignelli for Knoll International Postmodern Handkerchief Chairs, Twelve

$3,305 / set

Massimo Vignelli for Knoll International Postmodern Handkerchief Chairs, Twelve

By Massimo Vignelli, Knoll

Located in South Bend, IN

A stylish set of twelve Postmodern stacking "handkerchief" chairs By Massimo Vignelli for Knoll International USA, 1980s Molded fiberglass seat...

Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Massimo Vignelli Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Steel

Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Postmodern Handkerchief Chair, 19 Available

$340 / item

Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Postmodern Handkerchief Chair, 19 Available

By Knoll, Massimo Vignelli

Located in South Bend, IN

A stylish postmodern stacking "handkerchief" chair By Massimo Vignelli for Knoll International USA, 1980s Molded fiberglass seat, with powder coated steel base. Measures: 23.5"W ...

Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Massimo Vignelli Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Steel

Lella and Massimo Vignelli Handkerchief Stacking Chairs, Set of 4 Knoll Chairs

$1,200 / set

Lella and Massimo Vignelli Handkerchief Stacking Chairs, Set of 4 Knoll Chairs

By Massimo Vignelli, Knoll

Located in Miami, FL

Set of 4 Knoll Handkerchief Chairs, Lella and Massimo Vignelli Handkerchief Chairs Introduced in 1983, these chairs are very resilient wit...

Category

20th Century Italian Massimo Vignelli Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Steel

Handkerchief Chairs in White by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Post Modern a Pair

$800 / set

Handkerchief Chairs in White by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Post Modern a Pair

By Massimo Vignelli, Knoll

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Iconic design by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll. These ethereal chairs, seeming floating in air are fully labeled with an embossed Knoll, Vignelli design and a paper Knoll Label. This...

Category

Late 20th Century European Post-Modern Massimo Vignelli Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Fiberglass

Handkerchief Chairs in White by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Post Modern

$4,200 / set

Handkerchief Chairs in White by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Post Modern

By Knoll, Massimo Vignelli

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Iconic design by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll. These ethereal chairs, seeming floating in air are fully labeled with an embossed Knoll, Vignelli design and a paper Knoll Label.

Category

Late 20th Century European Post-Modern Massimo Vignelli Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Fiberglass

Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Postmodern Handkerchief Chair, 7 Available

$405 / item

Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Postmodern Handkerchief Chair, 7 Available

By Massimo Vignelli, Knoll

Located in South Bend, IN

A stylish postmodern stacking "handkerchief" chair By Massimo Vignelli for Knoll International USA, 1980s Molded fiberglass seat, with powder coated steel base. Measures: 23.5"W ...

Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Massimo Vignelli Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Steel

Set of 8 Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Handkerchief Chairs

$6,975 / set

Set of 8 Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Handkerchief Chairs

By Massimo Vignelli

Located in New Orleans, LA

These curvy monochrome chairs add sophistication and contemporary charm. All items offered are antique, vintage, or mid-century and sold as-is. Expect natural wear, patina, and impe...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Post-Modern Massimo Vignelli Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Metal

Set of 4 Handkerchief Armchairs by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll

$3,600 / set

Set of 4 Handkerchief Armchairs by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll

By Massimo Vignelli, Knoll

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Set of 4 handkerchief armchairs by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll. In 1968 Vignelli was contracted by Knoll to re-envision the corporate identity ...

Category

1980s American International Style Vintage Massimo Vignelli Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Set of 4 Handkerchief Armchairs by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll

$3,600 / set

Set of 4 Handkerchief Armchairs by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll

By Knoll, Massimo Vignelli

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Set of 4 handkerchief armchairs by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll. In 1968 Vignelli was contracted by Knoll to re-envision the corporate identity ...

Category

1980s American International Style Vintage Massimo Vignelli Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Set of 4 Handkerchief Armchairs by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll

$3,600 / set

Set of 4 Handkerchief Armchairs by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll

By Knoll, Massimo Vignelli

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Set of 4 handkerchief armchairs by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll. In 1968 Vignelli was contracted by Knoll to re-envision the corporate identity ...

Category

1980s American International Style Vintage Massimo Vignelli Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

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 Vignelli Dining Room 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 Harry Bertoia, Knoll

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 Vignelli Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Metal

Post Modern Knoll Swivel Desk, Office, Chairs 11 Available

$285 / item

H 33.5 in W 27 in D 17 in

Post Modern Knoll Swivel Desk, Office, Chairs 11 Available

By Knoll, Don Chadwick

Located in New York, NY

Exceptional Knoll swivel desk chair(s) from the 1970's, in rich brown formed foam upholstery, on five star base. The chair swivels a full 360, and the base is on double wheel coaster...

Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Massimo Vignelli Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Plastic

Set of Four Rare Early Production Eero Saarinen for Knoll Dining Chairs

$8,000 / set

H 32 in W 22 in D 19 in

Set of Four Rare Early Production Eero Saarinen for Knoll Dining Chairs

By Knoll, Eero Saarinen

Located in Ferndale, MI

From the put me in a museum collection. Out of long long term storage. The Earliest production set of four Eero Saarinen for HG Knoll executive chairs I have ever seen. All four on f...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Massimo Vignelli Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Knoll Ettore Sottsass "Mandarin" Post-modern Dining Chairs, Set of 6

$8,500 / set

H 32.5 in W 26 in D 23.5 in

Knoll Ettore Sottsass "Mandarin" Post-modern Dining Chairs, Set of 6

By Ettore Sottsass, Knoll

Located in Miami, FL

A set of 6 Knoll North America Ettore Sottsass "Mandarin" Post-modern Dining Chairs from the 1980s. The chairs retain the original upholstery, and the frames are powder-coated with...

Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Massimo Vignelli Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Metal

Charles Pollock Executive Desk Chair for Knoll

$2,200 / item

H 32 in W 26 in D 17.5 in

Charles Pollock Executive Desk Chair for Knoll

By Knoll, Charles Pollock

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Charles Pollock Executive Desk Chair for Knoll, upholstered in cognac-brown leather. Pollock's celebrated design features a generously cushioned, button tufted seat and back enclosed...

Category

1980s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo Vignelli Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Otto Zapf for Knoll Swivel Desk Chair in Black Leather

$3,850

H 33.86 in W 31.11 in D 27.96 in

Otto Zapf for Knoll Swivel Desk Chair in Black Leather

By Knoll, Otto Zapf

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Otto Zapf for Knoll International, desk chair, leather, lacquered metal, United States, design 1974 When Bobby Cadwallader, the former president of Knoll, encountered the German des...

Category

1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Massimo Vignelli Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Metal

Robert Venturi Post-Modern 'Chippendale' Chairs for Knoll International, c. 1985

$25,200Sale Price / set|21% Off

H 37.5 in W 25 in D 24 in

Robert Venturi Post-Modern 'Chippendale' Chairs for Knoll International, c. 1985

By Knoll, Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown, Robert Venturi

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This rare and sought after set of collectors chairs is called the 'Chippendale' chair by Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown for Knoll International, circa 1985 featuring a black c...

Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Massimo Vignelli Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Leather, Laminate, Plywood

1977 Pearson Executive Desk Chair by Max Pearson for Knoll International

$1,100 / item

H 34.5 in W 27.75 in D 27 in

1977 Pearson Executive Desk Chair by Max Pearson for Knoll International

By Max Pearson, Knoll

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a Pearson Executive Chair, designed in 1966 by Max Pearson for Knoll. While Pearson had worked for Knoll for several years behind the scenes, this was first debuted in his fi...

Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Massimo Vignelli Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Steel

Desk Chair by Charles Pollock for Knoll, 1963

$1,800

H 31.5 in W 24 in D 29 in

Desk Chair by Charles Pollock for Knoll, 1963

By Charles Pollock, Knoll

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A vintage Pollack executive chair on five leg pedestal base featuring his ‘rim technology’ of metal edge banding around the chair’s periphery s...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo Vignelli Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Desk Chair by Max Pearson for Knoll

$6,800 / item

H 34.5 in W 27.75 in D 27 in

Desk Chair by Max Pearson for Knoll

By Knoll, Max Pearson

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A desk chair with the original channel-stitched upholstery, on an X-form caster base.

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo Vignelli Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Massimo and Lella Vignelli "Saratoga" Living Room Set Poltronova, 1960s

$8,910Sale Price / set|35% Off

H 23.63 in W 82.68 in D 35.44 in

Massimo and Lella Vignelli "Saratoga" Living Room Set Poltronova, 1960s

By Poltronova, Massimo and Lella Vignelli

Located in Padova, IT

Exceptional Saratoga set designed by Massimo and Lella Vignella, produced by Poltronova, Italy 1960s. A beautiful living room set composed of two sofas (three-seater/two-seater) and...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo Vignelli Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Robert Venturi Post-Modern 'Sheraton' Chair for Knoll International, c. 1985

$8,950

H 33 in W 23 in D 22 in

Robert Venturi Post-Modern 'Sheraton' Chair for Knoll International, c. 1985

By Robert Venturi, Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown, Knoll

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Rare and collectible 'Sheraton' chair designed by Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown for Knoll International, circa 1984–1985. One of the most recognizable designs from the groundbreaking Venturi Collection, the chair transforms the vocabulary of traditional furniture into a witty and distinctly Postmodern object. The Sheraton chair takes the familiar silhouette and ornament of early 19th-century furniture and reduces it to a remarkably flat, graphic composition. Its colorful back decoration was inspired by a circa 1805 Boston painted “fancy” chair...

Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Massimo Vignelli Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Laminate, Plywood

Set of 6 Knoll Bertoia Dining Chairs

$3,040Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 28.75 in W 21.75 in D 19.75 in

Set of 6 Knoll Bertoia Dining Chairs

By Harry Bertoia, Knoll

Located in Dallas, TX

Set of 6 classic Knoll dining chairs by Harry Bertoia. Welded steel with rods in a matte white finish. Original yellow vinyl seat cushions with dated labels included. Good vintage c...

Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo Vignelli Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Steel

3 Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Wire Side Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll Int

$2,495 / set

H 29.75 in W 21.25 in D 21.5 in

3 Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Wire Side Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll Int

By Knoll, Harry Bertoia

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Timeless and fabulous design by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. Set of 3 classic beauties with full leather pads for seats and backs. All labeled and in very good condition wi...

Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Massimo Vignelli Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Steel

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 David Law, Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Knoll, Massimo 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 Vignelli Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Steel

Set of Eight Vignelli for Knoll Stacking "Handkerchief" Chairs, Circa 1980s

Sold

H 29 in W 23.25 in D 21 in

Set of Eight Vignelli for Knoll Stacking "Handkerchief" Chairs, Circa 1980s

By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Knoll, Massimo Vignelli

Located in Peabody, MA

A set of eight early production (1985) handkerchief chairs designed by Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Knoll. The one piece seats and back were intended to evoke a handkerchief in the...

Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Massimo Vignelli Dining Room 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 Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Knoll, Massimo 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 Vignelli Dining Room 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 Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Knoll, Massimo 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 Vignelli Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Steel

Set of Four Lella and Massimo Vignelli "Handkerchief" Armchairs for Knoll

Sold

H 29.5 in W 26.38 in D 22.4 in

Set of Four Lella and Massimo Vignelli "Handkerchief" Armchairs for Knoll

By Massimo Vignelli, Knoll

Located in Miami, FL

Four bright yellow sculpted dining or office chairs on a black enameled steel frame with cushion armrests by Lella and Massimo Vignelli for Knoll.

Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Massimo Vignelli Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Steel

Six Vignelli Designs Handkerchief Chairs for Knoll

Sold

H 29 in W 25.75 in D 20 in

Six Vignelli Designs Handkerchief Chairs for Knoll

By Knoll, Massimo Vignelli

Located in Miami, FL

SOLD From Lella and Massimo Vignelli, the team behind Vignelli Designs, the handkerchief chair. Here six of the 1983 design in white for Knoll International, with two of the six hav...

Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Massimo Vignelli Dining Room Chairs

Set of 6 Red Knoll Handkerchief Chairs by Massimo Vignelli

Sold

H 29 in W 20.25 in D 19 in

Set of 6 Red Knoll Handkerchief Chairs by Massimo Vignelli

By Massimo Vignelli, Knoll

Located in Houston, TX

Beautiful sculptural chairs by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll. Chairs are in excellent vintage condition.

Category

Late 20th Century American Massimo Vignelli Dining Room Chairs

Set of Four Massimo Vignelli Handkerchief Armchairs

Sold

H 29 in W 26 in D 22.5 in

Set of Four Massimo Vignelli Handkerchief Armchairs

By Massimo Vignelli

Located in Brooklyn, NY

manufactured by Knoll

Category

Late 20th Century American Massimo Vignelli Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Steel

Massimo Vignelli dining room chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Massimo Vignelli dining room chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of plastic and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Massimo Vignelli dining room chairs, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original dining room chairs by Massimo Vignelli were created in the modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider dining room chairs by Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Frank Gehry, and Kreiss. Prices for Massimo Vignelli dining room chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $360 and can go as high as $6,975, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,600.

Questions About Massimo Vignelli Dining Room 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.