Massimo Vignelli Side 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 Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Pair of Postmodern Tub Chairs by Massimo Vignelli

$2,600 / set

Pair of Postmodern Tub Chairs by Massimo Vignelli

By Sunar, Massimo Vignelli

Located in Dallas, TX

Vintage pair of postmodern Rotonda tub chairs by Massimo Vignelli for Sunar Hauserman , 1979. These feature a gently curved back and sides with floating seat fully upholstered in lig...

Category

1980s Post-Modern Vintage Massimo Vignelli Side Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Foam

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 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 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 Vignelli Side Chairs

Materials

Birch

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 Vignelli Side Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

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 Vignelli Side Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Post Modern Acorn Arm Chairs by Vignelli

$1,540Sale Price / set|30% Off

H 30.75 in W 22 in D 17.5 in

Pair of Post Modern Acorn Arm Chairs by Vignelli

By Sunar, Massimo and Lella Vignelli

Located in Las Vegas, NV

Clean, oversized pair of arm chairs by Vignelli. Simple, modern lines that allow for maximum versatiliy, use them in any design application. Across from a desk, at a game table, at...

Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Massimo Vignelli Side Chairs

Materials

Beech

Lella and Massimo Vignelli Handkerchief Chairs for Knoll, Set of Four

$1,120Sale Price / set|30% Off

H 29.25 in W 22 in D 20.5 in

Lella and Massimo Vignelli Handkerchief Chairs for Knoll, Set of Four

By Knoll, Massimo and Lella Vignelli

Located in Miami, FL

Black high-gloss lacquered Handkerchief chairs on black lacquered frames by Lella and Massimo Vignelli for Knoll. In 1968 Vignelli was contracted by Knoll to re-envision the corpo...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Massimo Vignelli Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Pair of Postmodern Italian Leather and Polished Chrome Accent Sling Chairs

$1,950 / set

H 28 in W 21.5 in D 21 in

Pair of Postmodern Italian Leather and Polished Chrome Accent Sling Chairs

By Giotto Stoppino

Located in Basel, BS

Gorgeous pair of Italian soft leather and polished chrome accent chairs in the style of Giotto Stoppino. If you would like to purchase an individu...

Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Massimo Vignelli Side Chairs

Materials

Chrome

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

Sold|~~$1,950 / set~~

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 Vignelli Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

1980s Postmodern Arc Sculptural Chairs in Camel Mohair, a Pair

$6,000 / set

H 32 in W 30 in D 27 in

1980s Postmodern Arc Sculptural Chairs in Camel Mohair, a Pair

Located in Chicago, IL

Absolutely stunning chairs reupholstered in a beautiful camel mohair. Ready to go!! Dimensions: 30" W × 27" D × 32" H Styles: Postmodern Seat height: 18.0 in Number of seats: 2...

Category

20th Century American Post-Modern Massimo Vignelli Side Chairs

Materials

Mohair

Postmodern Lucite + Chrome Folding Chairs (After Giancarlo Piretti), A Pair

$995 / set

H 31 in W 16.5 in D 21 in

Postmodern Lucite + Chrome Folding Chairs (After Giancarlo Piretti), A Pair

By Yonel Lebovici, Giancarlo Piretti, Marais international, (After) Gio Ponti, Anonima Castelli

Located in Round Top, TX

Fabulous pair of acrylic folding chairs in soft "barely" lavender. Designed with heavyweight chrome frames, and thick, bent acrylic seats and backs, in a Minimalist, Postmodern sty...

Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Massimo Vignelli Side Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Italian Postmodern Chrome and Black Side Chairs

$2,000 / set

H 32.5 in W 23.5 in D 21.5 in

Pair of Italian Postmodern Chrome and Black Side Chairs

Located in Chicago, IL

Pair of chromed and bent steel Postmodern Italian side chairs. Multiple bars of chromed steel with thin chromed steel spacers. Each bar is significant to the design of the chair, mak...

Category

1980s Italian Vintage Massimo Vignelli Side Chairs

Materials

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

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Category

1990s American Post-Modern Massimo 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 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 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 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 Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Contemporary Modern Massimo Vignelli Knoll Set of 4 Handkerchief Side Chairs

Sold

H 29 in W 22 in D 18 in

Contemporary Modern Massimo Vignelli Knoll Set of 4 Handkerchief Side Chairs

By Massimo Vignelli, Knoll

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

For your consideration is a magnificent set of four, stacking, "Handkerchief" side chairs, by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll Intl, made in Italy, circa 1980s. In excellent vintage condit...

Category

1980s Italian Vintage Massimo Vignelli Side Chairs

Materials

Acrylic

Knoll Massimo Vignelli Handkerchief Stacking Chairs in Black & White 40 Avail

Sold

H 29 in W 23 in D 21 in

Knoll Massimo Vignelli Handkerchief Stacking Chairs in Black & White 40 Avail

By Knoll, Massimo Vignelli

Located in Hudson, NY

45 available stacking indoors /outdoors Knoll Vignelli handkerchief chairs in white with black wrought iron frame. Intended to evoke the wi...

Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Massimo Vignelli Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

Massimo Vignelli side chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Massimo Vignelli side 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 side chairs, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original side chairs by Massimo Vignelli were created in the modern style in united states during the late 20th century. Prices for Massimo 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 $2,425.

Questions About Massimo 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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