Richard Schultz Furniture
Many of today’s most popular outdoor furniture designs exist thanks to the talents of designer Richard Schultz. His mid-century modern style introduced unimposing pieces to gardens and outdoor spaces. The airy shapes and timeless appeal of his furniture reflect his motto: “Form follows technique.”
Born Moses Richard Schultz in Lafayette, Indiana, in 1926, he displayed an early talent as an engineer, building steam engines in his family’s basement. Although he possessed an engineer’s mind, Schultz struggled with mathematics, and he dropped out of the Iowa State University mechanical engineering program. He joined the U.S. Navy, working as a radio operator. Following his military service, he enrolled at the Institute of Design in Chicago.
After he graduated in 1950, Schultz traveled to Europe, where he spent the summer sketching. When he returned to the United States in 1951, he applied for a position as a designer at the furniture company Knoll Inc. in New York City. It is said that Florence Knoll, wife of the company’s founder Hans Knoll, hired him on the spot based solely on his sketches.
Schultz’s first assignment was to assist designer Harry Bertoia with the Bertoia Wire Collection at Knoll’s factory in Pennsylvania. Schultz’s 715 Chaise Longue, with its adjustable frame and signature solid wheel, complemented Bertoia’s collection. It was acquired in 1963 by the Museum of Modern Art for its collection of contemporary furniture. Another iconic piece Schultz produced around this time was the Petal Table. Its wooden “petal” tabletop and enameled metal base were inspired by the plant Queen Anne’s lace.
In 1966, one of Schultz’s most esteemed collections, the Leisure Collection (reissued in 1992 as the 1966 Collection), was created when Florence Knoll requested some outdoor furniture for her Florida home that could withstand the salty ocean air. Schultz designed a line of aluminum patio coffee tables and lounge chairs that were not only fashionable and comfortable but would not rust.
In 1972, Knoll laid off its designers, including Schultz, and he started his design studio — Richard Schultz Design — out of a Pennsylvania farmhouse. He enjoyed success with another of his influential pieces, the Paradigm office chair, which he sold to furniture manufacturer Stow & Davis in 1978. In 2012, Knoll acquired Richard Schultz Design and re-released many of his classic works.
Schultz died in 2021. He left a legacy as one of the 20th century’s most celebrated outdoor furniture creators.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of vintage Richard Schultz tables, building and garden elements, seating and more.
Late 20th Century American Richard Schultz Furniture
Steel
1950s Vintage Richard Schultz Furniture
Hardwood
20th Century Industrial Richard Schultz Furniture
Metal
20th Century American Art Deco Richard Schultz Furniture
Metal
Early 20th Century Anglo-Indian Richard Schultz Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Richard Schultz Furniture
Wood
20th Century French Louis XVI Richard Schultz Furniture
Fabric, Wood
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Furniture
Bamboo
21st Century and Contemporary French Richard Schultz Furniture
Iron
Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Richard Schultz Furniture
Canvas, Silk, Wood, Paint
Mid-20th Century Belgian Hollywood Regency Richard Schultz Furniture
Wood
20th Century Richard Schultz Furniture
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Richard Schultz Furniture
Wood
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Furniture
Steel
2010s American Modern Richard Schultz Furniture
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Richard Schultz Furniture
Steel, Aluminum
