Many of today’s most popular outdoor furniture designs exist thanks to the talents of designer Richard Schultz. Working in his fluid mid-century modern style, Schultz introduced a wealth of unimposing pieces to gardens and outdoor spaces that proved highly influential in the decades that followed. The airy shapes and timeless appeal of his vintage patio furniture and other works reflect his motto: “Form follows technique.”
Born Moses Richard Schultz in Lafayette, Indiana, in 1926, he displayed an early talent for building steam engines in his family’s basement. Although he had an aptitude for engineering, Schultz's struggles with mathematics later prevented him from completing his engineering coursework at Iowa State University. 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 manufacturer Knoll Inc. It is said that Florence Knoll — the company's cofounder and a visionary designer in her own right — hired him on the spot based solely on his sketches.
At Knoll's production facilities in Pennsylvania, Schultz was initially tasked with supporting Italian-American designer and metalsmith Harry Bertoia with the Bertoia Wire collection.
Schultz’s 715 chaise longue, with its adjustable frame and signature solid wheel, paired well with Bertoia’s celebrated woven steel-wire work. It was acquired in 1963 by the Museum of Modern Art for the institution's permanent collection. 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 known as Queen Anne’s lace.
In 1966, one of Schultz’s most esteemed series, the Leisure collection (reissued in 1992 as the 1966 collection), was developed 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 also wouldn't rust.
In 1972, Knoll laid off its designers as part of the company's cost-cutting measures at the time. Schultz's role was a casualty of the reorganization, 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 reissued many of his classic works.
Schultz is recognized today for having been one of the 20th century’s most celebrated outdoor furniture creators.
Shop vintage Richard Schultz tables, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Mid-Century Patio Lounge Chairs Florence Knoll Richard Schultz
By Florence Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Baltimore, MD
Set of four patio lounge armchairs by famous designer Richard Schultz for Florence Knoll, made in the United States, circa 1960's. Superbly crafted, each features aluminum white pain...
Aluminum
1970s Richard Schultz for Knoll 1966 Collection Coffee Table 24 x 48
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a 1966 Collection Outdoor Rectangular Coffee Table, initially designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll in 1966. These particular tables date to the 1970s, and have been freshly re-powder coated. The listed price includes one 1966 table...
Aluminum, Enamel, Steel
1963 Richard Schultz for Knoll Associates Model 715 Adjustable Chaise Lounge
By Richard Schultz, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an uncommon steel grid Chaise Lounge, Model 715, designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll Associates in 1963. The geometrically welded-wire frame is powder coated in a matte whi...
Steel
1970s Richard Schultz for Knoll Adjustable Chaise Lounge Chair 2x Available
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a 1966 Adjustable Chaise Lounge, originally designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll and introduced in 1966 as part of his iconic Leisure Collection. This example was produced i...
Aluminum
1960s Richard Schultz Daybed Lounge w/ Cream Hopsack Upholstery and Metal Legs
By Richard Schultz, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an uncommon Daybed, designed in circa 1958 by Richard Schultz for Knoll International. Around the same time, Florence Knoll & Charles Niedringhaus were designing their own se...
Steel
1970s Richard Schultz for Knoll 1966 Collection Square Coffee Table with Frame
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a 1966 Collection Outdoor Square Coffee Table, initially designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll in 1966. These particular tables date to the 1970s, and have been freshly re-po...
Aluminum, Enamel, Steel
Vintage Blue Serving Cart by Richard Schultz
By Richard Schultz
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage outdoor serving cart in rich blue enamel tiers in a white metal frame. Designed by Richard Schultz in 1966 for Knoll. Richard Schultz crea...
Metal, Enamel
Petal' Dining Table by Richard Schultz for Knoll, 1960
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Mid-Century Modern 'petal' dining table designed by Richard Shultz. This table features a flower-like pine top on a white enameled eight-point cast iron pedestal base. Manufactured...
Iron
Richard Schultz Leisure Group Adjustable Chaise
By Richard Schultz
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Richard Schultz Leisure Group Chaise Manufactured by Knoll Original Powder Coated Aluminum Frame and Nylon/ Leather Sling
Aluminum
1990s Richard Schultz Prototype Serving Trolley or Bar Cart in Steel and Glass
By Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Prototype Serving Trolley or Bar Cart, designed by Richard Schultz for his 2002 Collection. The tubular stainless-steel frame has a matte, brushed surface, and the wheels a...
Stainless Steel
2001 Prototype Richard Schultz 2002 Collection Mesh Cantilever Dining Chair
By Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Richard Schultz 2002 Collection stainless steel cantilever dining chair prototype with mesh upholstery. This is a marvelous and rare example of a 2002 collection...
Stainless Steel
2001 Prototype Richard Schultz 2002 Collection Stainless Steel Mesh Dining Chair
By Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Richard Schultz 2002 Collection stainless steel dining chair prototype with custom polished perforated steel seat. The chair measures 31 inches tall by 23 inches...
Stainless Steel
2022 Richard Schultz for Knoll 1966 Collection Lounge Chair w/ Aluminum Frame
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a 1966 Collection Outdoor Lounge Chair, Model 1966-25, originally designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll in 1966. This particular example dates to 2022. The chair is construct...
Aluminum
Richard Schultz for Knoll Set of Four Dining Chairs—1960s
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Chicago, IL
Richard Schultz for Knoll Set of Four Dining Chairs—1960s Originally introduced as part of the iconic 1966 Collection with their clean lines and durable materials, Constructed of alu...
Aluminum
1960s Richard Schultz for Knoll 704 Convertible Daybed / Sofa in Grey Fabric
By Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Model 704 Convertible Sofa, initially designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll in 1958. This particular example was produced in the United States during the 1960s. The design ...
Steel
Rare No. 704 Richard Schultz Knoll International Daybed / Sofa
By Richard Schultz, Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare Convertible sofa designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll International. MID 1950'S..Ingenious design as the seat pulls forward and up to create a flat and level bed. Wonderful and...
Stainless Steel
Petal' End or Side Table by Richard Schultz for Knoll, 1960
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Mid-Century Modern 'Petal' end/side table designed by Richard Shultz. With a flower-like pine top on a white enameled eight-point cast iron pedestal base. Manufactured in the USA b...
Iron
Prototype Richard Schultz 2002 Collection Stainless & Leather Dining Chair
By Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Richard Schultz 2002 Collection stainless steel dining chair prototype with custom leather sling. The arm height is 26" from the ground. Total height is approxim...
Steel
2020 Knoll Richard Schultz 1966 Series Outdoor Lounge Chair w/ Arm & Beige Frame
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a 2020 production lounge chair with arms designed by Richard Schultz and produced by Knoll. This is a unique example with beige powder coated frame and beige sling...
Metal
$3,920Sale Price|20% Off
Early Richard Schultz 43 inch Redwood Petal Dining Table need to realign petals
By Richard Schultz
Located in Pasadena, TX
Early Richard Schultz 42 inch Redwood Petal Dining Table Restored Rare Richard Schultz Petal Dining Table, circa 1960s. Branch-like...
Wood
1980s Richard Schultz Prototype Dining Table in Polished Stainless Steel
By Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Square Dining Table in polished stainless steel, designed by Richard Schultz ca. 1980. The piece is a prototype and the design never made it to the production phase, render...
Steel
Unique Richard Schultz Petal Side Table Prototype
By Richard Schultz
Located in Munich, DE
the petals of this table are made of ceramic ! the serial production petals are made of wood. natural or painted white. purchased from an former knoll employee.....
Metal
2022 Richard Schultz for CondeHouse Slat Chair in Ebonized Wood and Aluminum
By Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Slat Chair, originally designed by Richard Schultz in 1984. This particular example was produced by CondeHouse in Japan in 2022. The chair is comprised of an aluminum frame...
Oak
1980s Knoll 1966 Series Prototype Dining Table by Richard Schultz 75x75 in
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a large square dining table, designed by Richard Schultz for his 1966 series for Knoll (this one likely produced for Richard Schultz Design...
Steel, Aluminum
2011 Prototype Richard Schultz Mateo Collection Raw Aluminum & Mesh Dining Chair
By Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Richard Schultz 2011 Mateo Collection aluminum lounge chair prototype with mesh upholstery. This is a marvelous and rare example of a Mateo collection lounge cha...
Aluminum
1980 Richard Schultz & Knoll Prototype Flat Matte Black Outdoor Dining Armchair
By Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Richard Schultz stainless steel armchair prototype with perforated steel seat, produced circa 1980. This is a marvelous and rare example of this model series, which was intended to take the place of the famous 1966 series. The matte black powder-coated steel frame is in terrific shape. As quoted from Peter Schultz: "Prototypes for new seating line designed for Knoll circa 1980. Knoll requested a new design to replace the 1966 Collection which they were discontinuing. Shown in Knoll au Louvre book...
Steel
1993 Prototype Richard Schultz Topiary Collection Cafe Dining Chair
By Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Richard Schultz Topiary Collection stacking cafe chair prototype with a black powder-coated finish. This is a marvelous an...
Steel
Prototype Richard Schultz for Steelcase Sheet Metal Dining Chair from Circa 1985
By Richard Schultz, Steelcase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Richard Schultz sheet metal dining chair prototype for Steelcase, dating to circa 1985. This is a marvelous and rare example. The frame is in very good shape wit...
Aluminum