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.
1973 Pair of Richard Schultz for Knoll 1966 Series Rare Armless Lounge Chairs
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an original pair of rare 1966 series armless lounge chairs, designed by Richard Schultz and produced by Knoll International. This set was acquired from a the son o...
Aluminum
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
1960s Richard Schultz For Knoll International Petal Dining Table Vintage Redwood
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an exceptionally rare vintage petal dining table, produced by Knoll and Designed by Richard Schultz. This table has a fabulous patina ...
Metal
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
$2,750 / set
Pair of Richard Schultz Cocktail Tables
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Stockton, NJ
A pair of vintage 1960s Richard Schultz for Knoll cocktail tables- with a twist. Each has been repainted in matte black and the tops replaced with thick slate.
Slate, Aluminum
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
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
Prototype Richard Schultz for Steelcase Sheet Metal Dining Chair from Circa 1985
By Steelcase, Richard Schultz
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
1960s Richard Schultz Daybed Lounge w/ Cream Hopsack Upholstery and Metal Legs
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
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
Richard Schultz for Knoll Set of Four Dining Chairs—1960s
By Richard Schultz, Knoll
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
Richard Schultz for Knoll Modern Model 1407 Armchairs, Set of Ten
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional set of ten model 1407 Modern armchairs, club chairs, or dining captain chairs By Richard Schultz for Knoll USA, 1987 Black enamel-coated tubular steel frame...
Enamel, Steel
Richard Schultz for Knoll Modern Model 1407 Armchairs, Set of Four
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional set of four model 1407 Modern armchairs, club chairs, or dining captain chairs By Richard Schultz for Knoll USA, 1987 Black enamel-coated tubular steel fram...
Enamel, Steel
Richard Schultz for Knoll Modern Model 1407 Armchairs, Set of Fourteen
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional set of fourteen model 1407 Modern armchairs, club chairs, or dining captain chairs By Richard Schultz for Knoll USA, 1987 Black enamel-coated tubular steel ...
Enamel, Steel
Richard Schultz for Knoll Modern Model 1407 Armchairs, Set of Twelve
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional set of twelve model 1407 Modern armchairs, club chairs, or dining captain chairs By Richard Schultz for Knoll USA, 1987 Black enamel-coated tubular steel fr...
Enamel, Steel
$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
Richard Schultz Prototype Aluminum Stacking Chair #2
By Richard Schultz
Located in New York, NY
Prototype stacking chair hand-built of aluminum by furniture designer and artist Richard Schultz as a full-size 3-D model exploring the ergonomic and sculptural qualities of a design...
Aluminum
Eight Dining Chairs by Richard Schultz for Knoll, White Frames, Red Orange Seats
By Richard Schultz
Located in Kansas City, MO
Set of 8 Richard Schultz dining chairs, made by Knoll, 1960s. The frames and seat backs have been expertly refinished in a soft white / ivory color and the original red orange seats...
Steel
Early Petal Side Table by Richard Schultz for Knoll in Cedar, USA, 1960s
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Palm Desert, CA
An iconic and highly collectible early production Petal Table designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll, originally introduced in 1960. This striking example features a cedarwood top com...
Metal
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
Single Rocker Richard Schultz 1966 Outdoor Collection
By Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A true design icon, this 1966 Collection Rocker by Richard Schultz brings timeless modernist elegance to any outdoor space. Originally designed for Florence Knoll and reproduced in t...
Aluminum, Bronze
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
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
$2,636Sale Price / set|20% Off
Mid-Century Patio Lounge Chairs Florence Knoll Richard Schultz
By Richard Schultz, Florence Knoll
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
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
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
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
1970s Richard Schultz for Knoll 1966 Collection Coffee Table 24 x 48
By Richard Schultz, Knoll
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
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
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
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
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
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