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Richard Schultz Furniture

American, 1926-2021

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.

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Period: 1970s
Creator: Richard Schultz
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...
Category

1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Furniture

Materials

Wood

1997 Richard Schultz Topiary Outdoor Seating Bench / Sofa Custom Aluminum Finish
By Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an exceptionally rare and unusual outdoor Richard Schultz topiary bench. This example has been consigned by the original owners and re...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

1973 Pair of Richard Schultz for Knoll 1966 Series Rare Armless Lounge Chairs
By Richard Schultz, Knoll
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...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

Original Richard Schultz Rosewood Coffee Table for Knoll, 1970s
By Richard Schultz, Knoll
Located in Miami, FL
Original Richard Schultz Rosewood Coffee Table for Knoll 1970s, rosewood veneered wood with chromed steel legs. Nice condition with some normal scratches ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Furniture

Materials

Steel, Chrome

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Richard Schultz furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Richard Schultz furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Richard Schultz furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Richard Schultz were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Salterini, Lawrence Peabody, and Steelcase. Prices for Richard Schultz furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $895 and can go as high as $16,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,940.

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