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.
1963 Richard Schultz for Knoll Associates Model 715 Adjustable Chaise Lounge
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
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
Armless Mid-Century Modern Patio Chairs by Richard Schultz for Knoll
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Discover an icon of modernist outdoor design with this vintage 1966 Collection Lounge Chair by Richard Schultz, crafted for Knoll in 1966 at the request of Florence Knoll. Built to w...
Steel
1970s Richard Schultz for Knoll Adjustable Chaise Lounge Chair 2x Available
By Richard Schultz, Knoll
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
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
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
$2,636Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
Rare Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Pair of Model 261 lounge chairs
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Round Rock, TX
Pair of Rare Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Model 261 lounge chairs c. 1970s Originally designed in the early 1930s, later refined by Mies in 1967 for executive interiors and introduce...
Leather, Oak
$3,391Sale Price|40% Off
H 29.53 in W 24.41 in D 25.6 in
Lounge Chair Model 31 by Florence Knoll Bassett for Knoll International Set of 2
By Florence Knoll
Located in Kelkheim (Taunus), HE
Florence Marguerite Knoll Basset was one of the most renowned American designers and architects of the 20th century. In 1954 she designed the model 31 armchair, which has developed i...
Metal
$6,500
H 34.5 in W 31 in D 35 in L 34.5 in
Recently Restored Eero Saarinen for Knoll Model 61 Grasshopper Lounge Chair
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Ferndale, MI
Eero Saarinen and Florence Schust grew up together attending Cranbrook school. Saarinens father Eliel Saarinen was the first head master . Aftrer marrying Florence Schust became Flro...
Upholstery, Maple
$14,995 / set
H 39.38 in W 41.5 in D 25.5 in
Warren Platner Lounge Easy Chair and Ottoman by Knoll, Bronze Frame, 1972
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This iconic lounge chair and ottoman by Warren Platner for Knoll International represents the peak of sculptural American modernism. Designed in the mid-1960s and still celebrated as...
Stainless Steel
$8,630 / set
H 30.5 in W 35.75 in D 24.5 in
Pair of Warren Platner Mid Century Modern Lounge Chairs for Knoll
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic pair of Mid Century Modern Sculptural Lounge Chairs by Warren Platner for Knoll International. An ottoman, listed separately, is also available. This pair of lounge chair...
Steel, Chrome
$1,200
H 30 in W 34 in D 27 in
Mid-Century Modern Red Wire Diamond Lounge Patio Chair by Harry Bertoia Knoll
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A classic diamond chair designed by Harry Bertoia and produced by Knoll. This chair features a red factory powder coat. Always used indoors but could be used as a patio chair.
Wire
Vintage Florence Knoll Relaxed Chair Neutral Ivory
By Florence Knoll
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer this vintage Florence Knoll Relaxed Lounge Chair for Knoll, circa 1970s–1980s, upholstered in a beautifully textured ...
Steel
$4,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 30 in W 32 in D 32 in
Pair of Mid Century Florence Knoll Lounge chairs with chrome base
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Mid Century Florence Knoll Red / Orange Lounge chairs with chrome base. Pair of 1960s Lounge Chairs for Knoll International designed 1954. Both have Knoll upholstery and poli...
Chrome, Steel
$2,400
H 15 in W 76.25 in D 29 in
Rare Richard Schultz Indoor Wire Upholstered Chaise Lounge for Knoll
By Knoll
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A white plastic coated wire chaise lounge with adjustable backrest and orange Knoll fabric two piece cushion . This rare chaise was produced for in door use since unlike the outdoor ...
Wire
Rare No. 704 Richard Schultz Knoll International Daybed / Sofa
By Richard Schultz, Knoll
Located in Munich, DE
Convertible sofa designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll International. The seat pulls forward and up to create a flat and level bed. Wonderful and classic Mid-Century Modern design.
Metal
Florence Knoll Tan Leather Button Tufted Lounge Chair, 1970s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Florence Knoll lounge chair in tan leather with button tufted seat and back on a chrome-plated steel base. Labeled Art Metal - Knoll Corp., June 9 1971 The chair has some losses to ...
Steel
$2,250
H 10 in W 24 in D 27.5 in
Early Model 652 Lounge Chair by Jens Risom for Knoll Associates, circa 1946
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Early Model 652 Lounge Chair, circa 1946 by Jens Risom (1916-2016) for Knoll Associates maple, nylon Early Decal: Knoll Associates Inc., 601 Madison Ave, New York 22, N.Y. "This ...
Maple
$6,893
H 29.53 in W 29.53 in D 30.32 in
"Barcelona" Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll 1970s Black Leather Lounge Chair
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Brescia, IT
Black leather in perfect condiction Upholstery in excellent condiction Chrome in excellent condiction "Knoll International" sticker label.
Metal
$795
H 29 in W 19.5 in D 23.5 in
Outdoor / Patio Armless Lounge Chair, Richard Schultz for Knoll, USA, c. 1966
By Knoll
Located in Deland, FL
Designed in 1966 for Knoll’s groundbreaking Outdoor Collection, the 1966 Lounge Seating series—often simply called the “1966 Collection”—was Richard Schultz’s answer to creating eleg...
Aluminum
$19,890 / set
H 31.5 in W 22.75 in D 29.5 in
Rare Pair of Pierre Jeanneret Scissor Lounge Chairs for Knoll in Moss Leather
By Knoll, Pierre Jeanneret
Located in San Diego, CA
A spectacular and authentic pair of Scissor chairs designed by Pierre Jeanneret in 1948 and manufactured by Knoll, Model 92. This iconic design — celebrated for its striking angular ...
Aluminum
Sold
H 33.5 in W 23.5 in D 60.5 in
Set of Three Richard Schultz for Knoll 1966 Leisure Group Contour Chaise Lounges
By Richard Schultz, Knoll
Located in St. Louis, MO
Set of three Richard Schultz for Knoll contour chaise lounges. First introduced in 1966 as part of the Leisure Group at the request of Florence Knoll. From the home of famed Galleris...
Aluminum
Sold
H 26 in W 26 in D 28.25 in
C. 2010 Richard Schultz for Knoll 1966 Collection Outdoor Lounge Chair in Black
By Richard Schultz, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a 1966 Collection Outdoor Lounge Chair with Arms, Model 1966-25, initially designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll in 1966. These examples date to circa 2010 and the listed pri...
Aluminum
Sold
H 26 in W 46 in D 28.25 in
2021 Richard Schultz 1966 Two Seat Outdoor Lounge Chairs / Loveseat for Knoll
By Richard Schultz, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single (two are available, but they are sold separately) 1966 series two seat lounge chair / loveseat designed by Richard Schultz and produced by Knoll. This pie...
Aluminum
Sold
H 36 in W 25.5 in D 76.5 in
Richard Schultz 1966 Adjustable Outdoor Chaise Lounges for Knoll - a Pair
By Richard Schultz, Knoll
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of adjustable 1966 chaise lounges with vinyl mesh fabric and white vinyl stitched edge on a white powder coated aluminum frame originally designed by ...
Aluminum
Sold
H 29.25 in W 19.75 in D 23 in
Mid-Century Modern Armless Patio Side Chairs or Lounge Chairs by Richard Schultz
By Richard Schultz, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A matching pair of vintage chairs by Richard Schultz and produced by Knoll in the 1970's. These feature grey powder coated aluminum frames, white mesh slings and chocolate brown trim...
Aluminum
Pair of Richard Schultz Outdoor Lounge Chairs for Knoll
By Richard Schultz, Florence Knoll
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of lounge chairs by Richard Schultz for Knoll in white leather and coated aluminum with nylon mesh seats. Chairs are from mid-1970s. And in great vintage condition with...
Aluminum
Pair of Richard Schultz Outdoor Chairs and Medium Table
By Richard Schultz
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Richard Schultz’s 1966 Collection is regarded as the first modern outdoor furniture and has remained the category standard ever since. Schultz designed the 1966 collection at the request of Florence Knoll after she retired. She wanted outdoor furniture that could withstand corrosive Florida ocean air. This pair of white chairs...
Aluminum, Enamel, Steel
Early Richard Schultz Model 715 Chaise Longue for Knoll
By Richard Schultz, Knoll
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
1963 Richard Schultz design. Wonderful adjustable chaise with Bertoia technology, welded wire frame. The 715 model was selected by MOMA for the permanent collection same year. Short ...
Metal
Richard Schultz Garden Lounge Chair Knoll International 1966
By Richard Schultz, Knoll
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
For sure the nicest vintage designed garden furniture around. This chair is designed by Richard Schultz and manufactured by Knoll International, USA 1966. Richard Schultz designed the 1966 Collection at the request of Florence Knoll who, after retiring, wanted outdoor furniture that could withstand the corrosive Florida ocean air. The 1966 Lounge Chair...
Aluminum
Pair of Richard Schultz 1966 Series Lounge Chair with Arms
By Richard Schultz, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Richard Schultz 1966 series for Knoll. Outdoor lounge chair with arms Model no. 1966-25. Seat and back are woven vinyl coated polyester mesh wit...
Metal, Stainless Steel
Set of Four Richard Schultz 1966 Series Armless Lounge Chairs
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Chicago, IL
Richard Schultz for 1966 series for Knoll. Set of four outdoor lounge chairs. No longer in production. Seat and back are woven vinyl coated polyester mesh with vinyl straps and stai...
Stainless Steel, Metal
Pair of 1966 Lounge Chairs by Richard Schultz, Knoll
By Richard Schultz
Located in Utrecht, NL
Pair of 1966 lounge chair with arms by Richard Schultz, Knoll in all white (Petal Table in other listing). Chairs are executed from cast and extrude...
Sold
H 26.5 in W 22.5 in D 27.75 in
Original Vintage Richard Schultz pair of LOW Lounge Chairs Patio Outdoor Garden
By Richard Schultz
Located in Chicago, IL
Original Vintage Richard Schultz pair of low lounges. This is the desirable seat form which is low and & deep. Very sleek. These are vintage and show wear. Please contact for deta...
Knoll / Schultz Lounge Chairs
By Richard Schultz
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A pair of lounge chairs with off white mesh seating, brown leather type edge trim sitting on white powder coated aluminum bases. From the 1966 Collection from Knoll International.
Aluminum