Richard Schultz Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

American, 1926-2021

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.

Creator: Richard Schultz

Richard Schultz For Knoll Rosewood and Chrome Executive Desk

$7,900

Richard Schultz For Knoll Rosewood and Chrome Executive Desk

By Richard Schultz, Knoll

Located in Pasadena, TX

This is a mid century modern executive desk by Knoll International. It was designed by Richard Schultz in the mid 1960's. It's made of rosewood and has chrome legs. It has 2 pull out...

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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Richard Schultz Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Chrome

Alma Mid Century Rosewood and Leather Executive Desk

$3,895

H 29.5 in W 78 in D 36 in

Alma Mid Century Rosewood and Leather Executive Desk

By Alma Desk Company

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Alma Mid Century Rosewood and Leather Executive Desk This desk measures: 78 wide x 36 deep x 29.5 high, with a chair clearance of 28 inches Fair Vintage Condition - Desk has Stain ...

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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Richard Schultz Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Alma Style Mid Century Leather and Chrome Executive Desk

On Hold|~~$4,595~~

H 28.5 in W 72 in D 38.5 in

Alma Style Mid Century Leather and Chrome Executive Desk

By Alma Desk Company

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Alma Style Mid Century Leather and Chrome Executive Desk This desk measures: 72 wide x 38.5 deep x 28.5 high, with a chair clearance of 26 inches We take our photos in a controlled...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Richard Schultz Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Chrome

1968 Executive Desk

$6,500

H 30 in W 72 in D 36 in

1968 Executive Desk

By Warren Platner

Located in Hanover, MA

Executive desk formerly belonging to noted architect George M. Notter, (1933–2007) of the Boston firm Anderson Notter Finegold (now known as Finegold Alexander Architects). Current institutional memory at the firm suggests it was a special order from Herman Miller for the then new New York offices of MGM, however Herman Miller's archivist was unable to confirm. Styling, particularly the distinctive slim milled aluminum tracks through which the entire drawer carriage glides is clearly similar to Warren Platner's designs for Lehigh-Leopold which were then among the most costly of executive office furnishings. The bent flat bar chromed steel base with its distinctive pigeon toe splay is somewhat similar to a table base in Stow Davis' Electa Series, designed by Alexis Yermakov circa 1971. Walnut laminate top is very clean with no issues. One corner edge shows a small separation. The only identifying markings are within the milled aluminum channel: G.P. F.I. 2 And the date Dec. 20, 1968. See image 18. Between the rectangular laminate top and the chrome base is a heavy blackened steel plate. Underneath the bent chrome pigeon toe feet are bars of a thick phenolic material which act as floor protector. We can have keys made to fit the two locking drawers. Tim Anderson...

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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Aluminum, Steel, Chrome

Florence Knoll Mid Century Walnut Executive Desk

$3,895

H 29 in W 66 in D 32 in

Florence Knoll Mid Century Walnut Executive Desk

By Knoll, Florence Knoll

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Florence Knoll Mid Century Walnut Executive Desk This desk measures: 66 wide x 32 deep x 29 high, with a chair clearance of 27.75 inches Fair Vintage Condition - Desk has Stain Wea...

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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Richard Schultz Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

1960s Florence Knoll Partners Desk or Executive Table in Rosewood, Model 2485

$12,000

H 28.5 in W 72 in D 38 in

1960s Florence Knoll Partners Desk or Executive Table in Rosewood, Model 2485

By Knoll, Florence Knoll

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a Florence Knoll Partners Desk or Executive Table, Model 2485, designed in 1961. It was manufactured in the early 1960s by Knoll International based on the 320 Park Avenue la...

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1960s American Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Davis Allen Mid Century Burlwood and Chrome Executive Desk

$4,595

H 29.25 in W 65.25 in D 32.25 in

Davis Allen Mid Century Burlwood and Chrome Executive Desk

By Davis Allen

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Davis Allen Mid Century Burlwood and Chrome Executive Desk This desk measures: 65.25 wide x 32.25 deep x 29.25 high, with a chair clearance of 26 inches We take our photos in a con...

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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century Walnut and Chrome Executive Desk

$4,295

H 30 in W 65 in D 36 in

Mid Century Walnut and Chrome Executive Desk

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Mid Century Walnut and Chrome Executive Desk This desk measures: 65 wide x 36 deep x 30 high, with a chair clearance of 28.25 inches We take our photos in a controlled lighting stu...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Chrome

Herman Miller Mid Century Rosewood Executive Desk

$7,195

H 28.5 in W 74.25 in D 31.5 in

Herman Miller Mid Century Rosewood Executive Desk

By Herman Miller

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Herman Miller Mid Century Rosewood Executive Desk This desk measures: 74.25 wide x 31.5 deep x 28.5 high, with a chair clearance of 27 inches Great Vintage Condition - Desk has Sta...

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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Richard Schultz Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Rosewood

Large Rosewood Executive Desk, Jens Risom, Y Pulls, 1960's

$5,775Sale Price|30% Off

H 29 in W 68 in D 36 in

Large Rosewood Executive Desk, Jens Risom, Y Pulls, 1960's

By Jens Risom

Located in Culver City, CA

This desk doesn’t whisper mid-century sophistication; it growls it through a cloud of cigar smoke and a well-poured glass of whisky. Designed by Jens Risom, this executive desk in ri...

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1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Steel

Dyrlund Skyline Mid Century Danish Rosewood Executive Desk

$5,995

H 30 in W 83 in D 39 in

Dyrlund Skyline Mid Century Danish Rosewood Executive Desk

By Dyrlund

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Dyrlund Skyline Mid Century Danish Rosewood Executive Desk This desk measures: 83 wide x 39 deep x 30 high, with a chair clearance of 26 inches All pieces of furniture can be had i...

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1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Rosewood

Florence Knoll for Knoll international Oval Desk with Drawer in Walnut 1960

$6,240Sale Price|20% Off

H 28 in Dm 48 in

Florence Knoll for Knoll international Oval Desk with Drawer in Walnut 1960

By Knoll, Florence Knoll

Located in Chicago, IL

Florence Knoll for Knoll International Oval Desk with Drawer in Walnut, 1960 Iconic International Style design inspired by Mies van der Rohe. Material: Walnut oval surface, chrome-pl...

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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Steel

Scandiline Mid Century Rosewood and Chrome Executive Desk

$9,095

H 29.25 in W 79 in D 39.5 in

Scandiline Mid Century Rosewood and Chrome Executive Desk

By Scandiline 1

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Scandiline Mid Century Rosewood and Chrome Executive Desk This desk measures: 79 wide x 39.5 deep x 29.25 high, with a chair clearance of 26 inches Good Vintage Condition - Minor A...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Richard Schultz Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Chrome

Previously Available Items

Vintage Richard Schultz for Knoll Desk

Sold

H 29 in W 72 in D 32 in

Vintage Richard Schultz for Knoll Desk

By Richard Schultz, Knoll

Located in San Antonio, TX

Beautiful Mid-Century Modern executive desk by Richard Schultz for Knoll features teak wood and chrome inlay/siding on top of desk and chrome...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Richard Schultz Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Chrome

Midcentury Executive Desk in Rosewood by Richard Schultz for Knoll

Sold

H 29 in W 72 in D 32 in

Midcentury Executive Desk in Rosewood by Richard Schultz for Knoll

By Richard Schultz

Located in Minneapolis, MN

This stately desk is crafted from rosewood with black steel legs and chromed steel details. Lacquer finish. Right side drawer is a file drawer. Left side upper drawer features remova...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Richard Schultz Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Steel

1970s Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Executive Desk by Richard Schultz for Knoll

Sold

H 29 in W 32 in D 72 in

1970s Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Executive Desk by Richard Schultz for Knoll

By Richard Schultz, Knoll

Located in Lafayette, IN

Impressive 1970s vintage executive desk by Richard Schultz for Knoll Associates Inc. Desk features gorgeous rosewood veneer, chrome legs, and un...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Chrome

Richard Schultz Executive Desk for Knoll International, 1963

Sold

H 29.14 in W 76.78 in D 35.44 in

Richard Schultz Executive Desk for Knoll International, 1963

By Richard Schultz, Knoll

Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant

Fantastic executive desk designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll International, USA, 1963. This superb quality desk was made up super quality materials and therefore weighs a lot. The ...

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