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Warren Platner Furniture

American, 1919-2006

Though vintage Warren Platner chairs, sofas and interiors are icons of mid-century modernism, the architect and furniture designer took his stylistic inspiration from as far back as 18th-century France, once saying about his seminal collection for Knoll that his design intent was to evoke “the kind of decorative, gentle, graceful kind of design that appeared in period style like Louis XV.”

Indeed, the marriage of modern sensibility and classical grace is a marker of Platner’s style across furnishings and interiors — both genres in which he left an enduring legacy.

Born in 1919 in Baltimore, Maryland, Platner studied architecture at Cornell before cutting his teeth working for design icons like Eero Saarinen and Kevin Roche, eventually serving as head of interior design in the latter’s office. In 1965, Platner opened his own office, in Greenwich, Connecticut, where he continued to hone his particular brand of graceful modernism.

Knoll released the Platner Collection of seating and tables in 1966. (Originally designed in 1962, the suite took nearly four years of development to bring to life.)

The decorative bent-metal-and-glass pieces — an armchair, a dining table and more — make certain nods to the trademarks of his former employers, but also to the shapes of historic European furniture. The sculptural elegance of his line recalls Saarinen’s iconic Tulip collection, which includes armchairs and dining tables, while his materiality aligns with Roche’s cutting-edge use of glass and metal for the headquarters of the Ford Foundation in New York.

Many of Platner’s Knoll pieces would go on to find homes in a certain fabled locale: the Windows on the World restaurant at the original World Trade Center, whose interiors Platner was tapped to outfit in the mid-1970s. Upon the opening of the restaurant in 1976, New York Times architecture critic Paul Goldberger dubbed its style “sensuous modernism” — an apt tagline for Platner’s oeuvre as a whole.

Platner died in 2006 at the age of 86. His furniture is still produced by Knoll, and original examples — along with idiosyncratic custom works he created for interior design clients — are coveted by collectors today.

Find vintage Warren Platner furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Modern
Creator: Warren Platner
1975 Warren Platner for CI Designs Oak & Dark Tan Fabric Dining Arm Chair
By Warren Platner
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a circa 1975 production oak and dark tan fabric armchair designed by renowned architect and furniture designer Warren Platner. This piece was part of a series that Platner designed for CI Designs...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Oak, Fabric

Warren Platner for Knoll classic armchair designed 1966
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in London, GB
Warren Platner studied at Cornell University, graduating in 1941 with a degree in architecture. He went on to work with legendary architects Raymond Loewy, Eero Saarinen, and I. M. P...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Warren Platner, Knoll International, Kvadrat Tonus Fabric Stool Bronze Metal
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Authentic stool, designed by Warren Platner in 1966. Recent Knoll edition in yellow Kvadrat Tonus fabrics and bronze metal structure. Knoll ''K'' fabrics under the seat. New con...
Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Metal

2000s Warren Platner for Knoll Coffee Table in Polished Nickel and Glass, 42"
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Platner coffee table designed by Warren Platner, produced by Knoll, in the USA. The design dates to 1966, though this example is dates to the early 2000s. The condition ...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Glass

1960s Pair of Warren Platner for Knoll Dining Arm Chairs with Bronze Frames
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Platner Armchairs, designed by Warren Platner for Knoll in 1966. These are early examples, dating to the late 1960s. The frames of these chairs are composed of pati...
Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Steel

1978 Pair of Warren Platner for Knoll Lounge Chairs in Red Velvet and Nickel
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Platner Lounge Chairs, model 1715L, originally designed by Warren Platner for Knoll in 1966. These particular examples date to 1978. The listed price includes the p...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Steel, Nickel

1975 Warren Platner for CI Designs Oak and Brown Leather Dining Arm Chair
By Warren Platner
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a circa 1975 production oak and leather armchair designed by renowned architect and furniture designer Warren Platner. This piece was part of a series that Platner...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Oak, Leather

Vintage Dining Table by Warren Platner, Knoll International, 1970s
By Warren Platner
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Wonderful vintage table with nickel-plated curved steel rods welded to circular and semi-circular frames. Original glass top with bevelled edges. A perfect table dating from the 1970...
Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Steel

Warren Platner, Knoll International, Kvadrat Tonus Fabric Stool Bronze Metal
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Authentic stool, designed by Warren Platner in 1966. Recent Knoll edition in bordeaux burgondy Kvadrat Tonus fabrics and bronze metal structure. Knoll ''K'' fabrics under the seat....
Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Metal

Warren Platner, Knoll International, Kvadrat Tonus Fabric Stool Bronze Metal
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Authentic stool, designed by Warren Platner in 1966. Recent Knoll edition in red Kvadrat Tonus fabrics and bronze metal structure. Knoll ''K'' fabrics under the seat. New condit...
Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Metal

Lounge Chair and Footstool by Warren Platner, 1966
By Warren Platner
Located in Berlin, Berlin
VINTAGE Easy chair and footstool designed by Warren Platner. U.S.A, Knoll International, 1966. The lounge chair, model number 1725. Welded curved steel and wool upholstery. Beautifu...
Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Metal

Warren Platner Gold Leaf Arched Mirror
By Warren Platner
Located in Chicago, IL
WARREN PLATNER (1919 – 2006) Custom beveled mirror in an arched gold leaf frame. Signed: [WARREN PLATNER ASSOC. 10611 J 7544]. Executed by Platner Associates. American, 1989 Provenan...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Gold Leaf

Set of 6 Chairs by Warren Platner, Knoll International, 1970s
By Warren Platner
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Set of 6 armchairs designed by Warren Platner. U.S.A., Knoll International, 1966. Wonderful vintage set of six chairs in polished nickel with turquoise backs and seat cushions. An...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Metal

Related Items
Warren Platner Easy Lounge Chair for Knoll, 1980s
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Aachen, NW
Early Easy Lounge chair by Warren Platner for Knoll. The groundbreaking Easy chair was designed in the 1960s by Warren Platner and produced by Knoll in the early 1980s. This mid-ce...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

Warren Platner Lounge Chairs in Sapphire Velvet, A Pair
By Warren Platner
Located in Culver City, CA
Available right now we have 2 pairs of Warren Platner Lounge Chairs. Priced per pair these chairs are a sublime fusion of opulence and iconic design that are timelessly chic. Crafted to perfection, these lounge chairs are not merely pieces of furniture; they are functional pieces or art. Enveloped in a sumptuous deep sapphire velvet, these lounge chairs redefine comfort and style. The allure of the plush upholstery beckons you to sink into a world of indulgence, with the rich velvety texture against your skin, a tactile symphony that will elevate your relaxation to an art form. Warren Platner was a luminary in the world of modern design, Platner's career was marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation and elegance. Trained as an architect, he seamlessly transitioned into the realm of furniture design, leaving an indelible mark with his distinctive creations. Platner's ingenuity was particularly evident in his collaboration with Knoll, a legendary name in the world of modern furniture. Founded in 1938 by Hans Knoll and later joined by his wife Florence Knoll, the company became synonymous with cutting-edge design and a commitment to quality craftsmanship. Knoll became a trailblazer, collaborating with visionaries like Warren Platner to create pieces that would go on to define an era. The Platner Lounge Chairs, with their unique design and quality materials, stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of both Warren Platner and Knoll. These chairs aren't just pieces of furniture; they are collectors' items, highly sought after by those who appreciate the intersection of art and functionality. In a world where trends come and go, the Platner Lounge Chairs stand the test of time. They aren't just a place to sit; they are an experience, a visual and tactile journey into the lap of luxury. Owning these chairs isn't just a choice; it's an affirmation of a lifestyle that values the finer things – where comfort meets design, and every piece of furniture is a statement. These chairs would look incredible in any mid century modern, contemporary or modern environment. We currently have these chairs in our gallery alongside other iconic pieces, and Arne Jacobsen egg chair, and Eero Saarinen dining set...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Nickel

Set Of 6 Armchairs Designed By Warren Platner, 1960's
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Madrid, ES
Set of six armchairs designed by Warren Platner for Knoll, composed of a steel structure with welded rods creating curved shapes and upholstered with bouclé white wool. Table also a...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Steel

Set of Six Dining Chairs Designed by Warren Platner for Knoll, 20th Century
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Hamburg, PA
An exquisite set of six dining chairs designed by Warren Platner for Knoll. These iconic dining room chairs would look great in any Contemporary, Transitional, or Traditional interio...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Steel

Warren Platner for Knoll Lounge Chair
By Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Sculptural and graceful iconic lounge chair model 1705 by Warren Platner designed in 1962 for Knoll International. Upholstered in luxurious rust ...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Metal

Knoll Barcelona Stools by Mies Van Der Rohe
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Atlanta, GA
Iconic Pair of Barcelona stools or ottomans, designed by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, American, circa 2000s. Retains Knoll tag underneath. They have been cleaned and a leather condit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Metal

Knoll Barcelona Stools by Mies Van Der Rohe
Knoll Barcelona Stools by Mies Van Der Rohe
H 15.5 in W 24.5 in D 22.25 in
Warren Platner for Knoll Wood and Steel Wire Mid Century Modern Coffee Table
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A Warren Platner coffee table for Knoll. A simply stunning piece of design from the mid century modern era. These tables featuring an iconic base design, with a curving cone of steel...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Steel

Ollie Contemporary Stool in Fabric
By Secolo, Artefatto Design Studio
Located in London, GB
Ollie is a playful addition to a living space. Full of character, he offers a seat for one or more persons depending on the situation. Ollie is designed to move around the room and t...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Fabric

Ollie Contemporary Stool in Fabric
Ollie Contemporary Stool in Fabric
H 16.54 in W 21.26 in D 21.26 in
Warren Platner for Knoll Arm Chairs/ Pair
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Warren Platner for Knoll Pair of Armchairs. In like new condition! Chairs are not even 2 years old! Beautiful chairs in great condition! 1966 Design that still looks current! Ni...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Nickel

Warren Platner for Knoll Arm Chairs/ Pair
Warren Platner for Knoll Arm Chairs/ Pair
H 29.75 in W 28.5 in D 20 in
Warren Platner for Knoll Nickel Lounge Chair Reupholstered in Your Fabric
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural modern lounge chair in nickel finish, designed by Warren Platner for Knoll, circa 1980s. Signed with Knoll label. This chair is currently being reupholstered and can be co...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Metal

1970s Vintage Warren Platner Occasional Chair Knoll Beige Knobby Wool
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Hyattsville, MD
The perfect glamorous vanity chair. Very sculptural wire armchair designed by Warren Platner and produced by Knoll in the 1970s. Dingy original woven knoll knobby wool blend biege ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel

Chartreuse Green Warren Platner Stool by Knoll
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Utrecht, NL
High model stool from the 'Wire series' by American designer Warren Platner for Knoll International in nickel execution with a chartreuse green mohair velour Knoll fabrics upholstery...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Steel, Nickel

Previously Available Items
Set of 6 Chairs by Warren Platner, Knoll International, 1970s
By Warren Platner
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Set of 6 armchairs designed by Warren Platner. U.S.A., Knoll International, 1966. Wonderful vintage set of six chairs in polished nickel with turquoise backs and seat cushions. An...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Metal

Warren Platner, Knoll International, Kvadrat Tonus Fabric Stool Bronze Metal
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Authentic stool, designed by Warren Platner in 1966. Recent Knoll edition in orange Kvadrat Tonus fabrics and bronze metal structure. Knoll ''K'' fabrics under the seat. New con...
Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Metal

Warren Platner Knoll Steel and Glass Side Table
By Warren Platner
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A vintage steel and glass side table designed by American architect and designer Warren Platner (1919-2006) for Knoll. The table design originated in 1966 and features multiple welde...
Category

20th Century American Modern Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Steel

Armchair Designed by Warren Platner, U.S.a., Knoll International, 1966, Wonderf
By Warren Platner
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Armchair designed by Warren Platner. U.S.A., Knoll International, 1966. Wonderful vintage chair in polished nickel, upholstered in dark chocolate velvet. A perfect chair dating fr...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Velvet

Warren Platner Rosewood and Granite Executive Desk for Lehigh Leopold, c. 1970
By Lehigh Leopold, Warren Platner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exceptionally rare and highly sought-after collectors piece is a Warren Platner Executive Desk designed for Lehigh Leopold in circa 1970, a...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Granite, Stainless Steel

Round Steel Glass Top, Dining Table by Warren Platner for Knoll, 20th Century
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in MIlano, IT
Round steel and glass top, dining table by Warren Platner for Knoll, 20th Century. Dining table designed by Warren Platner edited by Knoll, compo...
Category

20th Century European Modern Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Steel

Pair of Armchairs by Warren Platner, Knoll International
By Warren Platner
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Set of 2 armchairs designed by Warren Platner. U.S.A., Knoll International, 1966. Wonderful vintage set of four chairs in polished nickel, newly upholstered in yellow Kvadrat mate...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Metal

Set of 4 Armchairs by Warren Platner, Knoll International
By Warren Platner
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Set of 4 armchairs designed by Warren Platner. U.S.A., Knoll International, 1966. Wonderful vintage set of four chairs in polished nickel with bl...
Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Nickel

Set of 4 Armchairs by Warren Platner, Knoll International
By Warren Platner
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Set of 4 armchairs designed by Warren Platner. U.S.A., Knoll International, 1966. Wonderful vintage set of four chairs in polished nickel with bl...
Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Nickel

Warren Platner Modern Steel and Glass American Auxiliary Table
By Warren Platner
Located in Madrid, ES
Side table designed by Warren Platner for Knoll, presented in 1966. Heavy glass lid with sloping sides to fit perfectly on the table. Nickel-plated steel rods welded to the circular ...
Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Warren Platner Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Steel

Warren Platner Side Table with Glass Top
By Warren Platner
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic Warren Platner for Knoll side table with glass top and chromed base.
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Warren Platner Furniture

Warren Platner for Knoll Coffee Table, circa 1970s
By Warren Platner
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic Warren Platner 36" coffee table, with a beveled glass top.
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Warren Platner Furniture

Warren Platner furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Warren Platner 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 Warren Platner furniture, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 150 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 3 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Warren Platner 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 Selig, Ward Bennett, and Ficks Reed. Prices for Warren Platner furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,250 and can go as high as $36,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,475.

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