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.
Vintage Warren Platner Lounge Chairs and Table for Knoll
By Warren Platner
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Pair of lounge chairs and table designed by Warren Platner, circa 1970s. A Stunning set in original upholstery.
Wire
$9,800 / set
H 30.25 in W 36.5 in D 25.5 in
Pair of Warren Platner for Knoll Lounge Chairs in Sapphire Velvet
By Warren Platner, Knoll
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...
Nickel
Warren Platner for Knoll Wire Stool
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Industrial and organic steel wire stool by Warren Platner from the Platner Collection for Knoll, after 1966. Newly upholstered in a creamy, textural wool. In excellent condition. Cur...
Steel
Warren Platner for Knoll Bronze Finish Lounge Chair, 1960's
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Platner for Knoll Bronzed Steel Lounge Chair. Featuring his classic, 1962 designed, airy vertical Steel Wire rod construction, original Antique Bronze finish, ergonomic bucket seat, ...
Steel
Warren Platner Lounge Chairs for Knoll, a Pair
By Warren Platner
Located in Greensboro, NC
A Pair of Warren Platner lounge chair for Knoll in a neutral herringbone woven fabric. Timeless, beautiful mid-century modern design, incredibly well made, very comfortable. These ...
Metal
Vintage 1960s Warren Platner for Knoll Lounge Chair
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Vintage 1960s Warren Platner for Knoll Lounge Chair. Used, Some Wear and Tear on the Fabric from Use and some discoloration on the metal, See Photos for details. Dimensions: 30 1/4...
Metal
Warren Platner for Knoll Wire Ottoman
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Oversized steel wire ottoman in bouclé, designed by Warren Platner for his namesake Platner collection for Knoll. Now a Classic modern form that is at once Industrial and organic. Up...
Steel
$3,850
H 30.25 in W 36.5 in D 25.5 in
Warren Platner for Knoll Lounge Chair. Red Fabric, Bronze Frame Finish
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Kansas City, MO
Warren Platner Lounge Chair in red Knoll fabric with the more expensive bronze frame. Frame is in great condition with no rust. Foam padding is good with the fabric inside back sho...
Upholstery
$9,283 / set
H 30.32 in W 36.62 in D 26.38 in
Pair of Warren Platner Lounge Chairs for Knoll International
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
This pair of Platner chairs are in great condition, the chrome rods are not at all rusty or bent and the upholstery has just been done in a Salm...
Chrome
Warren Platner Lounge Chairs for Knoll
By Warren Platner
Located in San Francisco, CA
Warren Platner design pair of chrome upholstered lounge chairs. High quality materials and construction as typical in all Knoll products. Elegant and sophisticated chairs an icon of ...
Chrome
$11,765Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 30.32 in W 36.23 in D 25.2 in
Pair of Warren Platner Lounge Chairs for Knoll
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of Warren Platner lounge chairs for Knoll.
Steel
Warren Platner for Knoll Easy Chair
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Warren Platner for Knoll, easy chair and ottoman, model '1705', steel, fabric, United States, design ca. 1962, production later. This iconic lounge chair by Warren Platner is create...
Steel
$16,500 / set
H 30.25 in W 36.5 in D 25.5 in
Lounge Chairs Designed by Warren Platner 1966 for Knoll International
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
Early production lounge chairs model 1715L designed by Warren Platner 1966 for Knoll. Both chairs are in very good original condition with bronze wire construction. The Platner Colle...
Bronze