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.
Warren Platner Large Stool or Ottoman Bronze Finish Ivory Boucle Fabric Knoll
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Atlanta, GA
Large Scale Stool or Ottoman, designed by Warren Platner for Knoll, American, circa 1960s. It is executed in a bronze finish metal and has been recently reupholstered in an ivory col...
Metal
Warren Platner 1705Y Easy Ottoman, Gray Leather and Nickel, Knoll, 1966
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Warren Platner 1705Y Easy Ottoman, Gray Leather and Nickel, Knoll, 1966 Custom gray leather (original); original nickel finish. Ottoman retains original clear acrylic feet. The maste...
Stainless Steel, Nickel
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
Warren Platner for Knoll Nickel Stool or Ottoman
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural stool or ottoman, designed by Warren Platner for Knoll, American, circa 1960s. This stool requires reupholstery and can be completed in your fabric. Simply send us 3 yards...
Metal, Nickel
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 ...
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 bordeaux burgondy Kvadrat Tonus fabrics and bronze metal structure. Knoll ...
Metal
Warren Platner for Knoll, Large Bronzed Steel Table with Upholstered Ottoman Top
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
A large bronzed steel ottoman designed by Warren Platner for Knoll upholstered in Holly Hunt / Teddy / Winter White fabric. The ottoman was originally a coffee table and the cushion...
Steel
Knoll Barcelona Stools by Mies Van Der Rohe
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
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...
Metal
Warren Platner for Knoll Wire Stool
By Knoll, Warren Platner
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
$19,500 / set
H 39 in W 41 in D 36 in
Warren Platner for Knoll Original Bronzed Easy Lounge Chair in Boucle Pearl
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Luxurious Model 1705 Easy Chair in the highly sought-after bronze finish, designed by Warren Platner for Knoll. The sculptural silhouette is achieved through gracefully bent and weld...
Steel
Barcelona Knoll Styled Leather Chrome Ottoman / Stool
By Knoll
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very well crafted heavy chromed luxurious ottoman or stool with squared leather top cushion in the manner of Knoll and Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe. Perfect for extra seating or use as...
Chrome
Warren Platner for Knoll Bronze Finish Lounge Chair, 1960's
By Warren Platner, Knoll
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
$22,000 / set
H 39.5 in W 41 in D 36 in
1974 Knoll Warren Platner Sensational Off-White Easy Lounge Chair Pair
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, Pair of easy lounge chairs designed by Warren Platner for Knoll. Metal design fabric with fresh new upholstery Original label present 1974 39.5 tall x 41 w x...
Metal
Unavailable|$6,000 / set
H 30.5 in W 36.5 in D 25.25 in
Warren Platner Pair of Wire Frame Lounge Chairs for Knoll, 1960's
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Warren Platner Model No. 1715 Nickel Plated Wire Frame Lounge Chairs designed for Knoll, 1960's/1970's These iconic chairs have been reupholstered in this blue floral pattern at som...
Metal
Warren Platner Ottomans/Stools for Knoll
By Warren Platner
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pair of Warren Platner Ottomans/Stools manufactured by Knoll Original velvet Upholstery
Stainless Steel
Early Eero Saarinen for Knoll International Stool with Original Fabric
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
An exceptional early example of Eero Saarinen’s timeless design for Knoll International, this iconic stool showcases the elegance and simplicity that define mid-century modernism. Retaining its original upholstery, the stool reflects Saarinen’s refined approach to form and function. Measuring 15 inches in diameter and 18 inches in height, the piece is perfectly scaled for use as a vanity stool...
Aluminum
$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 Warren Platner, Knoll
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
Pair of Warren Platner Easy Lounge Chairs and Ottoman
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A pair of Model 1705 easy chairs with ottoman, designed by Warren Platner for Knoll. Zinc steel wire rods are bent and welded to form a graceful, sculptural Silhouette. A generously ...
Zinc
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Black Upholstered Saddle Ottoman
By Milo Baughman
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century saddle ottoman with textured black upholstery. (MILO BAUGHMAN)(Pair available in yellow: DUF0344)
Upholstery
Chartreuse Green Warren Platner Stool by Knoll
By Knoll, Warren Platner
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...
Steel, Nickel
Warren Platner Large Ottoman / Stool in Blush Pink & Gold Velvet by Knoll
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Utrecht, NL
Nickel plated steel Warren Platner ottoman with a blush pink velvet gold lamé shimmer upholstery. This bespoke upholstery is executed from a high end premium fabric brand...
Steel, Nickel
Sold
H 21.46 in Dm 17.33 in
Warren Platner, Knoll International, Kvadrat Tonus Fabric Stool Bronze Metal
By Knoll, Warren Platner
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'' fabri...
Metal
Sold
H 21.46 in Dm 17.33 in
Warren Platner, Knoll International, Kvadrat Tonus Fabric Stool Bronze Metal
By Knoll, Warren Platner
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'' fabri...
Metal
Warren Platner for Knoll Bronze Finish Stool or Ottoman
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural stool or ottoman in bronze finish, designed by Warren Platner for Knoll, American, circa 1960s. Signed with Knoll tag. This stool is currently being reupholstered and can ...
Metal
Pair of Warren Platner for Knoll Polished Nickel Stools
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Ferndale, MI
Platner collection for Knoll originally designed by Warren Platner in 1962. Finally launched after four years of development in 1966. Undulating nickel plated rods echo the light airiness of Harry Berrtoias work and the sculptural forms of Eero Saarinen. All are Knoll Alumni. This pair show original slightly faded black upholstery on very clean nickel plated bases...
Steel
Warren Platner for Knoll Stool or Ottoman in Bronze Finish
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural stool or ottoman in original bronze finish, designed by Warren Platner for Knoll, American, circa 1960s. Signed with Knoll tag. This stool is currently being reupholstered...
Metal
Bronze 1970s Warren Platner Stool in Knoll Velvet Upholstery by Knoll
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Utrecht, NL
Bronze Warren Platner ottoman from the 1970s upholstered in a Knoll 'Velvet' (Mohair) upholstery. In the 1960s, American designer Warren Platner transformed steel wire into a sculptu...
Bronze, Steel
Sold
H 16.15 in Dm 25.99 in L 16.15 in
Bronze 1970s Warren Platner Stool in Knoll Velvet Upholstery by Knoll
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Utrecht, NL
Bronze Warren Platner ottoman from the 1970s upholstered in a Knoll 'Velvet' (Mohair) upholstery. In the 1960s, American designer Warren Platner transformed steel wire into a sculpt...
Bronze, Steel
Warren Platner Easy Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Warren Platner
Located in North Miami, FL
A bronze-steel frame and newly upholstered in this bright tweed wool/cotton blend fabric, this 'model 1705' lounge chair with ottoman by Warren Platner in 1966 for Knoll Internationa...
Steel
Warren Platner Nickel Stools
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful pair of nickel-plated stools by Warren plater, 1970s. Upholstery is unchanged but can be easily replaced.
Nickel
Warren Platner Knoll Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Warren Platner
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Warren Platner for Knoll lounge chair and ottoman, circa mid-1970s. This all original example has nickel wire rods with the original Kno...
Nickel