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 for Knoll Nickel Finish and Fabric Stool, circa 1980s
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Oakland, CA
Architect Warren Platner designed stool constructed of nickel-plated steel and fabric for Knoll. Hand crafted by Matricola of Italy for Knoll, the frame is resist welded and the plat...
Steel, Nickel
Warren Platner Knoll International Stool Original Blue Fabric Bronze Metal
By Warren Platner
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is a fabulous original mid century modern stool designed by Warren Platner for Knoll International, Inc,, the simple and elegant wire rods create a alluring pattern and the orig...
Metal, Wire
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
Warren Platner Knoll International Stool Original Green Fabric Bronze Metal
By Warren Platner
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
Here is another wonderful Warren Platner stool with a bronze finish and original hunter green fabric made by Knoll International. This one has some condition issues, The fabric from ...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Wire Stool by Warren Platner for Knoll C1970
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Simple yet elegant vanity stool by Warren Platner for Knoll c1970. Brand new cushion with all new foam in burnt orange color. Attached using velcro to lock in place. In excellent v...
Steel
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, 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 red Kvadrat Tonus fabrics and bronze metal structure. Knoll ''K'' fabrics ...
Metal
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 bordeaux burgondy Kvadrat Tonus fabrics and bronze metal structure. Knoll ...
Metal
Warren Platner Stool for Knoll Black Leather, 2000s
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Aachen, NW
Black leather stool by Warren Platner for Knoll. The groundbreaking stool was designed in 1966 by Warren Platner and produced by Knoll after the 2010s. This mid-century classic ...
Aluminum
Warren Platner for Knoll Bronze Stool in Mohair
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautiful stool designed by Warren Platner for Knoll. Stool has been reupholstered in a high quality mustard colored mohair. Stool is bronze and bears Art-Metal Knoll label.
Bronze
$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
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
$6,500 / set
H 29.25 in W 27 in D 21.75 in
Vintage Pair of Mid Century Warren Platner Dining Chairs for Knoll
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in North Hollywood, CA
[Pair of Mid Century Warren Platner Dining Chairs for Knoll] This sophisticated set of mid-century dining chairs, crafted by Warren Platner for Knoll, features gracefully curved, ni...
Metal
Warren Platner Large Stool or Ottoman Bronze Finish Ivory Boucle Fabric Knoll
By Warren Platner, Knoll
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
Early Eero Saarinen for Knoll International Stool with Original Fabric
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
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
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
$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
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
$17,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 31.5 in W 68.5 in D 29.5 in
Warren Platner Bronze Wire Sofa for Knoll International, c 1966
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An original Warren Platner for Knoll International sofa, designed in 1966 and produced in the late 1960s–1970s. Part of Platner’s iconic collection that transformed industrial steel rods into sculptural furniture forms, this rare loveseat / sofa features the elusive bronze wire frame, far less common than the nickel-plated versions, and no longer in production. The curved architectural silhouette is formed from hundreds of vertical steel rods, welded with horizontal rings to create a structure that is at once airy and monumental. The base is finished in the original bronze patina, lending warmth and depth that distinguishes it from later reproductions. Knoll ceased production of the Platner sofa...
Bronze
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
$625Sale Price|34% Off
H 34 in W 28 in D 29 in
Warren Platner Style Salon Barstool Chair on Hydraulic Base with Casters, 1960s
By Warren Platner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unique vintage salon or barber’s chair, which could also work well as a barstool, blends bold industrial function with sculptural modernist form. The seat and arms reference War...
Steel
$9,214 / set
H 30.32 in W 36.62 in D 26.38 in
Pair of Warren Platner Lounge Chairs for Knoll International
By Knoll, Warren Platner
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
Mid-Century Oil Rubbed Bronze Stool in Holly Hunt Leather by Warren Platner
By Warren Platner
Located in New York, NY
Enhance your space with this Mid-Century Modernist Oil Rubbed Bronze Stool, designed by Warren Platner and upholstered in luxurious Holly Hunt leather, crafted in America circa 1970....
Bronze
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 Bronze Stools for Knoll
By Warren Platner
Located in San Francisco, CA
Warren Platner design stools for Knoll Furniture Co. Rare pair of bronze finish stools with original upholstery that is usable as-is but would benefit from new upholstery. Iconic des...
Bronze
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 Bronze Stool by Knoll
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Highland, IN
A beautiful vintage example of Warren Platner's stool by Knoll in bronze newly upholstered in a chestnut colored mohair.
Bronze
Warren Platner Stool
By Warren Platner
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Warren Platner Stool Manufactured by Knoll Re-Upholstered in faux fur.
Stainless Steel
Pair of Wire Stools by Warren Platner for Knoll
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Hägersten, SE
Pair of stools designed by Warren Platner. Designed in 1966 and produced by Knoll. Made from chromed steel bars, fiberglass, foam seats and new wool upholstery "Vidar 3" in off white...
Steel
Warren Platner for Knoll Wire Stool
By 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 Knoll Pearl wool boucle. In excellent condi...
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 Stool
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Chicago, IL
Platner for Knoll high-stool with original wool fabric, early production stamped Knoll 1973 electronically welded metal.
Metal
Warren Platner Bronze Stool
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Dallas, TX
This dates 1960s. It is bronze patinated, not paint like the newer versions. We only have one available.
Bronze