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 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
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Wire Stool by Warren Platner for Knoll C1970
By Warren Platner, Knoll
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 Mid Century Stool
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Warren Platner for Knoll Mid Century Stool This stool measures: 16.75 wide x 16.75 deep x 21.75 high, with a seat height of 21.75 inches Excellent Vintage Condition. We take our p...
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 Stool for Knoll Black Leather, 2000s
By Warren Platner, Knoll
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 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
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 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...
Nickel, Steel
$9,329 / set
H 29.93 in W 29.53 in D 22.45 in
Set of Four Warren Platner Dining Armchairs for Knoll, 1960s
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
Warren Platner Dining chairs An iconic set of four Warren Platner dining armchairs for Knoll, designed in the 1960s and instantly recognisable for their sculptural elegance and archi...
Steel
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...
Metal
Vintage Settee by Warren Platner for Knoll
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage wire frame settee in original green fabric designed by Warren Planter for Knoll. Designed in 1966, this sofa exemplifies Platner’s visionary approach to blending form and fun...
Steel
Warren Platner for Knoll Mid Century Bronzed Steel Dining Chair
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Warren Platner for Knoll Mid Century Bronze Dining Chair This chair measures: 27.5 wide x 21.5 deep x 29.5 inches high, with a seat height of 15 and arm height/chair clearance of 24...
Steel
$11,525Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 29.53 in W 27.56 in D 21.66 in
Set of Four Platner Armchairs by Warren Platner for Knoll, Steel, Velvet, 1960s
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Glasgow, GB
This set of four Platner armchairs by Warren Platner for Knoll, designed in the 1960s, represents a defining example of American mid-century modern design. Each chair is constructed ...
Steel
Warren Platner Chrome & Fabric 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
Warren Platner for Knoll Mid Century Dining Chairs - Pair
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Warren Platner for Knoll Mid Century Dining Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 28.5 wide x 22 deep x 29.5 inches high, with a seat height of 18.5 and arm height/chair clearance of 2...
Metal
Original Vintage Chrome Warren Platner for KNOLL Armchairs, Pair
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in North Miami, FL
These exceptional vintage chrome Warren Platner for Knoll armchairs have been expertly reupholstered in a creamy Pierre Frey Paris Bo...
Chrome
$18,789 / set
H 29.53 in W 28.35 in D 22.05 in
American modern metal and red fabric chairs by Warren Platner for Knoll, 1970s
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in MIlano, IT
American modern metal and red fabric chairs by Warren Platner for Knoll, 1970s Cockpit chairs with a round base. The structure follows curved and rounded lines and makes up the backr...
Metal
Warren Platner for Knoll Easy Chair
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Warren Platner for Knoll, easy chair model '1705', steel, fabric, United States, design ca. 1962, production later. This iconic lounge chair by Warren Platner is created by welding ...
Steel
$2,055Sale Price|64% Off
H 17 in W 27 in D 27 in
Warren Platner 1705Y Easy Ottoman, Gray Leather and Nickel, Knoll, 1966
By Warren Platner, Knoll
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 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...
Nickel, Steel
Package Platner Deal for Client
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Three green Platner stool Three pink Platner stool One Platner side table Size of stools is listed below. Size of side table: 40 x 40 x 47cm.
Metal
Warren Platner Set of Eight Pink Lounge Chairs
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Warren Platner, eight lounge chairs and three stools in metal and pink fabric, 1966, United States. This iconic pink set by Warren Platner (1919-2006) is created by welding curve...
Metal
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 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'' fabri...
Metal
Sold
H 21.46 in Dm 17.33 in
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'' 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 Warren Platner, Knoll
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 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
Warren Platner Bronze Stool by Knoll
By Warren Platner, Knoll
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