Richard Schultz Seating
American, 1926-2021
Many of today’s most popular outdoor furniture designs exist thanks to the talents of designer Richard Schultz. His mid-century modern style introduced unimposing pieces to gardens and outdoor spaces. The airy shapes and timeless appeal of his furniture reflect his motto: “Form follows technique.”
Born Moses Richard Schultz in Lafayette, Indiana, in 1926, he displayed an early talent as an engineer, building steam engines in his family’s basement. Although he possessed an engineer’s mind, Schultz struggled with mathematics, and he dropped out of the Iowa State University mechanical engineering program. He joined the U.S. Navy, working as a radio operator. Following his military service, he enrolled at the Institute of Design in Chicago.
After he graduated in 1950, Schultz traveled to Europe, where he spent the summer sketching. When he returned to the United States in 1951, he applied for a position as a designer at the furniture company Knoll Inc. in New York City. It is said that Florence Knoll, wife of the company’s founder Hans Knoll, hired him on the spot based solely on his sketches.
Schultz’s first assignment was to assist designer Harry Bertoia with the Bertoia Wire Collection at Knoll’s factory in Pennsylvania. Schultz’s 715 Chaise Longue, with its adjustable frame and signature solid wheel, complemented Bertoia’s collection. It was acquired in 1963 by the Museum of Modern Art for its collection of contemporary furniture. Another iconic piece Schultz produced around this time was the Petal Table. Its wooden “petal” tabletop and enameled metal base were inspired by the plant Queen Anne’s lace.
In 1966, one of Schultz’s most esteemed collections, the Leisure Collection (reissued in 1992 as the 1966 Collection), was created when Florence Knoll requested some outdoor furniture for her Florida home that could withstand the salty ocean air. Schultz designed a line of aluminum patio coffee tables and lounge chairs that were not only fashionable and comfortable but would not rust.
In 1972, Knoll laid off its designers, including Schultz, and he started his design studio — Richard Schultz Design — out of a Pennsylvania farmhouse. He enjoyed success with another of his influential pieces, the Paradigm office chair, which he sold to furniture manufacturer Stow & Davis in 1978. In 2012, Knoll acquired Richard Schultz Design and re-released many of his classic works.
Schultz died in 2021. He left a legacy as one of the 20th century’s most celebrated outdoor furniture creators.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of vintage Richard Schultz tables, building and garden elements, seating and more.
23
9
to
28
3
32
32
32
16
14
23
9
10
10
9
1
4
4
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
24
5
2
6
2
1
31
13
9
7
5
28
28
2
2
60
1,353
1,159
1,137
1,085
Creator: Richard Schultz
Set of Four 1966 Collection Outdoor Chairs by Richard Schultz
By Richard Schultz
Located in Dorchester, MA
Originally designed by Richard Schultz for Florence Knoll, these later productions of his classic 1966 outdoor chairs were produced independently by Schultz. The white powdered-coate...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Seating
Materials
Aluminum
Tan Leather Sofa by Richard Schultz for Knoll
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Toledo, OH
This 1970 sofa designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll features a leather cushioned front and back, and was created with modular sections that hang from a steel tubular frame. 56" wide...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Richard Schultz Seating
Materials
Steel
Tan Leather Sofa by Richard Schultz for Knoll
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Toledo, OH
This 1970 sofa designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll features a leather cushioned front and back, and was created with modular sections that hang from a steel tubular frame. There ha...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Richard Schultz Seating
Materials
Steel
1407 Chair Richard Schultz Chair for Knoll
By Richard Schultz
Located in Princeton Junction, NJ
simple, elegent design by renowned designer Richard Schultz. Famous for his "Petal" table and his outdoor collection.
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Richard Schultz Seating
Materials
Metal
2021 Richard Schultz 1966 Two Seat Outdoor Lounge Chairs / Loveseat for Knoll
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single (two are available, but they are sold separately) 1966 series two seat lounge chair / loveseat designed by Richard Schultz and produced by Knoll. This pie...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Richard Schultz Seating
Materials
Aluminum
2020 Knoll Richard Schultz 1966 Series Outdoor Lounge Chair w/ Arm & Beige Frame
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a 2020 production lounge chair with arms designed by Richard Schultz and produced by Knoll. This is a unique example with beige powder coated frame and beige sling...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Richard Schultz Seating
Materials
Metal
Richard Schultz Pair of Single Beds for Knoll, Will Also Serve as a King Bed
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of steel-reinforced bedframes with tilting cane headboards and walnut legs produced by Knoll in the early 1950s. The body is upholstered in the original Alexander Girard striped material. The two frames can be placed side by side and will support a king mattress...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Richard Schultz Seating
Materials
Steel
Richard Schultz 1966 Collection Outdoor 3-Seat Sofa
By Richard Schultz
Located in Media, PA
Richard Schultz was commissioned to design the 1966 collection by Florence Knoll who, after retiring to Florida, wanted outdoor furniture that could withstand the corrosive ocean air...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Richard Schultz Seating
Materials
Aluminum
2021 Richard Schultz for Knoll Swell Lounge Chair in White / Silver
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Swell Lounge Chair designed by Richard Schultz and produced by Knoll. It has a white powder coated frame with white side members and silver/white mesh. The swell lounge cha...
Category
2010s American Modern Richard Schultz Seating
Materials
Aluminum
1973 Pair of Richard Schultz for Knoll 1966 Series Rare Armless Lounge Chairs
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an original pair of rare 1966 series armless lounge chairs, designed by Richard Schultz and produced by Knoll International. This set was acquired from a the son o...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Seating
Materials
Aluminum
1993 Prototype Richard Schultz Topiary Collection Cafe Dining Chair
By Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Richard Schultz Topiary Collection stacking cafe chair prototype with a black powder-coated finish. This is a marvelous an...
Category
1990s American Modern Richard Schultz Seating
Materials
Steel
Set of Six Topiary Collection Dining Chairs by Richard Schultz for Knoll, 1997
By Richard Schultz, Knoll
Located in Hamburg, PA
A wonderful Topiary Collection of Six White Powder-Coated Dining Chairs for Knoll. These chairs were designed by renowned designer Richard Schultz who creates objects to look like ar...
Category
1990s American Modern Richard Schultz Seating
Materials
Aluminum
2001 Prototype Richard Schultz 2002 Collection Mesh Cantilever Dining Chair
By Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Richard Schultz 2002 Collection stainless steel cantilever dining chair prototype with mesh upholstery. This is a marvelous and rare example of a 2002 collection...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Richard Schultz Seating
Materials
Stainless Steel
Prototype Richard Schultz for Steelcase Sheet Metal Dining Chair from Circa 1985
By Steelcase, Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Richard Schultz sheet metal dining chair prototype for Steelcase, dating to circa 1985. This is a marvelous and rare example. The frame is in very good shape wit...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Seating
Materials
Aluminum
1980 Richard Schultz & Knoll Prototype Flat Matte Black Outdoor Dining Armchair
By Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Richard Schultz stainless steel armchair prototype with perforated steel seat, produced circa 1980. This is a marvelous and rare example of this model series, which was intended to take the place of the famous 1966 series. The matte black powder-coated steel frame is in terrific shape. As quoted from Peter Schultz: "Prototypes for new seating line designed for Knoll circa 1980. Knoll requested a new design to replace the 1966 Collection which they were discontinuing. Shown in Knoll au Louvre book...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Seating
Materials
Steel
2001 Prototype Richard Schultz 2002 Collection Stainless Steel Mesh Dining Chair
By Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Richard Schultz 2002 Collection stainless steel dining chair prototype with custom polished perforated steel seat. The chair measures 31 inches tall by 23 inches...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Richard Schultz Seating
Materials
Stainless Steel
2021 Richard Schultz for Knoll 1966 Ottoman White / Silver
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a white 1966 Ottoman with white/silver mesh, designed by Richard Schultz and produced by Knoll. It came directly from a Knoll employee and has never been used in a home or of...
Category
2010s American Modern Richard Schultz Seating
2011 Prototype Richard Schultz Mateo Collection Raw Aluminum & Mesh Dining Chair
By Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Richard Schultz 2011 Mateo Collection aluminum lounge chair prototype with mesh upholstery. This is a marvelous and rare example of a Mateo collection lounge cha...
Category
2010s American Modern Richard Schultz Seating
Materials
Aluminum
Prototype Richard Schultz 2002 Collection Stainless & Leather Dining Chair
By Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Richard Schultz 2002 Collection stainless steel dining chair prototype with custom leather sling. The arm height is 26" from the ground. Total height is approxim...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Richard Schultz Seating
Materials
Steel
Lounge Chairs by Richard Schultz for Knoll International, United States, 1960s
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Antwerp, BE
Modernism; Knoll International; Minimalist Design; Florence Knoll; 1966; Richard Schultz; Florida; United States; Outdoor Furniture;
Lounge chairs by Richard Schultz from his 1966 c...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Seating
Materials
Steel
Rare Richard Schultz Knoll International Daybed / Sofa No. 703
By Richard Schultz, Knoll
Located in Munich, DE
Convertible sofa designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll International. The seat pulls forward and up to create a flat and level bed. Wonderful and classic Mid-Century Modern design up...
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Seating
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Rare No. 704 Richard Schultz Knoll International Daybed / Sofa
By Richard Schultz, Knoll
Located in Munich, DE
Convertible sofa designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll International. The seat pulls forward and up to create a flat and level bed. Wonderful and classic Mid-Century Modern design.
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Seating
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Patio Lounge Chairs Florence Knoll Richard Schultz
By Florence Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Baltimore, MD
Set of four patio lounge armchairs by famous designer Richard Schultz for Florence Knoll, made in the United States, circa 1960's. Superbly crafted, each features aluminum white pain...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Seating
Materials
Aluminum
Knoll 1407 Chair by Richard Schultz
By Richard Schultz
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Immerse yourself in the distinct appeal of this exceptionally rare Knoll 1407 chair. An embodiment of Richard Schultz's visionary design from the 1980s, thi...
Category
1980s American Bauhaus Vintage Richard Schultz Seating
Materials
Chrome
Set of Four Richard Schultz 1966 Series Armless Lounge Chairs
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Chicago, IL
Richard Schultz for 1966 series for Knoll. Set of four outdoor lounge chairs.
No longer in production. Seat and back are woven vinyl coated polyester mesh with vinyl straps and stai...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Seating
Materials
Stainless Steel, Metal
Richard Schultz Prototype Aluminum Stacking Chair #1
By Richard Schultz
Located in New York, NY
Prototype stacking chair hand-built of an aluminum sheet and tubular aluminum by furniture designer and artist Richard Schultz as a full-size 3-D model exploring the ergonomic and sc...
Category
1990s American Modern Richard Schultz Seating
Materials
Aluminum
Richard Schultz Prototype Aluminum Stacking Chair #2
By Richard Schultz
Located in New York, NY
Prototype stacking chair hand-built of aluminum by furniture designer and artist Richard Schultz as a full-size 3-D model exploring the ergonomic and sculptural qualities of a design...
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Richard Schultz Seating
Materials
Aluminum
Knoll 1407 Chair by Richard Schultz
By Richard Schultz
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Immerse yourself in the distinct appeal of this exceptionally rare Knoll 1407 chair. An embodiment of Richard Schultz's visionary design from the 1980s, thi...
Category
1980s American Bauhaus Vintage Richard Schultz Seating
Materials
Chrome
Eight Dining Chairs by Richard Schultz for Knoll, White Frames, Red Orange Seats
By Richard Schultz
Located in Kansas City, MO
Set of 8 Richard Schultz dining chairs, made by Knoll, 1960s. The frames and seat backs have been expertly refinished in a soft white / ivory color and the original red orange seats...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Seating
Materials
Steel
Set of Four Richard Schultz 1966 Series Dining Chairs
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Chicago, IL
Richard Schultz 1966 series Knoll. Set of four outdoor dining chairs Model No. 1966-46-H. Seat and back are woven vinyl coated polyester mesh with vinyl s...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Seating
Materials
Stainless Steel, Steel
Aluminum and Leather 1966 Collection Lounge Chair by Richard Schultz for Knoll
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Dorchester, MA
From Richard Schultz's collection for Knoll known widely as the 1966 Collection, the clean lines of the 25L lounge chair emphasize its understated design. A slender rectilinear frame...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Richard Schultz Seating
Materials
Aluminum
Early Richard Schultz for Knoll Side Desk Chair..early Knoll label
By Richard Schultz, Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
A side or desk chair designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll's Art Metal series in the 1960s. Original grey / beige vinyl upholstery with a four star aluminum swivel base.Retains origi...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Richard Schultz Seating
Materials
Aluminum
Richard Schultz seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Richard Schultz seating 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 Richard Schultz seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original seating by Richard Schultz were created in the modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by Norman Cherner, Barbara Barry, and Dakota Jackson. Prices for Richard Schultz seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $895 and can go as high as $16,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,850.