With the founding of the Knoll Planning Unit at Knoll Associates in 1946, the modern open-plan office was born. Soon after the launch of the internationally celebrated design firm’s workplace-focused division, the Saarinen Executive Armless chair would emerge as one of its seating staples. A departure from more rigid office seating, the 1950 design by Finnish architect Eero Saarinen (1910–61) offered some of the comfort of his 1948 Womb chair in a more formal shape. Nicknamed “that chair with the hole in the back” for its sculptural seat back, it fit easily into mid-century boardrooms and corporate cafeterias as part of the harmonious interiors designed by Florence Knoll, a legendary figure in mid-century modernism.
Saarinen and Knoll met while they were studying at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, where Saarinen’s father, Eliel, was dean. Their lifelong friendship led to some of the most revered designs of the 20th century. Like his work in architecture, from the Gateway Arch to the TWA Flight Center, Saarinen’s furniture used innovations in postwar materials to create dynamic volumes. The Executive Armless chair expanded on Saarinen’s ergonomic experiments in molded plywood furniture that he had designed in collaboration with fellow Cranbrook alumnus Charles Eames (with assistance from Ray Eames), work which had been honored in the Museum of Modern Art’s Organic Design Competition.
The chairs introduced as the 71 and 72 Series found their initial multipurpose use in the Knoll office interiors but soon were popular in home dining rooms and living spaces. Knoll, Inc. continues to produce the Saarinen Executive Armless chair, with options updating the design’s original fiberglass form including an exposed plastic back or upholstered polyurethane shell joined by a contoured plywood seat and sturdy legs in steel or wood.
Saarinen Executive Armless Chairs in Sand Mohair, Ebony Oak Legs by Knoll
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Stamford, CT
Eero Saarinen’s design career, though tragically short, left an indelible mark on the worlds of furniture and architecture. His visionary work was far ahead of its time, driven by an...
Fabric, Mohair, Upholstery, Oak
6 EARLY ORIGINAL EERO SAARINEN for KNOLL Executive Side Chairs Priced per chair
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Hudson, NY
We have 6 VERY EARLY all original Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive side chairs. They are very heavy. Much heavier than the newer production chairs of the same. These chairs are like...
Steel, Chrome
$4,355 / set
1950s Eero Saarinen Model 72 Chairs Set of Eight
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Eero Saarinen
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
A rare set of eight Model 72 Conference Chairs, designed in 1948 by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International, USA, and produced under license by Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden. Part of Sa...
Fabric
Eero Saarinen CHAIR '71' For Knoll
By Eero Saarinen
Located in Forest, BE
Eero Saarinen designed furniture as a means to problem-solve. Each of his works had a distinct vocabulary of form, startlingly different from the other. The Model 71 and 72 Chairs – ...
Metal
Set of 4 Model 72C Armless Chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll, USA, c. 1967
By Eero Saarinen
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare set of four Model 72C armless executive chairs designed by the incomparable Eero Saarinen for Knoll. All four chairs are stamped "1967" making this set an early ex...
Bouclé, Walnut
Set of 10 Eero Saarinen for Knoll 72C Executive Armless Chairs Chrome Legs *2016
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in St. Louis, MO
Eero Saarinen originally designed this chair in the 1950s MCM period for Knoll, model 72C armless executive chair with tubular steel legs, these have a production date of 2016, This ...
Chrome
Eero Saarinen Armless Executive Chairs by Knoll in Donghia Red Mohair
By Eero Saarinen
Located in Dallas, TX
One of the greatest chairs ever designed, the Eero Saarinen armless executive chair, adds a timeless elegance to any home. This iconic piece is n...
Metal
Saarinen Executive Armless Chairs in Navy Velvet, Obsidian Matte
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Wilton, CT
We have been restoring Saarinen Executive Chairs for years in every fabric one can imagine, right in our very own workroom. Skilled craftsmen bring each chair back to life to live on...
Steel
Saarinen Executive Armless Chair in Ivory Weave & Saddle Ultrasuede, Swivel Base
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Stamford, CT
Eero Saarinen’s design career was both wildly iconic yet sadly short-lived. His work in furniture design and architecture was centuries ahead of its time and quite possibly only achi...
Steel
6x Saarinen Chairs Conference Side Chair 72 U Knoll International Kvadrat fabric
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Telgte, DE
Six exclusive Saarinen chairs from Knoll International - a design classic (without table, lamps, sofa and decoration) Model: Side Chair 72 U Design: Eero Saarinen Manufacturer: Knol...
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Armless Chairs, Set of 4
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Stunning authentic Mid-Century Modern set of four Saarinen executive armless chairs by Knoll. One of Knoll most popular designs that achieved comfort through the shape of its shell. ...
Steel, Chrome
Saarinen Executive Side Chair with Fiberglass Back by Knoll
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This vintage Knoll Associates executive side chair, designed by the renowned Eero Saarinen, features a distinctive fiberglass back that exudes mid-century modern charm. Reimagined wi...
Metal
Early Version of Eero Saarinen Side or Desk Chair for Knoll
By Eero Saarinen
Located in St. Louis, MO
Early version of Eero Saarinen side chair for Knoll with early label. This version has aluminum legs and early base configuration, unlike the later segmented legs. Chair should be re...
Aluminum
Set of Four Rare Early Production Eero Saarinen for Knoll Dining Chairs
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Ferndale, MI
From the put me in a museum collection. Out of long long term storage. The Earliest production set of four Eero Saarinen for HG Knoll executive chairs I have ever seen. All four on f...
Aluminum, Steel
Knoll Armless Saarinen Plastic-Back Side Chair in ZigZag Fabric
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Wilton, CT
This Eero Saarinen for Knoll plastic-back side chair was reupholstered in a geometric zigzag mutlicolor fabric. We offer this at a set - perfect for a fun kitchen - or as a single ch...
Steel
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Dining Chair in Grey Leather and Black Metal
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Eero Saarinen for Knoll International, dining chair, model 72, lacquered steel, leather, United States, design 1948, later production Organic shaped chair designed by Eero Saarinen....
Leather, Acrylic
$11,140 / set
H 31.11 in W 23.23 in D 22.84 in
Set of 8 Saarinen Executive chairs by Eero Saarinen – Knoll International
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Uccle, BE
Set of 8 “Saarinen Executive” armchairs with tubular legs. Cognac-colored leather cover. This armchair with ample shapes offers excellent comfort. Featured in many interiors, Eero Saarinen’s chair...
Leather
Knoll Saarinen Executive Arm Chair in Velvet, Gold Edition
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Wilton, CT
The next generation of Eero Saarinen's famed executive chairs have arrived, 100% authentic Eero Saarinen for Knoll executive chairs completely restored ground-up with an extra touch ...
Steel
Set of 8 'Tulip' Chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll, 1956
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare grouping of eight (8) iconic Tulip swiveling dining chairs by Eero Saarinen featuring the Classic organic sculptural form and orange wool upholstery on white enameled cast iro...
Iron
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive/Dining Chairs Up to 10
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration are these Eero Saarinen for Knoll executive chairs. With black / charcoal black wool fabric upholstery by Knoll. they all vary slightly in shade due to what e...
Metal
Tulip 769-S Chair, Eero Saarinen, Knoll, 1955
By Eero Saarinen
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Tulip chair mod. 769-S, single piece, designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll. Produced in the United States, production period 1955 (original design). Structure made of white lacquered ...
Metal
$7,501 / set
H 31.89 in W 19.3 in D 20.87 in
Set of 5 Tulip chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International, 1970s
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Renens, CH
The Tulip chair, designed by Eero Saarinen in 1956 for Knoll International, is a key piece of mid-century modern design. Saarinen aimed to create a chair that removed the clutter of ...
Steel
$650
H 31.5 in W 22.5 in D 20.5 in
2008 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Armless Executive Side / Dining Chairs
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single (multiple chairs are available, though the price listed is for each chair) Eero Saarinen for Knoll armless executive chai...
Aluminum, Chrome
$925Sale Price / item|50% Off
H 31.5 in W 25.5 in D 24.5 in
Saarinen Executive Armchair in Original Black Leather, Steel Tubular Legs
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Wilton, CT
Manufactured by Knoll Furniture, the mid-century classic vintage Eero Saarinen Executive Armchair in its original black leather and chromed steel tubular legs. We have more chairs av...
Chrome
Tulip Chair by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International - 1960s
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Debrecen, HU
Two of the six available chairs are swivel models. All pieces are original; however, the chair tops were refinished at some point. Designed by Eero Saarinen and manufactured by Knol...
Aluminum
$750
H 31.5 in W 26.5 in D 26 in
Saarinen Mid Century Modern Executive Lounge Dining Armchair by Knoll
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous original Knoll executive chair with arms designed by Eero Saarinen and sold by the thousands to IBM of which this one is still tagged. See pics. In excellent vintage conditi...
Steel, Chrome
$3,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 32.5 in W 22 in D 27 in
Set of 8 Post Modern Suede Dining Chairs After Eero Saarinen
By Eero Saarinen
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of eight sleek Post Modern suede and lacquered oak dining chairs in the manner of Eero Saarinen. The curved back of the chair slopes down around the side creating a wonderfully c...
Suede, Wood, Lacquer
$6,049 / set
H 31.89 in W 19.3 in D 20.87 in
Set of four vintage Tulip chairs - Eero Saarinen for Knoll
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Baambrugge, NL
A stunning set of four vintage Tulip chairs, attributed to Eero Saarinen for Knoll. These iconic chairs, renowned for their elegant organic shape and minimalist pedestal base, are tr...
Metal
Set of 6 Mid Century Saarinen Side Chairs by Knoll
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Oxnard, CA
Here is a stellar set of side chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll. These chairs were produced in 2018, but originally designed in the 1950s. This configuration features black lacquer...
Wool, Wood
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Wood leg Executive Chair /1 available!
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Armless Chairs with wood legs. Chairs are solid but needing new upholstery and wood refinishing to legs. Upholstery Services available, 275 plus f...
Wood, Upholstery
Set of (6) Saarinen Executive Side / Dining Chairs by Knoll
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set of (6) Saarinen Executive Side / Dining Chairs by Knoll This set dates to 2009 +/-. Very good vintage / used condition. Black velvet material is in nice condition. Chrome is cl...
Chrome
Sold
H 31 in W 22.5 in D 21.5 in
Eero Saarinen for Knoll 8 Executive Dining Chairs Black/White Boucle' Wood Legs
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Dallas, TX
One of the greatest chairs ever designed, the Eero Saarinen for Knoll armless executive dining chair, adds a timeless elegance to any home. This iconic piece is not only comfortable ...
Upholstery, Oak
Sold
H 31.5 in W 22.5 in D 20.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Eero Saarinen for Knoll Red Executive Armless Chairs Set of 6
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Stunning authentic mid-century modern set of six Saarinen executive armless chairs by Knoll. One of Knoll's most popular designs that achieved supreme comfort through the shape of it...
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 31.5 in W 22.5 in D 20.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Eero Saarinen Knoll Red Executive Armless Chairs - Set of 12
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Stunning authentic mid-century modern set of twelve Saarinen executive armless chairs by Knoll. One of Knoll's most popular designs that achieved supreme comfort through the shape of...
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 31.5 in W 22.5 in D 20.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Eero Saarinen for Knoll Red Executive Armless Chairs - a Pair
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Stunning authentic mid-century modern pair of Saarinen executive armless chairs by Knoll. One of Knoll's most popular designs that achieved supreme comfort through the shape of its s...
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 31.5 in W 22.5 in D 20.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Eero Saarinen for Knoll Red Executive Armless Chairs Set of 4
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Stunning authentic mid-century modern set of four Saarinen executive armless chairs by Knoll. One of Knoll's most popular designs that achieved supreme comfort through the shape of i...
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 31.5 in W 22.5 in D 20.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Armless Chairs - Set of 8
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Stunning authentic mid-century modern set of eight Saarinen executive armless chairs by Knoll. One of Knoll's most popular designs that achieved supreme comfort through the shape of ...
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 31.5 in W 22.5 in D 20.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Armless Chairs - Set of 12
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Stunning authentic mid-century modern set of twelve Saarinen executive armless chairs by Knoll. One of Knoll's most popular designs that achieved supreme comfort through the shape of...
Steel, Chrome
Eero Saarinen 72U Executive Upholstered Armless Desk Chair for Knoll
By Eero Saarinen
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A executive armless upholstered desk chair with nice curved back and supportive bottom seat cushion . This is a very comfortable chair for hours of sitting at your desk at home or in...
Metal
Saarinen for Knoll Executive Armless/ Dining Chairs
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set of 8 Eero Saarinen Armless Dining Chairs for Knoll. This set dates to 2009. Black velvet material in very nice condition! Chrome is clean as well! Chairs ready to go! One of the most comfortable chairs out there! I use these around my dining table!
Chrome
