Knoll Seating
Mid-century modern design in America wouldn’t look the way it does without Knoll. The company’s acclaimed seating — lounge chairs, armchairs, office chairs and other furnishings created by a who’s who of designers and by Knoll’s pioneering cofounder, Florence Knoll (1917–2019) — helped define high-rise corporate culture and was rapidly adopted for use in living rooms, where it endures as a timeless favorite all over the world.
“Many of the designs that he had at that time were ones that I did not approve of,” Florence Knoll once recalled of her German-born husband, Hans Knoll (1914–55), the son of German modernist furniture manufacturer Walter Knoll.
A native of Michigan, Florence already had a world-class immersion in design when she met Hans. Orphaned at age 12, she was enrolled at Kingswood School, part of the Cranbrook Academy of Art, which became the go-to school for legends of mid-century design. Florence became very close with Cranbrook head Eliel Saarinen, his wife and their son, Eero. She later studied with Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and worked for Marcel Breuer and Bauhaus school founder Walter Gropius. When Florence married Hans in 1946, he had been at work since 1938 on his own eponymous furniture line in New York City.
With Florence’s design acumen, the Knolls turned the company into a powerhouse of modernist design. The Knoll Planning Unit, created by Florence in the mid-1940s, designed office spaces for the likes of GM and CBS, helping to define the postwar corporate aesthetic.
The department’s small team designed furniture with practicality, efficiency and sleekness in mind, attributes that clearly define furnishings such as Eero Saarinen’s sculptural Executive chair, which was introduced in 1948 as the Model 72 and used for the General Motors Technical Center in Warren, Michigan. (The armed version, which followed in 1950, was also specified for the campus, an architectural project of Saarinen’s.) This seating, as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients, soon became desirable for apartments and houses.
Knoll collaborated with an all-star cast of designers, including Saarinen, whose Womb chair arose from Florence’s request for “a chair that was like a basket full of pillows.” The catalogue includes some of the century’s most recognizable forms: Saarinen’s Tulip chairs, Harry Bertoia’s wire-lattice Diamond chair, the Cyclone table by artist Isamu Noguchi and pieces by Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Jens Risom, Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who granted Knoll exclusive permission to produce his designs. The manufacturer continues to produce the only authorized version of the elegant and oft-copied Barcelona chair, which Mies created in collaboration with designer Lilly Reich, his creative and romantic partner.
By 1950 — when production for Knoll was moved to East Greenville, Pennsylvania — more than one third of the designs in the company’s portfolio were Florence’s own. She thought of her furniture as “meat and potatoes,” mere practicality.
“People ask me if I am a furniture designer,” she once said. “I am not. . . . I designed the fill-in pieces that no one else was doing.” But decades later, her own designs, like the Florence Knoll sofa, with its clean architectural lines, and her Bauhaus-inspired Lounge chair, are icons in their own right.
In 2021, Knoll was acquired by Herman Miller, another legendary American furniture manufacturer that turned a number of designers into mid-century household names. The combined company operates under the name MillerKnoll.
Find a collection of vintage Knoll dining chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs.
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Creator: Knoll
Saarinen Executive Armless Chairs in Velvet, Chrome Tubular Legs, Set of 12
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
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
We've been restorin...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Seating
Materials
Steel
Pair of China red lacquered “Diamond” chairs by Harry Bertoia, 1950
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Roma, RM
Pair of China red lacquered “Diamond” chairs by Harry Bertoia.
Production: Knoll, 1950s
Dimensions: 90 W x 70 H x 74 D cm
Sold as set of 2.
Category
1950s Vintage Knoll Seating
Materials
Metal
Pair of Ernst Schwadron Lounge Chairs
By Knoll, Ernst Schwadron
Located in Hanover, MA
Pair of shapely down filled lounge chairs designed by Austrian emigre Ernst Schwadron and retailed through Rena Rosenthal inc. New York in the...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Four Mies van der Rohe Knoll BRNO tubular armchairs in teal leather
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of Four Mies van der Rohe for Knoll BRNO tubular chairs
In teal leather.
The elegant Brno Tubular Chair (designed in 1930) has a chromed tubula...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary North American Mid-Century Modern Knoll Seating
Materials
Leather
Set of 4 Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll Brno Chairs in Cato Upholstery 60 available
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Hudson, NY
Set of 4 Knoll Brno chairs designed by Mies Van der Rohe. These chairs are upholstered in Knoll's Cato upholstery. Color is 'natural'- which reads as a pale oatmeal color. These chai...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Knoll Seating
Materials
Steel
Saarinen for Knoll Executive Side/ Dining Chairs
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set of 8 Eero Saarinen Side Dining Chairs for Knoll. This set dates to 2009. Red velvet material in very nice condition! Chrome is clean as well! Chair ready to go! One of the most comfortable chairs out there! I use these around my dining table!
Category
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Knoll Seating
Materials
Chrome
2009 Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Tubular Brno Chair in Black Fabric Sets Avail
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a tubular Brno Chair, designed by Mies Van Der Rohe and manufactured by Knoll. Multiple chairs are available, though the price listed is for each chair. There was originally ...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Knoll Seating
Materials
Steel
Custom Modernist KNOLL Womb Chair and Ottoman by Eero Saarinen
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Buffalo, NY
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Womb chair and ottoman. Custom Ordered “Puff” Mocha color upholstery "Nick Cave" and Manufactured by Knoll Textiles. Literally Brand new!! Woman ordered new f...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Knoll Seating
Materials
Metal, Steel
Saarinen Executive Armless Chair in Leather and Suede, Vintage Swivel Base
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Wilton, CT
Montage has been restoring Saarinen Executive Chairs for years in every fabric one can imagine, right in our very own workroom. We’ve restored these chairs using a supple Italian Leather in Saddle...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Seating
Materials
Steel
1980s Pair of Don Petitt for Knoll 1105 Bentwood Armchair in Oak with Tan Fabric
By Don Pettit, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a pair of iconic No. 1105 chairs, designed by Don Petitt for Knoll. This is a notable pair that came from the home of a Knoll employee, who worked at the company f...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Knoll Seating
Materials
Oak, Bentwood, Fabric
Knoll Eero Saarinen Model 71 IBM Executive Chair
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Garnerville, NY
A nice example of a Eero Saarinen Model 71 Executive armchair fro Knoll International. This particular chair came directly from the IBM offices in the Poughkeepsie, New York campus. ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Seating
Materials
Steel, Chrome, Nickel
Saarinen Executive Armless Chair in Royal Blue Velvet, Vintage Swivel Base
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Wilton, CT
We've been restoring Saarinen executive chairs for years in every fabric one can imagine, right in our very own workroom. We’ve restored these vintage chairs using an elegant Italian...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Seating
Materials
Steel
Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll Brno Chair in Cato Upholstery 60 available
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Hudson, NY
Knoll Brno chair designed by Mies Van der Rohe. These chairs are upholstered in Knoll's Cato upholstery. Color is 'natural'- which reads as a pale oatmeal color. These chairs are fro...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Knoll Seating
Materials
Steel
Mid Century Modern 2 Seat sofa table Bruce Hannah and Andrew Morrison for Knoll
By Bruce Hannah & Andrew Morrison, Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Mid Century Modern 2 Seat armchair sofa with middle white laminate table by Bruce Hannah and Andrew Morrison for Knoll. Made in American circa 1960s. D...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Seating
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Florence Knoll for Knoll International Sofa in Teak and Grey Upholstery
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Florence Knoll for Knoll International, sofa, model '2557', fabric, teak, 1955
This sofa model 2557 is designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International in 1955. This sofa is simpl...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Seating
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Saarinen Executive Armchair in Gunmetal Velvet on Vintage Swivel Base
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Wilton, CT
We've been restoring Saarinen Executive chairs for years in every fabric one can imagine, right in our very own workroom. We’ve restored these chairs using our stunning collection of...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Seating
Materials
Steel
Eero Saarinen "Tulip" White Stool for Knoll W/ Leopard Print Seat
By Knoll
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Eero Saarinen's iconic white "Tulip" stool, a design synonymous with Knoll, showcases a sleek, steel-cast construction with a white finish. Adding a touch of flair, its seat is uphol...
Category
1950s American Vintage Knoll Seating
Materials
Steel
Chartreuse Green Warren Platner Stool by Knoll
By Warren Platner, Knoll
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...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Seating
Materials
Steel, Nickel
Eero Saarinen Tulip Dining Chair Knoll International Mid Century Space Age
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Berlin, BE
One of the Most famous designs of the mid Century. The tulip seriesClassic Tulip dining chairs designed in 1956 by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International. A defining accomplishment of...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Knoll Seating
Materials
Steel
Vintage Leather Butterfly Chair by Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy for Knoll
By Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy, Knoll
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural Butterfly Chair, designed by Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy for Knoll, American, circa 1960s. This example retains it's dark chocolate brown leather sling and the black iron base ha...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Seating
Materials
Iron
13 jens Risom Side Chairs for Knoll
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the Knoll Risom Side Chair - A Timeless Icon of Modern Design!
The Knoll Risom Side Chair is a true testament to the enduring legacy of modern furniture design. Created ...
Category
1940s American Scandinavian Modern Vintage Knoll Seating
Materials
Cotton, Wood
Harry Bertoia for Knoll International Bird Chair and Ottoman
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in The Hague, NL
Harry Bertoia for Knoll International bird chair and ottoman. This iconic lounge chair and ottoman were originally designed by Harry Bertoia in 1952 and manufactured by Knoll Interna...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Knoll Seating
Materials
Metal
Saarinen Executive Armchair in Original Black Leather, Vintage Swivel Base
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Wilton, CT
This gorgeous vintage Knoll Saarinen Executive Armchair comes in its original supple black leather in very good condition. There is very minor w...
Category
1980s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Seating
Materials
Steel
Knoll Marble Dining Table With 5 Chairs by Eero Saarinen, 1960s
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Magnificent and fully original Tulip dining set designed by Eero Saarinen.
It is produced by Knoll International in the 1960s.
The set consists of 5 original tulip chairs and the o...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Seating
Materials
Carrara Marble, Metal
2000s Set of Six Harry Bertoia for Knoll Chrome Wire Dining / Side Chairs
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are classic Bertoia side chairs, model 420c, designed in 1952 by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. These chairs consist of welded chromed-steel wire seats & backs, and ret...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Knoll Seating
Materials
Steel
Saarinen Executive Armchair in Black Velvet, Black Powder Coated Legs
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Wilton, CT
The mid-century Classic vintage Eero Saarinen Executive Armchair, manufactured by Knoll Furniture and custom upholstered in a deep 100% cotton Italian Velvet in glamorous Black. All ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Seating
Materials
Stainless Steel
Knoll by Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby Black Piton Swivel Stools, Set of 6
By Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, Knoll
Located in London, GB
Originally designed by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby for Knoll in 2015, the Piton stool is a fantastic example of contemporary furniture design.
Perfectly balancing style and practi...
Category
2010s Italian Knoll Seating
Materials
Metal
1949 Florence Knoll Associates 26 BC Upholstered 3-Seater Sofa New Upholstery
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a 1949 Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates 26 BC upholstered 3-seater sofa, which was just freshly reupholstered by Forthright, a renowned upholstery shop based in...
Category
1940s American Modern Vintage Knoll Seating
Materials
Fabric
Eight Chrome Mies van der Rohe Tubular Brno Chairs by Knoll in Green Velvet
By Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
Completely restored set of eight tubular Brno chairs by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll. Professionally re-upholstered in a green velvet and the chrome is in great condition. "Knoll Inte...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Seating
Materials
Chrome
1960s Charles Pollock Armchair "Sling Chair" Model 657
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Oakland, CA
The Charles Pollock "Sling Chair" or Model 657, designed in 1960 and produced from 1964 to 1979 by Knoll. Created out of a leather sling, seat cushion, cast aluminum and chromed stee...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Seating
Materials
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
Womb Chair and Ottoman by Eero Saarinen for Knoll
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed for Knoll by Eero Saarinen in 1948, the Womb chair with ottoman has become a modernist classic. The contoured frame of fiberglass and polished ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Knoll Seating
Materials
Chrome
Vintage set of Barcelona Chairs - Ludwig Mies van der Rohe - Knoll International
By Knoll
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Great matching Barcelona chair set in its original black leather in a mint condition.
Bought in 1991 by its first owner.
Designed by Ludwig Mies va...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Knoll Seating
Materials
Leather
2021 Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Barcelona Chair in Upgraded Black Leather
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a 2021 production Barcelona lounge chair, designed by Mies van der Rohe and produced by Knoll. It has a chromed steel frame, though notably has an upgraded black leather, whi...
Category
2010s American Modern Knoll Seating
Materials
Steel
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...
Category
1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Seating
Materials
Chrome
Early Eero Saarinen Knoll Womb Chair & Ottoman, Blue Upholstery, Black Frame
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in New York, NY
Early Eero Saarinen Knoll Womb Chair, Blue Upholstery, Black Wrought Iron Frame. Being sold as is. The chair is in original condition and will need new upholstery if you're planning ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Seating
Materials
Wrought Iron
Divano in pelle mod.Brigadiere disegnato da Cini Boeri per Knoll
By Cini Boeri, Knoll
Located in Milan, IT
Divano mod. brigadiere disegnato da Cini Boeri e prodotto da Knoll nel 1976, struttura laccata bianca, un solo divano disponibile della coppia. Buone condizioni della pelle e dell'im...
Category
1970s International Style Vintage Knoll Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
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 Knoll Seating
Materials
Metal
2008 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Armless Executive Side / Dining Chairs
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
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...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Knoll Seating
Materials
Aluminum, Chrome
Mid century Florence Knoll Sofa #57 Parallel Bar System - needs upholstery
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Vintage circa 1960 Midcentury Florence Knoll Parallel Bar System sofa Model #57 three-seat sofa with arms. Designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll Int. USA. Solid Steel frame and is in ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Knoll Seating
Materials
Steel
Pair of Eero Saarinen Knoll Executive Armchairs Full Restoration by Greenapple
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Collectible Vintage Pair of Executive Armchairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll.
Eero Saarinen designed furniture as a means to problem-solve. Each of his works had a distinct vocabular...
Category
1990s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Knoll Seating
Materials
Oak, Walnut, Leather, Fabric, Bouclé, Velvet
Pair Jens Risom Armless Lounge Chairs. Maple with Red Webbing. Signed.
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pair of Jens Risom lounge chairs from his original 1941 design collection for Knoll. These are more recent production, signed with the Knoll Studio medallion. These have been used ...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Knoll Seating
Materials
Nylon, Maple
Florence Knoll, "Parallel Bar" Lounge Chair, circa 1965
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Paris, FR
"Parallel Bar" easy chair designed by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll International, circa 1965.
Newly re-upholstered with a dark blue velvet from the Kvadrat Raf Simons collec...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Seating
Materials
Steel, Metal
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Charles Pollock for Knoll
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Charles Pollock lounge chairs are iconic pieces of mid-century modern furniture design. Designed by American industrial designer Charles Pollock, these lounge chairs showcase a combi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Knoll Seating
Materials
Steel
Florence Knoll, Sofa "Parallel Bar" for Knoll, 1954 / 1960. Newly upholstered.
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Paris, FR
Lovely Two seat sofa model 52 also known as ‘Parallel Bar’ designed by Florence Knoll in 1954 and produced by Knoll International from 1955 to 1973 This sofa is an edition from the v...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Seating
Materials
Steel, Chrome, Metal
2000s Harry Bertoia for Knoll Diamond Lounge Chair in Purple Boucle
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a classic Bertoia Diamond Chair, Model No. 421, originally designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll in 1952. This particular example dates to the early 2000s and came from a corpo...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Knoll Seating
Materials
Bouclé, Upholstery
Chair Armchair Harry Bertoia for Knoll Black Metal Midcentury United States 1970
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Palermo, IT
Chair or armchair designed by the designer Harry Bertoia and produced in the United States in the 70s by Knoll international.
The sculptural armchair/chair was made of black enamelle...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Knoll Seating
Materials
Metal
Tulip Dining Chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International, 1970s, Set of 6
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Lasne, BE
Set of 6 chairs in fibreglass, aluminium and fabric. The chairs turn on themselves. The original cushions are also in original pink fabric. Seat height 46 cm. Wear due to time and ag...
Category
1970s Central American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Seating
Materials
Aluminum
2018 Marcel Breuer for Knoll Cesca Armchair in Blue & Black Fabric, Model 50A
By Marcel Breuer, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Cesca armchair, model 50A, originally designed by Marcel Breuer in 1928. The listed price includes one 50A chair, and we have several available for individual purchase. The...
Category
2010s American Modern Knoll Seating
Materials
Nickel, Steel
1992 Knoll H&kerchief Stacking Chairs by Massimo & Lella Vignelli 10x Available
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single (multiple available, but sold separately) Knoll Handkerchief stacking chair, designed by Lella and Massimo Vignelli. The duo were some of the most influen...
Category
1990s American Modern Knoll Seating
Materials
Metal, 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...
Category
1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Seating
Materials
Steel
1970s Cesca B64 Armchair by Marcel Breuer for Knoll / Thonet 12+ Avail
By Marcel Breuer, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a 'Cesca' armchair, model B64, originally designed by Marcel Breuer in 1928. These particular examples were seemingly manufactured by Knoll in the 1970s. Some may have been p...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Knoll Seating
Materials
Brass, Steel
Mid-Century Vintage Jens Risom Knoll Webbed Armchair
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Baltimore, MD
A stunning iconic cotton strap, webbed, lounge, armchair, 652W design (1943) early edition, designed by Jens Risom for Knoll International. Features a solid maple frame with original woven cotton straps. It is one of the most comfortable pieces you will sit in, the exquisite curved back provides lumbar support making this chair as comfortable as it is beautiful. The removable webbed, basket seat, shell is supported and rests on the arm frame base. Very Rare Vintage Modern Classic design. An iconic piece of furniture, this example has remained in a single collection since it was acquired by the prior owner from Knoll International and the original early label remains affixed beneath. (Knoll Associates Inc. 601 Madison Ave New York 22). This label has the earliest Knoll Associates showroom address, which opened in 1946.
Measurements: 24.5 ” tall x 24? wide x 30? deep x seat height 18? (arm height 21") (seat to the lowest point 11")
Jens Risom
Danish-American architect-designer Jens Risom was born in Copenhagen in 1916, the son of a nationally renowned architect of the Nordic Classicism style. Between 1935 and 1938, he trained at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts under Ole Wanscher and Kaare Klint, alongside classmates Hans Wegner and Børge Mogensen. For a short time following his studies, he took on furniture and interior designer projects for the Copenhagen-based architectural firm Ernst Kuhn. He then moved briefly to Stockholm, where he worked for Nordiska Kompaniet and met Alvar Aalto and Bruno Mathsson. Around 1939, he immigrated to New York with ambitions to introduce the Scandinavian modernist approach to the US furniture market.
Risom’s arrival in the US coincided with the years of materials shortages brought on by the war. As a result, Risom was unable to secure a position in a furniture company, and, instead, found work designing textiles for decorator Dan Cooper. Eager to do more, he soon convinced Cooper to expand into the furniture market, and together they found projects with young, progressive architects like Ed Stone and George Nelson. In 1939-40, Ed Stone was invited to create Collier Magazine’s House of Ideas pavilion at Rockefeller Center as part of the New York World’s Fair, and Risom designed all of the furniture.
Around 1941, Risom met Hans Knoll, a German-born entrepreneur in the furniture industry who had a showroom on Madison Avenue dedicated to rather lackluster furnishings. Sharing a dream to do something more vanguard, they joined forces and set off on a four-month tour of the US in search of design inspiration. By 1942, Knoll launched Hans Knoll Furniture Company with Risom on board as his head designer.
Risom’s early designs for Knoll made use of military surplus...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Seating
Materials
Fabric, Maple
Mid Century Knoll Butterfly Chair by Jorge Ferrari Hardoy Bonet and Kurchan
By Knoll
Located in Las Vegas, NV
1950’s vintage Butterfly chair, designed by Jorge Ferrari Hardoy, Antonio Bonet, and Juan Kurchan for Knoll. This is a vintage example, whic...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Seating
Materials
Metal
Pair of Eero Saarinen Knoll Executive Chairs Full Restoration by Greenapple
By Knoll, Greenapple, Eero Saarinen
Located in Lisboa, PT
Collectible Vintage Pair of Executive Chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll.
Eero Saarinen designed furniture as a means to problem-solve. Each of his works had a distinct vocabulary o...
Category
1990s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Knoll Seating
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Bouclé, Velvet, Oak, Walnut
Charles Pollock Leather Desk Chair by Knoll
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic Charles Pollock desk chair by Knoll. circa 1970s production executed in black leather. All screws, buttons, and wheels intact. No torn leather. Signed and guaranteed authenti...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Knoll Seating
Materials
Leather
2023 Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Barcelona Daybed in White Leather, Model 258L
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Barcelona Couch / Daybed, Model 258L, originally designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1930. This particular example was produced by Knoll in 2023. It features a tubular polishe...
Category
2010s American Modern Knoll Seating
Materials
Steel
Mid-century Grasshopper chair by Eero Saarinen for Knoll (1950s)
By Knoll, Wohnbedarf, Eero Saarinen
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
The Grasshopper (or model 61) chair was designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll in 1946, it was actually the first chair designed for the Knoll company, and is now a design icon with the...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Knoll Seating
Materials
Wool, Bentwood, Plywood
Mies Van Der Rohe Leather MR10 Chair for Knoll, 1970
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Mies van der Rohe leather MR10 chair for Knoll, 1970. Original leather.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Seating
Materials
Chrome
Knoll seating for sale on 1stDibs
Knoll Seats are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive objects are frequently made of metal and designed with extraordinary care. In our collection of Knoll seating, there are many options to choose from, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. In stock are 600 vintage editions of these items, while there are 3 modern editions to choose from as well. Many of the original Knoll seating was created in the Mid-Century Modern style in North America during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional seating, many customers also consider seating by Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller and Milo Baughman. Knoll seating prices can vary depending on size, time period and other attributes. Price for these items starts at $295 and tops out at $54,000, while pieces like these can sell for $3,999 on average.
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Questions About Knoll Seating
- Who is Florence Knoll?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Florence Knoll was an architect and furniture designer who greatly influenced mid-century design. She established the furniture company Knoll, Inc., which continues to manufacture pieces inspired by her designs. Knoll died on January 25, 2019, at the age of 101. Find a collection of Florence Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
- What is a Knoll Sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Knoll sofa, or a Knole sofa, is an interesting piece of furniture that’s believed to have its origins in the 1600s and to be the precursor to the modern sofa. It features two side-by-side cushions and arms that are as high as the back of the sofa. The most interesting feature is that these arms can often be tied back or dropped to change the profile of the sofa. Find an assortment of Knole sofas from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Does Herman Miller own Knoll?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, the noted furniture brand Herman Miller acquired Knoll in 2021 and announced a new name, MillerKnoll. The new name is meant to take advantage of the long history and reputation that each brand brings to the table and to introduce a new, stronger joint effort to the public. Shop a collection of Herman Miller and Knoll furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To pronounce Florence Knoll, say "FLO-rens Noll." The "K" in the designer's last name is silent. Florence Knoll's maiden name was Florence Marguerite Schust, pronounced "shusht." She changed her name after marrying Hans Knoll in 1946. Find a range of Florence Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Andrew B. Cogan is the CEO of Knoll furniture as of December 2021. He also serves as the Chairman of the Board. He took on the role in 2001. Prior to that time, he worked as the company's COO. Shop a range of Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
- What is a Parker Knoll chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021A Parker Knoll chair is designed by the British furniture manufacturing company Parker Knoll. These chairs are considered to be luxurious — they are handmade in the company’s Nottinghamshire factory from high-quality wood and feature plush upholstery in leather as well as in a variety of fabrics. Find Parker Knoll chairs on 1stDibs.
- How do I date Knoll furniture?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022How to date Knoll furniture depends on the piece. Some pieces feature stickers that bear the brand's name and logo, and the graphics changed over the years. By comparing the style of the logo to samples online, you can estimate the age of the piece. In some cases, the manufacturing year may appear on the sticker. To date a Knoll chair, look for the tag sewn on the back of the seat cushion. Often, the manufacturer prints the date there. You'll find a collection of expertly vetted Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
- Who owns Knoll furniture?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022MillerKnoll owns Knoll furniture. The company formed when Herman Miller, Inc., acquired Knoll, Inc., on April 19, 2021. The publicly traded company operates from its headquarters in Zeeland, Michigan. Andi Owen serves as its CEO, as of December 2021. Shop a collection of Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
- Where are Knoll chairs made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Knoll maintains manufacturing plants in the United States, Canada, and Italy. Countless designers have worked for Knoll over the years to create exquisite furniture that’s beloved by collectors worldwide. Shop a collection of antique and contemporary Knoll chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Where is Knoll furniture made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Florence Knoll produced her furniture designs largely in a factory located in East Greenville, Pennsylvania. As of December 2021, the company she founded, Knoll, Inc., manufactures furniture in the same factory, as well as in Grand Rapids, Michigan; Muskegon, Michigan; Toronto, Canada; and Foligno and Graffignana, Italy. Find a selection of Florence Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
- Where does Florence Knoll live?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Florence Knoll lived in the U.S. throughout her life. She was born in Saginaw, Michigan, on May 24, 1917, and she died in Coral Gables, Florida, on January 25, 2019. From 1940 to 1941, she attended the Chicago Armour Institute in Chicago, Illinois. After that, she lived and worked in New York City for many years. On 1stDibs, find a range of Florence Knoll furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 15, 2024The history of the Knoll sofa began in 1954. The sofa was made during American designer and entrepreneur Florence Knoll’s direction of the Knoll Planning Unit, the company's pioneering "design consultant service" that would define the look of the postwar workplace. The versatile Florence Knoll sofa, with its angular silhouette and tasteful mix of textures, could as easily fit into the glass lobby of a skyscraper as the living room of a home. That same year, Florence Knoll also introduced a companion lounge chair that coordinated with the sofa. Knoll, Inc. continues to produce the Florence Knoll sofa over half a century after it was introduced, and vintage models are still prized for their sturdy construction and timeless qualities. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Florence Knoll sofas.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024Where Parker Knoll sofas are made has changed over time. In 2016, the luxury furniture maker moved its factory to Castlewood, Nottinghamshire. Prior to the relocation, the company produced most of its pieces in London and High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Parker Knoll sofas from some of the world's top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Knoll began to stamp their furniture in 2004. An authentic stamp consists of the brand's name printed in the correct font. Normally, the manufacturer places the stamp on the upper section of the base. Shop a selection of expertly vetted Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Florence Knoll made a number of well-known furniture designs and founded the company Knoll, Inc. Some of her most acclaimed pieces include the Florence Knoll lounge chair, the Florence Knoll sofa, the Florence Knoll bench and the Florence Knoll settee. Shop a variety of Florence Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022You can buy Parker Knoll furniture through an authorized dealer. The manufacturer partners with brick-and-mortar stores all over the world and also works with some online platforms. While you can browse the entire selection of current Parker Knoll designs on their official website, you cannot buy directly from the company online. Shop a collection of Parker Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024What Florence Knoll called the Womb chair after it was created is unknown. However, its creator Eero Saarinen stated that Knoll inspired him to make the piece by asking him to design the most comfortable chair ever, saying specifically that she wanted something that felt like "a basket full of pillows." Presented with the challenge, Saarinen went primal. What, the designer figured, better signifies the very essence of comfort than the womb? "It was designed on the theory that a great number of people have never really felt comfortable and secure since they left the womb,” the designer said of his chair. Find a selection of vintage Womb chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022No, Florence Knoll didn't usually put a number on her pieces. To identify Florence Knoll furniture, look for a tag or mark that bears the name "Knoll" or "Knoll, Inc." On chairs, the labels are usually on the bottom cushion. On 1stDibs, find a collection of expertly vetted Florence Knoll furniture.