As a company that produced many of the most famous and iconic furniture designs of the 20th century, Knoll was a chief influence in the rise of modern design in the United States. Led by Florence Knoll, the firm would draw stellar talents such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Eero Saarinen into its compass. Their work would help change the face of the American home and office.
The company was formed in 1938 by the German immigrant Hans Knoll. He first worked with his fellow ex-pat, the Danish designer Jens Risom, who created furniture with flowing lines made of wood. While Risom served in World War II, in 1943 Knoll met his future wife, Florence Schust. She had studied and worked with eminent emigré leaders of the Bauhaus, including Mies, Walter Gropius and Marcel Breuer. She won Knoll over with Bauhaus notions of industrial arts, and an aesthetic that featured flat and tubular metal frames and angular forms. When Hans died in a car crash in 1955, Florence Knoll was appointed head of the company. It was as much through her holistic approach to design — a core division of the firm was dedicated to planning office systems — as Knoll's mid-century modern furnishings themselves that she brought about the sleek and efficient transformation of the American workplace.
Today, classic Knoll furnishings remain staples of modern design collections and decor. A history of modern design is written in pieces such as the elegant Barcelona chair — created by Mies and Lilly Reich — Saarinen’s pedestal Tulip chair, Breuer’s tubular steel Wassily lounge chair and the grid-patterned Diamond chair by Harry Bertoia.
As you can see from the collection of these designs and other vintage Knoll dining chairs, sofas and tables on 1stDibs, this manufacturer's offerings have become timeless emblems of the progressive spirit and sleek sophistication of the best of modernism.
H 23.5 in W 33 in D 33 in
1 Charles Pfister for Knoll Lounge Chair
By Knoll, Charles Pfister
Located in Pasadena, TX
Charles Pfister for Knoll Lounge Chairs Designed by Pfister and manufactured by Knoll, these cube lounge chairs are a classic design that ...
Fabric
H 24 in W 33 in D 33 in
Pr. Cube Form Club Chairs by Charles Pfister for Knoll
By Charles Pfister, Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Chic pair of leather club chairs designed by Charles Pfister for Knoll. Executed in grayish blue leather, close to a slate blue in tone. Chairs are matching in color, they appear different in the pictures as a result of uneven lighting. The chairs are in very good, original condition, showing only light cosmetic wear, normal and consistent with age. Priced and offered as a pair, please view the matching loveseat we have listed separately at Barbarella Home...
Leather
H 24.5 in W 32.5 in D 32.5 in
A Pair of Knoll Pfister Club Chairs
By Charles Pfister
Located in Dallas, TX
This pair of Knoll Pfister club chairs are cubist in form set atop a seemingly floating base. Taking inspiration from chairs geometric shape, the cushions have been replaced and reupholstered in a Schumacher Painterly Windowpane linen. Charles Pfister Pfister earned his B.A. in architecture from the University of California...
Linen
H 24 in W 32.5 in D 33 in
Pair of Charles Pfister Cube Lounge Chairs for Knoll
By Charles Pfister
Located in Wilton, CT
Classic iconic modern design typifies Charles Pfister's Lounge Collection, designed in 1971 for Knoll. The timeless appeal and superb craftsmanship reflect his interest in "useful, s...
Velvet
H 27 in W 33.5 in D 33.5 in
1990s Charles Pfister for Knoll Club Lounge Chair in Grey Geometric Fabric
By Knoll, Charles Pfister
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Pfister Lounge Chair, originally designed by Charles Pfister for Knoll in 1971. These examples were produced in the United States and date to the 1990s. Their design featur...
Metal
H 26 in W 33.5 in D 34 in
1980s Charles Pfister for Knoll Club Lounge Chair in Black Leather
By Charles Pfister
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Club Lounge Chair, originally designed by Charles Pfister for Knoll in 1971. This examples was produced in the United States and dates back to the 1980s. The design feature...
Steel
H 23.75 in W 32.5 in D 33 in
Pair Knoll Pfister Black Leather Lounge Chairs, 1980
By Knoll, Charles Pfister
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair Knoll Pfister Black Leather Lounge Chair, 1980. Original black leather.
Leather
H 26 in W 33.5 in D 33 in
1980s Charles Pfister for Knoll Club Chair in Navy Blue Leather, Model 1051C
By Knoll, Charles Pfister
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Pfister Lounge Chair, model 1051C, originally designed by Charles Pfister in 1971. This example dates to the 1980s. The design features a steel frame with plywood inserts, ...
Steel
H 33.47 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
Pair of 1980s "East Side" Club Lounge Chair by Ettore Sottsass and Knoll
By Ettore Sottsass, Knoll
Located in Paris, France
This rare pair of tricolor "Eastside model" club armchairs was created by designer Ettore Sottsass for Knoll International. Its structure in gray steel tube and its soft leather cove...
Metal, Aluminum
H 29 in W 32.5 in D 32 in
Mid-Century Pair of Tufted Chrome Base Florence Knoll Club Chairs
By Florence Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of original Knoll club chairs with polished chrome bases designed by Florence Knoll, circa 1960s. Vintage condition with Knoll Associates Park Ave labels intact. Please confirm...
Upholstery
Mid Century Italian Modern Sculptural Lounge Chairs or Club Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sculptural pair of lounge chairs from Italy circa 1980's. They feature solid wood lacered arms with upholstered seating area. Fabric is original so recovering is recommended. Foam ...
Fabric, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Cube or Case Club Lounge Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Milo Baughman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very high quality matching pair of club chairs, circa 1970s. Completely restored with brand new upholstery.
Fabric, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Barrel Back Swivel Club Chairs or Lounge Chairs Walnut Base
By Milo Baughman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A super comfy matching pair of barrel back lounge chairs circa 1960's. These feature swiveling walnut base with blue fabric. Fabric is old and should be replaced.
Fabric, Walnut
Drexel Heritage Art Deco Inspired Pair of Black Leather Club or Lounge Chairs
By Drexel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These heirloom quality top grain black leather chairs are as stylish as they are comfortable. Pleated and tailored leather details, wonderful proportions, and superior quality materi...
Leather
Pair of Midcentury Italian Modern Art Deco Lounge or Club Chairs in Red
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A beautiful matching pair of club lounge chairs from Italy circa 1950s the features curved wood legs with the original red Naugahyde upholstery. Scuffs & edge wear to upholstery.
Naugahyde, Wood
Pair of Mid-Century Barrel Back Lounge Chairs in Oak after Lou Hodges
By Lou Hodges
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of oak lounge chairs in the the style of Lou Hodges. The chairs feature solid oak framing with original tweed fabric in very good condition.
Fabric, Wood
