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.
DOURO sofa
Located in Frazão, Porto
DOURO is a timeless sofa, very comfortable, designed to be used on a daily basis. Characterized by a particular curved shape and a customizable base in ...
Leather, Fabric, Lacquer
Chloe Sofa
Located in Torrance, CA
Our Chloe Sofa is a sleek and modern version of a classic sofa. It is made with a classic hand-tied inner spring suspension in the seat, along with 100% whi...
Metal
Model One Sofa
Located in New York, NY
Not only is it Stunning and versatile it is quite possibly the most comfortable sofa available. This Dawkins Best-Seller style is available at 6'...
Upholstery
Gigi Radice Sofa
By Gigi Radice
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Gigi Radice sofa for Minotti — Italy, 1950's Reupholstered in gorgeous dark green wool boucle with black iron splayed legs and brass feet. Wonderful curved shape with clean lines. ...
Brass, Iron
Carson Sofa by Collector
Located in Geneve, CH
Carson sofa by Collector Materials: Fully upholstered in fabric. Solid walnut feet. Dimensions: W 140 x D 81 x H 70 cm Your favorite sofa will be th...
Upholstery, Walnut
Case #1 Customizable Modern Sofa
Located in Studio City, CA
Sleek and stylized the case #1 sofa is streamlined and comfortable. Upholstered in a high-end durable pewter colored velvet. The sofa can be customized to your liking with plenty ...
Chrome
Contemporary Single-Cushion Sofa
Located in Chicago, IL
Contemporary single-cushion sofa upholstered in purple, blues and cream stripes, resting on block feet and wood base.
Upholstery
Powel Sofa
Located in Paris, FR
Sofa Powel with solid wood structure, upholstered and covered with high Italian quality nubuck leather, ref: NP16, Cat D. in beige color finish. With 2 back cushion included. With ...
Bronze
DEAN Modern Sofa, Available Now
Located in Frazão, Porto
DEAN sofa: STOCK UNIT - Available for immediate delivery The curved DEAN sofa was designed to provide a superior comfort feeling. The enveloping structure and the balanced combinati...
Fabric, Faux Leather, Foam, Wood, Feathers
Belong Sofa by Memoir Essence
Located in Geneve, CH
Belong Sofa by Memoir Essence Dimensions: D 90 x W 220 x H 75 cm. Materials: Velvet SFY, satin AB and lacquer. Also available in client's fabric. Pleas...
Satin, Upholstery, Velvet, Lacquer
Restored George Nelson Sofa
By George Nelson
Located in Pasadena, TX
Sofa designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Newly upholstered in a ticking striped fabric with chrome legs. Measures: 81". Arm height 21"
Fabric
Douglas Levine For Bright Furniture Sofa
By Bright Furniture, Douglas Levine
Located in Pasadena, TX
A high back Bernie sofa designed by Douglas Levine and made by Bright Furniture which is known for its eco-friendly production. Upholstered in a camel ...
Fabric, Walnut
Hickory "Charlotte" Contemporary Sofa
By HBF
Located in Pasadena, TX
88? Hickory "Charlotte" contemporary sofa With a nod to 1940's Parisian designer Charlotte Perriand, the Charlotte Lounge Series stresses purit...
Wood
1 Steelcase Modular Seating Group Lounge
By Steelcase
Located in Pasadena, TX
Turnstone for Steelcase Jenny Collection Designed with posture and a better sitting experience in mind, Jenny Modular seating provides ultimate comfort...
Wood
Teknion by Steelcase Upholstered Sofa
By Teknion
Located in Pasadena, TX
The is a very heavy quality sofa. Made by Teknion for Steelcase, it has chrome plated steel legs. The back is contoured for comfort. The arms, just the right height for relaxing. ...
Chrome
Steelcase Campfire Soft Seating Sofa
By Steelcase
Located in Pasadena, TX
The Campfire Big Lounge acts as a gathering spot in any space. Perfect for relaxing on with your laptop for a bit, or invite more people over to lounge, bringing people together and ...
Fabric
