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.
Ernst Schwadron Sofa
By Ernst Schwadron
Located in Hanover, MA
Three seat sofa designed by Austrian emigre Ernst Schwadron and retailed through Rena Rosenthal inc. New York in the 1940's. This design was part of his early collection for Knoll w...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Mesa Sofa by Lawson-Fenning
By Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Mesa sofa is a fully upholstered sofa that features a walnut or oak plinth base. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handmade in Los Ange...
Linen, Walnut
Custom Sized 1950s Widdicomb Sofa
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A stunning and exceptionally rare four-seat sofa by Widdicomb from the 1950s, custom-sized and upholstered in its spectacular original woven fabric. This configuration is seldom seen...
Steel
Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A good Mid-Century Modern sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, with flared back and arms and loose back cushions. Square dark walnut legs with round brass foot. The piece was reupholst...
Upholstery, Walnut
Paul Frankl Custom Sofa, 1940s, Pair Available
By Paul Frankl
Located in Amarillo, TX
Paul Frankl sofa, matched pair available, USA, circa 1944. From an important estate. Silk over oak frame. Measure: 88 W x 27 D x 33 H in. 224 W x ...
Silk, Oak
Sofa for W & J Sloane, 1950s
By W. & J. Sloane
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A stately and beautifully proportioned sofa, having a tufted and sectioned back with wide and comfortable flattened arms. The cushions are down filled and the fully upholstered sofa ...
Upholstery
Moreno Sofa by Lawson-Fenning
By Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Moreno sofa sits low and deep with Italian inspired curved arms. The sofa features loose seat and back cushions and two side cushions that mimic the curvature of the arms. The le...
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Petite Sofa or Loveseat Attributed to Overman
By Overman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sculptural looking sofa from the 1970s. It features original upholstery and chrome-plated steel legs.
Steel
Milo Baughman Style Selig Imperial Mid Century Sofa
By Selig, Milo Baughman
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman Style Selig Imperial Mid Century Sofa This sofa measures: 93 wide x 33 deep x 27 inches high, with a seat height of 15 and arm height of 22...
Upholstery, Wood
$4,750
H 32 in W 90 in D 34 in
20th Century English Knole Style Sofa with Tufted Upholstery and Finials
Located in Middleburg, VA
This beautifully tailored 20th-century sofa draws inspiration from the classic English Knole form, with high sides that mirror the height of the backrest and are accented with decora...
Metal
Midcentury Sofa or Daybad in style of Knoll, Germany, 1970s
By Knoll Antimott
Located in Praha, CZ
- very rare type - width of the unfolded daybed
Fabric, Wood
Midcentury Rare Scandinavian Sofa, Denmark, 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
- very rare type - confortable - good original condition
Metal
1970s Design Italian Sofa in Bouclé
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly upholstered. - Base made of plywood. - Measure: height of seat 40 cm.
Bouclé, Plywood
1950s Italian 2-Seater Sofa , Restored
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly upholstered in Velvet fabric - Sturdy and stable
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet
Mid-Century 3-Seater Sofa, 1960's
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in germany - Made of leather - Has some signs use - On the right side, the elbow rest has collapsed - Good, original condition.
Leather
Mid-century three-seat sofa produced in Italy during the 1970s.
Located in Praha, CZ
he sofa is upholstered in cognac leather and features deep tufted cushions, generous padding and sculptural armrests that create an exceptionally comfortable seating experience. Its ...
Leather, Wood
