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.
1980s Minimalist Three-Seat Sofa by Charles Pfister for Knoll
By Knoll, Charles Pfister
Located in Round Top, TX
Charles Pfister designed his beautifully proportioned lounge collection in 1971. The timeless appeal and superb craftsmanship reflect his interest in "useful, sculptural, wonderfully...
Steel
$3,040Sale Price|20% Off
H 24 in W 59.5 in D 32 in
Leather Box Style Loveseat Sofa by Charles Pfister for Knoll
By Charles Pfister, Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Chic, sophisticated, and voguish loveseat sofa, designed by Charles Pfister for Knoll. This example was executed in grayish blue leather, it is in good, original condition, showing l...
Leather
1960s 6 Piece Sectional Sofa
Located in New York, NY
1960s 6 piece sectional sofa. This sectional sofa has the original fabric and wooden legs. The sofa is modular and can be arranged and several ways. ...
Fabric, Wood
1980s Charles Pfister for Knoll Grey Fabric Loveseat / Two Seat Sofa
By Charles Pfister, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a two-seat sofa, originally designed by Charles Pfister for Knoll in 1971. This particular example was produced in the United States during the 1980s. The design features cle...
Foam, Wood, Fabric
Thayer Coggin Midcentury Sectional Sofa
By Thayer Coggin
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Thayer Coggin midcentury sectional sofa This sofa measures: 145 wide x 86 deep x 30 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height of...
Upholstery, Wood
$6,000 / item
H 24 in W 86 in D 33 in
Superb Mid Century Modern Pfister Cube sofa by Knoll in Parchment Leather
By Knoll, Charles Pfister
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern Vintage all original Knoll cube 3 seat sofa. Simple cubist form with clean lines, set atop a seemingly floating base that are characteristic of Knoll's design aest...
Steel
Unique Mid-Century Vinyl Sectional Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This two-piece corner sofa makes an excellent seating option perfect for waiting or living room. Simple and unique Mid-Century design set this piece apart from similar items. Please ...
PVC
Mid-Century Slat Back Sectional Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This unique two-piece sectional sofa features vintage vinyl upholstery and a sturdy American walnut frame. Each piece features one brass studded sculpted armrest, can be placed side ...
Faux Leather, Walnut
Leather Sectional Sofa, De Sede Style
Located in New York, NY
Black leather two-piece sectional sofa designed in the manner of De Sede. Sofa has lights at the bottom with a formica base. Each sectional measures: 96" W x 37" H x 35" D. This sofa...
Leather
Angelo Modular Modern Customizable Sectional Sofa
Located in Studio City, CA
Sleek and low and sexy this five-piece modern modular sectional. Various configurations. Multiple fabrics and colors to choose from. Measures: 2 x arm / back units: 44" x 44", 2 x ba...
Fabric, Wood
