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.
1970s Sleek Chrome Desk Organizer File Tray Style Diego Matthai
By Diego Matthai
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Sleek Modern Chrome Desk Organizer black and chrome Tray 15 d x 10.63 w x 1.88 h Clean modern lines Unsigned, in the style of Diego Matthai Original vintage, refer to images listed.
Chrome
MCM Office Desk Paper Organizer Tray
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this Mid-Century Modern desk office tray, clean design in two levels made by IRGSA, circa 1970.
Wood
$450 / item
H 1.75 in W 15.75 in D 11 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut & Aluminum Letter Tray Desk Accessory Qualiton
By Florence Knoll
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, mid-century modern walnut & aluminum letter tray, desk accessory. Retains original label, QUALITON. In the Style of Florence Knoll. Clean modern design wi...
Aluminum
$2,300
H 5.12 in W 2.37 in D 3.55 in
Petite Chrome Pencil Rack by Philippe Barbier, Signed, France, 1970s
By Philippe Barbier
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant minimalist chrome tiered pencil organizer by Phillippe Barbier, France, 1970s. Signed on the bottom as pictured.
Chrome
Desk Accessory Designed by Florence Knoll Two-Tier Paper Tray Ebony
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a sleek desk accessory designed by Florence Knoll. Two-Tier Ebonized Walnut Paper Tray, originally designed in 1948. A staple...
Bentwood
Florence Knoll Two-Tier Ebonized Walnut Paper Tray
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paper tray designed by Florence Knoll in 1948. This two-tier paper tray is composed of ebonized molded walnut plywood. The trays rotate around a rear central post of brushed aluminum...
Aluminum
$1,377
H 1.5 in W 17.5 in D 12.5 in
1980's Italian Futura Silver-Plate, Wood, Resin Tray By Larry Laslo For Towle
By Towle Silversmiths, Larry Laslo
Located in North Miami, FL
This fabulous vintage 1980's postmodern Italian tray was designed by Larry Laslo for Towle Silversmiths in Italy. It is rectangular of silver-plate, wood handles with red resin. This...
Silver Plate
Mid Century Architectural Hugh Acton Two Tier Letter Tray
Located in San Diego, CA
Two level 1950s metal letter tray by Hugh Acton for the Brunswick Corporation USA, c. 1965 A minimilist architectural design. Substantial construction with the original black finish ...
Metal
$590
H 1.58 in W 15.36 in D 9.85 in
Midcentury Serving Tray in Lucite and Chrome Willy Rizzo Style, Italy 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing rectangular serving tray in lucite ice effect and chrome in the style of Willy Rizzo. Made in Italy in the 1970s.
Metal, Chrome
Postmodern Patinated Brass Double Desk Letter Tray Paper Holder
Located in San Diego, CA
Double letter tray in polished brass finish with black enamel lining by Mc Donald Products of Buffalo New York. Very nice accent to any executive desk
Brass
Set Russell Woodard Wrought Iron Nesting Stacking Side Tables Mid-Century Modern
By Russell Woodard
Located in Wayne, NJ
Vintage Russell woodard stackable wrought iron table set of 3. The large measures 16.38" high, 19.63" deep and 19.63" wide. The medium measures 15.13" high, 16" wide, 16" deep. The s...
Wrought Iron
Mid-Century Modern Italian Sculptural Coffee Cocktail Table Attribute Ico Parisi
By Gio Ponti, Ico Parisi
Located in Wayne, NJ
1950s Italian sculptural Bi-Level coffee cocktail table. There is a sheen show photos are showing glare. Recently restored. Variations of this table (with the same ball feet) have be...
Mahogany
Silas Seandel Brutalist Mixed Metal Side End Dynasty Coffee Glass Top Table Base
By Silas Seandel
Located in Wayne, NJ
A rare part of the Designers Dynasty Collection table base. It is signed Silas Seandal . It can either be used as a base for a Side / end table or s...
Metal
Karl Springer Lucite and Chrome Table Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in Wayne, NJ
A stunning conversation table lamp designed by Karl Springer. It features a solid clear oval lucite block base. Rounded edges with a cutout to run the cord through. Double sockets...
Lucite
Arne Vodder Scandinavian Danish Modern Teak Desk Vanity Table Top Organizer
By Arne Vodder
Located in Wayne, NJ
Wonderful aged teak three-drawer organizer. Beautifully crafted, finished on all sides. This can also be for multiple purposes such as used as a desktop organizer , jewelry , Makeup...
Teak
Adrian Pearsall Sculptural " Jacks " Side Table Base
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Wayne, NJ
Adrian Pearsall Sculptural " Jacks " Side Table Base . Ready for your own glass.
Wood
