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.
Setu Office Chair by Studio 7.5 for Herman Miller
By Studio 7.5 1, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Setu Chair defines flexibility, moving with the user, with a clean aesthetic that suits nearly any home or office space. It’s no accident that this chai...
Aluminum
$700 / item
H 35 in W 24.5 in D 26 in
Contemporary Modern Richard Sapper for Knoll Sapper Management Ergonomic Chair
By Knoll, Richard Sapper
Located in Secaucus, NJ
The classic Sapper Management Chair for Knoll was introduced in 1979 by the German acclaimed industrial designer Richard Sapper. Ergonomic and very Comfortable design, the chair fra...
Steel
$1,200
H 38.5 in W 28 in D 24 in
Mirra 2 Office Chair by Studio 7.5 for Herman Miller, Made in the Usa in 2015
By Herman Miller, Studio 7.5 1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the Mirra 2 Office Chair by Studio 7.5 for Herman Miller, the perfect blend of comfort, style, and functionality. Made in the USA in 2015, this gray office chair...
Metal
Desk Chair by Max Pearson for Knoll
By Max Pearson, Knoll
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A desk chair with the original channel-stitched upholstery, on an X-form caster base.
Upholstery
SW1 Coalesse Lounge Chair by Steelcase no. 1
Located in Chicago, IL
SW1 post modern swivel lounge chair in chartreuse wool and black mesh by Scott Wilson for Coalesse. Marketed by Steelcase. The 16” high seat and wide, splayed arms come together to c...
Aluminum
DS-1051 Office Chair by De Sede
By De Sede
Located in Geneve, CH
DS-1051 office chair by De Sede Dimensions: D 62 x W 82 x H 121 cm Materials: chrome-plated, leather Prices may change according to the chosen materials and size. An all-rou...
Chrome
SW1 Coalesse Lounge Chair by Steelcase no. 2
By Coalesse, Steelcase
Located in Chicago, IL
SW1 post modern swivel lounge chair in chartreuse wool and black mesh by Scott Wilson for Coalesse. Marketed by Steelcase. The 16” high seat and wide, splayed arms come together to c...
Aluminum
$517 / item
H 40.16 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in
Quick Operative Upholstered Office Chair with Armrests by Quinti Sedute
Located in Geneve, CH
Quick Operative Upholstered Office Chair with Armrests by Quinti Sedute Dimensions: D 60 x W 60 x H 102 cm. Materials: Polypropylene and upholstery. Available in different finishes,...
Other
$1,150
H 31.5 in W 32.5 in D 28.5 in
Modern Steelcase i2i Collaborative Ergonomic Dual Swivel Lounge Chair
By Steelcase
Located in Secaucus, NJ
The Modern i2i lounge chair is very comfortable and well designed, feature independently dual swivel mechanism, swivel the back or swivel the seat only to shift various postures quic...
Aluminum, Steel
$720Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 34.5 in W 24 in D 18 in
1 SOHO Task Chair by Roberto Lucci & Paolo Orlandini for Knoll
By Roberto Lucci & Paolo Orlandini
Located in Pasadena, TX
1 SOHO Task chair by Roberto Lucci & Paolo Orlandini for Knoll Ergonomical design from 1994, this award winning chair features a wide seat that slid...
Aluminum
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Armchair, Mid-Century Modern
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Armchair on wheels. Very nice original condition. Four Chairs currently available. These are all ...
Metal
Executive Leather Chair with Swivel & Tilt Base by Eero Saarinen for Knoll
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Executive Leather Chair Swivel & Tilt Base Seat Height adjusts from about 18" up to 22" Eero Saarinen for Knoll Knoll Label on Underside Newer Fabrication - Two Available Swivel ...
Metal, Chrome
Charles Pollack for Knoll Club Chairs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Charles Pollack for Knoll Upholstered Cube Lounge Chairs. Redone about 7 years ago and still present as new! Large generous ample seat! New fabric with a nubby vibe with specks of...
Upholstery
Gilbert Rohde for Troy Sunshade 3 Position Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Gilbert Rohde, Troy Sunshade Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Gilbert Rohde for Troy Sunshade Chrome and Leather 3 Position Lounge Chair. Rohde did some of his most amazing designs for Troy Sunshade. Designed in 1934 this early example, later m...
Chrome
Set of 5 Cassina Hola Leather Chairs designed by Hannes Wettstein
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cassina 367 Hola Armchairs designed by Hannes Wettstein in a cream leather. Set of 5, Featureing a distinctively sculpted silhouette with a low, wrapping backrest designed for comfo...
Leather
Thonet Chrome Lounge Chairs designed by Anton Lorenz
By Anton Lorenz, Thonet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of Anton Lorenz for Thonet Furniture Chrome Barrel Chairs. Newly reupholstered and ready to go! Nice size and scale!
Chrome
