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.
Vincent Cafiero Desk Chair, USA 1950's
By Vincent Cafiero
Located in New York, NY
Vincent Cafiero for Knoll. Desk chair in original tufted leather with original early labels. 26x25x33. Seat height 18, Seat 19.5x18.5, Arm 26
Chrome
1960's Mid-Century Modern Monteverdi-Young Style Office Desk Chair
By Knoll, Monteverdi-Young
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage original Midcentury Modern office desk chair for sale. In the manner of Monteverdi Young designs. This chair has been professionally reupholstered, and is ready to be enjoyed...
Aluminum
Charles Pollock Executive Desk Chairs for Knoll
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 5 1980's vintage, Charles Pollock black executive desk chair for Knoll. The ultimate ergonomic, office desk chair designed by this George Nelson apprentice, Charles Pollock. S...
Chrome
Ward Bennett Upholstered Desk Chair for Brickel Associates
By Brickel Associates, Ward Bennett
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ward Bennett upholstered desk chair for Brickel Associates, c.1960s, USA. This chair features a curved frame and all over upholstery. The chair has both a tilt and swivel mechanism a...
Stainless Steel
Desk Chair by Max Pearson for Knoll
By Knoll, Max Pearson
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A desk chair with the original channel-stitched upholstery, on an X-form caster base.
Upholstery
Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Desk Chair
By Roger Sprunger, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Desk Chair, reupholstered with Spinneybeck Leather. High quality structure and mechanisms, tilt swivels and is adjustable, Label on underside Metal "D" Dunb...
Chrome
$1,100 / item
H 34.5 in W 27.75 in D 27 in
1977 Pearson Executive Desk Chair by Max Pearson for Knoll International
By Max Pearson, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Pearson Executive Chair, designed in 1966 by Max Pearson for Knoll. While Pearson had worked for Knoll for several years behind the scenes, this was first debuted in his fi...
Steel
Mid Century Charles Pollock Style Steelcase Rolling Office Chair
By Steelcase
Located in Germantown, MD
Mid Century Charles Pollock Style Steelcase Rolling Office Chair. Measures 24" in width, 24" in depth and 36" in height. Seat height is 19" and armheight 27.5". Seat interior width i...
Chrome
Jorge Zalszupin Commander Office Chair
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Washington, DC
Handsome vintage Commander Chair designed by Brazilian master Jorge Zalsuzpin. Features a rare gray color way with leather, fiberglass, and aluminum materials.
Metal
Original Steelcase Office Armchair
By Steelcase
Located in Medina, OH
"Steelcase" Armchair in its original fabric. This vintage office chair is not like any office chair in today's modern furniture. Take a look at the wood frame, with its Art Deco vibe...
Upholstery, Wood
