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.
Pangaea Sofa by Phase Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Pangaea Sofa by Phase Design Dimensions: D 99.1 x W 274.3 x H 63.5 cm. Materials: Birch wood and upholstery. Fabric price not included. Hardwood construction with upholstered body...
Upholstery, Birch
Bensen Endless Sectional Sofa in STOCK
By Bensen
Located in New York, NY
upholstered in moss 018 cat. FF This is the perfect sofa for every day. Endless has a luxurious seat comprised of coils, memory foam, and fibre which gives an overall effect of a we...
Fabric
Todd Hase Designed Wren Sofa
By Todd Hase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic Modern details with fabulous curved shapes designed by Todd Hase. Add some Modern Elements to your Living Space. This classic sofa will work well wit...
Textile
Marelli Clipper Sectional Sofa by Stefano Gallizioli
By Marelli
Located in Boston, MA
The Clipper Sectional Sofa is a compact piece defined by refined modern design, versatile style, and exceptional comfort. Structure: Solid wood Base: Brushed antique gold metal Sea...
Metal
Nick Leather Sectional Sofa by Cierre
By Cierre
Located in Rochester, England
Elevate your living space with the luxurious Nick Leather Sectional Sofa by Cierre. Crafted with the finest materials, this sofa exudes sophistication and comfort. The sleek design f...
Leather
Theater Sofa
By Carpanelli
Located in Milan, IT
Sofa featuring an iconic design. With a system composed of single elements and various modular elements and a structure in wood covered with a layer of polyurethane of different dens...
Textile
Venfield Modern Sofa / Daybed
By Venfield
Located in New York, NY
Stylish Modern sofa with 6 back pillows and low, wide arms. This sofa's deep single seat cushion is perfectly sized to serve as a daybed or single bed for ...
Upholstery, Wood
Rivera Sofa Sectional (Four Piece) by Croft House
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This sectional is custom made in Los Angeles. The wood frame is cut to size and joined. The upholstery is cut and sewn to shape of individual cushion. Industrial steel is cut and wel...
Steel
Bastian Modular Sofa
Located in Ponsacco, IT
This contemporary sofa embodies softness, elegance, and refined minimalism through its sculptural and welcoming design. Characterized by generous proportions and smooth rounded lines...
Fabric, Wood
Theater Sofa
By Carpanelli
Located in Milan, IT
Sofa featuring an iconic design. With a system composed of single elements and various modular elements and a structure in wood covered with a layer of polyurethane of different dens...
Textile
