Through his work as an architect and designer, Eero Saarinen was a prime mover in the introduction of modernism into the American mainstream. Particularly affecting were the organic, curvilinear forms seen in Saarinen’s furniture and his best-known structures: the gull-winged TWA Flight Center at John F. Kennedy airport in New York (opened 1962), Dulles International Airport in Virginia (1962) and the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri (1965).
Saarinen had a peerless modernist pedigree. His father, Eliel Saarinen, was an eminent Finnish architect who in 1932 became the first head of the Cranbrook Academy of Art in suburban Detroit. The school became synonymous with progressive design and decorative arts in the United States, and while studying there the younger Saarinen met and befriended several luminaries of mid-century modernism, among them Harry Bertoia and Charles and Ray Eames.
At Cranbrook, Saarinen also met Florence Schust Knoll, who, as director of her husband Hans Knoll's eponymous furniture company, would put Saarinen’s best designs into production. These include the Grasshopper chair, designed in 1946 and so named because its angled bentwood frame resembles the insect; the Tulip chair (1957), a flower-shaped fiberglass shell mounted on a cast-aluminum pedestal; and the lushly contoured Womb lounge chair and ottoman (1948). In his furniture as in his architecture, the keynotes of Eero Saarinen’s designs are simplicity, strength and grace.
Find vintage Eero Saarinen tables, chairs and other furniture on 1stDibs.
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.
Tulip Stool by Eero Saarinen for Knoll
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
The original 1970s Tulip Stool by Eero Saarinen for Knoll is a celebrated piece of mid-century modern design, characterized by its sleek and minimalist aesthetic. The stool features ...
Aluminum
Saarinen Executive Side Chair with Fiberglass Back by Knoll
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This vintage Knoll Associates executive side chair, designed by the renowned Eero Saarinen, features a distinctive fiberglass back that exudes mid-century modern charm. Reimagined wi...
Metal
Round Side Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
The George Nelson-designed round pedestal side table for Herman Miller features a timeless and sleek design. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, it boasts a circular table s...
Aluminum
Stool or Ottoman by Busk+Hertzog for Nienkamper
By Nienkamper
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
The Moment Stool or Ottoman designed by Busk+Hertzog for Nienkamper is a modern and versatile piece of furniture that combines comfort, functionality, and style. Its innovative design reflects the contemporary aesthetic while offering a practical seating solution. The stool or ottoman features a sleek and streamlined silhouette that seamlessly blends into any living space or commercial environment. Its clean lines and minimalist form exude a sense of sophistication and modernity. The designers' attention to detail is evident in the carefully selected materials and impeccable craftsmanship. The seat is designed to provide optimal comfort, whether used as a footrest, additional seating, or as a standalone piece. The cushioning is plush and supportive, upholstered in high-quality Knoll fabric, ensuring a luxurious feel and durability. The Moment Stool by Busk+Hertzog for Nienkamper embodies the essence of contemporary design, seamlessly blending form and function. Its versatility makes it a perfect addition to any space, from residential homes to modern offices or commercial lounges. Whether used as a standalone piece or paired with other furniture, this stool or ottoman adds a touch of modern sophistication and comfort to any interior. Moment is an ottoman, stool, bench depending on the configuration and perception. Purchase one, two or all three. Bottom of tapered diameter measures 20.25" and top 17". Photographed with Herman Miller DCM chair and Macbook Pro...
Foam
Kartell Bar Stools by Starck & Eugeni Quitllet, Set of 4
By Eugeni Quitllet, Philippe Starck
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A striking set of four “Masters” bar stools designed by Philippe Starck in collaboration with Eugeni Quitllet for Kartell, Italy. This iconic design merges the silhouettes of three l...
Plastic
Hans J. Wegner “Oculus” Lounge Chair for Carl Hansen & Søn, Denmark
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
An iconic and exceptionally comfortable Oculus lounge chair designed by the legendary Danish master Hans J. Wegner and produced by Carl Hansen & Søn, Denmark. Originally conceived by...
Steel
Classic Original Tulip Stool by Eero Saarinen by Knoll
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original Tulip Stool in cast aluminum by Eero Saarinen for Knoll. Eero Saarinen vowed to address the “ugly, confusing, unrestful world” he observed underneath chairs and tables -- th...
Aluminum
Tulip Stool by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International, 1970s
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in bruxelles, BE
Stool stamped Knoll International. Cast aluminium base, Wear due to time and use of the stool. For shipping, request us for receive the best price.
Aluminum
Pedestal Group Tulip'tm' Stool Designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll Associates
By Eero Saarinen
Located in Tucson, AZ
Very early example with what appears to be original upholstery. Has the original paper label, distributor stamp, and Knoll Associates stamped logo. In good vintage condition with som...
Aluminum
Eero Saarinen Tulip Stool, Fiberglass & Aluminum, Mid-Century Modern
By Eero Saarinen
Located in Centreville, VA
Designed in 1957 as part of the Pedestal Collection for Knoll, Eero Saarinen’s Tulip Stool reflects his pursuit of purity and simplicity in design. Aiming to eliminate what he called...
Fiberglass
1970s Mid-Century Modern Tulip Stools by Eero Saarinen for Knoll
By Eero Saarinen
Located in LYON, FR
“Tulip” stools by Eero Saarinen, Knoll edition. Pair of vintage “Tulip” stools from the 1970s by Eero Saarinen for Knoll. One stool is stamped “K” ...
Aluminum
Eero Saarinen for Knoll TULIP Stool
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Plum fuchsia Kwadra fabric. Swivel base in aluminum coated with green Rilsan. Model created in 1957. Marked under the base. Dimensions: H: 42 cm Diameter: 38 cm
Aluminum
