Many of today’s most popular outdoor furniture designs exist thanks to the talents of designer Richard Schultz. Working in his fluid mid-century modern style, Schultz introduced a wealth of unimposing pieces to gardens and outdoor spaces that proved highly influential in the decades that followed. The airy shapes and timeless appeal of his vintage patio furniture and other works reflect his motto: “Form follows technique.”
Born Moses Richard Schultz in Lafayette, Indiana, in 1926, he displayed an early talent for building steam engines in his family’s basement. Although he had an aptitude for engineering, Schultz's struggles with mathematics later prevented him from completing his engineering coursework at Iowa State University. He joined the U.S. Navy, working as a radio operator. Following his military service, he enrolled at the Institute of Design in Chicago.
After he graduated in 1950, Schultz traveled to Europe, where he spent the summer sketching. When he returned to the United States in 1951, he applied for a position as a designer at the furniture manufacturer Knoll Inc. It is said that Florence Knoll — the company's cofounder and a visionary designer in her own right — hired him on the spot based solely on his sketches.
At Knoll's production facilities in Pennsylvania, Schultz was initially tasked with supporting Italian-American designer and metalsmith Harry Bertoia with the Bertoia Wire collection.
Schultz’s 715 chaise longue, with its adjustable frame and signature solid wheel, paired well with Bertoia’s celebrated woven steel-wire work. It was acquired in 1963 by the Museum of Modern Art for the institution's permanent collection. Another iconic piece Schultz produced around this time was the Petal table. Its wooden “petal” tabletop and enameled metal base were inspired by the plant known as Queen Anne’s lace.
In 1966, one of Schultz’s most esteemed series, the Leisure collection (reissued in 1992 as the 1966 collection), was developed when Florence Knoll requested some outdoor furniture for her Florida home that could withstand the salty ocean air. Schultz designed a line of aluminum patio coffee tables and lounge chairs that were not only fashionable and comfortable but also wouldn't rust.
In 1972, Knoll laid off its designers as part of the company's cost-cutting measures at the time. Schultz's role was a casualty of the reorganization, and he started his design studio — Richard Schultz Design — out of a Pennsylvania farmhouse. He enjoyed success with another of his influential pieces, the Paradigm office chair, which he sold to furniture manufacturer Stow & Davis in 1978. In 2012, Knoll acquired Richard Schultz Design and reissued many of his classic works.
Schultz is recognized today for having been one of the 20th century’s most celebrated outdoor furniture creators.
Shop vintage Richard Schultz tables, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Rare No. 704 Richard Schultz Knoll International Daybed / Sofa
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Munich, DE
Convertible sofa designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll International. The seat pulls forward and up to create a flat and level bed. Wonderful and classic Mid-Century Modern design.
Metal
C. 1970s Richard Schultz Design Prototype Loveseat Sofa with Polished Steel Base
By Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Prototype Sofa, designed by Richard Schultz Design in the 1970s. The design never made it to the production phase, making this a rather important piece. The sofa has a poli...
Steel
Tan Leather Sofa by Richard Schultz for Knoll
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Toledo, OH
This 1970 sofa designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll features a leather cushioned front and back, and was created with modular sections that hang from a ste...
Steel
Rare Richard Schultz Knoll International Daybed / Sofa No. 703
By Richard Schultz, Knoll
Located in Munich, DE
Convertible sofa designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll International. The seat pulls forward and up to create a flat and level bed. Wonderful and classic Mid-Century Modern design up...
Metal, Chrome
Rare No. 704 Richard Schultz Knoll International Daybed / Sofa
By Richard Schultz, Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare Convertible sofa designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll International. MID 1950'S..Ingenious design as the seat pulls forward and up to create a flat and level bed. Wonderful and...
Stainless Steel
Tan Leather Sofa by Richard Schultz for Knoll
By Knoll, Richard Schultz
Located in Toledo, OH
This 1970 sofa designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll features a leather cushioned front and back, and was created with modular sections that hang from a ste...
Steel
$804
H 29.53 in W 73.23 in D 25.99 in
Mid-Century Sofa or Daybed Designed by Miroslav Navrátil, 1960's
By Miroslav Navratil
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of fabric, wood Dimensions at layout: Height:41cm, depth:84cm, width:186cm Original condition.
Fabric, Wood
Richard Schultz Prototype Aluminum Stacking Chair #2
By Richard Schultz
Located in New York, NY
Prototype stacking chair hand-built of aluminum by furniture designer and artist Richard Schultz as a full-size 3-D model exploring the ergonomic and sculptural qualities of a design...
Aluminum
$2,426Sale Price|20% Off
H 26.78 in W 77.56 in D 34.65 in
Very rare and early Richard Stein Sofa / Daybed for Knoll
By Richard Stein, Knoll
Located in Munich, DE
All original. can be converted to a bed.
Fabric
Rare No. 33 Sofa by Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll
Located in Munich, DE
Seldom seen 3-seat version of an iconic design by Florence Knoll.
Velvet
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 ...
Steel
Richard Schultz Prototype Aluminum Stacking Chair #1
By Richard Schultz
Located in New York, NY
Prototype stacking chair hand-built of an aluminum sheet and tubular aluminum by furniture designer and artist Richard Schultz as a full-size 3-D model exploring the ergonomic and sc...
Aluminum
$3,795
H 32.5 in W 53 in D 32 in
Mid-Century Modern Michael Taylor Braided Wicker Loveseat Sofa, 1970s USA
By Michael Taylor
Located in Southampton, NJ
Distinctive woven rattan Loveseat sofa by Michael Taylor featuring graceful waisted, scalloped form with classic braided arms & surround. New custom cushions are upholstered in soft ...
Cotton, Wicker, Rattan
$4,995 / set
H 36 in W 25.25 in D 76 in
Set of 4 Richard Schultz 1966 Collection Chaises by Richard Schultz Design
By Richard Schultz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An iconic example of modern outdoor design, this set of four adjustable chaises from Richard Schultz’s 1966 Collection pairs sleek aesthetics with ergonomic comfort. Originally desig...
Aluminum, Bronze
1970s Design Italian Sofa in Bouclé
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly upholstered. - Base made of plywood. - Measure: height of seat 40 cm.
Bouclé, Plywood
$7,750
H 29.93 in W 76.38 in D 31.5 in
Johannes Spalt 'Constanze' Sofa Daybed in Black Leather and Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Johannes Spalt for Wittmann, sofa or daybed, leather, chrome-plated steel, Austria, 1960s. This mid-century modern sofa is designed by the acclaimed Austrian furniture designer Johannes Spalt. The design is characterized by a solid construction based on sharp lines and angular shapes noticeable in the body of the seat and the chromed steel base, underlining the clear structured design. The metal legs elevate the seat in a graceful way, which establish an open and more transparent look to the whole unit. The tufted seat with buttons is upholstered in black leather. As outcome, this creates more visual interest and adds a graphical touch to the quite simplistic design. By only one hand movement the 'Constance' transforms from a comfortable sofa to daybed. A very elegant and also nifty technique. Johannes Spalt (1920-2010) was a postwar Austrian architect. In 1952 he founded the collective "Arbeitsgruppe 4" together with Wilhelm Holzbauer, Friedrich Kurrent and Otto Leitner. Their ideas and designs are still a great example of Austrian architecture...
Steel, Chrome
$6,766
H 30.71 in W 89.38 in D 30.71 in
Model 578 Sofa by Florence Knoll for Knoll International, 1950s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Karis, Nyland
Elegant and architectural sofa designed by Florence Knoll, model 578, produced by Knoll International in the 1950s. The design reflects Knoll’s signature balance of clean lines and f...
Metal
$16,332
H 25.6 in W 37.8 in D 77.96 in
Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe Bauhaus Coffee Leather Barcelona Daybed for Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Vicenza, IT
Barcelona daybed, designed by Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe in 1929 and manufactured by Knoll International. The Barcelona chair epitomizes functional minimalism, initially crafted in 19...
Chrome
Sold
H 28 in W 83 in D 24.5 in
Early Richard Schultz Sofa / Daybed in Mohair, Model 704, Knoll, 1950's
By Richard Schultz
Located in Culver City, CA
This early Richard Schultz for Knoll daybed sofa is stunning! A standard tuxedo style, mohair-wrapped, and sharper than Brad Pitt’s jawline in the ‘90s. We had this bad boy repholste...
Metal
Vintage Richard Schultz 1966 3 Seat Sofa
By Richard Schultz, Knoll
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Richard Schultz 1966 three-seat sofa, a classic design that exudes timeless sophistication. Known for its clean lines, ...
Steel
Rare Knoll Richard Shultz Daybed, 1955
By Richard Schultz
Located in Pasadena, TX
Knoll Richard Shultz daybed 1955 Convertible sofa designed by Richard Schultz for Knoll International. The seat pulls forward and up to create a fl...
Iron
Richard Schultz for Knoll Convertible Sofa/Daybed
By Richard Schultz, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Richard Schultz sofa for Knoll, circa 1960s. Known primarily as a designer of outdoor furniture, Schultz designed this sofa that converts to ...
Steel
Richard Schultz Daybed Number 703BC for Knoll International
By Richard Schultz
Located in Munich, DE
reupholstered with original knoll fabric. new foam !