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.
1971 Bill Stephens for Knoll 1300 Series Dining Chair in Blue Fabric and Walnut
By Knoll, Bill Stephens
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is of 1300 Series Dining Chair, originally designed by Bill Stephens for Knoll in the late 1960s. This particular example dates back to the year 1970. The frame and legs are com...
Walnut, Fabric
1987 Bert England for Stow Davis England Dining Chair with Brown Upholstery
By Stow Davis, Bert England
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an 'England Chair', designed by Bert England for Stow-Davis Furniture of Grand Rapids, MI. in the late 1970s. These chairs date to 1987 and the listed price includes one ...
Steel
1952 Franco Albini for Knoll No. 48 Desk / Dining Chair w Arms Walnut and Fabric
By Franco Albini, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an exceptionally rare No. 48 desk/dining chair, designed by Franco Albini and produced by Knoll. This was one of Knoll's earliest designs an...
Fabric, Walnut
1970 Vincent Cafiero for Knoll Dining Arm Chair in Walnut and Red Fabric
By Vincent Cafiero, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Cafiero armchair, designed by Vincent Cafiero for Knoll in the late 1950s. It features a frame in stained walnut having arms, and has tomato-red hopsack upholstery with cla...
Fabric, Walnut, Foam
1990 Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Cherry Finished Ash Side/Dining Chair
By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Ward Bennett Dining Chair, originally designed in the 1970s for Brickel Associates. This particular example dates to the 1990s. The chair is comprised of an ash frame with ...
Ash, Fabric, Foam
C. 1946 Rare Ralph Rapson for Knoll Associates Dining / Side Arm Chair in Birch
By Knoll, Ralph Rapson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an exceptional early Knoll Associates armchair, designed by Jens Risom. This example has what looks to be a natural maple frame and lovely striped black fabric. Th...
Fabric, Birch
Bill Stephens for Knoll Mid Century Modern Bentwood Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
By Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Bill Stephens for Knoll Mid Century Modern Bentwood Upholstered Dining Arm Chair. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 31" H x 23" W x 24" D x 18" Seat Height x 25.5" Arm He...
Fabric, Teak
Bill Stephens for Knoll Dining Chair
By Bill Stephens, Knoll
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Bill Stephens for Knoll dining chair, bentwood and blue Naugahyde seats.
Naugahyde, Wood
Franco Albini Luisa Chair, American Walnut and Fabric by Cassina
By Cassina, Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Luisa chair designed by Franco Albini in 1953. Relaunched in 2013. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. The small armchair, dubbed Luisa, is the fruit of a fifteen-year process of exploration, focused on creating an archetype of the basic elements of a chair, and its potential uses within the home. A idea-based design, where Franco Albini expressed the concept of “substance in form”, increasing the volume of the wooden parts where they join with others. Following various enhancements, the definitive version of the chair was awarded the prestigious Compasso D’Oro prize by the Italian Industrial Design Association (Associazione per il Disegno Industriale/ADI). The frame represents a synthesis where the seat and the back are two geometric planes suspended on an understated wood structure, the sides reminiscent of trestles. Luisa is a timeless piece, the outcome of skill, both in terms of technique and of materials. This world exclusive Cassina re-issue, has been made possible thanks to the company’s extraordinary wood...
Fabric, Wood
Don Petit for Knoll International Bentwood Armchairs
By Don Pettit
Located in Pasadena, TX
These are Don Pettit bentwood armchairs. They were designed for Knoll International. They have bentwood arms and are upholstered in a Knoll fabric. There are 3 chairs available.
Fabric, Bentwood
Morro Dining Arm Chair by Lawson-Fenning, Upholstered Seat, Mohair & Walnut
By Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Morro Dining Arm Chair - Upholstered Seat is made from a solid American walnut or white oak frame with an upholstered back cushion and seat. Also available with morro leather sli...
Brass
Jens Risom Playboy Chair - Model C140 - Mid Century Walnut Armchair
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Decatur, GA
Jens Risom Model C140 “Playboy” Armchair in Original Mustard Tweed Upholstery Model C140 “Playboy” armchair designed by Jens Risom circa 1960s. One of Risom’s most celebrated lounge...
Fabric, Walnut
