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.
"Model 159" Daybed by Bernhard Pedersen & Søn, Denmark 1960s
By Bernhard Pedersen & Son
Located in Utrecht, NL
This gorgeous daybed model by the Danish furniture maker Bernhard Pedersen & Søn was inspired by classic Danish furniture design and simplicity. The streamlined solid wood frame...
Wood, Fabric, Bouclé
'Berlin' daybed in beech by Bruno Mathsson
By Bruno Mathsson, Karl Mathsson
Located in Copenhagen, DK
'Berlin' daybed with new mattress upholstered in 'Heritage Linen' fabric (color: Natura) with lambskin neck pillow on a patinated beech frame. Label from Illums Bolighus. Designed by...
Lambskin, Fabric, Beech
Modernist daybed by Rob Parry, 1960s
By Rob Parry
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Modernist daybed designed by Rob Parry for Gelderland. Beautiful blue fabric with thick foam which provides a lot of comfort. Black metal frame. Very simply you can slide out t...
Metal
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
$4,059
H 29.53 in W 74.81 in D 41.34 in
'Model 470' Daybed sofa by Hans Bellmann for Wilkhahn, Germany 1960s
By Wilkhahn, Hans Bellmann
Located in Ranst, VAN
'Model 470' sofa/daybed designed by Hans Bellmann for Wilkhahn, Germany 1960s. The sofa is made of teak and and has a grey velvet upholstery. The daybed is adjustable in two position...
Teak
Jacques Hauville French Daybed for Bema
By Jacques Hauville
Located in Houston, TX
Daybed of strong refined modern design. Solid oak wood frame with integrated curved end rails that act as subtle armrests. It has a minimal architectural silhouette with exposed angl...
Fabric, Wood
Daybed by Angelo Mangiarotti
By Angelo Mangiarotti, Frigerio
Located in Berlin, DE
Angelo Mangiarotti is regarded as one of the most important Italian designers of the second half of the 20th century. In addition to his work as a designer, he was also an architect ...
Wood
Topa Daybed by Lawson-Fenning
By Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Topa daybed features a round over frame handcrafted in American walnut or white oak. The daybed is tufted and comes with a loose bolster pillow. The Lawson-Fenning Collection ...
Upholstery, Oak
Topa Daybed by Lawson-Fenning
By Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Topa daybed features a round over frame handcrafted in American walnut or white oak. The daybed is tufted and comes with a loose bolster pillow. The Lawson-Fenning Collection ...
Upholstery, Oak
Berlin Daybed by Bruno Mathsson Sweden, circa 1960
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in New York, NY
Chic "Berlin" daybed by Swedish modern master, Bruno Mathsson. Made by Firma Karl Mathsson Sweden, circa 1960 Molded Beech, new upholstery Measures: 80" L x 40" W x 18.5" H. Bruno M...
Upholstery, Beech
Large Teak Daybed by Bernhard Pedersen & Søn Model 159, Denmark 1960s
By Bernhard Pedersen & Son
Located in Rosendahl, DE
This exquisite teak daybed, designed by Danish furniture maker Bernhard Pedersen & Søn, showcases the simplicity and elegance of classic Danish design. Its sleek, solid wood frame f...
Fabric, Foam, Teak
Danish Modern TV Bench Sofa Model 161 by Hans Olsen Bramin, Denmark, 1960s
By Hans Olsen, Bramin Mobler
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Modular teak TV bench model 161 by Hans Olsen for Bramin, Denmark. The set consists of a bench, two seating modules and a table. Four cushions are included. We...
Teak
Mid Century Modern Sofa by Hartmut Lohmeyer for Wilkhahn, Teak and Cane, 1950s
By Hartmut Lohmeyer, Wilkhahn
Located in Rosendahl, DE
1950s sofa by Hartmut Lohmeyer for Wilkhahn. Filigree teak frame with a bast backrest. New upholstery with a coarse weave high quality fabric. Excellent condition with signs of age.
Wool, Rattan, Teak
Mid-Century Daybed with Original Fabric - 1950s
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Very rare mid-century daybed from the 1950s with original coarse wool fabric. The frame is made of light wood and supports three spring-core cushions. We offer competitive shipping ...
Fabric, Cherry
Cini Boeri - Leather Sofa "Gradual" for Knoll International, 1970s
By Knoll, Cini Boeri
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Cini Boeri “Gradual” Sofa for Knoll International, Italy, 1972 Rare “Gradual” sofa designed by Cini Boeri for Knoll International in 1972. Upholste...
Leather
Florence Knoll - Vintage Sofa Knoll International, Mid-Century Modern 1954
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Vintage sofa by Florence Knoll, designed in 1954 for Knoll International – a true icon of modernist furniture and architectural elegance. With its clean lines, balanced proportions, ...
Steel, Chrome
