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.
Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern Teak Wood Dining Chairs by Johannes Andersen
By Johannes Andersen
Located in Doornspijk, NL
These very elegantly designed dining chairs are made of teak wood. They have some eye-catching details such as the visually floating seats, the protective feet covers and the visual ...
Fabric, Teak
Steel Frame Chair Model 201 by Gispen in Bicolor Upholstery
By Willem H. Gispen
Located in Doornspijk, NL
This Classic of Dutch design was designed in 1931 by W.H. Gispen and has ever since a much beloved chair due to its timeless looks and high comfort. It is made of a chrome frame and ...
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Chair Designed by Wim Rietveld for Auping
By Auping, Wim Rietveld
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Mid-Century Modern chair designed by Wim Rietveld for Auping. It was conceived especially for the bedroom boasting a broad backrest to hang cloth...
Steel
Yrjö Kukkapuro Chair for Haimi Finland
By Yrjö Kukkapuro
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Very rare Yrjö Kukkapuro Chair for Haimi Finland 1960. Upholstered with black leather that has a very fine patina. This chair has many similarities with...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Chair FM08 with Loose Cushions by Cees Braakman for Pastoe
By Cees Braakman, Pastoe
Located in Doornspijk, NL
This easy chair was designed by Cees Braakman in the 1950s for famous Dutch furniture manufacturer Pastoe. Its shell is covered in black vinyl, standing on four elegantly shaped blac...
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Set of 2 Wrought Iron Wire Chairs with Upholstered Seat/ Back
Located in Doornspijk, NL
To bee or not to bee... outrageous beauty and seating comfort. In addition to the frivolous look of this duo they also seem to invite us cordially to use their comfortable service with their open arm rests. Ideal for your conservatory, garden shed...
Wrought Iron
Set of Four Bauhaus Dining Chairs Designed by Anton Lorenz for Slezak Factories
By Slezak Company, Anton Lorenz
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Made by Slezak Factories, a unique Czech furniture brand specialising on chrome and bent metal furniture. It has been restored and reupholstered by our professional refurbishing ...
Chrome
Gastone Rinaldi Dining chairs for Thema Italy, 1970s - set of 4
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage dining room chairs with a chromed cantilever design frame and thick and comfy black leather seats. Beautiful timeless design. Good condition 1970s, Italy Dimensions: Heig...
Chrome
Vintage S44 dining chairs by Giancarlo Vegni for Fasem, set of 4, 1980s
By Fasem International, Giancarlo Vegni
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of 4 black leather dining chairs designed by Giancarlo Vegni for Fasem italy. - Model S44, rare model with armrests The chair sit well and are beautifully designed. Good condi...
Metal
Swiss Design Classic Hans Eichenberger Saffa Chairs, Set of Four, 1980s
By Dietiker, Hans Eichenberger
Located in Renens, CH
A set of four HE-103 “Saffa” chairs designed by Hans Eichenberger during the 1950s, and produced by Dietiker Switzerland. This set dates from the 1980s. The name Saffa orginates from the “Schweizerische Ausstellung für Frauenarbeit” a large exhibition in the late 1950s, showing the importance of woman in working positions. The organization ordered 700 pieces of this chair which made it instantly known as the SAFFA exhibition chair...
Metal
Set of 4 T38 Dining Chairs by Studio Archirivolto for Fasem, Italy, 1980s
Located in DE KWAKEL, NL
A refined set of four T38 dining chairs designed by Studio Archirivolto for Fasem in the 1980s. Combining clean architectural lines with premium materials, the design reflects the el...
Metal
Set of 4 Mid-Century Dining Chairs in style of Paolo Buffa, Yugoslavia 1960s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a gorgeous and very rare set of 4 Mid-Century Modern dining chairs in style of Paolo Buffa. They feature construction in solid wood, painted black, the ...
Fabric, Wood
