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.
1970s Kinetics Dining Chairs
By Kinetics
Located in Farmingdale, NJ
Visually very hefty and sculptural; 1970s manufacture. This set of eight was used in an industrial setting. Loads of patina, but very structurally sound. A very rare offering in a se...
Enamel
Teak Mid century Danish dining set wishbone chairs lenor Larsen upholstery
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Farmingdale, NJ
Wide and comfortable seats, six Chairs, two captains chairs ebonized. Seats covered in Jack Lenor Larsen velvet and in excellent shape. Trestle table expands from 72" to 96" with a...
Teak
Dominic Michaelis Leather Sling Sail Chair and Ottoman in Jatoba Cherry Wood
By Dominic Michaelis
Located in Farmingdale, NJ
Made in Brazil in the 1970s of rare wood. This chair is sculptural, ergonomically designed as was designed to be light-weight for shipping from Brazil. Perfect for a third floor lo...
Leather
Peter Marino Architects ‘Getty’ Example Sofa
Located in Farmingdale, NJ
Designed and custom fabricated by Peter Marino architects, for ‘the Getty’ building (503 w24th St, Chelsea) Peter Marino needs no introduction; this is a rare opportunity to own a part of this monumental project, the chairs are well documented on his website as well as many ‘architectural digest’ features about the building. The projects completion predates ‘Maison Royere...
Down
1960s Italian Lamps in the Manner of Pierre Cardin Black and Chrome Bitossi Era
Located in Farmingdale, NJ
Exceptionally sleek showing authentic vintage charm. Attributed elsewhere to ‘Pierre Cardin’ but not marked. Glossy glaze of black and silver chrome. Chrome neck and finials. 1960s o...
Ceramic
Mid century modern metal and bamboo magazine rack
Located in Farmingdale, NJ
Extremely fine craftsmanship, delicately done, with perfect age patina and no losses, truly exceptional condition for its age, circa 1950s. Designer unknown.
Iron
Vintage Mid-Century BKF Hardoy Butterfly Chair for Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
BKF Hardoy butterfly chairs for Knoll. New powder coat white finish, for indoor or outdoor use. New canvas slings. Priced per chair. 4 chairs in stock.
Steel
Mid Century Butterfly Chair with Black Canvass Sling
By Knoll, Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury butterfly chair with yellow canvas sling seat. Clean, ready to use condition. Please view the companion chair with yellow seat, ...
Wrought Iron
1960s Pair Leather Butterfly Chairs Jorge Ferrari Hardoy Bonet and Kurchan Knoll
By Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy, Knoll
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful Pair of Leather Butterfly Chairs by Jorge Ferrari Hardoy Bonet and Kurchan. All original vintage condition, base finish and leather original from the 1960s. Great condition...
Iron
1960s Pair of Leather Butterfly Chairs Jorge Ferrari Hardoy Bonet Kurchan Knoll
By Knoll, Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy
Located in Miami, FL
1960s Beautiful Pair of Leather Butterfly Chairs by Jorge Ferrari Hardoy Bonet and Kurchan. Black Iron base in original condition, Veg Tan Leather was replaced at some point. Great ...
Iron
Pair Of Leather Butterfly Chairs By Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy For Knoll
By Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy, Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This pair of iconic wrought iron frame BKF-Butterfly lounge chairs by Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy for Knoll is simple yet elegant design. The Butterfly chair model consists of an open, criss-crossing, tubular wrought iron frame with a leather sling seat that slips over the frame. The newly produced, thick tan leather sling covers on these chairs are hand-cut featuring saddle stitching with one horizontal and one vertical seam that places the sitter in a comfortable upright position. The butterfly chair was designed by Argentine architects Juan Kurchan, Antonio Bonet, and Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy (but Ferrari-Hardoy is considered to be the primary designer), who were inspired by the British military folding chair...
Wrought Iron
Pair of 1950s Mid Century Butterfly Armchairs
Located in Victoria, BC
A perfectly patinated pair of 1950s wrought iron butterfly chairs — full of mid-century soul and easy West Coast vibes. Their worn-in blue slings and sculptural frames strike that ju...
Steel
