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.
2008 Piero Lissoni for Knoll Divina Lounge Chair in Black Pinstripe Fabric
By Piero Lissoni, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Divina Lounge Chair, originally designed by Piero Lissoni in 2001. This particular example was produced by Knoll in the United States and dates to the year 2008. This piece...
Steel
2019 Florence Knoll Club Lounge Chair Black Leather w/ Polished Chrome 4x Avail
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Florence Knoll Lounge Chairs, originally designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll in 1954. These particular examples were produced by Knoll Studio in the USA during 2019. The c...
Steel
1990s Nicos Zographos Model 70 lounge chair in Black Leather 6x Available
By Nicos Zographos, Zographos Designs Ltd.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an original Nicos Zographos black Leather No. 70 lounge chair with arms. This example is fully upholstered in leather, with a ...
Stainless Steel
2013 Joel Swivel Lounge Chairs by EOOS for Coalesse in Charcoal Grey Wool Fabric
By Coalesse, EOOS
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a ‘Joel’ swivel lounge chair, designed by EOOS in Germany for Walter Knoll, and distributed in the USA by Coalesse. The listed price includes one chair, and we have two a...
Steel
2010 Pair Poul Kjaerholm for Fritz Hansen PK31 Easy Lounge Chairs Black Leather
By Fritz Hansen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
We present a gorgeous pair of PK31 easy lounge chairs, designed by Poul Kjaerholm and produced by Fritz Hansen circa 2010. The chairs came from the executive suite of an investment f...
Stainless Steel
2018 Pearson Lloyd for Allermuir Open Black Leather or Vinyl Lounge Chair
By Pearson Lloyd, Allermuir
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an “Open” Lounge Chair, model A642, designed by Pearson Lloyd for Allermuir in 2018. The listed price includes one lounge chair, but we have several available for purchase. T...
Steel, Chrome
De Sede DS 515 Lounge Chair in Black Fabric with Black Base by Greutmann Bolzern
By De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A stylish companion for anywhere, anytime. With DS-515, a filigree, runner-shaped base frame made of steel carries the inviting seat area. With DS-515, a thin wire construction serve...
Upholstery
ASYM CHAIR - Modern Asymmetrical Sectional Chair in Black Boucle
By Susan Hornbeak-Ortiz
Located in Laguna Niguel, CA
ASYM CHAIR - Modern Asymmetrical Sectional Chair in Black Boucle The Asym chair is a stunning piece of furniture that features asymmetrical design elements that create a unique and ...
Upholstery
Maralunga Armchair and Ottoman by Vico Magistretti for Cassina Matte Black
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Basel, BS
This black and white textile leather armchair and ottoman, the Maralunga model designed by Vico Magistretti in 1973, are iconic examples of mid-20th century Italian design. Both pie...
Upholstery
Bertu Lounge Chairs, Mondo Modern Lounge Chair, Maple, Black, Upholstered
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Lounge Chairs, Mondo Modern Lounge Chair, Maple, Black, Upholstered This Modern Mondo lounge chair is beautifully constructed from solid wood and veneer in Ohio, USA. The chair's silhouette is low, simple, and modern with comfortable reversible back and seat cushions. I like to describe this collection as chunky/sleek! The Mondo Collection...
Maple
Corolla 270 Black Chair by Cristina Celestino
By Cristina Celestino, Billiani 1911
Located in Milan, IT
Exuding comfort and relaxation, this modern armchair is a superb design by Cristina Celestino. Resting on a solid beechwood structure with four black-lacquered legs with round feet a...
Wood
Zanotta Arom Armchair in Black Talasso Fabric and Exterior in Black Cowhide
By Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance, Zanotta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Arom Armchair in Black Talasso Fabric and Exterior in Black Cowhide Steel frame. Upholstery with self-extinguishing polyurethane foam/heat-bound polyester fibre with elastic strips suspension. Fixed internal nylon cover. Removable external fabric, Pied de poule or leather cover. The exterior body can be covered with cowhide 95, combined with fabric or leather. Cannot be covered with cowhide 95 in the shade white 0704. Arom is the latest armchair...
Upholstery
