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.
'Big' by Guido Faleschini for i4Mariani Leather Executive Desk Chair, Italy, New
By i4 Mariani, Pace Collection, Guido Faleschini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredible executives chair is named 'Big', designed by Guido Faleschini by i4 Mariani originally designed in the 1970s, this example newly produced in gorgeous black leather an...
Leather
Preben Fabricius and Jorgen Kashtolm Swivel Chairs for Walter Knoll 1970s Signed
By Walter Knoll, Jørgen Kastholm & Preben Fabricius
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredible set of four swivel lounge chairs by Preben Fabricius and Jorgen Kastholm for Walter Knoll (Germany) featuring soft luxurious charcoal black suede leather seats and contrasting black leather arms, back and trim with matte chromed steel. Signed on some examples with foil label. *Priced as a set of four, contact us if you wish to purchase a pair. These rare collectors chairs are height adjustable via a lever underneath which can telescope the height by 3". As swivel chairs, they are ideal for many uses such as a desk chair, guest chairs, meeting room chairs, dining table or game table chairs, or even in a living room or den. Extremely high quality craftsmanship that you don't get in todays products. And timeless classic design that famed architects Fabricius and Kastholm were known and celebrated for. These rotating height adjusting suede, steel and leather armchairs by Preben Fabricius and Jorgen Kashtolm for Walter Knoll would work great in a Mid-Century Modern, Scandanavian Modern or Danish Modern home or penthouse apartment but could also look fantastic in a Contemporary or Post-Modern room. Also consider mixing it up in a Traditional, Transitional, Classical or Art Deco room with a splash of juxtaposition. Would also be an apt choice in a commercial project such as a hotel lobby lounge or members club, creative design studio or high-rise executive office. Consider using as side chairs, dining, cafe or breakfast table chairs...
Suede
De Sede DS-31 Swivel Chair in Hand-Stitched Dark Brown Leather Switzerland 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully worn vintage DS-31 reclining swivel armchair by De Sede, Switzerland, dating to the 1970s. This high-back lounge chair features De Sede’s signature craftsmanship in sup...
Stainless Steel
1970s Model 'EA-416' Soft Pad Chair by Charles Eames for Herman Miller, Signed
By Herman Miller, Ray Eames, Charles Eames
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A classic of modernist comfort, this vintage "early production year" model EA-416 swivel lounge chair by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller is part of the iconic Soft Pad series...
Aluminum
'Soft Pad' Swivel / Desk Chair by Charles Eames for Herman Miller, 1980s, Signed
By Ray Eames, Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A classic of modernist comfort, this brown leather swivel desk chair by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller is part of the iconic Soft Pad series, originally introduced in 1969. ...
Aluminum
Early Year 'LC2' Leather Club Chair by Le Corbusier for Cassina, c 1980s, Signed
By Pierre Jeanneret, Cassina, Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredibly comfortable early year collectors example of the Le Corbusier for Cassina 'LC2' club chair (authentic signed example, see pics) in gorgeous thick Italian black leathe...
Chrome
Executive Leather Office Chair by Otto Zapf for Knoll
By Knoll, Otto Zapf
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. USA. Black leather upholstery with padded cushions
Leather
1999 Richard Sapper for Knoll Executive Desk Chair in Leather 12x Available
By Richard Sapper, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Sapper Executive Desk chair, initially designed by Richard Sapper for Knoll in 1979. This is one of Sapper's most iconic works, along with t...
Steel
1998 Geoff Hollington Executive Desk Chair w/ High Back in Leather Model HC150
By Geoff Hollington, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Hollington Executive Office Chairs, initially designed by Geoff Hollington for Herman Miller in 1989. These examples date to 1998, and the listed price includes one chair. ...
Aluminum
Nicos Zographos Gray Leather Office/Desk Chairs, 1980
By Nicos Zographos
Located in Chicago, IL
Nicos Zographos grey leather office/desk chair, 1980s. Original slate grey color leather.
Stainless Steel
C. 2001 Richard Sapper Management Desk Chair in Grey Leather 6x Available
By Knoll, Richard Sapper
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Management Desk Chair designed by Richard Sapper, originally introduced for Knoll in 1979. This particular example dates to around 2001. It features grey leather upholstery...
Aluminum
Knoll Mid-Century Modern Leather Armchair
By Knoll
Located in Germantown, MD
A 1960s vintage top grain leather revolving office chair by Knoll. Measures: 27" in width, 23" in depth and stand 35. Adjustable Seat height 18 to 20 inches.
Chrome, Iron
