Through his work as an architect and designer, Eero Saarinen was a prime mover in the introduction of modernism into the American mainstream. Particularly affecting were the organic, curvilinear forms seen in Saarinen’s furniture and his best-known structures: the gull-winged TWA Flight Center at John F. Kennedy airport in New York (opened 1962), Dulles International Airport in Virginia (1962) and the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri (1965).
Saarinen had a peerless modernist pedigree. His father, Eliel Saarinen, was an eminent Finnish architect who in 1932 became the first head of the Cranbrook Academy of Art in suburban Detroit. The school became synonymous with progressive design and decorative arts in the United States, and while studying there the younger Saarinen met and befriended several luminaries of mid-century modernism, among them Harry Bertoia and Charles and Ray Eames.
At Cranbrook, Saarinen also met Florence Schust Knoll, who, as director of her husband Hans Knoll's eponymous furniture company, would put Saarinen’s best designs into production. These include the Grasshopper chair, designed in 1946 and so named because its angled bentwood frame resembles the insect; the Tulip chair (1957), a flower-shaped fiberglass shell mounted on a cast-aluminum pedestal; and the lushly contoured Womb lounge chair and ottoman (1948). In his furniture as in his architecture, the keynotes of Eero Saarinen’s designs are simplicity, strength and grace.
Find vintage Eero Saarinen tables, chairs and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Knoll Saarinen Executive Arm Chair in Original Ink Blue Leather, Swivel Base
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Stamford, CT
Eero Saarinen’s design career was both wildly iconic yet sadly short-lived. His work in furniture design and architecture was centuries ahead of its time and quite possibly only achi...
Steel
Saarinen Executive Armless Chairs in Ocean Mohair, Chrome Legs
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Stamford, CT
Eero Saarinen is widely regarded as one of the most important furniture designers of the 20th Century, known for his innovative use of materials and sculptural approach to form. His ...
Metal, Chrome
6 Knoll Saarinen Executive Arm Chairs in Holland & Sherry Navy Velvet, Wood Legs
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Stamford, CT
Eero Saarinen is widely regarded as one of the most important furniture designers of the 20th Century, known for his innovative use of materials and sculptural approach to form. His iconic pieces, such as the Tulip Chair, Womb Chair, and these Executive Chairs continue to embody his design philosophy and are celebrated for their timeless elegance and functional simplicity. We offer a collection of authentic Knoll Saarinen Executive Chairs...
Fabric, Velvet, Wood
Herman Miller Swoop Plywood Lounge Chairs by Brian Kane in Original Blue Fabric
By Brian Kane, Herman Miller
Located in Stamford, CT
Brian Kane's Swoop Collection for Herman Miller embodies a modern interpretation of midcentury style, particularly showcased through the Swoop Plywood Lounge Chair. Kane meticulously...
Chrome
Knoll Saarinen Executive Arm Chairs in Sand Velvet & Ebony Oak Legs
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Stamford, CT
Eero Saarinen is widely regarded as one of the most influential furniture designers of the 20th century, celebrated for his innovative use of materials and sculptural approach to for...
Velvet, Wood, Ebony, Oak
Saarinen Executive Armless Chairs in Sand Mohair, Ebony Oak Legs by Knoll
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Stamford, CT
Eero Saarinen’s design career, though tragically short, left an indelible mark on the worlds of furniture and architecture. His visionary work was far ahead of its time, driven by an...
Fabric, Mohair, Upholstery, Oak
2010s Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Desk Chairs w Blue Leather 6x Available
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Saarinen Executive Arm Chair with swivel base designed in 1948 by Eero Saarinen and produced by Knoll. This particular example was produced in the 2010s. The design feature...
Steel
Saarinen Executive Armchair in Royal Blue Velvet, Chrome Tubular Legs
By Eero Saarinen
Located in Wilton, CT
The mid-century Classic vintage Eero Saarinen Executive Armchair, manufactured by Knoll Furniture and custom upholstered in a deep 100% cotton Italian Velvet in stunning Royal Blue. ...
Stainless Steel
Saarinen Exec Armchair in Powder Sky Blue Leather on Polished Nickel Swivel Base
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Wilton, CT
We've been restoring Saarinen executive chairs for years in every fabric one can imagine, right in our very own workroom. This authentic vintage Saarinen chair has been reupholstered...
Steel, Nickel
Executive Leather Chair with Swivel & Tilt Base by Eero Saarinen for Knoll
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Executive Leather Chair Swivel & Tilt Base Seat Height adjusts from about 18" up to 22" Eero Saarinen for Knoll Knoll Label on Underside Newer Fabrication - Two Available Swivel ...
Metal, Chrome
Saarinen Executive Armchair in Saddle Leather, Swivel Base
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Wilton, CT
We have been restoring Saarinen executive chairs for years in every fabric one can imagine, right in our very own workroom. We’ve restored these chairs using a supple Italian Leather...
Metal
1974 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Rolling Executive Office Chair Original Blue Fabric
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single (each chair is sold separately, though two are available) Eero Saarinen rolling executive office chair with arms. These are gorgeous and original examples...
Metal
