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.
Marelli Clipper Sectional Sofa by Stefano Gallizioli
By Marelli
Located in Boston, MA
The Clipper Sectional Sofa is a compact piece defined by refined modern design, versatile style, and exceptional comfort. Structure: Solid wood Base: Brushed antique gold metal Sea...
Metal
$20,720 / item
H 31.5 in W 167.33 in D 70.87 in
Contemporary Sofa 'Miami' by LINTELOO, Island + 2 seaters
By Linteloo
Located in Paris, IDF
Miami Sofa Designed by Jan Te Lintelo for Linteloo Model shown on main picture: - Island Module L and Element Arm R: 425 x 180 x 80 cm - Fabric --- The Miami Sofa is designed arou...
Wood, Fabric, Upholstery
Modern by Giuseppe Carpanelli Theater Sofa System
By Carpanelli
Located in Desio, IT
Single and modular sofa system with wooden structure covered with a layer of polyurethane in different densities. The maximum comfort of the seat is determ...
Leather, Fabric, Velvet, Faux Leather
Fresh Pond Modular Sofa From The Collection by Michael Del Piero
Located in Wainscott, NY
8-piece. Upholstered modular sectional (additional pieces also available à la carte) Hardwood construction with intes webbing, down/feather wrap, self-welt....
Linen, Wood
Handsome Modern Robert Marinelli Sofa High Back Settee
By Robert Marinelli Design
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Handsome Modern Robert Marinelli Sofa High Back Settee
Wood
Vintage Charles Pfister for Knoll Lounge Sofa, C. 1970s
By Charles Pfister, Knoll
Located in Winston-Salem, NC
A three-seat modular sofa with clean, boxy lines and a tailored, tight profile — a hallmark of Pfister’s minimalist, architecturally-driven approach to lounge seating. Designed by C...
Upholstery
$8,950
H 31.5 in W 82.5 in D 42.25 in
3 Seater Sofa made in Italy by Antonello Mosca for Giorgetti, Italian Modern
By Giorgetti S.p.A.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A refined and sculptural “Maharaja” three-seater sofa designed by Antonello Mosca for Giorgetti, made in Italy. Part of Giorgetti’s celebrated Maharaja collection, this model is know...
Fabric, Wood
Dorian sofa By Castello Lagravinese Studio
By Castello Lagravinese
Located in Cascina, IT
Internal structure : Solid wood and fir wood multi-ply. Cushions padding: Sitting cushions : External padding with natural, sterilized goose feathe...
Brass
$3,750
H 30 in W 95 in D 33.5 in
Vintage Bernhardt Design B.1 Three Seat Sofa by Fabien Baron for Reupholstery
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Bernhardt Design B.1 Three Seat Sofa by Fabien Baron for Reupholstery Vintage B.1 three-seat sofa designed by Fabien Baron for Bernhardt Design. This modern sofa features a...
Leather
Serge Castella "Carla" Sofa, circa 2022, France
By Serge Castella Interiors
Located in Girona, Spain
Serge Castella "Carla" sofa. Original design by Serge Castella. 100% Eco friendly fabric Variations are available with options for materials, sizes, etc. Circa 2022, France. Exc...
Cotton
Eero Saarinen Knoll Mid Century Modern Secretarial Desk Chair Eames' Fabric 50s
By Charles and Ray Eames, Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Miami, FL
Mid Century Modern vintage Eero Saarinen Secretarial Swivel Desk Chair, model 76 S produced by Knoll from 1953-1968. The minimalist office desk chair was designed in the 50s and popu...
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
18th Century Louis XV Petite Footstool Tabouret Original Aged Finish, France
Located in Miami, FL
REDUCED FROM $950....Petite Louis XV carved wood footstool or low tabouret with cabriolet legs and floral carvings. Newly upholstered in a styliz...
Wood
Folk Arts Low Side / Breakfast Matchsticks Table by Thomas McAulay 1971
Located in Miami, FL
Wonderful handmade work by Thomas B, McAulay, Folk Arts Naive Matchstick Low Table from 1971. Uses for this low table are: next to a low chair or couch, for serving meals in bed or c...
Wood
1970s, Robert Sonneman Modern Bouillotte Pendant Light
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Miami, FL
Attributed to Robert Sonneman, a fantastic pendant fixture in a Modern Bouillotte style. A chrome base supports two cylindrical glass shades that protude through a white metal shade....
Metal, Chrome
Danish Modern Krenit Bowls 3 Flat Dishes Herbert Krenchel/Torben Ørskov Denmark
By Orskov and Co, Herbert Krenchel
Located in Miami, FL
Herbert Krenchel designed rare 1950s vintage set of 3 Krenit flat dishes, 1.25 inches in height by 6.5 inches diameter, marketed by Torben Ørskov of Denmark. One of each – inside co...
Metal, Enamel
Modern Deco 1940s Edward Stoll Cerused Oak, Glass and Leatherette Side Table
By Edward Stoll
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful late Streamline Moderne Edward Stoll designed table with 1/2 inch glass top over a pedestal of cerused oak and side panels of quilted green leatherette, a tropical leaf mot...
Oak
