Modern design with Bauhaus philosophy by Knoll

Knoll has been producing design furniture that is loved for its high quality, durable and inspiring designs for almost a century. During that time, the American company has built up a unique body of work with furniture for the home and the workplace. Although classic Bauhaus influences are not lacking, Knoll chairs, tables and sofas are fully in tune with modern times and always respond to the ever-changing needs of consumers.

 

American brand with German heritage

The design house was founded in the United States in 1938. Owner and namesake Hans Knoll had emigrated from Germany via England shortly beforehand. He was the descendant of a family with a long tradition of furniture-making and upholstery. His father, Walter Knoll, owned a design company. Together with his brother Willy, he had taken over this business from their father Wilhelm. The latter opened a leather processing workshop in Stuttgart in 1865. Willy and Walter Knoll designed the first leather-upholstered armchair in Germany in 1907. The Walter Knoll chair Prodomo from 1925 is considered the first modern upholstered armchair thanks to its aluminium frame. Walter’s son Hans took his design knowledge with him to America a few years later. In America, he came into contact with the furniture and interior designer Florence Schust, who would later become his wife.

 

Important designers define design

Knoll often worked together with leading Bauhaus designers. Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Marcel Breuer and Eero Saarinen, amongst others, developed furniture for KnollStudio. Many of the Knoll chairs and tables created by these iconic designers are still available today. Examples include the Breuer Wassily chair, the MR seating and tables by Mies van der Rohe and the Knoll chairs Saarinen Tulip and Womb. And this brand also offers Florence Knoll tables, sofas and cabinets, such as the Low table, Relax sofa or Credenza sideboards. Would you prefer a more recently designed Knoll chair, Knoll office chair or Knoll coffee table? Then choose a piece of furniture by Marc Newson, Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby, Marc Krusin, David Adjaye or Markus Jehs & Jürgen Laub. You can buy a Knoll chair or a Knoll side table, among other things, from these designers.

 

Knoll chairs from other design manufacturers

In addition to its own furniture designs, the American brand also represents various other suppliers of modern design. You can buy Muuto chairs, sofas and interior accessories from the company. This Finnish manufacturer stands for functional Scandinavian design. Several other manufacturers have also been acquired in recent years. For example, the company bought Holly Hunt Design, which produces indoor and outdoor furniture, lighting and carpets, in 2014. Fully, also an American company, was acquired in 2019. This brand focuses on design furniture for office buildings and teleworking environments.

 

Obumex, specialist in Knoll design

Would you like to furnish your living room, private workplace or office with a Knoll chair, Knoll coffee table or sofa? You’ll find various pieces of furniture from KnollStudio at Obumex. For prices, information and advice, please contact us. You can also visit our showroom to get a good idea of the modern and traditional Knoll design furniture.

 

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