Knoll International: tables, armchairs and chairs of modernism

Knoll put the icons of modernism into production: the Tulip table by Eero Saarinen, the Barcelona chair by Mies van der Rohe, the wire world of Warren Platner.

Here you will find used originals by Knoll International: dining and side tables of the Tulip series, armchairs and chairs of the great designs, plus sofas and small furniture from European production.Every piece is described with condition, dimensions and photos, with the manufacturer named. Related pieces are among the Knoll furniture, the dining tables and the armchairs.

How do you recognise a genuine Knoll?

By the marking: Knoll International embossed or labelled its furniture, on Tulip tables the mark sits under the top or on the base, on upholstery inside the cover. Early European production sometimes carries different labels. What we found on the piece is stated in the description.

Which designs are most sought after?

The Tulip table, because it does without a forest of legs and fits any dining room. Then the chairs: Barcelona, Platner, Wassily. They have held their value for decades, because Knoll holds the designers' licences and the models are still produced today.

Why buy second-hand?

Because the substance holds: marble tops, cast bases and steel frames barely age, and a used original costs far less than buying new. Small traces of use take nothing from the design, they only tell you it was used.

Knoll International: tables, armchairs and chairs of modernism

  • Knoll International stands for the industrial side of modernism: designs that went into series and are still produced today. Related pieces are at Knoll, the dining tables and the design classics.

    The defining designs

    • Tulip by Eero Saarinen: tables and chairs on a single base, from 1957
    • Barcelona by Mies van der Rohe: the chair of the 1929 world exposition
    • Platner by Warren Platner: steel wire as sculpture, from 1966
    • Wassily by Marcel Breuer: Bauhaus under licence

    Why Knoll could keep the classics

    Florence Knoll bought the rights to the designs and paid the designers royalties when that was still unusual. That is why Knoll pieces are authorised originals to this day and not reproductions, even decades apart.

  • built for constant use

    Marble, cast aluminium and steel are materials that do not tire. Keeping a used Knoll piece in service saves new production and is the obvious choice with these designs, since they were made for the long run anyway.

    How to style Knoll

    A Tulip table takes almost any chair, wooden ones included. The armchairs work best alone against a calm wall. White marble and chrome suit warm teak as well as concrete.

    What connoisseurs look for

    • Label or embossing on base, underside of the top or cover
    • Marble: natural veining, not a cast stone imitation
    • Cast base without hairline cracks, paint without chips at the edges
    • On upholstery: the original cover shows in the seams and the zip

    Keep browsing

    More classics among the lounge chairs and the sideboards.

Frequently asked questions and answers

Which Knoll pieces does 2nd home carry?

Mainly tables of the Tulip series, chairs and armchairs like Barcelona, Platner, Wassily and Tulip, plus the occasional sofa and small furniture. Stock changes constantly, so it pays to look in regularly.

What is the difference between Knoll and Knoll International?

Knoll International is the European arm of the American maker Knoll. The designs are the same, production for the European market took place in Europe. That is why the label reads one or the other.

How do I care for marble tops?

Wipe with lukewarm water and a mild cleaner, avoid anything acidic like lemon or vinegar, which etches dull marks. Use coasters for glasses and remove spills at once; sealing adds extra protection.

Does a Tulip table fit a small dining room?

Very well, because the central base leaves legroom all round and you can sit closer than at a four-legged table. Round versions start at around 90 centimetres in diameter; exact dimensions are listed with every table.

Are these pieces vintage or used?

Both: from vintage editions of the sixties and seventies to more recent used production. Age, provenance and condition are listed with every piece, so you know exactly what you are getting.

Can I sell my Knoll piece through you?

Yes, Knoll is in demand with us. Submit your piece with photos and dimensions through our sell page, we check condition and demand and come back with an assessment.

How are tables and chairs delivered?

Marble is packed separately because its edges are sensitive. For questions our service team will help.

  • curation, selection and active search

    Every product you find on 2nd home comes from our curation and quality process . This includes our Knoll International furniture - from new to used and vintage.

    Our team is constantly looking for trends and new items to offer you high-quality vintage and second-hand goods and plenty of inspiration.

    And if you are looking for something specific, you can contact us at any time.

  • Delivery

    At 2nd home you buy what already exists: our furniture , carpets , lights and decorative objects are available and ready to ship, with no production lead time as with new furniture. Another advantage when you buy vintage and second hand.

    For more information about shipping and delivery , see Returns & Refunds .

  • service

    At 2nd home we place great importance on quality and customer satisfaction. Sellers are selected by 2nd home, and every piece is described with its condition, dimensions and photos.

    If you have any questions, our customer service will help you You can find further information about our buyer protection, legal guarantee and right of return in our cancellation policy .

  • Pre-owned instead of new

    Every piece has already been made and stays in use; there is no new production.

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