Warren Platner Chairs
American, 1919-2006
Though vintage Warren Platner chairs, sofas and interiors are icons of mid-century modernism, the architect and furniture designer took his stylistic inspiration from as far back as 18th-century France, once saying about his seminal collection for Knoll that his design intent was to evoke “the kind of decorative, gentle, graceful kind of design that appeared in period style like Louis XV.”
Indeed, the marriage of modern sensibility and classical grace is a marker of Platner’s style across furnishings and interiors — both genres in which he left an enduring legacy.
Born in 1919 in Baltimore, Maryland, Platner studied architecture at Cornell before cutting his teeth working for design icons like Eero Saarinen and Kevin Roche, eventually serving as head of interior design in the latter’s office. In 1965, Platner opened his own office, in Greenwich, Connecticut, where he continued to hone his particular brand of graceful modernism.
Knoll released the Platner Collection of seating and tables in 1966. (Originally designed in 1962, the suite took nearly four years of development to bring to life.)
The decorative bent-metal-and-glass pieces — an armchair, a dining table and more — make certain nods to the trademarks of his former employers, but also to the shapes of historic European furniture. The sculptural elegance of his line recalls Saarinen’s iconic Tulip collection, which includes armchairs and dining tables, while his materiality aligns with Roche’s cutting-edge use of glass and metal for the headquarters of the Ford Foundation in New York.
Many of Platner’s Knoll pieces would go on to find homes in a certain fabled locale: the Windows on the World restaurant at the original World Trade Center, whose interiors Platner was tapped to outfit in the mid-1970s. Upon the opening of the restaurant in 1976, New York Times architecture critic Paul Goldberger dubbed its style “sensuous modernism” — an apt tagline for Platner’s oeuvre as a whole.
Platner died in 2006 at the age of 86. His furniture is still produced by Knoll, and original examples — along with idiosyncratic custom works he created for interior design clients — are coveted by collectors today.
Find vintage Warren Platner furniture on 1stDibs.
9
to
6
3
9
9
9
6
2
9
5
3
4
1
1
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
6
4
9
6
4
3
1
6
6
106
349
344
300
292
Creator: Warren Platner
Pair Of Two Chairs Designed By Warren Platner, 1960's
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of chairs designed by Warren Platner and published by Knoll. Structure with a sculptural shape made of steel wire. Upholstered in bouclé fabric. USA 60s.
Measurements: W 93 x D...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Warren Platner Chairs
Materials
Steel
Warren Platner for Knoll classic armchair designed 1966
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in London, GB
Warren Platner studied at Cornell University, graduating in 1941 with a degree in architecture. He went on to work with legendary architects Raymond Loewy, Eero Saarinen, and I. M. P...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Warren Platner Chairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Warren Platner for Knoll Nickel Lounge Chair Reupholstered in Your Fabric
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural modern lounge chair in nickel finish, designed by Warren Platner for Knoll, circa 1980s. Signed with Knoll label. This chair is currently being reupholstered and can be co...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Warren Platner Chairs
Materials
Metal
Vintage Modern Pair of Knoll Warren Platner Chairs
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A set of beautiful mid-century modern wired steel chairs. The frame features wire rods that are perfectly bent to create the structure of a beautifully sculpted chair. A seat cushion...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Warren Platner Chairs
Materials
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Warren Platner Easy Chair, Pair
By Warren Platner
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Pair of vintage easy chairs by Warren Platner for Knoll. Great high back lounge chair design with nickel metal cage frames. Upholstery does not look original and must have been repla...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Warren Platner Chairs
Materials
Metal
Lounge Chair and Footstool by Warren Platner, 1966
By Warren Platner
Located in Berlin, Berlin
VINTAGE Easy chair and footstool designed by Warren Platner. U.S.A, Knoll International, 1966.
The lounge chair, model number 1725. Welded curved steel and wool upholstery. Beautifu...
Category
1960s American Modern Vintage Warren Platner Chairs
Materials
Metal
Warren Platner for Knoll Chair Reupholstered in New Maharam Wool Fabric
By Warren Platner
Located in Westport, CT
Beautiful and iconic Warren Platner for Knoll high back lounge chair in nickel finish recovered in a new Maharam wool fabric. Simple design yet incredi...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Warren Platner Chairs
Materials
Metal
Warren Platner for Knoll Wire Stool
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Industrial and organic steel wire stool by Warren Platner from the Platner Collection for Knoll, after 1966. Newly upholstered in a creamy, textural wool. In excellent condition. Cur...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Warren Platner Chairs
Materials
Steel
Pair of Bronze Warren Platner Lounge Chairs for Knoll
By Warren Platner
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of bronze lounge chairs designed by Warren Platner for Knoll. Newly upholstered in Holly Hunt / Teddy / Winter White fabric.
Category
1970s Vintage Warren Platner Chairs
Materials
Bronze
Related Items
Warren Platner Easy Lounge Chair for Knoll, 1980s
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Aachen, NW
Early Easy Lounge chair by Warren Platner for Knoll.
The groundbreaking Easy chair was designed in the 1960s by Warren Platner and produced by Knoll in the early 1980s. This mid-ce...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Warren Platner Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Warren Platner Lounge Chairs in Sapphire Velvet, A Pair
By Warren Platner
Located in Culver City, CA
Available right now we have 2 pairs of Warren Platner Lounge Chairs. Priced per pair these chairs are a sublime fusion of opulence and iconic design that are timelessly chic. Crafted to perfection, these lounge chairs are not merely pieces of furniture; they are functional pieces or art.
Enveloped in a sumptuous deep sapphire velvet, these lounge chairs redefine comfort and style. The allure of the plush upholstery beckons you to sink into a world of indulgence, with the rich velvety texture against your skin, a tactile symphony that will elevate your relaxation to an art form.
Warren Platner was a luminary in the world of modern design, Platner's career was marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation and elegance. Trained as an architect, he seamlessly transitioned into the realm of furniture design, leaving an indelible mark with his distinctive creations.
Platner's ingenuity was particularly evident in his collaboration with Knoll, a legendary name in the world of modern furniture. Founded in 1938 by Hans Knoll and later joined by his wife Florence Knoll, the company became synonymous with cutting-edge design and a commitment to quality craftsmanship. Knoll became a trailblazer, collaborating with visionaries like Warren Platner to create pieces that would go on to define an era.
The Platner Lounge Chairs, with their unique design and quality materials, stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of both Warren Platner and Knoll. These chairs aren't just pieces of furniture; they are collectors' items, highly sought after by those who appreciate the intersection of art and functionality.
In a world where trends come and go, the Platner Lounge Chairs stand the test of time. They aren't just a place to sit; they are an experience, a visual and tactile journey into the lap of luxury. Owning these chairs isn't just a choice; it's an affirmation of a lifestyle that values the finer things – where comfort meets design, and every piece of furniture is a statement.
These chairs would look incredible in any mid century modern, contemporary or modern environment. We currently have these chairs in our gallery alongside other iconic pieces, and Arne Jacobsen egg chair, and Eero Saarinen dining set...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Warren Platner Chairs
Materials
Nickel
Set of Six Dining Chairs Designed by Warren Platner for Knoll, 20th Century
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Hamburg, PA
An exquisite set of six dining chairs designed by Warren Platner for Knoll. These iconic dining room chairs would look great in any Contemporary, Transitional, or Traditional interio...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Warren Platner Chairs
Materials
Steel
H 28.75 in W 28.5 in D 22 in
Warren Platner for Knoll Lounge Chair
By Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Sculptural and graceful iconic lounge chair model 1705 by Warren Platner designed in 1962 for Knoll International. Upholstered in luxurious rust ...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Warren Platner Chairs
Materials
Metal
Set Of 6 Armchairs Designed By Warren Platner, 1960's
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Madrid, ES
Set of six armchairs designed by Warren Platner for Knoll, composed of a steel structure with welded rods creating curved shapes and upholstered with bouclé white wool.
Table also a...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Warren Platner Chairs
Materials
Steel
1970s Vintage Warren Platner Occasional Chair Knoll Beige Knobby Wool
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Hyattsville, MD
The perfect glamorous vanity chair. Very sculptural wire armchair designed by Warren Platner and produced by Knoll in the 1970s. Dingy original woven knoll knobby wool blend biege ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Warren Platner Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Platner Lounge Chair, designed 1966 by Warren Platner for Knoll International
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Original 1960s Platner Lounge Chair, designed 1966 by Warren Platner and manufactured by Knoll International.
This iconic chair is made of moulded fibreglass covered in the original...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Warren Platner Chairs
Materials
Steel
H 29.93 in W 36.23 in D 26.78 in
1960s Pair of Warren Platner for Knoll Dining Arm Chairs with Bronze Frames
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Platner Armchairs, designed by Warren Platner for Knoll in 1966. These are early examples, dating to the late 1960s. The frames of these chairs are composed of pati...
Category
1960s American Modern Vintage Warren Platner Chairs
Materials
Steel
H 28.75 in W 26.5 in D 22 in
Warren Platner for Knoll Arm Chairs/ Pair
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Warren Platner for Knoll Pair of Armchairs. In like new condition! Chairs are not even 2 years old! Beautiful chairs in great condition! 1966 Design that still looks current! Ni...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Warren Platner Chairs
Materials
Nickel
Mid-Century Modern Italy Dal Vera Easy Chair
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Dal Vera- Made in Italy circa 1950s, in walnut and leather restored
Measure in cm: H 70/40, W 60, D 48
Dal Vera production made in Italy 1950s
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Warren Platner Chairs
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Original Warren Platner Bronze Stool by Knoll 1960s
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Chicago, IL
An original 1960s production Warren Platner bronze stool for Knoll. Early and rare bronze finish. Newly upholstered seat in a Kvadrat / Davina wool felt fabric. The fabric is ston...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Warren Platner Chairs
Materials
Bronze
Early Lounge Chairs Designed by Warren Platner for Knoll International
By Warren Platner
Located in Dallas, TX
Rare, early production lounge chairs designed by Warren Platner from The Platner Collection in bronze, 1966 for Knoll International. Lounge chairs are in excellent condition with new...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Warren Platner Chairs
Materials
Bronze
H 31.5 in W 37.5 in D 25.38 in
Previously Available Items
1970s Warren Platner Easy Chairs - a Pair
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Roanoke, VA
Incredible vintage pair of Easy chairs designed by Warren Platner for Knoll in 1966. Chairs feature the welded curved steel bases in the original bold kelly green textured upholstery...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Warren Platner Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Warren Platner Dining Chairs for Knoll
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
UNIQUE WIRE BASE AND SMOOTH CURVES.
In the 1960s, Warren Planner transformed steel cable into a collection of sculptural furniture, creating a design icon of the modern age. The frame features wire rods that are perfectly bent to create the frame of a beautifully sculpted chair. The lounge chair...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Warren Platner Chairs
Materials
Bronze
4 Chairs, Warren Platner, Knoll Edition, 2021
By Warren Platner
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Armchairs by Warren platner
Suite of 4 platner armchairs
knoll edition
Black edition
Black velvet / blackened steel
Limited edition
Perfect condition
2021
Price: 12900 12...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Other Warren Platner Chairs
Materials
Metal
Pair of Vintage Warren Platner Dining Chairs for Knoll, c. 1960's
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of Warren Platner arm chairs featuring the award winning iconic design for Knoll.
Made of nickel plated steel and upholstered in a muted brown...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Warren Platner Chairs
Materials
Steel
Set of Four Warren Platner Chairs for Knoll
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Set of 4 Mid-century Modern Warren Platner Arm Chairs with Nickel finish for Knoll. Recent production.
Showing no rust or tarnish to wire frames. Be...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Warren Platner Chairs
Materials
Steel, Nickel
4 chairs - Warren Platner - Knoll Edition - 2021
By Warren Platner
Located in Saint ouen, FR
4 chairs - Warren Platner
Knoll Edition
Kvadrat mottled beige and nickel-plated metal
H76 x W73 x D57 cm
2021 - New
(sold new on average €14,000)
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Other Warren Platner Chairs
Materials
Metal
Warren Platner Occasional Chair
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Sculptural wire framed armchair designed by Warren Platner and produced by Knoll. Newer purple upholstery. Foot glide on bottom has missing materia...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Warren Platner Chairs
Materials
Metal
Warren Platner Armchair for Knoll International
By Warren Platner
Located in amstelveen, NL
Warren Platner chair, Knol International
In 1966, the Platner Collection captured the “decorative, gentle, graceful” shapes that were beginning to infiltrate the modern vocabulary...
Category
2010s Warren Platner Chairs
Materials
Gold Plate
Set of 4 Warren Platner for Knoll Bronze Dining Chairs
By Warren Platner
Located in San Antonio, TX
Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern Platner for Knoll bronze finish chairs with original cushions. Circa late 1980s, the Platner collection designer infuse...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Warren Platner Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Warren Platner for Knoll Mid Century Dining Chairs, Set of 4
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Countryside, IL
Warren Platner for Knoll mid century dining chairs - Set of 4
Each chair measures: 27.25 wide x 19 deep x 29.25 high, with a seat he...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Warren Platner Chairs
Materials
Metal
Warren Platner for Knoll Mid Century Lounge Chairs, Pair
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Countryside, IL
Warren Platner for Knoll mid century lounge chairs - pair
These chairs measure: 36.5 wide x 26 deep x 30.25 inches high, with a ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Warren Platner Chairs
Materials
Upholstery
Bronze and Boucle Lounge Chair by Warren Platner for Knoll
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Iconic 1960’s Bronze lounge chair by Warren Platner for Knoll.
Newly recovered in a soft Boucle fabric. Retains original knoll label.
The frame is in original condition, so it show...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Warren Platner Chairs
Materials
Bronze
Warren Platner chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Warren Platner chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Warren Platner chairs, although beige editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 9 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 1 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original chairs by Warren Platner were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider chairs by Widdicomb Furniture Co., Michael Taylor, and Richard Schultz. Prices for Warren Platner chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,890 and can go as high as $20,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $12,300.