Skip to main content
Diamond Chair
Iconic Designs

Diamond Chair

About the Design

To fully understand the design of Harry Bertoia’s (1915–78) 1952 Diamond chair — an austere and photogenic work of woven steel wire, the intricately sculptural wings of which create the illusion of sitting on air — it helps to go back to his college days: In 1937, the Italian-born artist and designer, who emigrated to Detroit at age 15, earned a scholarship to Cranbrook Academy of Art, the illustrious Michigan design school that attracted such luminaries as Florence Knoll, Eero Saarinen and Charles and Ray Eames. Bertoia was deeply influenced by the Eameses, especially by the sculptural quality that was so prominent in the furniture they made. In the 1940s, he left Cranbrook to work for the couple, developing the molded plywood furniture that would become a trademark of their designs.

Bertoia learned to weld while employed by the Eameses, but left their workshop in anger over the lack of credit he received for the important contributions he made there — a dispute that would come to play an important role in the Diamond chair’s development. He eventually took a job at an electronics lab, where he analyzed human mobility for the purpose of designing electronics with easy-to-reach knobs and consoles. 

When his former Cranbrook classmate Florence Knoll tapped Bertoia to make furniture for the Pennsylvania company she had recently founded with her husband, Hans, the designer was swayed with the promise of full credit for designs he produced. Armed with a newly minted background in ergonomics as well as the knowledge he gathered from experimentation with the Eameses, Bertoia capably applied what he’d learned over the years at Knoll, where he utilized thin wires of welded metal to produce pieces that appeared to be floating in the wind — yet remained surprisingly comfortable and supportive. The Diamond chair, a widely revered component of the innovative metal furniture line that Bertoia designed at the company, has been in continuous production at Knoll since 1952 and is available in four finishes today.

Diamond Chair

to
26
15
42
17
15
10
9
Harry Bertoia for Knoll Wire Diamond Chair Mid Century Modern
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Discover sculptural sophistication with this Harry Bertoia for Knoll Wire Diamond Chair, a true Mid Century Modern gem. Its intricate and airy wire frame is a triumph of space-defyin...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Harry Bertoia for Knoll Diamond Chair - Chrome
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Kennett Square, PA
Chrome diamond chair designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll - a mid century classic, appears to be fairly recently made. Black leather seat highlights the striking chrome. Always surpri...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century White Diamond Wire Chairs by Bertoia for Knoll
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Detroit, MI
This set of four vintage mid century modern diamond wire lounge chairs designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll are circa 1970. Originally designed by Bertoia in 1952, the industrial mate...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel, Iron, Wire

Bertoia Diamond Chairs, White, Set of Two, Welded & Painted Steel
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
SALE ONE WEEK ONLY Bertoia Diamond Chairs, White, Set of Two, Welded & Painted Steel. They are as elegant, strong and functional as when they were manufactured. The chairs will add a touch of class to any setting. Harry Bertoia's career began in the 1930s as a student at Cranbrook Academy of Art where he re-established the metal-working studio and later became head of the department before the school closed during WWII due to wartime restrictions on materials in 1943. During the war, Bertoia moved to California and is credited with developing new techniques for molding plywood with Charles and Ray Eames also from Cranbrook. Harry Bertoia is one of the many well-known artists and designers who attended The Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, The school & buildings were designed by architect and faculty member, Eliel Saarinen who collaborated with Charles and Ray Eames on chair and furniture design. It is the country’s top ranked, graduate-only program in architecture, design and fine art. Each year, just 75 students are invited to study and live on the landmark Saarinen-designed campus which features: private studios, state-of-the art workshops, the renowned Cranbrook Art Museum and 300 acres of forests, lakes and streams, all a short drive from the city of Detroit. The focus at Cranbrook is on studio practice in one of ten disciplines including Architecture, 2D and 3D Design, Ceramics, Fiber, Metalsmithing, Painting, Photography, Print Media, and Sculpture. The program is anchored by celebrated Artists- and Designers-in-Residence, one for each discipline, all of whom live and practice on campus alongside the graduate students. Numerous creative artists who are alumni of Cranbrook include: Florence Knoll, Jack Lenor Larsen, Donald Lipski, Duane Hanson, Nick Cave, Hani Rashid, George Nelson, Urban Jupena (Nationally recognized fiber artist), Artis Lane (the first African-American artist to have her sculpture, "Sojourner Truth," commissioned for the Emancipation Hall in the Capital Visitor Center in Washington DC), Cory Puhlman (televised Pastry Chef extraordinaire), Thom O’Connor (Lithographs), Paul Evans (Brutalist-inspired sculpted metal furnishings), Eugene Caples (small bronze images/abstract), Morris Brose (Bronze Sculptures), Herb Babcock (blown glass), Larry Butcher (mixed media), Lauren Anais Hussey (Abstract), Andrea Eis (film, photography), Lilian Swann Saarinen (Sculpture), Douglas Semivan...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

BERTOIA Diamond Chair, Model HB_10, Harry Bertoia for Knoll
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Neuss, NW
BERTOIA diamond chair, model HB_10, designed in the 1940s by Harry Bertoia for Knoll. Frame made of wire mesh with a new felt cover in red. Quality Features: very good workmansh...
Category

Vintage 1940s American Bauhaus Chairs

Materials

Metal

Early and Rare 'Pre-Production' Harry Bertoia Small Diamond Chair for Knoll
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Cincinnati, OH
Early production small diamond chair with a very usual double wire seat configuration, the typical wire structure is in place but an additional larger space...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wire

PAIR of Diamond Chairs by Harry BERTOIA, KNOLL INTERNATIONAL
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Berlin, Berlin
A pair of original Diamond Chairs, designed by Harry Bertoia. U.S.A., Knoll International, 1970s Early production Diamond chairs in white and black painted metal with rust-orange ve...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Harry Bertoia White Wire Diamond Lounge Chair for Knoll (A)
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A white plastic coated welded wire diamond lounge chair with a contrasting satin black base and sunflower yellow leatherette seat pad . Manufactured by Knoll International and design...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel, Wire

Harry Bertoia Upholstered Small Diamond Lounge Chair for Knoll ( A )
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very nice black wire framed small diamond lounge chair with matching black base . Having a full upholstered cover in a chocolate tone with soft woven fabric making the chair a very...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

Pair of China red lacquered “Diamond” chairs by Harry Bertoia, 1950
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Roma, RM
Pair of China red lacquered “Diamond” chairs by Harry Bertoia. Production: Knoll, 1950s Dimensions: 90 W x 70 H x 74 D cm Sold as set of 2.
Category

Vintage 1950s Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Set of 4 Diamond chairs, Harry Bertoia, Knoll International
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Diamond Chair is an astounding study in space, form and function by one of the master sculptors of the last century. Like Saarinen and Mies, Bertoia found sublime grace in an ind...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Harry Bertoia for Knoll Large Diamond Chair
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Harry Bertoia for Knoll large diamond chair with a green cover. Base is original white. Bushings are in good shape, and overall the cover is pretty clean! ...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

20th Century Italian Metal Chairs Created by H. Bertoia, a Pair
By Harry Bertoia
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of 20th century Italian metal chairs created by Harry Bertoia. Referred to as ‘diamond chairs,’ these classic mid-century chairs exude a sp...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Bertoia for Knoll Chrome Diamond Chair with Full Pad Cover C 1960/1970s
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Diamond chair designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll. This example was executed in the chrome plated finish, and comes with its original Knoll full pad cover ( somewhat crunchy b...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Bertoia for Knoll Large Diamond Chair and Ottoman with New Knoll Cover!
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Harry Bertoia for Knoll Large Diamond Chair and Ottoman. Ottoman measures 23.5 x 16.5 and 14.5" tall. New Cover in a Knoll Fabric. On close inspection fabric is woven of threads of r...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

Two 1960s "421" Diamond Chairs By Harry Bertoia For Knoll International
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
An early pair of 1960s "421" Diamond chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International, in white with contrasting black legs. Harry Bertoia's finest achievement, the striking 421 ch...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

Harry Bertoia "Diamond" Lounge Chair for Knoll, USA, 1980s
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Hellouw, NL
A diamond lounge chair by Harry Bertoia for Knoll with Kvadrat Fabric from the USA. This chair is probably produced in the 1980s and has a black frame with a fully covered seating ar...
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Red Wire Diamond Lounge Patio Chair by Harry Bertoia Knoll
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A classic diamond chair designed by Harry Bertoia and produced by Knoll. This chair features a red factory powder coat. Always used indoors but could be used as a patio chair.
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wire

Mid-Century Modern “Diamond” Chairs Designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll, a Pair
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Union City, NJ
Mid-Century Modern “Diamond” Chairs Designed By Harry Bertoia For Knoll, circa 1960s. This early pair of Diamond chairs feature original fully upholstered black leather covers. Both ...
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

6 Bertoia for Knoll White Metal "Diamond" Chairs
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Harry Bertoia (Italian/American, 1915-1978) for Knoll "Diamond" chair in newly powder coated white metal with an authentic yellow or grey exterior seat cushions. Design circa 1952. ...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Custom Powder Coated Green Harry Bertoia Diamond Chairs for Knoll
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of Harry Bertioa for Knoll diamond chairs recently restored and powder coated in a lively apple g green .
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Pair of Custom Diamond Bertoia Chairs for Knoll American Mid Century
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in San Diego, CA
Great and rare pair of Harry Bertoia diamond chairs, with original seat pads and original chrome bases, we have the tops sandblasted and powder coated in green, they look great with ...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Large Chrome Frame Bertoia Knoll Diamond Chair with Ottoman in Red Cato Textile
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Ferndale, MI
Harry Bertoia joined Florence and Husband Hans Knolls Company after leaving Charles Eames and Herman Miller. Florence Knoll Eames and Bertoia had all been schoolmates and collaborators in the early years of Cranbrook. On joining Knoll Bertoia was given free reign for a chair design. Being as much a sculptor as a designer he came up with the wire series. This chair being the large diamond chair. Set in wrought iron frame and attached by way of rubber mounts allowing a rocking action. With the ottoman and all recently covered in Knoll Cato fabric.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Four White Harry Bertoia "Diamond Chairs" Produced by Knoll, 1950s
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Almelo, NL
A set of four of 1960s "421" Diamond chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll, in white with contrasting black legs. More information about the designer: Harry Bertoia's finest achieve...
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

1960s "421" Diamond Chair by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
An early 1960s "421" Diamond chair by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. Two are available. Harry Bertoia's striking 421 chair is welded from steel rods and coated in Rilsan p...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Pair of White Harry Bertoia "Diamond Chairs" Produced by Knoll, 1950s
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare set of two "Diamond Chairs" designed by Harry Bertoia and produced by Knoll in the late 1950s. In good vintage and original condition with signs from age and use. Both chairs ar...
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

1 Knoll Bertoia Early Version Diamond Lounge Chair
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Pasadena, TX
Harry Bertoia Italian artist and furniture designer, Harry Bertoia`s career began in the 1930s as a student at the Cranbrook Academy of Art where he re-established the metal-working studio and, taught as head of the department, from 1939 until 1943 until it was closed due to wartime restrictions on materials. Bertoia designed the patented Diamond chair for Knoll in 1952. Knoll Bertoia diamond lounge...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

Original 1953 Harry Bertoia Diamond Chair for H. G. Knoll Products
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Rare early production of the diamond chair by Harry Bertoia. Completely original upholstery and black finish. Tagged "H.G. Knoll Products" A museum piece for the midcentury collec...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Large Diamond Chair by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
By Harry Bertoia
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is a beautiful vintage large "Diamond" chairs by famed designer Harry Bertoia manufactured in the USA by Knoll. This sculptural chair has been fully restored: The metal frame ha...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

Harry Bertoia for Knoll Wide White Diamond Chair & Ottoman with Pink Upholstery
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern Harry Bertoia for Knoll wide version diamond chair with ottoman, frames are original white paint an original but faded pink Knoll textile covers. Minor scuffs to f...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

Vintage Diamond Chair by Harry Bertoia for Knoll, Set of 2
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Cape Town, WC
Using industrial material while elevating the chair to the status of an art-work, Bertoia cemented the conversation around utility and aesthetics within the context of furniture desi...
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

Harry Bertoia Diamond Chair and Ottoman for Knoll, circa 1950's
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large diamond chrome chair designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll in 1952. The chair and ottoman have the original red fabric cover. Harry Bertoia’s wire chairs...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Diamond Chair by Harry Bertoia for Knoll, Full Cover Plum Knoll Tweed
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Fully restored vintage Bertoia diamond chair by Knoll. (2) Available, sold separately. Our team used the original pattern to recreate a new cover in be...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

1955, Harry Bertoia for Knoll International, Wide, Large, Chrome, Diamond Chair
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This chair is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beac...
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Diamond Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Brussels, BE
Diamond chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International, 6 available Sold par piece 1200€.  
Category

Vintage 1970s European Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Diamond Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Brussels, BE
Diamond chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International, 6 available Sold par piece 1250€.  
Category

Vintage 1970s European Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Diamond Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Brussels, BE
Diamond chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International, 6 available Sold par piece 1200€.  
Category

Vintage 1970s European Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

USA Mid-Century Red Cushion N Steel Diamond Armchairs by Bertoia for Knoll, 1970
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in MIlano, IT
USA mid-century Red cushion and steel Diamond armchairs by Bertoia for Knoll, 1970s. Set of four Diamond armchairs with structure in welded steel rods with polished chrome plating. ...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Pair of Large Diamond Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
Fabulous, iconic pair of large "Diamond Chairs" by Harry Bertoia for Knoll. Black metal frames and yellow upholstery.
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Pair of Early Bertoia Wide Diamond Chairs
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in East Hampton, NY
The wide diamond is the largest of the Bertoia seating group and like the bird chair, has shock mounts between the seat and the base which offers an additional measure of comfort. This vintage chair...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel, Chrome

Harry Bertoia for Knoll Red Diamond Chair, 1960s
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Wallkill, NY
Large Bertoia diamond chair measuring 28.75 in H x 40. in W x 29.5 in. What a wonderful addition to your Mid-Century Modern decor.
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

1952, Harrie Bertoia, Diamond Chair 421, Black & White with Black Vinyl Cushion
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach...
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

More Harry Bertoia Designs
Diamond Chair
Diamond Chair
Average Price
$2,434
Number Available
42
Diamond Chair
Materials
Metal, Fabric, Steel
Styles
Mid Century Modern
To fully understand the design of Harry Bertoia’s (1915–78) 1952 Diamond chair — an austere and photogenic work of woven steel wire, the intricately sculptural wings of which create the illusion of sitting on air — it helps to go back to his college days: In 1937, the Italian-born artist and designer, who emigrated to Detroit at age 15, earned a scholarship to Cranbrook Academy of Art, the illustrious Michigan design school that attracted such luminaries as Florence Knoll, Eero Saarinen and C...
Shop All
Harry Bertoia Side Chair
Harry Bertoia Side Chair
Average Price
$2,201
Number Available
20
Harry Bertoia Side Chair
Materials
Metal, Steel
Styles
Mid Century Modern
When Hans and Florence Knoll invited Italian-American artist Harry Bertoia (1915–78) to move from California to Pennsylvania in 1950 to work with their new design firm, they did not ask him to develop any specific pieces but instead to investigate whatever interested him. That open-ended experimentation led to the 1952 Bertoia Side chair, which was fitted with a fluid metal lattice that gave the seating an ethereal quality. Bertoia considered his collection of chairs created for Knoll Associa...
Shop All
Bertoia Bird Chair Ottoman
Bertoia Bird Chair Ottoman
Average Price
$4,177
Number Available
10
Bertoia Bird Chair Ottoman
Materials
Metal, Fabric, Steel
Styles
Mid Century Modern
Shop All
Harry Bertoia Barstool 427c
Harry Bertoia Barstool 427c
Average Price
$3,058
Number Available
3
Harry Bertoia Barstool 427c
Materials
Metal, Chrome, Fabric, Upholstery, Wire
Styles
Mid Century Modern
Shop All