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.
$20,000 / set
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...
Metal
Warren Platner Arm Chair by Knoll, Mid-Century Modern, 1977
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Single Warren Platner Arm chair made by Knoll. Distinctive wire design with pedestal motif and rounded back. Comfort and design from the mid-century! Please specify how many of 3 you...
Metal, Wire
Set Of Two Chairs Designed By Warren Platner And Edited by Knoll 1960's
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Madrid, ES
Set of 2 chairs designed by Warren Platner between 1968 and 1970, featuring a chrome-plated steel structure and dark wool upholstery. First edition, produced by Knoll. Warren Platn...
Steel
American modern metal and red fabric chairs by Warren Platner for Knoll, 1970s
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in MIlano, IT
American modern metal and red fabric chairs by Warren Platner for Knoll, 1970s Cockpit chairs with a round base. The structure follows curved and rounded lines and makes up the backr...
Metal
Set of Four Chairs Designed By Warren Platner With Steel structure, 1960's
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Madrid, ES
Set of 4 chairs designed by Warren Platner between 1968 and 1970, featuring a chrome-plated steel structure and white fabric upholstery. First edition, produced by Knoll. Warren Pl...
Steel
Lounge chair & Ottoman by Warren Platner for Knoll International, 1960s
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in bruxelles, BE
Lounge chair and ottoman in metal with red fabric by Warren Platner. Seat height: 47 cm. Ottoman dimensions: Ottoman: H: 42 cm Dia: 68 cm. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQ...
Metal
Warren Platner Chrome Rod Lounge Chair, Red
By Warren Platner
Located in Napa, CA
Warren Platner Chrome Rod Lounge Chair in Red Wool for Knoll — Mid-Century Modern Icon An authentic Warren Platner Lounge Chair, designed in 1966 for Knoll International, this piece...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
$10,844 / set
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...
Metal
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 1970s. This chair is currently being reupholstered and can be completed in your fabric. S...
Metal, Nickel
Leather Platner Chair by Warren Platner for Steelcase
By Steelcase, Warren Platner
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. USA. Upholstered cushions with leather back.
Leather, Upholstery
Usa modern Black fabric metal Cockcit chairs by Warren Platner for Knoll, 1970s
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in MIlano, IT
Usa modern Black fabric and metal Cockcit chairs by Warren Platner for Knoll, 1970s Pair of iconic and vintage cockcit chairs with round base. The structure is made up of curved nickel-plated metal rods welded to rounded frames and the base. The backrest, armrests and seat follow the shapes of the structure and are padded and covered in black fabric. The rounded seat cushion...
Metal
Set of 6 Bronze Chairs designed by Warren Platner for Knoll
By Warren Platner
Located in Dallas, TX
This fabulous set of 6 bronze Warren Platner Chairs are ready for your reinvention! Designed for Knoll in 1966, these chair frames are rare and difficult to find with a good metal c...
Bronze, Steel
Warren Platner for Knoll Mid Century Dining Chairs - Pair
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Warren Platner for Knoll Mid Century Dining Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 29.25 wide x 23.5 deep x 30 inches high, with a seat height of 20.5 and arm height/chair clearance of ...
Metal
$19,405 / set
H 29.53 in W 28.75 in D 21.66 in
Platner Armchair, designed by Warren Platner, produced by Knoll Studio
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Armchair designed and engineered by Warren Platner, produced by Knoll Studio, 1960s. The Platner chair is a masterpiece of mid-century modernism. The frame is made of vertical steel...
Gold
$13,440Sale Price / set|45% Off
H 17 in W 30 in D 30 in
Warren Platner Grey Leather Easy Chair and Ottoman Set of Three, Knoll, 1966
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Warren platner grey leather easy chair and ottoman set of three, Knoll, 1966. Knoll Models 1705L and 1705Y. Please see last image for proper dimensions. Warren Platner for Knoll gr...
Stainless Steel, Nickel
Vintage Warren Platner Bronze Dining Chairs for Knoll - Set of Four
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Set of four bronze wire frame upholstered dining chairs in original burnt orange and red fabric. Designer: Warren Platner Manufacturer: Knoll International Year: 1960s Origin: US...
Bronze
1960s Knoll Warren Platner Easy Chairs in Sheepskin, Pair
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Raleigh, NC
Pair of Warren Platner Easy Chairs produced by Knoll in the 1960s, featuring the designer's signature wire rod base construction. Hundreds of steel rods are welded to circular frame...
Steel, Chrome
$14,995 / set
H 39.38 in W 41.5 in D 25.5 in
Warren Platner Lounge Easy Chair and Ottoman by Knoll, Bronze Frame, 1972
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This iconic lounge chair and ottoman by Warren Platner for Knoll International represents the peak of sculptural American modernism. Designed in the mid-1960s and still celebrated as...
Stainless Steel
$9,132 / set
H 29.53 in W 28.35 in D 22.05 in
Usa modern Black fabric metal Cockcit chairs by Warren Platner for Knoll, 1970s
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in MIlano, IT
Usa modern Black fabric and metal Cockcit chairs by Warren Platner for Knoll, 1970s Pair of iconic and vintage cockcit chairs with round base. The structure is made up of curved nickel-plated metal rods welded to rounded frames and the base. The backrest, armrests and seat follow the shapes of the structure and are padded and covered in black fabric. The rounded seat cushion...
Metal
Pair of Warren Platner for Knoll Easy Chairs in Blue Mohair
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
Warren Platner's iconic Easy chair for Knoll. We have reupholstered this in a high-quality mohair.
Nickel
$17,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 39.5 in W 41 in D 36 in
1974 Knoll Warren Platner Sensational Off-White Easy Lounge Chair Pair
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, Pair of easy lounge chairs designed by Warren Platner for Knoll. Metal design fabric with fresh new upholstery Original label present 1974 39.5 tall x 41 w x...
Metal
$22,259 / set
H 29.93 in W 28.75 in D 22.84 in
6x Warren Platner Arm Chairs – Knoll International – Nickel-Plated – Hallingdal
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Telgte, DE
For sale is a set of 6 original armchairs by renowned designer Warren Platner, produced by Knoll International – an iconic design statement from the mid-20th century. Details: • Man...
Steel, Nickel
$8,630 / set
H 30.5 in W 35.75 in D 24.5 in
Pair of Warren Platner Mid Century Modern Lounge Chairs for Knoll
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic pair of Mid Century Modern Sculptural Lounge Chairs by Warren Platner for Knoll International. An ottoman, listed separately, is also available. This pair of lounge chair...
Steel, Chrome
Pair of Warren Platner "Easy" Lounge Chairs and Ottoman
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in North Miami, FL
Luxurious PAIR of model 1705 easy lounge chairs and matching ottoman, designed by Warren Platner for Knoll. Zinc steel wire rods are bent and welded to form a graceful, sculptural si...
Steel
$7,000 / set
H 29 in W 27 in D 21.75 in
Vintage Pair of Warren Platner Chairs in Bronzed Steel for Knoll
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in North Miami, FL
An outstanding PAIR of sculptural armchairs by Warren Platner for Knoll. These are in the classic bronze finish. The upholstery has been redone in a blue mohair. Retain the original...
Steel
$16,723 / set
H 39.38 in W 41.74 in D 35.83 in
Model 1705 easy chair and ottoman by Warren Platner for Knoll, USA 1960s
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Meulebeke, BE
USA / 1966 / set of easy chair and ottoman / Knoll International / Warner Platner / model 1705 / wol, polished nickel / mid century / vintage Lounge chair and footstool model 1705 d...
Nickel
Side Chair by Warren Platner for Knoll International
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Barcelona, ES
Side chair designed by Warren Platner in 1966 for Knoll International, USA. Sculptural structure made of steel wire rods with velvet fabric upholstery. Labelled with manufacturer log...
Steel
Armchair by Warren Platner for Knoll International, 1960s
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in bruxelles, BE
Armchair by Warren Platner in metal with green fabric. Knoll edition. Large model. Seat height: 49 cm. Wear due to time and age.
Metal
Set Of Four Chairs Designed By Warren Platner, 1960's
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Madrid, ES
Set of 4 chairs designed by Warren Platner between 1968 and 1970, featuring a chrome-plated steel structure and bouclé fabric upholstery. First edition, produced by Knoll. Warren P...
Steel
Side Chair by Warren Platner for Knoll International
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Barcelona, ES
Side chair designed by Warren Platner in 1966 for Knoll Internationel, USA. Sculptural structure made of steel wire rods with velvet fabric upholstery. Labelled with manufacturer log...
Steel
Sold
H 28.75 in W 27.17 in D 21.26 in
Chairs by Warren Platner for Knoll International, 1960s, set of 2
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in bruxelles, BE
Pair of Chairs by Warren Platner in metal and with original red fabric. Knoll edition. Seat height: 47 cm. Wear due to time and age of the armchair.
Metal
Sold
H 29.53 in W 28.35 in D 22.05 in
Pair of chairs, fabric metal Cockcit, by Warren Platner for Knoll, 1970s
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Nice, FR
View in original language These are a pair of Platner armchairs, designed by Warren Platner for Knoll in 1966. These are old examples, dating from the late 1960s. The legs of these c...
Nickel
Sold
H 29.5 in W 28 in D 22 in
Pair of Warren Platner for Knoll Mid Century Modern Wire Lounge Arm Chairs
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A pair of Warren Platner for Knoll wire lounge chairs. A gorgeous set of original Platner arm chairs for Knoll. These beautiful, iconic chairs feature a nickel plated metal wire desi...
Metal
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...
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.
Bronze
Vintage Warren Platner for Knoll Classic Armchair
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...
Steel, Chrome
1970s Warren Platner Easy Chairs - a Pair
By Knoll, Warren Platner
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...
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...
Bronze
Sold
H 30.25 in W 36.25 in D 25.5 in
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...
Metal
Set of Four Warren Platner Chairs for Knoll
By Knoll, Warren Platner
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...
Steel, Nickel
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...
Metal