Image source: Knoll — Platner Collection
© Knoll and the respective rights holders. Quoted to accompany INTEBEE's independent design commentary and research.
Collection Story
Origin
Knoll says Warren Platner brought it the idea in 1962 and that the collection, designed for Knoll, appeared in 1966; it has been in continuous production since. Platner was an architect who had worked with Raymond Loewy, Eero Saarinen and I. M. Pei before opening his own practice.
Design Language
Platner wanted decorative, gentle, graceful furniture of the kind found in a period style such as Louis XV, but on a more rational base instead of applied decoration. Knoll's brochure says he built the structure so that the ornamental details are functional elements: curved upright steel rods welded to circular frames, with over a thousand welds in a chair. An 18k gold finish joined the range in 2015.
Image source: Knoll — Platner Collection · © Knoll and the respective rights holders. Quoted to accompany INTEBEE's independent design commentary and research. · View official website ↗ · Image use & copyright policy
Key Pieces
- Platner Armchair, Easy Chair and Lounge Chair
- Platner Stool and Ottoman
- Platner Dining, Coffee and Side Tables
Pieces in this collection
Platner Ottoman
Platner's round upholstered ottoman on a base of steel wire rods, 1966
Platner Side Table
Platner's small round side table on a pedestal of steel wire rods, 1966
Platner Easy Chair
Platner's high-backed 1966 lounge chair with an upholstered shell on a rod base
Platner Coffee Table
Platner's low round coffee table on a pedestal of steel wire rods, 1966
Platner Arm Chair
Platner's 1966 dining chair with arms: a fiberglass shell on a base of welded steel rods
Platner Dining Table
Platner's round 1966 dining table on a pedestal of welded steel rods
Platner Lounge Chair
Warren Platner's 1966 lounge chair: an upholstered shell on a base of welded steel rods
Platner Stool
Platner's round stool on a base of steel rods, 15.25 in across and 22.75 in high
Specifying pieces from Platner Collection for your design project?
INTEBEE is the FF&E specification platform for interior designers: spec sheets, finishes, floor plans and client-ready PDFs in one place.
