Understanding Knoll

Introduced in the late 1950s, the Pedestal Collection includes dining tables, coffee tables, Tulip chairs and stools. The central cast-aluminium base frees the legs and makes each piece appear to rise from the floor. Chairs are available with or without arms, with white or black shells and cushions in a variety of colours.

For round tables, diameters of approximately 107, 120 and 137 cm are among the most common, seating four, four to six and six people respectively depending on use. Large oval tables are notably found at around 199 and 244 cm. Other dimensions exist; before purchasing, circulation around the table should be considered as carefully as seating capacity.

Carrara has a light ground and generally restrained veining, while Arabescato offers more dramatic grey movement. Nero Marquina, Verde Alpi and other marbles create a stronger graphic presence. Knoll also produced laminate, wood and other stone tops. Every marble is unique: veining, thickness, edge profile and any restoration should be described precisely.

On authentic recent production, the KnollStudio logo and Eero Saarinen’s signature are stamped beneath the base or tabletop depending on the model. On an older piece, a label may have disappeared or a base may have been repainted, so the absence of a mark is not conclusive on its own. The proportions of the base, mounting plate, fixings, tabletop and restoration history should also be examined.