Rooted in a leather workshop founded in Stuttgart in 1865, Walter Knoll quickly became synonymous with premium upholstered furnishings, introducing what’s considered Germany’s first modern upholstered chair in the 1920s. The brand moved its production to Herrenberg in the 1930s, where manufacturing continues today, guided by both tradition and forward-thinking design.

Walter Knoll’s legacy is defined by iconic designs that still resonate. Their Prodomo series set early benchmarks for modern upholstered furniture, while the elegant Shell Chair “FK” garnered Germany’s inaugural Gute Form award in 1969. The Chair 369 from the mid-1960s remains in production, celebrated for its flowing modern form.

Recent highlights include the sculptural Lead chair executive seat and the Foster 520 club chair - both exemplifying exquisite leatherwork and technical refinement, with the latter winning the Red Dot “Best of the Best.”

Craftsmanship at Walter Knoll is defined by material intimacy and sensory richness. Only the finest leathers - only 3–5% of hide stock - pass its meticulous inspections, ensuring every piece offers lasting tactile and visual depth.

Guided by values of longevity, sincerity, and aesthetic clarity, Walter Knoll creates furniture designed to endure - both physically and emotionally. Its commitment to sustainability is woven into every stage, from resource use to refurbishment possibilities. As a family-run company, a sense of respect, balance, and environmental stewardship shapes every decision, ensuring their creations bring meaning - and comfort - to spaces across the world.