Richard Meier furniture collection – Armchair, Chaise, Table and Console

A masterclass in architectural minimalism, the Richard Meier furniture collection for Knoll of 1982 features prominently in 9½ Weeks—blending formal modernist ideals with cinematic cool.

Designed by the Pritzker Prize-winning architect, these sculptural pieces—including a chaise longue, armchair, table and console—embody the stripped-back elegance of 1980s design. Finished in lacquered black solid maple, each piece creates bold silhouettes that play perfectly with light and shadow, making them ideal for film—and interiors steeped in intention.

Meier, who began his career working in Marcel Breuer’s studio, carried forward the Bauhaus legacy while drawing additional inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright and Charles Rennie Mackintosh. His tall-backed chair from the Knoll collection appears in 9½ Weeks alongside Mackintosh’s Willow Chair, reinforcing this lineage of modernist thought.

The furniture’s use in John Gray’s monochrome Manhattan penthouse in the film is no accident: it reflects the character’s emotional detachment and aesthetic control. As Meier himself once stated, “My furniture is uncomfortable. I’m more concerned with what it is as an object.” This unapologetic prioritisation of form over comfort aligns perfectly with Gray’s steely persona.

Originally available only to designers and decorators until the late 1980s, the collection was reissued in 2012 in limited quantities by Dutch firm Strada. These pieces are now highly collectible: original 1980s Meier armchairs or reissues can fetch £3,000–£15,000 at auction, while the chaise longue alone can exceed £12,000.

Design details:

– Designed by Richard Meier in 1982 for Knoll

– Lacquered black solid maple with architectural lines

– Sculptural presence, ideal for statement interiors

– Limited reissue by Strada in 2012

– Highly collectible; prices continue to rise

Pair with:

– Marcel Breuer’s Wassily Chair (also featured in the film)

– Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Willow Chair

– Sleek chrome accessories and sculptural lighting

Availability:

Rare. Occasional listings appear at auction houses or specialist dealers. For sourcing help, get in touch with our team.