Knoll, Inc., the famed US-based furniture company, was founded in 1938 by Hans Knoll. Since its establishment, the company has played a key role in the evolution of modern furniture design. The founder of Knoll had roots in the Bauhaus movement and was committed to blending functionality with aesthetics. The evolution of the Knoll logo reflects the company’s journey through various design philosophies and market changes. This article delves into the history of Knoll and discusses key milestones in the evolution of its logo.
The Genesis of the Knoll Logo (1947-19??)
The initial logo of the company was designed in 1938 and is said to have lasted till 1947. However, the same is not available as of today. So, the subsequent redesign in 1947 by Herbert Matter was launched on February 26, 1947, and consisted of a thin letter “K” in white enclosed within an orange circle. Incidentally, the bars of the letter “K” were connected to two sets of thin white cylindrical elements at the top and bottom which appeared like tiny pillars. The logo took a minimalist approach that reflected Bauhaus principles.
(1967 – Present)
In 1967, the logo was redesigned by designer Massimo Vignelli of Unimark International. It featured the brand name with thick letters in bold orange against a white background written using a modified Helvetica typeface. It aimed to convey a strong brand identity and enhance coherence across various platforms. The simple design of the logo maintained an elegant aesthetic and aligned with the evolving modernist movement of the day.
The Elements of the Knoll Logo
Font
The Knoll logo features the wordmark written in a Helvetica typeface. It is a widely recognised sans-serif font known for its clarity and neutrality. The choice of the Helvetica font aligns with Knoll’s identity as a leader in modern design to emphasise simplicity and functionality in its products.
Colour
The colour scheme of the Knoll logo utilises a bold red for the word “Knoll,” set against a white background. The vibrant red colour of the logo captures attention as well as conveys a sense of energy and innovation—qualities that are integral to the brand’s ethos.
Finally
The evolution of the Knoll logo shows the brand’s adaptability and commitment to modern design principles. The logo had a minimalist beginning and acquired its current contemporary iteration. Each logo iteration reflects broader trends in design. At the same time, it remained true to Knoll’s core values of beauty and functionality. With Knoll continuing to innovate within the furniture industry, its logo is likely to evolve further. In the future, the logo is likely to embody both tradition and progress in modern design.