Parker Knoll: A Complete Guide to the Iconic British Furniture Maker
Parker Knoll is a prestigious British furniture maker with over 150 years of heritage in creating exquisite sofas and chairs. Renowned for its iconic designs, exceptional craftsmanship and unparalleled comfort, Parker Knoll is truly a beloved classic in the world of luxury furniture.
If you're someone who appreciates timeless elegance and quality materials, we invite you to explore the world of Parker Knoll as we delve into every aspect of what makes this luxurious British furniture brand an enduring symbol of distinction.
Contents
A Brief History of Parker Knoll
Parker Knoll has been creating high-quality furniture for over 150 years. With a reputation for British craftsmanship and iconic designs that have stood the test of time, Parker Knoll has become a true icon in the luxury furniture industry.
Throughout its legacy as one of Britain’s leading furniture makers, Parker Knoll has triumphed on innovation at every turn. For instance, when they introduced serpentine springs into their designs during their early days – a revolutionary move that elevated comfort levels for every piece.
Continuously striving for excellence, this revered manufacturer has managed to stay relevant even today while maintaining all-important traditional values which are evident across their entire collection; from classic armchairs like The Penhurst Chair to modern sofa options such as The Sloane Sofa.
World-Renowned for British Craftsmanship
Parker Knoll has earned a reputation for being a leader in British craftsmanship, with their high-quality furniture gracing homes across the globe. Their dedication to creating luxurious sofas, armchairs, and footstools using innovative manufacturing techniques ensures each piece is an elegant and functional work of art.
For anyone interested in luxury furniture, investing in a Parker Knoll piece means adding timeless elegance to your living spaces. Known for using only the finest materials and skilled artisans who understand traditional craftsmanship methods passed down through generations, these iconic pieces embody British design at its best.
An example of this commitment to excellence can be found in their popular Parker Knoll recliner or wing chair designs that offer unparalleled comfort alongside classic sophistication.
Iconic Designs Loved by Generations
Throughout its long and illustrious history, Parker Knoll has become synonymous with creating iconic furniture designs that are cherished by generations of customers. Known for their fusion of classic elegance and modern functionality, these pieces not only offer supreme comfort but also an unwavering commitment to quality craftsmanship.
The Statesman Chair is another beloved design from the brand's collection that continues to steal hearts even after five decades since its first release. This swivel chair introduced a fresh approach to seating solutions, combining both style and practicality while making a bold statement in any room it adorned.
Iconic Parker Knoll Designs
Parker Knoll has several iconic designs, including the Norton collection, featuring elegant curved arms and classic design elements. The Statesman Chair is another celebrated piece, known for its high back and cushioned seating. Additionally, the Wing Chair is a timeless design with a distinctive shape that exudes luxury.
The Norton Chair
Norton is a name associated with some of Parker Knoll's most iconic designs. This particular model was first launched in the 1940s, and it quickly became one of the company's best-sellers.
The Norton armchair boasts sleek lines and a classic silhouette that exudes luxury and sophistication.
What sets the Norton apart from other armchairs on the market is its exceptional comfort. With generous padding, a high backrest, and supportive armrests, this chair is perfect for relaxing after a long day or spending hours reading your favourite book.
For those looking for an elegant yet comfortable seating option that will stand the test of time, look no further than Parker Knoll's Norton range.
The Statesman Chair
The Statesman Chair is a contemporary masterpiece and one of Parker Knoll's most popular designs. This chair offers the same level of comfort as the original model with its spacious and comfortable seat and swivel mechanism, making it an ideal choice for those looking for both style and functionality.
It features clean lines, generous padding, and elegant curves that create a timeless look with modern appeal. The chair comes in a range of luxurious materials such as leather or fabric so you can choose what will work best for your home decor.
The Wing Chair
The Wing Chair is one of Parker Knoll's most iconic designs, loved by generations for its timeless elegance and comfort. This classic chair features a high backrest with wings that provide support for the head and neck, as well as armrests that are designed to offer maximum relaxation.
The Penshurst Wing Chair is a perfect example of this design, featuring traditional styling combined with plush cushioning and handcrafted detailing.
What sets Parker Knoll's wing chairs apart from others on the market is their superior quality. Each piece is crafted using only premium materials like hardwood frames and high-density foam padding to ensure durability and comfort.
Customers can also choose from an array of upholstery options, including luxurious fabrics or sumptuous leather finishes, to suit their personal style preferences.
The Sloane Sofa
The Sloane Sofa is a true embodiment of Parker Knoll's signature style and quality. This elegant sofa features clean lines, exquisite tailoring, and exceptional comfort. It comes in different models to suit your preferences and needs, including the classic two-seater version, the three-seater model with additional scatter cushions for added comfort, and the lazy boy option that provides ultimate relaxation.
The sloping arms give it a contemporary look while still maintaining its timeless charm.
One of the great things about The Sloane Sofa (and Parker Knoll furniture in general) is how customisable it is. You can choose from a wide range of fabrics (including beautiful velvets) to create your unique look or even have it made-to-measure with bespoke options available on request.
Parker Knoll Furniture Collections
Parker Knoll offers a range of furniture collections including Evolution, Originals, Lifestyle, and Classic – each with their own unique style and design.
Classic
Parker Knoll's Classic Collection is a timeless range of furniture that draws upon the brand's 150+ years of craftsmanship expertise. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted in Nottinghamshire to ensure exquisite quality and durability.
The Classic Collection includes both sofas and chairs, available in an array of luxurious fabrics and shades, from bold jewel tones to soft neutrals. With elegant lines and refined detailing, these pieces exude sophistication and are sure to be cherished for generations to come.
Lifestyle
Parker Knoll's LifeStyle Collection offers a range of statement pieces designed for modern living. These stylish and comfortable sofas and chairs are perfect for those looking to add some luxury to their home without compromising on function or practicality.
Whether you prefer contemporary styles or something more classic, the LifeStyle Collection is sure to have something that catches your eye.
One example of the stylish design within Parker Knoll's LifeStyle Collection is the Hudson sofa. With its sleek lines, elegant curves, and plush cushions, it provides an inviting place to relax after a long day at work.
The Hudson sofa also features a unique 'relax' mechanism which enables you to adjust the angle of the backrest for optimal comfort while enjoying your favourite TV programme or book.
The Lifestyle Collection also includes matching armchairs such as the solid wood frame Hampton lounge chair with generous foam cushions providing excellent comfortability at any time of day.
Evolution
Parker Knoll's Evolution collection combines a sense of heritage with contemporary design, offering timeless style that is both distinctive and practical. By incorporating sustainably sourced materials in the manufacturing process, this collection offers green options for homeowners looking to make an environmentally conscious choice.
The Evolution range also includes up-cycled cottons and regenerated yarns as part of Parker Knoll's commitment to sustainability without compromising on quality.
Originals
Parker Knoll's Originals collection is a true testament to the brand's rich heritage and timeless design aesthetic. The range embodies classic British furniture styles, with each piece carefully crafted by skilled artisans using traditional techniques.
The Originals range offers a wide variety of upholstery options, from luxurious leathers to sumptuous fabrics in an array of colours and patterns. Whether you're looking for a statement armchair or a comfortable sofa that will stand the test of time, Parker Knoll's Originals collection has something to suit every taste and budget.
Handcrafted Quality
Parker Knoll furniture is renowned for its dedication to traditional craftsmanship, using only the finest materials and construction techniques to ensure superior quality.
Dedication to Traditional Craftsmanship
Parker Knoll's dedication to traditional craftsmanship is evident in every piece of furniture they produce. The company takes pride in handcrafting their furniture, from the frame construction to the upholstery.
Parker Knoll has spent decades and decades cultivating their expertise in furniture manufacturing, combining traditional methods with modern technology for exceptional results.
By investing in a Parker Knoll piece of furniture, you can be assured it will provide you with timeless quality and comfort while retaining its beauty long into the future.
Materials & Construction
Parker Knoll is renowned for its exceptional quality, and their commitment to using only the finest materials in construction of their furniture reflects this. Every piece of Parker Knoll furniture is individually handcrafted with precision and care by skilled craftsmen and women at their Nottinghamshire factory.
The upholstery options available range from luxurious velvets to practical leathers, with a wide choice of colours and patterns to suit all tastes. All fabrics used in Parker Knoll's evolve collection are sustainable, including recycled fabrics made from regenerated yarns and upcycled cottons for eco-friendliness.
Upholstery Options
Parker Knoll offers an array of upholstery options that are sure to suit every taste. The company sources its fabrics from some of the finest mills around the world, ensuring unparalleled quality and comfort.
Customers can choose from a range of colours, prints and textures to create a look that is uniquely their own.
From sumptuous velvets to durable linens, each fabric used by Parker Knoll is carefully selected for its exceptional quality and durability. Additionally, the company offers bespoke services such as custom sizing and unique patterns for those who want something truly one-of-a-kind.
Design Guild Mark
Parker Knoll's commitment to innovative design and materials has been recognised with the prestigious Design Guild Mark, awarded by the Furniture Makers' Company. In 2019, 22 of its designs were awarded the mark, representing both domestic and contract markets.
This accolade is a testament to Parker Knoll's dedication to creating furniture that not only looks good but also incorporates new technologies and materials. The mark is given to products that represent excellence in British design while promoting innovation in design practices.
Sustainability & Ethical Practices
Parker Knoll is committed to sustainability and ethical practices, using sustainable materials and greener manufacturing techniques in their production process.
Use of Sustainable Materials & Production Processes
Parker Knoll's dedication to sustainability is evident in their use of responsibly sourced materials and eco-friendly production processes. They carefully select the wood used in their furniture, ensuring that it comes from sustainable forests.
Their commitment to sustainability extends beyond just the furniture itself; Parker Knoll considers every aspect of their operation with environmentally friendly practices in mind.
For example, they have implemented a closed-loop recycling system for foam scraps generated during production as well as investing heavily in renewable energy sources such as solar panels on factory rooftops.
Greener Manufacturing Techniques
Parker Knoll is committed to sustainability and ethical practices, with a focus on greener manufacturing techniques. The company has invested in advanced technologies to reduce waste and improve efficiency, including using renewable energy sources and recycling materials wherever possible.
For example, the factory uses biomass boilers that burn wood chips from sustainably managed forests as fuel, reducing carbon emissions by up to 80%. They also recycle most of their waste products such as fabric scraps which are used for insulation or converted into animal bedding.
Parker Knoll understands that it's important to take care of our planet while delivering luxurious furniture pieces that meet high standards of quality craftsmanship.
Behind the Scenes
The design and manufacturing processes behind Parker Knoll's furniture are a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology, ensuring the highest quality standards.
Discover how their skilled craftsmen create bespoke pieces of furniture that meet your exact requirements.
Design Process
Parker Knoll takes pride in its design process, which involves a team of experts who are passionate about creating the best furniture possible. From initial sketches to final products, every step is carefully considered to ensure quality and durability.
The company's Senior Creative Designer, Jo Butters, has insights on how best to style Parker Knoll's furniture for a 1920s-inspired look. This attention to detail reflects Parker Knoll's dedication to traditional craftsmanship and materials that go into each piece of furniture.
Manufacturing Process
Parker Knoll prides itself on its dedication to traditional British craftsmanship and attention to detail throughout the manufacturing process. Each piece of furniture is crafted by a team of skilled artisans, using only the finest materials and construction techniques.
From selecting the perfect timber for frames, to hand-stitching upholstery details, every aspect of production is carefully considered.
In addition to their commitment to quality, Parker Knoll also places great emphasis on bespoke design and customisation options. With a wide variety of fabrics and finishes available, customers can create truly unique pieces that reflect their personal style and taste.
Bespoke & Customisation Options
For those looking for a unique touch, Parker Knoll provides bespoke and customisation options to ensure that your furniture fits perfectly in your home. This allows you to choose from an extensive range of fabrics, colours, patterns and styles to match your individual preferences.
You can personalise many aspects of your furniture, from sofa arms and cushions to chair legs.These personalised touches create a one-of-a-kind piece whilst maintaining the exceptional quality that Parker Knoll is famous for.
The Frederick Parker Collection
The Frederick Parker Collection is a unique archive of British furniture manufacturing, featuring ancient and modern records that showcase the incredible history of this iconic brand.
Unique Records of British Furniture Manufacturing
The Frederick Parker Collection, which includes the Parker Knoll brand, boasts a unique archive of historical documents and artefacts. The collection features almost 200 British chairs dating back to 1660, as well as an extensive archive of related historical materials.
Established by Frederick Parker & Sons Ltd/Parker Knoll Company Archive, the collection includes chairs from Parker Knoll's rich history, showcasing their expertise in traditional craftsmanship and attention to detail.
This impressive record covers over 300 years of British furniture making and design evolution up to present-day offerings from Parker Knoll. It's important to note that Frederick Parker himself was a highly skilled designer who learned his craft from his father; this legacy is still evident in the exceptional quality and craftsmanship found in today's Parker Knoll pieces.
Where to Buy Parker Knoll Furniture
You can find Parker Knoll furniture online and in physical stores all over the UK, including our website and three-storey furniture store in Doncaster, where we are proud to showcase one of the largest Parker Knoll collections in Yorkshire.
After-Sales Support & Care Advice
Parker Knoll prides itself on providing top-notch after-sales support and care advice for their furniture. They recognise that investing in luxury furniture is a long-term commitment, which is why they offer resources to help customers maintain their pieces and make them last for years to come.
The Parker Knoll Consumer Care Guide provides a wealth of information on how to care for your furniture, from cleaning tips to guidance on the best way to preserve the quality of your cushions.
Moreover, as part of their dedication to ensuring customer satisfaction, Parker Knoll has established leading retailers that showcase a wider range of their furniture collections.
This allows customers an opportunity to view and touch multiple designs before making the perfect selection for their homes.
Summary
Parker Knoll is an iconic British furniture maker with over 150 years of heritage and a dedication to traditional craftsmanship. Their range of furniture collections, including the Evolution, Originals, Lifestyle and Classic lines, offer customers a variety of options to suit any style or taste. Parker Knoll's commitment to quality materials and expert construction ensures that every piece of furniture is both comfortable and stylish.
