Florence Knoll Sideboards
American, 1917-2019
Architect, furniture designer, interior designer, entrepreneur — Florence Knoll had a subtle but profound influence on the course of mid-century American modernism. Dedicated to functionality and organization, and never flamboyant, Knoll shaped the ethos of the postwar business world with her skillfully realized office plans and polished, efficient designs for sofas, credenzas, desks and other furnishings.
Knoll had perhaps the most thorough design education of any of her peers. Florence Schust was orphaned at age 12, and her guardian sent her to Kingswood, a girl’s boarding school that is part of the Cranbrook Educational Community in suburban Detroit. Her interest in design brought her to the attention of Eliel Saarinen, the Finnish architect and head of the Cranbrook Academy of Art. Saarinen and his wife took the talented child under their wing, and she became close to their son, the future architect Eero Saarinen. While a student at the academy, Florence befriended artist-designer Harry Bertoia and Charles and Ray Eames. Later, she studied under three of the Bauhaus masters who emigrated to the United States. She worked as an apprentice in the Boston architectural offices of Walter Gropius and Marcel Breuer; Ludwig Mies van der Rohe taught her at the Illinois Institute of Technology.
In 1941, she met Hans Knoll, whose eponymous furniture company was just getting off the ground. They married in 1946, and her design sense and his business skills soon made Knoll Inc. a leading firm in its field. Florence signed up the younger Saarinen as a designer, and would develop pieces by Bertoia, Mies and the artist Isamu Noguchi.
Florence Knoll's main work came as head of the Knoll Planning Group, designing custom office interiors for clients such as IBM and CBS. The furniture she created for these spaces reflects her Bauhaus training: the pieces are pure functional design, exactingly built; their only ornament from the materials, such as wood and marble. Her innovations — the oval conference table, for example, conceived as a way to ensure clear sightlines among all seated at a meeting — were always in the service of practicality.
Since her retirement in 1965, Knoll received the National Medal of Arts, among other awards; in 2004 the Philadelphia Museum of Art mounted the exhibition “Florence Knoll: Defining Modern” — well deserved accolades for a strong, successful design and business pioneer. As demonstrated on these pages, the simplicity of Knoll’s furniture is her work’s great virtue: they fit into any interior design scheme.
Find vintage Florence Knoll sofas, benches, armchairs and other furniture on 1stDibs.
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Creator: Florence Knoll
Credenza Sideboard by Florence Knoll Bassett for Knoll, 1960s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Lasne, BE
Wooden sideboard with metal legs and marble top with 4 doors that can be locked with a key. Wear due to time and age
Category
1960s Central American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Sideboards
Materials
Marble, Metal
Sideboard by Florence Knoll Bassett for Knoll International, 1960s, set of 2
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Lasne, BE
Set of 2 wooden sideboards with metal legs and 4 drawers. Wear due to time and age.
Category
1960s Central American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Sideboards
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Wall-Hanging Sideboard by Florence Knoll, Knoll international, 1950s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Extremely rare wall-hung sideboard (Mod°123) from 1958, designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International - this version was produced in a small edition by Knoll in Stuttgart in 195...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Sideboards
Materials
Leather, Wood
Minimalistic Freestanding Four Doors Florence Knoll Marble Top Sideboard, 1961
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Antwerp, BE
Marble top, four doors, luxurious sideboard designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International, 1960s. Freestanding minimalistic sideboard with elegant details equipped and smart sto...
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Sideboards
Materials
Marble
Florence Knoll for Knoll International Sideboard in Teak
By Florence Knoll
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Florence Knoll for Knoll International, sideboard, teak, steel, walnut, United States, 1961
This minimalistic sideboard was made with the aim of creating office furniture that woul...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Sideboards
Materials
Steel
Florence Knoll Sideboard Wall Mounted 1952 Seagrass Teak by Knoll International
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Munster, NRW
Extremely rare wall-hung sideboard (Mod°123) from 1952, designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International - this version was produced in 1952 in a small edition by Knoll in Stuttgar...
Category
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Sideboards
Materials
Seagrass, Teak
Vintage Sideboard by Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in London, GB
A stylish and extremely well made vintage sideboard by Florence Knoll. It was made by Knoll International, it dates from around the 1960-70’s.
It is of superb quality, beautifully c...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Sideboards
Materials
Chrome
Freestanding 8-Drawer Credenza by Florence Knoll for Knoll, 1961
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Stunning and ultra high-end sideboard designed by Florence Knoll Basset in 1961. This is a rare ‘2549M’ version with 8 drawers in total of which 4 pencil drawers and 4 large file cab...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Sideboards
Materials
Steel
Restored Florence Knoll Walnut & Maple Cabinet Model No.541 New York, 1960s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This iconic cabinet was designed in the 1960s by Florence Knoll and manufactured by Knoll International for sale in the heart of New York City on Park Avenue. Built of a finely grain...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Sideboards
Materials
Metal
Florence Knoll Seagrass Sideboard Model 116 by Knoll, 1952
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Aachen, NW
Rare midcentury Seagrass sideboard model 116 by Florence Knoll for Knoll.
Designed in 1947 and made in Germany in a very low production line in the early 1950s.
Impressive veneer & ...
Category
1950s German Vintage Florence Knoll Sideboards
Materials
Wood, Seagrass
Florence Knoll Model 116 Seagrass Sideboard, 1950s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Fantastic Sideboard by Florence Knoll, model 116 in maple wood and original seagrass sliding doors for Knoll International, Stuttgart, 1950s
This breathtaking timeless design will i...
Category
1950s Vintage Florence Knoll Sideboards
Materials
Metal
Small Modernist Sideboard by Florence Knoll for Knoll International, 1960s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Small modernist sideboard designed by Florence Knoll Basset during the 1950s. This model is made of teak wood with leather handles and black metal square legs. Florence Knoll is know...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Sideboards
Materials
Metal
Florence Knoll for Knoll International Sideboard with Marble Top
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Florence Knoll for Knoll International, sideboard, lacquered oak, metal, Carrara marble, United States, 1960s.
Credenza with chromed base designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International. This exceptional and minimalistic designed credenza has elegant details, such as the chromed base and handles. The wood is lacquered into a deep black color, which nicely combines with the light white marble top with fine grey veins. The silver metal base and handles bring some freshness to the quite dark cabinet...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Sideboards
Materials
Carrara Marble, Metal
Florence Knoll Rosewood and Marble Credenza or Sideboard, 1960s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
Florence Knoll's iconic sideboard/credenza in rosewood with marble top. The sideboard features 4 bays with internal shelving in one bay and file drawers and smaller drawers in three ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Sideboards
Materials
Marble, Steel
Florence Knoll seagrass two door credenza cabinet for Knoll international 1960's
By Florence Knoll
Located in London, GB
Enhance your living space with a true rare mid-century modern gem – a Teakwood and Seagrass Two Door Cabinet designed by Florence Knoll, crafted by Knoll International in the 1960's....
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Sideboards
Materials
Seagrass, Teak
Florence Knoll walnut sideboard
By Florence Knoll
Located in LYON, FR
Florence Knoll walnut sideboard, Knoll International edition, 1960s.
Stamped on the back with the Knoll International plaque.
Opening with two sliding d...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Sideboards
Materials
Walnut
Rare Sideboard No.119 by Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Munich, DE
In my opinion the nicest sideboard of Florence Knoll. wonderful clear lines and a elegant touch.
does have a real back and can be used as room divider.
Category
1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Sideboards
Materials
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Sideboard, Aluminium and Wood, 1960s
By Florence Knoll
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Sideboard, Aluminium and Wood, 1960s
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Sideboards
Materials
Aluminum
Double-Decker Sideboard by Florence Knoll for Knoll International
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Beerse, VAN
Beautiful and extremely rare double-decker sideboard designed by female designer Florence Knoll. She designed a series of these sideboards in the early 1950s, which were produced unt...
Category
1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Sideboards
Materials
Leather, Formica, Walnut
Florence Knoll Mid-Century Walnut and Chrome Credenza
By Florence Knoll
Located in Countryside, IL
Florence Knoll mid-century walnut and chrome credenza.
This credenza measures: 74.5 wide x 18 deep x 25.75 inches high.
All pieces of furniture ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Sideboards
Materials
Chrome
Model 116 Sideboard with Raffia Doors Designed by Florence Knoll in the 1950s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Antwerpen, Antwerp
Decorative sideboard model 116 designed by Florence Knoll in the early fifties for Knoll associates. Florence Knoll studied architecture under Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Eliel Saar...
Category
1950s Central American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Sideboards
Materials
Raffia, Wood
Credenza with Cane Doors and Black Laminate Case by Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll
Located in Dorchester, MA
This sideboard exemplifies Florence Knoll's classic clean-lined aesthetic. The black laminate case sits on a steel base and features handsome cane sliding doors with leather pulls. I...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Sideboards
Materials
Steel
Florence Knoll Sideboard Model 116 with Seagrass Sliding Doors
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sideboard model 116 designed by Florence Knoll in 1948 for Knoll International, USA. Early edition in teak wood with original seagrass covered sliding doors ...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Sideboards
Materials
Metal
Sideboard Model 116 by Florence Knoll Bassett for Knoll International, 1950s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Lasne, BE
Sideboard with two sliding doors upholstered in elm wood cord with leather handles. Adjustable intermediate boards. Wear due to time and age of the sideboard.
Category
1950s Central American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Sideboards
Materials
Metal
Modernist Teak & Bast Sideboard by Florance Knoll 1960s
By Florence Knoll
Located in St-Brais, JU
A classic modernist design sideboard by Florence Knoll, Model 116 for Knoll International - this version was produced in 1968 by Knoll International in Stuttgart.
It features the...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Sideboards
Materials
Teak
Sideboard Credenza Florence Knoll with Sliding Doors Sea Grass Knoll 1960's
By Florence Knoll
Located in Köln, NRW
Sideboard credenza (Mod. 123) by Florence Knoll with sliding doors sea grass.
Produced by Knoll International, 1960s.
Frame steel lacquered black, body wood ash, sliding doors sea ...
Category
1960s German Vintage Florence Knoll Sideboards
Materials
Metal
Modernist Sideboard by Florance Knoll 1960s
By Florence Knoll
Located in St-Brais, JU
A classic modernist design sideboard by Florence Knoll, Model 116 for Knoll International - this version was produced in 1968 by Knoll International in Stuttgart.
It features the t...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Sideboards
Materials
Teak
Sideboard in East Indian Rosewood & Seagrass by Florence Knoll, Designed 1947
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
Rare & beautiful, sideboard by Florence Knoll, designed in 1947, this model in East Indian Rosewood & Raffia, is executed in 1952 in very small ed...
Category
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Sideboards
Materials
Leather, Raffia, Rosewood
Sideboard 541 by Florence Knoll Bassett for Knoll International, 1950s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Lasne, BE
Wooden sideboard with 4 doors containing 2 drawers, 2 shelves and a large shelf by Florence Knoll. The handles are in metal. Wear due to time and age of the sideboard.
Category
1950s Central American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Sideboards
Materials
Metal
Double Wall Wardrobe by Florence Knoll for Knoll International, Germany, 1960
By Florence Knoll
Located in Oostrum-Venray, NL
Double wall wardrobe by Florence Knoll for Knoll International, Germany, 1960.
Beautiful wall cabinet made by Knoll International, see also the sticker in the photo.
These ca...
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Sideboards
Materials
Leather, Wood
Floating Sideboard Seagras Florence Knoll International Mid Century Model 123
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Berlin, BE
Extremely rare wall-hung sideboard (Mod°123) by Florence Knoll produced by Knoll International Stuttgart in 1952.
The sliding doors are woven with seagrass.
The body is made of walnu...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Sideboards
Materials
Seagrass, Walnut
Florence Knoll Seagrass Sideboard Model 116
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Munich, DE
Sideboard model 116 designed by Florence Knoll in 1948 for Knoll International, USA. The sliding doors are woven with Seagrass, a beautiful warm and subtle detail. Stitched leather s...
Category
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Sideboards
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Sideboard 116 by Florence Knoll for Knoll International, 1952
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Sideboard by Florence Knoll for Knoll International, 1952. Veneered with maple wood with characteristic handles from brown leather. The sliding doors are covered with coarse, bright ...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Sideboards
Materials
Steel
Florence Knoll sideboards for sale on 1stDibs.
Florence Knoll sideboards are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Florence Knoll sideboards, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original sideboards by Florence Knoll were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider sideboards by Dunbar, Edward Wormley, and Drexel. Prices for Florence Knoll sideboards can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,481 and can go as high as $14,477, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $9,902.
Creators Similar to Florence Knoll
Questions About Florence Knoll Sideboards
- Who is Florence Knoll?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Florence Knoll was an architect and furniture designer who greatly influenced mid-century design. She established the furniture company Knoll, Inc., which continues to manufacture pieces inspired by her designs. Knoll died on January 25, 2019, at the age of 101. Find a collection of Florence Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
- Where does Florence Knoll live?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Florence Knoll lived in the U.S. throughout her life. She was born in Saginaw, Michigan, on May 24, 1917, and she died in Coral Gables, Florida, on January 25, 2019. From 1940 to 1941, she attended the Chicago Armour Institute in Chicago, Illinois. After that, she lived and worked in New York City for many years. On 1stDibs, find a range of Florence Knoll furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To pronounce Florence Knoll, say "FLO-rens Noll." The "K" in the designer's last name is silent. Florence Knoll's maiden name was Florence Marguerite Schust, pronounced "shusht." She changed her name after marrying Hans Knoll in 1946. Find a range of Florence Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Florence Knoll made a number of well-known furniture designs and founded the company Knoll, Inc. Some of her most acclaimed pieces include the Florence Knoll lounge chair, the Florence Knoll sofa, the Florence Knoll bench and the Florence Knoll settee. Shop a variety of Florence Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022No, Florence Knoll didn't usually put a number on her pieces. To identify Florence Knoll furniture, look for a tag or mark that bears the name "Knoll" or "Knoll, Inc." On chairs, the labels are usually on the bottom cushion. On 1stDibs, find a collection of expertly vetted Florence Knoll furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024What Florence Knoll called the Womb chair after it was created is unknown. However, its creator Eero Saarinen stated that Knoll inspired him to make the piece by asking him to design the most comfortable chair ever, saying specifically that she wanted something that felt like "a basket full of pillows." Presented with the challenge, Saarinen went primal. What, the designer figured, better signifies the very essence of comfort than the womb? "It was designed on the theory that a great number of people have never really felt comfortable and secure since they left the womb,” the designer said of his chair. Find a selection of vintage Womb chairs on 1stDibs.
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