Sofa by Florence Knoll Bassett for Knoll
By Florence Knoll
Located in MADRID, ES
Sofa model ’67C’ designed by Florence Knoll and manufactured by Knoll International. Chromed steel
Steel
$10,237
H 18.12 in W 72.05 in D 16.15 in
Sideboard by Florence Knoll Bassett for Knoll International, 1950s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in bruxelles, BE
Wall-mounted sideboard with two sliding doors lined with fabric and leather handles by Florence
Leather, Wood
$8,095
H 25.6 in W 75.2 in D 18.12 in
Credenza Sideboard by Florence Knoll Bassett for Knoll Inc, 1960s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in bruxelles, BE
Black wooden sideboard with metal legs and marble top, featuring 4 doors and 8 height-adjustable shelves. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Marble, Metal
$10,237
H 31.11 in W 72.05 in D 18.12 in
Sideboard Model 116 by Florence Knoll Bassett for Knoll International, 1950s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in bruxelles, BE
Sideboard with two sliding doors upholstered in canvas with leather handles. Adjustable intermediate boards. Wear due to time and age of the sideboard. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR R...
Metal
$3,514Sale Price|40% Off
H 29.53 in W 24.41 in D 25.6 in
Lounge Chair Model 31 by Florence Knoll Bassett for Knoll International Set of 2
By Florence Knoll
Located in Kelkheim (Taunus), HE
Florence Marguerite Knoll Basset was one of the most renowned American designers and architects of
Metal
Original Florence Knoll Sessel Modell 65a Knoll Intenational
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
stammt von Florence Knoll Bassett und ist bekannt unter der Modellbezeichnung 65a. In unseren anderen
Steel
Early Production Florence Knoll End or Occasional Table Knoll, New York
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
, retains early Knoll label. Florence Knoll Bassett (born May 24, 1917) is an American architect and
Stainless Steel
$5,714 / set
H 16.74 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in
Pair of coffee tables-ends of sofa, by Florence Knoll, Knoll Intl, circa 1960
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Paris, FR
Knoll, United States (1917-2019) Florence Knoll Bassett (born Florence Marguerite Schust in Saginaw
Marble, Metal, Chrome
$14,285
H 28.35 in W 90.56 in D 31.5 in
Large three-seater sofa, by Florence Knoll, Knoll International, circa 1970
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Paris, FR
height: 58 cm (22.8 inches) Total height: 72 cm (28.35 inches) Biography Florence Knoll Bassett (born
Steel, Chrome
$6,190 / set
H 30.71 in Dm 17.52 in
Pair of black marble lamps with sliding shade by F.Knoll, Knoll Intl, circa 1960
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Paris, FR
inches) Biography: Florence Knoll, United States (1917-2019) Florence Knoll Bassett (born Florence
Marble, Metal, Steel, Chrome
$6,666Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 31.5 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
Pair of 1st edition easy chairs 25 BC by Florence Knoll in velvet, 1950s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in The Hague, NL
Linda Rouland, A Schiffer Design Book, p.70 Florence Marguerite Knoll Bassett was an American
Stainless Steel
Unavailable
H 25.6 in W 37.41 in D 17.72 in
Executive Cabinet with Marble Top by Florence Knoll for Knoll Int., 1960s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Ixelles, Bruxelles
Designer - Florence Knoll Bassett Producer - Knoll Model - Executive Cabinet Design Period
Marble, Steel
Vintage Florence Knoll Credenza, 1961
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Art, Florence Knoll Bassett became a protegée of Eero Saarinen. She worked briefly for Walter Gropius
Steel
Unavailable
H 30.63 in W 17.25 in D 18.59 in
Set of 4 Custom 666 Side Chairs by Jens Risom for Knoll Associates, 1946
By Florence Knoll, Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Edinburgh, Scotland
Florence Knoll Bassett was first actively working at Knoll. It was during this time that Florence was known
Nylon, Beech
Living Room Set by Florence Knoll, USA, 1960
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Wilnis, UT
consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Florence Knoll Bassett (born May 24, 1917
Metal
Florence Knoll Marble & Teak Credenza, USA, 1970s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury
in Kensington London About the creator: Florence Marguerite Knoll Bassett (née Schust; May 24
Marble
Sold
H 31.11 in W 72.05 in D 18.12 in
Sideboard by Florence Knoll Bassett for Knoll International, 1950s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in bruxelles, BE
Florence Knoll. It contains 2 height-adjustable shelves on one side and 2 shelves and a drawer on the other
Metal
Sideboard by Florence Knoll Bassett for Knoll Inc, 1970s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in bruxelles, BE
Wooden sideboard with 4 doors. Foot in metal. Wear due to time and age of the sideboard.
Metal
Sideboard by Florence Knoll Bassett for Knoll Inc, 1960s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in bruxelles, BE
Sideboard made of wood, fabric, glass and metal legs. The handles of the doors are in leather. It has 2 sliding doors with one containing a drawer. There are 3 hinged doors, one cont...
Metal
Sold
H 27.96 in W 37.41 in D 18.12 in
Sideboard by Florence Knoll Bassett for Knoll International, 1950s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in bruxelles, BE
Sideboard with two doors, each containing a shelf. Elm wood cord. Wear due to time and age of the object.
Metal
Sideboard by Florence Knoll Bassett for Knoll Inc, 1970s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in bruxelles, BE
Sideboard in wood-marble and metal. Wear due to time and age of the sideboard. The key does not work. Stamped under the shelf (see photo).
Marble, Metal
Credenza Sideboard by Florence Knoll Bassett for Knoll, 1960s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in bruxelles, 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 For shipping, request us for receive the best price.
Marble, Metal
Sideboard by Florence Knoll Bassett for Knoll Inc, 1960s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in bruxelles, BE
sideboard in wood and with metal legs. The door handles are in leather. It has 2 sliding doors, each containing two shelves. Wear due to time and age of the sideboard
Metal
Sideboard by Florence Knoll Bassett for Knoll Inc, 1970s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in bruxelles, BE
Wooden sideboard with 5 drawers and metal legs. Wear due to time and age.
Metal
Sideboard by Florence Knoll Bassett for Knoll Inc, 1960s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in bruxelles, BE
Sideboard made of wood, fabric, glass and metal legs. The handles of the doors are in leather. It has 2 sliding doors with one containing a drawer. There are 3 hinged doors, one cont...
Metal
Sold
H 29.14 in W 75.2 in D 18.9 in
Sideboard 541 by Florence Knoll Bassett for Knoll International, 1950s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in bruxelles, BE
Wooden sideboard with 4 doors containing 2 drawers, 2 shelves and a large shelf by Florence Knoll
Metal
Sold
H 31.11 in W 72.05 in D 18.12 in
Sideboard Model 116 by Florence Knoll Bassett for Knoll International
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in bruxelles, BE
Elm wood stringcourse, stamped Knoll International. Small wear see photo. Wear due to time and age
Metal
Sold
H 21.66 in W 149.61 in D 15.95 in
Credenza Sideboard by Florence Knoll Bassett for Knoll Inc, 1970s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in bruxelles, BE
Black sideboard, Carrara marble shelf divided in 2 along the length. Metal structure for fixing the furniture to the wall provided. Wear due to time and age of the furniture.
Carrara Marble, Metal
Sold
H 25.6 in W 74.81 in D 17.72 in
Credenza Sideboard by Florence Knoll Bassett for Knoll Inc, 1970s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in bruxelles, BE
The sideboard has 4 doors and glass shelves and 2 drawers inside. Wear and tear due to time and age of the cabinet.
Marble, Metal
Sold
H 25.6 in W 74.81 in D 18.12 in
Credenza Sideboard by Florence Knoll Bassett for Knoll Inc, 1970s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in bruxelles, BE
The sideboard has 4 doors, a key and a glass shelf in between. Wear due to time and age of the sideboard.
Marble, Metal
Sold
H 31.11 in W 72.45 in D 18.12 in
Sideboard Model 116 by Florence Knoll Bassett for Knoll International, 1950s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in bruxelles, BE
Sideboard with two sliding doors upholstered in elm wood cord with leather handles and metal leg. It contains 2 adjustable height boards and a drawer. Wear and tear due to time and a...
Metal
Sold
H 28.75 in W 35.44 in D 18.51 in
Sideboard by Florence Knoll Bassett for Knoll International, 1960s, set of 2
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in bruxelles, BE
Set of 2 wooden sideboards with metal legs and 4 drawers. Wear due to time and age.
Metal
Florence Knoll Model 31 Lounge Chair
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in New Windsor, NY
Early Florence Knoll (Florence Knoll Bassett) designed Model 31 lounge chair, circa 1958-62. She
Steel
Florence Knoll T-Angle Side Table, circa 1950
By Florence Knoll
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
T-angle side table designed by Florence Knoll and manufactured by Knoll. Metal legs and Formica
Formica
Coffee Table by Florence Knoll for KnollStudio, USA, circa 1970
By Florence Knoll
Located in PARIS, FR
glass top. Biography : Florence Knoll Bassett (1917-2019) is an American architect, designer and
Steel
Sold
H 26.19 in W 35.83 in D 17.72 in
Florence Knoll seagrass two door credenza cabinet for Knoll international 1960's
By Florence Knoll
Located in London, GB
Door Cabinet designed by Florence Knoll, crafted by Knoll International in the 1960's. This iconic
Seagrass, Teak
Sold
H 25.5 in W 75 in D 18 in
Florence Knoll Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Marble Top Credenza Sideboard Cabinet
By Florence Knoll
Located in Dayton, OH
be used to lock the cabinet portion. Florence Marguerite Knoll Bassett (May 24, 1917 – January 25
Marble, Chrome
Sold
H 30.32 in W 61.82 in D 31.5 in
Two-seater sofa, Florence Knoll Bassett, Knoll International, 1954
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Torino, IT
Two-seater sofa, Florence Knoll Bassett, Knoll International, 1954
Silver Plate
Credenza Sideboard by Florence Knoll Bassett for Knoll Inc, 1970s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in bruxelles, BE
The sideboard has 4 doors and 2 shelves inside. Wear and tear due to time and age of the cabinet.
Metal
Florence Knoll Model 32 Sofa, 1954
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
This rare model 32 sofa is in used condition but still original. Designer: Florence Knoll
Metal
Florence Knoll Two-Seat Bench in Ivory Leather-Like New
By Florence Knoll
Located in San Francisco, CA
legs are polished chrome.) Creator designed by Florence Knoll Bassett for Knoll Date of manufacture
Chrome
Sold
H 25.5 in W 37.5 in D 18 in
Florence Knoll Mid Century Modern Rosewood Marble Top Console Credenza Cabinet
By Florence Knoll
Located in Dayton, OH
mechanism for the left half. Florence Marguerite Knoll Bassett (May 24, 1917 – January 25, 2019) was an
Marble, Chrome
Chaise Longue by Knoll
Located in London, London
Chrome and Eco Leather Chaise Longue for Knoll with original label. Florence Knoll
Chrome
Sold
H 15.75 in W 23.63 in D 17.72 in
Florence Knoll Bassett Nightstand, produced by Knoll International, Germany, 50s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Nightstand designed by Florence Knoll Bassett and produced by Knoll International in Germany in the
Metal
Florence Knoll Sofa
By Florence Knoll
Located in San Francisco, CA
Newly revitalized sofa designed by Florence Knoll Bassett (1917- ), reupholstered in Knoll Fabric
Chrome
Florence Knoll Acqua Leather Bench
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in San Francisco, CA
A Florence Knoll three-seat bench by Design Within Reach. Designed by Florence Knoll Bassett
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 25.6 in W 74.81 in D 17.72 in
Sideboard with Marble Top by Florence Knoll for Knoll International, 1960s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Ixelles, Bruxelles
Designer - Florence Knoll Bassett Producer - Knoll Model - Executive Sideboard Design Period
Marble, Steel
Sold
H 28.75 in W 32.29 in D 32.68 in
Pair of Florence Knoll Armchairs For Knoll International, 1970’s
By Florence Knoll
Located in PÉZENAS, FR
official The pair of lounge chair is really perfect now, Florence Knoll Bassett (born Florence
Chrome
Sold
H 30.32 in W 70.87 in D 17.72 in
Florence Knoll Teak Sideboard Bast Sliding Doors Knoll International
By Florence Knoll
Located in Hamburg, DE
Version with black metal legs, veneer in teak with bast sliding doors. Florence Knoll Bassett was an
Raffia, Teak
Sold
H 17.72 in W 70.87 in D 14.97 in
Florence Knoll Teak Wall Sideboard Bast Sliding Doors Knoll International
By Florence Knoll
Located in Hamburg, DE
-floating version, wall mounting, walnut veneer and bast sliding doors. Florence Knoll Bassett was an
Raffia, Walnut
Sold
H 30.32 in W 70.87 in D 17.72 in
Florence Knoll Rosewood Sideboard Bast Sliding Doors Knoll International + Cites
By Florence Knoll
Located in Hamburg, DE
are required to obtain this permit. Florence Knoll Bassett was an American architect and designer
Raffia, Teak
Sold
H 30.32 in W 70.87 in D 17.72 in
Florence Knoll Rosewood Sideboard Bast Sliding Doors Knoll International + Cites
By Florence Knoll
Located in Hamburg, DE
are required to obtain this permit. Florence Knoll Bassett was an American architect and designer
Raffia, Teak
Florence Knoll Lounge Chair for Knoll International, USA, 1960
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Wilnis, UT
A stunning lounge chair designed by Florence Knoll and manufactured by Knoll International in the
Chrome, Metal
Florence Knoll 25 BC Sofa for Knoll International, USA, 1950
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Wilnis, UT
minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Florence Knoll Bassett (born May
Chrome, Metal
Florence Knoll Parallel Bar Coffee Table, USA, 1950
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Wilnis, UT
wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Florence Knoll Bassett (born May 24
Metal
Sold
H 28.75 in W 24.41 in D 25.99 in
Set of Two Model 31 Easy Chairs by Florence Knoll for Knoll Int., circa 1960
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Wilnis, UT
beautiful patina. Florence Knoll Bassett (born May 24, 1917) is an American architect and furniture
Metal, Chrome
Florence Knoll Marble & Rosewood Credenza, Circa 1950s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury
, reserve now CITES certificate number 595970/01 About the creator: Florence Marguerite Knoll Bassett
Marble
Florence Knoll Marble & Rosewood Credenza, Circa 1950s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury
, reserve now CITES certificate number 595970/01 About the creator: Florence Marguerite Knoll Bassett
Marble
Florence Knoll Model 116 Walnut & Seagrass Credenza, USA, 1948
By Florence Knoll
Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury
with new cane to the doors, reserve now. About the creator: Florence Marguerite Knoll Bassett (née
Walnut
Vintage Marble-Top Florence Knoll Credenza
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
. Florence Knoll's designs are reserved and cool, severe and angular, reflecting the objective perfectionism
Marble, Steel
Knoll au Louvre Catalog 1972 Paris Exhibition Book
By Knoll
Located in Seguin, TX
Mies van der Rohe, Marcel Breuer, Florence Knoll Bassett, Eero Saarinen, Harry Bertoia, Hans Wegner
Paper
Sold
H 27.5 in W 17.75 in D 71.25 in
1960s Florence Knoll Credenza an Authentic Mid-Century Modern Classic - SALE!!
By Florence Knoll
Located in Santa Monica, CA
NEW Sale Price!!! 1960s Florence Knoll Credenza. This is an authentic mid-century modern classic
Chrome
$1,650 / item
H 16.1 in Dm 11.5 in
'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
By Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Glendale, CA
'Plissé White Edition' pleated textile table lamp by Folkform for Örsjö. This unique table lamp was awarded “Lighting of the Year 2022” by Residence Magazine Sweden, who called it “...
Textile
$2,121 / item
H 4.15 in W 5.35 in D 7.75 in
Hans-Agne Jakobsson 'Mini-Tratten' Verdigris Patinated Outdoor Sconce
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Glendale, CA
Hans-Agne Jakobsson 'Mini-Tratten' verdigris patinated outdoor sconce. An exclusive made for U.S. and UL listed authorized re-edition of the classic Swedish design executed in rich v...
Metal
$4,285
H 29.93 in W 70.87 in D 16.54 in
Mid-Century Sideboard from the "Arco" Series by Studio BBPR for Olivetti, Italy
By Olivetti
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century sideboard from the "Arco" series by Studio BBPR for Olivetti - Italy 1960s.
Metal
Danish Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Sideboard, 1960s
By Arne Vodder, Sibast
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Mid-Century Modern Low Rosewood sideboard, 1960s Beautiful Danish Modern low sideboard in minimalistic style attributed to Danish designer Arne Vodder for Sibast. Front with...
Rosewood
$2,000 / item
H 8.5 in Dm 17.5 in
Vintage Inspired Handcrafted Fluted Farmhouse Porcelain Pendant Light
By DBO Home
Located in Sharon, CT
Classic, elegant, with a perfectly imperfect touch. We just love our new porcelain Parasol Fluted Pendants. Inspired by a vintage pie cover, we designed them to hang over our kitchen...
Brass
$4,999
H 14.5 in W 59.5 in D 20 in
Large & Stylish Minimalist Coffee Table w. Stunning Black Slate Top & Iron Base
Located in Lisse, NL
Great looking. sleek design, long and practical, rectangular coffee table. This beautiful quality and lengthy coffee table is made of natural materials only and you could not wish f...
Slate, Wrought Iron
Petite Classic Knoll Credenza in Walnut and Cream Ca' 1950's
By Florence Knoll
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A Classic Florence Knoll for Knoll petite scale (36"W) credenza. Walnut with nice rich patina, cream colored, original fronts and leather tabs. Vintage circa 1950s with original Knol...
Wood
LU 3 Ceiling Light
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
LU 3 Ceiling Fixture is an all perforated brass ceiling fixture inspired by classical mid century Italian design. This stunning fixture has 3 beautifully fabricated perforated brass ...
Brass
$4,500 / item
H 36 in Dm 32.5 in
Glossy Cream Ceramic Lola Chandelier in Antique Brass 3-Arm 32.5" DIA
By Lostine
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Three antique brass patina arms curve up from a ceramic cluster dish to three tall stoneware ceramic shades in a glossy glaze with a subtle off-white hue. With a fixed black walnut o...
Brass
$16,190
H 36.23 in W 79.14 in D 20.48 in
Large sculpted diamond-shaped chestnut sideboard, Italy, 1940s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A large solid wood sideboard with four sculpted doors, in the style of Paolo Buffa, Italian Manufacture, 1940s The striking wood grain, running horizontally across the piece, combin...
Chestnut
$7,142
H 26.78 in W 74.02 in D 32.29 in
Scandinavian Sofa Modell 807 by Fredrik Kayser for Vatne Lenestolfabrikk A/S
By Fredrik A. Kayser, Vatne Møbler
Located in Karlstad, SE
Sofa model 807 by Fredrik Kayser for Vatne Lenestolfabrikk A/S, Norway. This high-quality sofa with timeless design is upholstered in cognac coloured leather with a beautiful natural...
Leather, Wood
1950s Mid Century Walnut Credenza by Florence Knoll
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century walnut credenza designed by Florence Knoll and manufactured by Knoll Associates Inc. circa 1950s. This exceptional piece showcases a gorgeous walnut frame supported by fo...
Chrome
Milo Baughman Modular Sofa
By Milo Baughman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Milo Baughman modular sofa with three sectionals in blue velvet. Allows flexibility to arrange in armless, corner units, or midsection configurations.
Upholstery, Velvet
Mid-Century Modern Sofa, Walnut Wood, Restored Fabric, USA, 1960s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful Mid-Century three seats sofa from the 1960s. This sofa is in excellent condition. It has been restored, (refinished and reupholstered). The fabric it is absolutely clean an...
Fabric, Wood, Walnut
$9,047
H 32.29 in W 94.49 in D 31.5 in
Wonderful No. 26 Sofa by Florence Knoll for Knoll International
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Munich, DE
Rare no.26 by florence knoll in showroom condition. Hardly used only re-upholstered and used one time for a photo shooting and very exclusive model redone with very cosy fabric in wa...
Metal
Florence Knoll Rosewood Credenza
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1960s featuring a finished back allowing this piece to work as a room divider if desired. There is some age-appropriate wear to the wood including minor scuffs and a spot of water...
Marble
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.
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.