$11,995
H 32 in W 90.5 in D 32 in
Early Florence Knoll Relaxed Sofa with Paul Smith Maharam Upholstery
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Raleigh, NC
A design classic by Florence Knoll. A stunning vintage example newly upholstered in Paul Smith
Chrome
Relax by Florence Knoll for Knoll
By Florence Knoll
Located in Milano, IT
The Florence Relax sofa by Florence Knoll for Knoll marked a turning point in American furniture
Metal
Knoll Florence Relaxed 3-Seater Sofa
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Miami, FL
Offered is a brand new, never used Knoll Florence Relaxed 3-Seater Sofa — an authentic original
Metal, Stainless Steel, Chrome
Knoll Florence Relaxed Two-Seater Sofa
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Miami, FL
Designed by Florence Knoll in 1954, this iconic two-seater reflects her architectural approach to
Metal, Stainless Steel, Chrome
$8,475
H 30 in W 84 in D 32 in
Modernist Biscuit Tufted 'Relaxed' Sofa in Holly Hunt Fabric by Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Florence Knoll, originating from the United States, Circa 2000. Featuring a chrome frame and supports in
Fabric
Florence Knoll Sofa with Down Cushions
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Beautiful Florence knoll Relaxed Sofa with custom cushions added. This sofa was purchased directly
Steel
Knoll Dusky Pink Fabric Relax Sofa by Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the Knoll Dusky Pink Fabric Relax Sofa, a timeless piece designed by the renowned
Fabric
Florence Knoll for Knoll Dusky Pink Fabric Relax Sofa
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Basildon, London
Originally designed by Florence Knoll in 1954, this sofa is a fantastic example of the modern
Fabric
Sold
H 32 in W 33 in D 32 in
Style of Florence Knoll Office Lounge Chair Relaxed Tuxedo Armchair 1950s Knoll
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Club Chair Florence Knoll Office Lounge Club Chair Relaxed Tuxedo Armchair Chrome Base Tan
Chrome
Sold
H 31.5 in W 63 in D 31.89 in
Pair of Knoll Studio Relax Sofa by Florence Knoll Beige Sand Leather
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Aachen, NW
These timeless iconic sofas were designed in 1954 by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 31.5 in W 90.56 in D 30.71 in
Knoll 3 Seater Relax Sofa by Florence Knoll Mid Brown Cognac 1970s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Aachen, NW
This timeless iconic sofa was designed in 1954 by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll in the 1970s
Stainless Steel
1950s Style of Knoll Office Club Chair Relaxed Tuxedo Armchair
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Attribution Knoll Industries 1950s Office Lounge Chair Relaxed Tuxedo Armchair Chrome Base Tan
Chrome
Florence Knoll for Knoll Beige Fabric Relaxed Three Seater Sofa
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Basildon, London
Originally designed by Florence Knoll in 1954, this sofa is a fantastic example of the modern
Fabric
Florence Knoll Relax Leather Three-Seat Sofa by Knoll Studio
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury
Florence Knoll relax leather three-seat sofa by Knoll Studio Stunning Florence Knoll for Knoll
Chrome
Florence Knoll Relax Leather Three-Seat Sofa by Knoll Studio
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury
Florence Knoll Relax leather three-seat sofa by Knoll Studio Stunning Florence Knoll for Knoll
Chrome
Sold
H 31.49 in W 32 in D 32.28 in
Florence Knoll Relax Leather Armchairs 1-Place, Pair by Knoll Studio, USA
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury
Florence Knoll relax leather armchairs pair by Knoll Studio A pair of '1-Place' one-seat sofas
Chrome
Sold
H 31.49 in W 32 in D 32.28 in
Florence Knoll Relax Leather Armchairs 1-Place Pair by Knoll Studio, USA
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury
Florence Knoll relax leather armchairs pair by Knoll Studio A pair of '1-Place' one seater sofas
Chrome
Florence Knoll Leather Sofa by Knoll Studio
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury
learned from her mentor, Mies van der Rohe. The elegant and refined Florence Knoll Relax 2-seat sofa
Chrome
Florence Knoll Leather Sofa by Knoll Studio
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury
learned from her mentor, Mies van der Rohe. The elegant and refined Florence Knoll Relax 2-seat sofa
Chrome
Florence Knoll Leather Sofa by Knoll Studio
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury
learned from her mentor, Mies van der Rohe. The elegant and refined Florence Knoll Relax 2
Chrome
Sold
H 16.54 in W 60.24 in D 15.75 in
Relax 3-seater leather bench by Florence Knoll for Knoll International 2000s
By Florence Knoll
Located in Sas van Gent, NL
Classic design by Florence Knoll, a Relax three-seat bench by Knoll studio finished in Volo leather
Steel, Chrome
Knoll International & Florence Knoll Banc relax
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Designed by Florence Knoll in 1954, this bench is featured in the collection that bears her name
Leather
$17,117 / item
H 53.15 in W 125.99 in D 59.06 in
Oval Brass and Parchment Chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires
By Diego Mardegan
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Beautiful chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires, this other version of the spider chandelier has longer arms on the sides giving the oval shape. The metal arms paint...
Metal, Brass
$4,900 / item
H 34 in W 86 in D 42 in
Custom Made Modern English Arm Sofa in Performance Linen Velvet - 86"
By Bloom Home Inc
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
This beautiful english arm sofa has a modern twist, with its single bench cushion, and beautiful curved apron sides. It’s upholstered in a Linen Velvet Performance fabric. Shown in...
Linen, Velvet
Post Modern Sofa by Robert and Trix Haussmann for Knoll 1980's
By Knoll, Robert and Trix Haussmann
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Post Modern sofa designed by Robert and Trix Haussmann for Knoll as part of The Lounge Seating series, circa 1980's. The upholstered box form sofa rests on an aluminum ...
Aluminum
$4,160Sale Price|20% Off
H 26.5 in W 115 in D 35 in
Wonderful 2 Piece Harvey Probber Sectional Sofa Mid-century
By Harvey Probber
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful 2 piece signed Harvey Probber sectional sofa. This piece is in vintage condition with it's original floral tapesty fabric which does show wear. This sofa will definitely n...
Upholstery
$6,500
H 27.5 in W 78 in D 47.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Oval Dining Table or Desk by Florence Knoll in Carrara Marble
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An elegant executive table designed by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll. It features a beautiful polished white & gray Carrara marble top and a chrome-plated star base. This ...
Marble, Chrome
$2,500 / item
H 29 in Dm 19 in
Organic Modern Small Table Lamp Natural Wood Handmade Ivory Fluted Shade
By Isabel Moncada
Located in San Antonio, TX
PATA DE ELEFANTE SMALL table lamp was designed for the Atomic collection by Mexican artist Isabel Moncada. Named Pata de Elefante –Elephant's Foot– for the prominent shape at its ba...
Wood, Fabric, Linen, Fiberglass
Murano Sputnik Spherical Green Glass and Brass Chandelier
Located in Roma, Lazio
A fantastic emerald green sputnik, with a surprising design and for its very low height, which allows it to fit in both high and low ceilings. Very elegant, it will furnish and decor...
Brass
$1,800Sale Price|50% Off
H 30 in W 89 in D 32 in
Mid century Florence Knoll Sofa #57 Parallel Bar System - needs upholstery
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage circa 1960 Midcentury Florence Knoll Parallel Bar System sofa Model #57 three-seat sofa with arms. Designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll Int. USA. Solid Steel frame and is in ...
Steel
Florence Knoll for Knoll Mid-Century Modern Sofa in Fuchsia
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An iconic sofa designed by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll in the early 1960s. It features a stainless steel frame with fuchsia tweed upholstery.
Stainless Steel
Amuneal's Brass Pantry Cabinetry
By Amuneal
Located in New York, NY
Amuneal's Brass Pantry Cabinetry, part of our metal Kitchen Collection, is designed as a feature element for any space. The three doors on the upper cabinets are fabricated with a kn...
Brass
$13,861 / item
H 49.22 in Dm 70.87 in
Brass and Parchment Paper Chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires
By Diego Mardegan
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Impressive chandelier made of white enameled brass arms holding six beautiful parchment paper shades, which can be adjusted thanks to the handle of each socket. Signed by the arti...
Brass
$22,000
H 100.4 in W 231.5 in D 19.3 in
George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS Modular Wall Unit in Walnut & Aluminum
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nelson for Herman Miller, modular wall unit model 'CSS', walnut, aluminium, glass, United States, 1959 Herman Miller introduced George Nelson’s Comprehensive Storage System (...
Aluminum
Knoll Pfister Black Leather Sofa, 1971
By Charles Pfister, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Knoll Pfister Black Leather Sofa, 1971. Original leather
Leather
$3,087Sale Price|35% Off
H 30.25 in W 29.5 in D 30 in
Midcentury Knoll Barcelona Chair in Special Order Stainless Steel
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Authentic Midcentury Modern Barcelona Chair by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll – Premium Stainless Steel Version Offered for sale is an iconic Barcelona Chair, designed by Ludwig Mies ...
Stainless Steel
1950's Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Sofa
By Paul McCobb
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage Mid-Century Modern couch for sale. Manufactured in the 1950's, and is an original Paul McCobb piece with the original fabric. It's in need of reupholstery. We had the legs re...
Fabric, Wood
$3,852Sale Price|20% Off
H 30.71 in W 84.65 in D 31.5 in
1960s three-seater sofa by OPE Möbler, Sweden
By OPE Möbler
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
A striking 1960s three-seater sofa in rich brown leather, produced by OPE Möbler, Sweden. This elegant piece exemplifies Scandinavian modern design, where refined craftsmanship meets...
Chrome
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.
Black leather, silk velvet cushions, breathable bouclé fabric — when shopping for antique or vintage sofas, today’s couch connoisseurs have much to choose from in terms of style and shape. But it wasn’t always thus.
The sofa is typically defined as a long upholstered seat that features a back and arms and is intended for two or more people. While the term “couch” comes from the Old French couche, meaning to lie down, and sofa has Eastern origins, both are forms of divan, a Turkish word that means an elongated cushioned seat. Bench-like seating in Ancient Greece, which was padded with soft blankets, was called klinai. No matter how you spell it, sofa just means comfort, at least it does today.
In the early days of sofa design, upholstery consisted of horsehair or dried moss. Sofas that originated in countries such as France during the 17th century were more integral to decor than they were to comfort. Like most Baroque furnishings from the region, they frequently comprised heavy, gilded mahogany frames and were upholstered in floral Beauvais tapestry. Today, options abound when it comes to style and material, with authentic leather offerings and classy steel settees. Plush, velvet chesterfields represent the platonic ideal of coziness.
Vladimir Kagan’s iconic sofa designs, such as the Crescent and the Serpentine — which, like the sectional sofas of the 1960s created by furniture makers such as Harvey Probber, are quite popular among mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts — showcase the spectrum of style available to modern consumers. Those looking to make a statement can turn to Studio 65’s lip-shaped Bocca sofa, which was inspired by the work of Salvador Dalí. Elsewhere, the furniture of the 1970s evokes an era when experimentation ruled, or at least provided a reason to break the rules. Just about every area of society felt a sudden urge to be wayward, to push boundaries — and buttons. Vintage leather sofas of that decade are characterized by a rare blending of the showy and organic.
With so many options, it’s important to explore and find the perfect furniture for your space. Paying attention to the lines of the cushions as well as the flow from the backrest into the arms is crucial to identifying a cohesive new piece for your home or office.
Fortunately, with styles from every era — and even round sofas — there’s a luxurious piece for every space. Deck out your living room with an Art Deco lounge or go retro with a nostalgic '80s design. No matter your sitting vision, the right piece is waiting for you in the expansive collection of unique sofas on 1stDibs.