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.
Florence Knoll 6-Drawer Double Dresser in Teak with Satin Nickel Base 1960s
By Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A classic example of Florence Knoll’s disciplined modernism, this six-drawer double dresser dates to the 1960s and reflects her commitment to clean lines, proportion, and functional ...
Teak
Florence Knoll 2547 Rosewood Credenza, Chrome Base and Nero Port Laurent Marble
By Florence Knoll
Located in Seattle, WA
This is a '4-Position' Credenza, model 2547, originally designed by Florence Knoll in 1961 as part of her innovative approach to commercial interior design. The elegant design exudes...
Marble, Chrome
Pair of Vintage Eero Saarinen Tulip Swiveling Stools for Knoll
By Eero Saarinen, Florence Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Metal
Florence Knoll Sofa. Expertly redone in Charcoal Robert Allen Chenille Fabric.
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Kansas City, MO
Armless Florence Knoll parallel bar sofa expertly reupholstered in Robert Allen Chenille fabric. Charcoal gray. Beautiful and comforta...
Steel, Chrome
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
Stunning Mid century Oak Office Credenza Sideboard by Florence knoll
By Florence Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Mid Century Florence knoll Oak credenza. Featuring (6) drawers on the left and (1) cabinet door on the right with 2 adjustable shelves. The credenza sits on chrome square b...
Chrome, Steel
Very Rare Short Florence Knoll Wenge Sideboard by Knoll International, 1960s
By Florence Knoll
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
We have two in the same wenge wood finish on offer. One small and one large. Here you bid on the smaller one. This one has a beautiful grain. Minor signs of use, all within the norm...
Metal, Chrome
$3,080Sale Price|43% Off
Florence Knoll Mid-Century Modern Oval Marble Top Chrome Dining Conference Table
By Florence Knoll
Located in Dayton, OH
An iconic Florence Knoll dining / conference table or desk. Features a beautiful oval Marquina marble top over a chrome plated steel tripod base, circa 1960s.
Marble, Chrome
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
Mid century Black Lacquer Florence Knoll office Cabinet Credenza leather pulls
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Knoll all black small credenza - Beautiful practical credenza for living or office space. Has (2) front Sliding doors with leather pulls that reveal two adjustable shelves, one on ea...
Leather, Oak, Lacquer
Early MODERNIST Lounge Chair designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll 1940s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early production,, late 1940's iconic modernist club chair designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll A ( Park Ave ). in good, clean, ready to use (original) condition, minor wear consist...
Fabric, Teak, Walnut
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
Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Green Verde Marble Top Credenza or Cabinet
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek modern classic cabinet designed by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll. It features a dark mahogany case, stainless steel legs and a rare gree...
Marble, Stainless Steel
Restored Vintage Carrara Marble and Rosewood Florence Knoll Credenza
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage, circa 1970s, restored rosewood credenza with original white carrara marble top on chrome legs with chromed pulls. Restoration includes light sanding, staining, satin laquer ...
Steel, Chrome
1970's Midcentury Modern Design Credenza by Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Midcentury Modern Design Credenza by Florence Knoll for Knoll International. Made in the 1970's period. Made in the USA or in Italy for Knoll International. A design classic ...
Carrara Marble, Metal
Florence Knoll Sofa Knoll International 3 Seater Knoll International Model 26
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Berlin, BE
Authentic mid-century collectible with documented provenance: This spacious Florence Knoll Model 26-3KC sofa was produced in the 1960s and upholstered in an exceptionally high-qualit...
Steel, Chrome
Vintage Joe D’urso for Knoll Dining Table
By Joe D'Urso, Florence Knoll
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This iconic dining table, designed by Joseph Durso for Knoll International, is a masterclass in minimalist design and the "High Tech" aesthetic of the 1980s. Featuring a sleek, circu...
Steel, Chrome
Florence Knoll Oval Dining Table Marble Knoll International
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Berlin, BE
Oval dining table by Florence Knoll with a beautiful black Nero Marquina marble top. Dimensions: 244 cm wide, 137 cm deep. The tabletop, crafted from elegant Nero Marquina marble wit...
Marble, Steel, Chrome
Early Florence Knoll Credenza in Rosewood with Calacatta Gold Marble Top
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in St. Louis, MO
Florence Knoll credenza in rosewood, drawer fronts are book matched with original beautiful Gold Calacatta marble top. The 10 drawer Rosewood cabinet has been restored, chrome pulls ...
Metal
Florence Knoll for Knoll Mid-Century Modern Sofa in Fuchsia
By Florence Knoll, 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
$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
Florence Knoll for Knoll International Sofa c 1950/60's
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Incredible Mid Century classic sofa, designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International ( Knoll Park Ave ). This iconic sofa displays all the sophistication, quality and beauty expec...
Chrome
Florence Knoll for Knoll international Oval Desk with Drawer in Walnut 1960
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Florence Knoll for Knoll International Oval Desk with Drawer in Walnut, 1960 Iconic International Style design inspired by Mies van der Rohe. Material: Walnut oval surface, chrome-pl...
Steel
Florence Knoll for Knoll International Sofa in Teak and Grey Upholstery
By Florence Knoll
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Florence Knoll for Knoll International, sofa, model '2557', fabric, teak, 1955 This sofa model 2557 is designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International in 1955. This sofa is simpl...
Fabric, Teak
Florence Knoll Walnut Sideboard Mid Century Modern Executive Boardroom Storage
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Dronten, NL
Beautiful Florence Knoll cabinet by Knoll International. The dark European walnut contrasts elegantly with the chromed steel frame and door handles. Ample shelving in matching walnut...
Steel, Chrome
SOLD 03/24/26 Florence Knoll Mid Century Walnut and Chrome Dining Table
By Florence Knoll
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Florence Knoll Mid Century Walnut and Chrome Dining Table This dining table measures: 78 wide x 48 deep x 28 inches high, with a chair clearance of 26.75 inches Excellent Vintage C...
Chrome
Knoll Credenza in Rosewood and Marble
By Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a rare Knoll rosewood and marble credenza, model 2544, first designed by Florence Knoll in 1961 as part of her new approach to commercial interior design. This is an early ...
Rosewood
1960s Florence Knoll Brazilian Rosewood Ten-Drawer Credenza
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant and architecturally refined, this 1960s credenza designed by Florence Knoll exemplifies the restrained sophistication that defined the golden era of modern residentail and co...
Steel
Restored Vintage Florence Knoll Oval Top Rosewood Dining or Conference Table
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in St. Louis, MO
Restored Mid-Century Modern vintage Florence Knoll oval top dining table / conference or desk in rare book matched rosewood veneer on chrome star...
Chrome
Florence Knoll Dining Table for Roche Bobois - 1960s
By Florence Knoll, Roche Bobois
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Measures : 188x107,5cm H:73,5cm Materials : Arabescato marble - Chrome This magnificent table was designed by pioneering American designer and entrepreneur Florence Knoll. She crea...
Marble, Chrome
Warren Platner for Knoll Writing Desk in Oak and Black Leather
By Florence Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Warren Platner for Knoll, writing desk, oak, chrome-plated steel, black leather, United States, 1970s. This writing table with two drawers and an extendable panel was designed by W...
Steel
Florence Knoll Rosewood Dining Conference Table, 96", Oval
By Florence Knoll
Located in Toledo, OH
Florence Knoll Rosewood table. This table is 96" long, so it would be great as a dining table or as a conference room table. Oval shape and would ...
Rosewood
$2,280Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century T Angle Walnut Panel coffee table or bench by Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century T Angle Walnut Panel coffee table or bench by Florence Knoll. Made if T angle Iron frame painted black with (3) Walnut panel panels. Made in USA Circa 1950. Very clean re...
Iron
Monumental Florence Knoll Bench or Coffee Table
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Custom unique Florence Knoll bench for Knoll is black leather and chrome frame. Amazing opportunity to own a one of a kind piece. This bench can also make a great soft ottoman.
Steel, Chrome
Hanging Drop Front Knoll Cabinet c. 1960s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Oakland, CA
Florence Knoll walnut hanging cabinet with off white lacquered drop front doors with black leather pulls for Knoll circa 1960s. This cabinet was purchased from the original owner who...
Leather, Glass, Walnut, Paint
Florence Knoll Mid Century Teak and Chrome File Credenza
By Florence Knoll
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Florence Knoll Mid Century Teak and Chrome File Credenza This credenza measures: 74.5 wide x 18 deep x 26 inches high Good Vintage Condition - Gentle Wear on Top Surface and Sides....
Chrome
$4,250 / item
Midcentury Florence Knoll Cabinet Rare Ash Wood
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful and practical credenza for living or office space. Sliding door with leather pulls reveal two file cabinets, 4 drawers and adjustable shelves. Perfect for your storage need...
Chrome
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
$12,000 / item
Florence Knoll Four Position Rosewood Credenza
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Highland, IN
A classic design by Florence Knoll, the 'four position' credenza is an elegant cabinet appointed with many refined details. Supported by a polished chrome steel base, the case is ven...
Marble, Steel
Florence Knoll Walnut & Chrome Oval Dining Conference Table
By Florence Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Florence Knoll Walnut & Chrome Oval Dining Conference Table. Excellent vintage condition with age appropriate wear. Walnut top has been professionally refinished.
Steel
Mid-Century Button-Tufted Black Leather Armless 3-Seat Sofa
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century (Knoll style) armless black leather 3-seat sofa with chrome steel base and classic button-tufted leather seat & back Light wear, consistent with use.
Steel
Masterfully Restored Florence Knoll 1960s Model 2480 Oval Table Desk in Rare Oak
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in TORQUAY, AU
Masterfully Restored Florence Knoll Model 2480 Oval Table Desk in Rare Oak, USA, c. 1961 This Model 2480 oval table is a quintessential example of Florence Knoll's project-driven ge...
Steel, Chrome
$10,000Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Rosewood Oval Dining/Conference Table by Florence Knoll, c1960s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Introducing a stunning mid-century modern oval dining table designed by the legendary Florence Knoll for Knoll, dating back to the 1960s. This exquisite piece showcases an insane gra...
Rosewood
Early Pair of Florence Knoll No. 126 Louvered 4-Drawer Cabinets, Late 1940s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Made in the early 1940s in New York City, this pair of cabients was designed by Florence Knoll, widely regarded today as one of the most prolfic Knoll designers. Initially getting he...
Maple
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Oval Executive Desk & Table by Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll
Located in Stafford, TX
Versatile table designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International in the United States circa 1960s. This iconic design features a solid oval walnut wood top that sits over a chromed...
Chrome
Rare Florence Knoll Model 65 Slipper Lounge Chair, 1956
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Dronten, NL
Slipper chair designed in 1955 by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll International. Rare Model No. 65, only produced from 1955-1973. We bought this chair directly from the family ...
Chrome
$6,577Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of 1st edition easy chairs 25 BC by Florence Knoll in velvet, 1950s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in The Hague, NL
Beautiful set of club chairs, designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International. The chairs have been newly upholstered and covered in cotton velvet. Literature: Knoll Furniture 19...
Stainless Steel
A Florence Knoll Walnut and Chrome Oval Dining Table by G.M. Proctor & Sons
By Florence Knoll
Located in San Francisco, CA
of sturdy construction consisting of a solid oval walnut top in a chevron pattern resting on a chrome quadruped base; a versatile piece that can be used as a desk, conference table o...
Walnut
Carrara Marble Florence Knoll Table Lamp Model 180
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Utrecht, NL
Carrara marble square base table lamp model 180 by Florence Knoll. Edited by Knoll International during the 1960's. Lamp is equipped with its original shade which has been reuphol...
Marble, Carrara Marble
$19,800 / set
Florence Knoll Armchairs in Pierre Frey Teddy Mohair
By Florence Knoll
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
These are so beautiful and so comfortable. We love the architectural lines and geometric profile of this iconic Florence Knoll design. This pair is an early example with the walnut l...
Mohair, Walnut
$2,114Sale Price|50% Off
Rare No. 33 Sofa by Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll
Located in Munich, DE
Seldom seen 3-seat version of an iconic design by Florence Knoll.
Velvet
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 stripes by Maharam, with new foam. The chrome base shows its age and has some chrome l...
Chrome
Florence Knoll - Vintage Sofa Knoll International, Mid-Century Modern 1954
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Vintage sofa by Florence Knoll, designed in 1954 for Knoll International – a true icon of modernist furniture and architectural elegance. With its clean lines, balanced proportions, ...
Steel, Chrome
Wall Mount Cabinet Model 123 W-1, Florence Knoll, Knoll Associates, USA, 1950s
By Florence Knoll
Located in Deland, FL
This iconic Mid-Century Modern wall mount cabinet, Model 123 W-1, designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates in the 1950s, exemplifies sophisticated American design. Featuring a...
Walnut
Knoll Saarinen Armchair Light Gray With Chrome Base Set of 5
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Bensalem, PA
Nice set of 5 modern Knoll Saarinen armchairs please feel free to reach out with any questions
Chrome
Florence Knoll Sofa in Patterned Dedar Jacquard Velvet, De Coene, Belgium, 1950s
By Florence Knoll, De Coene Frères, Dedar
Located in The Hague, NL
A rare three-seat sofa designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International and produced by De Coene in the late 1950s. From 1954 onwards, the renowned Belgian manufacturer De Coene pr...
Steel
Florence Knoll Mid Century Teak Triple Dresser
By Florence Knoll
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Florence Knoll Mid Century Teak Triple Dresser This dresser measures: 109.75 wide x 19.25 deep x 28.75 inches high Great Vintage Condition - Very Gentle Wear Throughout Acts as a N...
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Early Knoll Walnut 2-Door Credenza
By Florence Knoll
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Diminutive credenza from the early 1950s. Walnut top is new veneer replacing worn Formica. Leather pulls a signature Florence Knoll design mark. Two sliding doors open to reveal two ...
Steel
Knoll T Angle Side Table by Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very nice simple side table with satin black T angled steel frame and with a white Laminate top . A very early production piece having the big fabric label to the bottom from Knoll...
Steel
$9,396Sale Price / item|25% Off
Florence Knoll Model 116 Sideboard Seagras Knoll International 50s Mid Century
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Berlin, BE
No description provided
Seagrass, Nutwood
$7,680Sale Price|20% Off
Florence Knoll Eight-Drawer Credenza in Teakwood
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Florence Knoll Eight-Drawer Credenza in Teakwood, features Notch pulls with chrome details, Four file drawers and Four pencil drawers, chrome plated adjustable feet, with lock. [Kno...
Chrome
$3,500 / item
2 Florence Knoll Upholstered Benches
By Florence Knoll
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
2 Florence Knoll benches Original red upholstery. Labeled Sold individually, price is for 1 bench.
Steel
Florence Knoll 2-Seater Sofa, Classic Mid Century Modern, Knoll
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage Florence Knoll 2 seater 'lounge series' sofa with original 2nd generation upholstery in a coarse woven off-white mottled wool fabric. This sofa d...
Chrome