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.
1960s Pair of Florence Knoll Parallel Bar Slipper Lounge Chairs in Bask Leather
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Florence Knoll Parallel Bar System Armless Slipper Lounge Chairs, Model 51, originally designed by Florence Knoll in 1955. These examples date to the 1960s and have...
Steel
Pair of black marble lamps with sliding shade by F.Knoll, Knoll Intl, circa 1960
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of lamps with a cylindrical base formed by a succession of black marble disks veined with white, from which rises a chrome-plated shaft supporting a white lacquered metal cap wi...
Marble, Metal, Steel, Chrome
$5,198
Florence Knoll Desk
By Florence Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Knoll International Planed Office Group double pedestal desk with modesty panel model 1503. Features five drawers one for files. Modesty pane...
Metal
1960s Queen Headboard, Model 740WP by Florence Knoll in Walnut & Laminate
By Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is the Model 740WP Queen Headboard, originally designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll. This particular example was produced in the 1960s. The design features a clean-lined walnut ...
Laminate, Walnut
Florence Knoll Walnut Dresser with Travertine Top
By Florence Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
A walnut chest of drawers with brushed steel base and travertine top. Designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll.
Travertine
1950s Florence Knoll Credenza in Black with Original Leather Pulls Model 541
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a 1950s Sliding Door Credenza in Black and White, Model 541, designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll Inc. circa 1949. The piece features an ebonized walnut case and has white la...
Steel
1960s Florence Knoll Marble and Chromed Steel Coffee Table 45x23"
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a coffee table, originally designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll in 1954. This particular example was produced in the United States during the 1960s. This table is an original...
Marble, Steel
Florence Knoll Chrome and Glass X Base Console Table, 1960
By Florence Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Florence Knoll chrome and glass console table, 1960. Glass is 1.25" thick and 60" long and 24" wide. Glass has surface scratching on the top.
Chrome
Florence Knoll T-Angle Marble Top Coffee/ Cocktail Table
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
Florence Knoll for Knoll International coffee table in white enameled steel and stunning white marble top,, Nice original condition. Looks as fresh today as the day it was designed,,...
Breccia Marble, Steel
Early Florence Knoll Teak Coffee Table
By Florence Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed to furnish the new interiors of postwar America, this table is a scaled-down translation of the lines, gestures and materials of modern architecture. Consistent with all of ...
Chrome
Florence Knoll two-seater sofa in mustard yellow leather, 1970
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
Bring timeless elegance into your interior with this iconic vintage two-seater sofa designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International in 1954. Manufactured in the early 1970s under ...
Chrome
1960s Florence Knoll 3-Drawer Walnut Dresser with White Marble Top 1x Available
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Florence Knoll Walnut 3-drawer dresser, designed by Florence Knoll in 1960 for Knoll International. The listed price includes one dresser and we have two available for purc...
Marble, Steel
Sideboard Model 116 by Florence Knoll Bassett for Knoll International, 1950s
By Knoll, Florence 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
Large three-seater sofa, by Florence Knoll, Knoll International, circa 1970
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Paris, FR
Large three-seater sofa, chrome steel frame, new foam padding for the upholstered seat and back cushions, new off-white rustic wool cover. Designed by Florence Knoll in 1954. Lenght:...
Steel, Chrome
1960s Florence Knoll Four Drawer Walnut Dresser Cabinet with Laminate Top
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Florence Knoll Walnut 4-drawer dresser, model 325, designed by Florence in 1960 for Knoll International. This example dates to the 1960s. The chest is comprised of a walnut...
Laminate, Walnut
Florence Knoll Museum Bench with Brown Fabric and Chrome Frame
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century rectangular museum bench with a brown fabric upholstered square channeled seat resting on a square chrome tube frame. (FLORENCE KNO...
Metal, Chrome
2010s Florence Knoll Two Seat Settee / Loveseat Sofa in Brown Leather
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a two-seater Florence Knoll Settee Sofa, Model 1205S2, originally designed by Florence Knoll in 1954. This example dates to the 2010s. The design features a square tufted bac...
Steel
$800Sale Price|20% Off
Tabouret modèle "75" de Florence knoll pour Knoll International, 1950
By Florence Knoll
Located in SAINT-SEVER, FR
Tabouret modèle "75" de Florence knoll pour Knoll International Florence KNOLL (1917-2019). Rationnel tabouret modèle "75" à assise circulaire en bois mélaminé noir, piétement tripode en tiges de métal cintrées laquées noir. Édition Knoll 1950...
Metal
1960s Florence Knoll Conference or Dining Table in Walnut / Steel 96 x 42 inches
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Walnut Conference or Dining Table, designed by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll in the USA in the 1960s. It has a hint of a surfboard shape (also called the boat shape)...
Steel
Florence Knoll Side or End Table by Knoll
By Florence Knoll
Located in Highland, IN
This great little table designed by Florence Knoll perfectly exhibits her highly refined design sensibility and the quality of vintage Knoll production. The round teak top is support...
Steel
1950s Florence Knoll Associates Three Seat Sofa Redone by East Penn Upholstery
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an original Florence Knoll three-seater sofa, designed by the renowned Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll Associates. This example was produced during the later ...
Steel
Florence Knoll Coffee Table, White Laminate, Black Steel Frame
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Kansas City, MO
Signed Florence Knoll cocktail table. Original white laminate and lacquered steel legs and frame. Very heavy duty construction and super durable.
Steel
T-Bar Walnut Coffee Table Bench by Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1960s. USA. Metal frame with walnuts tops.
Metal
Mid-Century Pair of Tufted Chrome Base Florence Knoll Club Chairs
By Florence Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of original Knoll club chairs with polished chrome bases designed by Florence Knoll, circa 1960s. Vintage condition with Knoll Associates Park Ave labels intact. Please confirm...
Upholstery
Florence Knoll for Knoll Mid Century Parallel Bar Coffee Table
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Florence Knoll for Knoll Mid Century Parallel Bar Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 42 wide x 42 deep x 16.25 inches high Great Vintage Co...
Metal
1960s Florence Knoll King Sized Headboard in Walnut and Laminate, Model 740 WP
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Model 740 WP King-sized headboard, designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates in 1956. This particular example dates to the 1960s. The piece has a frame of walnut and ...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Oval Dining Table by Florence Knoll, 1960s
By Florence Knoll
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Oval Dining Table by Florence Knoll, 1960s.
Wood
$9,500 / item
Parallel Bar Sofa by Florence Knoll for Knoll
By Florence Knoll
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A "parallel bar" frame sofa with a button tufted back on chromed steel legs.
Steel
1960s Florence Knoll T Angle 24 inch End / Side Table w/ Formica Top, Model 304
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Florence Knoll T Angle End Table, Model 304, originally designed in 1952. It features a square top with a walnut woodgrain laminate (formica) surface, and has black enamele...
Steel
1960s Florence Knoll Nightstand Bedside Table Walnut w/ Marble Top, Model 427IS
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a walnut bedside table, Model 327 IS, designed by Florence Knoll in 1956. This particular example dates to the 1960s and has a white marble top. The design features a walnut ...
Marble
$10,000Sale Price / set|23% Off
Florence Knoll Sofa Set
By Florence Knoll
Located in Munich, DE
an early and hard to find sofaset . complete restored to perfect condition !
Metal
1963 Florence Knoll "T" Angle Dining Table, Model 309 in White Laminate
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original T Angle dining table, Model 309, designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International in 1952. It features a square top of white laminate, and has black enameled st...
Steel
1960s Florence Knoll Walnut 5-Drawer Dresser with Marble Top, Model 326 2
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Florence Knoll Walnut 5-drawer dresser, model 326-2, designed by Florence Knoll in 1960 for Knoll International. This example dates to the 1960s. The chest features a highl...
Marble, Aluminum, Steel
$920Sale Price|20% Off
Nicos Zographos Bronze Base Coffee Table w/ Glass top
By Florence Knoll
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a classic design in the style of Florence Knoll. The steel is ebonized to create contrast. The linear design makes it a complement to any living room or office space.
Steel
1951 Florence Knoll Associates 42 inch Parallel Bar Series Coffee Table Walnut
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a very rare Parallel Bar Series coffee table produced by Knoll Associates and designed by Florence Knoll. This table was specified with a solid walnut top (a very ...
Metal
Mid-Century Patio Lounge Chairs Florence Knoll Richard Schultz
By Richard Schultz, Florence Knoll
Located in Baltimore, MD
Set of four patio lounge armchairs by famous designer Richard Schultz for Florence Knoll, made in the United States, circa 1960's. Superbly crafted, each features aluminum white pain...
Aluminum
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 frame and original fabric. Germany, 1950s. Length: 216cm Width: 65cm Height: 83cm ...
Steel
Pair of coffee tables-ends of sofa, by Florence Knoll, Knoll Intl, circa 1960
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of chrome-plated metal coffee tables with Calacatta marble tops and original varnish. Width: 60 cm (23.6 inches) Depth: 60 cm (23.6 inches) Height: 42.5 cm (16.7 inches) Biogra...
Marble, Metal, Chrome
1960s Florence Knoll T Angle 34-49 inch Extension Dining Table, Model 310
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Florence Knoll T Angle Extension Dining Table, Model 310, originally designed in 1954. This particular example retains its 320 Park Avenue label, dating it to the 1960s. It...
Steel
Florence Knoll Oval Top Rosewood and Chrome Dining Table
By Florence Knoll
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Florence Knoll Oval Top Rosewood and Chrome Dining Table This dining table measures: 78 wide x 48.25 deep x 28.25 inches high, with a chair clearance of 27.5 inches Good Vinta...
Chrome
1970s Florence Knoll International 6 Drawer Credenza Dresser with Marble Top
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a gorgeous original 1970s Florence Knoll 6-drawer credenza/dresser, produced by Knoll International. This example has a dark mahogany finish with original marble t...
Chrome
Florence Knoll stool / bench in leather for Knoll Associates
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Amarillo, TX
Florence Knoll stool Knoll Associates USA 1984 leather, steel 17 h × 18 w × 18 d inches Vintage piece.
Stainless Steel
1970s Florence Knoll 2-Position Cabinet / Credenza in Walnut 36"
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a 1970s Florence Knoll Two-Position Credenza, originally designed by Florence Knoll in 1958. It has a case composed of walnut. There are two top drawers and two larger drawer...
Walnut
Florence Knoll Mid Century Walnut and Chrome Oval Dining Table
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Florence Knoll Mid Century Walnut and Chrome Oval Dining Table This dining table measures: 78 wide x 48 deep x 28 inches high, with a chair clearance of 26.75 inches Excellent Vint...
Chrome
2012 Florence Knoll 3 Seat Leather Sofa w/ Custom Leather
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a classic Three Seat Sofa designed by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll in 2012. The sofa was custom ordered for the executive suite of a corporate office in New York City...
Steel
2019 Florence Knoll Polished Black Marble Dining Table w/ Chrome Base 78x48 inch
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Florence Knoll Dining / Conference Table (or desk), Model 2480T, initially designed in 1961. This particular piece was produced by Knoll International in 2019. It has a sat...
Marble, Steel
Model 405 Parallel Bar Coffee Table by Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates
By Florence Knoll
Located in Winnipeg, MB
A rare architectural steel and glass model 405 ‘Parallel Bar’ coffee table designed in 1955 by Florence Knoll, for Knoll. A classic mid-century sta...
Steel
Fabulous Florence Knoll Sofa Knoll International 3 Seater Sofa , Mid-Century
By Florence Knoll
Located in Pemberton, NJ
This vintage Florenc Knoll 3 seater chrome sofa is really an amazing piece of furniture that has it all. These sofas are extremely well made and incredibly comfortable. Florence Kn...
Chrome
Large oval table in marble and chrome by Florence Knoll Knoll Intl US circa 1961
By Florence Knoll
Located in Paris, FR
Largest model of the Florence Knoll 2480 dining table, designed in 1961 for Knoll International. The frame and legs are made of heavy gauge welded steel with a chromed finish. Arabes...
Marble, Steel, Chrome
$2,127Sale Price|30% Off
Knoll Verde Alpi Marble Low Table
By Florence Knoll
Located in Rochester, England
A striking example of mid-century modern elegance, this Verde Alpi marble low table, designed by Florence Knoll, is more than a functional piece - it is a part of design history. The...
Marble
1950s Florence Knoll Brazilian Rosewood Double Six Drawer Dresser w/ Marble Top
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Double Dresser, designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International in 1958. This example dates to the late 1950s and features a rich Brazilian Rosewood Veneer. The wooden c...
Steel
2016 Florence Knoll Three Seat Bench in Grey Leather and Chrome 2x Available
By Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Florence Knoll Bench, originally designed for Knoll in 1954. These particular examples were produced in the United States in 2016. Their design incorporates a simple chrome...
Steel
Florence Knoll Seagrass Sideboard by Knoll for Wohnbedarf, 1952
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Aachen, NW
Rare midcentury Seagrass sideboard by Florence Knoll for Knoll. Designed in 1947 and made in Switzerland by Wohnbedarf in a very low production line in the early 1950s. Impressive v...
Seagrass, Wood
Original Mid-Century Modern 1955 Florence Knoll Parallel Bar Sofa Fully Restored
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Portland, OR
A professionally & fully restored Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates "Parallel Bar" sofa, 1955. This classic Florence Knoll Model 53 Parallel Bar Sofa has been professionally r...
Chrome
1948 Pair of Florence Knoll Associates No. 126 Louvered Dressers/Chests in Maple
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a pair of No. 126 louvered maple dressers, designed by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll Associates circa 1948. These are exceptionally rare and early examples ...
Maple
1960s Pair of Florence Knoll Round Walnut & Steel Side Tables
By Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Rare pair of 1960s walnut and steel circular end tables, designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International. They feature round walnut tops supported by steel bases. This lovely pa...
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Two Position Credenza for Knoll Marble Top
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Secaucus, NJ
A classic and timeless design Florence Knoll two position credenza by Knoll. The iconic Florence Knoll low credenza works as well in the dining room as it does in the office. Feature...
Marble, Steel, Chrome
1960s Florence Knoll Rosewood 3-Drawer Dresser Cabinet with Marble Top
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Three-Drawer Dresser, designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International in 1958. This example dates to the 1960s and features a rich Brazilian rosewood veneer. The wooden ...
Steel
1960s Florence Knoll Twin Size Headboard in Walnut with Laminate, Model 740WP
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Twin-sized Headboard, Model 740WP, designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates in 1956. This particular example dates to the 1960s. The piece has a frame of walnut, and...
Metal
Original Midcentury Florence Knoll Sideboard 1950 Ahorn Knoll Intenational
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes und sehr seltenes Sideboard aus den 1950er Jahren von Florence Knoll zum Verkauf an. Das Sideboard wurde von Knoll International hergestellt und verfügt ...
Metal