Florence Knoll Furniture
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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Period: Late 20th Century
Creator: Florence Knoll
Pair of Florence Knoll lounge chairs for Knoll International
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
Pair of Florence Knoll lounge chairs designed in 1954 for the Lounge collection by Florence Knoll Bassett for Knoll International.
New cognac-colored upholstery!
Category
Late 20th Century Belgian Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Florence Knoll Mid Century Womb Chair with Ottoman
By Florence Knoll
Located in Countryside, IL
Florence Knoll Mid Century Womb Chair with Ottoman
The chair measures: 38.75 wide x 35 deep x 35.5 high, with a seat height of 17 inches and arm height/chair clearance of 21 inches
...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Chrome
74" Long Calacatta Marble Rosewood Florence Knoll Executive Credenza Cabinet
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage, made in 1972, rosewood credenza with original white Calcutta gold marble top on chromed steel legs with chromed pulls. Recently wax-burnished by hand, the rosewood color and...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Marble, Steel, Chrome
Florence Knoll 123 W 1 Mid Century Walnut Wall Mount Credenza
By Florence Knoll
Located in Countryside, IL
Florence Knoll 123 W-1 Mid Century Walnut Wall Mount Credenza
This credenza measures: 72 wide x 15.25 deep x 17.75 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call re...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Glass, Walnut
Florence Knoll 123 W-1 Mid Century Walnut Wall Mount Credenza - Pair
By Florence Knoll
Located in Countryside, IL
Florence Knoll 123 W-1 Mid Century Walnut Wall Mount Credenza - Pair
Each credenza measures: 72 wide x 15.25 deep x 17.75 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Glass, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Desk by Florence Knoll for Knoll international, 1970s
By Florence Knoll
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Desk by Florence Knoll for Knoll international
Biography :
Born to a baker, and orphaned at age twelve, Florence Schust grew up Saginaw, Michigan. Schust demons...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Marble
Red Leather 72" Bench by Florence Knoll for Knoll International
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Dronten, NL
What a bold statement! Not the obligatory black leather, this Florence Knoll 72" Bench for Knoll is executed in the most exquisite red spinneybeck leather. Classic Knoll Design, fits...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Knoll Associates Couch, Park Avenue, New York, Made in Italy
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Knoll Associates sofa on steel frame. Sofa has been restored with new webbing, foam and upholstery. Label located on the left hand side of sofa. Label is Knoll Associates, 320 Park Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10022. Made in Italy. Upholstered in Knoll textile called Infinite in Sugar (Infinite is a highly usable upholstery and wrapped panel fabric showing continuous circles defined by a fine black outline...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Steel
Pair Mid-Century Walnut with white laminate Top Nightstands by Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Pair of beautiful Florence knoll single drawer nightstands or side tables. Walnut single drawer nightstands with clean white laminate tops. Solid Oak drawers with single white divide...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Laminate, Oak
Rosewood Credenza by Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
A rosewood credenza with marble top. Designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll.
Category
1970s Vintage Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Marble
Florence Knoll 2-Seater Sofa, Classic Mid Century Modern, Knoll
By Florence Knoll, 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...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Rosewood Credenza with Marble Top by Florence Knoll
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Dorchester, MA
This version of Florence Knoll's modernist credenza for Knoll features a gorgeous rosewood case sitting on slender chrome legs and topped with a marble slab that picks up the warmth ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Marble, Chrome
Knoll for Saarinen, Pedestal table “Tulip”, 20th century
By Florence Knoll
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Eero Saarinen, by.
Florence Knoll, edited by.
Pedestal table model “Tulip”, with its Arabesco marble top and its white lacquered cast aluminum base.
American work realized at the e...
Category
Late 20th Century Central American Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Marble, Aluminum
Florence Knoll Lounge Chair on Steel Base in Heather Grey Tweed Fabric
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Vintage original Florence Knoll lounge chair in heather grey tweed fabric. Although unsigned or tagged, this is 100% knoll, and most likely from the 1980's. Purchased from an estate ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Steel
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...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Florence Knoll Rosewood and Travertine Credenza
By Florence Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
A rosewood Florence Knoll credenza with travertine top.
Category
1970s Vintage Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Travertine
Florence Knoll Bench
By Florence Knoll
Located in Miami, FL
Very long Florence Knoll bench designed for Knoll, brown upholstery and chrome base, 8 legs, unusual size.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Professionally Restored Florence Knoll Custom Matched Set of Rosewood Cabinets
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This set of cabinets is quite rare. These are not simply two of the same cabinet, they are a custom matched set. These were not readily availible from Knoll when they were made in th...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Steel, Chrome
1973 Florence Knoll International Slipper Lounge Chair Brown/Burnt Orange Fabric
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an original 1973 Florence Knoll for Knoll International slipper lounge chair in burnt orange/brown fabric. This example is beautifully preserved and in honest orig...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Metal
1972 Florence Knoll Custom 72 inch Dining Conference Table in Walnut and Steel
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original custom Florence Knoll Dining or Conference Table, featuring a walnut top and a chromed-steel base. The table was manufactured in the USA by Knoll in 1972.
The p...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Steel
Oak Credenza with Slate Top by Florence Knoll for Knoll
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll, this iteration of her classic clean-lined credenza features a warm oak case sitting on slender chrome legs and topped with contrasting slate. In...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Slate, Chrome
Restored Vintage Carrara Marble and Rosewood Florence Knoll Credenza
By Florence Knoll, 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 ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Modern Marble Coffee Table By Florence Knoll - USA 1970
By Florence Knoll
Located in Girona, ES
Coffee table with square base in nickel-plated steel topped with a beautiful black-gray white Carrara marble.
Model by Florence Knoll.
United States c. 1970
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Steel
Large Florence Knoll Boat Shaped Conference Table in Walnut with Metal Frame
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Florence Knoll for Florence Knoll International, large dining table, walnut, metal, United States, 1963.
Large dining or conference table with boat shaped top in walnut. The table has six cylindrical metal legs. The top of this table shows the beautiful grain of the luxurious walnut. Nicely contrast of the natural and elegant top with modern and clean base. Due to its tapered shape, everyone at the table will be able to look each other in the eye. A perfect table for any dinner or meeting.
Florence Knoll (1917) was trained as an architect and had a sense of style from a very young age. During her school time at Cranbrook, Eliel Saarinen (then the headmaster) and his family included her in their family. In 1936 she met Alvar Aalto and was trained by Marcel Breuer, Walter Gropius and (as if the long list of eminent designers is not long enough) Mies van der Rohe. This meant that although she was barely out of her teens, she was educated by the best of the European modernists. When she arrived in New York she worked on interior projects (being the only female) which is how she came to know Hans Knoll. When Florence joined Knoll, the planning unit started. Florence also made sure that the designs where more 'American Modernist' instead of Scandinavian, When Hans Knoll died she...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Metal
Due Poltrone '65 Slipper' Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll
Located in Milano, IT
Coppia di poltrone anni '70 con imbottitura in espanso e rivestimento in tessuto grigio appena rinnovato, base in metallo cromato. Ottime condizioni.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Oval Dining Table or Desk by Florence Knoll in Carrara Marble
By Florence Knoll, 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 was ...
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Marble, Chrome
Pair of Florence Knoll Model 65 Chrome Slipper Lounge Chairs, 1973
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Classic pair of florence Knoll chromed steel and Earthen Fabric Lounge chairs. Featuring 1 inch reflective sturdy, solid Chromed Steel constructed framework, angled rear legs and bac...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll for Knoll with Black Marble Top Credenza
By Florence Knoll, 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 black mar...
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Marble, Stainless Steel
Florence Knoll Coffee Table in Glass and Chrome, USA, 1970s
By Florence Knoll
Located in Amsterdam, NL
This coffee table was designed by the famous American designer Florence Knoll (1917-2019). Florence Knoll was based in the U.S. with the design agency 'Knoll International'. The tabl...
Category
1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Green Verde Marble Top Credenza or Cabinet
By Florence Knoll, 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...
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Marble, Stainless Steel
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 Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Florence Knoll Midcentury Walnut Sofa
By Florence Knoll
Located in Countryside, IL
Florence Knoll midcentury walnut sofa.
This sofa measures: 90.75 wide x 28.5 deep x 31.5 inches high, with a seat height of 15.5 and arm height of...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid Century Modern Florence Knoll Chrome Base Sofa Newly Upholstered
By Florence Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Florence Knoll Chrome Base Sofa Newly Upholstered in a Blue Velvet
Beautiful MCM Florence Knoll Sofa made in the Style of Jonathan Adler's Lampert Sofa...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Florence Knoll Marble-Top Rosewood Credenza
By Florence Knoll
Located in San Francisco, CA
Florence Knoll rosewood and marble two door credenza on a matte brush steel base. Rare smaller size with a finished back side, no key.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble
Vintage Florence Knoll Bench
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A vintage Florence Knoll bench purchased out of a local Palm Springs estate. It had been nicely reupholstered and we liked the fabric and left i...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Steel
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...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Florence Knoll Two-Door Cabinet in Teak-Wood
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Florence Knoll two-door cabinet in Teakwood, Finished on back. Features Notch pulls with chrome details, Four file drawers and Four pencil drawers, and chrome-plated adjustable feet....
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Chrome
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.
Category
1970s North American Vintage Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Steel
Hanna Sofa by Forma, Florence Knoll, 1975s
By Florence Knoll
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
We work with artisans who masterfully restore typical pieces from each period of our history, valuing their different preservation techniques. Teamwork has built this pioneering comp...
Category
Late 20th Century Brazilian Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Hanna Armchair by Forma, Florence Knoll, 1975s
By Florence Knoll
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
We work with artisans who masterfully restore typical pieces from each period of our history, valuing their different preservation techniques. Teamwork has built this pioneering comp...
Category
Late 20th Century Brazilian Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Mid Century Modern Florence Knoll Black Marble Console Table or Hall Table
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A simple classic designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll. This piece features a stainless steel base with black marble slab top.
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Marble, Stainless Steel
Rare Early Florence Knoll Rosewood Dinning Table
By Florence Knoll
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Dated 1973, We offer this Rare Early Florence Knoll Rosewood Dinning Table, designed to furnish the new interiors of postwar America, this table is a scaled-down translation of the l...
Category
1970s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Steel
Florence Knoll Side Table, Oak Top on Chrome Legs, USA, 1970s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Miami, FL
Florence Knoll side table, oak top on chrome legs, USA, 1970s. Rare oak top.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Lovely Pair Florence Knoll Chrome Marble Side End Tables Mid-Century Modern
By Florence Knoll
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Lovely pair of Florence Knoll chrome and marble side tables. The larger has an awesome green shiny marble with tons of white veining-19" T...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Furniture
Materials
Marble, Chrome
Florence Knoll furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Florence Knoll furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Florence Knoll furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Florence Knoll were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Adrian Pearsall, Harvey Probber, and Craft Associates. Prices for Florence Knoll furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $600 and can go as high as $30,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,800.
Creators Similar to Florence Knoll
Questions About Florence Knoll Furniture
- 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.
- 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, 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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