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Florence Knoll Seating

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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Creator: Florence Knoll
amazing no.26 florence knoll huge 245cm! sofa
By Florence Knoll
Located in Munich, DE
wonderful and all original florence knoll leather sofa. very unusual big size and in very good condition for it´s age.
Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Metal

Pair of Early Production Florence Knoll for Knoll Lounge Chairs
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of Florence Knoll lounge chairs on maple legs. Early 1950s production. Recently covered in a Knoll Pullman chenille style textile .
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Maple

1950s Florence Knoll Parallel Bar System Three Seat Sofa for Reupholstery
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an early Florence Knoll Parallel Bar System Sofa, Model 53, initially designed by Florence Knoll in 1955. This piece was produced in the USA at around the same time. It is a ...
Category

1950s American Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Steel

Pair of Florence Knoll lounge chairs for Knoll International
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
This pair of original lounge chairs, designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International in the 1950s, captures the essence of mid-century modern design. With their clean architectura...
Category

Late 20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Lounge Chairs
By Florence Knoll
Located in New York, NY
These are classic and good condition chairs! The upholstery is original and in pretty acceptable condition if one does not want to re-upholster. Hard to find this originality. Flor...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Steel

2019 Florence Knoll Club Lounge Chair Black Leather w/ Polished Chrome 4x Avail
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Florence Knoll Lounge Chairs, originally designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll in 1954. These particular examples were produced by Knoll Studio in the USA during 2019. The c...
Category

2010s American Modern Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Steel

2013 Florence Knoll Lounge / Club Chair in Grey Leather with Chrome Base
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original Florence Knoll Club Chair, model 1205S1. The piece was originally designed by Florence Knoll in 1954, and this particular example dates to 2013. The design featur...
Category

2010s American Modern Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Steel

Vintage Florence Knoll Seating Sofa Group by Knoll Studio Black Leather
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Aachen, NW
This timeless iconic sofa living room set was designed in 1954 by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll International in the 1980s. The complete set features an amazing patinated and ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Stainless Steel

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...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Iron

Florence Knoll Sofa Set
By Florence Knoll
Located in Munich, DE
an early and hard to find sofaset . complete restored to perfect condition !
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Metal

Florence Knoll Sofa Set
Florence Knoll Sofa Set
$10,000 Sale Price / set
23% Off
1960s Florence Knoll Armless Slipper Lounge Chair in Fabric
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Armless Slipper Lounge Chair, Model 51, originally designed by Florence Knoll in 1955. This particular example dates back to the 1960s. The chair is comprised of a solid s...
Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Steel

1960s Pair of Florence Knoll Parallel Bar Slipper Lounge Chairs in Bask Leather
By Knoll, Florence 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...
Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Steel

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 Seating

Materials

Metal

Florence Knoll lounge chairs model 65a for Knoll International
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
Florence Knoll lounge chair from 1956 model 65a. The chair is part of a seating group that consisted of an armchair, 2-seater and 3-seater with or without armrests. This series was p...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Chrome

Florence Knoll Black Leather Sofa
By Florence Knoll
Located in Pasadena, TX
A midcentury Knoll classic designed by Florence Knoll. This three person sofa features tufted black leather upholstery with chrome plated steel legs. Measures: 90". Recently restored.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Chrome

Florence Knoll Black Leather Sofa
Florence Knoll Black Leather Sofa
$10,400 Sale Price
20% Off
1950s Florence Knoll Associates Three Seat Sofa Redone by East Penn Upholstery
By Knoll, Florence 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 ...
Category

1950s American Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Steel

Completely Restored Florence Knoll 25 BC Three-Seat Sofa by Wohnbedarf, 1950s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Renens, CH
Three-seat sofa designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International, and produced under license by Wohnbedarf AG, in the early 1950s. The sofa still has the original Wohnbedarf metal shield on the underside, which is in many cases lost after almost 70 years of age. The “25 BC...
Category

1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Wool

Knoll Parallel Bar Sofa Re-Upholstered in Knoll Rivington Fabric
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A lovely complete re-upholstered vintage Knoll Parallel Bar Sofa or 2 seat settee. The fabric we chose to use is a sophisticated all-over multi...
Category

20th Century American Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Steel

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.
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Pr. Mid Century Lounge Chairs designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Pair of iconic mid century club chairs designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates ( Park Ave ). These chairs are in very good, clean, ready to use condition, they were reuphol...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Steel

Pair of Classic Florence Knoll for Knoll Studio Tufted Tan Leather Lounge Chairs
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in St. Louis, MO
Classic Florence Knoll tufted leather lounge chairs, originally designed in 1954, this pair is of recent production. Original Spinneybeck tan leather on satin chrome frame, both an u...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Chrome

Florence Knoll Leather Bench, Knoll Associates Inc.
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Florence Knoll bench with early label Knoll Associates, Inc. Madison Ave, NY. We had the bench redone in brown leather. Bench measures 80" wide, 20" deep and 17.5" high. The bench...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Steel

Parallel Bar Sofa, Model 57, by Florence Knol, USA, 1960s.
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sofa Model nº57, "Parallel bar" series, designed by Florence Knoll in 1959 and produced by “Knoll International” during the 1960s. The sofa, two-seater, with arms at both ends, is...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Florence Knoll modular leather sectional with Modernica tags
By Florence Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Five-piece vintage Florence Knoll white leather sectional / living room set with Modernica tags. 1990s. Leather is in strong and supple with some signs of use and marks. Metal is ha...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Metal, Steel

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 Seating

Materials

Chrome

Sofa Model 67A by Florence Knoll for Knoll International, USA, 1950s
By Florence Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
Sofa Model 67A by Florence Knoll for Knoll International the sofa is new upholstered in Knoll textile fabric.
Category

1950s American Vintage Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Chrome

A Pair Of Florence Knoll Angle Iron Tables Or Benches In Walnut
By Florence Knoll
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of classic Florence Knoll for Knoll angle iron coffee tables or benches with bookmatched walnut tops. Beautiful veneer, quality early Knoll product...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Wrought Iron

Vintage Restored 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...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Mohair, Velvet, Walnut

Seating Group by Florence Knoll for Knoll Sofa, 1960s
By Florence Knoll
Located in Handewitt, DE
Seating group, model 67A, by Florence Knoll for Knoll Sofa. The seating group consists of a 3-seater sofa, 2 easychairs and a rectangular coffee table with a marble top. The sofa and...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Marble, Chrome

Pair of Florence Knoll / Knoll Light Orange Upholstered Settees
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American Mid-Century two-seat armless Settees with a green geometric upholstered seat and back cushions supported on black powder coated metal frames. (FLORENCE KNOLL / KNOLL...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Pair of Stools Model 75 by Florence Knoll, 1950
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Mid-Century Pair of Stools Model 75 by Florence Knoll, designed 1948 for Knoll Associates, USA.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Metal

Florence Knoll International 4-seater sofa leather
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Telgte, DE
Exceptional, balanced design Manufacturer: Knoll International Design: Florence Knoll Florence Knoll transferred the principles of the architecture of her time to the design of fur...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Steel

Florence Knoll for Knoll International Brown Fabric Upholstery
By Knoll, Florence 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...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Metal, Chrome

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:...
Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Pair of Mid Century Modern Slipper Chairs designed by Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a pair of Mid Century Modern Slipper Chairs designed by Florence Knoll. They feature sleek, straight lines, creating the feeling of simplicity and elega...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Chrome

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 the 20th century. In 1954 she designed the model 31 armchair, which has developed i...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Metal

2019 Florence Knoll Club Lounge Chair in Black Leather with Polished Chrome Base
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Florence Knoll Lounge Chairs, originally designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll in 1954. These particular examples were produced by Knoll Studio in the USA during 2019. The c...
Category

2010s American Modern Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Steel

Florence Knoll Grey Tuxedo Lounge Chair
By Florence Knoll
Located in Basildon, London
A rare, original “Florence Knoll” lounge chair from the world renown furniture house of Knoll Studio, dressed in a sublime, tactile woven-wool fabric, and with polished chrome framew...
Category

2010s American Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Wool

Pair of Florence Knoll for Knoll International Black & Silver Bar Stools
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Mid-Century American bar stools standing on black metal, rectangular legs anchored by a silver metal stretcher with seat upholstered in a neutral tone, salt and pepper weave ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Fabric

Florence Knoll leather lounge chair 65 for Knoll International
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
Florence Knoll leather lounge chair 65 for Knoll International. Produced from 1958-1975! This series has exceptional seating comfort and a timelessly modern look. Dxhxl: 78x81x72 cm...
Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Chrome

C. 1958 Pair of Florence Knoll 84 ULB Lounge Arm Chairs in Fabric and Wood
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an unusual pair of Florence Knoll Armchairs, model 84 ULB, initially designed by Florence Knoll in 1956. We date this pair to C. 1958, and the listed price includes the pair....
Category

1950s American Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Steel

Set of custom ordered Florence Knoll Benches
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Amarillo, TX
Florence Knoll Pair of benches USA 1954 leather, steel Measures: 48 W x 19.5 D x 16.75 H inches Pair of custom-sized Florence Knoll benches in a custom flat steel finish wit...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Steel

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.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Stainless Steel

1960s Florence Knoll Chrome and Green Mohair Bench 36x18 2x Available
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Florence Knoll Bench, designed for Knoll in 1954. This particular example dates to the 1960s. The design incorporates a simple chromed steel frame with a padded seat that i...
Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Steel

1990's Florence Knoll Leather Lounge Club Chairs Pair
By Florence Knoll
Located in Stafford, TX
These Knoll club chairs from the 1990s feature the brand's signature minimalist, modern design. Upholstered in beige leather, they have a luxurious feel with tufted backs and seats, ...
Category

1990s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Leather

2012 Pair of Florence Knoll Lounge Chairs with Custom Leather
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a classic pair of lounge chairs with arms designed by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll in 2012. The chairs were custom ordered for the executive suite of a corporate offi...
Category

2010s American Modern Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Steel

American Mid-Century Gray Wood 4-Piece Living Room Set
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Queens, NY
SET of 4 American Mid-Century gray wood upholstered living room / salon set resting on teak legs & base with seat & back cushions (att: FLORENCE KNOLL)(loveseat, 3 armchairs)
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Teak

Knoll Studio “Florence Knoll” Lounge Chair Armchair in Grey Wool
By Florence Knoll
Located in Barrowford, GB
On offer on this occasion is a rare, original “Florence Knoll” Lounge Chair, from the world renown furniture house of Knoll Studio, dressed in a sublime, tactile woven-wool fabric, a...
Category

2010s German Modern Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Metal

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...
Category

1950s Vintage Florence Knoll Seating

Materials

Metal

Florence Knoll seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Florence Knoll seating 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 seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original seating 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 seating by George Nelson, Selig, and Ward Bennett. Prices for Florence Knoll seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $850 and can go as high as $30,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,368.
Questions About Florence Knoll Seating
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Florence 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    To 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, 2022
    Florence 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, 2022
    Florence 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    What 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    No, 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.

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