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Florence Knoll Benches

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
2022 Florence Knoll Three Seat Bench in Dark Brown Leather and Chrome
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Florence Knoll Bench, designed for Knoll in 1954. This bench dates to 2022, and is seemingly pristine (or near pristine). The design incorporates a simple chromed steel fra...
Category

2010s American Modern Florence Knoll Benches

Materials

Steel

Florence Knoll for Knoll International Yellow Tufted Vinyl & Chrome Museum Bench
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century museum bench with a button tufted yellow vinyl upholstered seat resting on a square chrome tube frame with 6 legs. (FLORENCE KNOLL FOR KNOLL INTERNATIONAL) Cond...
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Florence Knoll for Knoll International Black Leather Museum Benches
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in New York, NY
PAIR of American Mid-Century museum benches with a black leather upholstered seats with button tufting, resting on square tube chrome bases. (FLORENCE KNOLL FOR KNOLL INTERNATIONAL)(...
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Florence Knoll Bench in Holly Hunt Leather
By Florence Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
Exemplifying the superb craftsmanship and enduring elegance of mid-century modern design, the iconic Florence Knoll bench graces your living space with a touch of timeless sophistica...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Benches

Materials

Steel

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.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Benches

Materials

Velvet

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 Benches

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Florence Knoll Leather Bench
By Florence Knoll
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Florence Knoll Dark Brown Button Tufted Bench Good original surface Manufacturers label present
Category

1960s American Vintage Florence Knoll Benches

Materials

Leather

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 Benches

Materials

Steel

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 Benches

Materials

Wrought Iron

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 Benches

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Florence Knoll Bench
By Knoll, Florence 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 Benches

Materials

Steel

Bench or Coffee Table by Florence Knoll, Walnut and Black Angle Iron, Stunning
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Kansas City, MO
Florence Knoll architectural bench / coffee table. Three walnut panels on a black angle iron frame. Expertly refinished. No signs of use. Beautiful.
Category

1960s Vintage Florence Knoll Benches

Materials

Iron

Set of custom ordered Florence Knoll Benches
By Knoll, Florence 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 Benches

Materials

Steel

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 Benches

Materials

Steel

Rare Midcentury Ottoman or Stool for Knoll
By Vincent Cafiero, Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration is this wonderful and seldom seen ottoman, bench or stool by Vincent Cafiero for knoll. Featuring a tufted seat in newly recovered Spinneybeck leather. Having ...
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

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Category

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Florence Knoll for Knoll International Lounge Chair in Teak
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Florence Knoll for Knoll International, lounge chair, model '51', teak, fabric, United States, 1955 This slipper chair model 51 is designed by Florence Knoll. The teak frame of the chair is sleek in form. The angled seat is placed upon the squared-off frame. Maximum seating comfort is ensured by the wide seat and tilted backrest. Florence Knoll (1917-) was trained as an architect and had a sense of style from a very young age. In 1936 she met Alvar Aalto and was trained by Marcel Breuer, Walter Gropius and 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 Knoll 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...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Benches

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Custom Made Neoclassical Style Metal Bench or Coffee Table
Located in Sheffield, MA
This neoclassical style metal bench or stool with two curves and stretcher in between can be used for various seating purposes or at the foot of a bed. The base topped with a piece o...
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Classic Hannah Morrison Knoll Bench, 1970s
By Bruce Hannah & Andrew Morrison
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A Classic off-white and original orange upholstery bench by Hannah Morrison for Knoll, circa 1970s. The three-seat is 81" long.   
Category

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Steel

Florence Knoll for Knoll International Sofa in Blue Upholstery and Steel
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Florence Knoll for Knoll International, sofa, model '67A', steel, fabric, United States, design 1958, production 1960s/70s This sofa model 67A is designed by Florence Knoll for Knol...
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Pristine Florence Knoll Sofa for Knoll International
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Pristine Florence Knoll Sofa for Knoll International. Upholstered in gorgeous Sina Pearson fabric. Florence Knoll was a pioneering designer and entrepreneur who created the modern...
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Early 2000s American Modern Florence Knoll Benches

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Vintage Florence Knoll Bench
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H 20 in W 45.25 in D 22.5 in
Florence Knoll Leather Bench
By Florence Knoll
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Florence Knoll Dark Brown Button Tufted Bench Good original surface Manufacturers label present
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1960s American Vintage Florence Knoll Benches

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Florence Knoll Leather Bench
Florence Knoll Leather Bench
H 17.5 in W 60 in D 17.5 in
Previously Available Items
Early Midcentury Florence Knoll Bench 36''
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration is this exceptional midcentury bench featuring tufted cushions on a chrome frame. The height is 17 inches and the depth is 18 inches. The total length is 3 fee...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Benches

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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. Cl...
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Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Benches

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Florence Knoll for Knoll 72” Black Leather Bench
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
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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 parchment color, fully quilted and on a chrome base. Stamped Florence Knoll, Knol...
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Early 2000s Italian Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Benches

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Rare 9 Foot Tufted Leather Bench by Florence Knoll for Knoll.early label
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
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Early Production T-Angle Walnut / Iron / Leather Bench, Table by Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early production T-angle walnut / iron / leather bench, table by Florence Knoll. Beautifully grained walnut, Amazing original condition, finish, patina. Retains original Black Leathe...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Benches

Materials

Iron

Florence Knoll Walnut and Steel Extra Long Coffee Table or Bench, Refinished
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern extra long coffee table or bench By Florence Knoll, "T-Angle" Series USA, 1960s Gorgeous wal...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Benches

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Steel

Six Foot Bench by Florence Knoll, Red Fabric, Chrome Frame, Signed
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Kansas City, MO
Three or four seat Florence Knoll Bench in red knoll fabric and heavy chromed steel frame. Produced in 2009, this bench has seen very little use. Very good condition with no stains o...
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Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Benches

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Chrome

Three Foot Bench by Florence Knoll, Red Knoll Fabric, Chrome Frame, Signed
By Florence Knoll
Located in Kansas City, MO
Two seat Florence Knoll Bench in red knoll fabric and heavy chromed steel frame. Produced in 2009, this bench has seen very little use. Very good condition with no stains or tears to...
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Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Benches

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Chrome

Florence Knoll Designed Leather Bench for Knoll
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Florence Knoll leather bench, retains original labels and signature on one of the chrome legs. Design dates to the 1950's although this Be...
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Custom Florence Knoll Bench
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Amarillo, TX
Florence Knoll Bench USA 2017 leather, steel Measures: 48 W x 19.5 D x 16.75 H inches. Custom sized Florence Knoll bench in a custom flat steel finish with leather upholster...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Benches

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Steel

Custom Florence Knoll Bench
Custom Florence Knoll Bench
H 16.75 in W 48 in D 19.5 in
Clean Lined Walnut and Iron Coffee Table or Bench by Florence Knoll
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean lined "T Angle" model walnut and iron mid century coffee table or bench, designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll, American, circa 1950s.
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Benches

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Iron

Florence Knoll benches for sale on 1stDibs.

Florence Knoll benches 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 benches, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original benches 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 benches by George Nelson, Knoll, and Herman Miller. Prices for Florence Knoll benches can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,800 and can go as high as $9,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,500.
Questions About Florence Knoll Benches
  • 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
    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
    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 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 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.
  • 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.

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