Florence Knoll Living Room Sets
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.
to
2
2
2
4
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
2
1
1
4
4
4
1
2
3
3
2
1
1
4
4
4
4
4
230
54
54
36
35
Creator: Florence Knoll
Florence Knoll Sofa and Lounge Chairs
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Littleton, CO
A beautiful sofa and two lounge chairs designed by Florence Knoll, purchased from Knoll Associates in the 1960s. Reupholstered in Knoll fabric in 2005.
The textured fabric is a heat...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Living Room Sets
Materials
Chrome
Early Florence Knoll Armless Sofa and Chair Set
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This sets one and only home was a Richard Nuetra estate in the Hollywood Hills. Price is for both items
All items are viewable at our Los Angeles Arts District showroom and warehou...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Living Room Sets
Materials
Stainless Steel
Living Room Set by Florence Knoll, USA, 1960
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A stunning living room set from the “Parallel Bar” series, designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International, manufactured in the United States of America, circa 1960.
Made of the highest quality chrome-plated metal with beautiful beige fabric upholstery. The seats have a wonderful modern design that are very recognizable for the style of Knoll. Smooth, modern and very inviting! The armrests add to the wonderful seating comfort. This set will make a wonderful addition to any decor, adding style, class and comfort the interior!
The sizes for the chair are W. 79 x D. 50 x H. 77 (SH. 41) cm
The sizes for the sofa are W. 158 x D. 48 x H. 75 (SH. 38) cm
The set remains in very good condition with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina.
Florence Knoll Bassett (born May 24, 1917) is an American architect and furniture designer who studied under Mies van der Rohe and Eliel Saarinen. She was born Florence Schust.
In 1938, Hans Knoll founded his furniture company by that name in New York. In 1943, Florence Schust convinced Hans she could help bring in business to his company even in America’s wartime economy by expanding into interior design by working with architects. With her architectural background and design flair, she succeeded. They married in 1946, she became a full business partner and together they founded Knoll Associates. A new furniture factory was established in Pennsylvania and dealers in Knoll’s furniture were carefully added over the next several years.
Florence Knoll felt architects should contribute their design ability to furniture as well. Some of these furniture designs would become design icons of the 20th century and have remained in the Knoll line for decades due to their timeless design. When Hans Knoll died in a car accident in 1955, Florence Knoll took over operation of the company. Florence Knoll herself designed chairs, sofas, tables and casegoods during the 1950s, many of which remain in the Knoll line to this day. In 1958 she married Harry Hood Bassett.
Her American interpretation of Minimalist, rationalist design theories is clearly evident in Knoll’s storage pieces. She mixed woods and metals to great effect and added laminates as they became popular. Dressers and desks are all square in design but never lack for quality. Hanging cabinets have glass shelves, sliding doors and drop down fronts that can be used as bars.
As an architect, Knoll’s most famous creations are the Connecticut General Life...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Living Room Sets
Materials
Metal
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 Living Room Sets
Related Items
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 Living Room Sets
Materials
Chrome
1960s Rare Living Room Oak Set, Finland
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly upholstered In quality 100% recycled KIRGBY fabric.
- Wooden parts have been carefully refurbished.
- The dimesnions of the chairs : height 75cm, seat height 44cm, width: ...
Category
1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Living Room Sets
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Wonderful No. 26 Sofa by Florence Knoll for Knoll International
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Munich, DE
Rare no.26 by florence knoll in showroom condition. Hardly used only re-upholstered and used one time for a photo shooting and very exclusive model redone with very cosy fabric in wa...
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Living Room Sets
Materials
Metal
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Living Room Sets
Materials
Chrome
Robert Venturi Grandma Sofa in the Original Tan / Taupe Leather for Knoll.
By Robert Venturi, Knoll
Located in Kansas City, MO
A single Robert Venturi matching leather Grandma Sofa manufactured by Knoll, 1980s. Very good original condition. No tears or scuffs to the leather. Light signs of use. Minimal hone...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Living Room Sets
Materials
Leather
Lounge Chair by Florence Knoll for Knoll
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A lounge chair formed by an armless button-tufted upholstered seat resting on a matte steel, rectilinear architectural frame.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Living Room Sets
Materials
Steel
Florence Knoll for Knoll International Lounge Chair in Teak
By Florence Knoll, 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...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Living Room Sets
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Rare Florence Knoll Model 65 Slipper Lounge Chair, 1956
By Florence Knoll, 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 ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Living Room Sets
Materials
Chrome
Florence Knoll Tan Leather Button Tufted Lounge Chair, 1970s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Florence Knoll lounge chair in tan leather with button tufted seat and back on a chrome-plated steel base. Labeled Art Metal - Knoll Corp., June 9 1971
The chair has some losses to ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Living Room Sets
Materials
Steel
Living room set by Giuseppe Raimondi for Stendig, 1970s
By Stendig Co., Giuseppe Raimondi
Located in bruxelles, BE
Beautiful living room set in black leather and wood consisting of a sofa and two armchairs designed by Giuseppe Raimondi in the 1970s. Dimensions of sofa: H: 66 cm W: 211 cm D: 77 cm...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Living Room Sets
Materials
Leather, Wood
Very Early and Rare No. 578 Sofa by Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll
Located in Munich, DE
From the estate of the famous architect Viljo Revell. Hard foam. Designed in 1954. Original condition.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Living Room Sets
Materials
Fabric
Florence Knoll for Knoll International Sofa in Teak and Grey Upholstery
By Knoll, 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...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Living Room Sets
Materials
Fabric, Teak
H 29.93 in W 90.56 in D 31.5 in
Previously Available Items
Parallel Bar Armchairs & Sofa by Florence Knoll for Knoll International
By Florence Knoll
Located in Izegem, VWV
The Model 51, beter known as the Parallel Bar series with a brushed chrome and black finish steel frame were designed by Florence Knoll in 1955 for Knoll International.
This set, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Living Room Sets
Materials
Steel, Chrome
H 30.32 in W 90.56 in D 31.5 in
Wonderful No.26 3-4 seater sofa by Florence Knoll / like new!
By Florence Knoll
Located in Munich, DE
modern after all this years.... a matching set of 2 lounge chairs also available!
Reupholstered. Foam, webbing and fabric new!!
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Living Room Sets
Materials
Velvet
Wonderful Set of No.25 Lounge Chairs by Florence Knoll / Like New
By Florence Knoll
Located in Munich, DE
Modern after all this years....
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Living Room Sets
Materials
Velvet
1st Generation Florence Knoll Model #578 Sofa by Knoll Associates, 1950s, Signed
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare example of the Florence Knoll Model #578 Sofa, designed in 1954, has a built-in attached magazine / book side table and is signed with the original early generation Knoll A...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Living Room Sets
Materials
Steel
H 30 in W 120.5 in D 29 in
Florence Knoll for Knoll Sofa and Matching Lounge Chairs Living Room Set in Red
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A matching 3 piece living room suite designed by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll. The set consists of one 3-seat sofa and two matching club chairs. All done in original red twee...
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Living Room Sets
Materials
Steel
H 32 in W 32 in D 34 in
Pair of Florence Knoll Armless Sofas, Walnut Frames and Original Green Fabric
By Florence Knoll, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Early set of 2 Florence Knoll armless sofas. These are in original condition and usable as is. No stains or tears to the fabric, however, w...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Living Room Sets
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
H 30 in W 84 in L 30 in
Florence Knoll Three-Seat Sofa Walnut Frame Restored, New Blue Upholstery
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Kansas City, MO
Classic florence Knoll tufted back sofa with the highly desirable walnut frame. Beautiful light blue color expertly restored and reupholstered. Excellent ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Living Room Sets
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
H 29.5 in W 89.5 in L 29.5 in
Florence Knoll Sofa, Chrome Frame with New Light Gray Maharam Fabric, Excellent
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Kansas City, MO
Florence Knoll sofa for Knoll Associates. This is the original 1960s production that has been expertly restored and reupholstered in Maharam remix light to medium gray fabric. Beauti...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Living Room Sets
Materials
Chrome
H 29 in W 90 in D 31.5 in
Midcentury Florence Knoll Armless Sofas, a Pair
By Florence Knoll
Located in New York, NY
These two sofas were designed by Florence Knoll in the 1950s. They are a three-seater and are armless, providing open space and easy access on three sides. While the base is the orig...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Living Room Sets
Materials
Steel
Florence Knoll Sofa Model 67A, Knoll 1958
By Florence Knoll
Located in Utrecht, NL
Sofa model 67A was designed in 1958 by American designer Florence Knoll and discontinued from production in 1975 and has not been made ever since.
This example is one of the last exa...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Living Room Sets
Materials
Chrome
Florence Knoll Early Sofa
By Florence Knoll
Located in Westport, CT
Florence Knoll sofa, all interior rebuilt, new foam, in weaved off-white fabric.
Matching club chairs, separate listing.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Living Room Sets
Materials
Metal
Pair of Florence Knoll Club Chairs
By Florence Knoll
Located in Westport, CT
Pair of early Florence Knoll Club chairs, off-white weaves fabric, all restored interior and foam.
Also available matching sofa in separate listing.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Living Room Sets
Materials
Metal
Florence Knoll living room sets for sale on 1stDibs.
Florence Knoll living room sets 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 living room sets, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original living room sets by Florence Knoll were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider living room sets by Herman Miller, Knoll, and Vladimir Kagan. Prices for Florence Knoll living room sets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $5,337 and can go as high as $13,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $8,366.
Creators Similar to Florence Knoll
Questions About Florence Knoll Living Room Sets
- 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.
- 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.
- 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, 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.
- 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.
- 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.