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Florence Knoll Sofas

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
1955 Florence Knoll Three-Seater Sofa
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents 1955 Knoll Three-Seater Sofa by Knoll Sofa model 2557 is designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International in 1955 91 w x 29 h x 31.5 d Seat 17 h x 22 d Arm rest 2...
Category

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

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Florence Knoll for Knoll International Sofa c 1950/60's
By Knoll, Florence 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 Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Florence Knoll Sofa in Patterned Dedar Jacquard Velvet, De Coene, Belgium, 1950s
By Dedar, Florence Knoll, De Coene Frères
Located in The Hague, NL
A rare three-seat sofa designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International and produced by De Coene in the late 1950s. From 1954 onwards, the renowned Belgian manufacturer De Coene pr...
Category

1950s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Sofas

Materials

Steel

Early Florence Knoll Relaxed Sofa with Paul Smith Maharam Upholstery
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Raleigh, NC
A design classic by Florence Knoll. A stunning vintage example newly upholstered in Paul Smith stripes by Maharam, with new foam. The chrome base shows its age and has some chrome l...
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Modernist Biscuit Tufted 'Relaxed' Sofa in Holly Hunt Fabric by Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll
Located in New York, NY
This thoughtfully designed Modernist Biscuit Tufted 'Relaxed' Sofa in Holly Hunt Upholstery is by Florence Knoll, originating from the United States, Circa 2000. Featuring a chrome f...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Florence Knoll Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Florence Knoll for Knoll Sofa, Model 67a, 1960s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Littleton, CO
A beautiful Model 67a sofa designed by Florence Knoll in 1958 and 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 Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Florence Knoll 1960's Original Brown Mohair with Chrome Legs Vintage Sofa
By Florence Knoll
Located in Wilton, CT
***2 AVAILABLE****Original 90" Brown Mohair Florence Knoll Vintage Sofa with Chrome plated stainless steel legs and sturdy inner wooden frame. This iconic 3 cushioned sofa was desig...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Sofas

Materials

Mohair

Mid century Florence Knoll Sofa #57 Parallel Bar System - needs upholstery
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Vintage circa 1960 Midcentury Florence Knoll Parallel Bar System sofa Model #57 three-seat sofa with arms. Designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll Int. USA. Solid Steel frame and is in ...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Florence Knoll "Model 26" Sofa in Forest Green British Wool & Leather Piping
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Stamford, CT
Florence Knoll's influence on Mid-Century design is immeasurable. As a visionary at Knoll, she curated groundbreaking furniture collections and pioneered modern commercial interiors ...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Sofas

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Wool, Walnut

Florence Knoll for Knoll International 3-Seated Beige Upholstered Sofa
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century American three-seated sofa upholstered in a beige weave with low back, and 3 removable seat cushions, standing on a metal frame with 6 legs. (FLORENCE KNOLL FOR KNOLL IN...
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Florence Knoll Parallel Bar Sofa
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Florence Knoll Parallel Bar Sofa. This was reupholstered at one point in time in an off white faux leather vinyl. There are a couple areas of damage to ...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Florence Knoll International 4-seater sofa leather
By Florence Knoll, 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 Sofas

Materials

Steel

Florence Knoll Sofa in Bronze Gray Velvet & Brushed Brass Base
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Stamford, CT
Modern day obsession with Mid-Century design wouldn't exist if not for the momentous efforts of Florence Knoll. The most significant chapter in Knoll’s life was spent devoted to her ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Sofas

Materials

Brass, Steel

Florence Knoll Brown Sofa ~ Model 2577
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Florence Knoll three seat sofa by Knoll Associates. Model 2577. Original Naugahyde brown upholstery with chrome-plated steel base. Unsigned. USA, circa 1960-1970. Dimensions: 90.7...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Sofas

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Mid-Century Button-Tufted Black Leather Armless 3-Seat Sofa
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century (Knoll style) armless black leather 3-seat sofa with chrome steel base and classic button-tufted leather seat & back Condition: Good; Wear consistent with age and use (L...
Category

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Sofas

Materials

Steel

2-Seater 'Parallel Bar' Sofa by Florence Knoll for Knoll International, 1954
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
A 2-seater sofa with armrests from the ‘Parallel Bar’ series designed by Florence Knoll Basset around 1954. Early version from 1960 probably manufactured by De Coene in Kortrijk unde...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

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 Sofas

Materials

Chrome

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 Sofas

Materials

Metal

1960s Florence Knoll Sofa Reupholstered in Wool Mohair
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A stunning vintage 1960s Florence Knoll sofa that we had redone and reupholstered in a beautiful Kravet wool mohair. Color is called indigo blue. A rich navy color. We had 6 extra ba...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Sofas

Materials

Steel

Florence Knoll 2-Seater Sofa, Classic Mid Century Modern, Knoll
By Knoll, Florence 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 Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Florence Knoll Early 1950's Sofa with Magazine Holder
By Florence Knoll
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates sofa with built in magazine holder, circa early 1950s. This example is upholstered in a pumpernickel Knoll boucle which pops beautifully next to t...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Sofas

Materials

Walnut

Florence Knoll for Knoll International Sofa in Teak and Grey Upholstery
By Florence Knoll, 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 Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Teak

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 Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Knoll Dusky Pink Fabric Relax Sofa by Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the Knoll Dusky Pink Fabric Relax Sofa, a timeless piece designed by the renowned Florence Knoll. This stunning sofa features a plush, comfortable seat upholstered in a s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Florence Knoll Sofas

Materials

Fabric

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 Sofas

Materials

Steel

Florence Knoll for Knoll International Sofa in Blue Upholstery and Steel
By Florence Knoll, 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...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Sofas

Materials

Steel

Florence Knoll for Knoll Mid-Century Modern Sofa in Fuchsia
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An iconic sofa designed by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll in the early 1960s. It features a stainless steel frame with fuchsia tweed upholstery.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Sofas

Materials

Stainless 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 Sofas

Materials

Velvet

2013 Florence Knoll Two Seat Settee / Sofa in Black Leather and Chrome
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 2013, and is upholstered in black leather. The des...
Category

2010s American Modern Florence Knoll Sofas

Materials

Steel

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 Sofas

Materials

Steel

Rare Knoll # 2577BC Steel Base Sofa by Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A rare tufted horizonal upholstered sofa in an oatmeal tight woven fabric with floating back . Having an architectural satin black steel base with square tubular legs and plastic foo...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Florence Knoll Sofa for Knoll International
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A classic mid-century tufted sofa by Florence Knoll Sofa for Knoll International c.1950s, USA. It can easily be floated in the center of a room as the b...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Sofas

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Knoll Associates Couch, Park Avenue, New York, Made in Italy
By Knoll, Florence 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 Sofas

Materials

Steel

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 Sofas

Materials

Fabric

90in Vintage Mid-Century Knoll Three-Seat Sofa
By Florence Knoll
Located in Pasadena, TX
Iconic Florence Knoll three-seat sofa in original berry fabric. Chrome legs. Chrome has been restored. Measures: 90 in.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Rare 'Model 66' 2-Seater Sofa by Florence Knoll for Knoll International, 1950s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Rare 2-seater sofa designed by Florence Knoll Basset around 1955. This armless version is called ‘Model 66’ or ‘Slipper’ and features a slim black lacquered base in steel with a funk...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

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 Sofas

Materials

Metal

Very Early and Rare No. 578 Sofa by Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll
Located in Munich, DE
Designed in 1954. Original condition. should be re-upholstered.
Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Parallel Bar Sofas By Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A "parallel bar" frame sofa with a button tufted back on chromed steel legs.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Sofas

Materials

Steel

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...
Category

2010s American Modern Florence Knoll Sofas

Materials

Steel

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 Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

2022 Florence Knoll Two Seat Settee / Loveseat Sofa in Green Leather
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a two-seater ‘Florence Knoll’ settee sofa, model 1205S2. The piece was originally designed by Florence Knoll in 1954. This example dates to 2022, and is upholstered in its or...
Category

2010s American Modern Florence Knoll Sofas

Materials

Steel

Completely Restored Florence Knoll 25 BC Three-Seat Sofa by Wohnbedarf, 1950s
By Florence Knoll, 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 Sofas

Materials

Wool

2015 Florence Knoll Two Seat Settee Loveseat Sofa in Purple Fabric, Model 1205S2
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original Florence Knoll Settee Sofa, Model 1205S2, designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll in 1954. This particular example was produced by Knoll Studio in the USA in 2015. I...
Category

2010s American Modern Florence Knoll Sofas

Materials

Steel

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

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

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 Sofas

Materials

Stainless Steel

Parallel Bar Sofa, Model 57, by Florence Knol, USA, 1960s.
By Knoll, Florence 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 Sofas

Materials

Chrome

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 ...
Category

1950s American Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Sofas

Materials

Steel

Florence Knoll leather two-seater mod. 65 for Knoll International
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
Florence Knoll leather two-seater mod. 65 for Knoll International! Produced from 1958-1978! This series has exceptional seating comfort and a timelessly modern look.
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Florence Knoll / Knoll Light Orange Upholstered Settees
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in New York, NY
PAIR of American Mid-Century two-seat settees with peach color faintly textured upholstered seat and back cushions supported on black powder coated metal frames. (FLORENCE KNOLL / KN...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Sofas

Materials

Metal

Florence Knoll sofas for sale on 1stDibs.

Florence Knoll sofas are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of fabric and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Florence Knoll sofas, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original sofas by Florence Knoll were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider sofas by Craft Associates, Milo Baughman, and Herman Miller. Prices for Florence Knoll sofas can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,372 and can go as high as $30,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $7,097.
Questions About Florence Knoll Sofas
  • 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A Knoll sofa, or a Knole sofa, is an interesting piece of furniture that’s believed to have its origins in the 1600s and to be the precursor to the modern sofa. It features two side-by-side cushions and arms that are as high as the back of the sofa. The most interesting feature is that these arms can often be tied back or dropped to change the profile of the sofa. Find an assortment of Knole sofas from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 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 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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