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.
Florence Knoll Mid Century Teak and Chrome File Credenza
By Florence Knoll
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Florence Knoll Mid Century Teak and Chrome File Credenza This credenza measures: 74.5 wide x 18 deep x 26 inches high Good Vintage Condition - Gentle Wear on Top Surface and Sides....
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...
Marble, Stainless Steel
Restored Vintage Carrara Marble and Rosewood Florence Knoll Credenza
By Knoll, Florence 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 ...
Steel, Chrome
Florence Knoll Credenza with Leather Handles, 1961
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Stunning and ultra high-end sideboard designed by Florence Knoll Basset in 1961. This original early example is finished in beautiful wood with four doors and very rare leather handl...
Metal
Early Florence Knoll Credenza in Rosewood with Calacatta Gold Marble Top
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in St. Louis, MO
Florence Knoll credenza in rosewood, drawer fronts are book matched with original beautiful Gold Calacatta marble top. The 10 drawer Rosewood cabinet has been restored, chrome pulls ...
Metal
Mid century Black Lacquer Florence Knoll office Cabinet Credenza leather pulls
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Knoll all black small credenza - Beautiful practical credenza for living or office space. Has (2) front Sliding doors with leather pulls that reveal two adjustable shelves, one on ea...
Leather, Oak, Lacquer
Knoll Credenza in Rosewood and Marble
By Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a rare Knoll rosewood and marble credenza, model 2544, first designed by Florence Knoll in 1961 as part of her new approach to commercial interior design. This is an early ...
Rosewood
Mid-Century Modern Early Knoll Walnut 2-Door Credenza
By Florence Knoll
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Diminutive credenza from the early 1950s. Walnut top is new veneer replacing worn Formica. Leather pulls a signature Florence Knoll design mark. Two sliding doors open to reveal two ...
Steel
Teak Credenza by Florence Knoll for Knoll International
By Florence Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
Credenza designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International 1961. This example is in very good condition, constructed with teak featuring ten drawers and chromed steel base.
Teak
Midcentury Florence Knoll Cabinet Rare Ash Wood
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful and practical credenza for living or office space. Sliding door with leather pulls reveal two file cabinets, 4 drawers and adjustable shelves. Perfect for your storage need...
Chrome
Petite Classic Knoll Credenza in Walnut and Cream Ca' 1950's
By Florence Knoll
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A Classic Florence Knoll for Knoll petite scale (36"W) credenza. Walnut with nice rich patina, cream colored, original fronts and leather tabs. Vintage circa 1950s with original Knol...
Wood
Florence Knoll Four Position Rosewood Credenza
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Highland, IN
A classic design by Florence Knoll, the 'four position' credenza is an elegant cabinet appointed with many refined details. Supported by a polished chrome steel base, the case is ven...
Marble, Steel
Florence Knoll Maple Credenza with Leather Pulls and Oak Drawers Early 1950s
By Florence Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
Early and rare credenza in maple by Florence Knoll for Knoll International. This classic modern icon is absolutely amazing and was constructed with a beautiful maple, oak drawers, na...
Steel
Wall Mount Cabinet Model 123 W-1, Florence Knoll, Knoll Associates, USA, 1950s
By Florence Knoll
Located in Deland, FL
This iconic Mid-Century Modern wall mount cabinet, Model 123 W-1, designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates in the 1950s, exemplifies sophisticated American design. Featuring a...
Walnut
Florence Knoll Designed Credenza
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern office sideboard by Florence Knoll. Walnut grain throughout with strong metal legs. Pull out tray and file cabinet. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Metal
Florence Knoll Rosewood Credenza
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1960s featuring a finished back allowing this piece to work as a room divider if desired. There is some age-appropriate wear to the wood including minor scuffs and a spot of water...
Marble
20th Century Florence Knoll Chromed Two Position Credenza Mod. 2544, 60s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Turin, Turin
In 1941 Florence moved to New York where she met Hans Knoll who was establishing his furniture company. With Florence’s design skills and Hans’ business acumen and salesmanship, the ...
Steel
1950s Mid Century Walnut Credenza by Florence Knoll
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century walnut credenza designed by Florence Knoll and manufactured by Knoll Associates Inc. circa 1950s. This exceptional piece showcases a gorgeous walnut frame supported by fo...
Chrome
Florence Knoll Eight-Drawer Credenza in Teakwood
By Florence Knoll, 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...
Chrome
Pair of Florence Knoll Floating Credenza for Knoll Inc.
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
This pair of credenzas were acquired from the family that owned the first Knoll concession in Mexico, at some point the doors were painted black and they were assembled one with the ...
Leather, Walnut
Four Door Credenza by Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates
By Florence Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
From the estate of a retired architect. Early production four door crendenza in a beautiful book matched walnut with stainless designed by Florence Knoll, 1960 for Knoll Associates.
Stainless Steel
Florence Knoll Rosewood Credenza
By Florence Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
An expressively grained rosewood cabinet designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll. Oak interior with adjustable shelves.
Rosewood
Mid-Century Modern Early Knoll Credenza in Black & White Laminate Oak Interior
By Florence Knoll
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous spectacular credenza by Knoll Associates circa 1965. In black & white laminate with an oak interior. 4 adjustable shelves with 2 pull out drawers. Heavy duty chrome legs wit...
Leather, Laminate, Oak
1960s Florence Knoll Wall Mounted Hanging Credenza in Walnut w/ White Doors
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a floating wall-mount credenza, Model 121 W-1, initially designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll Inc. in 1956. This example dates to the early 1960s. The piece features a walnut...
Steel
Wall-Mounted Rosewood Cabinets by Florence Knoll, Excellent Condition, Pair
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Kansas City, MO
Two rosewood wall mount storage cabinets or credenzas designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll. Early production in Brazilian rosewood with whit...
Leather, Rosewood, Wood
Free-Standing Lacquered Credenza Designed by Florence Knoll, 1950s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
When Florence Knoll revolutionized private office design by replacing the typical executive desk with a table desk, she needed a place for all the filing and storage that had traditi...
Leather, Wood
1990s Florence Knoll Two Position Credenza with Chrome Legs and Marble Top
By Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Two Position Credenza, originally designed by Florence Knoll. This particular example was produced in the 1990s. The design features a marble top set over a case constructe...
Marble, Steel
1950s Florence Knoll Credenza in Black with Original Leather Pulls Model 541
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a 1950s Sliding Door Credenza in Black and White, Model 541, designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll Inc. circa 1949. The piece features an ebonized walnut case and has white la...
Steel
Vintage Walnut and Chrome Credenza by Florence Knoll
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Introducing the stunning mid-century walnut credenza designed by architect and furniture designer Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates Inc. This iconic piece boasts four sliding doors...
Steel, Chrome
1963 Florence Knoll Ebonized Credenzas with Caned Sliding Doors & Leather Pulls
By Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a single (two available, but priced individually) Ebonized Walnut Credenza with Caned Sliding Doors and Leather Pulls, designed by Florence Knoll in 1947. The listed price includes one credenza, and we have two available for purchase. Both pieces are marked and dated inside, reflecting a production date of Dec 1 1963. Their design features a wood case, and each unit has two sliding doors that have rattan caned facades. Their bases have squared-off steel legs, reflecting Florence's signature style. The pulls are original to the piece, composed of folded patinated leather. They retain their 320 Park Avenue Knoll...
Steel
1970s Florence Knoll 2-Position Cabinet / Credenza in Walnut 36"
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a 1970s Florence Knoll Two-Position Credenza, originally designed by Florence Knoll in 1958. It has a case composed of walnut. There are two top drawers and two larger drawer...
Walnut
Florence Knoll designed four door credenza for Knoll
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Ferndale, MI
Very clean and original early Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates Credenza. Teak cabinet with cream doors and maple veneer interior . Left side of cabinet holds two drawers and tw...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Two Position Credenza for Knoll Marble Top
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Secaucus, NJ
A classic and timeless design Florence Knoll two position credenza by Knoll. The iconic Florence Knoll low credenza works as well in the dining room as it does in the office. Feature...
Marble, Steel, Chrome
Rare executive cabinet by Florence Knoll for Knoll International, 1960s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
This small vintage credenza was designed by Florence Knoll in the 1960s for Knoll International. It features a sleek design with black ebonized wood and a Carrara marble top, exempli...
Carrara Marble, Aluminum
C. 2006 Florence Knoll Credenza with White Marble Top and Ebonized Wood
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Four Position Florence Knoll Credenza, Model 2544M, initially designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll in 1956. This example dates to 2006. The piece features an ebonized oak c...
Marble, Steel
Mid century Florence Knoll No 116 office Cabinet Credenza leather pulls
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Florence knoll No 116 Birch Credenza. Beautiful practical credenza for living or office space. Has (2) grasscloth front Sliding doors with leather pulls that reveal two a...
Leather, Birch
2019 Florence Knoll Four Position Credenza in Ebonized Oak and Marble Top
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Credenza, Model 2544M, initially designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll Inc. in 1956. This example dates to 2019. The piece features an ebonized oak case and has a white marb...
Marble, Steel
Antique and vintage credenzas can add an understated touch of grace to your home. These long and sophisticated cabinet-style pieces of furniture can serve a variety of purposes, and they look great too.
In Italy, the credenza was originally a small side table used in religious services. Appropriately, credere in Italian means “to believe.” Credenzas were a place to not only set the food ready for meals, they were also a place to test and taste prepared food for poison before a dish was served to a member of the ruling class. Later, credenza was used to describe a type of versatile narrow side table, typically used for serving food in the home. In form, a credenza has much in common with a sideboard — in fact, the terms credenza and sideboard are used almost interchangeably today.
Credenzas usually have short legs or no legs at all, and can feature drawers and cabinets. And all kinds of iterations of the credenza have seen the light of day over the years, from ornately carved walnut credenzas originating in 16th-century Tuscany to the wealth of Art Deco credenzas — with their polished surfaces and geometric patterns — to the array of innovative modernist interpretations that American furniture maker Milo Baughman created for Directional and Thayer Coggin.
The credenza’s blend of style and functionality led to its widespread use in the 20th century. Mid-century modern credenzas are particularly popular — take a look at Danish furniture designer Arne Vodder’s classic Model 29, for instance, with its reversible sliding doors and elegant drawer pulls. Hans Wegner, another Danish modernist, produced strikingly minimalist credenzas in the 1950s and ’60s, as did influential designer Florence Knoll. Designers continue to explore new and exciting ways to update this long-loved furnishing.
Owing to its versatility and familiar low-profile form, the credenza remains popular in contemporary homes. Unlike many larger case pieces, credenzas can be placed under windows and in irregularly shaped rooms, such as foyers and entryways. This renders it a useful storage solution. In living rooms, for example, a credenza can be a sleek media console topped with plants and the rare art monographs you’ve been planning to show off. In homes with open floor plans, a credenza can help define multiple living spaces, making it ideal for loft apartments.
Browse a variety of antique, new and vintage credenzas on 1stDibs to find the perfect fit for your home today.