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Florence Knoll Desks

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
1960s Florence Knoll Executive Desk in Walnut and Chrome
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Small Executive Desk, model 502B-BWM, designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates in 1952. This example dates to the 1960s. The doors, sides, and back are constructed w...
Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks

Materials

Steel, Chrome

1960s Florence Knoll Partners Desk in Walnut and Chrome with Four Drawers
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Florence Knoll Partners Desk or Executive Table, Model 2485, designed in 1961. It was manufactured in the 1960s by Knoll International. It features a walnut top that sits o...
Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Giant Florence Knoll Walnut Chrome Conference Boat Table for Knoll International
By Jens Risom, Herman Miller, Florence Knoll
Located in Chattanooga, TN
117" Giant conference table by Florence Knoll. The aged walnut shimmers and gleams with an almost Iridescence that form the ebbing and flowing grain patterns. The sleek beveled edg...
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Florence Knoll Mid Century Walnut Executive Desk
By Florence Knoll
Located in Countryside, IL
Florence Knoll Mid Century Walnut Executive Desk This desk measures: 76 wide x 36 deep x 28.75 high, with a chair clearance of 27.5 inches All pieces of furniture can be had in wha...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks

Materials

Walnut

1960s Florence Knoll Double Pedestal Executive Desk Chrome Wood Fully Refinished
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original double pedestal desk, model 1503, initially designed by Florence Knoll in 1956. This example was manufactured by Knoll Associates in the early 1960s. It is constr...
Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks

Materials

Steel

1960s Florence Knoll Executive Desk in Walnut w/ Chromed-Steel X-Base Model 2485
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Florence Knoll Executive Desk, Model 2485, initially designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll in 1954. This particular example date...
Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks

Materials

Steel, Chrome

1960s Florence Knoll Partners Desk or Executive Table in Rosewood, Model 2485
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Florence Knoll Partners Desk or Executive Table, Model 2485, designed in 1961. It was manufactured in the early 1960s by Knoll International based on the 320 Park Avenue la...
Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks

Materials

Steel, Chrome

1950s Florence Knoll Double Pedestal Walnut Chrome and Laminate Executive Desk
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a double pedestal desk, model 1503, designed by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll Associates. This is an original example dating to circa late 1950s. It is cons...
Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks

Materials

Chrome

Florence Knoll 1950s Mid-Century Wood Veneer Black Frame Desk or Console Table
By Florence Knoll
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
A wonderful modernist American made Mid-Century desk by Florence Knoll, circa 1950s. Made from a black painted square tubular iron frame with a veneered wood (we presume teak). This ...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Iron

Florence Knoll Rosewood Dining Table or Desk
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Florence Knoll rosewood dining table or desk, highly figured rosewood veneer top with beveled edge detail. Solid steel brushed chr...
Category

1960s American Vintage Florence Knoll Desks

Materials

Steel

Florence Knoll Desk
By Florence Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Knoll International Planed Office Group double pedestal desk with modesty panel model 1503. Features five drawers one for files. Modesty pane...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks

Materials

Metal

Florence Knoll Desk
By Florence Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Knoll International Planed Office Group double pedestal desk with modesty panel model 1503. Features five drawers one for files. Modesty panel shows st...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks

Materials

Metal

Related Items
Walnut Round Dining Table by Florence Knoll for Knoll International
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
Stunning and very rare round dining or conference table by Florence Knoll has a versatile diameter of 160cm. It has a solid walnut top and a chrome-plated steel base. Produced in the...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks

Materials

Stainless Steel

Regency Partners Desk Walnut Library Desk
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Fantastic large partners desk in the Regency manner True partners desk with drawers and cupboards on both sides Features solid oak drawer linings and brass drop handle Good size so p...
Category

1980s Regency Vintage Florence Knoll Desks

Materials

Walnut

Florence Knoll aluminium, metal and marble sideboard, Knoll International, 1960s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
Four-door sideboard in wood, metal, and brushed aluminum, with a marble top, produced by Knoll, designed by Florence Knoll, 1960s A long life, great masters, and well-deserved lasti...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks

Materials

Marble, Metal, Aluminum

Clean Lined Florence Knoll Walnut Dining Table
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean lined walnut dining table, designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll, American, circa 1950s. Signed with early Knoll label underneath. It has been cleaned and Danish oiled. It measu...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Desk, Wood, Italy, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern desk, wood, Italy, 1960s.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Florence Knoll Desks

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Desk, Wood, Italy, 1960s
Mid-Century Modern Desk, Wood, Italy, 1960s
H 31.5 in W 94.49 in D 39.38 in
Florence Knoll aluminium, metal and marble cabinet, Knoll International, 1960s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
Chest of drawers in wood, metal, and brushed aluminum with a marble top, produced by Knoll, designed by Florence Knoll, 1960s A long life, great masters, and well-deserved, lasting ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks

Materials

Marble, Metal, Aluminum

Burled Olive Wood Executive Desk - Vintage Campaign Double Pedestal Partner
By Baker Furniture Company, John Widdicomb
Located in Decatur, GA
Vintage burl double pedestal partner desk in olive wood with solid brass hardware, circa 1970s. Stunning organic undulating grain patterns throughout. All drawers are factory lined i...
Category

1970s North American Victorian Vintage Florence Knoll Desks

Materials

Brass

Florence Knoll Rosewood Dining Table or Desk
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Florence Knoll rosewood dining table or desk, highly figured rosewood veneer top with beveled edge detail. Solid steel brushed chr...
Category

1960s American Vintage Florence Knoll Desks

Materials

Steel

Vintage Walnut and Chrome Credenza by Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll, 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...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Florence Knoll Walnut & Chrome Oval Dining Table or Desk for Knoll Inc.
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Versatile table designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International in the United States circa 1960s. This iconic design features a solid oval walnut wood top that sits over a chromed...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks

Materials

Steel

Florence Knoll Double Dresser in Teak for Knoll
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Florence Knoll for Knoll Double Teak Dresser on chrome stainless steel base with adjustable feet. Top newly refinished, entire cabinet cleaned and oiled. Drawers retain white drawe...
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Sideboard by Florence Knoll for Knoll International, 1960s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Lasne, BE
Wooden sideboard with metal legs, with 4 doors and 2 shelves inside, designed by Florence Knoll. Wear due to time and age of the sideboard  
Category

1960s Central American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks

Materials

Metal

Previously Available Items
Florence Knoll Desk
By Florence Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Knoll International Planed Office Group double pedestal desk with modesty panel model 1503. Features five drawers one for files. Modesty panel shows st...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks

Materials

Metal

Florence Knoll Desk
Florence Knoll Desk
H 29 in W 66 in D 32 in
Knoll Walnut Oval Dining Table with Chrome-Plated Steel Base
By Florence Knoll
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Florence Knoll oval dining table with chrome plated steel base. Table is all original and is the larger harder to find 8' length. Retains Knoll label.
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks

Materials

Steel

1960s Executive Desk by Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll
Located in Burbank, CA
Original vintage Mid-Century Modern executive desk for sale. Designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll, and still has the original vintage 1960s Knoll bowtie ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks

Materials

Walnut

Oak Partners Desk by Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
A partners desk in oak designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll.
Category

1970s Vintage Florence Knoll Desks

Materials

Oak

Vintage Walnut Executive Desk by Florence Knoll
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Amazing vintage executive desk designed by architect and furniture designer Florence Knoll in the United States, circa 1960s. This iconic design...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Knoll Oval Dining Table in Walnut & Chrome-Plated Steel
By Florence Knoll
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Florence Knoll oval dining table with chrome plated steel base. Table is all original and is the larger harder to find 8' length. Retains Knol...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks

Materials

Steel

Vintage Oak Dining Table or Desk by Florence Knoll
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Amazing vintage oak dining table / desk designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International in the United States, circa 1960s. The design of th...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks

Materials

Stainless Steel, Chrome

Vintage Walnut Executive Desk by Florence Knoll
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Exceptional vintage walnut executive desk designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates Inc. in the United States, circa 1950s. This st...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks

Materials

Walnut

Florence Knoll Table Desk
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Florence Knoll in the 1960's, this simple dining table has a steel chrome plated base and gorgeous marble table top. The tabletop features a white marble with light gray ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks

Materials

Marble, Steel, Chrome

Florence Knoll Table Desk
Florence Knoll Table Desk
H 27.25 in W 78.5 in D 48 in
Vintage Teak Executive Desk or Dining Table by Florence Knoll
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Amazing vintage executive desk designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International in the United States, circa 1960s. The design of this table stands out for its great versatility sin...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks

Materials

Stainless Steel, Chrome

Vintage Teak Executive Desk by Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning vintage teak executive desk designed by architect and furniture designer Florence Knoll in the United States, circa 1960s. This iconic design, known as the partner's desk, f...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Florence Knoll Partners Desk
By Florence Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
A walnut partners desk designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll.
Category

1960s Vintage Florence Knoll Desks

Materials

Walnut

Florence Knoll Partners Desk
Florence Knoll Partners Desk
H 28.25 in W 72 in L 28.25 in

Florence Knoll desks for sale on 1stDibs.

Florence Knoll desks 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 desks, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original desks 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 desks by Knoll, Dunbar, and Jens Risom. Prices for Florence Knoll desks can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,352 and can go as high as $12,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,349.

Creators Similar to Florence Knoll

Questions About Florence Knoll Desks
  • 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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