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 6-Drawer Double Dresser in Teak with Satin Nickel Base 1960s
By Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A classic example of Florence Knoll’s disciplined modernism, this six-drawer double dresser dates to the 1960s and reflects her commitment to clean lines, proportion, and functional ...
Teak
Florence Knoll for Knoll International Walnut Five Drawer Dresser, C. 1960
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Peabody, MA
A five drawer walnut dresser, model #326-2, by Florence Knoll, for Knoll International, ca. 1960.
Walnut
Florence Knoll Walnut 4-Drawer Dresser, Mid-Century Modern, USA, 1956
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Florence Knoll for Knoll Walnut 4-Drawer Dresser. Three of these 3 drawer versions are available as well! Matching nightstands and headboard will be listed separately! Also listed...
Chrome
Florence Knoll Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Chest of Drawers, Refinished
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern black lacquered three-drawer dresser chest By Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates USA, Circa 1970s Black lacquered walnut, with original ch...
Chrome
Florence Knoll Rosewood 6 Drawer Double Dresser/Chest, 1960
By Florence Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Florence Knoll Rosewood 6 drawer double dresser/chest, 1960. Beautifully restored. Measures 73” long 19.25”deep 29” tall
Rosewood
Florence Knoll Walnut Dresser with Travertine Top
By Florence Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
A walnut chest of drawers with brushed steel base and travertine top. Designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll.
Travertine
1960s Florence Knoll Walnut 5-Drawer Dresser with Marble Top, Model 326 2
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Florence Knoll Walnut 5-drawer dresser, model 326-2, designed by Florence Knoll in 1960 for Knoll International. This example dates to the 1960s. The chest features a highl...
Marble, Aluminum, Steel
1960s Florence Knoll Rosewood 3-Drawer Dresser Cabinet with Marble Top
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Three-Drawer Dresser, designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International in 1958. This example dates to the 1960s and features a rich Brazilian rosewood veneer. The wooden ...
Steel
Florence Knoll 6-Drawer Double Dresser in Teak with Satin Nickel Base 1960s
By Florence Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
Early 1960s Florence Knoll Chest of Drawers with white lacquered segmented dividers and satin nickel base.
Teak
Florence Knoll Walnut Dresser
By Florence Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
A walnut chest of drawers with brushed steel base. Designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll.
Walnut
1960s Florence Knoll 3-Drawer Walnut Dresser with White Marble Top 1x Available
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Florence Knoll Walnut 3-drawer dresser, designed by Florence Knoll in 1960 for Knoll International. The listed price includes one dresser and we have two available for purc...
Marble, Steel
1950s Florence Knoll Brazilian Rosewood Double Six Drawer Dresser w/ Marble Top
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Double Dresser, designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International in 1958. This example dates to the late 1950s and features a rich Brazilian Rosewood Veneer. The wooden c...
Steel
1960s Florence Knoll Four Drawer Walnut Dresser Cabinet with Laminate Top
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Florence Knoll Walnut 4-drawer dresser, model 325, designed by Florence in 1960 for Knoll International. This example dates to the 1960s. The chest is comprised of a walnut...
Laminate, Walnut
1950s Florence Knoll Four Drawer Walnut Dresser Cabinet with Laminate Top
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
This is a Florence Knoll Walnut 4-drawer dresser, model 325, designed by Florence early to Mid 1950s.. for Knoll / New York,, Truly stunning example,, Amazing condition..Retains it'...
Stainless Steel
1960s Florence Knoll Brazilian Rosewood Double 6-Drawer Dresser w/ Marble Top
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Double Dresser, designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International in 1958. This example dates to the 1960s and features a rich Brazilian Rosewood Veneer. The wooden case s...
Steel
Early Florence Knoll Teak 6 Drawer Double Dresser/Chest, 1950s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early Florence Knoll Teak 6 Drawer Double Dresser/Chest, 1950s,,Classic modernist design,, Sleek ,simple ,elegant. Retains original finish , patina,, some staining to left dresser (t...
Teak
1970s Florence Knoll International 6 Drawer Credenza Dresser with Marble Top
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a gorgeous original 1970s Florence Knoll 6-drawer credenza/dresser, produced by Knoll International. This example has a dark mahogany finish with original marble t...
Chrome
1948 Pair of Florence Knoll Associates No. 126 Louvered Dressers/Chests in Maple
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a pair of No. 126 louvered maple dressers, designed by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll Associates circa 1948. These are exceptionally rare and early examples ...
Maple
H 33.5 in W 64 in D 21 in
French Empire Biedermeier Oak Double Dresser Commode Console Chest Hidden Drawer
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage French Empire / Biedermeier style chest of drawers / dresser / commode. Made of matchboxes oak featuring a cello front and faux marble top over six dovetailed drawers with b...
Oak
H 25.2 in W 74.81 in D 18.12 in
Florence Knoll - Knoll International Dark European Walnut Cabinet, Chromed Frame
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Dronten, NL
A sculptural icon of mid-century modernism, from the CEO’s office of a Dutch multinational. Elevate your space with a piece of design history. This Florence Knoll credenza, crafted b...
Steel, Chrome
H 30 in W 71.25 in D 19 in
Newly Refinished - Mid Century Modern 9-Drawer Sculpted Walnut Dresser
By American of Martinsville
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Walnut
H 35 in W 46 in D 20 in
Black Japanned Chest of Drawers
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
English Japanned chest of drawers with three small drawers over three long drawers. The legs are of a cabriole style with pad feet. The term "Japanned"...
Wood, Lacquer
H 30 in W 63.38 in D 19 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut 9 Drawer Dresser by Dixie
By Dixie Furniture Co.
Located in Baltimore, MD
An elegant dresser. This is a beautiful example of Mid-Century craftsmanship by Dixie Furniture, features nine drawers for plenty of storage. An extremely well made and solid piece ...
Walnut
H 28.75 in W 71.38 in D 18 in
Scandinavian Modern Rosewood 8 Drawer Dresser Sideboard Chest Westnofa Norway
By Westnofa Furniture
Located in Wayne, NJ
Stunning 1960's Modern Brazilian Rosewood Eight-Drawer Dresser Sideboard Chest Westnofa Furniture Norway. The back side also is finished in R...
Rosewood
H 36.03 in W 38.59 in D 19.1 in
Danish Mid Century Modern Chest of Drawers in Oak, Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Odense, DK
A characterful chest of drawers in the style of Henning (Henry) Kjærnulf, crafted in oak and made in Denmark in the 1960s. The commode features five drawers, offering ample storage ...
Brass
H 44 in W 42 in D 19 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut 5 Drawers High Chest Dresser MINT!
By Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Walnut 5 Drawers High Chest Dresser MINT!.
Teak
H 31.5 in W 62.75 in D 19 in
Newly Refinished - Mid Century Modern 9-Drawer Sculpted Walnut Dresser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Walnut
H 26.25 in W 54.5 in D 16.75 in
Danish Rosewood 8 Drawer Dresser Poul Hundevad
By Poul Hundevad
Located in Fraser, MI
Rosewood 8 Drawer Chest. Made in Denmark. Designed by Poul Hundevad
Birch, Rosewood
H 25.6 in W 37.41 in D 17.92 in
Florence Knoll aluminium, metal and marble cabinet, Knoll International, 1960s
By Knoll, Florence 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 ...
Marble, Metal, Aluminum
H 25.375 in W 74.5 in D 17.875 in
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
H 36.75 in W 36 in D 19.5 in
Mid Century Modern 4 Drawer Dresser by Florence Knoll C1970
By Florence Knoll
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous walnut 4 drawer chest of drawers by Knoll International. Metal back with the original chrome drawer pulls. Oak secondary wood used as the drawer frames. In excellent vintag...
Metal, Chrome
H 29.5 in W 36 in D 19.5 in
Florence Knoll 3 Drawer Walnut Dresser
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Florence Knoll for Knoll Walnut 3-Drawer Dresser. Nice deep drawers, usually see with 4 drawers which are not as useful because top drawer is very shallow. Overall clean origin...
Chrome
H 36.63 in W 36 in D 19.5 in
Florence Knoll for Knoll 5 Drawer Dresser, model #326-2
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Florence Knoll for Knoll Model#326-2 5 drawer walnut dresser. Beautiful all original condition! Faint ring mark on top surface as seen in photo. Overall very clean! All drawers w...
Chrome
H 28.75 in W 109.75 in D 19.5 in
Florence Knoll Triple Dresser in Oak and Travertine
By Florence Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
A triple dresser on brushed stainless base in oak with travertine tops. Designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll.
Travertine
H 36.5 in W 36 in D 19.5 in
Early Florence Knoll Chest of Drawers Dresser in Walnut
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Florence Knoll Walnut 34-drawer dresser for Knoll International. Circa 1960's Walnut with chrome plated steel drawers pulls The pieces have clean, simple lines and have a robust co...
Walnut
H 28.5 in W 73 in D 19.25 in
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...
Chrome
H 28.75 in W 36 in D 19.25 in
Florence Knoll for Knoll 3 Drawer Dresser
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Florence Knoll for Knoll 3 Drawer Dresser that sits on a Satin Chrome Base with adjustable feet to level out cabinet easily. Three pull out drawers with recess...
Chrome
H 29.5 in W 36 in D 19.5 in
Florence Knoll Walnut Dresser with White Formica Top, 2 Available
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Florence Knoll for Knoll walnut dresser with white formica tops. All original condition! 4 walnut drawers with chrome center flat handles. Clean simple d...
Formica, Walnut
H 29.25 in W 99.75 in D 19.5 in
Florence Knoll Teak Vanity Drawer Chest Set
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Vanity drawer chest set designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International. A rarely seen example in teak with white laminated backs. Light restoration of th...
Metal
H 27.75 in W 72 in D 17.75 in
Florence Knoll Walnut Credenza
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Four compartment early walnut credenza by Florence Knoll, USA, c.1950s. Three compartments features an oak interior with adjustable oak shelf and closes with sliding doors. A single ...
Leather, Oak, Walnut
H 25.5 in W 74.5 in D 18 in
Florence Knoll Rosewood & Marble Credenza circa 1960
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Florence Knoll Rosewood & Marble Credenza. Circa 1960. Highly figured rosewood grain.
Marble, Steel, Chrome
H 25.5 in W 74.5 in D 19 in
Florence Knoll Rosewood & Marble Credenza / Welton Becket & Associates Office
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Florence Knoll rosewood & marble credenza, circa 1960. Provenance: Architect Welton Becket & Associates Office. This piece is in very good original condi...
Marble