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Florence Knoll Conference Tables

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
Restored Vintage Florence Knoll Oval Top Rosewood Dining or Conference Table
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in St. Louis, MO
Restored Mid-Century Modern vintage Florence Knoll oval top dining table / conference or desk in rare book matched rosewood veneer on chrome star...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Conference Tables

Materials

Chrome

Rare Early Florence Knoll Rosewood Dinning Table
By Florence Knoll
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Dated 1973, We offer this Rare Early Florence Knoll Rosewood Dinning Table, designed to furnish the new interiors of postwar America, this table is a scaled-down translation of the l...
Category

1970s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Conference Tables

Materials

Steel

Florence Knoll Oak and Re-Chromed Steel Base Dining or Conference Table
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Florence Knoll-designed oak dining table. This table features a 7' foot long top and a newly re-chromed steel base. This table was also sold as a conference table. The top was recently refinished along with the base being re-plated in chrome. This appears to be an original Knoll table...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Conference Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

20ft Vintage Midcentury Florence Knoll Conference Table
By Florence Knoll
Located in Pasadena, TX
Florence Knoll Trained as an architect, Florence Knoll's own pieces for Knoll are simple, architectural designs that stand the test of time. Her lounge seating, sofas, tables, and...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Conference Tables

Materials

Walnut

Original Florence Knoll Marble Oval Dining Table or Desk for Knoll International
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Echt, NL
Largest version of the Florence Knoll 2480 dining table or desk in very good condition. Designed in 1961 for Knoll International. The frame and legs a...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Conference Tables

Materials

Carrara Marble, Chrome

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Clean Lined Florence Knoll Walnut Dining Table
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
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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...
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Danish Conference or Large Dining Table in Mahogany and Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining or conference table, stained mahogany, pine underside, Denmark, 1960s This grandiose table of Danish origin features a tripartite structure defined by clear lines and fine ma...
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Elegant Conference Table in Walnut with Inlay 23ft
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Conference table, walnut, brass, Europe, 1940s This exquisite conference table, a monumental 23 feet (7.2 meters) in length, is a masterful example of fine woodworking. Crafted from...
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Giant Florence Knoll Walnut Chrome Conference Boat Table for Knoll International
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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...
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1960s Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates Square Dining Table in Walnut
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a square dining table in Walnut, designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates in 1957. This model is very similar to the model 303, but this silhouette does not offer the ...
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Midcentury Conference Table by Dřevotvar, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in Czechoslovakia - Made of oakwood, mahogany veneer - Maker: Drevotvar - Restored - Very good condition.
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Midcentury Conference Table Designed by František Mezulánik, 1960s
By Frantisek Mezulanik
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in Czechoslovakia - Made of wood - Walnut veneer - Carefully refurbished.
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Organic Conference Table, 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1970s, West Europe - made of brass, chromed (patina) - smoked glass.
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1970s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Conference Tables

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"Teoca" Dinning Table
By ADN Studio
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
The "Teoca" dinning table is part of ADN Studio´s Volcan Collection. This collection seeks to go back to basics. It is a subtle and refined interpretatio...
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"Teoca" Dinning Table
"Teoca" Dinning Table
H 29.53 in W 94.49 in D 39.38 in
Rosewood and Chrome Conference Table
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern rosewood and chrome conference table with cylindrical chromed steel legs. Industrial table. Can also be used as a dining table.
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Rosewood and Chrome Conference Table
Rosewood and Chrome Conference Table
H 30.25 in W 90 in D 45 in
Midcentury Conference Brass Mosaic Table, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in Germany, circa 1960s - Good original condition with patina.    
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Materials

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Midcentury Conference Brass Mosaic Table, 1960s
Midcentury Conference Brass Mosaic Table, 1960s
H 22.05 in W 39.77 in D 20.48 in
Italian Midcentury Dining or Conference Table, 1950s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Hugh wooden table with beautiful and particular details in the style of Gianfranco Frattini. Excellent craftsmanship in very good original condition with small signs of wear, please have a look to all pictures. More pictures are available. Could be used as conference table as well as big dining table...
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Previously Available Items
Large Florence Knoll Teak Boat Shaped Dining Table
By Nordiska Kompaniet, Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Dronten, NL
Rare Florence Knoll for Knoll International model 578 dining table, circa 1958. Measures: 8 ft. long, seats 8-10 people. Large conference table with boat shaped top in teak and enam...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Conference Tables

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Steel

Florence Knoll Walnut Boat Shaped Conference or Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern boat shaped dining table or conference table By Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates USA, Circa 1960s Stunning book-matched walnut top,...
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Florence Knoll Dining or Conference Desk Table Chrome Star Base & Marble Top
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in San Diego, CA
Knoll conference table circa 1970s great design can be used like a dining table or desk table, some wear due to age please check the pictures. with marble edge top and chrome-plated ...
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20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Conference Tables

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Marble, Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Dining Conference Table
By Florence Knoll
Located in San Antonio, TX
Iconic Mid-Century Modern dining table or conference table designed by Florence Knoll features an oak oval top and the classic chrome base. This mid-century dining table is in great ...
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No. 580 Walnut Dining or Conference Table by Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll
Located in Munich, DE
A wonderful table with amazing shape. 78cm at the ends - 105cm in the middle.
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Mid-Century Florence Knoll Oval Table
By Florence Knoll
Located in San Antonio, TX
Mid-Century Modern table designed by Florence Knoll. In good condition, this vintage table is oval shaped, walnut wood top with a chrome base, and can easily seat eight. This large t...
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Mid-Century Florence Knoll Oval Table
Mid-Century Florence Knoll Oval Table
H 29 in W 84.5 in D 48.75 in
Knoll Starburst Base Conference Table
By Florence Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
Classic Knoll oval conference table. Mounted on a chrome starburst base. A Florence Knoll design, 1976.
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Knoll Starburst Base Conference Table
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H 28.5 in W 95 in D 54 in
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By Florence Knoll, Knoll
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Large Mid-Century Modern table with boat shaped top by Florence Knoll Florence Knoll designed this table in 1961 as part of the executive collection. Like so many of her ground break...
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Florence Knoll Oval Emperador Marble Top Dining Table, Conference Table or Desk
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in St. Louis, MO
Classic Florence Knoll for Knoll dining table with oval Emperador marble top and chrome base. Emperador marble top colors are olive-beige tones, the marble is quarried in Spain. Chro...
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Florence Knoll Dining or Conference Desk Table Chrome Star Base X Large
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in San Diego, CA
X large Knoll conference table circa 1970s great design can be used like a dining table or desk table, some wear due to age please check the pictures.
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20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Conference Tables

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Chrome

Impressive Florence Knoll Executive Desk
By Florence Knoll
Located in Munich, DE
Big chromed base with oak top. Wonderful grain. Can also be used as conference or dining table. Early base with high adjustable ends.
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Conference Tables

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Impressive Florence Knoll Executive Desk
Impressive Florence Knoll Executive Desk
H 29.53 in W 72.05 in D 35.83 in
Vintage Executive Desk or Dining Table by Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This stunning vintage table designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International in the United States, circa 1960s. Its versatile allows it to serve...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Conference Tables

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Florence Knoll conference tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Florence Knoll conference tables 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 conference tables, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original conference tables by Florence Knoll were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider conference tables by Charles Eames, Knoll, and George Nelson. Prices for Florence Knoll conference tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $4,495 and can go as high as $20,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $7,125.
Questions About Florence Knoll Conference Tables
  • 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
    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
    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 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 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.
  • 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.

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