Florence Knoll Desks and Writing 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
Vintage Florence Knoll Teak and Chromed-Steel Partner's Desk / Executive Desk
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Executive Table/Partners Desk Model 2485D originally designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates in 1961 (this example was executed in 1980) successfully marries form and fu...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Florence Knoll Walnut Executive Desk for Knoll Associates
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This vintage executive walnut desk, designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates Inc. in the 1950s, is a stunning example of mid-century modern design. Featuring a functional cabi...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Restored Rare Early Florence Knoll Model 17 Louvered Maple Desk Signed Madison
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This rare desk was designed in the 1950s by Florence Knoll with a simplistic profile that has proven to be timeless! Of solid maple construction, it features tapered dowel legs and a...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Maple
Mid-Century Modern Oval Dining Table or Desk by Florence Knoll in Carrara Marble
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An elegant executive table designed by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll. It features a beautiful polished white & gray Carrara marble top and a chrome-plated star base. This was ...
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Chrome
Knoll by Florence Knoll Ebonized Oak Mini Desk
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Basildon, London
Originally designed by Florence Knoll in 1954, the Mini Desk is part of the High Table range manufactured by Knoll.
Constructed from a slimline polished chrome frame, the desk has a...
Category
2010s Italian Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
$2,490 Sale Price
50% Off
Classic Midcentury Walnut and Chrome Florence Knoll Desk Knoll
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic midcentury walnut and chrome Florence Knoll desk features richly grained walnut top chromed steel frame, pencil drawer and file drawer. Retains early Knoll label.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
1960s Mid Century Rosewood And Chrome Desk By Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll
Located in London, GB
A rare 1960s Florence Knoll desk crafted in exquisite Rosewood. A true collector's piece, this iconic desk epitomises the clean lines, functional elegance, and superior craftsmanship...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Early Vintage Florence Knoll Dining Table or Desk
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Early vintage Florence Knoll dining table.
Model 301
Literature: Knoll Furniture 1938-1960, Rouland and Rouland, pg 105
Comes with 1 (18") leaf.
Measures: 60" wide without le...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Early production Florence Knoll Desk, Classic Modernist design, Knoll New York
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early production walnut and rosewood desk designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll ,features richly grained walnut top rosewood frame, pencil drawer and file drawer. Retains early Knoll ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stainless Steel
Executive partner desk in rosewood by Florence Knoll, 1970s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Florence Knoll’s Executive Partner Desk, designed in 1961, is a hallmark of mid-century modern office furniture, combining functionality with minimalist elegance. This iconic desk fe...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Table Desk by Florence Knoll for Knoll International, United States, 1960s
By Florence Knoll
Located in Antwerp, BE
Knoll International table desk designed by Florence Knoll in 1961, originally conceived as a practical solution but now recognised as a minimalist design icon. This 1960s model featu...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Desk by Florence Knoll for Knoll international, 1970s
By Florence Knoll
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Desk by Florence Knoll for Knoll international
Biography :
Born to a baker, and orphaned at age twelve, Florence Schust grew up Saginaw, Michigan. Schust demons...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble
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 and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron, Metal
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Early Mid Century Modern Franco Albini for Knoll 1928 Desk
By Franco Albini, Knoll
Located in Dronten, NL
Very early Albini Desk, designed by Franco Albini in 1928.
Later versions of this design feature black plastic feet and black plastic glass top supports on the frame, like the versio...
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Mid Century Desk, Warren Platner for Knoll, Steel, Oak, Chrome, 1970s
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Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Mid Century Desk, Warren Platner For Knoll, Steel, Oak, 1970s, Office, Executive Desk, Chrome, Unique Design
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Florence Knoll Solid Chromed Steel Tables with Floating Walnut Laminate Tops
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Original solid steel 24 inch square side tables by Florence Knoll with floating laminate walnut tops. We have multiple tables that can be used tide by side as a longer coffee table. ...
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H 17 in W 24 in D 24 in
Vintage Walnut and Chrome Executive Desk by John Keal
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This mid-century executive desk, designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman in the 1950s, is a timeless piece that combines functionality and style. Its large working surface and floati...
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Florence Knoll Coffee Table in Calacatta Marble & Chrome
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Previously Available Items
Florence Knoll Dining Table Desk
By Florence Knoll, 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 rosewood table top. It is perfect for dining or alternately as an offic...
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Florence Knoll Table Desk
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
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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 ...
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Double Sided Desk in Black Lacquered by Florence Knoll, 1960s
By Florence Knoll
Located in Brussels, BE
Double Sided Desk in Black Lacquered Wood And Chromed Steel Base by Florence Knoll, 1960
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Florence Knoll Model 17 Desk
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Florence Knoll for Knoll Walnut and Chrome Executive Desk
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Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll, Model 2480 Oval Table Desk, 1960s
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Oak Partners Desk by Florence Knoll
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Mid-Century Modern Walnut Oval Executive Desk & Table by Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Lafayette, IN
This is an elegant and rare 8ft example of Florence Knoll's oval table desk from her 1961 Executive Collection. She replaced the traditionally massive executive desk with a simple, elegant table. She said the table is better suited for personal communication — the executive’s primary function. This piece works equally well as a commanding office desk or dining/conference table for 10...
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Vintage Walnut Executive Desk by Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll, 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...
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Florence Knoll Marble Oval Dining Table
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Located in Wilton, CT
This Florence Knoll's iconic Mid-Century Modern oval dining table was designed and produced in the 1960's. The luxurious marble table top features a beautiful cool gray veining throu...
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Florence Knoll Mid-Century Modern Oval Rosewood Table or Desk, 1960s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A large oval rosewood conference table, designed by Florence Knoll and manufactured in the United States by Knoll International in the late 1960s. Table features solid rosewood oval ...
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H 27.76 in W 95.67 in D 53.55 in
Vintage Walnut Executive Desk by Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll, 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...
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Florence Knoll desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.
Florence Knoll desks and writing tables are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Florence Knoll desks and writing tables, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original desks and writing 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 desks and writing tables by Harvey Probber, Jens Risom, and Widdicomb Furniture Co.. Prices for Florence Knoll desks and writing tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,352 and can go as high as $10,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,204.
Creators Similar to Florence Knoll
Questions About Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables
- Who is Florence Knoll?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Florence 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, 2022To 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.
- Where does Florence Knoll live?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Florence 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, 2022Florence 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, 2024What 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, 2022No, 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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