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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
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...
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1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Classic Midcentury Walnut and Chrome Florence Knoll Desk Knoll
By Florence Knoll, 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.
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

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...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

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...
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1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble

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...
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2010s Italian Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

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 ...
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Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Iron

Mid-Century Modern Oval Dining Table or Desk by Florence Knoll in Carrara Marble
By Florence Knoll, 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 ...
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1990s American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Chrome

Restored Rare Early Florence Knoll Model 17 Louvered Maple Desk Signed Madison
By Florence Knoll, 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...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple

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 ...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Early Vintage Florence Knoll Dining Table or Desk
By Knoll, Florence 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...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Related Items
Florence Knoll Solid Chromed Steel Tables with Floating Walnut Laminate Tops
By Florence Knoll, 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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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Walnut Round Dining Table by Florence Knoll for Knoll International
By Knoll, Florence 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 and Writing Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Warren Platner for Knoll Executive Desk with Black Leather Top
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Warren Platner for Knoll, desk, leather, steel, oak, United States, 1973 This heavy, sturdy desk is designed by the American modernist Warren Platner. He is most known for his airy ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Midcentury Walnut and Leather Italian Writing Desk, 1950
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant Italian desk in leather and walnut wood, classic and very linear design for a desk from the middle of the last century. Top of the desk all covered in light brown leather, w...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Maple, Walnut

Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Desk by Valdemar Mortensen, 1960s.
By Vald Mortensen
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak desk by Valdemar Mortensen, 1960s. High-end freestanding executive teak writing table by Danish master carpenter Vald...
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1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Large Varnished Wood Executive Desk, in the style of Florence Knoll
Located in Miami, FL
Large Varnished wood executive desk, in the style of Florence Knoll.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Florence Knoll Marble + Chrome Coffee Table
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Make iconic mid-century modern design the focal point of any room with this exceptional marble & chrome cocktail table by American design legend Florence Knoll. Originally conceived ...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble, Metal, Chrome

Early Franco Albini for Knoll Model '80' Desk
By Knoll, Franco Albini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Franco Albini for Knoll, model 80, glass, lacquered wood, lacquered steel, Italy, 1949 Franco Albini’s model 80 desk combines glass, steel and wood which resu...
Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Early Franco Albini for Knoll Model '80' Desk
Early Franco Albini for Knoll Model '80' Desk
H 27.37 in W 43.31 in D 26.38 in
1960s Mid Century Modern Walnut Writing Desk
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century walnut executive desk designed and manufactured in the United States circa 1960s. The desk is amazing and boasts a beautiful walnut frame with a sleek formica top. The de...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Laminate, Walnut

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 and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Pierre Jeanneret Desk, 1950s Chandigargh
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Spectacular pigeonhole desk by Pierre Jeanneret. Made for the Chandigarh project. Used in the administrative buildings in Chindigargh, Sector 1. Angular leg and bookcase back. One of the most iconic pieces of modern design. Taupe leather top. Single pull out drawer on front left. Looks stunning from every angle. Great piece to float in a room. Desk in excellent vintage condition. The last 4 images are original photos of the desk pre-restoration. Armrest clearance is 26.25" Jeanneret Chandigargh Book - Jacques Dworczak...
Category

1950s Indian Vintage Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak, Leather

Mid-Century Teak Desk, Danish Design by Peter Løvig Nielsen, Denmark, 1970s
By Peter Løvig Nielsen, Løvig Design
Located in München, Bavaria
Dimensions 74 cm x 155 cm x 70 cm (Depth x Width x Height) This free standing midcentury danish writing desk was designed by Peter Løvig Nielsen, produced by Hedensted Møbelfabrik ...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Previously Available Items
Florence Knoll Dining 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 rosewood table top. It is perfect for dining or alternately as an offic...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Florence Knoll Dining Table Desk
Florence Knoll Dining Table Desk
H 28 in W 96 in D 54 in
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 and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Steel, Chrome

Florence Knoll Table Desk
Florence Knoll Table Desk
H 27.75 in W 78 in D 47.5 in
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
Category

1960s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Florence Knoll Model 17 Desk
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Saint Paul, MN
Alongside the model 75 stool, this desk was part of Florence Knoll's first collection of designs. The louvre drawers follows the same design language used in a variety of casegoods s...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple

Florence Knoll Model 17 Desk
Florence Knoll Model 17 Desk
H 29 in W 48 in D 24 in
Model 17 Desk by Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Laminate top with maple construction. Tagged.
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple

Desk / Table Florence Knoll Formica Top, 1960
By Florence Knoll
Located in Saint Rémy de Provence, FR
Florence Knoll table/desk. Structure in black lacquered metal and blond wood. Top completely restored with a glossy black formica veneer and edges of the wooden top.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Formica, Wood

Desk / Table Florence Knoll Formica Top, 1960
Desk / Table Florence Knoll Formica Top, 1960
H 29.14 in W 56.3 in D 31.5 in
Florence Knoll for Knoll Walnut and Chrome Executive Desk
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Florence knoll walnut desk with square tube frame. Newly refinished and ready to go! Ample work surface to really get something done! Three pull out ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll, Model 2480 Oval Table Desk, 1960s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Eindhoven, Noord Brabant
This particular Florence Knoll oval table desk is designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll in 1961. This rare edition with a silver lacquere...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

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 and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Oval Executive Desk & Table by Florence Knoll
By Knoll, Florence 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...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

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 and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Florence Knoll Marble Oval Dining Table
By Florence Knoll
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...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Florence Knoll Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Chrome

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.
Questions About Florence Knoll Desks and Writing 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
    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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