Knoll Desk Sets

American

As a company that produced many of the most famous and iconic furniture designs of the 20th century, Knoll was a chief influence in the rise of modern design in the United States. Led by Florence Knoll, the firm would draw stellar talents such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Eero Saarinen into its compass. Their work would help change the face of the American home and office.

The company was formed in 1938 by the German immigrant Hans Knoll. He first worked with his fellow ex-pat, the Danish designer Jens Risom, who created furniture with flowing lines made of wood. While Risom served in World War II, in 1943 Knoll met his future wife, Florence Schust. She had studied and worked with eminent emigré leaders of the Bauhaus, including Mies, Walter Gropius and Marcel Breuer. She won Knoll over with Bauhaus notions of industrial arts, and an aesthetic that featured flat and tubular metal frames and angular forms. When Hans died in a car crash in 1955, Florence Knoll was appointed head of the company. It was as much through her holistic approach to design — a core division of the firm was dedicated to planning office systems — as Knoll's mid-century modern furnishings themselves that she brought about the sleek and efficient transformation of the American workplace.

Today, classic Knoll furnishings remain staples of modern design collections and decor. A history of modern design is written in pieces such as the elegant Barcelona chair — created by Mies and Lilly Reich — Saarinen’s pedestal Tulip chair, Breuer’s tubular steel Wassily lounge chair and the grid-patterned Diamond chair by Harry Bertoia.

As you can see from the collection of these designs and other vintage Knoll dining chairs, sofas and tables on 1stDibs, this manufacturer's offerings have become timeless emblems of the progressive spirit and sleek sophistication of the best of modernism.

Creator: Knoll

Desk Accessory Designed by Florence Knoll Two-Tier Paper Tray Ebony

$1,250

Desk Accessory Designed by Florence Knoll Two-Tier Paper Tray Ebony

By Florence Knoll, Knoll

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration, a sleek desk accessory designed by Florence Knoll. Two-Tier Ebonized Walnut Paper Tray, originally designed in 1948. A staple...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Desk Sets

Materials

Bentwood

Florence Knoll Two-Tier Ebonized Walnut Paper Tray

$1,200 / item

Florence Knoll Two-Tier Ebonized Walnut Paper Tray

By Knoll, Florence Knoll

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Paper tray designed by Florence Knoll in 1948. This two-tier paper tray is composed of ebonized molded walnut plywood. The trays rotate around a rear central post of brushed aluminum...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Knoll Desk Sets

Materials

Aluminum

Annemarie Davidson & Blaine Rath Walnut & Enamel Letter Tray, California, c.1970

$650

H 5.5 in W 11 in D 15.25 in

Annemarie Davidson & Blaine Rath Walnut & Enamel Letter Tray, California, c.1970

By Florence Knoll, Annemarie Davidson

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Annemarie Davidson & Blaine Rath Walnut & Enamel Letter Tray, California, c.1970

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Knoll Desk Sets

Materials

Enamel

Leather Tray, Large A Square Tray, Handmade - Color: Wine

$395 / item

H 1.78 in W 14.18 in D 14.18 in

Leather Tray, Large A Square Tray, Handmade - Color: Wine

By Aria Home

Located in Curitiba, Parana

Monochrome Collection Trays For various purposes, the Monochrome Collection Trays can be used individually or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so feel free to get creative an...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Knoll Desk Sets

Materials

Leather

1970s Wood and Metal Peter Pepper Two Tier Letter Tray

$280 / set

H 6.25 in W 15.75 in D 11.25 in

1970s Wood and Metal Peter Pepper Two Tier Letter Tray

By Peter Pepper Products

Located in San Diego, CA

A fantastic paper tray. High quality construction with metal elements. Peter Pepper Products produced many icons of California Designs. USA, 1970s.

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Desk Sets

Materials

Wood

Vintage 1980s Gucci Desk Set Accessories - Leather Pen + Paper Holder & Tray

$775

H 1.13 in W 4.38 in D 6.38 in

Vintage 1980s Gucci Desk Set Accessories - Leather Pen + Paper Holder & Tray

By Gucci

Located in St. Louis, MO

Nice 1980s Gucci - Italy designed leather desk accessories set, includes pen holder, note paper holder and small tray. The leather pieces have the classic green and red stripe, with ...

Category

1980s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Knoll Desk Sets

Materials

Ceramic, Leather, Suede

Postmodern Patinated Brass Double Desk Letter Tray Paper Holder

$248

H 6.25 in W 15.25 in D 10 in

Postmodern Patinated Brass Double Desk Letter Tray Paper Holder

Located in San Diego, CA

Double letter tray in patinated brass finish with black enamel lining by Mc Donald Products of Buffalo New York. Very nice accent to any executive desk

Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Knoll Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Vintage American Walnut 2-Tier Desk Organizer / Paper Tray by Shield Industries

$475

H 8 in W 13.75 in D 11 in

Vintage American Walnut 2-Tier Desk Organizer / Paper Tray by Shield Industries

Located in San Diego, CA

A sculptural and highly functional two-tier desk organizer crafted from genuine American walnut by Shield Industries, a California maker known for clean-lined, modernist desk accesso...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Knoll Desk Sets

Materials

Walnut

Knoll Tray

$90

H 1.57 in W 17.25 in D 8 in

Knoll Tray

By Knoll

Located in Miami, FL

Knoll Tray for Desk or Credenza. Tray is not signed but came from Knoll Credenza.

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Desk Sets

Materials

Mahogany, Oak

Antique Globe-Wernicke Three-Tier Office Tray c.1911

$265

H 13 in W 10.5 in D 15 in

Antique Globe-Wernicke Three-Tier Office Tray c.1911

By Globe Wernicke

Located in San Francisco, CA

ABOUT An antique wooden three-tier office tray constructed with exposed dovetail joinery and sculpted, wave-cut fronts and brass supports. Several supports stamped "Patented Jan. 24...

Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Knoll Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Wicker Serving Tray

$195Sale Price|22% Off

H 1.75 in W 17.63 in D 12.63 in

Wicker Serving Tray

Located in New York, NY

A wicker rattan style serving tray or storage/display tray with handles. Great for entertaining or to display/hold items as demonstrated in image with desk accessories. Also, great t...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Organic Modern Knoll Desk Sets

Materials

Wicker, Rattan, Reed

Aluminum Desk Accessory / Paperweight

$550 / item

H 2 in Dm 3 in

Aluminum Desk Accessory / Paperweight

By Argosy Designs

Located in Treadwell, NY

Collection I: Desk block This high polished aluminum desk block, adds style and sophistication to your work surface. Made to order.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Post-Modern Knoll Desk Sets

Materials

Aluminum

Dorian Pen Tray

$2,360 / item

H 1.78 in W 18.71 in D 3.94 in

Dorian Pen Tray

Located in Milan, IT

This elegant pen tray in ebony wood with horn accents in contrasting color has a mini-shutter that slides to cover its content and it features a side compartm...

Category

2010s Italian Knoll Desk Sets

Materials

Horn, Leather, Ebony

MCM Office Desk Paper Organizer Tray

$580

H 7.88 in W 10.63 in D 14.57 in

MCM Office Desk Paper Organizer Tray

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

We offer this Mid-Century Modern desk office tray, clean design in two levels made by IRGSA, circa 1970.

Category

1970s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Desk Sets

Materials

Wood

Previously Available Items

Florence Knoll Walnut Letter Tray

Sold

H 6 in W 11.5 in D 15 in

Florence Knoll Walnut Letter Tray

By Florence Knoll, Knoll

Located in Cambridge, US

USA, ca. 1950s. A scarce and streamlined 2-part letter tray originally designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll in 1948. Features molded plywood construction finished in walnut veneer. C...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Desk Sets

Materials

Aluminum

Knoll Brushed Brass Executive Desk Organizer, c.1975

Sold

H 2.75 in W 13.75 in D 7.25 in

Knoll Brushed Brass Executive Desk Organizer, c.1975

By Knoll

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Knoll Brushed Brass Executive Desk Organizer / Pen Holder, c.1975.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Knoll Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Florence Knoll Walnut Plywood Letter Tray

Sold

H 2.25 in W 11.25 in D 14 in

Florence Knoll Walnut Plywood Letter Tray

By Florence Knoll, Knoll

Located in San Diego, CA

Letter tray designed by Florence Knoll for her company, Knoll. Designed in 1948. Formed bent ply walnut. Retains the original older Knoll label with Herbert Matter logo.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Desk Sets

Materials

Walnut

Florence Knoll Walnut Plywood Letter Tray

Sold

H 2.25 in W 11.25 in D 14 in

Florence Knoll Walnut Plywood Letter Tray

By Florence Knoll, Knoll

Located in San Diego, CA

Letter tray designed by Florence Knoll for her company, Knoll. Designed in 1948. Formed bent ply walnut. Retains the original older Knoll label with Herbert Matter logo.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Desk Sets

Materials

Walnut

Knoll Vintage Bentwood Walnut Letter Tray

Sold

H 2 in W 14.25 in D 12 in

Knoll Vintage Bentwood Walnut Letter Tray

By Knoll

Located in Cedar Falls, IA

Knoll label and cork feet pads on bottom. Bent plywood walnut letter tray by Knoll, circa 1960.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Desk Sets

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Knoll Chrome Desk Organizer Letter Paper Mail Tray Stand

Sold

H 6.63 in W 10.25 in D 15.25 in

Mid-Century Modern Knoll Chrome Desk Organizer Letter Paper Mail Tray Stand

By Knoll, Smokador

Located in Wayne, NJ

Sleek Smokador Mid-Century Modern Modernist Double Chrome Desk Letter Paper Tray Stand distributed by Knoll in the 1970's. This would look also look great with Milo Baughman or any o...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Desk Sets

Materials

Chrome

Florence Knoll Two-Tier Maple Paper Tray

Sold

H 7 in W 11.5 in D 15 in

Florence Knoll Two-Tier Maple Paper Tray

By Florence Knoll, Knoll

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Paper tray designed by Florence Knoll in 1948. This two tier paper tray is composed of molded maple plywood. The trays rotate around a rear central post of brushed aluminum. Tray bo...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Knoll Desk Sets

Materials

Aluminum

Florence Knoll Molded Plywood Architectural Letter Tray, 1960s

Sold

H 6.5 in W 11.5 in D 15 in

Florence Knoll Molded Plywood Architectural Letter Tray, 1960s

By Florence Knoll, Knoll

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Florence Knoll molded plywood architectural letter tray, 1960s. This piece retains its original label to the bottom letter tray.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Knoll Desk Sets

Materials

Walnut

Florence Knoll Molded Plywood Architectural Letter Tray, 1960s

Sold

H 6.5 in W 11.5 in D 15 in

Florence Knoll Molded Plywood Architectural Letter Tray, 1960s

By Florence Knoll, Knoll

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Florence Knoll molded plywood architectural letter tray, 1960s. This piece retains its original label to the bottom letter tray.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Knoll Desk Sets

Materials

Walnut

Florence Knoll Walnut Plywood Letter Tray, Office Desk Accessory IBM

Sold

H 2 in W 11.25 in D 14.25 in

Florence Knoll Walnut Plywood Letter Tray, Office Desk Accessory IBM

By Florence Knoll, Knoll

Located in Oakland, CA

Designed by Florence Knoll in 1948, this letter tray is made of walnut molded plywood and was a staple of midcentury office decor. The underside bears Knoll Associates label, pre 196...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Desk Sets

Materials

Walnut, Plywood

Knoll Mid Century Modern Desk Organizer Paper Tray

Sold

H 7 in W 11 in D 14.75 in

Knoll Mid Century Modern Desk Organizer Paper Tray

By Knoll

Located in Phoenix, AZ

Knoll desk organizer or paper tray in anodized brass and black.

Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Florence Knoll Two-Tier Ebonized Walnut Paper Tray

Sold

H 7 in W 11.5 in D 15 in

Florence Knoll Two-Tier Ebonized Walnut Paper Tray

By Florence Knoll, Knoll

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Paper tray designed by Florence Knoll in 1948. This two tier paper tray is composed of ebonized molded walnut plywood. The trays rotate around a rear central post of brushed aluminum...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Knoll Desk Sets

Materials

Aluminum

Knoll desk sets for sale on 1stDibs.

Knoll desk sets are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. Many of the original desk sets by Knoll were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. Prices for Knoll desk sets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,125 and can go as high as $1,125, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,125.

Questions About Knoll Desk Sets

What is a Knoll Sofa?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A Knoll sofa, or a Knole sofa, is an interesting piece of furniture that’s believed to have its origins in the 1600s and to be the precursor to the modern sofa. It features two side-by-side cushions and arms that are as high as the back of the sofa. The most interesting feature is that these arms can often be tied back or dropped to change the profile of the sofa. Find an assortment of Knole sofas from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
Who is Florence Knoll?
1 Answer
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.
How do I date Knoll furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
How to date Knoll furniture depends on the piece. Some pieces feature stickers that bear the brand's name and logo, and the graphics changed over the years. By comparing the style of the logo to samples online, you can estimate the age of the piece. In some cases, the manufacturing year may appear on the sticker. To date a Knoll chair, look for the tag sewn on the back of the seat cushion. Often, the manufacturer prints the date there. You'll find a collection of expertly vetted Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
What is a Parker Knoll chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021
A Parker Knoll chair is designed by the British furniture manufacturing company Parker Knoll. These chairs are considered to be luxurious — they are handmade in the company’s Nottinghamshire factory from high-quality wood and feature plush upholstery in leather as well as in a variety of fabrics. Find Parker Knoll chairs on 1stDibs.
Who owns Knoll furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
MillerKnoll owns Knoll furniture. The company formed when Herman Miller, Inc., acquired Knoll, Inc., on April 19, 2021. The publicly traded company operates from its headquarters in Zeeland, Michigan. Andi Owen serves as its CEO, as of December 2021. Shop a collection of Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
Where is Knoll furniture made?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Florence Knoll produced her furniture designs largely in a factory located in East Greenville, Pennsylvania. As of December 2021, the company she founded, Knoll, Inc., manufactures furniture in the same factory, as well as in Grand Rapids, Michigan; Muskegon, Michigan; Toronto, Canada; and Foligno and Graffignana, Italy. Find a selection of Florence Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
What is the history of the Knoll sofa?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 15, 2024
The history of the Knoll sofa began in 1954. The sofa was made during American designer and entrepreneur Florence Knoll’s direction of the Knoll Planning Unit, the company's pioneering "design consultant service" that would define the look of the postwar workplace. The versatile Florence Knoll sofa, with its angular silhouette and tasteful mix of textures, could as easily fit into the glass lobby of a skyscraper as the living room of a home. That same year, Florence Knoll also introduced a companion lounge chair that coordinated with the sofa. Knoll, Inc. continues to produce the Florence Knoll sofa over half a century after it was introduced, and vintage models are still prized for their sturdy construction and timeless qualities. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Florence Knoll sofas.
Where are Knoll chairs made?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Knoll maintains manufacturing plants in the United States, Canada, and Italy. Countless designers have worked for Knoll over the years to create exquisite furniture that’s beloved by collectors worldwide. Shop a collection of antique and contemporary Knoll chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
Where does Florence Knoll live?
1 Answer
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.
How do I pronounce Florence Knoll?
1 Answer
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.
Does Herman Miller own Knoll?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes, the noted furniture brand Herman Miller acquired Knoll in 2021 and announced a new name, MillerKnoll. The new name is meant to take advantage of the long history and reputation that each brand brings to the table and to introduce a new, stronger joint effort to the public. Shop a collection of Herman Miller and Knoll furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
Who is the CEO of Knoll furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Andrew B. Cogan is the CEO of Knoll furniture as of December 2021. He also serves as the Chairman of the Board. He took on the role in 2001. Prior to that time, he worked as the company's COO. Shop a range of Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
How can you tell if a Knoll chair is real?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
To tell if a Knoll chair is real, first look for Knoll Furniture markings, usually found under the seat. These labels have varied over the years, but by comparing what's present on your furniture to images of authentic pieces found on trusted online resources produced around the same time, you can spot any inconsistencies that might indicate a replica. Knoll Furniture has sold many different chairs since its founding in 1938. Researching the characteristics of your specific chair can help you identify signs that your piece may be a replica. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can also help with authentication. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Knoll chairs.
What furniture did Florence Knoll make?
1 Answer
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.
Where do I buy Parker Knoll furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
You can buy Parker Knoll furniture through an authorized dealer. The manufacturer partners with brick-and-mortar stores all over the world and also works with some online platforms. While you can browse the entire selection of current Parker Knoll designs on their official website, you cannot buy directly from the company online. Shop a collection of Parker Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
When did Knoll start stamping furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Knoll began to stamp their furniture in 2004. An authentic stamp consists of the brand's name printed in the correct font. Normally, the manufacturer places the stamp on the upper section of the base. Shop a selection of expertly vetted Knoll furniture on 1stDibs.
Where are Parker Knoll sofas made?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
Where Parker Knoll sofas are made has changed over time. In 2016, the luxury furniture maker moved its factory to Castlewood, Nottinghamshire. Prior to the relocation, the company produced most of its pieces in London and High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Parker Knoll sofas from some of the world's top sellers.
How do you tell if a chair is Parker Knoll?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024
To tell if a chair is a Parker Knoll, look for the maker's label, usually found under the seat on dining chairs and on the bases or frames on office and accent chairs. Although the company has modified its markings over the years, most pieces will at least state "Parker Knoll.” Many pieces also feature serial numbers. By cross-referencing these numbers with information published on trusted online resources, you can learn about the age, style name and other features of your chair. If you need assistance with identification, seek the opinion of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Shop a collection of Parker Knoll chairs on 1stDibs.
How can I tell if my Knoll table is real?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
To tell if your Knoll table is real, look for a label on the underside of the tabletop. Nearly all Knoll pieces feature marks, but the specific style of the label and the information included on it have varied over the years and from table to table. As a result, you should try searching trusted online resources for images of the labels found on authentic tables of the same age and model as your own. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer evaluate your piece. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Knoll tables.
How can you tell if a chair is Parker Knoll?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024
To tell if a chair is Parker Knoll, look under the seat. Most Parker Knoll chairs will be marked with the company's logo and a model number. Some may also display the designer's signature. You can cross-reference the model number with information published on trusted online resources to learn more about your chair. If you can't locate a maker's mark or run into other difficulties identifying your chair, consider enlisting the help of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of Parker Knoll chairs.

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