Although Michigan native Florence Knoll (1917–2019) modestly described her furniture as “meat and potatoes” designs that were largely “fill-in pieces” for the Knoll Associates catalog, works like the Florence Knoll sofa demonstrate her artful expression of modern proportions. Introduced in 1954, the sofa was made during the American designer and entrepreneur’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 — from the colorful upholstery options to its exposed metal frame and legs — could as easily fit into the glass lobby of a skyscraper as the living room of a home.
Before she met her husband, Hans Knoll, with whom she built Knoll Associates into an international tastemaker of mid-century style, Florence studied under architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe at the Illinois Institute of Technology and worked for architects Walter Gropius and Marcel Breuer. That mentorship — from the major figures of the Bauhaus — had a significant impact on her approach to “total design,” in which each part of an interior was not just an object, it was a component of a comprehensive whole. Mies’s influence in particular is evident in the simplicity of the Florence Knoll sofa, its modern materials and restrained design channeling his “less is more” ethos. Its polished chrome steel legs and cushions with their clean lines further provided an architectural contrast to more sculptural pieces being created for Knoll Associates by designers such as Harry Bertoia, Eero Saarinen and Isamu Noguchi.
The numerous pieces Florence Knoll designed for the Knoll Associates furniture line were envisioned as design solutions for the changing needs in residential and office spaces. The Florence Knoll Lounge chair, also released in 1954, was a scaled-down companion to the sofa, so together they could offer flexible seating for a meeting space or entertaining area in the home.
Knoll may have designed her sofa because she needed a minimal piece as an element in the diverse interiors being filled with her company’s furnishings, but it’s now among the most celebrated of the company’s designs. 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.
Florence Knoll - Vintage Sofa Knoll International, Mid-Century Modern 1954
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Vintage sofa by Florence Knoll, designed in 1954 for Knoll International – a true icon of modernist furniture and architectural elegance. With its clean lines, balanced proportions, ...
Steel, Chrome
Wonderful No. 26 Sofa by Florence Knoll for Knoll International
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Munich, DE
Rare no.26 by florence knoll in showroom condition. Hardly used only re-upholstered and used one time for a photo shooting and very exclusive model redone with very cosy fabric in wa...
Metal
Florence Knoll for Knoll Mid-Century Modern Sofa in Fuchsia
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An iconic sofa designed by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll in the early 1960s. It features a stainless steel frame with fuchsia tweed upholstery.
Stainless Steel
Florence Knoll Sofa Knoll International 3 Seater Knoll International Model 26
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Berlin, BE
Authentic mid-century collectible with documented provenance: This spacious Florence Knoll Model 26-3KC sofa was produced in the 1960s and upholstered in an exceptionally high-qualit...
Steel, Chrome
1960s One-Owner Florence Knoll Model 1206 Three-Seat Sofa - For Reupholstery
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in St. Louis, MO
An exceptional mid-century modern design icon: the Model 1206 Three-Seat Sofa, designed by the legendary Florence Knoll in 1954 and manufactured by Knoll Associates circa 1960s. Thi...
Metal, Chrome
Florence Knoll Settee Loveseat in Limani Mohair & Brushed Bronze
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Stamford, CT
When Florence Knoll designed this collection, she never intended for it to become one of the most recognizable furniture series of the twentieth century. Her goal was simply to creat...
Metal, Bronze
90in Vintage Mid-Century Knoll Three-Seat Sofa
By Florence Knoll
Located in Pasadena, TX
Iconic Florence Knoll three-seat sofa in original berry fabric. Chrome legs. Chrome has been restored. Measures: 90 in.
Chrome
Florence Knoll two-seater sofa in mustard yellow leather, 1970
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
Bring timeless elegance into your interior with this iconic vintage two-seater sofa designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International in 1954. Manufactured in the early 1970s under ...
Chrome
Knoll Florence Relaxed Two-Seater Sofa
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Miami, FL
Designed by Florence Knoll in 1954, this iconic two-seater reflects her architectural approach to furniture—restrained, geometric, and timeless. With softened proportions and deeper ...
Metal, Stainless Steel, Chrome
Early Florence Knoll Relaxed Sofa with Paul Smith Maharam Upholstery
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Raleigh, NC
A design classic by Florence Knoll. A stunning vintage example newly upholstered in Paul Smith stripes by Maharam, with new foam. The chrome base shows its age and has some chrome l...
Chrome
$12,254 / item
Florence Knoll International 4-seater sofa leather
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Telgte, DE
Exceptional, balanced design Manufacturer: Knoll International Design: Florence Knoll Florence Knoll transferred the principles of the architecture of her time to the design of fur...
Steel
Mid 20th Century Vintage Knoll Chrome Frame Sofa With Weathered Black Leather
By Florence Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
This incredible classic from Florence Knoll has been lovingly rebuilt and reupholstered by master upholsterers in a super cool, black, weathered leather. These people know the origin...
Chrome
1955 Florence Knoll #26BC Sofa Reupholstered in Neutral Tones of Taupe Brown +
By Florence Knoll
Located in Kensington, MD
+ Gorgeous & supremely comfortable 3-seat sofa designed by Florence Knoll in 1955 + Defined by angularity, the sofa form is pared down to essential elements by Florence Knoll i...
Chrome
Fabulous Florence Knoll Sofa Knoll International 3 Seater Sofa , Mid-Century
By Florence Knoll
Located in Pemberton, NJ
This vintage Florenc Knoll 3 seater chrome sofa is really an amazing piece of furniture that has it all. These sofas are extremely well made and incredibly comfortable. Florence Kn...
Chrome
Knoll Associates Couch, Park Avenue, New York, Made in Italy
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Knoll Associates sofa on steel frame. Sofa has been restored with new webbing, foam and upholstery. Label located on the left hand side of sofa. Label is Knoll Associates, 320 Park Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10022. Made in Italy. Upholstered in Knoll textile called Infinite in Sugar (Infinite is a highly usable upholstery and wrapped panel fabric showing continuous circles defined by a fine black outline...
Steel
amazing no.26 florence knoll huge 245cm! sofa
By Florence Knoll
Located in Munich, DE
wonderful and all original florence knoll leather sofa. very unusual big size and in very good condition for it´s age.
Metal
Parallel Bar Sofa, Model 57, by Florence Knol, USA, 1960s.
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sofa Model nº57, "Parallel bar" series, designed by Florence Knoll in 1959 and produced by “Knoll International” during the 1960s. The sofa, two-seater, with arms at both ends, is...
Chrome
Florence Knoll "Model 26" Sofa in Forest Green British Wool & Leather Piping
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Stamford, CT
Florence Knoll's influence on Mid-Century design is immeasurable. As a visionary at Knoll, she curated groundbreaking furniture collections and pioneered modern commercial interiors ...
Leather, Fabric, Wool, Walnut
Florence Knoll Black Leather Sofa
By Florence Knoll
Located in Pasadena, TX
A midcentury Knoll classic designed by Florence Knoll. This three person sofa features tufted black leather upholstery with chrome plated steel legs. Measures: 90". Recently restored.
Chrome
$3,300
H 29.93 in W 88.59 in D 27.56 in
Florence Knoll for Knoll International Sofa in Blue Upholstery and Steel
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Florence Knoll for Knoll International, sofa, model '67A', steel, fabric, United States, design 1958, production 1960s/70s This sofa model 67A is designed by Florence Knoll for Knol...
Steel
Wrought Iron Garden Patio Settee Loveseat
By Salterini, Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
Stylish wrought iron garden, patio poolside settee loveseat, attributed to Salterini. Clean, ready to use condition, currently in later white paint finish which shows some wear, norm...
Wrought Iron
$2,800
H 33.5 in W 48 in D 28 in
Elegant Louis XVI French Painted Carved Sofa Loveseat Upholstered in Mohair
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Antique French Louis XVI painted and carved loveseat/sofa from a 3 piece living room set having original paint and blue mohair upholstery with brass tacking. Two matching bergeres a...
Mohair, Wood
$6,766
H 30.71 in W 89.38 in D 30.71 in
Model 578 Sofa by Florence Knoll for Knoll International, 1950s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Karis, Nyland
Elegant and architectural sofa designed by Florence Knoll, model 578, produced by Knoll International in the 1950s. The design reflects Knoll’s signature balance of clean lines and f...
Metal
Danish 1950s Settee or Loveseat in the Style of Peter Hvidt
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic and very elegant lines very much in the style of the early Danish iconic Designer, Peter Hvidt made circa late 1940s-1950s. Back and seat nice and firm and frame on beech leg...
Wool, Beech
Vintage Settee Loveseat by Ralph Lauren
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Vintage Settee...
Cotton
Vintage 1970s Pencil Reed Loveseat in Off-White Bouclé Settee
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A sculptural pencil reed loveseat from the 1970s, newly upholstered in an off-white textured bouclé. This two-seat settee showcases the refined linearity of reed construction, paired...
Bamboo, Reed
Knoll Florence Relaxed Two-Seater Sofa
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Miami, FL
Designed by Florence Knoll in 1954, this iconic two-seater reflects her architectural approach to furniture—restrained, geometric, and timeless. With softened proportions and deeper ...
Metal, Stainless Steel, Chrome
$3,040Sale Price|20% Off
H 24 in W 59.5 in D 32 in
Leather Box Style Loveseat Sofa by Charles Pfister for Knoll
By Charles Pfister, Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Chic, sophisticated, and voguish loveseat sofa, designed by Charles Pfister for Knoll. This example was executed in grayish blue leather, it is in good, original condition, showing l...
Leather
'Brigadier' Loveseats by Cini Boeri for Knoll, Italy, 1980s
By Cini Boeri, Knoll
Located in Antwerp, BE
Exceptional sofa from the award-winning Brigadier Series by renowned Italian architect and designer, Cini Boeri (1924–2020). Crafted in the 1980s for Knoll, these sofas feature a sle...
Leather, Lacquer
Elegant Antique Neoclassical Rush Seat Settee Loveseat
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant vintage neoclassical loveseat having curved back and X motif backrests with gilded medallions. Seat is original rush with custom striped linen cushion.
Upholstery, Fruitwood, Rush
Sold
H 29.93 in W 90.56 in D 31.5 in
Vintage Florence Knoll 3-Seat Sofa, Black Leather, Chrome Frame, 1970s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Antwerp, BE
This timeless iconic vintage black leather 3-seat sofa was designed in 1954 by Florence Knoll. The 3-seat sofa featuring the original fine black leather upholstery and buttoned tufte...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Florence Knoll Cream Leather Love Seat Sofa With Chrome Base
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Bensalem, PA
Amazing condition, cream leather sofa by Florence Knoll please look at video and pictures for overall detail. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.
Chrome
Sold
H 25.6 in W 75.2 in D 18.12 in
Executive sideboard by Florence Knoll for Knoll International, 1970s
By Florence Knoll
Located in Oirlo, LI
The Black Florence Knoll cabinet is a statement piece designed for those who appreciate timeless elegance and modern functionality. Its deep black wood exterior instantly draws the ...
Marble
Vintage Florence Knoll 3 Seater Sofa by Knoll Brown Cognac 1970s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Aachen, NW
This timeless iconic sofa was designed in 1954 by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll in the 1970s. The sofa features an amazing Mid Brown leather and has a wonderful patina. Ove...
Stainless Steel
Knoll Florence Relaxed 3-Seater Sofa
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Miami, FL
Offered is a brand new, never used Knoll Florence Relaxed 3-Seater Sofa — an authentic original from the iconic Florence Knoll Collection. This piece reflects Florence Knoll’s design...
Metal, Chrome, Stainless Steel
Sold
H 29.93 in W 90.56 in D 31.5 in
Vintage Florence Knoll Seating Sofa Group by Knoll Studio Black Leather
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Aachen, NW
This timeless iconic sofa living room set was designed in 1954 by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll International in the 1980s. The complete set features an amazing patinated and ...
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 30.32 in W 61.82 in D 31.5 in
Two-seater sofa, Florence Knoll Bassett, Knoll International, 1954
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Torino, IT
Two-seater sofa, Florence Knoll Bassett, Knoll International, 1954
Silver Plate
Florence Knoll two-seater sofa for Knoll International, 1954
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
A Florence Knoll two-seater sofa, designed in 1954 and produced by Knoll International in the 1970s. This iconic piece of furniture combines sleek geometric lines with a minimalist a...
Chrome
Florence Knoll Three-Seater Sofa Mid Century Modern 1955, Model 2557
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a three-seater Sofa by Knoll. Sofa model 2557 is designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International in 1955. Reupholstered. Preowned. Wood finish refreshed. Ea...
Fabric, Wood
Florence Knoll Sofa in Bronze Gray Velvet & Brushed Brass Base
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Stamford, CT
Modern day obsession with Mid-Century design wouldn't exist if not for the momentous efforts of Florence Knoll. The most significant chapter in Knoll’s life was spent devoted to her ...
Brass, Steel
Florence Knoll for Knoll International Sofa c 1950/60's
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Incredible Mid Century classic sofa, designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International ( Knoll Park Ave ). This iconic sofa displays all the sophistication, quality and beauty expec...
Chrome
Sold
H 31.89 in W 56.3 in D 30.71 in
Florence Knoll leather two-seater mod. 65 for Knoll International
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
Florence Knoll leather two-seater mod. 65 for Knoll International! Produced from 1958-1978! This series has exceptional seating comfort and a timelessly modern look.
Chrome
