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.
Florence Knoll Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Chest of Drawers, Refinished
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern black lacquered three-drawer dresser chest By Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates USA, Circa 1970s Black lacquered walnut, with original ch...
Chrome
Early Four Drawer Chest by Florence Knoll for Knoll International
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
Early production, four drawer chest designed by Florence Knoll, 1948 for Knoll International. Chest constructed of solid maple with louvered drawers and sits on solid maple conical ...
Maple
Pair of Florence Knoll Nightstands or Chests of Drawers
By Florence Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful pair of chests of drawers or nightstands in an iconic design by Florence Knoll. Louvered drawers on raised turned wood legs imbue a timeless design.
Maple
$11,649
Florence KNOLL - Enfilade
By Florence Knoll
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Florence Knoll Circa 1970 Enfilade en raphia ouvrant par quatre portes coulissantes. Deux étagères en verre de chaque coté. Pieds en métal. Dimensions : 69 x 182,5 x 46 Très bel état
Raffia, Wood
Early Four Drawer Chest by Florence Knoll for Knoll International
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
Early production, four drawer chest designed by Florence Knoll, 1948 for Knoll International. Chest constructed of solid maple with louvered drawers and sits on solid maple conical ...
Maple
Four Drawer Chest by Florence Knoll for Knoll International
By Knoll & Drake, Florence Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of four drawer chests designed by Florence Knoll, 1948 for Knoll International.
Maple
Swedish Gustavian Painted Small Commode Chest of Drawers Nightstand
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Hand painted, in a wonderful Scandinavian neutral green color, Gustavian style chest of drawers or nightstand. This piece has been constructed from solid wood with a hand-applied dis...
Brass
$2,495
H 36.5 in W 36 in D 19.5 in
Florence Knoll for Knoll International Walnut Five Drawer Dresser, C. 1960
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Peabody, MA
A five drawer walnut dresser, model #326-2, by Florence Knoll, for Knoll International, ca. 1960.
Walnut
$3,824 / set
H 27.17 in W 25.6 in D 15.75 in
Pair of Danish Oak Rococo Chest of Drawers / Nightstands, 1960s
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Rødding, DK
A pair of Danish oak chest of drawers in the Rococo revival manner, 1960s — in the style associated with Henning Kjærnulf and the Danish craft tradition of the period. Three drawers ...
Brass
French Deco Era Four Drawer Mahogany Chest
Located in Troy, MI
Circa 1940s French four drawer chest in mahogany features brass trim and hardware, turned front legs with brass capped feet. Unknown maker.
Brass
$2,480
H 37.8 in W 38.98 in D 19.1 in
Danish Mid Century Modern Chest of Drawers in Oak, Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Odense, DK
A characterful chest of drawers in the style of Henning (Henry) Kjærnulf, crafted in oak and made in Denmark in the 1960s. The commode features four drawers, offering ample storage ...
Brass
Antique Four Drawer Walnut Burl Wood Chest
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine European Walnut burl four drawer chest with a shaped top with a darker carved edge. The frieze drawer has dark carved moldings and escutcheon and the supports also have darker...
Burl, Walnut
A Low Teak Wood Four Drawer Chest
Located in Chicago, IL
During the 1930's and 1940's Art Deco, with its modern. streamlined designs, became the worlds' most popular and widespread furniture style. It was particularly popular in India, as ...
Teak
Black Japanned Chest of Drawers
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
English Japanned chest of drawers with three small drawers over three long drawers. The legs are of a cabriole style with pad feet. The term "Japanned"...
Wood, Lacquer
$4,750
H 25.2 in W 74.81 in D 18.12 in
Florence Knoll - Knoll International Dark European Walnut Cabinet, Chromed Frame
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Dronten, NL
A sculptural icon of mid-century modernism, from the CEO’s office of a Dutch multinational. Elevate your space with a piece of design history. This Florence Knoll credenza, crafted b...
Steel, Chrome
1970s Maple Cabinet or Chest Of Drawers, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Item has been carefully refurbished
Maple
Antique French Country Chest of Drawers Nightstand Painted Black
Located in Round Top, TX
This delightful antique chest of drawers has been given new life with a recent black painted finish. Note in the photos the slight distressing which compliments its age and brings out touches of the natural oak wood beneath. The graceful cabriolet feet, paneled sides, serpentine front and lower carved medallion all reflect its French country styling. This small dresser may also be used as a nightstand, with two short top drawers over the two longer lower drawers which all function smoothly. This chest of drawers has been restored so it is strong and stable. Any nicks, scratches, separation, etc are simply signs of age and do not detract from the beauty nor function of this chest. ** In light of current affairs and fluctuating fuel prices shipping quotes and timelines are estimates only. Buyer is required to notify us upon purchase if there are interior or exterior stairs, steps, or freight elevators...
Wood, Paint
Florence Knoll Wall-Mounted Cabinet
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare Knoll leather tab storage case, can hang on wall or sit on bench. Walnut, with original faux laminate top.
Leather, Walnut
Sold
H 32.25 in W 36 in D 18.25 in
Florence Knoll Black Lacquered Louvered Front Chest of Drawers, Newly Refinished
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern four-drawer dresser, bachelor chest, or bedside chest By Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates USA, Circa 1950s Black lacquered walnut, with louver...
Walnut, Lacquer
Sold
H 32.25 in W 36 in D 18.25 in
Florence Knoll Black Lacquered Louvered Front Chests of Drawers, Refinished
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modern four-drawer dressers, bachelor chests, or bedside chests By Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates USA, Circa 1950s Black lacquered walnut, ...
Walnut, Lacquer
Mid-Century Pair of Florence Knoll Chests of Drawers
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Baltimore, MD
Remarkably iconic rare pair of walnut Mid-Century cabinets/ dressers by Florence Knoll, for Knoll inc., ca. 1960’s. A beautiful example of Mid-Century craftsmanship. Expertly crafted...
Walnut
Sold
H 28.75 in W 18.12 in D 18.12 in
Chest of Drawers or Night Stands or Dresser, Florence Knoll for Knoll Teak Black
By Florence Knoll
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Minimalist dresser / night stand by Florence Knoll for Knoll in 1950s. A rare early design of Florence and hard to find. The curved grip less drawers combined with the Minimalist bla...
Metal
Florence Knoll Hanging Cabinet for Knoll International
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Florence Knoll Hanging Cabinet for Knoll International, Model 121 Birch case with drop front doors. Inside pull-out drawer with flatwar...
Leather, Birch
Pair of Walnut Chests by Florence Knoll for Knoll
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
A matching pair of early walnut dressers on brushed nickel frames designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll. Each cabinet has six drawers with removable dividers. When placed together you...
Walnut
Florence Knoll Walnut Dresser, 1950's
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Round Rock, TX
Offered is an early dresser or chest of drawers designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International. Beautiful walnut grain throughout. Retains the ori...
Walnut
Florence Knoll Dresser with Stone Top
By Florence Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
An early walnut chest of drawers with chrome hardware and stone top. Designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll.
Walnut
Florence Knoll Tall Walnut Chest
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean lined mid century walnut tall chest, designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll, circa 1950s. It offers a voluminous amount of storage with five deep drawers.
Metal
Florence Knoll Walnut Chests or Dressers
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean lined mid century walnut chests, designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll, circa 1950s. They offer a voluminous amount of storage with four deep drawers in each chest. They are pri...
Metal
Pair of Florence Knoll Dressers
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Florence Knoll Dressers, model 324-1 nicely figured walnut cases with oil finish, One case 4 drawers the other 3drawers with satin aluminum pull...
Formica, Walnut
Sold
H 36.63 in W 36 in D 19.5 in
Florence Knoll Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Chest of Drawers, Refinished
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern black lacquered five-drawer dresser chest By Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates USA, circa 1970s Measures: 36" W x 19.5" D x 36.63" H. ...
Aluminum