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 Florence Knoll, 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 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
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
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
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
Florence Knoll Settee Loveseat in Limani Mohair & Brushed Bronze
By Florence Knoll, 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
$12,243 / 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
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
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
Early Florence Knoll Relaxed Sofa with Paul Smith Maharam Upholstery
By Florence Knoll, 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
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
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
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 Florence Knoll, 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 Knoll, Florence 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
Knoll Two Seater Relax Sofa
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Rochester, England
Introducing the ultimate in relaxation and comfort - the Two Seater Relax Sofa by Knoll. Crafted with high-quality materials, this sofa combines luxury with sophistication. Its sleek...
Steel
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
Italian Mid-Century Three-Seater Sofa, Italy 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
In the 1950s, Italian design took a crucial turn from the technical, formal and artistic point of view. Designers took tips from names in contemporary art and architecture like Alvar...
Velvet, Wood
$10,000
H 27.5 in W 91 in D 32 in
Vintage Florence Knoll Sofa in Original Woven Ivory Wool with Bronze Base 1960s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant three-seat sofa designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates, circa 1960s. Upholstered in its original heavy weave textured ivory wool fabric, the sofa features Florence K...
Bronze
$6,850
H 31 in W 84 in D 28.5 in
Florence Knoll Sofa. Expertly redone in Charcoal Robert Allen Chenille Fabric.
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Kansas City, MO
Armless Florence Knoll parallel bar sofa expertly reupholstered in Robert Allen Chenille fabric. Charcoal gray. Beautiful and comforta...
Steel, Chrome
Mid-Century Three Seat Spindle Back Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Six foot long three seat sofa with sculpted walnut frame. Featuring a spindle back and angled arms. Tilted back for extra comfort. Please confirm location with vendor NY or NJ
Walnut
$6,763
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
Vintage Floral Three-Seat Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Exquisite vintage floral three‑seater sofa, beautifully framed in warm, polished wood that showcases mid‑century charm with a timeless twist. Perfect addition to any space in need of...
Wood
$9,450
H 29.93 in W 90.56 in D 31.5 in
Florence Knoll for Knoll International Sofa in Teak and Grey Upholstery
By Florence Knoll
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Florence Knoll for Knoll International, sofa, model '2557', fabric, teak, 1955 This sofa model 2557 is designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International in 1955. This sofa is simpl...
Fabric, Teak
$6,000
H 30 in W 84 in D 31 in
1950s Florence Knoll Parallel Bar System Three Seat Sofa for Reupholstery
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an early Florence Knoll Parallel Bar System Sofa, Model 53, initially designed by Florence Knoll in 1955. This piece was produced in the USA at around the same time. It is a ...
Steel
Ettore Sottsass “Westside” Sofa for Knoll International, 1982
By Ettore Sottsass, Knoll
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Ettore Sottsass “Westside” sofa for Knoll International, foam and fabric, Italy, 1982. The “Westside” collection is an iconic project created by Ett...
Foam
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 Knoll, Florence 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 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 30.32 in W 61.82 in D 31.5 in
Two-seater sofa, Florence Knoll Bassett, Knoll International, 1954
By Knoll, Florence 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 Knoll, Florence 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 Knoll, Florence 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 Knoll, Florence 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
