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.
Custom Knoll Credenza in Mahogany & Chrome
By Knoll
Located in Stamford, CT
Florence Knoll’s enduring impact on Mid-Century Modern design is unmistakably reflected in this monumental, custom-designed dining table. A pioneering figure in interior architecture...
Chrome
Teak Credenza by Florence Knoll for Knoll International
By Florence Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
Credenza designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International 1961. This example is in very good condition, constructed with teak featuring ten drawers and chromed steel base.
Teak
Knoll Style Mid Century Walnut and Marble Top File Credenza
By Knoll
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Knoll Style Mid Century Walnut and Marble Top File Credenza This credenza measures: 55 wide x 22.75 deep x 28 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restore...
Marble
$5,495
H 27.5 in W 71.25 in D 17.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Chrome Credenza by Florence Knoll, 1960s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Designed by architect and furniture designer Florence Knoll, one of the most influential figures of mid-century design, this exceptional walnut credenza embodies the clean lines, arc...
Steel, Chrome
$6,895
H 29 in W 75.5 in D 18 in
Expertly Restored - Florence Knoll Model-541 Two-Tone Lacquered Credenza
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, Lacquered Wood, Chrome Pulls ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to li...
Chrome
Florence Knoll Model 541 Walnut and Maple Credenza, 1950's
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Florence Knoll Model 541 Walnut and Maple Credenza, 1950's. All original, no restorations have been made to the credenza. It is in overall good condition. There is wear consistent ...
Maple, Walnut
$12,995
H 25.5 in W 74.5 in D 18 in
Florence Knoll Mid Century Rosewood Marble and Chrome Executive Cabinet Credenza
By Florence Knoll
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Florence Knoll Mid Century Rosewood Marble and Chrome Executive Cabinet Credenza This credenza measures: 74.5 wide x 18 deep x 25.5 inches high Excellent Vintage Condition - Very, ...
Marble, Chrome
$6,066
H 25.6 in W 37.41 in D 18.12 in
Original Florence Knoll Intenational Midcentury Kommode Sideboard
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes und äußerst seltenes Vintage Sideboard von Knoll International aus den 1970er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Die Kommode verfügt über 6 Schubläden und wurde von ...
Metal, Chrome
$10,631
H 29.14 in W 74.81 in D 18.9 in
Freestanding 'Model 541' Sideboard by Florence Knoll for Knoll, 1952
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Rare ‘Model 541’ sideboard designed by Florence Knoll around 1952. A very modern design thanks the walnut case and off-white lacquered doors with very clean lines. Inside we find she...
Metal
Florence Knoll Eight-Drawer Credenza in Teakwood
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Florence Knoll Eight-Drawer Credenza in Teakwood, features Notch pulls with chrome details, Four file drawers and Four pencil drawers, chrome plated adjustable feet, with lock. [Kno...
Chrome
French Modernist Cerused Oak Sideboard Buffet Cabinet by Jean Claude Mahey
By Jean Claude Mahey
Located in Shippensburg, PA
FRENCH MODERNIST CERUSED OAK SIDEBOARD BUFFET Jean Claude Mahey for Maison Romeo French, circa 1980 Brass signed Mahey plaque lower right 33 1/16" H x 82 3/8" W x 21 7/8" D Constru...
Brass
Swedish Modern “Oresund” Oak Bookcase and Dresser by Borge Mogensen
Located in Shippensburg, PA
MODEL "ØRESUND" OAK BOOKCASE AND EIGHT-DRAWER DRESSER BY BØRGE MOGENSEN Executed by Karl Andersson & Söner, Sweden circa 1960s; original label inside bookcase 33" H x 53" W x 14 1/4...
Metal
Mid Century Modern Danish Teakwood Desk by Peter Lovig Nielsen ca. 1970s
By Peter Løvig Nielsen
Located in Shippensburg, PA
DANISH MODERN PETER LØVIG NIELSEN TEAKWOOD FLIP-TOP WRITING DESK Denmark, circa 1970s Item # 405XLG28A This brilliant desk was designed by Peter Løvig Nielsen and originally was off...
Teak
French Art Deco Cherry, Nickel and Marble Sideboard Credenza Cabinet
Located in Shippensburg, PA
ART DECO CHERRYWOOD, NICKEL, GLASS AND MARBLE SIDEBOARD France, circa first quarter of the 20th century Item # 303XDB21A A gorgeous and also most functional sideboard from the firs...
Marble, Nickel
Pair of Vintage French Moderne Brushed Oak Bookcases Display Cabinets
Located in Shippensburg, PA
PAIR OF FRENCH MODERNE OAK BOOKCASES One larger, one smaller, each with sliding glass doors unmarked circa 1960s Item # 402XAP21S A very relevant and useful pair of bookcases for ...
Glass, Oak
Swedish Gustavian Style Antique Mahogany Chest of Drawers Commode
Located in Shippensburg, PA
SWEDISH GUSTAVIAN STYLE MAHOGANY THREE DRAWER COMMODE Probably Sweden, 20th century Mahogany veneers over pine, marble top, gilt brass hardware 32 5/16" H x 19 5/8" D x 38 3/4" W ...
Marble, Brass
