Title: Early Florence Knoll Model 57W "Floating" Frame Sofa in Walnut & Original Brown Naugahyde by Knoll, USA, c. 1960s
About: This early Mid-Century Modern Model 57W "floating" frame sofa, designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll, showcases the pioneering spirit of 1960s American design. Crafted with a rich walnut frame, the sofa features a distinctive "floating" effect where the original brown Naugahyde-upholstered seat and back appear suspended above the base, creating a striking visual and airy silhouette. The durable yet supple Naugahyde, in its classic brown finish, pairs beautifully with the warm walnut, offering both comfort and a nod to the era’s innovative materials. This piece’s minimalist yet sculptural form makes it a standout addition to a living room, lounge, or collector’s curated space, reflecting Knoll’s legacy of blending functionality with timeless elegance.
About Florence Knoll (Designer): Florence Knoll (1917–2019) was a pioneering American designer, architect, and the creative force behind Knoll’s furniture division. Trained at the Cranbrook Academy of Art under Eliel Saarinen and influenced by Mies van der Rohe, Knoll revolutionized modern interior design in the mid-20th century. Joining Knoll Associates in the 1940s, she introduced the “Knoll Planning Unit” and designed iconic pieces like the Model 57W sofa, blending functionality with minimalist elegance. Her work earned her numerous awards, including the National Medal of Arts, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in the design world.
About Knoll (Manufacturer): Knoll, founded in 1938 by Hans and Florence Knoll in New York, is an iconic American company that shaped Mid-Century Modern design. Based in the USA, Knoll collaborated with a talented team, including Florence Knoll, to produce groundbreaking furniture like the Model 57W sofa. Known for its commitment to craftsmanship, innovative materials, and modernist principles, Knoll gained international acclaim in the 1950s and 1960s. The company’s focus on functional yet artistic pieces, often featuring walnut and early synthetic upholstery like Naugahyde, has made it a favorite among collectors and interior designers, with its legacy enduring to this day.
Origin: United States of America
Proof: Ample Provenance - Industry Consensus
Period: 1960s
Material: Vinyl | Walnut
State: As-Is (Tastefully Aged)
Condition Details: Save for some minor structural repairs made to the base this iconic sofa is in original, vintage condition and has aged to perfection! The original, thick-cut naugahyde upholstery is in remarkably excellent vintage condition with only subtle signs of wear including small tears (less than 5mm in length) on the upper corners of the backrest as well as some friction marks in the same corners and can be seen in the detail photos provided). With that said the naugahyde is in overall excellent original condition with no burns, large tears over 1 cm or odors present whatsoever. All cushions and support straps are in original condition and are weight-bearing, supportive and comfortable.
The solid walnut frame too is in remarkably excellent original condition given its age with only minor repairs made to re-tighten the joinery. The legs show only minor nicks, abrasions and surface scratches (the worst of which can be seen in the detail photos provided) but showing no gouges, stains or other damage whatsoever and the dark, variegated woodgrains of the walnut are absolutely stunning in natural light.
This architecturally fascinating sofa is comfortable, structurally sound and ready for decades more of use. Please view all photos and natural light video provided for details on this rare sofa's current condition. We're limited on the amount of media we can post so additional photos and videos are available upon request.
Style: Mid-Century Modern | Modern
SKU: AM02587
---Dimensions---
Width: 90 in / 228.6 cm
Depth: 32 in / 81.28 cm
Height: 32 in / 81.28 cm
-- Shipping and Handling --
This shipping total in the listing is for local pickup only. If you would like to manage shipping yourself, we have several companies we will gladly recommend. If you prefer to have us manage the shipping process we ship to the US and Canada. Rates vary by location. Please message us prior to payment and checkout as you will receive an additional invoice for shipping, handling, and insurance if we manage the process for you in this transaction.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Do I get the piece(s) in the listing? Yes you can but we also source other pieces and have many others in stock if this isn't the exact piece(s) you were looking for. The piece(s) in this listing are currently available for sale as-is, restored or re-worked and will be noted in the description above. If this isn't the exact piece you are looking for or you would like this piece customized, please send us a private message and we'll do our best to meet your specific needs in sourcing or creating your dream piece(s).
Do you ship overseas? Can I manage shipping myself? Each listing includes shipping information specific to the item being sold. If our shipping service does not include your location or if you would like to manage the shipping process yourself for any other reason please message us prior to checkout to discuss your options.
Why buy ABTModern? We pride ourselves in finding truly amazing, one-of-a-kind pieces and bringing them to you, our clients! We are a small family business and take tremendous pride in doing what we love. Thank you for allowing us to do what we love! Please know we make YOU our NUMBER 1 PRIORITY throughout the entire process. It's our honor to serve you with your furniture and custom design needs.
About: This early Mid-Century Modern Model 57W "floating" frame sofa, designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll, showcases the pioneering spirit of 1960s American design. Crafted with a rich walnut frame, the sofa features a distinctive "floating" effect where the original brown Naugahyde-upholstered seat and back appear suspended above the base, creating a striking visual and airy silhouette. The durable yet supple Naugahyde, in its classic brown finish, pairs beautifully with the warm walnut, offering both comfort and a nod to the era’s innovative materials. This piece’s minimalist yet sculptural form makes it a standout addition to a living room, lounge, or collector’s curated space, reflecting Knoll’s legacy of blending functionality with timeless elegance.
About Florence Knoll (Designer): Florence Knoll (1917–2019) was a pioneering American designer, architect, and the creative force behind Knoll’s furniture division. Trained at the Cranbrook Academy of Art under Eliel Saarinen and influenced by Mies van der Rohe, Knoll revolutionized modern interior design in the mid-20th century. Joining Knoll Associates in the 1940s, she introduced the “Knoll Planning Unit” and designed iconic pieces like the Model 57W sofa, blending functionality with minimalist elegance. Her work earned her numerous awards, including the National Medal of Arts, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in the design world.
About Knoll (Manufacturer): Knoll, founded in 1938 by Hans and Florence Knoll in New York, is an iconic American company that shaped Mid-Century Modern design. Based in the USA, Knoll collaborated with a talented team, including Florence Knoll, to produce groundbreaking furniture like the Model 57W sofa. Known for its commitment to craftsmanship, innovative materials, and modernist principles, Knoll gained international acclaim in the 1950s and 1960s. The company’s focus on functional yet artistic pieces, often featuring walnut and early synthetic upholstery like Naugahyde, has made it a favorite among collectors and interior designers, with its legacy enduring to this day.
Origin: United States of America
Proof: Ample Provenance - Industry Consensus
Period: 1960s
Material: Vinyl | Walnut
State: As-Is (Tastefully Aged)
Condition Details: Save for some minor structural repairs made to the base this iconic sofa is in original, vintage condition and has aged to perfection! The original, thick-cut naugahyde upholstery is in remarkably excellent vintage condition with only subtle signs of wear including small tears (less than 5mm in length) on the upper corners of the backrest as well as some friction marks in the same corners and can be seen in the detail photos provided). With that said the naugahyde is in overall excellent original condition with no burns, large tears over 1 cm or odors present whatsoever. All cushions and support straps are in original condition and are weight-bearing, supportive and comfortable.
The solid walnut frame too is in remarkably excellent original condition given its age with only minor repairs made to re-tighten the joinery. The legs show only minor nicks, abrasions and surface scratches (the worst of which can be seen in the detail photos provided) but showing no gouges, stains or other damage whatsoever and the dark, variegated woodgrains of the walnut are absolutely stunning in natural light.
This architecturally fascinating sofa is comfortable, structurally sound and ready for decades more of use. Please view all photos and natural light video provided for details on this rare sofa's current condition. We're limited on the amount of media we can post so additional photos and videos are available upon request.
Style: Mid-Century Modern | Modern
SKU: AM02587
---Dimensions---
Width: 90 in / 228.6 cm
Depth: 32 in / 81.28 cm
Height: 32 in / 81.28 cm
-- Shipping and Handling --
This shipping total in the listing is for local pickup only. If you would like to manage shipping yourself, we have several companies we will gladly recommend. If you prefer to have us manage the shipping process we ship to the US and Canada. Rates vary by location. Please message us prior to payment and checkout as you will receive an additional invoice for shipping, handling, and insurance if we manage the process for you in this transaction.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Do I get the piece(s) in the listing? Yes you can but we also source other pieces and have many others in stock if this isn't the exact piece(s) you were looking for. The piece(s) in this listing are currently available for sale as-is, restored or re-worked and will be noted in the description above. If this isn't the exact piece you are looking for or you would like this piece customized, please send us a private message and we'll do our best to meet your specific needs in sourcing or creating your dream piece(s).
Do you ship overseas? Can I manage shipping myself? Each listing includes shipping information specific to the item being sold. If our shipping service does not include your location or if you would like to manage the shipping process yourself for any other reason please message us prior to checkout to discuss your options.
Why buy ABTModern? We pride ourselves in finding truly amazing, one-of-a-kind pieces and bringing them to you, our clients! We are a small family business and take tremendous pride in doing what we love. Thank you for allowing us to do what we love! Please know we make YOU our NUMBER 1 PRIORITY throughout the entire process. It's our honor to serve you with your furniture and custom design needs.