Rosewood sideboard with drawers model 2542 – Florence Knoll

Small 6-drawer sideboard in rosewood topped with grey-veined white marble, model 2542 designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International, 60s edition.

• W 95.5 cm x D 45.5 cm x H 65 cm.
• Drawers D 38 cm (4) / 26 (1) x H 11 cm (4) / 22 cm (1)
• The piece has been renovated by our restorer (woodwork), two tiny old restorations remain on the left side (see photos)
• The key is no longer available.

Florence Knoll and the model 2542

Designed by Florence Knoll in the early 60s and produced by Knoll, model 2542 belongs to the Two Position Credenzas family. This name simply refers to its compact two-bay format, approximately 95 cm wide. The large Four Position credenza follows the same principle at approximately 190 cm, with four bays integrated into a single piece of furniture. It is therefore not several assembled cabinets, but a logic of proportions used by Knoll to develop the same family of storage units.

Florence Knoll sideboard for Knoll International, model 2544, Four Position Credenza (Sold)

The 2542 is distinguished by a very functional interior organization, with four storage drawers and one large drawer originally intended for filing. This modernist design directly recalls the work of the Knoll Planning Unit, for which Florence Knoll developed furniture designed as much for daily efficiency as for the architectural coherence of spaces.

Two Knoll sideboards side by side including model 2544, Two Position Credenza

Its design is highly understated: a rectangular cabinet with clean lines rests on a chromed steel base, while the marble top brings a more precious presence to the whole. This combination of wood, metal, and stone allows it today to go far beyond its original professional use.

In a living room, it can be used as a small sideboard to store magazines, everyday objects, or accessories, but also as a TV stand, its low height being particularly suited to this use. In a dining room, it can hold dishes, cutlery, or table linen. In an office, its drawers naturally return to their primary function for filing folders, papers, and supplies.

Its proportions also allow it to be placed side by side with its open counterpart, of the same width and simply equipped with an interior shelf. Juxtaposed, the two pieces form a set of approximately 190 cm, alternating closed storage and open space. The latter can accommodate books, ceramics, sculptures, or decorative objects, while the 2542 keeps items one prefers to stay out of sight.

This combination perfectly illustrates Florence Knoll’s approach: rigorous, functional, and discreet furniture, capable of integrating as naturally into a domestic interior as into a work environment.