20th Mid Century Modern Desks

Willett Chair

Willett Cherry

Paul Mccobb Desk Organizer

Torbjorn Afdal Desk

Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Center desk with beautiful cross on the base

H 29.53 in W 43.31 in D 25.6 in

Mid-Century Modern Desk

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Perfect for any home office or study, this beautiful Mid-Century Modern desk shows off a rich

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Desk

H 36.5 in W 54 in D 30 in

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Desk

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Vintage modern writing desk featured in rich walnut grain. This desk sits on sleek tapered legs and

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Desk

H 30 in W 49 in D 23 in

Desk, Probably France, Mid-20th Century

Located in Greding, DE

Desk, standing on three cylindrical chromed metal legs with a rectangular tabletop out of opaque

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Desk, Probably France, Mid-20th Century

H 29.14 in W 46.46 in D 27.56 in

Italy Mid-20th Century Modern Steel Crystal Desk

By Gio Ponti

Located in Brescia, IT

This modern Italian design desk, has been made in Milano, in 1960 circa, an item of the ones custom

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Italy Mid-20th Century Modern Steel Crystal Desk

H 28.35 in W 47.25 in D 33.08 in

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Drexel Desk

By Drexel

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful walnut Drexel desk with matte black metal handles. Great piece for any office or bedroom

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Drexel Desk

H 30.5 in W 48 in D 18 in

Mid-Century Modern Secretary Desk

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, AR

Handsome secretary desk features unique legs and a functioning skeleton key to open the drop down

Category

Mid-20th Century Argentine Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Secretary Desk

H 37.8 in W 33.08 in D 15.75 in

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Newly refinished vintage American desk with unique features that are sure to impress! Featuring

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Oak, Walnut

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk

H 30 in W 52 in D 24 in

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Writing Desk by Mainline

By Mainline by Hooker

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Elegant, functional, and full of mid-century quality, this vintage writing desk by Mainline stands

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Writing Desk by Mainline

H 29.5 in W 49 in D 25 in

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rattan Desk or Table

Located in Sheffield, MA

Mid-century 1950's French bamboo desk or dining table. Wicker, rattan, faux bamboo.

Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rattan

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rattan Desk or Table

H 29 in W 48 in D 31 in

Mid-Century Modern Style Lucite Decorative Desk

Located in Delray Beach, FL

Beautiful Lucite rectangular desk beveled top with butterfly base. One front draw can be used as a

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Lucite

Mid-Century Modern Style Lucite Decorative Desk

H 29 in W 38 in D 18 in

Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Desk, 1960

Located in Chicago, IL

Mid-Century Modern rosewood desk, circa 1960s. Newly refinished rosewood top with black ebonized

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Desk, 1960

H 31 in W 59 in D 23.5 in

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk

Located in Greenwich, CT

This vintage Mid-Century Modern writing desk has been completely refinished and refreshed to look

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk

H 29 in W 60 in D 30 in

Mid 20th century carved mahogany Swedish desk

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Mid 20th century carved mahogany swedish desk circa 1947. We are pleased to offer this superb

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Mid 20th century carved mahogany Swedish desk

H 29.5 in W 67 in D 35 in

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Teak Roll Top Desk or Dresser

Located in Topeka, KS

photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Mid-20th Century. Need

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Teak Roll Top Desk or Dresser

H 38 in W 35 in D 18.5 in

Vintage Danish Mid Century Modern Teak Desk

Located in Gardiner, NY

Authentic vintage mid century Danish / Scandinavian Modern teak desk. This piece is in excellent

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Vintage Danish Mid Century Modern Teak Desk

H 29.25 in W 48.75 in D 25.25 in

Large Italian Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk

Located in Berlin, DE

Large Italian Mid-Century Modern writing desk. Spectacular large writing / working desk made in

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Large Italian Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk

H 35.44 in W 64.97 in D 28.75 in

Desk, Wooden Nails, Well-Crafted, Scandinavian / Mid-Century Modern

Located in Stockholm, SE

wrokmanship, Scandinavian Modern, mid-1900s. The desk is beautiful from all sides. Nice patina and stabile

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Desk, Wooden Nails, Well-Crafted, Scandinavian / Mid-Century Modern

H 31.5 in W 51.19 in D 26.78 in

Mid Century Modern Bert England for Widdicomb Leather Top Desk

By Widdicomb Furniture Co., Bert England

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

The Bert England for Widdicomb Leather Top Desk is a remarkable blend of style and functionality

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Modern Bert England for Widdicomb Leather Top Desk

H 29.5 in W 52 in D 23.5 in

Mid-Century Modern Bleu Swivel Desk Chair

Located in Brussels, BE

Mid-Century Modern Bleu Swivel Desk Chair

Category

20th Century Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Bleu Swivel Desk Chair

H 32.09 in W 27.96 in D 25.6 in

John Keal Mid-Century Modern Walnut Desk

By Brown Saltman, John Keal

Located in Culver City, CA

This desk belongs in a museum, with perfect proportions, incredible craftsmanship, beautiful walnut

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

John Keal Mid-Century Modern Walnut Desk

H 29.5 in W 30 in D 54 in

Mid Century Modern Walnut Desk with brass and walnut pulls

Located in Cincinnati, OH

Mid Century Modern Walnut Desk with brass and walnut pulls' Brass caps on legs Chair opening 28.25

Category

Mid-20th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Modern Walnut Desk with brass and walnut pulls

H 29 in W 50 in D 30 in

Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Cut-Out Walnut Desk

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-century modern, walnut desk has numerous outstanding features. The split-level floating top has

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Cut-Out Walnut Desk

H 29.5 in W 50 in D 30 in

Mid Century Modern Writing Desk with 4 Drawers

By Drexel

Located in Freehold, NJ

This mid century modern writing desk by Drexel features hardwood construction, original limed oak

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Mid Century Modern Writing Desk with 4 Drawers

H 31 in W 22 in D 48 in

Mid Century Modern Brass Legs and Base Walnut Kneehole Writing Desk Modernist

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Mid-Century Modern brass legs and base walnut kneehole writing desk modernist. Item features unique

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Modern Brass Legs and Base Walnut Kneehole Writing Desk Modernist

H 30 in W 53 in D 18 in

20th Century Italian Desk

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

Geometric 20th Century modern desk in wood with brass handles. Of Italian origin, circa 1950.

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

20th Century Italian Desk

H 29.93 in W 63 in D 31.89 in

Rosewood Mid Century Modern Desk with Bookcase Front

Located in Milford, NH

A fine Mid Century Modern free floating desk in rosewood, probably Danish in origin, with a center

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Rosewood

Rosewood Mid Century Modern Desk with Bookcase Front

H 29.25 in W 55.25 in D 29.63 in

Mid-20th Century Walnut Executive Desk by John Widdicomb

By John Widdicomb

Located in Ava, MO

Mid-20th Century. Elevated in a stately manner and displaying beautiful lines from every angle

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid-20th Century Walnut Executive Desk by John Widdicomb

H 29.25 in W 54.2 in D 27 in

Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Sculpted Legs Kneehole Desk & Chair - 2 Pc Set

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Sculpted Legs Kneehole Desk & Chair - 2 Pc Set. Item features a

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Formica, Walnut

Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Sculpted Legs Kneehole Desk & Chair - 2 Pc Set

H 30 in W 52 in D 17.75 in

Knoll Walnut Mid Century Modern Double Pedestal Desk with White Laminate Top

By Knoll

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

A Knoll walnut double pedestal desk. This is a gorgeous office desk, perfect for a mid century home

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Knoll Walnut Mid Century Modern Double Pedestal Desk with White Laminate Top

H 29 in W 60 in D 30 in

Mid-Century Teak Desk

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-century modern writing desk in teak wood. Simple design with a two drawer bank and tapered legs

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Teak Desk

H 28.5 in W 50 in D 21 in

20th Century Danish Desk

Located in Houston, TX

Modernist maple and patinated steel desk featuring two drawers behind a single hinged door with

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

20th Century Danish Desk

H 28.25 in W 47.75 in D 25 in

Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Scandinavian Desk

By Ganddal Mobelfabrik

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Stunning 1970s modern rosewood desk by Ganddal Mobelfabrik, in vintage original condition. Rich

Category

Mid-20th Century Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Rosewood

Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Scandinavian Desk

H 28.5 in W 55 in D 26.5 in

Mid-Century Walnut Desk

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-Century Modern desk made by the Indiana Desk Company. Large walnut desktop and five drawers

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Walnut Desk

H 28.75 in W 60.25 in D 30 in

Swedish Mid-Century Modern Roll Top Desk, circa 1960s

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Swedish mid century modern roll top desk, circa 1960s. Designed by Egon Ostergaard, for SMI Sweden

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Swedish Mid-Century Modern Roll Top Desk, circa 1960s

H 37.75 in W 35.5 in D 18.5 in

Studio Desk, designed by Vittorio Armellini, Italy Mid-20th Century

Located in Greding, DE

designed in the mid-20th century for a studio by architect Vittorio Armellini. The original plans are

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Studio Desk, designed by Vittorio Armellini, Italy Mid-20th Century

H 31.89 in W 122.05 in D 31.5 in

Mid-Century Modern Teak Writing Desk or Console Table

Located in Nantucket, MA

A stunning Mid-Century Modern teak writing desk or could also be used as a console table or as a

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern Teak Writing Desk or Console Table

H 29 in W 60 in D 23 in

Walnut X-Leg Desk, 20th Century

Located in New York City, NY

Walnut X-Leg Desk, Italy, 20th C. Elegant walnut desk with clean lines and a single drawer

Category

20th Century Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Walnut X-Leg Desk, 20th Century

H 28.5 in W 47.5 in D 23.5 in

Asymmetrical Italian Mid-Century Desk in Walnut

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Mid-Century desk in walnut with an open pore satin finish. The asymmetrical design offers a

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Asymmetrical Italian Mid-Century Desk in Walnut

H 31 in W 78 in D 26 in

Mid Century Modern Writing Table Desk, American, c.1960s

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Mid Century Modern walnut writing table desk, American, c.1960s. Surfboard top & floating cabinet

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Modern Writing Table Desk, American, c.1960s

H 29 in W 62.5 in D 19.25 in

Mid-Century American Desk

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Double pedestal mid-century desk with laminate top. Six total drawers for storage and finished wood

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century American Desk

H 28.5 in W 54 in D 18 in

Vintage Maurice Villency Mid-Century Teak Desk

By Maurice Villency

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Terrific Maurice Villency mid-century teak desk. Large work surface and 5 drawers for ample storage

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Vintage Maurice Villency Mid-Century Teak Desk

H 30 in W 56 in D 25 in

Danish Mid-Century Desk

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This vintage writing desk made in Denmark features three drawers and plenty of small storage

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Danish Mid-Century Desk

H 34 in W 50 in D 27.5 in

Mid Century Modern Heywood Wakefield 3 Drawer Writing Desk

By Heywood-Wakefield Co.

Located in Freehold, NJ

This mid century modern writing desk by Heywood Wakefield features hardwood construction, original

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple

Mid Century Modern Heywood Wakefield 3 Drawer Writing Desk

H 30.25 in W 44 in D 23 in

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Maplewood Writing Table - Vintage Ebony Desk

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A freestanding, vintage Mid-Century modern Italian writing table made of hand crafted polished

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Chrome

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Maplewood Writing Table - Vintage Ebony Desk

No Reserve

H 29.75 in W 73.25 in D 36.5 in

Mid-Century Modern Danish Teak Desk

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This gorgeous vintage modern desk features a unique raised top along the back and sculpted feet

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern Danish Teak Desk

H 29 in W 54 in D 26 in

Mid-Century Modern Desk by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s

By Sergio Rodrigues

Located in New York, NY

than spectacular. A desk like this will honestly look great in any mid-century modern, rustic or

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Mid-Century Modern Desk by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s

H 31.5 in W 71 in D 29 in

Small Mid-Century Modern Teak Desk

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This beautiful vintage modern desk features three drawers with unique carved pulls. Wonderful

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Teak, Wood

Small Mid-Century Modern Teak Desk

H 28.5 in W 41.25 in D 23.5 in

Mid Century Modern Solid Oak Desk with Laminate Top

By Jack Van der Molen

Located in Tulsa, OK

Mid Century Modern Solid Oak Desk with Laminate Top Good vintage condition with one leg having a

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Laminate

Mid Century Modern Solid Oak Desk with Laminate Top

H 30 in W 50 in D 30 in

Large French Mid-Century Modern Studded Leather Desk, Pierre Lottier

By Pierre Lottier

Located in New York, NY

An important midcentury style desk entirely covered in maroon leather and studded with bronze tacks

Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Large French Mid-Century Modern Studded Leather Desk, Pierre Lottier

H 29.75 in W 60 in D 32.5 in

Henning Kjaernulf Danish Mid-Century Oak Desk

By Henning Kjærnulf

Located in Norwalk, CT

Give your office some modern farmhouse flair with this Danish mid-century desk in carved oak by

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Henning Kjaernulf Danish Mid-Century Oak Desk

H 28.5 in W 61.75 in D 31.25 in

Executive Mid-century Desk

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Modern style executive desk with yellow formica top, metal handles and cane back. (Please confirm

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Laminate, Walnut

Executive Mid-century Desk

H 29.5 in W 76 in D 34 in

Mid 20th century elm and mahogany desk by Carl Bergsten

By Carl Bergsten

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Mid 20th century elm and mahogany table by Carl Bergsten circa 1930. Beautiful table by well

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Elm, Mahogany

Mid 20th century elm and mahogany desk by Carl Bergsten

H 29 in W 58.5 in D 30.25 in

Mid-Century Executive Desk by John Widdicomb

By John Widdicomb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Elegant mid-century vintage desk from skilled craftsmen of Grand Rapids' John Widdicomb Fine

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid-Century Executive Desk by John Widdicomb

H 29 in W 54 in D 27 in

1970’s Mid-Century Modern Desk by Schreiber Furniture

By Schreiber

Located in London, GB

depth 59cm x height 74cm x knee hole width 52cm Condition: Very good mid century condition. Minor

Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Formica, Teak

1970’s Mid-Century Modern Desk by Schreiber Furniture

H 29.14 in W 42.13 in D 23.23 in

Mid-Century Modern Teak Folding Table, Smart Desk, 1960s

Located in Wiesbaden, DE

Gorgeous circular Elm dining in the manner of Pierre Chapo. The top features an impressive grain and nice wood-joints connexions. The table offers two extensions. Dimensions clo...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern Teak Folding Table, Smart Desk, 1960s

H 29.14 in Dm 47.25 in

Bernhardt Pedersen Danish Mid Century Modern Rosewood Roll Top Desk

By Bernhard Pedersen & Son

Located in Plainview, NY

A rare Bernhardt Pedersen & Son Danish Mid Century Modern roll top writing desk crafted from

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Bernhardt Pedersen Danish Mid Century Modern Rosewood Roll Top Desk

H 38 in W 35.5 in D 20 in

Mid Century Modern G Plan Fresco Teak Desk Or Vanity

By G Plan Furniture

Located in Atlanta, GA

Fantastic mid-century teak vanity or desk. Designed in the 60s by Victor Bramwell Wilkins for G

Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Mid Century Modern G Plan Fresco Teak Desk Or Vanity

H 28.75 in W 18 in D 18 in

Relide Mid-Century Modern Brass Desk Sized Quartz World Clock

By Relide Co

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine Mid-Century Modern desk clock. A detailed world clock originally manufactured by Hampton

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Brass

Relide Mid-Century Modern Brass Desk Sized Quartz World Clock

H 1.75 in Dm 4.38 in

Mid Century Modern Teak Desk. 1970's

Located in Nantucket, MA

A handsome and finely crafted mid-Century Modern solid teakwood desk. It features a set of three

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

Mid Century Modern Teak Desk. 1970's

H 31 in W 46 in D 20 in

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20th Mid Century Modern Desks For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of 20th mid century modern desks is available at 1stDibs. Each of these unique 20th mid century modern desks was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, metal and hardwood. 20th mid century modern desks have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. 20th mid century modern desks bearing Mid-Century Modern or Scandinavian Modern hallmarks are very popular at 1stDibs. Many 20th mid century modern desks are appealing in their simplicity, but Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames and Knoll produced popular 20th mid century modern desks that are worth a look.

How Much are 20th Mid Century Modern Desks?

Prices for 20th mid century modern desks start at $1 and top out at $125,000 with the average selling for $1,902.

A Close Look at Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

Emerged during the mid-20th century
Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
A heyday of innovation in postwar America
Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
Promotion of functionality

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

Charles and Ray Eames
Eero Saarinen
Milo Baughman
Florence Knoll
Harry Bertoia
Isamu Noguchi
George Nelson
Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by legendary manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs

You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.

Iconic Furniture Makes This 1958 Midwestern Home a True Mid-Century Gem

Designer Susan Yeley turned to 1stDibs to outfit an Indiana home with standout pieces that complement its modernist style.

The Ultimate Guide to Types of Tables for the Home

Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.

Why Is Italy Such a Hotbed of Cool Design?

Patrizio Chiarparini of Brooklyn’s Duplex gallery sheds light on the lasting legacy of Italy’s postwar furniture boom.

Welcome Back to Designer Russel Wright’s Mid-Century Hudson Valley Home

The industrial designer was known for his sleek, modern dinnerware, but his 1961 house and the landscape around it may be his most astonishing creation.

Cara Greenberg Wrote the Book on Mid-Century Modern Furniture. Here Are Her Auction Finds

The author and design expert was among the first to define the style and coined its alliterative name. She shares her favorite pieces on 1stDibs Auctions — including some steals.

Jochum Rodgers Has Long Brought the Best of 20th-Century Design to Berlin and Beyond

Opened by Hans-Peter Jochum some 40 years ago, the pioneering gallery specializes in mid-century gems but also spotlights contemporary pieces by European artists and makers.

A Guide to Herman Miller’s Most Iconic Furniture

The prolific manufacturer has partnered with many of the world’s top designers since opening its doors in 1923. Here are some of the company’s greatest hits, which helped transform the American home and office.