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1960’s mid century teak wall unit with desk unit by Avalon
Located in London, GB
uprights included) There one desk unit with pull down counter and interior compartments and one storage
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Steel

Modern Scandinavian Wooden Work Desk and Side Table
By Interior architects FYRA
Located in Halikko, Finland
shelf on which you can place your laptop to create an ergonomic standing desk. Due to the simple yet
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writ...

Materials

Ash

Lawrence Desk in Solid Mahogany in Black or Natural Finish
Located in Paris, FR
finishes in solid brass in antique finish. Desk: L120xD65xH82cm. Shelf unit: L116,5xD24,5xH20cm.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Desk by Valdemar Mortensen, 1960s.
By Vald Mortensen
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak desk by Valdemar Mortensen, 1960s. High-end freestanding executive
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Danish Teak Floating Wall Unit by Hansen Guldborg
By Hansen & Guldborg Møbler
Located in San Antonio, TX
top along with pair of door fronts, perfect as media unit. Inside there is is shelf on right with
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Wood, Teak

"Moleskine" Portable Atelier Desk Designed by Philippe Nigro for Driade
By Driade, Philippe Negro
Located in Brooklyn, NY
undertakings like the “Spiral” shelf, the “Storage-Unit” and the “Intersections” sofas, the latter renamed
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Dark blue secretary desk in wood, scandinavian design by Eric Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
ÉGÉE collection This secretary desk is part of the ÉGÉE collection designed by Eric Gizard in Paris
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writi...

Materials

Wood, Lacquer, Ash

Maison Dominique Domin, Genevriére Art Deco Veneer Writing Desk or Vanity Table
By Andre Domin & Marcel Genevriere for Maison Dominique
Located in Firenze, IT
flanking a large knee-hole area, an open shelf unit on the left side for plenty of storage space
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Art Deco oak desk, France, Circa 1940
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
, a leaf extension and a retractable shelf above the drawer unit. Footrest bar. Key and lock OK
Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Desks

Materials

Wood, Oak

Art Deco oak desk, France, Circa 1940
Art Deco oak desk, France, Circa 1940
H 27.96 in W 53.15 in D 30.32 in
Roll-Top Softwood & Mahogany Veneer Desk - Signed Circa 1910
Located in Opole, PL
Roll-Top Softwood & Mahogany Veneer Desk Circa 1910 A large roll-top desk from 1910, signed with a
Category

Vintage 1910s American Desks

Materials

Mahogany, Softwood

Exceptional Minimalistic Vintage Totally free-hanging teak 1960 Retro Desk
Located in Markington, GB
of these wall units, they are all in very good vintage condition. Each cupboard or shelf can be
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

Minimalistic Vintage Totally free-hanging teak 1960 Retro Desk, shelves cupboard
Located in Markington, GB
Sought after wall unit, totally free-hanging XXL sideboard / Desk, it comes with a two open
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

Minimalistic Vintage Totally free-hanging teak 1960 Retro Desk, shelves cupboard
Located in Markington, GB
Sought after wall unit, free-hanging XXL sideboard / Desk, it comes with a two open cupboards (1
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

Early George Nelson Eog Executive Desk with Return for Herman Miller, 1950s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Culver City, CA
shelf for additional storage. Finished on all sides, this exquisite midcentury desk would look
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Birch, Walnut

Mid century danish modern credenza flip down desk bookcase shelf unit by Lovig
By Lovig Dansk
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful mid century Danish modern credenza with flip down desk and shelf unit designed by Lovig
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Credenzas

Materials

Brass

1960 Retro Pilastro Tomado shelving Grey Metal Desk Unit with Drawer and Shelf
By Tomado, Tjerk Reijenga
Located in Markington, GB
1960 retro Pilastro Tomado shelving grey metal desk unit with drawer and shelf designed by Tjerk
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal

Small Poul Cadovius Wall Unit with Desk, Mid-Century Shelf Royal System, Denmark
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in München, Bavaria
shelves that come in different depths, one of them working as desk and a display case with two glas shelfs
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Glass, Teak

George Nelson CSS Book Shelf Wall Unit with Desk Herman Miller Circa 1955
By George Nelson
Located in Emeryville, CA
, thanks to its modular units that included shelves, drawers, and desk units. This innovative storage
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

"Moleskine" Portable Atelier Stool Designed by Philippe Nigro for Driade
By Driade, Philippe Negro
Located in Brooklyn, NY
” shelf, the “Storage-Unit” and the “Intersections” sofas, the latter renamed “Confluences” and produced
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Cityscape wall unit with display shelf Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Atlanta, GA
A custom made large wall unit by Paul Evans Studio for Directional. It consists of four portals
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Shelves

Materials

Brass

Rare 3 bay wall unit Georges Nelson CSS Shelf Palisander
By George Nelson
Located in London, GB
Georges Nelson Css shelving unit in Palissander Inc 6 shelfs ( 3 wide 3 narrow) 1 desk
Category

Vintage 1970s American Shelves

Materials

Bamboo

Vintage Poul Cadovius Wall Unit, Mid-Century Modern Shelf Royal System, Denmark
By Cado, Poul Cadovius
Located in München, Bavaria
shelf above the desk have been altered. The ladders have been replaced by ladders made out of walnut
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Teak, Glass

Superb Wall Unit with Rolltop Desk by Dean Santner
By Dean Santner
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
are 5 shelves plus a display shelf, interior desk organizer, adjustable laptop organizer, and amazing
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Superb Wall Unit with Adjustable Desk by Dean Santner
By Dean Santner
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
assembly. Ask for custom shipping quote. 2- 63 DESIGNER DESK LEG 1- 62 LEG 2- 36X 12 SHELF 3- 36 X 16
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Superb Wall Unit with Adjustable Desk by Dean Santner
By Dean Santner
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
are 4 shelves plus a display shelf, organizer, compact desk, and file cabinet. Classic Arts and Crafts
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

modular floor to ceiling CSS shelf unit Design George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
shelf boards (more available on request) - desk unit with 2 drawers (more available on request) The
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Baker Furniture French Library Cabinet Lighted Secretary Desk Stacking Unit
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in West Chester, PA
original brass key for the desk is included. Lower cabinet with paneled doors and adjustable shelf
Category

Vintage 1960s American French Provincial Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Vintage Dutch 2-Bay Wall Unit With Desk by Pilastro
By Tjerk Reijenga
Located in Brooklyn, NY
illumination. The magazine shelf is a stylish addition that combines utility with aesthetics, while the drop
Category

Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal

Mid-century 3 bay lighted display cabinet / wall unit with desk
Located in Chicago, IL
and pulls •9 total drawers •one open storage compartment with adjustable shelf • drop-down desk has a
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Unique Italian Large Wall Unit with Writing Desk in Maple and Birch
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wardrobe with writing desk, birch, maple, fabric, glass, brass, coated steel, Italy, 1950s Hailing
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Brass, Steel

Vintage Danish Imported Mid Century Standalone bookcase shelf with Writing Desk
Located in Seattle, WA
shelves, drawers and cabinet space open design and great proportions make this wall unit unimposing
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Teak

1960 Pilastro Tomado Retro Wall Unit with Desk Cupboard, Cupboard and 5 Shelves
By Pilastro, Tjerk Reijenga
Located in Markington, GB
1960 Pilastro Tomado three section wall unit with desk cupboard with shelf, five hanging shelves
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal

Large Retro Vintage Desk Plus Shelving Unit by Nisse Strinning for String, 1960s
By Nils Nisse Strinning
Located in Markington, GB
Large retro vintage desk plus shelving unit by Nisse Strinning for String, 1960s the string wall
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal

"Brown" Pc/Laptop Unit Cabinet or Desk Designed by Stephane Lebrun for Dessie'
By Stephane Lebrun, Dessie Studio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Brown" is a pc/laptop unit cabinet or desk, designed by Stephane Lebrun and manufactured by Dessie
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Cabinets

Materials

Iron, Nickel

Hans Wegner Model Ry 100 Wall Unit / Room Divider Shelving with Drop Down Desk
By Ry Møbler, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Chicago, IL
drop-down desk with cabinet, and removable steel dividers on the bottom shelf. Feet are adjustable
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Rare Large Wall Unit w/ Shelves, Desk, and Light by Coen de Vries for Pilastro
By Coen de Vries, Pilastro
Located in Los Angeles, CA
work desk sporting metal drawers and a coordinating teak top sits center to the wall unit. The overhead
Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Sheet Metal

Vintage Dutch wall unit
By Tjerk Reijenga
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Introducing the Pilastro Wall Unit - Your Ultimate Organizational Solution! Upgrade your living
Category

Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal

Vintage Dutch wall unit
Vintage Dutch wall unit
H 60 in W 97 in D 20 in
Mid Century Large Wall Units.
Located in Auckland, AUK
] 91W * 33D * 42H -- Bay Three-- [shelf x 2] 91W * 23D [working desk x 1] 91W * 46D -- Bay Four
Category

Vintage 1960s New Zealand Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Large Wall Units.
Mid Century Large Wall Units.
H 84.26 in W 145.67 in D 15.75 in
1960s Wall Storage Unit in Walnut
Located in Oakland, CA
1960s wall unit with two storage cabinets with an adjustable shelf, five adjustable shelves and the
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Walnut

1960s Wall Storage Unit in Walnut
1960s Wall Storage Unit in Walnut
H 45 in W 96 in D 18.25 in
Fläpps Shelf 80x80-2 - White
Located in Berlin, BE
double desk. If the lower shelf unit is hung at a sitting working height, the upper shelf unit becomes a
Category

2010s German Modern Shelves

Materials

Plywood

Fläpps Shelf 80x80-2 - White
Fläpps Shelf 80x80-2 - White
H 31.5 in W 31.5 in D 13.39 in
Fläpps Shelf 80x80-2 - Black
Located in Berlin, BE
double desk. If the lower shelf unit is hung at a sitting working height, the upper shelf unit becomes a
Category

2010s German Modern Shelves

Materials

Plywood

Fläpps Shelf 80x80-2 - Black
Fläpps Shelf 80x80-2 - Black
H 31.5 in W 31.5 in D 13.39 in
50 Piece Barzilay Walnut Wall Unit
By Barzilay
Located in Los Angeles, CA
: 4 uprights. One magazine shelf. Two desk shelves. One small size shelf. One small size shelf
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Aluminum

Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Wall Unit System
Located in Wilmington, DE
units. The modular design allows for custom shelf, cabinet and desk height as well It is in excellent
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Teak

Exceptional Rosewood Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius, ca. 1965
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
exceptional rosewood grain and 5 small shelves, one medium shelf and two magazine racks. This unit is in
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Rosewood

Vintage George Nelson 3 Bay Walnut Omni Wall Unit
By Structural Products Inc., George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautiful walnut and aluminum ceiling to floor Omni wall unit by George Nelson. features walnut
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Aluminum

1960’s mid century Beaver & Tapley modular wall units
By Beaver and Tapley
Located in London, GB
here are shelf, display cabinet, desk, drinks cabinet and set of drawers. This is a suggested
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Teak

1 Rosewood Poul Hundevad Wall Unit for Jensen & Herning
By Poul Hundevad
Located in Pasadena, TX
has four green felt-lined drawers and a drop desk with an open shelf. Six smaller shelves behind a
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Rosewood

1958 Danish Rosewood Cado Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Los Angeles, CA
. Wall unit is in excellent condition. Each support rail is 78" long and each cabinet and shelf is 31.5
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Rosewood

Vintage 4-Bay Mid-Century Wall Unit by Pilastro
By Tjerk Reijenga
Located in Brooklyn, NY
mid-century charm to any space. The combination of a cabinet, magazine shelf, and a desk with a
Category

Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal

1960s Danish Modern Mahogany Bookshelf: Restored Mid-Century Wall Unit
Located in Los Angeles, CA
-mounted unit includes two floating cabinets at the bottom, with an 18-inch deep wooden shelf that serves
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Aluminum

Danish Modern Poul Cadovius Cado Teak Modular Wall Unit Shelves
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Large three bay teak Cado wall system designed by Poul Cadovius and made in Denmark. This unit has
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Cabinets

Materials

Teak

3-Column Danish Modern Rosewood Adjustable Wall Unit with Paneling
Located in Kensington, MD
doors, and one adjustable glass shelf. One desk / storage cabinet w/ two drawers & two open cubbies
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Rosewood

Vintage Danish Modular Teak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1960s.
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in Asaa, DK
inside drawers and can also function as a secretary desk. The large shelf can also be used as a desk leaf
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Mid Century G Plan Oak Brandon Corner Storage Unit And Shelves, 1960s
By Ebenezer Gomme, G Plan Furniture
Located in London, GB
A mid century G Plan Brandon corner unit with modular flanking trapezoidal shelf units. The three
Category

Vintage 1960s British Mid-Century Modern Corner Cupboards

Materials

Oak

1960, A. Dekker for Tomado Holland, Original Multicolored Modular Wall Unit
By Tomado, Adriaan Dekker
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
wall unit. Adjustable into many varieties. Some rusty spots and loss of paint. Weight of this set total
Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Industrial Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Danish Modern Modular Teak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado 1950s
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in Asaa, DK
, 37 x 80 x 42.5 cm. 1 Large shelf/desk shelf, 40 x 80 cm. 9 Shelves, 24 x 80 cm. Stamped "Made in
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Vintage Danish Rosewood 2-Bay Wall Unit by Kai Kristiansen for FM, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Feldballes Møbelfabrik
Located in Asaa, DK
desk unit with wide drawer. This system consists of: 3 Black uprights 175 cm. 1 Desk shelf, depth 40
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Rosewood

Danish Modern Rosewood 3-Bay Wall Unit by Kai Kristiansen for FM, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Feldballes Møbelfabrik
Located in Asaa, DK
cm. 1 Magazine/display shelf, depth 31.5 cm. 1 Large shelf or desk leaf, depth 32 cm. 8 shelves
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Rosewood

Paul McCobb for Bryce Wall Shelf in Wood and Metal, USA - 1950s
By Bryce Originals, Paul McCobb
Located in Berlin, DE
collection, made primarily of maple wood, featured modular storage units, desks, tables, and seating, all
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal

1960s Poul Cadovius Modular Teak 3-Bay Danish Royal System Wall Unit Shelving
By Poul Cadovius, Royal System
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
includes a very attractive basket weave lockable drop front bureau / desk with key, inside are four
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal

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Shelf Desk Unit For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal shelf desk unit for your home. Each shelf desk unit for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, hardwood and teak. Find 393 options for an antique or vintage shelf desk unit now, or shop our selection of 27 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. There are many kinds of the shelf desk unit you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. A shelf desk unit is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in mid-century modern, Scandinavian Modern and modern styles are sought with frequency. You’ll likely find more than one shelf desk unit that is appealing in its simplicity, but Poul Cadovius, Cado and Kai Kristiansen produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Shelf Desk Unit?

Prices for a shelf desk unit can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $125 and can go as high as $120,000, while the average can fetch as much as $3,767.

Finding the Right Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets for You

Of all the antique and vintage case pieces and storage cabinets that have become popular in modern interiors over the years, dressers, credenzas and cabinets have long been home staples, perfect for routine storage or protection of personal items. 

In the mid-19th century, cabinetmakers would mimic styles originating in the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI eras for their dressers, bookshelves and other structures, and, later, simpler, streamlined wood designs allowed these “case pieces” or “case goods” — any furnishing that is unupholstered and has some semblance of a storage component — to blend into the background of any interior. 

Mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts will cite the tall modular wall units crafted in teak and other sought-after woods of the era by the likes of George Nelson, Poul Cadovius and Finn Juhl. For these highly customizable furnishings, designers of the day delivered an alternative to big, heavy bookcases by considering the use of space — and, in particular, walls — in new and innovative ways. Mid-century modern credenzas, which, long and low, evolved from tables that were built as early as the 14th century in Italy, typically have no legs or very short legs and have grown in popularity as an alluring storage option over time. 

Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This furnishing was initially a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. The drawers served as perfect utensil storage. It wasn’t until the design made its way to North America that it became enlarged and equipped with enough space to hold clothing and cosmetics. The very history of storage case pieces is a testament to their versatility and well-earned place in any room. 

In the spirit of positioning your case goods center stage, decluttering can now be design-minded.

A contemporary case piece with open shelving and painted wood details can prove functional as a storage unit as easily as it can a room divider. Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard made of colored glass and metals, an antique Italian hand-carved storage cabinet or a glass-door vitrine to store and show off your collectibles, there are options for you on 1stDibs.

Questions About Shelf Desk Unit
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    A shelf unit is a piece of storage furniture that can be adjusted to fit objects or collectibles for display of varying sizes . Shelving units can be made of different materials, but the most popular is wood. Find a collection of antique and vintage shelving units on 1stDibs.

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