Knoll Vintage Bentwood Walnut Desk Inbox Tray
Located in Kensington, MD
Appropriately labeled on bottom. Produced by Knoll Associates, Inc.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Tray Tables
Materials
Bentwood, Walnut
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Don Shoemaker Mid-Century 3 Piece Jacaranda Desk Set
Located in Queens, NY
3 piece Mid-Century Jacaranda wooden desk set including a tray and two pencil/pen boxes.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Tray Tables
Materials
Wood
Kalmar Mid-Century Teak Desk Organizer / Letter Tray 1970s
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautifully crafted mid-century modern desk organizer by Kalmar, executed in richly grained Danish teak. This sculptural and highly functional piece embodies the refined simplicity...
Category
Vintage 1970s Thai Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Walnut & Aluminum Letter Tray Desk Accessory Qualiton
By Florence Knoll
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, mid-century modern walnut & aluminum letter tray, desk accessory.
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Aluminum
Set of 2 Mid-Century Brass Desk Tray and Letter Opener, 1950s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brass Desk Tray and Letter Opener, 1950s, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions.
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
Carl Aubock Mid Century Horn Desk Pen & Pencil Tray & Holder, Austria, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A decorative and rare desk penholder from the 1960s, designed and executed by Carl Aubock, Vienna. Made of horn, in very good condition.
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Horn
Mid-Century Burl Wood Pipe Tray, Israel, 20th Century
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Exceptional vintage handcrafted burl wood sculptural catchall featuring a richly figured natural grain and dramatic live-edge textured exterior. Executed in the Organic Modern and St...
Category
Mid-20th Century Israeli Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood, Burl
MCM Office Desk Paper Organizer Tray
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this Mid-Century Modern desk office tray, clean design in two levels made by IRGSA, circa 1970.
Category
Vintage 1970s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood
Mid Century Globe Wernicke Wood Double Letter Tray
By Globe Wernicke, Ralph Lauren
Located in San Diego, CA
The open design allows for easy access and practical organization, making it ideal for a desk, office, or library setting. Its timeless materials and honest construction embody early...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Brass
MCM Office Desk Paper Organizer Tray
By Industrias Ruiz Galindo SA (IRGSA)
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this Mid-Century Modern desk office tray, clean design in two levels made by IRGSA, circa 1970.
Category
Vintage 1970s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Single Letter Tray in Burlwwod
$260Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Single Letter Tray in Burlwwod
Located in San Diego, CA
A well constructed mid-century modern single letter tray in burl, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measures 10.75"W x 15"D x 2.5"H; the bottom is covered ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Burl
Mid Century Architectural Hugh Acton Two Tier Letter Tray
Located in San Diego, CA
Two level 1950s metal letter tray by Hugh Acton for the Brunswick Corporation USA, c. 1965 A minimilist architectural design. Substantial construction with the original black finish ...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Metal
Mid Century Small Graphics Drinks Tray - By Ton
Located in Hook, Hampshire
Mid Century Small Graphics Drinks Tray - By Ton. Reminiscent of Marimekko who used bold floral graphics to reinvent their Finnish oil cloth factory, but the trays were made by Czec...
Category
Vintage 1950s Czech Desk Sets
Materials
Laminate, Beech
1950s Oak Wood Letter Tray MCM Desk Accessory
$76Sale Price|20% Off
1950s Oak Wood Letter Tray MCM Desk Accessory
By Peter Pepper Products
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage Oak Wood Letter Tray MCM desk accessory The Line Hedges File Illinois Dovetail joinery 2.5 h x 10.25 w x 12.5 d Preowned original condition Refer to images listed
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Oak
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Style Leather & Walnut Paper Tray
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A pair of contemporary wood paper trays for desk organizing or saving papers and letters. Black leather exterior, walnut accents, and felt interiors. In excellent vintage condition...
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Wood
Rainbow Wood Products Two-Tier Teak Paper Tray, Mid-Century Modern
By House of Rainbow Wood Products Inc.
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautifully crafted two-tier paper tray produced by Rainbow Wood Products, showcasing the clean lines and warm organic materials characteristic of mid-century modern desk accessori...
Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Teak
1970s Black Desk Tray Tiered Office Letter File
By Peter Pepper Products
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Midcentury Black Tiered Letter Desk Tray Office File Wood with faux leather Scuffs present around edges. No label. 15 D x 9.88 w x 7 H Preowned original vintage condition. See...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Faux Leather, Wood
George Petersen Danish Modern Rosewood Desk Organizer / Letter Tray, 1960s
By Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik, Georg Petersens
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Danish midcentury modern desk organizer designed by Georg Petersens and crafted in richly figured rosewood veneer. The piece features three horizontal letter trays and a series of ve...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Rosewood
Italian Wood and Suede Desk Set Letter Tray Set 1970s
Located in San Diego, CA
Italian desk set with a letter tray and removeable cover and a smaller notes holder. Constructed of wood, with suede. Luxurious feel. Nice joinery. 1970s. Made in Italy.
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Suede, Wood
19th Century Rosewood Letter Tray
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Very Attractive And Extremely Good Quality Mid 19th Century Rosewood Letter Tray, Of Unusually Diminutive Proportions, Having Exceptionally Well Figured Top With Studworlk Decorati...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Desk Sets
Materials
Rosewood
1970s Sleek Chrome Desk Organizer File Tray Style Diego Matthai
By Diego Matthai
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Sleek Modern Chrome Desk Organizer black and chrome Tray 15 d x 10.63 w x 1.88 h Clean modern lines Unsigned, in the style of Diego Matthai Original vintage, refer to images listed.
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Chrome
Desk Accessory Designed by Florence Knoll Two-Tier Paper Tray Ebony
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Chula Vista, CA
A staple of mid-century modern office design, it was produced by Knoll Associates (later Knoll International).
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Bentwood
Baccarat Crystal Reversible Sculptural Trinket Desk Tray Sculpture France Signed
$440Sale Price|20% Off
Baccarat Crystal Reversible Sculptural Trinket Desk Tray Sculpture France Signed
By Baccarat
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare and tough to find Baccarat Crystal desk trinket tray dating from the 1960's. Wonderful form and design. One side has cut out circles and the other has different shaped cutouts. ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French More Desk Accessories
Materials
Crystal
Vintage American Walnut 2-Tier Desk Organizer / Paper Tray by Shield Industries
Located in San Diego, CA
A sculptural and highly functional two-tier desk organizer crafted from genuine American walnut by Shield Industries, a California maker known for clean-lined, modernist desk accesso...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Walnut
Danish Modern Desk Organizer Letter Tray in Teak by Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik
By Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik
Located in San Diego, CA
Very functional Danish modern teak desk organizer or letter tray by Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik, circa 1970s. The piece is in excellent condition and measures 23.5" wide, 8.5." deep ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Teak
Vintage Porcelain Floral Desk Set by Neiman Marcus with Letter Opener and Tray
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage Porcelain Floral Desk Set by Neiman Marcus with Letter Opener and Tray. A very nice two-piece brass and porcelain desk set, circa 1970s. The set is in good vintage condition ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Brass
Desk Accessories, Letter Holder by Jacques Adnet and Letter Tray Paper Holder
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Handsome saddle leather letter holder by Jacques Adnet. Signature contrast stitching. Great patina to leather. Excellent vintage condition. Paris, in the traditions of French big hou...
Category
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Leather
Vintage Sectioned Display Tray in Aluminum
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Partitioned Tray in Aluminum 1.63 h x 14.75 w x 7.38 preowned condition refer to images
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Aluminum
Antique 19th century William IV bronze and ormolu pen tray
Located in London, GB
A large William IV period bronze & ormolu Pentray having cutglass inkwells and central urn with leaf and shell border & carrying handles, supported on bold leaf scrolled feet.
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century English Rococo Revival Inkwells
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century Austrian Porcelain Inkwell with Tray with Stamp on the Side
Located in Marbella, ES
19th century Austrian Porcelain Inkwell with Tray with Stamp on the Side.
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Austrian Inkwells
Materials
Porcelain
MCM Japanese Patinated Iron Winking Owl Pen Tray
$200Sale Price|20% Off
MCM Japanese Patinated Iron Winking Owl Pen Tray
Located in San Diego, CA
A fun MCM Japanese patinated iron winking owl pen tray, circa 1970s. The tray is in very good vintage condition and measures 2.5"W X 8.25"D X .5"H. A very cool and unique piece for y...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Iron
Hermès Paris Silver-Plated Horse Head Pen Tray, France 1960s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Keywords Hermès Paris, Horse Head, Equestrian Design, Pen Tray, Desk Tray, Silver Plate, French Luxury, Desk Accessory, Office Accessory, Gentleman’s Desk, Mid-Century Modern, Hermè...
Category
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Silver Plate
MCM Walnut and Naugahyde Double Letter Tray by OPCO
By Opco Company
Located in San Diego, CA
Very cool and functional MCM walnut and nauhgahyde double letter tray by OPCO, circa 1970s. The tray is in very good vintage condition and measures 15.5"W x 10.25"D x 6.5"H and would...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Naugahyde, Walnut
Florence Knoll Two-Tier Ebonized Walnut Paper Tray
$1,200 / item
Florence Knoll Two-Tier Ebonized Walnut Paper Tray
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paper tray designed by Florence Knoll in 1948. This two-tier paper tray is composed of ebonized molded walnut plywood. The trays rotate around a rear central post of brushed aluminum...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Aluminum
Vintage Modernist Paper Tray in Chrome 1970s
By Smokador, Knoll
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful letter tray in polished aluminium / chrome finish with black enamel lining. In the style of Smokador. Clean and minimalist design that is timeless and classic. Unique and...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Aluminum, Chrome
Gio Ponti Ceramic pen tray Bijenkorf Italy 1969
By Gio Ponti
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This rare and decorative pen tray, designed by Gio Ponti for Ceramiche Joo in Milano in 1956, is a remarkable piece of design history with a unique connection to one of Ponti’s archi...
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of MCM Walnut Letter Trays by Carver Wood Products
By Carver Wood Products Inc.
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of MCM walnut letter trays by Carver Wood Products, circa 1970s. The trays are in good vintage condition and measures 15.375"W x 10.25"D x 4.75"H and would make a great addition...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Walnut
Vintage Italian Silver Dog Pen Tray - Dachshunds c.1968
Located in Bath, GB
An absolutely charming desk-top pen tray made from solid Italian silver (800/1000) in Venice by Rossi & Arcandi in the late 1960's. A wonderful subject, the tray is has the front wi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Silver
3 Multicolored "libreria" dekor ceramic trays by P. Fornasetti Rosenthal, 80s
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Set of 3 ceramic trays decorated with a "bookcase" motif, the result of a collaboration between renowned Italian decorator Piero Fornasetti and the German ceramics manufacturer Rosen...
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Ceramic
Stunning Vintage Tray / Sculpture Made of Brazilian Rosewood Unknown Author
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Solid Brazilian rosewood tray, with aluminum details. This peace is a huge vintage tray and also an amazing sculpture of a fish. This is one of a kind work of art that can be used in...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Paperweights
Materials
Wood
1970s Wood and Metal Peter Pepper Two Tier Letter Tray
By Peter Pepper Products
Located in San Diego, CA
A fantastic paper tray. High quality construction with metal elements. Peter Pepper Products produced many icons of California Designs. USA, 1970s.
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Wood
Stich Leather Pencil Holder Krystal Tray 1950s France
$446Sale Price|20% Off
Stich Leather Pencil Holder Krystal Tray 1950s France
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice black Stich leather pen holder, comes with a Krystal Glass inlay signed '' Val Saint Lambert '' attributed to Hermes or Jacques Adnet.
Category
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Leather
Green Leather Documents Tray by Jacques Adnet, France, 1950s
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Green leather documents tray by Jacques Adnet, France, 1950s.
Category
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Brass
Vintage Letter Holder/In-Out Tray Combo Organizer - Refinished in Turquoise
By Rehab Vintage Interiors
Located in Alhambra, CA
1960s desktop organizer refinished in a rich Teal (RAL 5018) powder-coat finish by our workshop in Alhambra, CA. This vintage steel unit features a combo of 3 standing and 3 flat slo...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Steel
Vintage Letter Holder/In-Out Tray Combo Organizer - Refinished in Orange
By Rehab Vintage Interiors
Located in Alhambra, CA
1960s desktop organizer refinished in a gloss Orange (OG 1) powder-coat finish by our workshop in Alhambra, CA. This vintage steel unit features a combo of 3 standing and 3 flat slot...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Steel
Vintage Austrian Letter Opener and tray Vienna 1950
Located in Vienna, AT
This beautiful desk set comprises a letter opener and a small desk tray. The letter opener is made from nickel plates brass and has a leather wrapping. The tray is made from the same...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Letter Openers
Materials
Brass
Annemarie Davidson & Blaine Rath Walnut & Enamel Letter Tray, California, c.1970
By Annemarie Davidson, Florence Knoll
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Annemarie Davidson & Blaine Rath Walnut & Enamel Letter Tray, California, c.1970
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Enamel
Vintage Parisian Ink Tray, French, Pewter Brass, Desktop Inkwell, Art Deco, 1930
$810Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Parisian Ink Tray, French, Pewter Brass, Desktop Inkwell, Art Deco, 1930
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage Parisian ink tray. A French, pewter brass desktop inkwell in Art Deco taste, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1930. Alluring tonality and form, to this fin...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century French Art Deco Inkwells
Materials
Brass, Pewter
Venini tray clear glass with a circular slightly inverted dome, 1950s Italy
By Venini
Located in Bronx, NY
1950s Venini tray clear glass with a circular slightly inverted dome rough green almost black glass inlay, great for a night table to rest your watch or jewelry on. It has an insign...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paperweights
Materials
Art Glass
Period French Louis XV Ormolu Mounted Japanese Lacquer Chinoiserie Inkwell Tray
By Vernis Martin
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce nearly 300 year old Louis XV (1715-1774) period French gilt bronze ormolu mounted Japanned encrier (inkwell or inkstand) Paris, France, circa 1750, exceptionally executed i...
Category
Antique Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Inkwells
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Mid-Century Modern American Walnut & Brass Modernist Paper Desk Tray
Located in San Diego, CA
Double letter tray in walnut with brass accents , circa 1950s freshly refinished, Very nice accent to any executives desk! California design.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands
Materials
Brass
American Mid-Century Modern Oak & Naugahyde Modernist Paper Desk Tray 2 Avail.
By Peter Pepper Products
Located in San Diego, CA
Single letter desk tray with solid oak walls and Naugahyde brown insert, circa 1970s freshly refinished, Very nice accent to any executives desk! California design. 2 available ,buye...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands
Materials
Naugahyde, Oak
Brass paperweight in the shape of a leaf, France, 1970
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Features Period: 1970s Origin: France Material: Brass Color: Gold Shape: Stylized leaf Use: Paperweight, trinket tray, or decorative object Condition: Good vintage condition with nat...
Category
Vintage 1970s French Organic Modern Paperweights
Materials
Brass
Polished Geode Specimen Ash Tray or Desk Top Dish
$300Sale Price|75% Off
Polished Geode Specimen Ash Tray or Desk Top Dish
Located in Ferndale, MI
Beautiful natural form polished Geode possibly rock crystal specimen bowl.
Category
Mid-20th Century American American Craftsman Natural Specimens
Materials
Agate
Knoll Associates Mid-Century Wood Desk Tray
Unavailable|$500
Knoll Associates Mid-Century Wood Desk Tray
By Knoll
Located in Atlanta, GA
Knoll Associates early wood desk or letter tray. Comprised of sculptural solid wood. Signed Knoll Associates.
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Mid-Century Modern Mirrored Brass Vanity Tray, Austria, 1950s
Unavailable|$528
Mid-Century Modern Mirrored Brass Vanity Tray, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern mirrored brass vanity tray, Austria, 1950s.
Category
Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Hagenauer Mid-Century Modern Brass Decorative Tray, Austria, 1950s
By Karl Hagenauer, Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien
Located in Vienna, AT
Hagenauer Mid-Century Modern brass decorative tray, Austria 1950s.
Category
Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
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Mid Century Desk Tray For Sale on 1stDibs
Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the mid century desk tray you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, metal and walnut, every mid century desk tray was constructed with great care. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer mid century desk tray, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. A mid century desk tray is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Mid-Century Modern, Art Deco and Scandinavian Modern styles are sought with frequency. A well-made mid century desk tray has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Florence Knoll, Peter Pepper Products and Carl Auböck are consistently popular.
How Much is a Mid Century Desk Tray?
A mid century desk tray can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $614, while the lowest priced sells for $75 and the highest can go for as much as $4,250.
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
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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 celebrated 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.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. 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.
Finding the Right Desk-accessories for You
Whether you’ve carved out a space for a nifty home office or you prefer the morning commute, why not dress up your desk with antique and vintage desk accessories? To best tiptoe the line between desk efficiency and desk enjoyment, we suggest adding a touch of the past to your modern-day space.
Desks are a funny thing. Their basic premise has remained the same for quite literally centuries: a flat surface, oftentimes a drawer, and potentially a shelf or two. However, the contents that lay upon the desk? Well, the evolution has been drastic to say the least.
Thank the Victorians for the initial popularity of the paperweight. The Industrial Revolution offered the novel concept of leisure-time to Europeans, giving them more time to take part in the then crucial activity of letter writing. Decorative glass paperweight designs were all the rage, and during the mid-19th-century some of the most popular makers included the French companies of Baccarat, St. Louis and Clichy.
As paper was exceedingly expensive in the early to mid-19th-century, every effort was made to utilize a full sheet of it. Paper knives, which gave way to the modern letter opener, were helpful for cutting paper down to an appropriate size.
Books — those bound volumes of paper, you may recall — used to be common occurrences on desks of yore and where there were books there needed to be bookends. As a luxury item, bookend designs have run the gamut from incorporating ultra-luxurious materials (think marble and Murano glass) to being whimsical desk accompaniments (animal figurines were highly popular choices).
Though the inkwell’s extinction was ushered in by the advent of the ballpoint pen (itself quasi-obsolete at this point), there is still significant charm to be had from placing one of these bauble-like objets in a central spot on one’s desk. You may be surprised to discover the mood-boosting powers an antique — and purposefully empty — inkwell can provide.
The clamor for desk clocks arose as the Industrial Revolution transitioned labor from outdoors to indoors, and allowed for the mass-production of clock parts in factories. Naturally, elaborate designs soon followed and clocks could be found made by artisans and luxury houses like Cartier.
Find antique and vintage desk accessories today on 1stDibs.
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Tapio Wirkkala Bucked the Trends of Mid-Century Nordic Design
The Finnish talent created nature-inspired pieces, from furniture to jewelry, with phenomenal staying power.
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