Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE
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.
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24
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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Peter Lovig Nielsen Flip Top Executive Desk in Rosewood
By Lovig Dansk
Located in Seattle, WA
Extremely rare Flip top partner's desk by Peter Lovig Nielsen in rosewood with brass fittings The top shelf of the desk flips down to extend the work surface allowing it to be used a...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Elegant Organic Italian Desk in Walnut 1950s
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Desk, walnut, Italy, 1950s
This elegant desk, made in Italy in the 1950s, is a refined example of mid-century craftsmanship in walnut wood. Its gently curved shape gives it a light,...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
1960s Finn Juhl Diplomat Series Desk with 6 drawers in Rosewood
Located in Seattle, WA
An original rosewood desk designed by Finn Juhl for Cado ( Originally France & Sons, the company was purchased by Poul Cadovius in the 1960s and renamed to Cado), in a rarer configur...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Peter Løvig Nielsen Rosewood Partners Desk
Located in New York, NY
Amazing 1970's Peter Løvig Nielsen rosewood partners desk, lightly restored with some wear and patina due to age and use, there is some wear to the rosewood veneer.
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Omann Jun Møbelfabrik Attributed Executive Rosewood Desk with Drawers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century executive rosewood desk with floating top and two side cabinets, each with three drawers. Drawers measure 17.25" x 11.25". Chair opening is 23.825”. In original condition...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
20th Century Italian Rosewood Writing Table - Desk by Osvaldo Borsani & Tecno
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A large vintage Mid-Century modern Italian writing table made of hand crafted polished Rosewood designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, in good condition. The sculptural desk is compo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Pair of Midcentury Chromed Steel Italian Trestles After Milo Baughman, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous pair of midcentury trestles fully made in chromed steel. These incredibly stylish trestles were designed in Italy after Milo Baughman during the 1970s.
These versatile tres...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Midcentury Bamboo, Rattan and Wicker Desk Console Table, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful Italian writing table or desk in bamboo, rattan and wicker with two drawers.
Made in Italy in the 1970s.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Wood
Midcentury Italian Trestle Desk or Table in Bamboo, Rattan by Vivai Del Sud, 70s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful pair of mid-century organic trestles in a beautiful combination of bamboo, curved rattan and hand-woven wicker. These stunning and unique trestles were designed by Vivai del Sud and produced in Italy during the 1970s.
In fabulous condition and with an amazing honey-like color. These sturdy trestles are made in bamboo canes enriched on the bottom with curved rattan and perfect hand-woven wicker work.
Ideal to make a charming desk or also for dining table or a console table in a modern organic entryway. A must have for all the French Riviera style lovers.
These versatile trestles are ideal as a charming modern organic desk...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan, Wicker
Midcentury Alvar Aalto Desk or Dining Table in Black Laminated and Beech, 1970s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning mid-century desk or dining table in curved beech wood with black laminated top. This incredibly elegant table was designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek and produced during the 1...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Formica, Wood, Laminate, Beech
Mid-Century Danish Rosewood Executive Desk by Arne Vodder for Bornholm
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning mid-century modern executive desk, designed by Arne Vodder for Bornholm, is a true statement piece of Danish craftsmanship. Made from richly grained rosewood, this floa...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Midcentury "Platone" White Folding Desk by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Lovely white "Platone" folding desk. Designed by the visionary Giancarlo Piretti and produced by Anonima Castelli in Italy during the 1970s. The desk is signed on the bottom.
In brand new condition, this desk has never been used and is a new old stock.
The Platone desk was designed to be presented as a set with the Plia chair. It is also held in the permanent collection of the MoMa in NYC. Its ingenious three-disc mechanism, a signature feature of Piretti’s bestsellers, reaches its boldest expression in the Platone.
The white top is a perfect match with the bold design of this little table, with the metal structure sustaining the table on one side. Platone is built to last and integrates seamlessly into any modern or vintage interior.
This stylish desk could function perfectly in a modern or midcentury style children's room or office.
Dimension (cm):
Width - 82
Depth - 64
Height - 69
Italian interior and industrial designer Giancarlo Piretti was born in 1940 in Bologna. He obtained his teaching degree in drawing at the Art Institute of Bologna (dates unknown), and continued his studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna in 1960. From 1963 until 1970, he taught interior design at the Art Institute of Bologna.
Sometime in the 1960s, Piretti also joined Italian design company Castelli as an interior designer, creating home furniture and office furnishings. During his twelve years at Castelli, Piretti obtained numerous industrial patents for his designs, which were mostly chairs. Piretti’s work for Castelli garnered the company an international reputation in furniture design. His most well-known design is the plastic folding Plia Chair (1968), which has sold over seven million copies since 1969 and is still in production. It won the BIO 5 distinction and the SMAU prize at the Ljubljana Biennial in 1971, Germany’s Gute Form prize in 1973, and can be found in permanent collections in various museums world-wide, including Austria, Czech Republic, Slovenia and the United States. In 1969 the complementary Plia Table...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Aluminum, Steel
Borge Mogensen Teak Secretary Dresser for Soborg Denmark
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very well designed teak wood secretary dresser with four lower drawers and the front folds down as a desk top revealing storage slots to the right and two drawers to the other side...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Milo Baughman Floating Top Desk, Model 1625
Located in New York, NY
Desk in walnut with floating top, flanking drawers on the front, and a rectangular open space for display or storage at the rear, supported on four cylindrical legs. An architectural...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Restored Midcentury Writing Desk or Console Table from Up Zavody, 1960s
By Up Závody
Located in Żory, PL
Mid-century writing desk which can also be used as a console table. Manufactured by UP Zavody Bučovice in former Czechoslovakia during the 1960s. Features two drawers and white glass...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass, Wood
Mid-Century Italian Desk, 1950s, Fully Restored with Shellac Finish
Located in Rome, IT
This mid-century desk, designed and produced in Italy in the 1950s, features a fully restored finish that highlights its refined craftsmanship. The ebonized frame and angular legs ar...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Vintage Modern Sled Leg Writing Desk
Located in Trenton, NJ
Step back into the elegance of mid-century design with this exquisite vintage writing desk, featuring six spacious drawers for all your storage needs. This piece, reminiscent of the ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Composition
French 1970s Steel Desk
By Raymond Cohen
Located in London, England
For Cohray
An extremely handsome brushed and polished steel desk with clean lines, the drawer pull with pale, subtle brass finish. Hemispherical steel sections support the 10mm glass top.
Two extending...
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stainless Steel
Mid-Century Italian Walnut Sliding Glass Top Secretary Tall Desk Writing Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant and classic Mid-Century Modern Italian walnut wood desk console, writing table, secretary with sliding top with black glass for a seated position when extended, a top sh...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Glass
Mid-Century Italian Desk, 1950s, Fully Restored with Shellac Finish
Located in Rome, IT
This mid-century desk, designed and produced in Italy in the 1950s, features a fully restored finish that highlights its refined craftsmanship. The ebonized frame and angular legs ar...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Studio BBPR for Olivetti 'Spazio' Desk in Grey Coated Steel
By Studio BBPR, Olivetti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Studio BBPR for Olivetti, 'Spazio' writing desk, coated steel, plastic, vinyl, Italy, design 1959/60, production 1960s
In 1954, Olivetti, the Italian office equipment manufacturer,...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Elegant Organic Italian Desk in Walnut 1950s
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Desk, walnut, Italy, 1950s
This elegant desk, made in Italy in the 1950s, is a refined example of mid-century craftsmanship in walnut wood. Its gently curved shape gives it a light,...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Midcentury Giancarlo Piretti Red "Platone" Folding Desk for Castelli, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful and incredibly rare midcentury red "Platone" folding desk designed by Giancarlo Piretti and produced by Anonima Castelly in Italy during the 1970s. The desk is in amazing v...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Aluminum, Steel
Joaquim Tenreiro, Desk, Jacaranda, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A jacaranda desk designed by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1960s.
Designed and produced for Bloch Editores S.A. Building, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
Category
1960s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Jacaranda
Mid-Century Teak & Steel Executive Desk by Friso Kramer & Coen de Vries for Eeka
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Amazing teak executive desk with two sets of stacked drawers and a floating top on a black enameled metal frame with prouve style legs. Leg opening is 24.5'. Seat opening 24.75” wide...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Large Mid-Century Teak Desk by Torbjørn Afdal for Bruksbo, 1960s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Large Mid-Century Teak Desk by Torbjørn Afdal for Bruksbo, 1960s.
Scandinavian Mid Century Modern freestanding executive teak desk. Attributed to Torbjørn Afdal, manufactured by Hau...
Category
1960s Norwegian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Mid Century Modern G-Plan Desk Console Table, Black, Brass, Tola
By G-Plan
Located in Miami, FL
G-Plan Desk or Console Table, black wood base with brass stretcher and details, the top is African Tola Wood. Table has two drawers. The drawer pulls were replaced at some point.
Category
1960s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Mid Century Modern Compact Drop Down Secretary Desk . Circa 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid Century Modern Compact Drop Down Secretary Desk . Circa 1960s
Features a sleek Mid Century Modern Design, the perfect compact size to fit in any small area or room, a dro...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Rare Maple Desk with Return by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, 1970's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Simply gorgeous maple desk with return and generous storage by Italian design great Giovanni Offredi for the internationally acclaimed Saporiti company. Meticulously designed and ins...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Maple
Unique stainless steel desk, Anonymous French production from the 80s
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Unique anonymous desk designed and made in France, near Limoges, circa 1980. Made from stainless steel, solid oak wood and glass, designed with clean lines and robust construction, i...
Category
1980s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stainless Steel
Zone Desk - Oak Root by Hermhaus
By hermhaus
Located in istanbul, TR
The Zone desk draws attention with its simple and strong lines, while also prioritizing functionality. Its large surface offers space for all your work needs. Thanks to hidden drawer...
Category
2010s Turkish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Mid-century Modern French Desk
Located in Bozeman, MT
Fine mid-century modern French desk with two drawers with brass handles. Unknown designer, ca 1960s France.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Italian Rattan Desk or Vanity Table, circa 1960s
Located in London, GB
Midcentury Italian rattan desk or vanity table, (circa 1960s). An absolute charmer and stylish piece of the era. There are two horizontal surfaces ...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rattan
Mid-Century Modern Raymond Loewy for Mengel Floating Top Desk
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This a large, modern floating top desk designed by Raymond Loewy for Mengel. It is in very good condition. The work surface is excellent ! It has been re-finished. Knee clearance is ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Maple
Newly Refinished - Danish Modern Teak & Steel Adjustable Table / Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished
With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage desig...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Vintage Walnut and Chrome Executive Desk by John Keal
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This mid-century executive desk, designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman in the 1950s, is a timeless piece that combines functionality and style. Its large working surface and floati...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel, Chrome
1940s Art Deco Mid-Century Italian Metal Wood Glass Writing Desk Console Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant Italian Art Deco Mid-Century Modern desk writing table, with beautiful low front side drawer, completed with its elegant black glass top. This table used to be a knittin...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass, Wood
Zone Desk - Oak Root by Hermhaus
By hermhaus
Located in istanbul, TR
The Zone desk draws attention with its simple and strong lines, while also prioritizing functionality. Its large surface offers space for all your work needs. Thanks to hidden drawer...
Category
2010s Turkish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
1950s Mid-Century Modern Italian Free Standing Sculptural Desk in Oak and Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Free-standing desk, oak, brass, linoleum, Italy, 1950s
This mid-century modern freestanding desk from 1950s Italy exemplifies a sculptural approach to furniture design. It speaks t...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Niguel Writing Desk by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Niguel writing desk features solid turned legs, brass cap feet and lacquered interior drawers.
The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handmade in Los Angeles, California....
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Small Desk in Walnut and Laminate with Drawers Gio Ponti 1950s with Authentic
By Gio Ponti
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Rare small desk made by Schiroli and designed by Gio Ponti in the 1950s, in Walnut wood and wood-colored laminate top, has some restorations in the top well executed, we have the ex...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
American Designer, Desk, Iron, Wood, Cane, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood, black-lacquered iron and cane desk or reception desk designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s.
dimensions: 30“ H x 60“ W x 25“ D
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Tan Leather Top Faux Bamboo 56" Wide Desk Drexel MINT!
By Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Tan Leather Top Faux Bamboo 56" Wide Desk Drexel MINT!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Arne Jacobsen 'AJ52' Desk in Oiled Oak and Leather for Carl Hansen & Son
Located in Glendale, CA
Arne Jacobsen 'AJ52' Desk in Oiled Oak and Leather for Carl Hansen & Son
The story of Danish Modern begins in 1908 when Carl Hansen opened his first workshop. His firm commitment to...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Leather, Oak
Osvaldo Borsani Desk for Tecno Milano, Italy 1950
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Beautiful large executive desk designed by Osvaldo Borsani, manufactured by Tecno Milano in Italy, circa 1950.
This eye-catching desk has a unique design with the integrated drawer ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Clean Lined Danish Modern Rosewood Desk by Riis Antonsen
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Danish Modern Rosewood Desk, designed for Riis Antonsen, Denmark, circa 1960s. Branded with manufacturer's name underneath. Beautiful graining to the rosewood throughout....
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
1950s Elegant Italian Small Desk in Ash and Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Writing desk, ash, walnut, brass, formica, Italy, 1950s
Very elegant desk made in Italy in the 1950s. The framework is executed in walnut. The upper part of this piece is made from ...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ash, Walnut
SENECA desk
Located in Pesaro, IT
Glossy smoked eucalyptus wood and brushed bronze interact in a marvelous interplay of finishes to characterize this fluid-lined desk as a piece of rare elegance. Incorporated in the ...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
1950s Mid-Century Modern Italian Free Standing Sculptural Desk in Oak and Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Free-standing desk, oak, brass, linoleum, Italy, 1950s
This mid-century modern freestanding desk from 1950s Italy exemplifies a sculptural approach to furniture design. It speaks t...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Pierre Paulin Maple "Model 250" Executive Desk with Cabinets for Dassas, France
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very rare "Model 250" executive desk with detached rolling filing cabinets designed by Pierre Paulin for Dassas, France, 1975. Constructed of gorgeous Birdseye Maple. Drawers and cab...
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Vico Magistretti Design Vintage Desk and Chair Light Maple Wood Color Italian
Located in London, GB
A vintage and rare 1950s desk with matching chair Italian Design by Vico Magistretti. Light maple wood desk and chair with the original leather upholstery. The desk has 7 storage uni...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Fruitwood, Maple
Jules Leleu- A French 1950s 3 Drawer Walnut Writing Table with Brass Details
By Jules Leleu
Located in Long Island City, NY
Jules Leleu - A fine French Mid-Century three drawer walnut desk with brass details.
A similar desk is shown page 137 of the book "Jules et Andre Leleu" by Vivianne Jutheau - Edited...
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Danish Modern Roll Top Desk, Dresser or Cabinet in Teak
By Finn Juhl, Arne Vodder
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine looking roll top Scandinavian desk made in the 1970s. It features beautiful teak wood and plenty of storage space.
In the style of: Finn Juhl or Arne Vodder.
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Executive Burl Wood and Chrome Desk
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This stunning mid-century executive desk, designed in the United States and dating back to the 1970s, showcases an exceptional design that truly stands out. Its spacious working surf...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
A MID-CENTURY-MODERN Modernist DESK by THONET, France 1950
Located in PARIS, FR
A rigorous and luxurious small desk, Modernist, Constructivist, Reconstruction, black lacquered square section metal structures, box with 3 drawers (and 1 drawer top) and 1 large lac...
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Guillerme et Chambron French Oak Desk/ Low Table
Located in North Miami, FL
This truly perfect size table for a writing desk also converts in to a LOWER console table height piece. The lovely parquet top is classic Chambron and although it has side extensio...
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Important Vintage Pierre Chapo Desk, Model B40, in Solid Elm, 1980
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Really large desk design by Pierre Chapo and produced in 1980. This desk B40 is made in solid Elm and is the largest version of the model. In situ picture and more details regarding ...
Category
1980s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Elm
1950s Italian ash wooden desk with two drawers in the style of Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in London, GB
Mid-century ‘modernist organic ‘Italian design desk/console table with 2 drawers , tapered legs crafted in Italy around 1950, this piece is a stunning example of the era's design sensibilities.The juxtaposition of blond wood with darker wood drawers...
Category
1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Ash
Poul Kjærholm 'PK52A' Student Desk with Drawer in Black for Carl Hansen & Son
Located in Glendale, CA
Poul Kjærholm 'PK52A' Student Desk with Drawer in Black for Carl Hansen & Son
The story of Danish Modern begins in 1908 when Carl Hansen opened his first workshop. His firm commitme...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Vintage Teak Secretary Egon Ostergaard 1960s Sweden
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very decorative but also functional secretary or writing table designed by Egon Ostergaard. What is special about the secretary is the pattern in the wood of the roller top and the g...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Paul Goldman, Desk, Wood, USA, 1940s
By Plymodern, Paul Goldman
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden desk designed by Paul Goldman and produced by Plymodern Furniture, USA, c. 1940s.
Dimensions: 30” x 45” W x 23” D
Category
1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Custom Italian Drawing Table or Writing Desk in Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Unique desk or drawing table, oak, brass, metal, Italy, 1950s
An Italian architect or furniture designer with a great eye for proportions planned this free-standing, functional desk...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
Mid Century Modern G-Plan Desk Console Table, Black, Brass, Tola
By G-Plan
Located in Miami, FL
G-Plan Desk or Console Table, black wood base with brass stretcher and details, the top is African Tola Wood. Table has two drawers. The drawer pulls were replaced at some point.
Category
1960s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Mastercraft Mid Century Bronze Writing Desk
By Mastercraft
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive vintage writing desk crafted in bronze with a hip acid washed finish, in a stylized classic form having a black tooled leather top over a case w...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Boomerang Shaped Desk, Shop Counter, 1950s by Alfred Hendrickx
Located in Antwerp, BE
Custom made handcrafted shop counter or desk in a boomerang line with vertical slats at the front which emphasizes the curve of the arch even more, on the inside one side with 3 slid...
Category
1950s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Frank Lloyd Wright Taliesin Mahogany Double Pedestal Executive Desk, Restored
Located in South Bend, IN
A very rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern "Taliesin" writing desk
By Frank Lloyd Wright for Heritage Henredon
USA, 1950s
Gorgeous mahogany, with iconic carved geometric Talie...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Soriana Armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Soriana armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina.
Manufactured in Italy.
The idea of comfort itself becomes a sofa. Soriana came into being in 1969, thanks to an intuitive vision...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
1971 Dietiker Rey Junior, Kids Activity Table in Blue by Bruno Rey, in Stock
Located in Stein am Rhein, CH
This is the children table version of the famous Rey chair that was designed in 1971.
Designed by Bruno Rey, the Rey chair is famed internationally for its elegance and style. Like ...
Category
2010s Hungarian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Writing Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Black lacquered solid maple, with original brass hard...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Peter Lovig Nielsen Flip Top Executive Desk in Rosewood
By Lovig Dansk
Located in Seattle, WA
Extremely rare Flip top partner's desk by Peter Lovig Nielsen in rosewood with brass fittings The top shelf of the desk flips down to extend the work surface allowing it to be used a...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Cees Braakman for Pastoe "Made to Measure" Series Executive Desk
By Pastoe, Cees Braakman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century, lightly refinished, Cees Braakman for Pastoe executive "Made to Measure" desk. This desk features a black enameled metal riser, brushed st...
Category
1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Executive Desk 207 by Arne Vodder for Sibast, 1960s
By Arne Vodder, Sibast
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Mid-Century Modern executive desk 207.
Design by Arne Vodder for Sibast Denmark.
Striking Danish design from the 1960s.
Solid teak base with three original drawe...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Minimalist Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk by Hans Olsen Dark Walnut and Teak
By Hans Olsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A refined example of Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern design, this writing desk by Hans Olsen epitomizes minimalist elegance. Crafted from dark walnut and teak, the desk features a teak surface framed by a sleek walnut border, creating a harmonious contrast of wood tones. The piece is further elevated by solid teak cylindrical legs, each rounded for a soft, sculptural presence.
With its clean lines and understated elegance, this desk seamlessly integrates into a variety of interior styles, from contemporary minimalist to vintage-inspired modern. The piece is both practical and timeless, embodying the ethos of Mid-Century Modernism and Scandinavian design principles.
Perfect for those seeking a classic Mid-Century desk, this piece serves as both a workspace and a work of art, with refined materials and thoughtful proportions.
This Hans Olsen desk...
Category
Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak, Walnut
Mid-century Modern desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage desks and writing tables created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, case pieces and storage cabinets, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern desks and writing tables made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original desks and writing tables, popular names associated with this style include Cassina, Lawson-Fenning, Charlotte Perriand, and Paul McCobb. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for desks and writing tables differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $299 and tops out at $184,000 while the average work can sell for $4,773.