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

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.

Style: Mid-Century Modern

George Nakashima 'Conoid' Writing Desk in American Black Walnut

$107,000

George Nakashima 'Conoid' Writing Desk in American Black Walnut

Located in Waalwijk, NL

George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, 'Conoid' cross-legged desk, American black walnut, hickory, United States, 1986 This Conoid desk by George Nakashima, made custom in 1...

Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hickory, Walnut

Elegant Italian Small Desk in Walnut and Mahogany

$1,350

Elegant Italian Small Desk in Walnut and Mahogany

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Writing desk, walnut, mahogany, 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 ...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Poly-Z Desk by A.A. Patijn for Zijlstra, Mahogany, Brass

$2,450

Mid-Century Poly-Z Desk by A.A. Patijn for Zijlstra, Mahogany, Brass

By Abraham A. Patijn, Zijlstra

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Poly-Z desk by A.A. Patijn for Zijlstra Joure demonstrates sophisticated Dutch engineering through its floating top construction. The work surface suspends above the cabinet base on ...

Category

1950s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

French Designer, Partners Desk, Oak, France, 1940s

$18,500

French Designer, Partners Desk, Oak, France, 1940s

Located in High Point, NC

A large oak desk or partners desk designed and produced in France, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use, including some natural wood cracking and patina buildup. Missing smal...

Category

1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

1960s Mid-Century Italian Walnut Rattan and Black Glass Top Writing Desk Table

$1,921

1960s Mid-Century Italian Walnut Rattan and Black Glass Top Writing Desk Table

Located in Carimate, Como

Beautiful Italian Mid-Century Modern desk writing table, in wood with elegant rattan wicker bamboo frame, decorated legs and black glass top. The unique and typical design, with the ...

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Wood, Bamboo, Rattan

Enzo Testa, Desk, Pine, Wood, Italy, 1968

$7,400

Enzo Testa, Desk, Pine, Wood, Italy, 1968

Located in High Point, NC

A pine and wood desk designed and produced by Enzo Testa for a residential commission, Bergamo, Italy, c. 1968. Minimal signs of wear. Top refinished. Overall Dimensions (inches): ...

Category

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

Materials

Wood, Pine

George Nakashima Double Pedestal Desk with Live-Edge Top

$127,000

George Nakashima Double Pedestal Desk with Live-Edge Top

By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima

Located in Waalwijk, NL

George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, Double Pedestal Free-Edge writing desk, American black walnut, United States, 1969 You have encountered a truly outstanding example of ...

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Late 19th Century French Barley Twist Writing Desk

$2,942

Late 19th Century French Barley Twist Writing Desk

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

Late 19th Century French Barley Twist Writing Desk

Category

1880s French Antique Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birdseye Maple

Mid-Century Alvar Aalto Model 81C Table, Red Laminate Top, Bent Birch Legs

$1,550

Mid-Century Alvar Aalto Model 81C Table, Red Laminate Top, Bent Birch Legs

By Alvar Aalto, Artek

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Model 81C table by Alvar Aalto demonstrates the Finnish architect's revolutionary approach to bent plywood construction. Designed for Artek, the piece employs signature L-shaped legs...

Category

1930s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Laminate, Birch

Elegant Italian Small Desk in Ash

$1,675

Elegant Italian Small Desk in Ash

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Writing desk, ash, brass, formica, Italy, 1950s Very elegant desk made in Italy in the 1950s. The framework is executed in ash. The upper part of this piece is made from ash veneer,...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno ‘T96’ Executive Corner Desk in Black Lacquered Wood

$18,700

Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno ‘T96’ Executive Corner Desk in Black Lacquered Wood

By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, executive desk, model ‘T96’, lacquered wood, steel, chromed metal, Italy, design 1956, produced 1958 This ‘T96’ executive desk is designed by Osvaldo Bor...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome, Metal

Unique Studio Craft Modernist Rosewood and Teak Doctor's Desk, Circa 1970s

$4,600

Unique Studio Craft Modernist Rosewood and Teak Doctor's Desk, Circa 1970s

Located in Peabody, MA

A one-of-a-kind studio craft doctor’s desk fashioned from solid planks of rosewood and teak. Built in the 1970s by a student of RIT’s “School for American Crafts” for his doctor and ...

Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Rosewood Floating Top Executive Desk by Fristho

$2,950

Mid-Century Rosewood Floating Top Executive Desk by Fristho

By Kho Liang Ie, Fristho

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Executive desk by Fristho features a commanding floating rosewood top suspended 2.5 inches above dual cabinet bases. White lacquered supports create dramatic visual separation betwee...

Category

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

Materials

Leather, Rosewood, Lacquer

Desk Smoked Glass President Gallotti e Radice Dattilo Model Midcentury Italy 70s

$3,242

Desk Smoked Glass President Gallotti e Radice Dattilo Model Midcentury Italy 70s

By Gallotti & Radice

Located in Palermo, IT

GALLOTTI E RADICE Produced by Gallotti e Radice, Italy, ca. 1971. President desk, "Dattilo" model, chromed brass frame, rectangular top and sides in smoked glass. Please note that th...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Crystal, Chrome

1950s Wim Rietveld Friso Kramer Reply Drafting Table Ahrend de Cirkel

$1,450

1950s Wim Rietveld Friso Kramer Reply Drafting Table Ahrend de Cirkel

By Wim Rietveld, Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Rare Wim Rietveld 'Reply' drafting table with rare side tray. The hinging mechanism was a collaborative design with Wim Rietveld and Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel in 1958. Adjust...

Category

1950s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Teak Desk with Floating Top attr to WeBe

$2,450

Mid-Century Teak Desk with Floating Top attr to WeBe

By WéBé

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Mid-century teak executive desk with floating top. Beautiful full tea desk with dark wood edge accents and double stacked drawers with carved handles. A large top with curved edges o...

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Unique Italian Duo Desk in Walnut with Marquetry

$12,700

Unique Italian Duo Desk in Walnut with Marquetry

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Double desk, walnut, Italy, 1950s This custom-made desk, designed for two people, combines functionality with elegant craftsmanship. The L-shaped tabletop allows simultaneous use by...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Pierre Jeanneret - Authentic PJ-TAT-08-B

$204,143

Pierre Jeanneret - Authentic PJ-TAT-08-B

By Pierre Jeanneret

Located in Hasselt, VLI

Teak Library Table circa 1955–56 by Pierre Jeanneret - model PJ-TAT-08-B This model was produced in several variants and dimensions for Chandigarh’s public institutions. The detacha...

Category

1950s Indian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

G-Plan "Fresco" Dressing Table or Desk by Victor Wilkins, Circa 1960.

$2,250

G-Plan "Fresco" Dressing Table or Desk by Victor Wilkins, Circa 1960.

By G-Plan

Located in Banner Elk, NC

Beautiful five-drawer 1960s teak dressing table or vanity by G-Plan in outstanding condition. Designed by Victor Bramwell Wilkins for G-Plan during the Mid-Century Modern era in Brit...

Category

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

Materials

Teak

John Stuart Mid Century Modern Hairpin Leg Maple Writing Desk Table Drawers MCM

$770Sale Price|30% Off

John Stuart Mid Century Modern Hairpin Leg Maple Writing Desk Table Drawers MCM

By John Stuart

Located in Dayton, OH

John Stuart Hairpin Desk, circa 1960s. Features a minimalist open form with plank top set between three dovetailed oak drawers set on turned and tapered legs with brass feet and a h...

Category

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

Materials

Maple

Warren Platner for Knoll Writing Desk in Oak and Black Leather

$7,750

Warren Platner for Knoll Writing Desk in Oak and Black Leather

By Florence Knoll, Warren Platner

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Warren Platner for Knoll, writing desk, oak, chrome-plated steel, black leather, United States, 1970s. This writing table with two drawers and an extendable panel was designed by W...

Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Studio BBPR for Olivetti Small 'Spazio' Desk with Drawers

$2,200

Studio BBPR for Olivetti Small 'Spazio' Desk with Drawers

By Olivetti, Studio BBPR

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Studio BBPR for Olivetti, 'Spazio' desk with drawers, steel, vinyl, plastic, Italy, design 1959/60, production 1960s In 1954, Olivetti, the Italian office equipment manufacturer, h...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Mid Century Writing Desk and Chair by Carl Sasse for Casala Germany c. 1950's

$495 / set

Mid Century Writing Desk and Chair by Carl Sasse for Casala Germany c. 1950's

By Carl Sasse, Casala

Located in New York, NY

Stylish architectural writing table, desk and chair, designed by Carl Sasse, for Casala made in Germany, circa 1950's. Constructed of solid wood, this example is structurally sound ...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

André Sornay Rare Writing Desk with Movable Cabinets in Mahogany

$12,800

André Sornay Rare Writing Desk with Movable Cabinets in Mahogany

Located in Waalwijk, NL

André Sornay for Meubles Sornay, writing desk with pair of cabinets, mahogany, lacquered wood, France, 1950s/1960s This rare office ensemble consisting of a desk and matching mobile...

Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

Egon Ostergaard for SMI Sweden Bookmatched Teak Roll Top Desk or Secretary

$2,295

Egon Ostergaard for SMI Sweden Bookmatched Teak Roll Top Desk or Secretary

By Egon Ostergaard

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Designed in the 1960s by Egon Ostergaard, this desk was made by SMI, a somewhat nebulous figure in MCM production. We've had a number of SMI pieces, and the quality is always excelle...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Bureau vintage en verre fumé et métal chromé des années 70

$1,188

Bureau vintage en verre fumé et métal chromé des années 70

Located in BESANÇON, FR

Bureau vintage des années 70, plateau rectangulaire en verre fumé, pieds design en forme de tréteaux en métal chromé tubulaire fin, très bon état général avec quelques marques et ray...

Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Large Desk, Veneered Wood, Chrome-Plated Steel, Germany, ca. 1960

$8,165

Mid-Century Large Desk, Veneered Wood, Chrome-Plated Steel, Germany, ca. 1960

Located in Berlin, DE

Large Mid-Century executive desk made of veneered wood and chrome-plated steel. The architectural, linear structure conveys a sense of lightness, stability, and order. The top is fin...

Category

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

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Minimalist Teak Desk from Asko Finland, 1960s

$4,202

Mid-Century Modern Minimalist Teak Desk from Asko Finland, 1960s

By Asko

Located in Hamburg, DE

A very rare desk from Finnish manufacturer Asko. A minimalist design that impresses with its clean lines. The rectangular tabletop is veneered in teak. The simple legs are set off i...

Category

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

Materials

Teak, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Desk, Beech & Walnut with Yellow Glass Top, 1950s

$3,962

Mid-Century Modern Desk, Beech & Walnut with Yellow Glass Top, 1950s

Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio

A beautifully restored mid-century modern desk that combines timeless charm with everyday functionality. The original high-gloss piano black top contrasts elegantly with the oiled ma...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Guillerme & Chambron Corner Desk in Oak and Black Stone

$21,700

Guillerme & Chambron Corner Desk in Oak and Black Stone

By Guillerme et Chambron

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, corner writing desk, oak, stone, France, 1960s A design by Guillerme et Chambron, featuring a corner desk crafted primarily from oak. The des...

Category

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

Materials

Stone

Mid-Century Modern Steel Tanker Desk in Olive Green w Glass Top and Brass, 1960s

$2,700Sale Price|22% Off

Mid-Century Modern Steel Tanker Desk in Olive Green w Glass Top and Brass, 1960s

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A classic American mid-century modern steel tanker desk, circa 1960s, featuring a olive green finish and custom protective glass top. This iconic double-pedestal form is constructed ...

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid century Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk Black Lacquer with chair

$2,200

Mid century Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk Black Lacquer with chair

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful vintage Paul McCobb planner group #1560 double drawer desk original Black Lacquer finish on maple with brass knobs. All solid maple wood. Desk is in great vintage condition...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Danish Designer, Desk, Oak, Denmark, 1950s

$9,800

Danish Designer, Desk, Oak, Denmark, 1950s

Located in High Point, NC

An oak desk designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1950s. Minor to moderate wear to inside of drawers, tray, and cabinet. Moderate wear and minor natural cracking to desktop surface ...

Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Silvio Cavatorta Writing Desk in Mahogany

$22,000

Silvio Cavatorta Writing Desk in Mahogany

By Silvio Cavatorta

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Silvio Cavatorta, writing desk, mahogany, brass, Italy, design 1948-1949 This elegantly shaped mahogany office table, designed by Silvio Cavatorta in the late 1940s, is a testament ...

Category

1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Executive Desk by Friso Kramer & Coen de Vries, 1950s

$2,450

Mid-Century Executive Desk by Friso Kramer & Coen de Vries, 1950s

By Coen de Vries, EEKA, Friso Kramer

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A striking example of Dutch mid-century modern design, this executive desk was designed by Friso Kramer and Coen de Vries for EEKA (Eindhovense Eisen- en Kantoorartikelenfabriek) in ...

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Peter Løvig Nielsen Rosewood Partners Desk

$7,500

Peter Løvig Nielsen Rosewood Partners Desk

By Peter Løvig Nielsen

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 we...

Category

1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Giancarlo Piretti "Platone" White Folding Desk for Castelli, 1970s

$1,981

Midcentury Giancarlo Piretti "Platone" White Folding Desk for Castelli, 1970s

By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli

Located in Roma, IT

Lovely midcentury off-white "Platone" folding desk designed by Giancarlo Piretti and produced by Anonima Castelli in Italy during the 1970s. The desk is signed on the bottom. In ama...

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Aluminum, Steel

Vintage Danish Rosewood Desk by Erik Riisager Hansen, 1950s.

$11,408

Vintage Danish Rosewood Desk by Erik Riisager Hansen, 1950s.

By Haslev Mobelsnedkeri, Erik Riisager Hansen 1

Located in Asaa, DK

Vintage Danish rosewood desk by Erik Riisager Hansen 1950s. Spectacular Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern freestanding writing desk model 66 in Rosewood/Palisander designed by Erik Se...

Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

MCM Drexel Profile Walnut Desk by John Van Koert

$1,610

MCM Drexel Profile Walnut Desk by John Van Koert

By Drexel, John Van Koert

Located in Trenton, NJ

Drexel Profile Walnut Desk by John Van Koert with Integrated Organizer This walnut writing desk is a well-executed example of John Van Koert’s work for Drexel’s Profile series, a li...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Modern Christian Liaigre Style Macassar Ebony Desk

$3,000

Modern Christian Liaigre Style Macassar Ebony Desk

By Christian Liaigre

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Custom desk with macassar ebony veneer wood top sitting on stainless steel legs. Could also be used as a console. No manufacturer markings. Came from multi-million dollar condo. S...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Studio BBPR 'Spazio' Corner Desk with Movable Cabinet

$14,400

Studio BBPR 'Spazio' Corner Desk with Movable Cabinet

By Olivetti, Studio BBPR

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Studio BBPR for Olivetti, 'Spazio' writing desk with various storage compartments, coated steel, plastic, vinyl, Italy, design 1959/60, production 1960s In 1954, Olivetti, the Ital...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

1950s Peter Løvig Nielsen Partners Flip Top Desk by Løvig, Denmark

$6,200

1950s Peter Løvig Nielsen Partners Flip Top Desk by Løvig, Denmark

By Peter Løvig Nielsen

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Peter Løvig Nielsen Flip Top Partners Desk in teak by Løvig, Denmark. In good vintage condition with a beautiful age appropriate patina.

Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

1950s Italian Mid-Century Marquetry Desk with Ship Motif & Built-in Shelves

$3,250

1950s Italian Mid-Century Marquetry Desk with Ship Motif & Built-in Shelves

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This exceptionally beautiful Mid-Century Italian "Ship" desk, dating to the 1950s, is a stunning display of masterful European marquetry inlay. The piece speaks to the long-held trad...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Custom Italian Drawing Table or Writing Desk in Oak

$15,400

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

Richard Artschwager 3 drawer walnut Pedestal Desk New York 1950s

$3,135Sale Price|40% Off

Richard Artschwager 3 drawer walnut Pedestal Desk New York 1950s

By Richard Artschwager

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful Walnut custom narrow desk by renowned painter and sculptor, Richard Artschwager, who in 1953 designed a small collection of furniture in New York City. These pieces are sca...

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Alvar Aalto Writing Table Model K81 in Birch & Red Linoleum, Artek 1950s

$6,628

Alvar Aalto Writing Table Model K81 in Birch & Red Linoleum, Artek 1950s

By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto, Artek

Located in Helsinki, FI

A rare Mid-Century Modern writing desk in full birch and red linoleum model K81 manufactured by Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas for Artek. The minimalist design of this table which w...

Category

1940s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birch

Danish Modern Rosewood Desk by Riis Antonsen

$11,880Sale Price|20% Off

Danish Modern Rosewood Desk by Riis Antonsen

By Riis Antonsen

Located in Huntington, NY

Danish Modern Rosewood Desk by Riis Antonsen has 1 key The large dimensions Ideal for comfortable working surface. Desk well restored & ready for Use!

Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Desk, Walnut, USA, 1950s

$8,200

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Desk, Walnut, USA, 1950s

By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings

Located in High Point, NC

A walnut desk designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and produced by Widdicomb, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 31.0"H x 60.0"W x 27.0"D All items s...

Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Model 75 Writing Desk in Teak by Gunni Omann

$7,050

Model 75 Writing Desk in Teak by Gunni Omann

By Omann Jun Møbelfabrik, Gunni Omann

Located in Berkeley, CA

Origin: Denmark Designer: Gunni Omann Manufacturer: Omann Jun Møbelfabrik Era: 1957 Materials: Teak Measurements: 61″ wide x 32″ deep x 28.75″ tall; Kneehole 22.25" wide x 19.5" deep...

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Italian Antique Walnut Marquetry Desk Writing Table

$2,401

Italian Antique Walnut Marquetry Desk Writing Table

Located in Carimate, Como

Very elegant Italian antique desk writing table with great veneer wood marquetry decorations, central drawer and nicely carved legs. Ideal in any room as a table or a stand alone cen...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Detail Nordic teak writing desk, 1960s

$1,200

Detail Nordic teak writing desk, 1960s

Located in Bastia Umbra, IT

Detail Nordic teak writing desk, 1960s. Extraordinary Original 1960s Nordic design desk in right-sized teak wood. Its peculiarity is the positioning of the rear legs, which are not ...

Category

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

Materials

Teak

1960s Atomic Danish Secretary Desk in Teak

$2,940

1960s Atomic Danish Secretary Desk in Teak

Located in Berkeley, CA

Origin: Denmark Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: Unknown Era: 1960s Materials: Teak Measurements: 35.5″ wide x 19″ deep x 46″ tall

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Mid-century Walnut Executive Desk by Jens Risom for Jen Risom Designs c.1950

$3,895Sale Price / item|31% Off

Mid-century Walnut Executive Desk by Jens Risom for Jen Risom Designs c.1950

By Jens Risom

Located in San Francisco, CA

ABOUT An original Jens Risom large executive desk constructed from solid Walnut and built for design and durability. The right side of the desk has three drawers and a pull-out tray...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Imposing Dyrlund Rosewood Executive 'Super Skyline' Desk, Made in Denmark, 1970s

$5,500

Imposing Dyrlund Rosewood Executive 'Super Skyline' Desk, Made in Denmark, 1970s

By Dyrlund

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Designed and made in Copenhagen, Denmark by Dyrlund in the 1970s, this desk was once the crown jewel in Dyrlund's lineup. According to their website, this desk consists of models 810...

Category

1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Rosewood

Mid-Century Danish Teak Writing Desk with Brass Details, 1960s

$1,429

Mid-Century Danish Teak Writing Desk with Brass Details, 1960s

Located in Praha, CZ

This refined mid-century writing desk was produced in Denmark during the 1960s and exemplifies the elegance and functionality of Scandinavian modern design. Constructed from solid te...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Danish Modern Rosewood Desk by Henning Jensen and Torbin Valeur

$5,699

Danish Modern Rosewood Desk by Henning Jensen and Torbin Valeur

By Henning Jensen & Torben Valeur, Dyrlund

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Prepare to be captivated by this extraordinary Danish modern rosewood desk, a masterpiece born from the creative vision of Henning Jensen and Torben Valeur, two luminaries of 1960s S...

Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

Elegant Italian Small Desk in Cherry and Mahogany

$1,675

Elegant Italian Small Desk in Cherry and Mahogany

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Writing desk, cherry, mahogany, brass, formica, Italy, 1950s Very elegant desk made in Italy in the 1950s. The framework is executed in cherry. The...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Rosewood Executive Desk

$4,995

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Rosewood Executive Desk

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional Mid-Century Modern executive desk By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Gorgeous walnut, with carved rosewood recessed drawer pulls. Measures: 66...

Category

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

Materials

Rosewood, Walnut

Lovely Desk by Herbert Hirche for Holzäpfel, Germany, 1960s

$2,221

Lovely Desk by Herbert Hirche for Holzäpfel, Germany, 1960s

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

Lovely Desk by Herbert Hirche for Holzäpfel, Germany, 1960s Slight signs of use due to age, patina due to age, there is a small repair on the top, see pictures. Furniture wax was p...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

1971 Dietiker Rey Junior, Kids Activity Table in Blue by Bruno Rey, in Stock

$299Sale Price / item|25% Off

1971 Dietiker Rey Junior, Kids Activity Table in Blue by Bruno Rey, in Stock

By Dietiker, Bruno Rey

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

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.