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Rare Five-Piece Drexel Counterpoint Modular Desk Dresser Mid-Century Modern
By John Van Koert
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Extremely rare five-piece set of John Van Koert's Drexel Counterpoint modular desk and chair plus
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Cherry, Mahogany
$4,250 / set
H 30 in W 82 in D 40 in
Early Mid Century Modern Franco Albini for Knoll 1928 Desk
By Franco Albini, Knoll
Located in Dronten, NL
Very early Albini Desk, designed by Franco Albini in 1928.
Later versions of this design feature
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel, Chrome
DANISH Mid Century Modern TEAK Double Sided DESK + Drop Leaf, 1960's
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Absolutely Stunning Mid Century Modern Danish Teak Double Sided Desk, Made in Denmark, c. 1960's
Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
$3,795
H 28 in W 47.5 in D 23.5 in
Mid-20th Century Industrial Metal Letter Holder, Rust Patina, Modular Design
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Mid-20th Century Industrial Metal Letter Holder, Rust Patina, Modular Arcade Design
Description
Category
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Metal
$530
H 5.52 in W 5.52 in D 9.06 in
Mid-Century Shelves & Wall Units & Desk by Kai Kristiansen for FM Mobler, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, FM Møbler
Located in KUTNO, PL
The modular shelving and racking system designed by Kai Kristiansen for FM Møbler is one of the
Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Teak
$5,775
H 78.75 in W 102.37 in D 18.31 in
Olivetti Desk 1960's
By Olivetti
Located in Shibuya-ku, 13
-century modern sensibility, while clever features and modular components emphasize practicality and
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Desk by Elmar Flototto
By Elmar Flötotto
Located in Brussels, BE
-century aesthetics, emphasizing clean lines and functional form. The desk includes modular storage units
Category
Vintage 1980s German Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Formica, Beech
Studio BBPR for Olivetti Spazio desk with mobile cabinet and type writer desk
By Studio BBPR, Olivetti
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
space offices. from this modular spazio series, we have a special desk with a container on one side and
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
$5,893 / set
H 31.5 in W 51.19 in D 31.89 in
Modular Set by Designer Mojmir Pozar for UP Zavody, 1960s, Czechoslovakia
By M. Požár
Located in Praha, CZ
- Wooden veneered construction
- Upper surfaces black opaxite glass
- Glass bears signs of use, small fragments
- Original condition preserved.
- Cleaned up.
Category
Vintage 1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass, Wood
$3,182 / set
H 29.53 in W 96.07 in D 17.72 in
Gio Ponti Directional Desk for Egidio Proserpio, 1955
By Gio Ponti, Egidio Proserpio
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
the desk’s stance—elevated, poised, and subtly kinetic.
Unlike his modular designs for industrial
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Modular Set of Table, Nightstand and Chest of Drawers by M. Pozar, 1960s
By M. Požár
Located in Praha, CZ
Modular set of three items designed by Arch. Mojmir Pozar for UP Zavody in 1960s. nightstand, chest
Category
Vintage 1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass, Wood
$2,298 Sale Price / set
40% Off
H 31.89 in W 48.82 in D 19.69 in
Early Franco Albini for Knoll Model '80' Desk
By Knoll, Franco Albini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Albini’s model 80 desk combines glass, steel and wood which resulted in a minimalistic balance. The desk
Category
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
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
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Danish Modern "Kontour" Steel and Teak Executive Desk by Hans Wegner
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern Executive Desk (Kontour - Model A 164 ) by Hans Wegner for Johannes Hansen, ca
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks
Materials
Stainless Steel
$7,500
H 28 in W 64.5 in D 32.13 in
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
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Aluminum, Steel
$1,944
H 27.17 in W 32.29 in D 25.2 in
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
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
Expandable Desk by Pamio, Toso & Massari for Stilwood, Italy, 1970s
By Stilwood, Roberto Pamio & Renato Toso, Noti Massari
Located in Los Angeles, CA
architecture or design, frequently explored modularity and intelligent solutions for modern living.
Together
Category
Vintage 1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
$13,000
H 28.25 in W 40.325 in D 56 in
Midcentury Giancarlo Piretti Red "Platone" Folding Desk for Castelli, 1970s
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Roma, IT
.
This stylish desk could function perfectly in a modern or midcentury style studio or children's room
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Aluminum, Steel
$2,357
H 27.17 in W 32.29 in D 25.2 in
Midcentury Giancarlo Piretti Blue "Platone" Folding Desk by Castelli, 1970s
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Roma, IT
stylish desk could function perfectly in a modern or midcentury style studio or children's room
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Aluminum, Steel
$2,357
H 27.17 in W 32.29 in D 25.2 in
Studio BBPR for Olivetti 'Spazio' Desk in Grey Coated Steel
By Olivetti, Studio BBPR
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Studio BBPR for Olivetti, 'Spazio' writing desk, coated steel, plastic, vinyl, Italy, design 1959
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Studio BBPR for Olivetti 'Spazio' Desks in Grey Coated Steel
By Studio BBPR, Olivetti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Studio BBPR for Olivetti, 'Spazio' writing desks, coated steel, plastic, vinyl, Italy, design 1959
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
$4,950 / item
H 31.11 in W 63 in D 31.89 in
Studio BBPR for Olivetti 'Spazio' Desks in Grey Coated Steel
By Studio BBPR, Olivetti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Studio BBPR for Olivetti, 'Spazio' writing desks, coated steel, plastic, vinyl, Italy, design 1959
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
$4,950 / item
H 31.11 in W 63.15 in D 31.74 in
Midcentury "Platone" White Folding Desk by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli, 1970s
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Roma, IT
into any modern or vintage interior.
This stylish desk could function perfectly in a modern or
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Aluminum, Steel
$2,109
H 27.17 in W 32.29 in D 25.2 in
Flip-Top Executive Desk in Teak by Peter Løvig Nielsen, Denmark, c. 1960s
Located in Deland, FL
This sophisticated Danish Mid-Century Modern flip-top executive desk by Peter Løvig Nielsen
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
$7,150
H 29 in W 64 in D 29 in
Franco Albini for Knoll Desk Model '1928' in Glass and Metal
By Knoll, Franco Albini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Franco Albini for Knoll, desk model '1928', glass, wood, chromed steel, Italy, design 1949
Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Le Corbusier LC16 Writing Wood Desk and Shelve by Cassina
By Le Corbusier, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
LC16 desk by Le Corbusier for Cassina.
Working closely with the
Fondatiòn Le Corbusier and
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
$8,704 Sale Price / item
30% Off
H 28.35 in W 55.12 in D 55.12 in
"Kroma" Desk by Antonia Astori for Driade, Italy, 1980s
By Antonia Astori
Located in Brussels, BE
and modular.
In this idea of a system designed as an aggregation of independent parts, volumes made
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Le Corbusier LC16 Writing Wood Desk and Shelve by Cassina
By Cassina, Le Corbusier
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Writing desk designed by Le Corbusier in 1957. Relaunched in 2010.
Manufactured by Cassina in
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
$13,860 / item
H 28.35 in W 55.12 in D 38.19 in
Le Corbusier LC16 Writing Wood Desk and Shelve by Cassina
By Cassina, Le Corbusier
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Writing desk designed by Le Corbusier in 1957. Relaunched in 2010.
Manufactured by Cassina in
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
$13,860 / item
H 28.35 in W 55.12 in D 38.19 in
Le Corbusier LC16 Desk and Shelve and Cabanon Stools Set by Cassina
By Le Corbusier, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Writing desk designed by Le Corbusier in 1957. Relaunched in 2010.
Maison du Brésil and Cabanon
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
$9,487 Sale Price / item
30% Off
H 28.35 in W 55.12 in D 38.19 in
Geraldo de Barros writing desk Unilabor Brazil 1956
By Geraldo de Barros, Unilabor
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Very nice minimalistic small writing desk designed by Geraldo de Barros and manufactured by
Category
Vintage 1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Metal
20th Century Modular Desk Bookcase 1950s
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Modular 50s desk shelf. Comprising two open top shelves, a central compartment with a hinged door
Category
Mid-20th Century Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Dr...
Materials
Wood
Italian Vintage Writing Desk Attributed to Vittorio Dassi (circa 1950s)
By Vittorio Dassi
Located in London, GB
Italian vintage writing desk attributed to celebrated furniture maker, Vittorio Dassi (circa 1950s
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Wood
$1,990 Sale Price
30% Off
H 27.96 in W 41.54 in D 19.69 in
Modular Mid-Century Ash Vanity / Desk with Mirror, UP Zavody, 1970s
By Up Závody
Located in Żory, PL
Elegant mid-century vanity or dressing table made in Czechoslovakia in the 1970s by UP Závody
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Vanities
Materials
Steel
$1,508
H 27.56 in W 59.85 in D 14.97 in
Paul McCobb 'Cache Desk Organiser' Wood and Steel by Karakter
By Paul McCobb
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
modular furniture series that brought modern design into middle-class American households. The aesthetic
Category
2010s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Steel
$942 / item
H 16.15 in W 10.63 in D 13.78 in
'Cache Desk Organiser' Wood and Steel by Paul McCobb for Karakter
By Paul McCobb
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
American mid-century design, Paul McCobb conceived the Planner series in the 1950s, a modular furniture
Category
2010s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Steel
$942 / item
H 16.15 in W 10.63 in D 13.78 in
V-Shaped Walnut Desk w/ Black Leather Top After Harvey Probber, USA, c. 1960s
By Harvey Probber
Located in Deland, FL
, captures the sleek sophistication of Mid-Century Modern style from the 1960s. Crafted in the USA from rich
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Leather, Walnut
$12,750
H 29 in W 72 in D 35 in
1960s mid-century modern modular teak wall unit by Sejling Skabe, Denmark
By Sejling Skabe
Located in London, GB
A Mid-century modern Danish teak wall unit designed and manufactured by Sejling Skabe in the 1960s
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Teak
$1,692
H 73.23 in W 34.65 in D 15.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Modular shelving system BO71 in teak by Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Modular shelving system BO71 in teak by Finn Juhl for Bovirke in the 1960s. Comprising 3 columns, 4
Category
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Teak
$16,854
H 78.75 in W 92.13 in D 15.75 in
Mid Century Modern Vintage Teak Cado Wall Hanging System Shelving Unit Desk
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the timeless elegance of the Mid Century Modern Vintage Teak Cado Wall Hanging System, a
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets
Materials
Teak
$3,795
H 76.5 in W 129 in D 19 in
Otto Zapf Executive Chairs in Original Saddle Brown Leather by Knoll
By Knoll, Otto Zapf
Located in Stamford, CT
functional as they were inviting. His Softline System, a modular office storage suite, epitomized this
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Steel, Stainless Steel
$2,750 / item
H 38 in W 30 in D 30 in
Restored Mid-Century Modular Wall Unit from Jitona, 1973
By Jitona
Located in Żory, PL
This mahogany modular wall unit was manufactured by Jitona in the Czech Republic in 1973. It
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Materials
Steel, Chrome
1950s Mid-Century Modern Italian Desk Lamp in Brass with Perforated Shade
Located in Waalwijk, NL
sculptural clarity that feels both engineered and expressive, a prime example of mid-century modern design
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
$4,750
H 11.03 in W 4.73 in D 8.27 in
1950s Italian Modular Bookshelf with Desk – Exotic Wood, Brass Hardware
Located in Rome, IT
This stunning example of 1950s Italian design is a modular bookshelf with an integrated desk, fully
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Formica, Wood
$2,800
H 83.86 in W 33.47 in D 17.72 in
Finn Juhl 1962 Teak Wall Unit Sideboard Desk BO71 Bovirke Mid Century Modern
By Bovirke, Finn Juhl
Located in Munster, NRW
Modular wall shelf BO71 made of beautiful teak and brass details, designed by Finn Juhl for Bovirke
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Shelves
Materials
Brass
$14,732
H 78.75 in W 94.49 in D 15.75 in
Mid Century Danish Modern Wall Unit with Shelves & Cabinets with Desk in Teak
Located in Philadelphia, PA
desk. The unit is totally modular and can arranged to your liking. It also includes interior shelving
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Shelves
Materials
Teak
$4,800
H 72 in W 82 in D 16.5 in
American of Martinsville Dania 3 Piece Louvered Walnut Desk Modular Unit
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Mid-Century Modern walnut low bench with modular desk and drawer cabinet designed by Merton Gerhsun
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Materials
Brass
$3,360 Sale Price / set
20% Off
H 47 in W 72 in D 18.5 in
Mid Century Modern Danish Inspired Teak Credenza
By Clausen & Søn
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century Modern Danish Inspired Teak Credenza by Clausen and Sons
Above average vintage
Category
20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Teak
1980ies Modular dining table or desk Designed by Bernard Vuarnesson for Bellato
By Bernard Vuarnesson
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
Rare modular desk dining table PAR6 by French designer Bernard Vuarnesson for Bellato, Italy ca
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Tables
Materials
Formica, Wood
$5,009
H 28.35 in W 55.12 in D 27.56 in
Mid Century Modern Clausen and Son Teak Credenza
By Clausen & Søn
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century Modern Clausen and Son Teak Credenza
Above average vintage condition and structurally
Category
20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Teak
1960s Modular MCM Walnut Wall Unit with Drop Down Desk Bookshelves- 5 Pieces
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Madison, WI
This very unique modular 5 Piece Mid Century wall unit set has it ALL, and leaves plenty of room
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Materials
Iron
$5,480 Sale Price / set
20% Off
H 30 in W 36 in D 18 in
1960s M.Pozar Modular Set of Desk and Chest of Drawers, Czechoslovakia
By M. Požár
Located in Praha, CZ
- Chest of drawers and table could be assembled in different ways
- Good original condition with minor signs of wear.
Category
Vintage 1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Glass
$1,296
H 31.89 in W 63 in D 18.12 in
Small Poul Cadovius Wall Unit with Desk, Mid-Century Shelf Royal System, Denmark
By Cado, Poul Cadovius
Located in München, Bavaria
this vintage mid-midcentury modern Poul Cadovius Royal System Wall Unit, a true masterpiece of
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Glass, Teak
$3,300
H 79.93 in W 32.68 in D 19.69 in
Danish Modern 2-Bay Modular Oak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado 1960s.
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern 2-Bay Modular Oak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado 1960s.
Scandinavian Mid
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Materials
Oak
$2,592
H 67.33 in W 63.19 in D 15.75 in
Franco Albini Infinito Modular Bookcase
By Franco Albini
Located in Milano, IT
Franco Albini (1905-1977)
Infinito original book unit. Large modular bookcase made up of 6
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Materials
Teak
Rare Mid-Century Pilastro Wall Unit w/ Desk and Overhead Light by Coen de Vries
By Coen de Vries, Pilastro
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare and remarkable Mid-Century Pilastro wall unit set by renowned Dutch designer Coen de Vries
Category
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Sheet Metal
$5,750
H 69.5 in W 97.25 in D 24 in
Vintage Poul Cadovius Wall Unit, Mid-Century Modern Shelf Royal System, Denmark
By Cado, Poul Cadovius
Located in München, Bavaria
this vintage mid-midcentury modern Poul Cadovius Royal System Wall Unit, a true masterpiece of
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Teak, Glass
$5,775
H 79.93 in W 98.43 in D 19.69 in
Vintage Mid-Century Danish Modern Rosewood Chest of Drawers by Kai Kristiansen
By Feldballes Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
considered one of the most talented Scandinavian designers of the 20th century. He graduated from the
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Rosewood
$2,352 Sale Price
20% Off
H 19.3 in W 33.86 in D 15.75 in
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Mid Century Modern Modular Desk For Sale on 1stDibs
At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal mid century modern modular desk for your home. A mid century modern modular desk — often made from wood, metal and hardwood — can elevate any home. There are many kinds of the mid century modern modular desk you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 20th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. Each mid century modern modular desk bearing Mid-Century Modern or Scandinavian Modern hallmarks is very popular. Milo Baughman, Directional and John Van Koert each produced at least one beautiful mid century modern modular desk that is worth considering.
How Much is a Mid Century Modern Modular Desk?
A mid century modern modular desk can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $3,374, while the lowest priced sells for $175 and the highest can go for as much as $4,955.
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.
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American Of Martinsville Vintage Desk
Cadovius Divider
Franco Albini Modular Bookcase Infinito
George Nelson Css
George Nelson Omni Wall
Joe Colombo Organizer