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Unique wall unit with methacrylate top writing desk
Unique wall unit with methacrylate top writing desk

Unique wall unit with methacrylate top writing desk

By Italian school XX ct.

Located in Milano, IT

COD-CV026 Unique wall unit with methacrylate top writing desk with one drawer, newspaper holder and

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Dutch Mid-Century Pilastro Wall Mount Unit with Desk, Cabinet and Built-In Lamp
Dutch Mid-Century Pilastro Wall Mount Unit with Desk, Cabinet and Built-In Lamp

Dutch Mid-Century Pilastro Wall Mount Unit with Desk, Cabinet and Built-In Lamp

By Coen de Vries, Pilastro

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This wall unit, a unique Dutch Mid-Century piece, was manufactured by Pilastro and features a wood

Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Desk by Valdemar Mortensen, 1960s.
Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Desk by Valdemar Mortensen, 1960s.

Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Desk by Valdemar Mortensen, 1960s.

By Vald Mortensen

Located in Asaa, DK

Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak desk by Valdemar Mortensen, 1960s. High-end freestanding executive

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Vittorio Dassi Monumental Desk Wall Unit for Mobili Cantù, Italy, 1950
Vittorio Dassi Monumental Desk Wall Unit for Mobili Cantù, Italy, 1950

Vittorio Dassi Monumental Desk Wall Unit for Mobili Cantù, Italy, 1950

By La Permanente Mobili Cantù, Vittorio Dassi

Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland

Monumental and very rare desk wall unit by Vittorio Dassi for Mobili Cantù – Italy, circa 1950

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

3-Column Danish Modern Rosewood Adjustable Wall Unit with Paneling
3-Column Danish Modern Rosewood Adjustable Wall Unit with Paneling

3-Column Danish Modern Rosewood Adjustable Wall Unit with Paneling

Located in Kensington, MD

to hang the unit, but to not use it would be to miss out on the true beauty of the rosewood. Two deep

Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

Large Mid Century Danish HG Teak Wood Modular Wall Unit Shelving & Bookcase
Large Mid Century Danish HG Teak Wood Modular Wall Unit Shelving & Bookcase

Large Mid Century Danish HG Teak Wood Modular Wall Unit Shelving & Bookcase

By Hansen & Guldborg Møbler

Located in Detroit, MI

This vintage mid century Danish modern Hansen & Guldborg modular teak wood wall unit shelving

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Mid-century Walnut Wall Unit in the style of Poul Cadovius, c. 1960
Mid-century Walnut Wall Unit in the style of Poul Cadovius, c. 1960

Mid-century Walnut Wall Unit in the style of Poul Cadovius, c. 1960

By Poul Cadovius

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A classic mid-century wall unit with four wall mounted upright rails where four short and two long

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Gerald McCabe Barzilay Wall Unit
Gerald McCabe Barzilay Wall Unit

Gerald McCabe Barzilay Wall Unit

By Gerald McCabe

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a four bay Barzilay wall unit by Gerald McCabe of Los Angeles. Oiled walnut with aluminum

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Ca...

Materials

Aluminum

1960s Pilastro Multi-Color Two Section Wall Mount Desk with Drawers and Shelves
1960s Pilastro Multi-Color Two Section Wall Mount Desk with Drawers and Shelves

1960s Pilastro Multi-Color Two Section Wall Mount Desk with Drawers and Shelves

By Pilastro, Tjerk Reijenga

Located in Los Angeles, CA

1960s Pilastro multi-color wall mount desk with double drawers and adjustable shelves. An energetic

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Gerald McCabe Barzilay Wall Unit
Gerald McCabe Barzilay Wall Unit

Gerald McCabe Barzilay Wall Unit

By Gerald McCabe

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a nine bay Barzilay wall unit by Gerald McCabe of Los Angeles. Oiled walnut with aluminum

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Aluminum

Dutch Mid-Century Pilastro Two Section Wall Unit with Desk and Cabinet
Dutch Mid-Century Pilastro Two Section Wall Unit with Desk and Cabinet

Dutch Mid-Century Pilastro Two Section Wall Unit with Desk and Cabinet

By Pilastro, Tjerk Reijenga

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Charming Dutch Mid-Century, Pilastro enameled metal wall unit with desk and upper cabinet. This

Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal

A Bent Moudt 1950s rare combined worktable with writing desk section
A Bent Moudt 1950s rare combined worktable with writing desk section

A Bent Moudt 1950s rare combined worktable with writing desk section

By Arne Poulsen Cabinetmaker Denmark, Bent Moudt

Located in Brønshøj, DK

” that feature a wall unit, sofa, two easy chairs, a low table, a bench and then this multipurpose and

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Small Poul Cadovius Wall Unit with Desk, Mid-Century Shelf Royal System, Denmark
Small Poul Cadovius Wall Unit with Desk, Mid-Century Shelf Royal System, Denmark

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

Finn Juhl 1962 Teak Wall Unit Sideboard Desk BO71 Bovirke Mid Century Modern
Finn Juhl 1962 Teak Wall Unit Sideboard Desk BO71 Bovirke Mid Century Modern

Finn Juhl 1962 Teak Wall Unit Sideboard Desk BO71 Bovirke Mid Century Modern

By Bovirke, Finn Juhl

Located in Munster, NRW

small desk... The wall unit comes from first ownership. Dimensions: w 94.49 inch, h 78.74 inch, d

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Shelves

Materials

Brass

Gerald McCabe Barzilay Wall Unit, Sold by Component
Gerald McCabe Barzilay Wall Unit, Sold by Component

Gerald McCabe Barzilay Wall Unit, Sold by Component

By Gerald McCabe

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a nine bay Barzilay wall unit by Gerald McCabe of Los Angeles. Oiled walnut with aluminum

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Aluminum

Mid century Danish rosewood wall unit by Kai Kristiansen FM, with desk & light
Mid century Danish rosewood wall unit by Kai Kristiansen FM, with desk & light

Mid century Danish rosewood wall unit by Kai Kristiansen FM, with desk & light

By Kai Kristiansen

Located in Liberty, NY

Stunning mid century Danish rosewood three bay wall unit by Kai Kristiansen for FM Mobler. Consists

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Shelves

Materials

Rosewood

Italian Mid-Century Modern Wood, Brass & Painted Metal Wall Unit Bookshelf
Italian Mid-Century Modern Wood, Brass & Painted Metal Wall Unit Bookshelf

Italian Mid-Century Modern Wood, Brass & Painted Metal Wall Unit Bookshelf

Located in Varese, Lombardia

condition: the wall unit has been restored but shows slight signs of wear due to age and use as displayed in

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal, Brass

Office Desk in Walnut Stainless Steel Frame by Bodil Kjaer 1959 for Karakter
Office Desk in Walnut Stainless Steel Frame by Bodil Kjaer 1959 for Karakter

Office Desk in Walnut Stainless Steel Frame by Bodil Kjaer 1959 for Karakter

By Bodil Kjaer

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

lines, Office Desk is a premier example of Danish Modern design principles. The Office Unit series was

Category

2010s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Multicolored Wall Unit by Tjerk Rijenga for Pilastro, the Netherlands 1960's
Multicolored Wall Unit by Tjerk Rijenga for Pilastro, the Netherlands 1960's

Multicolored Wall Unit by Tjerk Rijenga for Pilastro, the Netherlands 1960's

By Pilastro, Tjerk Reijenga

Located in Steenwijk, NL

This is a great composition of different elements in a Pilastro wall unit. A diverse collection of

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Pilastro Two Section Wall Shelving Unit w/ Desk and Cabinet with Desk & Drawers
Pilastro Two Section Wall Shelving Unit w/ Desk and Cabinet with Desk & Drawers

Pilastro Two Section Wall Shelving Unit w/ Desk and Cabinet with Desk & Drawers

By Tjerk Reijenga, Pilastro

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Dutch Mid-Century Pilastro enameled metal wall unit with a desk, a cabinet, and 4 shelves. The desk

Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal

Exceptional Minimalistic Vintage Totally Free-Hanging Teak 1960 Retro Desk
Exceptional Minimalistic Vintage Totally Free-Hanging Teak 1960 Retro Desk

Exceptional Minimalistic Vintage Totally Free-Hanging Teak 1960 Retro Desk

Located in Markington, GB

drawer unit. Height can be adjusted as required, it is very easy to fix to the wall (with metal or wooden

Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

Exceptional Minimalistic Vintage Totally Free-Hanging Teak 1960 Retro Desk
Exceptional Minimalistic Vintage Totally Free-Hanging Teak 1960 Retro Desk

Exceptional Minimalistic Vintage Totally Free-Hanging Teak 1960 Retro Desk

Located in Markington, GB

these wall units, they are all in very good vintage condition. Each cupboard or shelf can be placed on

Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern Burled Bookcase Wall Unit Cabinet by Johan Tapp for Gumps
Mid-Century Modern Burled Bookcase Wall Unit Cabinet by Johan Tapp for Gumps

Mid-Century Modern Burled Bookcase Wall Unit Cabinet by Johan Tapp for Gumps

By Johan Tapp, Gumps

Located in Lafayette, IN

Spectacular burled cabinet/wall unit designed by Johan Tapp for Gumps. Cabinet features beautiful

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Office Desk in Walnut Wood And Stainless Steel Frame by Bodil Kjaer for Karakter
Office Desk in Walnut Wood And Stainless Steel Frame by Bodil Kjaer for Karakter

Office Desk in Walnut Wood And Stainless Steel Frame by Bodil Kjaer for Karakter

By Bodil Kjaer

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Modern design principles. The Office Unit series was part of Kjær's design concept, Elements of

Category

2010s Danish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit "Made to Measure" by Cees Braakman for Pastoe
Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit "Made to Measure" by Cees Braakman for Pastoe

Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit "Made to Measure" by Cees Braakman for Pastoe

By Cees Braakman

Located in Doornspijk, NL

Wall-filling 'Made to Measure' storage unit designed by Cees Braakman for Pastoe. The 'Made to

Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

George Nelson For Mobilier International Paris Mid Century Wall Unit
George Nelson For Mobilier International Paris Mid Century Wall Unit

George Nelson For Mobilier International Paris Mid Century Wall Unit

By Mobilier International

Located in Bridgeport, CT

Probably by George Nelson 1960's. An exceptional large scale wall unit with three compartments

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Original Pilastro Two Section Wall Unit w/ Desk with Drawer, Green Light
Original Pilastro Two Section Wall Unit w/ Desk with Drawer, Green Light

Original Pilastro Two Section Wall Unit w/ Desk with Drawer, Green Light

By Tjerk Reijenga, Pilastro

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Dutch Mid-Century, Pilastro enameled metal wall unit in very original condition with desk, cabinet

Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal

Unique Italian Large Wall Unit with Writing Desk in Maple and Birch
Unique Italian Large Wall Unit with Writing Desk in Maple and Birch

Unique Italian Large Wall Unit with Writing Desk in Maple and Birch

Located in Waalwijk, NL

writing desk, reflecting the design principles of the Mid-Century era that rose to prominence in the 1950s

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Brass, Steel

Pilastro 2 Section Wall Mount Shelving Unit with Drop Down Desk and Light
Pilastro 2 Section Wall Mount Shelving Unit with Drop Down Desk and Light

Pilastro 2 Section Wall Mount Shelving Unit with Drop Down Desk and Light

By Coen de Vries, Pilastro

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Dutch Mid-Century Pilastro enameled metal wall shelving unit. This unit features a metal drop down

Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal

Poul Hundevad Rosewood - Drop Desk - Wall Unit Bookcase
Poul Hundevad Rosewood - Drop Desk - Wall Unit Bookcase

Poul Hundevad Rosewood - Drop Desk - Wall Unit Bookcase

By Poul Havgaard

Located in Newfoundland, PA

Stunning rose wood book case or desk. Sliding door on the bottom with file draw and shelving. Two

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Danish HG Teak Wood Modular Wall Unit Shelving & Bookcase
Mid Century Danish HG Teak Wood Modular Wall Unit Shelving & Bookcase

Mid Century Danish HG Teak Wood Modular Wall Unit Shelving & Bookcase

By Hansen & Guldborg Møbler

Located in Detroit, MI

This vintage mid century Danish modern Hansen & Guldborg modular teak wood wall unit shelving

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal

1960 Pilastro Tomado Retro Wall Unit with Desk Cupboard, Cupboard and 5 Shelves
1960 Pilastro Tomado Retro Wall Unit with Desk Cupboard, Cupboard and 5 Shelves

1960 Pilastro Tomado Retro Wall Unit with Desk Cupboard, Cupboard and 5 Shelves

By Pilastro, Tjerk Reijenga

Located in Markington, GB

1960 Pilastro Tomado three section wall unit with desk cupboard with shelf, five hanging shelves

Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal

1960s Modular MCM Walnut Wall Unit with Drop Down Desk Bookshelves- 5 Pieces
1960s Modular MCM Walnut Wall Unit with Drop Down Desk Bookshelves- 5 Pieces

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

1960 Retro Pilastro Tomado Two Section Wall Unit with Desk Light and Two Shelves
1960 Retro Pilastro Tomado Two Section Wall Unit with Desk Light and Two Shelves

1960 Retro Pilastro Tomado Two Section Wall Unit with Desk Light and Two Shelves

By Pilastro, Tjerk Reijenga

Located in Markington, GB

1960 Pilastro Tomado two section wall unit with desk and two drawers, light, two shelves and

Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal

CLARA I Shelving unit - Handcrafted in Canada by Le Tenon et la Mortaise
CLARA I Shelving unit - Handcrafted in Canada by Le Tenon et la Mortaise

CLARA I Shelving unit - Handcrafted in Canada by Le Tenon et la Mortaise

By Le Tenon & la Mortaise

Located in Saint-André-de-Kamouraska, CA

CLARA wall shelf embodies the elegance of modern Scandinavian design. Meticulously made from premium

Category

2010s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Hardwood, Cherry, Maple, Oak, Walnut

Bertu Shelving, Modern Industrial Storage Wall Unit, Powder Coated Metal
Bertu Shelving, Modern Industrial Storage Wall Unit, Powder Coated Metal

Bertu Shelving, Modern Industrial Storage Wall Unit, Powder Coated Metal

By Bertu Furniture

Located in Oak Harbor, OH

. specs  Period/Model: New; Mid Century Modern Inspired Specs: Alder, Commercial grade finish, Powder

Category

2010s American Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal

50 Piece Barzilay Walnut Wall Unit
50 Piece Barzilay Walnut Wall Unit

50 Piece Barzilay Walnut Wall Unit

By Barzilay

Located in Los Angeles, CA

We have over 50 pieces of this amazing Barzilay walnut wall unit with aluminum accents. Please

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Aluminum

1960 Retro Pilastro Tomado shelving Grey Metal Desk Unit with Drawer and Shelf
1960 Retro Pilastro Tomado shelving Grey Metal Desk Unit with Drawer and Shelf

1960 Retro Pilastro Tomado shelving Grey Metal Desk Unit with Drawer and Shelf

By Tjerk Reijenga, Tomado

Located in Markington, GB

1960 retro Pilastro Tomado shelving grey metal desk unit with drawer and shelf designed by Tjerk

Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Italian Corner Shelving Unit, Gio Ponti Style, Bookmatched Wood
Mid-Century Italian Corner Shelving Unit, Gio Ponti Style, Bookmatched Wood

Mid-Century Italian Corner Shelving Unit, Gio Ponti Style, Bookmatched Wood

By Gio Ponti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

An architecturally compelling Italian corner room divider shelving unit attributed to the Gio Ponti

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal

Danish Modern 2-Bay Modular Oak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado 1960s.
Danish Modern 2-Bay Modular Oak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado 1960s.

Danish Modern 2-Bay Modular Oak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado 1960s.

By Cado, Poul Cadovius

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

Exotic Burled Multi Purpose Wall Unit
Exotic Burled Multi Purpose Wall Unit

Exotic Burled Multi Purpose Wall Unit

Located in Pasadena, TX

A mid century modern wall unit executed in an exotic burled veneer. A multi-use piece containing a

Category

Vintage 1960s Bookcases

Materials

Wood

California Design Group Freestanding Modular Wall Unit by Lou Hodges
California Design Group Freestanding Modular Wall Unit by Lou Hodges

California Design Group Freestanding Modular Wall Unit by Lou Hodges

By Lou Hodges

Located in Oceanside, US

A sculptural freestanding wall unit by California designer Lou Hodges, crafted entirely in solid

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Oak

Teak Modular Wall Unit, Rival, Brodrene Jatogs Mobelfabrik, Norway, 1960s
Teak Modular Wall Unit, Rival, Brodrene Jatogs Mobelfabrik, Norway, 1960s

Teak Modular Wall Unit, Rival, Brodrene Jatogs Mobelfabrik, Norway, 1960s

Located in Wrocław, Poland

spaces. Bring home the Mid Century Modern spirit and enjoy fantastic craftsmanship and smart design of

Category

Vintage 1960s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Teak

Mid Century Ladderax Six Bay Shelving System, Desk Drinks Cabinet Staples
Mid Century Ladderax Six Bay Shelving System, Desk Drinks Cabinet Staples

Mid Century Ladderax Six Bay Shelving System, Desk Drinks Cabinet Staples

By Robert Heal

Located in Norwich, GB

A substantial mid-century Ladderax teak and black metal six bay shelving system, with desk and

Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Steel

Danish Modular 5-Bay Rosewood Wall Unit by Kai Kristiansen for FM, 1960s.
Danish Modular 5-Bay Rosewood Wall Unit by Kai Kristiansen for FM, 1960s.

Danish Modular 5-Bay Rosewood Wall Unit by Kai Kristiansen for FM, 1960s.

By Kai Kristiansen, Feldballes Møbelfabrik

Located in Asaa, DK

impressive Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern shelving system, Model FM Reolsystem, that is suitable for both

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Rosewood

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Mid Century Modern Wall Unit With Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the mid century modern wall unit with desk you’re looking for. Each mid century modern wall unit with desk for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, metal and hardwood. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect mid century modern wall unit with desk — we have versions that date back to the 20th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available. A mid century modern wall unit with desk is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Mid-Century Modern and Scandinavian Modern styles are sought with frequency. Pilastro, Tjerk Reijenga and Nils Nisse Strinning each produced at least one beautiful mid century modern wall unit with desk that is worth considering.

How Much is a Mid Century Modern Wall Unit With Desk?

A mid century modern wall unit with desk can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $3,750, while the lowest priced sells for $720 and the highest can go for as much as $21,500.

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

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

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.

Finding the Right Case Pieces And Storage Cabinets for You

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

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

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

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

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

A contemporary case piece with open shelving and painted wood details can prove functional as a storage unit as easily as it can a room divider. Alternatively, apothecary cabinets are charming case goods similar in size to early dressers or commodes but with uniquely sized shelving and (often numerous) drawers.

Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard that features colored glass and metal details, an antique Italian hand-carved storage cabinet or a glass-door vitrine to store and show off your collectibles, there are options for you on 1stDibs.