Mid Modern Desks
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Mid-Century Modern Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Perfect for any home office or study, this beautiful Mid-Century Modern desk shows off a rich
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Alma Mid Century Walnut and Leather Executive Desk
By Alma Desk Company
Located in Countryside, IL
Alma Mid Century Walnut and Leather Executive Desk
This desk measures: 77.75 wide x 38 deep x 29
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Alma Mid Century Walnut and Leather Executive Desk
By Alma Desk Company
Located in Countryside, IL
Alma Mid Century Walnut and Leather Executive Desk
This desk measures: 84 wide x 40 deep x 28.75
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage modern writing desk featured in rich walnut grain. This desk sits on sleek tapered legs and
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Secretary Desk
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, AR
Handsome secretary desk features unique legs and a functioning skeleton key to open the drop down
Category
Mid-20th Century Argentine Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage modern writing desk featured in rich walnut grain. This desk sits on sleek tapered legs and
Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Refined Mid Century Modern Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
The desk is elegant in scale with precise details that bring the piece together. Brushed gold
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing...
Materials
Metal
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Newly refinished vintage American desk with unique features that are sure to impress! Featuring
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Oak, Walnut
Center desk with beautiful cross on the base
By Mid Century Antiques
Located in Milano, IT
COD-2470
Center desk in walnut with beautiful cross on the base and little houses on the top
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Desk, 1960
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid-Century Modern rosewood desk, circa 1960s. Newly refinished rosewood top with black ebonized
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk
Located in Greenwich, CT
This vintage Mid-Century Modern writing desk has been completely refinished and refreshed to look
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Style Walnut Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
Mid-Century Modern style walnut desk with a quarter veneered writing surface, a long drawer, brass
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Desks and Wr...
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Drexel Desk
By Drexel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful walnut Drexel desk with matte black metal handles. Great piece for any office or bedroom
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Vintage Danish Mid Century Modern Teak Desk
Located in Gardiner, NY
Authentic vintage mid century Danish / Scandinavian Modern teak desk.
This piece is in excellent
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Writing Desk by Mainline
By Mainline by Hooker
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elegant, functional, and full of mid-century quality, this vintage writing desk by Mainline stands
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Rattan Desk or Table
Located in Sheffield, MA
Mid-century 1950's French bamboo desk or dining table.
Wicker, rattan, faux bamboo.
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rattan
Large Italian Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk
Located in Berlin, DE
Large Italian Mid-Century Modern writing desk.
Spectacular large writing / working desk made in
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Vintage Danish Mid Century Modern Teak Desk
Located in Gardiner, NY
Authentic vintage mid century Danish / Scandinavian Modern teak desk.
This piece is in excellent
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Desk, Wooden Nails, Well-Crafted, Scandinavian / Mid-Century Modern
Located in Stockholm, SE
wrokmanship, Scandinavian Modern, mid-1900s.
The desk is beautiful from all sides. Nice patina and stabile
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Style Desk - Drift White
Located in Westwood, NJ
Mid-Century Modern style desk with a three-quarter wooden gallery, a single frieze drawer, and
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Desks and Wr...
Materials
Wood
Mid-century modern Severin Hansen Teak Desk
By Haslev Mobelsnedkeri, Severin Hansen
Located in Madrid, ES
. It went on to become one of the most coveted and recognized desks of the Danish modern period
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Desk, Italy, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Desk, Italy, 1960s.
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Desk, Italy, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern wooden desk, Italy, 1960s.
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
1960s Mid Century Modern Walnut Writing Desk
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century walnut executive desk designed and manufactured in the United States circa 1960s. The
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Laminate, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Style Desk, Mahogany Finish
Located in Westwood, NJ
Mid-Century Modern style desk with a three-quarter wooden gallery, a single frieze drawer, and
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Desks and Wr...
Materials
Wood
Lane Vintage Mid-Century Modern Walnut Desk
By Lane Acclaim, Andre Bus
Located in Doylestown, PA
Beautiful vintage Lane Mid-Century Modern walnut desk. This piece features atomic tapered legs
Category
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Laminate, Walnut
Handsome Mid-Century Modern Walnut Jens Risom Desk Table Mid-Century Modern
By Jens Risom
Located in Pemberton, NJ
If you are looking for an icon of Mid-Century Modern – Scandinavian Modern design, look no further
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
H 28 in W 74.25 in D 36 in
Mid-Century Modern Style Lucite Decorative Desk
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Beautiful Lucite rectangular desk beveled top with butterfly base. One front draw can be used as a
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Lucite
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Pedestal Desk
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage modern pedestal desk features the iconic mid-century design of Paul McCobb. Single
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Teak Wood Inlay Work Desk
By Mid Century Antiques
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your home office or workspace with our exquisite wood inlay work desk, a stunning addition
Category
2010s Indian Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Wood, Teak
Mid-Century Modern Maple and Cherrywood Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Well-scaled Mid-Century modern writing desk in cherrywood and maple. This elegant piece features a
Category
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
John Keal Mid-Century Modern Walnut Desk
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Culver City, CA
This desk belongs in a museum, with perfect proportions, incredible craftsmanship, beautiful walnut
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Cut-Out Walnut Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern, walnut desk has numerous outstanding features. The split-level floating top has
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Mid Century Modern Writing Desk with 4 Drawers
By Drexel
Located in Freehold, NJ
This mid century modern writing desk by Drexel features hardwood construction, original limed oak
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Mid-Century Modern Italian Blue Desk, Drawers, 1940s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Italian Blue Desk, Drawers, 1940s
Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Italy Mid-20th Century Modern Steel Crystal Desk
By Gio Ponti
Located in Brescia, IT
This modern Italian design desk, has been made in Milano, in 1960 circa, an item of the ones custom
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stainless Steel
Marcel Breuer Style Desk 1950s Mid-Century Modern
By Thonet, Marcel Breuer
Located in Lucca, IT
Marcel Breuer style desk 1950s Mid-Century Modern.
Category
Vintage 1940s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Double Pedestal Desk
Located in Baltimore, MD
Sleek Mid-Century Modern twin pedestal desk, circa 1960s. Featuring Classic blonde wood and simple
Category
Vintage 1960s Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Charlotte Perriand Style Desk, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
By Charlotte Perriand
Located in Antwerp, BE
Wooden Desk; working desk; writing table; office furniture; Charlotte Perriand; French design; Mid
Category
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Desk by Bergwood, Circa 1975
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern desk by Bergwood - circa 1975.
Category
Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Lane Mid-Century Modern Walnut Desk Perception Collection
By Lane Furniture
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This Mid-Century Modern walnut desk from the Perception Collection by Lane Furniture features a
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Ole Wanscher Rosewood Executive Desk
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Madrid, ES
Large executive desk designed by Ole Wanscher for AJ Iversen. Denmark, 1960s.
This Desk features a
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Customized Mid-Century Modern Desk by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern L-shaped designed desk by Danish-American furniture designer Jens Risom. Teak
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Resin, Lacquer, Teak
Mid Century Modern Walnut Desk with brass and walnut pulls
Located in Cincinnati, OH
Mid Century Modern Walnut Desk with brass and walnut pulls'
Brass caps on legs
Chair opening 28.25
Category
Mid-20th Century Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Mid Century Modern Bert England for Widdicomb Leather Top Desk
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., Bert England
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
The Bert England for Widdicomb Leather Top Desk is a remarkable blend of style and functionality
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Swedish Mid-Century Modern Roll Top Desk, circa 1960s
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Swedish mid century modern roll top desk, circa 1960s. Designed by Egon Ostergaard, for SMI Sweden
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Desk by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Desk by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s
Category
Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Teak Writing Desk or Console Table
Located in Nantucket, MA
A stunning Mid-Century Modern teak writing desk or could also be used as a console table or as a
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Splendid Reed Bamboo Desk Chair Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Splendid split reed bamboo desk with its original rattan chair. We just adore the unusual pill
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Upholstery, Rattan
Mid Century Modern Writing Table Desk, American, c.1960s
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Mid Century Modern walnut writing table desk, American, c.1960s. Surfboard top & floating cabinet
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Desk with Drawers, Italy, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Desk with Drawers, Italy, 1960s
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Desk, Bergwood, 1970s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Desk, Bergwood, 1970s
Category
Vintage 1970s Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Small Walnut Desk with Round Pulls
Located in Belmont, MA
Mid-Century Modern small walnut desk with round pulls, circa 1970s.
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Mid Century Modern Heywood Wakefield 3 Drawer Writing Desk
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Freehold, NJ
This mid century modern writing desk by Heywood Wakefield features hardwood construction, original
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Maple
Mid Century Modern Walnut Desk by Paul McCobb, c1960s
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Step back in time with this show-stopping vintage mid century walnut desk, artfully designed by the
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Desk by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
than spectacular. A desk like this will honestly look great in any mid-century modern, rustic or
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Mid-Century Modern Italian Desk with Drawers, Teak, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Italian desk with drawers, teak, 1960s.
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Monumental Mid Century Modern Executive Rosewood Scandinavian Desk, c1960s
By Finn Juhl
Located in Chino Hills, CA
The Monumental Rosewood Scandinavian Desk is an exquisite piece of furniture that seamlessly blends
Category
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Mid Century Modern Solid Oak Desk with Laminate Top
By Jack Van der Molen
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century Modern Solid Oak Desk with Laminate Top
Good vintage condition with one leg having a
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak, Laminate
Mid-Century Modern Italian Desk, Wood and Glass, 1950s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Italian Desk, Wood and Glass, 1950s.
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass, Wood
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Mid Modern Desks For Sale on 1stDibs
Find a variety of mid modern desks available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, metal and brass, all mid modern desks available were constructed with great care. There are 28213 antique and vintage mid modern desks for sale at 1stDibs, while we also have 717 modern editions to choose from as well. There are all kinds of mid modern desks available, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Mid modern desks are generally popular furniture pieces, but mid-century modern, Scandinavian Modern and modern styles are often sought at 1stDibs. Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames and Knoll each produced beautiful mid modern desks that are worth considering.
How Much are Mid Modern Desks?
Mid modern desks can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $2,206, while the lowest priced sells for $1 and the highest can go for as much as $300,000.
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 legendary 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.
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.
Questions About Mid Modern Desks
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024The difference between mid-century and mid-century modern comes down to specificity. When it comes to furniture and architecture, for example, mid-century refers to works that emerged during the middle of the 20th century, usually between 1950 and 1970. The more specific descriptor, mid-century modern, is used to refer to a particular style of design that emphasizes simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Mid-century modern furniture designers generally drew on the architectural work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Bauhaus design, Scandinavian modernism and more. Any piece of furniture produced during the 1950s and ’60s can be referred to as mid-century, but only those with specific characteristics are mid-century modern. That said, when enthusiasts of furniture and architecture use the shorter of the two phrases, they may indeed be referring to modernist works created during that period in history. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of mid-century modern furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Mid century modern refers to the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality. Mid-century modern furniture is distinguishable by its lack of decoration or extravagance and its use of clean lines, organic curves and variety of natural materials.
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Mid century modern furniture refers to pieces designed during the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen. - Is Eames mid-century modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Yes, Eames is mid-century modern. In many ways, Charles Eames and Ray Eames were the embodiment of the inventiveness, energy and optimism at the heart of mid-century modern American design, and they have been recognized as the most influential designers of the 20th century. Some of the couple's most famous mid-century modern designs include the Eames Lounge chair and ottoman, the Eames Molded Plywood chair and the Eames Fiberglass chair. Shop a wide range of Charles and Ray Eames furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 25, 2024The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern era correlates specifically to the years following World War II. These years in America saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history. Vintage mid-century modern furniture — including tables, chairs, desks and case pieces — are often organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple.
Postwar architects and designers in the United States were animated by new ideas and new technology during the era of mid-century modernism. Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century furniture designs manufactured by the likes of Knoll and Herman Miller.
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.
Knoll became 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 soon became desirable for the home. Similarly, Michigan’s Herman Miller is best known for its iconic mid-century modern furniture, and while the company focused on the office, people loved its designs for their homes, too.
Find vintage mid-century modern furniture for sale on 1stDibs. - Is Mondrian mid century modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Mondrian’s art is believed to be one of the great inspirations for the mid-century modern approach to minimalism. His artworks were not just a departure from figurative works, but a new look at abstract art as well. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Most experts agree that mid-century modern correlates specifically to the years following World War II. It has grown in popularity in the decades since, particularly due to the media and cultural institutions that have promoted the truly innovative era of design. Not only did the MoMA promote modern furniture, but pieces are prominently visible on the set of very popular television shows such as Mad Men. Shop a wide and beautiful range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
- Is rattan mid-century modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024Yes, some rattan is mid-century modern. Designers of the mid-century modern movement often preferred to use natural materials, including rattan, in their designs. However, not all rattan furniture was made during this period. Rattan was also a popular material for furniture produced during the Victorian era and continues to be used to produce furniture today. Shop a wide range of rattan furniture on 1stDibs.
- Is mid-century modern timeless?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024Yes, mid-century modern is timeless, in the opinion of many experts. Many characteristics of furniture and decorative accents produced in this style remain popular today. Among them are silhouettes marked by organic forms and clean lines, the promotion of functionality and the use of natural materials like teak, rosewood and oak and synthetic materials such as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of mid-century modern furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, the tulip table is considered a mid-century modern design. This table shape has become an iconic statement of the era with a simple sculptural attitude and a practical nature. The first tulip table was created by Eero Saarinen, a noted Finnish designer who was a leader in mid-century modern home decor. Shop a collection of Saarinen furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Is Art Deco mid-century modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
Art Deco is not mid-century modern. Art Deco began just before World War I and was inspired by cubism. Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Mid-century modern furniture combines sleek lines with organic shapes.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Wassily chairs are indeed considered mid-century modern. Although the chair was initially designed by Marcel Breuer in 1925, it was re-released in the 1960s. Shop a collection of mid-century modern goods from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024There is no single color wood that is mid-century modern. Designers working in the style employed a variety of finishes, though purplish reds, mid-yellows, light browns and medium dark browns were among the most commonly used. Teak wood was an especially popular material, not only due to its warm medium hue but also due to its strength and the beauty of its natural grain. Shop a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Mid-century modern furniture is so popular largely because its characteristics align well with the trends and tastes that are dominant today. Many people love its simple look defined by clean lines, and the use of natural materials also adds to its popularity. In addition, designers created mid-century modern furniture to be as functional as it is visually appealing, making pieces executed in the style simple, convenient and comfortable to use. Find a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024There is not a single year that is mid-century modern. The style emerged during the 1940s and 1950s and remained dominant through the 1960s and into the early 1970s. Some notable designers who contributed to the development of the mid-century modern style include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson. Shop a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Mid-century home decor is characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes and materials like wood and tweed.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023Some iconic chairs from the mid-century modern era include the Egg chair by Arne Jacobson, the La Chaise by Charles and Ray Eames and the Womb chair by Eero Saarinen. With their clean lines, organic shapes and simple details, these chairs reflect some of the key features of the style. Shop a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Some of the most famous mid-century modern furniture designers were Alvar Aalto, Charles and Ray Eames, Paul Evans, Poul Kjærholm, Florence Knoll, George Nakashima, Giò Ponti, Hans Wegner, Charlotte Perriand, Sergio Rodrigues and Eero Saarinen.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019The defining characteristics of mid-century modern furniture design include simplicity, an emphasis on organic forms, clean lines and a mix of both natural and man-made materials. The mid-century modern style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is used to describe the work of furniture designers who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Both neutral tones and bold Pop art colors can typically be found in mid-century modern interiors, which usually include light-filled spaces. An integration of floor-to-ceiling windows and abundant access to the outdoors renders prominent a connection with nature, which owes in part to the ideas of celebrated architect Frank Lloyd Wright, an inspiration for mid-century furniture designers. Popular mid-century modern designers include Ray and Charles Eames, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and others. Find vintage mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
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Jochum Rodgers Has Long Brought the Best of 20th-Century Design to Berlin and Beyond
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