Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe mid-century modern American 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.
Postwar American architects and designers were animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist “International Style” architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the ’30s 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, respectively, pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair. George Nelson and his design team created Bubble lamp shades using a new translucent polymer skin. Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were re-purposed: the Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs that used surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century 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, blonde-wood furniture — and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
As the collection of vintage mid-century modern American furniture on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Cosmic Inspired Brass and Lacquer Table Lamp by Nomade Atelier
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Inspired by the first photographs of Pluto, this Nomade Atelier table lamp bounces off golden hued LED light from within its lacquered brass dome, thus evoking the meeting of heavenl...
Category
2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Mid-Century Copper Globe Cigarette Holder c1960
Located in San Francisco, CA
About
This is an original Mid-Century Modern copper cigarette holder. The lid slides open on the globe's axis to reveal a metal interior designed to hold cigarettes.
This piece has...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal, Copper
Italian Modern Acrylic Lucite Desk or Letter Organizer, by Guzzini, Italy, 1970s
By Guzzini
Located in Miami, FL
Italian Mid-Century Modern desk, card, or letter organizer, rendered in polished acrylic lucite, by Guzzini, Mid in Italy, Circa 1970s, with markers mark on underside.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Acrylic, Lucite
Mid-Century Industrial Aluminum Umbrella Stand Holder
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Mid-Century modernist aluminum umbrella stand, holder. Industrial Machine Age design with large double round shape and removable inserts. No visible maker's mark.
Measuremen...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Vintage Hermes Paris Desk Letter / Papers Rack Holder, Equestrian / Horses
By Hermès
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Hermes Paris desk letter holder, equestrian / horses
Vintage silvered metal letter rack / desk organizer / document holder.
3-sections desk letter/document holder with horses heads...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Set of 3 Vintage Danish Design Wooden Bookends, 1960s
Located in Oostrum-Venray, NL
Set of 3 vintage Danish design wooden bookends 1960s
A pair of beautiful mid-century bookends, made of rosewood and teak wood with metal bases in very good condition.
Vintage...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
Set of 2 Vintage Danish Design Kai Kristiansen Bookends 1960s
Located in Oostrum-Venray, NL
Set of 2 Vintage Danish Design Kai Kristiansen bookends 1960s
A pair of beautiful Mid-Century bookends, made of teak with metal bases in very good condition.
Design by Kai Kr...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
Carl Auböck Model #4995 Polished Brass Hook
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4995 polished brass hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese candleholder is executed in polished and patinated brass by Werkstätte Carl...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Triangular Letter Organizer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unique desk accessory will be a great addition to your office space! It features a rich dark brown wood base in the shape of a soft triangle. Three tiered black metal bars with ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
Carl Auböck Model #3844 Brass Bowl
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #3844 brass bowl. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese bowl is executed in polished and darkly patinated brass. Originally conceiv...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Coffee Grinder, 1950’s
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Germany
Made of Wood, Metal,Steel
The worm is no longer active
Original condition.
Category
1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal, Steel
Carl Auböck Model #3653 Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #3653 brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated and polished brass.
Price is per ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #3651 Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #3651 brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated and polished brass.
Price is per ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #4072/G 'Rooster' Brass Bell
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #4072/G 'Rooster' brass bell. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural bell is executed in polished brass.
Price is per item. One in stock ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #3603L Large Brass and Leather Bell
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #3603L large brass and leather bell. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural bell is executed in polished brass and rich brown leather.
P...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #5439 Large Brass Hook
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck brass #5439 brass hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese candleholder is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria.
Pr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #4965 Large Brass Hook
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck brass #4956 brass hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese candleholder is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria.
Pr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Mid Century Italian Horn Veneer Box
Located in Stamford, CT
Great looking decorative box with beautiful Horn veneer. Purchased by original owner in Florence, Italy in the 1960's. Handsome desk top item.
Measures: 2.25 inches high 7.25 wide ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Horn, Wood
Carl Auböck #4995 Patinated Brass Hook
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck brass #4995 patinated brass hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished and patinated brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
1940s Jaeger Desk Top Barometer and Thermometer
By Jaeger & Co.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
1940s French Jaeger Baromètre and thermometer.
Good vintage condition.
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #1928 'Hands' Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #1928 'Hands' brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated brass.
Price is for the p...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Table Fan PAL, 220V, 30W Central Europe in the 1980s
Located in Praha, CZ
In good original and functional condition. Silent run.
Category
1980s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
Alpaca Silver and Abalone Box
Located in Rochester, NY
Mexican alpaca silver box inlaid with colorful iridescent abalone shell.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Abalone
Midcentury Lucite and and Brass French Ashtray after Christian Dior, 1970
Located in Roma, IT
Incredible ashtray in Lucite, tortoise plexiglass and brass. The style is clearly inspired by Christian Dior, as most of this kind of the French production of 1970.
A wonderful pi...
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Hand Brass Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist hand keyring / key holder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped and m...
Category
20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #4636 Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #4636 brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated and polished brass.
Price is for ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Brass Heart Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist heart keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped and m...
Category
20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Vintage Oval Leather Wastebasket with Nailheads Embellishments
Located in Oakland Park, FL
Vintage oval leather wastebasket with nailheads embellishments.
Lacquered leather wrapped on wood.
Size: 11" W x 7.5" W x 12.5" H.
Category
1990s Chinese Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Leather, Wood
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Hand Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist Hand keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped and ma...
Category
20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Carlo Scarpa Mezza Filigrana Vanity Mirror for Venini, circa 1935
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Englewood, NJ
A fine Italian Mid Century Modern glass "Mezza Filigrana" vanity mirror designed by, Carlo Scarpa for Venini. The mirror frame is internally decorated with pink lattice decoration an...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Wooden Ball Desk Curio
Located in London, GB
A mid to late 20th century wooden ball.
Two types of wood, sourced in Belgium.
Desk or shelf curio. Very tactile.
Dimensions: 15 diameter in cm.
Category
1980s Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Wood
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Foot Brass Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist foot keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped and ma...
Category
20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Figural Cast Iron Canon and Leather Book Table or Desk Lamp
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This very unique and functional table lamp is unsigned, but presumed to have been homemade in Canada in approximately 1965 in the period midcentury style. The lamp features a figural...
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
Gucci Italian Silver Plate and Horn Page Turner Letter Opener
By Gucci
Located in Chicago, IL
Signed Italian Gucci horn and silver plate page turner or letter opener. Signed Gucci and Made in Italy.
Perfect vintage condition.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver Plate
Louis Kalff Mid-century Modern Table or Desk Lamp with Black Base and Grey Shade
By Louis Kalff
Located in Lisse, NL
Timeless and stylish table lamp.
This wonderful midcentury table lamp by Louis Kalff is in beautiful condition. This color combination will look great in virtually every mid-century...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal, Brass
Carl Auböck Model #4056 Brass Hook
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck brass #4056 brass hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese candleholder is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria.
P...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Vintage Signed Tommaso Barbi White Ceramic and Brass Table Lighter, 1960s, Italy
Located in Vis, NL
Vintage Tommaso Barbi, white ceramic and brass table lighter.
Made in Italy, 1960s.
An amazing and seldom piece in this condition. Some abrasion on the brass detail. Look carefu...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Polished Brass Waste Bin or Magazine Rack
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Polished brass waste can - Uniquely designed waste can in the shape of a shopping bag with an Asian motif... perfect for the bedroom or office - disguised as a chic shopping bag. The...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Vintage Brushed Chrome And Beveled Glass Table Lamp, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Century Modern brushed chrome and glass table lamp. This tall and elegant table lamp shines brightly as the beveled glass reflects the light. There are two thick bands of chrome ...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Chrome
Carl Auböck Model #4317 Brass Bowl
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4317 brass bowl. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese bowl is executed in polished and darkly patinated brass. Originally conceiv...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #4056 Patinated Brass Hook
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck brass #4056 patinated brass hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese candleholder is executed in patinated and polished brass by Werkstätte Car...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Black Stained Bentwood Sculptural Magazine Stand or Rack Mid-Century Modern
Located in North Miami, FL
This fabulous and very uncommon Mid-Century Modern bentwood magazine stand or rack is from the 1950s. It is stained black from how it was acquired. The cutout holes are so very moder...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Bentwood
Carl Auböck Model #4982 Patinated Brass Hook
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck brass #5439 patinated brass hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and minimalist Viennese candleholder is executed in polished and patinated brass by Werkstätte Car...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
1960s Italian Three Piece Green Genuine Hand Carved Alabaster Smoking Set Unused
Located in Haarlem, NL
Very decorative unused 1960s Italian hand carved green alabaster smoking set by Romano Bianchi.
New and unused in original box.
Consists of a heavy ashtray, also very useful as tri...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Alabaster
Carl Auböck Model #3530 'Flatiron' Patinated Brass and Cane Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #3530 'Flatiron' patinated brass and cane bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated brass a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
AEG Fan, circa 1940
By AEG
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
AEG fan.
Manufactured Germany, circa 1940.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a beautiful patina.
The mechanical condition of the fan h...
Category
1940s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
Desk Top Tin Folk Art Sculpture of Italian Lambretta or Vespa Scooter
By Lambretta
Located in Ferndale, MI
Life like maybe 1/18 scale model in tin of Vespa style motor scooter.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Sheet Metal
Solid Brass JMF Waste Basket by Karl Springer
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This solid brass waste basket by Karl Springer is simple yet elegant. The edges flair out just slightly and the inside is black. This waste basket came out of a home in Honolulu, Haw...
Category
1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #4086 Patinated Brass Hook
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck brass #5439 patinated brass hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese candleholder is executed in polished and patinated brass by Werkstätte Car...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Vintage Teak Waste Paper Basket by Martin Åberg for Servex circa 1960
By Servex 1
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Tall circular teak waste paper basket by Martin Aberg for Servex or House of Rainbow Wood Products, Sweden, circa 1960. Could also be used as an umbrella stand for your foyer, entran...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Wood, Teak, Plywood
Mid 20th Century Italian Art Glass Picture Frame for Venini by, Carlo Scarpa
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Englewood, NJ
A fine Italian Mid Century Modern glass "Mezza Filigrana" picture frame designed by, Carlo Scarpa for Venini. The mirror frame is internally decorated with pink lattice decoration an...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Fontana Arte Hand Mirror by Italian Architect Gio Ponti
Located in Chicago, IL
A hand mirror, model number 1168, designed by Gio Ponti for Fontana Arte with beveled glass edges and black glass backing. With original box and certificate of authenticity.
Designed...
Category
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Mirror
Carl Auböck Model #3847 Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #3847 brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in polished and patinated brass.
Price is for ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Vintage Adnet Style Shoe Travel Leather Stitched Box
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Adnet Style shoe traveling leather box with red lining.
Vintage travel shoe shine leather stitched box in the style of Jacques Adnet.
Vintage travel case zippered shoe polish...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Leather
Italian Polished Marble Bowl Caramel Brown Dark Brown High Sided Bowl
Located in Chicago, IL
Italian marble bowl for a desk, coffee table or any other use as it is an unusual high sided bowl.
Caramel brown, brown and some gray and white veining in the polished marble bowl.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble
Carl Auböck Model #6040 B7-2 Polished Brass Knob
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #6040 B7-2 polished brass Knob.
Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese knob is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck #4330/1 Brass Hook
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck brass #4330/1 brass hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese candleholder is executed in polished and patinated brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #4637 Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #4637 brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated and polished brass.
Price is for ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
