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Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

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 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.

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Item Ships From: Europe
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Midcentury Small Globe with Wooden Base, by Prof Paul Rath, 1950s
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Germany Made of paper, wood Original condition.
Category

1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood, Paper

Chrome and Faux-Leather Waste Paper Basket, French Work, Circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This waste paper basket is made of chrome and faux-leather. This is a French work. Circa 1970.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Chrome

Pair Of Midcentury Red and Burgundy Sommerso Vases
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Beautiful pair of Sommerso vases in a lovely red and burgundy colors, with the characteristic yellow stripe around the main color.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Brass Anchor Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist Anchor keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped and ...
Category

20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Midcentury Very Large Hand Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist XL Hand keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped and...
Category

20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Murano Fish Sculpture by Livio Seguso for Gral, Germany, ca. 1970ties
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A sculpture of a stylized fish in blue and pink glass. Hand made in the gral glass manufactory, Germany. Designed by Livio Seguso, ca. 1970. Incised signature of the artist (LS) on t...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Carl Auböck Horn Pen Holder, Austria, 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck horn pen holder, Austria, 1960s.
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Horn

Mid-Century Ceramic Sculpture Cat/Royal Dux, 1960's
Located in Praha, CZ
- made in Czechoslovakia - made of ceramic - good, original condition.
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic

20th Century Fontana Arte Soliflore Vase Model 2392 in Crystal & Nickeled Brass
Located in Turin, Turin
FontanaArte is an Italian company founded in Milan (as Fontana Arte) in 1932 by Luigi Fontana and Giò Ponti and specializing in glass processing and the production of furnishing acce...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Lacquered Metal Toy, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mid-Century Modern lacquered metal toy, circa 1950 By unknown designer. In original condition with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a beautiful patina.
Category

1950s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Bone and Bakelite Pen Holder for Desk around 1960s
Located in Wien, AT
Bone and bakelite pen holder for desk around 1960s Original condition Pen is not included.
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Bone, Bakelite

1960s Libelle Streamline Table and Wall Fan by Schoeller & Co. Made in Germany
Located in München, DE
Fantastically beautiful original 1950s Streamline table and wall fan by Schoeller & Co. Model "Libelle". Made in Germany. Very good condition. Stepl...
Category

1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Typewriter/Zeta, 1960's
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of metal Re-polished Original condition.
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Carl Auböck II Brass Tray, Bowl, Vide-Poche, Maria Theresia Coin, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful solid brass coin tray or dish, designed and executed by Werkstätte Carl Auböck II in the 1950s. Suitable as a jewelry bowl or „vide-poche“. In good condition with nice pa...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Italian Brown Leather and Glass Ashtray, Circa 1950s
Located in London, GB
Superb ashtray with a leather body and glass top by Osvaldo Borsani. This fantastic item was produced in Italy during 1950s. The unique element of this magnificent piece is the shape...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather, Glass

Italian Black White & Golden 1960s Cup / Pencil Holder by Bucciarelli
Located in Varese, Lombardia
White ceramic cup with black and golden decoration produced in Italy in the manner of Piero Fornasetti. The style of the decoration is classic and is...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic

Sculpture of a Toucan Designed by Livio Seguso ca. 1960s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A heavy sculpture of a toucan in orange and clear glass. Designed by glass sculptor Livio Seguso ca. 1960. On the base with incised signature of the artist (LS) and made in Murano st...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass, Murano Glass

1950, Vintage White Ceramic Vase, with Signed Floral Painting on the Bottom
Located in Milan, IT
Vintage white ceramic vase with hand made floral painting. On the vase there are figures in thickness. The vase dates back to the 1950s and was produced in Italy. On the bottom yo...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic

Carl Auböck Horn Penrest, Austria 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Horn Penrest, Austria 1960s.
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Horn

Midcentury Pair of Tape Dispenser in Lucite by Felice Antonio Botta, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of tape dispensers in transparent lucite and opaque black details by the Italian designer Felice Antonio Botta. Made in Italy in the 1970s.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Walter Bosse Pencil Holder 'Marked' Around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse pencil holder( marked ) around 1950s The pencil is not icluded ( it is only for the photoshooting ) Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

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

Aldo Londi Bitossi Rimini Blue Glazed Square Midcentury Ashtray, Italy, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful, decorative midcentury Rimini blue glazed ashtray. Designed by Aldo Londi, manufactured by Bitossi Ceramiche / Italy in the 1950s. Handcrafted with hand carved geometric ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware, Terracotta

Carl Auböck Letter Opener in Leather and Brass, Austria 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck leather and brass letter opener, Austria 1960s.
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Blackened and Chrome Metal Circular Shade Table or Desk Lamp
Located in Lisse, NL
Stylish and rare midcentury modern desk lamp in the manner of Louis Kalff. Both figuratively and literally, this 1950s or 60s fixture is perfect for bringing light to your Mid-Centu...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Nutcracker Vienna Around 1950s 'Wood'
Located in Wien, AT
Nutcracker vienna around 1950s ( wood ) Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood

Aldo Londi Bitossi Very Large Round Rimini Blue Glazed Midcentury Ashtray, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful, decorative midcentury Rimini blue glazed ashtray. Very large, has a diameter of 9 1/2 inches, Designed by Aldo Londi, manufactured by Bitossi Ceramiche / Italy in the 19...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware, Terracotta

Midcentury Clamp Made of Rosewood and Stainless Steal
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant well shaped clamp for holding papers, documents or letters.
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Stainless Steel

Italian 1960s Rotating Desk Document Holder by Antonio Ferretti
Located in Milan, IT
Italian 1960s Interchangeable and Rotating Desk Document Holder by Antonio Ferretti. Antonio Ferretti is one of Italy's earliest Office Supply company.  
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Duilio 'Dubé' Barnabé, Fontana Arte
Located in London, GB
Glass dish by Duilio (Dube´) Barnabé Reverse painted and bevelled glass Produced by Fontana Arte Italy c 1956.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Vintage Mid Century Table Bell Geisha Brass Wood Statue, Vienna Austria 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Found in Austria at an estate sale, this beautiful table bell is a nice addition to any table. Nice mid century collectible to display in your home.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Midcentury Baby Giraffe Brass Figurine, Herta Baller, Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
A lovely baby giraffe sculpture made of brass from the 1950s. Designed by Walter Bosse, executed by Herta Baller, Austria. In very good condition with mar...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Ventilator, 1950's
Located in Praha, CZ
- made in Czechoslovakia - made of metal - re-polished - fully functional - good, original condition.
Category

1950s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Vintage Desk Set for Gentlemen in Wood by Pierluigi Ghianda
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful set of fine wood desk prototypes designed by Pierluigi Ghianda in the 60's, of fine Italian manufacture. The desk set is composed of two identical elements: It is composed of two larger side compartments and three smaller central ones. They are made entirely of pear wood and their uniqueness lies in the fact that they are true original prototypes of the designer. The vintage desk set...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood

Brass Table Bell by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
Solid brass blackened, designed by Walter Bosse produced by Hertha Baller in the 1950s.
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

1960, Vintage Wooden Shelf, Italian Manufacture
Located in Milan, IT
1960, Vintage wooden shelf, Italian manufacture. Vintage wooden shelf from the 1960s, Italian production. Thanks to its dimensions, the shelf ad...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood

Carl Auböck Monumental Brass Foot Sculpture, Werkstätte Auböck, Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
We are offering this impressive 13“ long and 8“high brass foot sculpture, designed and manufactured by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Vienna, Austria. This the second ever-made piece of this giant foot...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Modernist Perforated Italian Wastepaper Bin in Grey Metal and Brass, Italy 1960s
Located in Milan, IT
Modernist perforated Italian Wastepaper bin in grey metal and brass Italy 1960s.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal, Brass

Set of Mid-Century Modern Guzzini Crystal Lucite Italian Vases, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful set of four crystal plexiglass flower vases. This fantastic set was designed by Guzzini in Italy during the 1970s. This set is made of four different flower vases with t...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Sculpture of a Stylized Eagle Designed by Livio Seguso, Ca. 1970s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A sculpture of a stylized eagle in smoke grey glass. Hand made in the Gral glass manufactory, Germany. Designed by Livio Seguso, ca. 1970. Base with incised signature of the artist (...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

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

Travertine Letter & Pen Holder Desk Accessory Fratelli Mannelli Style Italy 1970
Located in Rome, IT
Letter and pen holder in travertine marble, the perfect desk accessory, in the style of Fratelli Mannelli. Made in Italy in the 1970s.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Travertine

Mid-Century Metal Ashtray in the Shape of a Hedgehog, 1960's
Located in Praha, CZ
- made in Czechoslovakia - made of metal - good, original condition.
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Minimalist Magazine Rack Holder in Glass and Chrome 1960s by Weber, Germany
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage 1980s large magazine rack by Andreas Weber. Stainless steel and glass construction. Large and sculptural design object. The base construction of the magazine holder consists ...
Category

1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Stainless Steel

Set of Five File Folders in Wicker and Brass, Italy, 1960s
Located in Rome, IT
Five big file folders in wicker and brass details made in Italy in the 1960s.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal, Brass

Walter Bosse Thermometer, 1950s for Table Vienna around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse Thermometer, 1950s for table vienna around 1950s Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Plastic Trash can by Makio Hasuike for Gedy
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This item is a fantastic icon from the chic 1970s plastic fashion. It has been done in Italy, by Makio Hasuike for Gedy.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Plastic

Italian Murano Light Blue Table Lamp Marked Venini, 1950s
Located in IT
Italian Murano light blue table lamp marked Venini, 1950s Murano light blue glass table lamp. From Italy, from mid-20th century. It is signed...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Grosbeak Glass Sculpture by Livio Seguso for Gral, Germany, ca. 1970ties
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A sculpture of a stylized grosbeak in smoke grey and opaque glass. It is hand made in the Gral glass manufactory, Germany. Designed by Livio Seguso, ca. 1970. Incised signature of th...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Large Fish Sculpture by Livio Seguso for Gral Germany, ca. 1970ties
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A sculpture of a stylized fish in blue and pink glass. Hand made in the Gral glass manufactory, Germany. Designed by Livio Seguso ca. 1970. Incised signature of the artist (LS) on th...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Carl Auböck Bookends #4636
Located in Berlin, DE
Classis pair of Carl Auböck bookend in a patina and polish brass mix.  
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Ceramic Ashtray Ditmar Urbach, 1960's
Located in Praha, CZ
- made in Czechoslovakia - made of ceramic - good, original condition.
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic

Fish Sculpture by Livio Seguso for Gral, Germany, ca. 1970s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A sculpture of a stylized fish in smoke grey glass with white glass band. Hand made in the Gral glass manufactory, Germany. Designed by Livio Seguso ca. 1970. Incised signature of th...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Scalar by Livio Seguso for Gral, Germany, Ca. 1970s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A sculpture of a stylized scalar in smoke grey glass with white glass bands. Hand made in the Gral glass manufactory, Germany. Designed by Livio Seguso, ca. 1970. Incised signature o...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Walter Bosse Mid-Century Horse Brass Figurine, Hertha Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A lovely horse foal sculpture made of brass from the 1950s. Designed by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller. In very good condition with charming patina. We offer more Walter Bos...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Great Sculpture of a Bear Designed by Livio Seguso, ca. 1970ties
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A powerful stylized sculpture of a bear in solid smoke grey glass. It is hand made in the Gral glass manufactory, Germany. The typical design of Livio Seguso in the 1970s. The base w...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Walter Bosse Brass Poodle Figurine, Lucky Charm, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming poodle figurine, made of brass designed by Walter Bosse, executed in the 1950s by Hertha Baller, Austria. In excellent condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Glass Ashtray Designed by František Vizner, 1960's
Located in Praha, CZ
- made in Czechoslovakia - made of glass - good, original condition.
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Mid-century Modern more desk accessories for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern more desk accessories for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage more desk accessories created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, brass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern more desk accessories made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and Austria pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original more desk accessories, popular names associated with this style include Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Walter Bosse, Herta Baller, and Barovier&Toso. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for more desk accessories differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $34 and tops out at $28,500 while the average work can sell for $603.

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