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
- 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.
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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Danish Modern Money Bank in Teak and Silver Plate by DANA DFA, 1960
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Christening Gift given in 1960 (inscription to the back). Figural money bank of hooded man. Its made from silver plated metal and teak. Manufactured a...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver Plate
Set of Leather Lamp, Basket, Paper Holder, Diary and Pen Holder, circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice desk set is constituted of a lamp, a basket, a paper holder, a diary and a pen holder. The all set is made of leather and brass. This is a French work, circa 1970.
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
1950s Austrian Brass Paperweight by Carl Aubock
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant heavy solid brass 'hand' paperweight.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Lucite Tissue Box in the Style of Charles Hollis Jones
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-Century Modern Lucite tissue box in the style of Charles Hollis Jones, circa 1970s. The piece is very heavy and substantial with a horizontal gro...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Lucite
Walter Bosse Cat Figurine with Thermometer, 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse cat figurine with thermometer, 1950s
Austrian desk thermometer, cat figurine and a lantern-shaped thermometer.
Designed by Walter Bosse...
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Christian Dior, Pencil Holder in Silver Metal, circa 1970
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Christian Dior, pencil holder in silver metal, circa 1970.
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver Plate
Walter Bosse Midcentury Calf Cow Brass Figurine, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A lovely calf / baby cow sculpture made of brass from the 1950s. Designed by Walter Bosse, executed by Herta Baller, Austria. In very good condition with marginal patina.
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
1960s Austrian Cow Horn Comb by Carl Auböck
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant comb hand carved from cow horn with naturally occurring variations in color and pattern.
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Horn
Bronze Sculpture Ashtray or Paperweight
Located in London, GB
Hand-sculpted and bronze cast ashtray or paper weight is made in the 1970s and is signed. The shape is square and the pattern looks like a river that finds its natural way through a ...
Category
1970s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
English Brass Magazine Holder by Peerage
By Peerage
Located in New York, NY
1960s English brass magazine holder by Peerage.
Category
20th Century English Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Tessellated Antler, Chrome & Granite Box by Jonson & Marcius
Located in New York, NY
This bold and sophisticated decorative box was realized by the esteemed artisans Gene Jonson and Robert Marcius in the United States, circa 1970. This is a particularly stunning exam...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Granite, Bronze, Chrome
1960s Austrian Cow Horn Comb by Carl Auböck
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant comb hand carved from cow Horn with naturally occurring variations in color and pattern.
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Horn
1960s Austrian Cow Horn Comb by Carl Aubock
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant comb hand carved from cow horn with naturally occurring variations in color and pattern.
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Horn
1960s Austrian Cow Horn Brush by Carl Auböck
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant brush hand carved from cow Horn with naturally occurring variations in color and pattern.
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Horn
Bronze Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculpture by Albers Henselmann
Located in North Miami, FL
This heavy bronze abstract Mid-Century Modern sculpture entitled "Worshipper" is by a sculptor named Albers Henselmann, circa 1890-1974. The original label is on the bottom. From eve...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
1960s Austrian Cow Horn Comb by Carl Auböck
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant comb hand carved from cow horn with naturally occurring variations in color and pattern.
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Horn
1960s Austrian Cow Horn Comb by Carl Auböck
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant comb hand carved from cow horn with naturally occurring variations in color and pattern.
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Horn
Italian Modern Ruby Red Lidded Jar in Glass by Empoli, 1960s
By Empoli
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Organically shaped hand blown ruby red glass lidded jar or trinket from Empoli. Manufactured in Italy during the 1960s.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Blown Glass
1960s Austrian Cow Horn Brush by Carl Auböck
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant brush hand carved from cow horn with naturally occurring variations in color and pattern.
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Horn
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
Pair of Italian Architectural Chromed Steel Chain Links Bookends, circa 1970
Located in New York, NY
This pair of extremely heavy chain links bookends are of 1970s Italian Architectural design. Although functional if used as intended, they form a kind of very interesting geometrical...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Stainless Steel
Mid-Century Modern Italian Elephant Sculpture Silver Plated and Marble, 1960s
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Sculpture of elephant silver plated and marble base, also can be used as holder for things like jewellery or keys, perfect for a sideboard or as decora...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble, Silver Plate
Italian Midcentury Murano Floral Glass Sphere on Glass Stand
Located in New York, NY
Italian Mid-Century Modern Murano art glass sphere with floral motif atop a glass Stand. The item is in great vintage condition with age-appropriate wear to the bottom.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Murano Glass
Fishing Spear Wall Thermometer, European, 1950s
Located in Milan, IT
Fishing spear wall thermometer, European, 1950s.
Category
1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Pewter
Mid-Century Walnut Pencil or Pen Holder by Sergio Dello Strologo for Xilarte
By Sergio Dello Strologo, Xilarte
Located in Austin, TX
A highly sculptural Mid-Century pen or pencil holder and temper by Sergio Dello Strologo for Xilarte, Milano, Italy.
Crafted of finely figured, turned walnut. The 12 slender, cylind...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Rare Umbrella Stand “Bighe” designed by Piero Fornasetti, Italy circa 1960
Located in Stockholm, SE
Piero Fornasetti umbrella stand “Bighe”. Lithographically printed metal and brass. Italy, circa 1960.
Marked: FORNASETTI MILANO, MADE IN ITALY. Gold label: MADE EXPRESSLY FOR OHLSSO...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass Vase
Located in Copenhagen, K
Smoked rifled brown tinted glass vase.
Category
1920s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Art Glass
Blenko Glass Shell Bookends
By Blenko Glass
Located in New York, NY
1970s Blenko glass clear glass shell bookends.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Vintage Brass Bowls by Franz Hagenauer, 1950s, Vienna
Located in Vienna, AT
A mid century modern pair of wonderful Franz Hagenauer brass bowls, 1950s, Vienna, which are engraved with Hagenauer Wien, handmade, made in Aust...
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Pelican Blanc Glass Money Valve with Pelican Bird, Switzerland, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage Money Valve - Ramasse-Monnaie for The White Pelican.
Vintage Counter Display - Advertising Display.
The White Pelican is known for the high quality of Fountain Pens , Ballpoints and Ink.
This heavy and stabile glass Money Valve was used to put on counters nearby the Cash Desk...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass
Mid-Century Murano Table Cloth or Letter Holder Two-Toned Green Glass
Located in Weiningen, CH
Rare Murano table cloth or letter holder two-toned green glass.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass
Found Art Scuplture Perfectly Patinated Type Writer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Found art perfectly patinated type writer ready for immediate viewing. Great for the producer, writer or secretary in you lovely sitting atop a pile of boo...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Large Mid-Century Modern Polished Chrome Rectangular Pipe Lamp
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large Mid-Century Modern polished chrome table lamp. Look at this fun lamp; open and shiny, it beckons to be put in any modern decor. Perfect in any room, thi...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Chrome
Vintage Bronze and Marble Roman Sandaled Paperweight Sculpture Fornasetti Style
Located in North Miami, FL
This Fornsetti style vintage paperweight, sculpture and desk accessory has a patinated bronze roman foot atop a white marble base. The bronze has bee...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Carl Auböck III, 1960s, Alphabetical 'L' Shaped Walnut Clothes Brush
Located in London, GB
L-shaped coat brush designed and made by Carl Auböck III, Vienna, circa 1960.
The model 5000 alphabetical clothes brushes were designed in 1961 and a ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Walnut
2000 Barovier Toso Italian Gold Crystal Twisted Murano Glass Brass Picture Frame
Located in New York, NY
A sophisticated Venetian modern design vertical photo frame in thick blown Murano glass worked in a amber orange gold color, overlayed in crystal, by Barovier Toso Murano, signed piece. The elegant texture of the tightly twisted glass frame...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Italian Murano Art Glass Millefiori Paperweight
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful, playful and colorful paperweight that will spark your imagination every time you put your eyes on it.
A nice addition to any desktop.
Measures: 3" diameter x 3" high...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Murano Glass
HL-70 Personal Desk Fan by Reinhold Weiss for Braun
Located in San Diego, CA
HL-70 personal desk fan by Reinhold Weiss for Braun, circa 1960s. The cylindrical fan, in white on acrylic base, features the fan blades in the left-hand section and a switch for two intensity levels. The fan is in very good vintage condition and measures 2.5"W x 2.5"D x 6"H. This iconic piece is one of Braun's most popular items and is part of the permanent collection of MoMA and the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum in New York. #2974
The design was created under the supervision of Dieter Rams who was the head of design at Braun from 1961 to 1995. Rams designed over 500 pieces ranging from audio systems...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
France 1950 Soubrenie Et Bois Paris Precious Agate Jeweled Box 18kt Gold & Jade
Located in Miami, FL
Exceptional jeweled box designed by Soubrenie Et Bois.
Gorgeous and beautiful gem set decorative piece, created at the jewelry atelier of Soubrenie et...
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Agate, Multi-gemstone, Gold
Aldo TURA Milan Italy Mute Servant Lidded Vessel 60s Mid Century Object
By Aldo Tura
Located in Munster, NRW
An Aldo Tura Milan Italy Mute Servant Lidded Vessel from the 60s.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Alessi Alessandro Mendini 1999 Italian Pair of Red and Blue Chrome Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
A rare pair of Anna candleholders designed by Alessandro Mendini for Alessi, signed and dated 1999. The crafted metal upper parts are in chrome and the scalloped bases are covered on...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Chrome
Midcentury Geometric Chrome and Brass Italian Picture Frame after Rega, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Amazing mid-century brass and chrome picture frame. This marvellous item was produced in Italy during the 1970s under the strong influen...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Sharp Stainless & Brass Scissors Made in Italy, 1960s
By Arthur Salm
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Scissors
Mid-Century Modern sharp stainless steel & brass Italian scissors made in italy 1960s
Measures: 9.25L x 2.5 W x 0.19 thick inches
Stamped Italy
Original preowned unresto...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass, Stainless Steel
Pair of Smokey Rock Crystal Quartz Hand Carved and Hand-Polished Obelisks
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous and quite decorative pair of Mid-Century Modern French Smokey rock crystal quartz hand carved and hand-polished obelisks. Each obelisk is made of a natural Smokey rock cry...
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Rock Crystal
Desk Accessory Vintage Miscellaneous Pen Holder Leather Wrapped Open Cube 1970s
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Desk accessory vintage miscellaneous pen holder distressed leather wrapped open box 1970s
Unrestored fair condition original preowned vintage pr...
Category
1970s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Leather
Midcentury Classic 1970s Rolodex Card File Tray Faux Wood
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Rolodex
Vintage Rolodex Card File Tray in Faux Wood Midcentury Modern Madmen Classic
6.25 x 4.5 x 2.25 tall
Beautifully aged paper file cards.
Original Unres...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Plastic
Unique & Hand Crafted Vintage 1960s Soccer Ball / Wooden Football Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Handcrafted soccer ball of many woodtypes.
This rare and beautifully made soccer ball is in excellent condition and it is made in the same size as a real one. This fine example from...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Wood
1970s Natural Rock Pedestal Organic Stone Base Modern Brazil
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Natural Stone
Natural Rock Pedestal Stone Base from Brazil
Dimensions: 12L x 6 D x .75 thick.
Bottom is brown felt.
Original organic vintage condition
Se...
Category
1970s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Stone
Midcentury Josef Hoffmann Accessory for Bieffeplast
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Elegant and strikingly minimal Bauhaus designs by Josef Hoffmann.
Measure: 4.24” square and 4” high. Showing little if any use.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
Maison Lancel Golf Silver Paperweight, France, 1960s
Located in Paris, FR
Mid-Century Modern desk accessory golf silver paperweight by Maison Lancel, France, 1960s.
In an excellent condition.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
1950s Vintage Distressed Leather Men's Wallet
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage distressed leather men's wallet
1950s.
Measures: 3.5" x 4.25", 8.90 opened.
Distressed condition unrestored vintage.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Leather
Mid-Century Modern Atomic Age Sputnik Table Lamp
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Century Modern table lamp in the style of Sputnik.
This tall and shiny table lamp has a chrome ball base with newly powder coated teal/blue metal blue stems with small white bulb...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal, Chrome
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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