Skip to main content

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 celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

to
104
457
99
4
2
2
453
103
6
328
77
2
2
5
61
85
51
8
365
195
85
61
32
29
29
25
18
15
15
15
14
13
12
8
4
322
182
91
78
52
280
258
456
166
135
84
68
Height
to
Width
to
560
560
560
133
17
16
13
11
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Midcentury Double Letter Tray by Peter Pepper Products
Located in San Diego, CA
Very cool and functional double letter tray by Peter Pepper Products, circa 1970s. The trays are made of solid oak with aluminum dividers. The set i...
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

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

Two Peter Max Op Pop Mod Disco Era Mens Wide Ties
Located in Ferndale, MI
Two brightly colored ties in abstract design by Peter Max. On the wide side 4.75" at 54" long. Sold and labeled by famous mid west clothing store Hughes Hatcher Suffrin. Signed with ...
Category

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

Materials

Silk

Tommi Parzinger for Hart Associates Nickel & Taupe Enamel Magazine Rack, 1950's
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Hart Associates, Tommi Parzinger attributed Magazine Stand, Book Stand. Folder Stand. Repurpose. Featuring a sturdy rectangular two part form with curved Nickel plated Brass base and...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass, Nickel

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 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

Carl Auböck Midcentury Tuning Fork Handmade Key Ring Chain Holder
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist tuning fork keyring / key holder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Length inc...
Category

20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Vintage Signed Bronze and Black Stained Wood Abstract Pleated Sculpture Italian
Located in North Miami, FL
This fabulous vintage abstract signed Italian sculpture is Mid-Century Modern. It says on the label made in Italy and the signature is Esafedritolle. The bronze has 2 surfaces both p...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Gordon Martz Marshall Studios Ceramic Bookends ca' 1950's
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of stylish, 1950s bookends by Gordon Martz. Circular pattern,beige ceramic tiles, inset into walnut frames, with brass extensions. Heavy and well made.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Signed Bronze Dish by Italian Gio Pomodoro Il Sestante Galeria
Located in Chicago, IL
A bronze sculpture / dish by Italian artist Gio Pomodoro for Il Sestante Galleria, Milan, Italy, circa 1958. In the late 1950s the gallery was producing small series of decorative o...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

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

Carl Auböck Aorta Vase, Polished Brass, Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful organic flower vase, model #3974, designed by Carl Aubock II in 1950. Executed by Werkstätte Auböck in Vienna / Austria. Handmade of bras...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Stilnovo Desk or Table Lamp Brass Black Enameled Metal, Iataly, 1950s
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Midcentury Stilnovo two-light desk or table lamp in brass with black enameled metal base and shade (inside off-white), Italy, 1950s. Beautiful, minimalistic design and in very good v...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3654 Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck model #3654 brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated and polished brass. Price i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Model #4965 Hook in Nickel
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck #4965 hook in nickel. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in softly brushed nickel by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. Produce...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Nickel

Carl Aubock Patinated Brass Bookends #4636
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
Carl Aubock patinated brass bookends #4636. Produced by Carl Auböck IV in the original Auböck workshop in Vienna, Austria using the same standards, high-quality materials, original m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

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

Vintage Fratelli Toso Millefiori Desk Lamp, Murano, circa 1950
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Fratelli Toso Millefiori Desk Lamp, Murano circa 1950 A rare millefiori murrine glass desk lamp manufactured by Vetreria Fratelli Toso, Murano around 1950. Made of blue glass with melted white and green glass threads and polycrome murrines. Surface with satinated finish. The lamp is an authentic example of early 20th century Murano art glass. It was part of a large Fratelli Toso glass collection with over 600 pieces - collected since the 1970s. Working condition. It features a E14 European socket. Fratello Toso was one of the leading art glass manufacturers of Murano in the 20th century. In the early 1900's Fratelli Toso started to produce glasses in murrine technique. Murrine and Millefiori glasses remained a major product field of Fratelli Toso. In 1912 a very successful series of liberty inspired art glasses, designed by Hans Stoltenberg Lerche...
Category

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

Materials

Art Glass, Murano Glass, Murrine

Penholder Vienna, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Penholder Vienna, circa 1950s Original condition (The pen is not included).
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

French Gilded Bronze Table Lamp by Pierre Casenove for Fondica, 1980s
Located in Salzburg, AT
A fantastic 1980's sculptural gilt table lamp by Pierre Casenove for Fondica, signed. Heavy, cast bronze object, fire-gilded. The electrics have been completely reworked, 2 transver...
Category

1980s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze, Foil

Carl Auböck Model #9038 Polished Brass Knob
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #9038 polished brass knob. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese knob is executed in polished brass by Werkstätt...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Cactus Holder, Vienna, Around 1950s by Auböck
Located in Wien, AT
Cactus holder Vienna around 1950s by Auböck. Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse pencil holder around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse pencil holder around 1950 Original condition Pencil not included
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Compulsion Gallery Pewter Jaguar 1955-1959 Edition Mark i Car Must See Pictures
By Jaguar Cars Ltd.
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage Compulsion Gallery Pewter model of a Jaguar Mark I made in 1955-1959 This is one of the sleekest and most elegant cars ever made, it was produced during 1955-1959, can you imagine post war Britain...
Category

20th Century English Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Pewter

Midcentury Bauhaus Desk Table Lamp Black Enameled Metal, 1950s
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Bauhaus desk or table lamp in steel with black enameled metal shade (inside white), from the 1950s. This desk lamp is adjustable in height and angle, beautiful, minimalistic design a...
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Metal

Fine vintage Carl Auböck Leather and Brass paper basket, Austria 1950s
Located in Berlin, DE
Fine vintage Carl Auböck Leather and Brass waste paper basket in good original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

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

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 Typewriter Olivetti Studio 42, 1946 Italy
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Italy in the 1940's by Olivetti. Made of plastic, chrome. Fully functional, re-polished, in original condition with signs of wear.
Category

1940s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4102 Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck model #4102 brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated and polished brass. Produced...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Midcentury Brass Star Sea Star Starfish Key Ring Chain Holder
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist star 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

Midcentury Perforated Metal Letter Holder
Located in San Diego, CA
Petite black enameled letter holder, circa 1950s, simple design in original finish great decorative piece.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

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

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Horn

Paper Clip by Franzi in Leather and Steel, Gucci Style, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous vintage clip paperweight in leather and steel in the shape of a marine link. A wonderful piece produced by the historic leather brand Franzi in the 1970s in Italy. A bea...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Elephant Figure in the Style of Sergio Bustamante
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Elephant Figure in the style of Sergio Bustamante, circa 1960. The elephant has a missing tusk (pic4).
Category

1960s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Murano Smoky Photo Frame by Barovier e Toso - 4 Available
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage picture frame with hand blown clear and smoky Murano "Torciglione" glass border / Designed by Barovier e Toso circa 1960's / Original mark on frame / Made in Italy Measures:...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Red Murano Tealight Holder
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian red Murano glass tealight holder hand blown with bubbles inside the glass using Bollicine technique / Made in Italy, circa 1960s Measure...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Murano Glass

Two Amber And Silver Letter Openers
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Two letter openers in dark, yellow and nearly white amber. Hallmarked silver.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver

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

Travertine Marble Letter Pen Holder Fratelli Mannelli Rapolano, Italy, 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Pen and letter holder, cylindrical shape, in travertine marble by Fratelli Mannelli. Rapolano, Italy, circa 1970. It still has its original label on the bottom (as shown in the p...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Travertine, Marble

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

Carl Auböck Model #4224 'Hand' Brass Bottle Opener
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4224 'Hand' brass bottle opener. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural bottle opener is executed in polished brass. Price is per item. Th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

French Mid Century Blue and Black Matte Ceramic Key Holder or Vide Poche
Located in Miami, FL
French mid century blue and black matte ceramic key holder/vide-poche from Vallauris, France. Use this good quality ceramic piece as an essential k...
Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Letter Holder Paperweight in in Travertine by Fratelli Mannelli, Italy, 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Letter holder or paperweight in travertine marble by the designers Fratelli Mannelli, Italy, 1970s. Weight: 5 kilos.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Travertine, Marble

Carl Auböck #4330/1 Polished Brass Hook
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck #4330/1 polished brass hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. Produc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Gentlemans Gardner Kates Solid Leather Desk Dresser Box Humidor
By Gardner Kates
Located in Ferndale, MI
Very nicely made stacked and laminated solid saddle leather forming a cylinder box with solid leather lid and finial handle.
Category

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

Materials

Leather

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

Restored Typewriter/ Daro Erika, Model 32, Germany, 1965
Located in Praha, CZ
The entire machine is expertly disassembled, cleaned, lubricated, all repaired and fully functional The packaging of the machine has surface defects that are associated with the age...
Category

1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

A pair of mid-century spherical Swiveling Cork Desk Organizers by Park Sherman
Located in Charleston, SC
A pair of swiveling 'Bulletin Ball' cork desk organizers for pens and pencils. Designed and produced by Park Sherman in the USA, circa 1960s.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

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

Four Small Pencile or Candle Holder Vienna Around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Four small pencile or candle holder vienna around 1950s Hammered brass Original condition       
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

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

Original Midcentury Carl Auböck Comb Made from Horn
Located in Vienna, AT
For sale is a beautiful half-moon shaped comb. The item was hand-crafted from horn and designed by the renowned workshops of Carl Auböck in Austria. It's a remarkable example of the ...
Category

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

Materials

Horn

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

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4636 Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of 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 i...
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 hook is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. Price is per...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Petrified Wood Bookends
Located in New York, NY
Stunning pair of petrified wood bookends.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Petrified Wood

Carl Auböck for Hermes Letter Opener, 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermes letter opener, 1960s by Carl Auböck
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

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.

Recently Viewed

View All