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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 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.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
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

Brass Globe Cigarette Holder and Ashtray/Coin Dish, circa 1960
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An original mid-century brass cigarette holder and ashtray or coin dish. The lid slides open on the globe's axis to reveal a metal interi...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

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

1970s Brazilian Natural Rock Exotic Stone
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Natural Rock from Brazil Exotic Stone Brown Black .63 thick x 12 w x 6 Bottom of brown felt. Original organic vintage condition Refer to listed images
Category

1970s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Stone

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

Salt and Pepper Shaker Holder Chinese Figurine by Richard Rohac
Located in Wien, AT
Salt and pepper shaker holder Chinese figurine by Richard Rohac. Original condition.  
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Set of Rare Austrian Bakelite Salt and Pepper stands
By Kolbenheyer Erich
Located in Vienna, AT
Kolbenheyer Aubock Hagenauer all worked in Vienna in the 1950‘s. One of these Architects is also the Designer of our nice serving table accessory. An S&P set including toothpick hol...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #1937 'Bamboo' Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #1937 'Bamboo' bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed hand cut and polished bamboo and brass....
Category

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

Materials

Brass

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

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

Walter Bosse Pencil Holder, 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse pencil holder, 1950s. Original condition. (Pencils not included, it is only for the photoshooting).
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage 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

Murano Light Blue Photo Frame by Barovier e Toso, 2 Available
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage photo frame with hand blown clear and light blue Murano "Torciglione" glass border / Designed by Barovier e Toso circa 1960's / Original mark on frame / Made in Italy. Measu...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Model #5262 Polished Brass Hook
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck #5262 polished brass hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. Produced ...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

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

Mid-Century Modern Solid Green Marble Perpetual Desk Top Calendar
Located in San Diego, CA
Handcrafted unique rare perpetual calendar circa 1970's solid green marble with gold numbers days and months, great design, and craftsmanship some of the l...
Category

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

Materials

Marble

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 cast iron canon...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Murano Dark Blue Photo Frame by Barovier e Toso - 3 Available
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage picture frame with hand blown clear and dark blue Murano "Torciglione" glass border / Designed by Barovier e Toso circa 1960's / Original mark on frame / Made in Italy Measu...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Le Corbusier & charlotte perriand bowl vide poche, 1950s, set of 2
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Rare authentic and iconic modern glass storage compartment or ashtray designed by the famous French architects of the 20th century Le Corbusier and Charlotte Perriand for Lumax. Le...
Category

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

Materials

Glass

Austrian Midcentury Horn Matchbox Holder by Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Minimalistic and pure shaped desk accessories, iconic for its Designer Carl Auböck and in excellent condition.
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Horn

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Enamel Bookends by Ernest John
Located in Redding, CT
Pair of Mid-Century Modern walnut and enamel bookends. Signed by Ernest John. The perfect accessory to a mid century office. Colorful and vibrant. These can parcel ship for $29 domes...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Carl Auböck Model #8040-1 Polished Brass Knob
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #8040-1 polished brass knob. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese knob is executed in polished brass b...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

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 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 C...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Model #4965 Patinated Brass Hook
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck #4965 patinated brass hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in darkly patinated and polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböc...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Paul Frankl Attributed Waste Basket
Located in Fulton, CA
A Mid-Century Modern waste basket attributed to Paul Frankl. Made of combed fir with a conical four sided rectangular design. This item was acquire...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Carl Auböck Letter Opener, 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

MCM Staved Walnut Desk Organizer
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice and functional MCM staved walnut desk organizer, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good condition and measures 7.5"W x 4.5"D x 3"H. ...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

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

Mid-Century Modern Italian Ceramic by Cima Deruta, 1950s
By Cima
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Beautiful ceramic by Cima (Italy) probably design as pens holder, amazing colours and in very good condition.   
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic

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

Mid-Century Modern Stow & Davis Teak Paper Bin, circa 1960s
Located in San Francisco, CA
Mid-Century Modern Stow & Davis teak paper bin, circa 1960s Vintage waste basket bin by Stow and Davis. The bin is made from teak. Good vintage...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

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

Italian Typewriter by Marcello Nizzoli for Olivetti, 1950s
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Lettera 22 portable typewriter, of enameled metal and plastic, designed by Marcello Nizzoli and produced by the progressive manufacturer Olivetti in Italy, circa 1954. Nizzoli (1887-...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Murano Mosaic Color Spots Gold Leaf Italian Art Glass High Heel Shoe Sculpture
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful Murano handblown multi-color murrine mosaic design Italian art glass kitten heel shoe sculpture. It has gold leaf on the heel and on the trim over the top. Made with a rain...
Category

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

Materials

Gold Leaf

Carl Auböck Model #9038 Knob in Nickel
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #9038 knob in nickel. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese knob is executed in softly brushed nickel by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. I...
Category

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

Materials

Nickel

20th Century Fontana Arte Soliflore Vase Mod 2393 in Crystal, Nickeled Brass 50s
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 accessories. It is known for working with curved crystal and producing lighting fixtures, becoming a prominent name in Italian design over the years. Here we have a vertical "Soliflore" vase model 2393 in thick crystal and nickel-plated brass by Fontana Arte designed in 50s. This decorative object is a perfect idea for a gift (wedding, graduation, new born...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

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

Vintage Signed Stig Lindberg Gustavsberg Ceramic Tray or Dish Desk Accessory
Located in North Miami, FL
This vintage chic Swedish Mid-Century Modern hallmarked Stig Lindberg glazed ceramic tray, dish or desk accessory is hallmarked in 2 places with numbers; Gustavsberg Sweden with a sy...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic

Restored Typewriter/ Consul, Model 2226, Czechoslovakia, 1965s
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

1660s Czech Antique Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

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

Carl Auböck Model #4327 Polished Brass Hook
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4327 polished brass hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. Pro...
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Mid-Century Pinched Murano Glass Bowl, Silver Flake, Seguso, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
A Mid-century beautiful organic designed mouth blown purple glass bowl with silver fleck inclusions. The base retains a partial Made in Murano S...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Blown Glass

Ernest Sohn Siamese Teak Magazine Holder, circa 1960s
Located in San Francisco, CA
Ernest Sohn Siamese teak magazine holder, circa 1960s Measures: 16" wide x 5" deep x 14.5" high A great vintage Mid-Century Modern magazine ...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Carl Auböck Model #7259 'Spiral' Brass Pen Holder
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #7259 'Spiral' brass pen holder. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pen or pencil holder is executed in ...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4100 Patinated Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4100 patinated brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated brass. Price is f...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Model #5261 Polished Brass Hook
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #5261 brass hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. Produced by...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

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

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

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

Carl Auböck #5039 'Jingle Bell' Paperweight
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck #5039 'Jingle Bell' Paperweight. Originally designed by Carl Auböck III in the early 1960s, this handmade piece was inspired by charming sl...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

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

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3847 Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of 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 i...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Vintage MacGregor Goldsmith 9 LB Leather Medicine Ball, 1940s
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large American leather medicine ball by MacGregor & Goldsmith. This weighted 9lbs ball has amazing patina and age-appropriate wear with signs of natural aging caramel-tan leather.
Category

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

Materials

Leather

Mid-Century Studio Craft Walnut Desk Business Card Display and Holder
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-century studio craft walnut business card holder and display. The front section slides to insert a standard 3.5 inch by 2 inch size card for display and a slot in the back holds ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood

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

Restored Calculator, NISA, Czechoslovakia, 1958
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

1950s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Patinated Brass Letter Sorter
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Three compartment brass patinated letter holder with ball feet. Dimensions 5.25" width x 1.75" depth x 4" height. Condition Good vintage condition; professionally cleaned. Brass ca...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Art Glass Sculpture of a Hen by Livio Seguso for Gral, Germany, circa 1970s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A large sculpture of a stylized chicken in smoke grey glass. Handmade in the Gral Glass manufactory, Germany. Designed by Livio Seguso, circa 1970. Incised signature of the artist (L...
Category

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

Materials

Art 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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