Mid-Century Modern Desks
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.
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Color: Black
Guido Faleschini for Mariani, Italy, 1970s Black Leather and Steel Desk.
Located in London, GB
Black leather covered executive desk designed by Guido Faleschini and manufactured by Mariani, Italy.
The desk has chromed steel edges and a steel channel in which a black enamelled...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Steel
American Mid-Century Monteverdi Young Walnut Angular Executive Desk
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century walnut executive desk having an angular top with a centerdrawer and 3 stacked side drawers designed with a vanity front panel (custom made by MONTEVERDI YOUNG)
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Italian 1980s Mid Century Style Black Lacquer and Brass Desk with Two Drawers
Located in London, GB
An Italian 1980s mid century style black lacquer and brass desk with two drawers with brass handles.
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Brass
De Coene Black Oak Desk from 1970
Located in Brussels, BE
Desk or Dining Table, With Four drawers in Black Oak painted, Made by De Coene in 1970, original and good condition.
Category
1970s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Oak
Midcentury Paul McCobb #1567 Four Drawer Desk Maple Black Finish Brass Pulls
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1567 four drawer desk solid maple black finish brass pulls solid maple. Desk is in original vintage condition. Ve...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Brass
Guy Lefevre Desk for Maison Jansen, 4 Tiroirs, Leather Brown, Circa 1970
Located in Saint Rémy de Provence, FR
Rare, large Guy Lefèvre desk, Modèle 160, with 4 drawers for Maison Jansen 1970. Dark brown leather top. Frame, base and drawer handles in nickel-plated steel.
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Leather
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Pedestal Desk
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage modern pedestal desk features the iconic mid-century design of Paul McCobb. Single sided writing desk offers two drawers for storage and organization and a spacious formica-style top for work. Slender tapered legs and unique McCobb drawer pulls...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Wood
Tommi Parzinger for Charack Blond Maple and Black Lacquer Kneehole Desk
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century kneehole desk with a black lacquered front and border with blond maple sides and tabletop with a geometric incised border, and central drawer flanked by three dr...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Bronze, Metal
Custom 1950s Wall Mounted Modernist Writing Desk
Located in San Diego, CA
Unique handmade custom wall-mounted writing desk made in the 1950s. Solid birch construction with patinated brass accents and a smooth black laminate desk surface that folds up when ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks
54" Vintage Single Pedestal Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller
Located in Pasadena, TX
54" Vintage single pedestal desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller. This distinctive desk has two drawers, one of which is a filing drawer along with stainless steel legs. A great d...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Steel
Mid-Century Pen Shell Desk or Writing Table by Maitland-Smith
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chic sleek Mid-Century Modern desk crafted in a pen shell mosaic with three drawers in the case having brass highlights on elegant legs with ball feet. Signed Maitland-Smith in drawer.
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Shell
Large Black Wooden Executive Desk Attrb. to Blerk, 1960's
By Blerk
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Large executive desk in black painted wood. In very good condition.
Category
1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Wood
Guido Faleschini Mariani L-Shaped Executive Desk-Black Leather, Italy 1970s
Located in Den Haag, NL
An Italian midcentury L-shaped executive desk by Guido Faleschini by Mariani with a black leather top and very dark blue faux velvet sides and chrome accents. This desk also features a file sorter that slide within a unique recessed channel.
A three drawer filing cabinet...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Stainless Steel
John Widdicomb for Mastercraft Black Lacquered and Brass Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
This Classic writing table or desk by John Widdicomb for Mastercraft. Composed of a large black lacquered wood top with canted corners that sits atop a brass frame. Brass legs swoop ...
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Brass
Maitland Smith Fossil Stone Inlaid Bronze Mount Vanity /Ladies Desk
Located in Westport, CT
Maitland smith Fossil stone inlaid, bronze mount and curved design vanity table/ladies desk, elegant flair design curved legs and 4 felt lined draws.
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Precious Stone
Unique Midcentury Style Floating Top Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Italian style desk makes a unique and stylish workspace for home or office. Two sets of drawers make for ample storage options, while the spaci...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk and Return
Located in St. Louis, MO
1960s Edward Wormley desk and ensuite return, label, currently being refinished, desk.
Measures: 72 W x 36.5 D x 29 H.
Return
60 W x 30.5 D x 29 H.
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Wood
Wrought Iron Desk with Two Sliding Drawers by Jacques Adnet
Located in Brussels, BE
Very nice desk in black patinated wrought iron.
The 4 feet supporting the belt of the upper plate also in steel.
They are joined by a spacer in the lower part "rolled up" outwards.
A...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Steel, Wrought Iron
Midcentury Paul McCobb #1567 four drawer Desk Maple black Finish brass Pulls
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1567 four drawer desk solid maple black finish brass pulls solid maple. Desk is in original vintage condition. Ve...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Brass
Bodil Kjaer Desk
By Bodil Kjaer
Located in San Francisco, CA
A rare and early Bodil Kjaer desk in wenge by E. Pederson & Sons. The desk has four drawers with a chrome and brass key. Polished chrome-plated steel frame. Signed with applied manuf...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Chrome
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Bronze Desk with Black or Brown Leather Wrapped Top
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Marzio Cecchi Diapason Desk For Studio Most , Italy / C.1970
Located in Montréal, QC
Marzio Cecchi, born in 1940 near Florence, emerged from a lineage of designers, notably his mother, Giulia Carla Cecchi, famed for haute couture.
Graduating in architecture from th...
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Alma Mid Century Walnut and Leather Executive Desk
Located in Countryside, IL
Alma Mid Century Walnut and Leather Executive Desk
This desk measures: 77.75 wide x 38 deep x 29 high, with a chair clearance of 25.25 inches
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Brutalist Sideboard by De Coene, Belgium, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Brutalist sideboard crafted by De Coene, showcasing a geometric pattern. Its spacious shelves and two drawers provide practical storage solutions without compromising on style. This ...
Category
1970s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks
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Paul McCobb 6 Drawer Dresser Original Finish
By Paul McCobb
Located in Wilton, CT
Perfect for apartment living this compact (48in) dresser, designed by the great Paul McCobb in his Planner Group. McCobb, influenced by the English designer Thomas Sheridan used deli...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
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Rare Mid-Century Modern Walnut Push-Button Executive Desk by SLS Environetics
Located in Lafayette, IN
This ultra-rare and ultra-cool desk features a black steel frame, walnut veneer cabinet and brushed-aluminum legs with rosewood inlay. The contrasting woods, aluminum accents and minimalist, mid-century lines, make this desk is the epitome of 70's chic! However, what makes this desk truly remarkable is its parlor trick... Cable-actuated, spring-loaded drawers that open at the touch of a button! (see video) This unique desk was custom-designed by SLS Environetics and produced by Leopold/Litton Industries for use in offices at the Sears Tower...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Steel, Aluminum
H 29 in W 60 in D 30 in
French Extendable Art Deco Table Oak, Dudouyt, 1940s
Located in Wiesbaden, DE
French Art Deco dining table. The table features stunning oak sanded wood grain with a stunning patina. The top is encrusted with a checked marquetry. It rests on tall and Brutalist ...
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks
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French Large Art Deco Table Oak, Dudouyt, 1940s
Located in Wiesbaden, DE
French Art Deco dining table. The table features stunning oak sanded wood grain with a stunning patina. The top is encrusted with a checked marquetry. It rests on tall and Brutalist ...
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Oak
Pair of Paul McCobb Planner Group Maple Six Drawer Double Dressers
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Pair of Paul McCobb planner group maple & black six drawer dressers, 1950's. Featuring classic Paul McCobb modular design including four rectangula...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Enamel
Jens Risom Style Mid Century Half Round Walnut Executive Desk
By Jens Risom
Located in Countryside, IL
Jens Risom style mid century half round walnut executive desk
The desk measures: 95.5 wide x 47.75 deep x 29 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call rest...
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1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks
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Chrome
French Large Art Deco Table Oak, Dudouyt, 1940s
Located in Wiesbaden, DE
French Art Deco dining table. The table features stunning oak sanded wood grain with a stunning patina. The top is encrusted with a marquetry of diamonds. It rests on tall and Brutal...
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1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks
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Oak
Previously Available Items
Mid-Century Italian Desk, Italy
Located in San Francisco, CA
Mid-Century Modern Italian design desk with original black glass top. Chic looking desk from a prominent Beverly Hills Ca estate purchased for a movie mogul's daughter the theatre di...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Glass
Giorgio Tura Important Vintage Desk in Parchment
By Tura
Located in Milano, IT
Wonderful vintage desk made by Giorgio Tura in the 70's in parchment, fine Italian craftsmanship.
The vintage desk by Giorgio Tura is made entirely of pa...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Parchment Paper
Drop-Leaf Desk with Its Seat and Visitor’s Stool by Jacques Adnet
Located in Brussels, BE
Rare drop-leaf desk with black leather-covered letter holder accompanied by its seat and visitor's stool.
X-shaped base in brass in imitation of bamboo contrasting with the covering...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Brass
French Art Deco Vanity or Desk Attributed to Jacques Adnet
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning vintage Art Deco vanity or desk attributed to Jacques Adnet in France, circa 1960s. This piece has an exceptional design since the structure has four slim legs and chrome sp...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Midcentury Paul McCobb #1567 four drawer Desk Maple black Finish brass Pulls
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1567 four drawer desk solid maple black finish brass pulls solid maple. Desk is in original vintage condition. Ve...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Brass
Jacques Adnet Leather Covered Writing Desk, France, 1950
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Amazing and extraordinary small writing desk designed by Jacques Adnet and manufactured by Atalier Jacques Adnet, France, 1950. This super nice shaped and super quality desk has a brass structure frame, fully covered with black leather and the top and cross bar between the legs are made of brass. The desk is in fully original condition and has an amazing patina from age and usage. Nice small sized desk with 2 rotating drawers...
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Brass
Architectural Mid Century Desk by Thonet
By Pierre Paulin, Thonet
Located in New York, NY
Chic architectural desk by Thonet in the style of Paulin. This desk features a bank of three black drawers, each having a semicircular aluminum handle, a white formic top, white meta...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks
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Metal
Vintage Executive Desk JK212 by Jørgen Kastholm with complimentary leather chair
Located in Highclere, Newbury
Bespoke 1969 executive desk, model JK 212, by Jørgen Kastholm with complimentary chair
An exceptional Bespoke midcentury executive desk constructed in Wenge, stainless steel and chrome with matching black leather chair designed by Jørgen Kastholm for Kill International.
Jørgen Kastholm, the prolific Danish architect and industrial designer, met Preben Fabricius in 1961 and began a partnership that generated some of the most sought after designs of the 20th century. Despite only working together for just 7 years they produced a stunning array of chairs, sofas, tables and desks for Alfred Kill of Kill International. Primarily concerned with functional design paired with a minimalist aesthetic their work is instantly recognizable and this is especially so given that they chose to feature steel and leather in their work when many of their Danish counterparts preferred to use wood. Many of their designs are still produced today by Walter Knoll.
All their desks are based on a stainless steel main frame, often with chrome legs and always joined by black hex head machine screws. The frame is then configured with additional wooden cabinets and usually finished with a thick glass top or wooden top. As such there are numerous variations on this theme but I have never see another desk like this before.
This particular desk is often mis-attributed as being designed by both Fabricius and Kastholm but was actually designed exclusively by Kastholm for Kill in 1969 after he and Fabricius decided to go their own ways. On that basis it is far rarer than the desks they designed together.
It most definitely still has all the main elements, as previously described, but also features a black leather panel to the top and a floating bookshelf at the back. This makes it truly unique and was no doubt made as a bespoke item for a particular client. Whilst they did make some desks in Rosewood often the wood in many other listings is mis-attributed. Generally, both for their large conference tables and desks, they preferred to use Wenge which is an exotic tropical hardwood favoured for its strength, durability and figuring. You’ll understand why that strength was important when you see the filing cabinet to the left as it’s monumentally heavy! The desk benefits from fully extendable draws and the original locks and keys and the backs and fronts of the cabinets are finished in black as are many of their desks cabinets.
The desk comes supplied with a complimenting chair that matches the desk very well (although the designer is unknown). But this is why I again believe the whole set was bespoke for a client as it features some interesting details. Most noticeable is that the chair is made to the exact dimensions of the desk so that it can be fully pushed under to save space and fits exactly between the cabinets (as well as the arm height being exactly the same height as the cabinets too). Less noticeable, but equally important, is that because of this exact fit it means the key barrels have been recessed into the cabinets to allow space for the chair. You might not consider that terribly significant but if you look at pretty much every desk they made that had lockable draws the key barrels always stick out around 2 cm from the cabinet; so this piece has been specifically designed for purpose.
The desk can of course be supplied without the chair (a reduction of £500 would apply) but it would be a shame to separate them as they have been together for over 50 years. But apart from that the chair choice is of fundamental importance, which again is not immediately obvious on first sight. For example, I do have one of the classic Fabricius and Kastholm ‘Tulip...
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Stainless Steel, Chrome
H 27.56 in W 61.03 in D 27.56 in
Midcentury Rattan Cane Dressing Table or Desk, Stool and Wall Mirror Set, 1970s
Located in Richmond, Surrey
Midcentury rattan cane dressing table or small desk, stool and mirror set, England, 1970s
This is a beautiful set consisting of a dressing table o...
Category
1970s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Rattan
H 33.47 in W 38.59 in D 16.54 in
Modern Two Drawer Black and Natural Desk with Lucite Legs
By Directional
Located in Houston, TX
This large desk offers ample work space for any job. There are easy to access drawers on either side offering both functionality as well as a natural wood accent. The desk is support...
Category
1970s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Lucite, Wood
1968, Desk by Preben Fabricius & Jørgen Kastholm, 'Denmark'
Located in Perpignan, FR
This rarely seen desk was designed by Jørgen Kastholm in 1969 and produced by Kill International in Germany.
Incredibly well-made of rosewood and a thick glass tabletop.
Measures: ...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Glass
Jacques Adnet Stitched Leather Executive Desk, France, 1940s
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare and important Jacques Adnet double pedestal executive desk covered in Hermès saddle leather with stitching with brass details. Locking desk with orig...
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Brass
Mid-century Modern desks for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern desks 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 desks created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, tables, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern desks made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original desks, popular names associated with this style include Paul McCobb, George Nelson, Herman Miller, and Arne Vodder. 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 desks differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $249 and tops out at $72,000 while the average work can sell for $4,595.
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