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.
Roger Landault — “Junior” Secretary Desk for Meubles ABC, France, 1951
By Marcel Gascoin, Pierre Guariche, Rene Gabriel, Roger Landault
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
An exceptionally rare “Junior” secretary desk in light oak, designed by Roger Landault and produced by Meubles ABC, one of the most distinguished French furniture manufacturers of th...
Oak
Iconic vintage dutch design CU07 Cabinet by Cees Braakman for Pastoe
By Cees Braakman, Pastoe
Located in Meulebeke, BE
The Netherlands / CU07 cabinet / Pastoe / Cees Braakman / metal, teak / Vintage / Mid-century Highboard CU07 designed by the Dutch designer Cees Braakman in 1958 for Pastoe. This mo...
Metal
Arne Vodder Danish Teak Vanity Secretary Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Arne Vodder Danish Teak Vanity Secretary Desk Beautifully designed teak vanity secretary desk by Arne Vodder, a celebrated figure in Danish modern design. This multi-functional piec...
Teak
Retro Mid Century Teak Secretaire Bureau
Located in Leicester, GB
We can ship directly to you - please contact us with your country & postcode for an accurate delivery price. A cute retro teak bureau desk with thr...
Teak
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Cabinet Bookshelf Teak 1960's Denmark
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic, minimalist, open book case-cabinet by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for Søborg DK. Beautiful teak with dovetail joints and nice details. The teak has turned to a dar...
Teak
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Flip Top Secretary Desk
Located in Esperance, NY
For sale is this very nice vintage danish flip top desk.
Teak
A drop-front secretary desk in mahogany veneer - René-Jean Caillette - France
By Rene Gabriel, René-Jean Caillette, Pierre Guariche, Marcel Gascoin
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A beautiful drop-front secretary desk in mahogany veneer, designed by René-Jean Caillette for Rosier SNA furniture, stamped on the back and dating from the 1950s. This piece exemplif...
Wood
George Nelson Thin Edge Secretary Desk Cabinet for Herman Miller
Located in Lake Worth, FL
1950s original Thin Edge secretary desk cabinet designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. This early version features the rare black enamel stainless large pulls and tapered wood feet. Cabinet on the right includes an adjustable shelf and 2 drawers. Pull down desk is covered with black leather and features 5 drawers on the left side with original small white porcelain George Nelson drawer pulls...
Walnut
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Bleached Mahogany, Cane Secretary Bar Cabinet
By Paul McCobb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Mid Century Bleached Mahogany and Cane Secretary Bar Cabinet This secretary measures: 38 wide x 18 deep x 77 inches...
Cane, Mahogany
Model 63 Drop Front Teak Secretary Desk by Kai Kristiansen
By HNJ Møbler, Tørring Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Kai Kristiansen Manufacturer: HNJ Møbel / Tørring Møbelfabrik Era: 1960s Materials: Teak Measurements: 35" wide x 17" deep x 42.5" tall Condition: I...
Teak
Danish Modern Mummenthaler & Meier Style Teak Secretary Desk Cabinet
Located in Germantown, MD
A Mid Century Danish Modern Mummenthaler & Meier Style Teak Secretary Desk Cabinet . Measures 39.5" in width, 20.5" in depth and 40.25" in height. Knee clearance is 28.5 and pull out...
Teak
Midcentury Secretaire or Cabinet by František Mezulánik for UP Závody, 1960s
By Frantisek Mezulanik, Up Závody
Located in Praha, CZ
Rare mid-century secretaire/cabinet, made by František Mezulánik for UP Závody, in the 1960's. Made of wood. Cleaned, applied reviving oil, shows signs of age, overall in great shape.
Wood
Paolo Buffa Italian Mid-Century Brass Inlaid Secretary
By Giovanni Gariboldi, Paolo Buffa, Marelli & Colico
Located in Atlanta, GA
Paolo Buffa, Secretary, Italy c. 1948, Brass Intarsia by Giovanni Gariboldi, Manufactured by Marelli e Colico, Cantù. An exquisite and collectible Mid-Century secretary by esteemed ...
Brass
Bookcase/Secretary In Rosewood By Omann Junior From 1960s
By Omann Jun Møbelfabrik, Gunni Omann
Located in Lejre, DK
Omann Junior bookcase/secretary in rosewood. Danish design from the 1960s. — Origin: Denmark — Manufacturer: Omann Junior — Period: 1960s — Design: Danish design — Material: Rosewoo...
Rosewood
Mid-Century Swedish Teak Rolltop Secretary Desk by Egon Ostergaard
Located in Detroit, MI
This vintage mid-century Swedish modern Egon Ostergaard teak rolltop secretary desk cabinet was made in Sweden circa 1960. The classic Scandinavian modern design has clean, minimalis...
Wood, Teak
A rare wall-mounted secretary desk - 1950s French Reconstruction Style
By Roger Landault, Rene Gabriel, Pierre Guariche, Marcel Gascoin
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A rare 1950s wall-mounted secretary desk in the French Reconstruction style. Crafted from solid oak and oak veneer, this piece combines elegance and functionality. Its drop-down fron...
Oak
Italian Designer, Desk, Teak, Brass, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A teak and brass desk or secretaire designed and produced by an Italian Designer, Italy, 1940s.
Brass
Poul Hundevad Rosewood - Drop Desk - Wall Unit Bookcase
Located in Newfoundland, PA
Stunning rose wood book case or desk. Sliding door on the bottom with file draw and shelving. Two pieces. Top is shelves with a locked drop down desk on...
Wood
WALL CONSOLE, DRESSING TABLE Stainless steel France, 1970
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Wall-mounted console or dressing table, France, circa 1970, crafted in polished stainless steel. This sleek and elegant piece embodies the refined minimalism and bold materiality cha...
Stainless Steel
1950 Compact Home Office Desk in walnut and Blond Wood
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
1950 compact home office desk in walnut and blond wood. Original lamp. Interesting desk storage. 114 x 82 x 53 cm closed. 114 x 164 x 50 cm open.
Sycamore, Walnut
Erling Torvits Walnut Secretary Desk with Wave Front, Denmark, 1960s
Located in BERKEL EN RODENRIJS, NL
This elegant secretary desk was designed by Erling Torvits in Denmark in the 1960s. Crafted in beautiful natural walnut veneer, it features Torvits’ signature sculpted “wave” drawer ...
Walnut
Italian modern walnut wood archive cabinet with brass details, 1940s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern walnut wood archive cabinet with brass details, 1940s. Office filing cabinet in walnut wood with double column of drawers with brass details. 1940 ca. Good condition. ...
Brass
Danish Mid Century Teak Secretary Desk
Located in BERKEL EN RODENRIJS, NL
Beautiful Danish mid century modern secretary desk from the 1960s. Made of warm teak wood with a rich, lively grain and elegant proportions. The desk features a fold-down writing sur...
Teak
Oak Bureau with Ceramic Handles by Guillerme & Chambron, France, 1960s
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Guillerme et Chambron, 1960 secertary cabinet with ceramic handles by Boleslaw Danikowski. Votre Maison Edition. We can organize fast shipping fo...
Ceramic, Oak
Mid Century Swedish Teak Rolltop Secretary Desk by Egon Ostergaard
Located in Detroit, MI
This iconic vintage mid-century Swedish modern Egon Ostergaard teak cylinder rolltop secretary desk cabinet was made in Sweden circa 1960. The classic Scandinavian modern design has ...
Brass
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Mengel Drop Front Secretary Desk by Raymond Loewy
By Mengel Furniture Co., Raymond Lowey
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome vintage Mid-Century Modern Mengel drop front secretary desk by Raymond Loewy. Comprised of an oak case, cerused oak drawer fronts, and blac...
Metal
Beautiful Danish Teak Roll Top Secretary Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elegant Danish secretary desk crafted in teak, featuring a roll-top design with a sleek, streamlined silhouette. The piece offers ample storage with drawers and compartments, combini...
Teak
Original Asko Finnland Sekretär Midcentury Schreibtisch Vintage
By Asko
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen Vintage Sekretär mit Kommode von Asko Finnland aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Das Möbel besteht aus zwei Modulen, die aufeinander gestapelt sind...
Teak, Wood
Edward J Wormley for Dunbar / Janus Japanese Wood Block, Walnut, and Rosewood
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century two-section china cabinet / hutch with an upper walnut case with four rosewood cabinet fronts featuring inset Japanese wood blocks depicting pastoral scenes with adjacent...
Wood, Walnut, Rosewood
Italian Art Deco Secretary & Dry Bar with Wood Inlay, Circa 1940s
Located in Beirut, LB
A superb example of mid-century Italian craftsmanship, this "settimanale" style secretary cabinet (circa 1940) represents the transition from high Art Deco to Italian Modernism. Ofte...
Wood
Vintage Danish Modern Rosewood Secretary Desk
Located in Gardiner, NY
Authentic vintage mid century Danish / Scandinavian Modern rosewood secretary desk / dresser / chest of drawers / cabinet / sideboard. This piece is in excellent condition with very...
Rosewood
Italian Midcentury Secretary - Cabinet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
High lacquered secretary - cabinet
Brass
Rare Golden Lacquer and Brass Maison Jansen Secretary Cabinet 1970s
Located in Paris, IDF
An exciting example of French design firm Maison Jansen’s commissioned pieces. This secretary cabinet is made from solid mahogany, lacquered in a rich dark brown and bronze–golden fi...
Brass
Cees Braakman for Pastoe "P5" Jacaranda Wood Secretaire
By Cees Braakman, Pastoe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cees Braakman for Pastoe Jacaranda wood secretaire with drop down desk or dry bar and light with original wiring. Lightly refinished exterior ...
Metal
Paolo Buffa & Giovanni Gariboldi Inlaid Brass Secretary Cabinet c 1950, Restored
By Giovanni Garibaldi, Paolo Buffa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Experience the elegance of mid-20th century Italian craftsmanship with this beautifully restored secretary cabinet, crafted circa 1950. Designed by the renowned Italian artist Paolo Buffa (1903-1970), and featuring intricate brass intarsia by Giovanni Gariboldi (1908-1971), this piece is a testament to both artistry and functionality. The upper section is framed by glazed doors adorned with brass star inlays. Unlocking these doors reveals a burgundy velvet-lined interior with two fixed glass shelves. Above, a majestic brass-inlaid swan neck split-pediment design crowns the case. Opening the secretary desk door unveils a gorgeous fruitwood fitted interior accented with inlaid trim. A central brass crest with a working lock and decorated brass key adds a touch of security and sophistication. Flanked by three drawers on either side, each adorned with decorated brass knobs in similar style of Tommi Parzinger, the desk provides ample storage with its five central file dividers. The lower cabinet features a pair of finely reeded doors that open to reveal additional finished storage space. Supported by brass sabots, every detail of this secretary showcases exceptional craftsmanship and enduring beauty, making it a prized addition to any collection of fine furniture. The two parts can separate for easier transportation and shipping. There are brackets on the reverse that help to hold the top in place while in use. This Italian secretary cabinet...
Brass
Danish Modern Secretary Desk or Cabinet
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Danish Modern Secretary Desk with Pull out shelf. Small drawers on top and big drawers on bottom. Height of pull out desk is 29h
Wood
Sleek Danish Mid Century Modern Designer Secretary Desk
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Danish Design Danish glossy veneer secretary attributed Erling Torvits for Klim Møbelfabrik. This secretary has a hinged leaf that drops down and becomes a sturdy desktop. Inside the...
Wood
Rosewood and Iron Fall Front Secretary or Writing Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Fantastic marriage of styles with this Danish rosewood secretary desk. The top is traditional fall front, a clean lined somewhat dimure Scandinavian piece. It opens to reveal maple c...
Iron
Mid-Century Teak Secretary Desk with Drawers Gunnar Falsig by Falsig Mobler
Located in BERKEL EN RODENRIJS, NL
This elegant vintage secretary desk is made of warm teak wood and features a timeless mid-century modern design. It offers a practical and stylish combination of storage and workspac...
Glass, Teak
Mid-Century Modern Secretary Desk by Svenska Möbler, Birchwood, 1950
By SMF Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern Swedish secretary desk signed by the A.B. Svenska Moebel Fabrikerna (SMF), one of the largest furniture manufacture...
Birch, Jacaranda
Le Corbusier, P. Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand LC20 Casier Standard for Cassina
By Franco Albini, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the color, size and material of the piece. Casier designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand in 1925. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. The Casiers standard...
Metal
Modernist Pander Cabinet
Located in Dronten, NL
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern cabinet made by Pander & Zonen, renown Dutch manufacturer of high-end furniture in the first half of the 20th Century. Pander worked with important inter...
Ash
Wooden Mid-Century Modern Drop off Wall Secretaire Attributed to Marcel Gascoin
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Wooden wall secretaire with drop-off top desk, made in the 1950s. The design and workmanship of this secretaire is very reminiscent of the works of Marcel Gascoin made between 1949 ...
Metal
MCM Jack Van Der Molen Secretary Desk and Dresser for Vanleigh
By Jack Van der Molen, Vanleigh Furniture
Located in Medina, OH
MCM Jack Van Der Molen Secretary Desk and Dresser for Vanleigh. The first drawer pulls out as a writing desk, the second drawer is also narrow but is a regular drawer. There are also...
Oak
Gianfranco Frattini Mod. 804 Rolltop Desk
By Gianfranco Frattini, Bernini
Located in Munich, DE
Walnut writing desk model 804 designed in 1961 by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, Italy. Tambour top that hides small drawers and a pull out leather writing surface. Front side with...
Walnut
Italian Mahogany Secretaire Cabinet, 1950s
Located in Meda, MB
Precious cabinet secretaire produced in Italy in the 1950s, The whole cabinet is veneered in mahogany with a fine solid wood carving in the center of the two doors representing two b...
Mahogany, Maple
Erling torvits secretary desk in teak
By Klim Møbelfabrik, Erling Torvits
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Erling Torvits Manufacturer: Klim Møbelfabrik Era: 1961 Materials: Teak Measurements: 41" wide x 18.75" deep x 47.75" tall Condition: In excellent original...
Teak
Mid-Century Teak Rolltop Secretary Desk by Egon Ostergaard, 1960s
Located in Detroit, MI
This vintage mid-century Swedish modern Egon Ostergaard teak rolltop secretary desk cabinet was made in Sweden circa 1960. The classic Scandinavian modern design has clean, minimalis...
Wood, Teak
Pilastro Wall-Mounted Secretaire with Built-In Light — Dutch Mid-Century Modern
Located in Dronten, NL
A sleek and functional example of Dutch mid-century modern design, this Pilastro wall-mounted secretaire is crafted from white enameled steel, combining minimalist elegance with dura...
Steel
Gerrit Rietveld Unique Secretary Cabinet, Netherlands, 1940s
Located in Ghent, BE
Gerrit Rietveld (1888–1964) Vitrine Secretary Cabinet – Unique Piece Lacquered metal, glass, and lacquered wood Design circa 1940 Executed by Gerard A. van de Groenekan Bibliography:...
Metal
Chinoiserie Cabinet by Giambattista Gianotti, Unique piece
By Paolo Buffa, Serafino Arrighi
Located in Milano, IT
Rare chinoiserie cabinet with polychrome decorations made in Giambattista Gianotti's Officine Riunite d'Arte Decorativa (Room 116) for the II Biennial - Lombard Section - Room with Furniture and Stained Glass Windows of the Officine Riunite d'Arte Decorativa. Unique Exemplar. The extraordinary piece of furniture is dated 1925. The piece of furniture is an extraordinary example of great cabinet making and woodworking. In fact, these special features are denoted by the manic inlays inserted in the cabinet. The inlays are perfect even in its smallest elements. Its depictions are mainly ornaments and floral elements. These inlays are found on the crown of the cabinet, on the sides, and on the legs. The cabinet opens via two lockable doors. Inside we find great magic! We are greeted by numerous walnut wood drawers of various sizes that can be opened with wooden knobs. Each wooden door is finely carved with ornaments and natural elements such as flowers and birds. The two main doors inside are also finely carved. Let's call it a chinoiserie piece of furniture because of this element that contradicts it: the numerous cabinets inserted inside, where opening this piece of furniture looks like opening a secret chest...
Wood
Vintage Art Deco Oak Glazed Bookcase, 1930s
Located in South Shields, GB
A 1930s Art Deco oak bureau bookcase with beautiful tiger grain and warm colour throughout. The carved fall-front bureau opens to a fitted interior with pigeonholes and writing sur...
Oak
Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walnut Ash Desk Bureau Secretary, 1950s, Italy
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern vintage secretary desk bureau Ico Parisi style from walnut and ash veneers designed and manufactured 1950s Italy. The beauti...
Ash, Walnut
T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings, Widdicomb, Walnut, Highboy Secretary, USA, 1960s
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Manhasset, NY
T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings, Widdicomb, American Mid-Century Modern, Walnut, Highboy Secretary, USA, 1960s A walnut and glass highboy dresser designed by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings and produ...
Glass, Walnut
Rosewood Secretaire by Erling Torvits for Klim Mobelfabrik, 1960s
By Klim Møbelfabrik, Erling Torvits
Located in Breda, Netherlands
Danish Design Danish rosewood secretary designed by Erling Torvits for Klim Møbelfabrik. This secretary has a hinged leaf that drops down and becomes a sturdy desktop. Behind this le...
Rosewood
1960s Danish Modern Tall Wardrobe / Entry Piece / Hall Stand in Rosewood
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: Unknown Era: 1960s Dimensions: 35.5? wide x 12.5? deep x 71? tall Condition: In excellent original condition with some light vi...
Rosewood
1980s Bureau by Dyrlund
By Dyrlund
Located in Neuss, NW
Classic bureau from the 1980s. High-quality corpus in solid teak with four drawers, a pull-out work surface, five internal drawers, a tambour door, a shelf and many compartments. Q...
Teak
Console Table With Mirror in Brass mid-century design 1950s modernism
Located in Taranto, IT
1950S VINTAGE CONSOLE TABLE AND MIRROR MODERN DESIGN. Stunning mid-century console table, frame made entirely of wood and brass, with marble top. Mirror with brass frame. The item ...
Marble, Brass
Raymond Loewy for Mengel Fall-Front Walnut and Iron Secretary Cabinets
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American Mid-Century fall front secretary cabinets with light walnut cases and a front doors that open to create a desk surface and reveal a...
Metal, Iron
Luciano Frigerio Credenza Diamante, 1970's
Located in bari, IT
Mid-Century Modern 12-drawer Diamante chest of drawers is made of walnut and is decorated with a complex block pattern designed by Luciano Frigerio di Desio.
Walnut