Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
BRAZILIAN FURNITURE
More often than not, vintage mid-century Brazilian furniture designs, with their gleaming wood, soft leathers and inviting shapes, share a sensuous, unique quality that distinguishes them from the more rectilinear output of American and Scandinavian makers of the same era.
Commencing in the 1940s and '50s, a group of architects and designers transformed the local cultural landscape in Brazil, merging the modernist vernacular popular in Europe and the United States with the South American country's traditional techniques and indigenous materials.
Key mid-century influencers on Brazilian furniture design include natives Oscar Niemeyer, Sergio Rodrigues and José Zanine Caldas as well as such European immigrants as Joaquim Tenreiro, Jean Gillon and Jorge Zalszupin. These creators frequently collaborated; for instance, Niemeyer, an internationally acclaimed architect, commissioned many of them to furnish his residential and institutional buildings.
The popularity of Brazilian modern furniture has made household names of these designers and other greats. Their particular brand of modernism is characterized by an émigré point of view (some were Lithuanian, German, Polish, Ukrainian, Portuguese, and Italian), a preference for highly figured indigenous Brazilian woods, a reverence for nature as an inspiration and an atelier or small-production mentality.
Hallmarks of Brazilian mid-century design include smooth, sculptural forms and the use of native woods like rosewood, jacaranda and pequi. The work of designers today exhibits many of the same qualities, though with a marked interest in exploring new materials (witness the Campana Brothers' stuffed-animal chairs) and an emphasis on looking inward rather than to other countries for inspiration.
Find a collection of vintage Brazilian furniture on 1stDibs that includes chairs, sofas, tables and more.
47
19
1
to
6
17
14
67
50
55
43
10
1
1
1
45
20
40
4
9
15
3
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
64
26
22
12
6
7,682
5,651
1,542
1,313
1,297
12
10
8
4
3
Place of Origin: Brazilian
Large Black Desk Files Drawers, Wood Metal, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Style
By Atelier BAM
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Marajoara desk with drawers and files (optional) is a study on Mid-Century Modern utilitarian furniture, with Brazilian Native Arte Reference.
I...
Category
2010s Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Lia S Desk Freijo Wood
By Gisela Simas
Located in Rio de Janeiro, BR
A desk table that has everything you need handily available, lining up practicality and beauty. The Lia S is a perfect work station or even a dressing table. With several compartment...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Faux Leather
Large Jacaranda Executive Desk by Jorge Zalszupin by L'Atelier San Paulo, 1960
By Jorge Zalszupin, L'Atelier San Paulo
Located in Dronten, NL
Beautiful large desk designed by Jorge Zalszupin, manufactured by L’Atelier San Paulo, circa 1960.
Made of high quality jacaranda wood. The desk has four drawers with very well craf...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Jacaranda
Brazilian Mid-Century Foldable Desk in Hardwood by Jorge Zalszupin, c. 1970s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
Available today, with domestic shipping in the NYC metro area included, this Brazilian Mid-Century Foldable Desk in Hardwood by Jorge Zalszupin, c. 1970s, is nothing less than gorgeo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Joaquim Tenreiro, Desk, Jacaranda, Brazil, 1960s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in High Point, NC
A jacaranda desk designed by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1960s.
Designed and produced for Bloch Editores S.A. Building, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Jacaranda
Desk
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Barra Funda, SP
Beautiful large desk designed by Jorge Zalszupin, manufactured by L’Atelier San Paulo, circa 1960. Made of high quality jacaranda wood. The desk has three drawers with very well craf...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Jacaranda
The Chiquita desk with 8 drawers in Brazilian sollid wood
By Amilcar Oliveira
Located in São Paulo, SP
The Chiquita desk features smooth and delicate lines. In this version, it has 8 drawers with natural cane fronts and brass handles, giving it a nostalgic and romantic touch. Availabl...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Desk by Celina Decorações, Solid Rosewood, Brazilian Midcentury, 1960s
By Celina Decoracoes
Located in New York, NY
Brazilian company Celina Decorações, based in Rio de Janeiro, signed one of the most modern lines of Brazilian furniture in the 1960s.
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Sergio Rodrigues Brazilian Modern Rosewood Executive Desk, c 1960s, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exotic Brazilian Rosewood 'Clara' executive desk by Sergio Rodrigues, circa 1960s, features beautifully grained Jacaranda Rosewood, signature trestle base with four drawers. The...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Jorge Zalszupin Directors desk, Brazil 1960s
By Jorge Zalszupin, L’Atelier
Located in Brussels, BE
In 1960, Jorge Zalszupin designed and manufactured this large desk as part of the Componivel Series at his own company, L’ Atelier, located in Brazil. Its outer framing runs along th...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
"Volpi" writing desk with drawer in natural Brazilian wood, office table
By Alessandra Delgado
Located in Alto da Lapa, SP
Alfredo Volpi is a Brazilian painter who, throughout his career, experimented with geometric shapes, especially variations on flag shapes. The Volpi desk is inspired by the geometric...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak, Walnut
Contemporary Handcrafted Office Desk in Tropical Hardwood by Leo Strauss
By Leo Strauss
Located in Atibaia, BR
In essence, between form and function, the minimalist design of the UMa Writing Desk considered all the necessary features to ensure the practicality that a workspace table requires....
Category
2010s Scandinavian Modern Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Hardwood, Cedar
1960's Brazilian Desk Model « 1015 » by Geraldo de Barros Manufactured by Unilab
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in New York, NY
The Model 1015 desk by Geraldo de Barros is a unique and special piece of furniture, distinguished by its innovative use of materials, minimalist design, and the artistic vision of ...
Category
1960s Vintage Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Desk by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Desk by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Carlo Hauner's Mid-Century Modern Personal Use Desk in Caviúna Wood and Iron
By Carlo Hauner
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This desk was where Carlo Hauner designed, at the beginning of the 1950's, several of his incredible and numerous autoral furniture for both Móveis Artesanal and Forma. Acquired dire...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
Rosewood Desk by Joaquim Tenreiro, Bloch Editors, 1960s, Brazilian Midcentury
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
This exquisitely crafted Rosewood Desk designed by Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992) belonged to BLOCH EDITORES S.A. BUILDING, a Brazilian publisher founded in 1952 and closed in 2000, wh...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Black Desk with Drawer, Wood and Metal Legs, Brazil Mid-Century Modern Designer
By Atelier BAM
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Marajoara design desk with drawers is a study in Mid-Century Modern utilitarian and luxury furniture, featuring minimalist details and inspired by Brazilian native art. The design reflects the pure heritage of Brazilian modernist furniture; created by the designers at Atelier BAM Design, and represented by the Firma Casa design gallery.
The luxury modern design style is one of the most influential movements in contemporary Brazilian design. Among the main names of modernist designers are Lina Bo Bardi, Vilanova Artigas...
Category
2010s Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Architectural Desk in Iron and Wood, by Unilabor, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Unilabor
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Unilabor was an important Brazilian furniture manufacturer during the mid-20th century, particularly known for its modernist designs and social business model. Founded in São Paulo b...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Steel
Desk in Solid Hardwood, by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This side desk is a mid-20th century Brazilian furniture piece designed by Sergio Rodrigues, made with Freijó wood. Freijó is a type of timber that is often used in Brazilian furnitu...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Desk by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern wooden desk by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s
4 Drawers.
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Dança Desk
By Estúdio Mais Alma, Gabriela Campos
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
The Desk Dança is a reinterpretation of the work “A Dança” by Henri Matisse, one of the most innovative artists of the century. XX. It is believed that the idea for the composition a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Desk by Joaquim Tenreiro, 1966
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Barcelona, ES
Desk
Created for the offices of Bloch Editores, Sao PAulo
Brazil, 1966
Jacaranda (rosewood) wood
Measurements
145 cm x 70 cm x 75h cm
57 in x 27,55 in x 29,52h in
Details
Paqule of...
Category
1960s Vintage Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Jacaranda, Rosewood
Office Desk model “Square” by Joaquim Tenreiro, 1966
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Barcelona, ES
Office Desk model "Square"
Manufactured by Tenreiro Moveis e Decoraçao
Brazil, 1966
Jacaranda, Glass
Measurements
100 cm x 100 cm x 76h cm
39,3 in x 39,3 in x 29,9h in
Detail
This ...
Category
1960s Vintage Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass, Jacaranda
Rare Small Desk for Bloch, by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This writing table by Joaquim Tenreiro is a paragon of Brazilian mid-century modernism, distinguished by its sleek geometry, graceful proportions, and a seamless blend of time-honore...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
The Chiquita Desk. Brazilian Solid Wood and Natural Straws.
Located in São Paulo, SP
The Chiquita writing desk features smooth and delicate lines, with 4 drawers featuring fronts made of natural wicker and brass handles that impart a nostalgic and romantic feel to th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Straw, Wood
Lounger and ottoman "Alta" by Oscar Niemeyer / Authentic
By Oscar Niemeyer
Located in Zürich, CH
Sculptural qualities define these objects. A vivid dynamic between the different volumes and surfaces, showing different qualities from different angles. Their expressive form offers...
Category
1970s Modern Vintage Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
The Square Desk. Brazilian Solid Wood Writing Table Design by Amilcar Oliveira
Located in São Paulo, SP
The Square Desk was inspired by the design of Brazilian modern furniture from the 1950s and 1960s, featuring straight lines and Indian straw weaving. It's delicate and highly comfort...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Straw, Wood
Desk with Painted Glass Top, Joaquim Tenreiro for Bloch Editors, Mid-Century
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Elevate your space with this exquisitely crafted rosewood desk, a masterpiece designed by the legendary Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992). This splendid piece once graced the interior of ...
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass, Hardwood
Campana Brothers Desk and Chair Assimetrica Collection
By Campana Brothers
Located in Curitiba, PR
The brothers Humberto and Fernando Campana are among the most acclaimed creators in the world and are certainly the most famous names in Brazil when it comes to design. The duo combi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Plywood
Mid-Century Modern Desk by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
The desk is made with Brazilian rosewood, also known as jacaranda, with a rosewood veneer. The hardwood has been expertly refinished, displaying vibrant wood veins. The desk features...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Jorge Zalszupin For L'atelier, Brazil, 1960s Imbuia Console
By Jorge Zalszupin, L'Atelier San Paulo
Located in London, GB
An original 1960s L'atelier console table designed by Jorge Zalszupin, Brazil.
This versatile console table also works as a small desk.
It has his iconic patchwork pattern Imbuia wo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Imbuia
Mid-Century Modern Desk with Armchair by Geraldo de Barros for Unilabor, Brazil
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Brazilian Modern desk with Chair designed by Geraldo de Barros for Unilabor in the 50s is nothing less than spectacular!
The desk is made with Brazilian rosewo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Little Box for SESC Pompeia by Lina Bo Bardi , 2022, Marcenaria Baraúna
By Lina Bo Bardi
Located in Edogawa-ku Tokyo, JP
Design：Lina Bo Bardi, Marcelo Ferraz, André Vainer
Material：Solid Pine, Melamine laminate, with casters
Designed by Lina Bo Baldi in 1986, this children's desk was created for insta...
Category
1880s Mid-Century Modern Antique Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Moema desk
By Studio Volanti
Located in São Paulo, SP
The home office is here to stay. More and more we need an appropriate place to work and a dedicated desk for this helps to maintain concentration, focus and to do a quality work. Wit...
Category
2010s Other Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Mid-Century Modern Desk & Chair in Hardwood & Iron by Geraldo de Barros, Brazil
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in New York, NY
This Brazilian Modern desk and chair set by Geraldo de Barros for Unilabor is nothing less than spectacular.
The desk is made with Brazilian rosewood (also known as jacaranda) and ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
The Bi Writing Desk. Handcrafted from solid jequitibá and imbuia wood.
Located in São Paulo, SP
The Bi writing desk brings modernity and lightness combined with a classic touch. It's crafted from solid jequitibá and imbuia woods and features a movable storage compartment that c...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
The Square desk with 3 Drawers. Brazilian Solid wood and Straw.
Located in São Paulo, SP
The Square Desk was inspired by the design of Brazilian modern furniture from the 1950s and 1960s, featuring straight lines and Indian straw weaving. It's delicate and highly comfort...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Straw, Wood
Rosewood Desk by Joaquim Tenreiro, Bloch Editors, Brazilian Midcentury, 1965
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
This bloch desk was designed by Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992), the “father” of Brazilian modernism, in 1965. The desk offers an interplay of rosewood tones and its elegance is complem...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Desk by Jean Gillon, Brazil, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Desk by Jean Gillon, Brazil, 1960s
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Table by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1950
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in PARIS, FR
A Dining table by Joaquim Tenreiro made of solid Imbuia with beautiful grain and veins.
A wide solid wood border underlines the modernity of the lines.
The table can be use as a ...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Rosewood Desk Brazilian Midcentury Design by Joaquim Tenreiro, 1960s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Original condition.
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
The Square Desk, Square Armchair, Carbonized Finish with Shou Sugi Ban, Japanese
Located in São Paulo, SP
The Square Desk was inspired by the design of Brazilian modern furniture from the 1950s and 1960s, featuring straight lines and Indian straw weaving. It's delicate and highly comfortable for everyday use, seamlessly blending functionality and elegance. The wood's ebonization is achieved through the Japanese technique of charred wood known as shou sugi ban. Crafted from solid freijó wood and adorned with a drawer featuring natural Indian straw.
About the designer:
Amilcar Oliveira hails from São Paulo, the capital city. He studied Radio and TV at ECA-USP and worked as a director at production companies like Sentimental Filmes and Your Mamma. Currently, he's part of the directorial roster at Mixer. In parallel, he studied carpentry at the Cosi de Legno school under Piero Calò, carrying on the teachings he received from his father and grandfather, who were both carpenters deeply passionate about this craft. Amidst the pandemic, he created his debut piece, the Square Armchair...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Straw, Wood
Rare 1970's Jorge Zalszupin L'atelier Space-Age Plastic Desk
By Jorge Zalszupin, L'Atelier San Paulo
Located in Norwalk, CT
Rarely seen and even more rarely available Space-Age molded plastic desk manufactured by L'atelier, São Paulo, Brazil. Design attributed to Jorge Z...
Category
1970s Space Age Vintage Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Mais, Desk by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Mais - Desk by Alva Design
Materials: Wood, MDF, Formica, Leather details
Dimensions: 190 x 87 x 74 cm
ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, form...
Category
2010s Modern Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
Mid-CenturyModern Desk in Hardwood by Jorge Zalszupin for L’atelier, c. 1960s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Mid-Century Modern Desk in Hardwood by Jorge Zalszupin for L’Atelier in the sixties is stunning!
This beautiful desk is made in solid Brazilian Rosewood, known as Jacaranda and has two floating drawers with metal handles. The smooth wood patterns on the top of table are called “Acortinado” or “Curtain” as they resemble theatre curtains. The piece has been refinished and is in excellent condition.
These desks were conceived to attend Brazil’s growing market of office furniture. The last images showcase how the modular pieces where conceived. We also have file cabinets and armchairs from the same collection in case of interest. The desk would look wonderful in a Mid-Century Modern or contemporary styled environment.
In regards the author Jorge Zalszupin (1 June 1922 – 17 August 2020) was a Polish-born Brazilian architect and designer who founded L’Atelier, in São Paulo, beginning with craftwork and soon after, to the production in series.
His work as an architect created a demand for decoration and furniture proposals that suited the style of his projects and, for many years, Zalszupin designed and executed them for his clients. The demand was as great as the desire to grow and expand his business, and he then decided to start L’Atelier Móveis in November 1959.
Graceful lines, strong use of local woods and a combination of impeccable woodworking and classical detailing mark Zalszupin’s furniture. He became part of a select team of talented furniture designers, who worked closely with Oscar Niemeyer on the conception and production of furniture for the new Federal capital.
A significant part of Zalszupin's furniture production is tributary to his architecture. He used new design language and tendencies, while maintaining a functional view of Ambience for internal spaces. L’Atelier was a design collective of architects, engineers, craftsmen, and a full-scale team of professionals that did everything from researching materials to finalizing the product.
Jorge Zalszupin has developed some of the most iconic models in Brazilian Modern furniture and has grown a lot in popularity in the last few years. The “Petala” Coffee table, “Paulistana” armchair or the “Brasiliana” sofa...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Midcentury Modern Desk in Hardwood & White Top by Jorge Zalszupin, 1970
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Brazilian Modern desk in Light hardwood designed by Jorge Zalszupin for L’Atelier, is gorgeous!
The desk is made of Caviuna hardwood and Formica finishes. It has 6 floating drawers and 2 more in the left side. The top of the desk is very spacious as well as the drawers. It has been refinished and besides the marks of age, the piece is in wonderful condition. The last images showcase the desk in L’Atelier’s product catalogue and spec sheet.
This piece belonged to the Hotel...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Formica, Hardwood
Rosewood Desk with Painted Glass Top by Joaquim Tenreiro, Bloch Editors, 1960s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
This exquisitely crafted rosewood desk designed by Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992) belonged to Bloch Editores S.A. Building, a Brazilian publisher founded in 1952 and closed in 2000, wh...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood, Glass
1970's Midcentury Modern Desk in Tubular Chrome & Wood Leaf by Geraldo Barros
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in New York, NY
This Brazilian Modern desk has a chromed tubular metal base with top and drawers in agglomerated wood and Jacaranda (Brazilian rosewood) leaf. It...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Dining Table in Tubular Chrome & Wood by Geraldo Barros, 1970
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this midcentury dining table with chrome tubular base and wood leaf is a showstopper! The wood has been refinished, the metal cleaned up and the overall piece is in excellent condition. The table fits 6-8 people comfortably.
This piece has all the fun aspects of a true bold Mid-Century Modern piece -- clean, angular swooping lines that give the piece an almost googie look that is unmistakably Mid-Century Modern.
This table effortlessly flexes into any Mid-Century Modern, modern, Danish modern or contemporary environment. This piece would also look wonderful in a boho chic, chinoiserie, or Hollywood Regency styled home or office as well.
This table was found in a private office in Curitiba (the capital of Parana, a southern state in Brazil) where all the furniture was from Geraldo de Barros for Hobjeto.
About the author: Geraldo de Barros (1923-1998) was one of the key players of the Modernist movement in Brazil in the 1950s. Originally a painter close to the European avant-garde and the Pioneer of abstract photography in Brazil in the 1940s (his works are part of the MoMa collection), Geraldo de Barros went to furniture-making in the early 1950s, seeking a more popular artform that would make his work available to a larger audience - which was more or less the IDEA behind the Bauhaus movement. In 1954, he founded the company Unilabor with a Dominican priest and skilled tradesmen. Unilabor was run by its employees and all benefits shared between them, thus becoming the first communitarian business in Modern Brazil history. Unilabor grew quickly to become one of the most important furniture companies in the country, but internal disputes led to the end of the company in 1967.
In 1964, De Barros went on to found in association with Aloísio Bione another furniture design company called Hobjeto. After Unilabor, Hobjeto was a more capitalistic project but without losing his constructive characteristics. Until his retirement in 1989, de Barros designed and projected in-numerous furniture lines in this Industrial manner. He even built a personal workshop in the factory to project and create his last painting series in Formica. The furniture and the paintings are finally created using the same techniques.
Literature:
• Vintage ads...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Bodil Kjaer for E Pedersen & Son MCM Brazilian Rosewood and Chrome Desk
By E. Pedersen & Søn, Bodil Kjaer
Located in Countryside, IL
Bodil Kjaer for E. Pedersen & Son Mid Century Brazilian Rosewood and Chrome Desk
This desk measures: 72.75 wide x 38 deep x 28.75 high, with a chair clearance of 24.25 inches
All p...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Jorge Zalszupin Folding Desk by L'atelier Brazil 1959
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Folding desk designed by Jorge Zalszupin and manufactured by his own company L’Atelier, Brazil 1959. As Zalszupin gained more and more momentum with his practice during the early and...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Faux Leather, Rosewood
Minimalist Brazilian Handcrafted Peroba Desk ''Cantilever'' by Dimitrih Correa
By Dimitrih Correa
Located in Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro
Cantilever is a minimal working desk designed to offer great usability and pleasure.
The aesthetics proposes a clean approach by using a cantilever system to hold the table surfac...
Category
2010s Minimalist Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Minimalist Brazilian Handcrafted Desk ''Glória'' by Dimitrih Correa
By Dimitrih Correa
Located in Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro
Glória is a minimal working desk designed to offer great usability and pleasure.
The aesthetics proposes a clean yet strong approach using the classic trestle structural system.
Th...
Category
2010s Minimalist Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Rosewood Desk by Unilabor, Geraldo de Barros C. 1954, Brazilian Mid-Century
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in New York, NY
This desk was produced by the pioneer company Unilabor, with components designed by Geraldo de Barros (1923-1998). Its iron structure supports a top and drawers covered with Formica ...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
Brazilian Wood and Copper Desk with Drawers, Mid Century Brazilian Modern
By Atelier BAM
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Marajoara desk with drawer is a study upon Mid Century Modern utilitarian furniture, with Brazilian Native Arte Reference.
The modern design style is one of the most influential movements in contemporary Brazilian design. Among the main names of modernist designers are Lina Bo Bardi, Vilanova Artigas, Oscar Niemeyer, and a few others; giving a legacy maintained by contemporary architects like Isay Weinfeld...
Category
2010s Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Copper
Minimalist Brazilian Handcrafted Freijó Desk ''Cantilever'' by Dimitrih Correa
By Dimitrih Correa
Located in Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro
Cantilever is a minimal working desk designed to offer great usability and pleasure.
The aesthetics proposes a clean approach by using a cantilever system to hold the table surface....
Category
2010s Minimalist Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Joaquim Tenreiro Brazilian Desk
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Washington, DC
Beautiful Brazilian wooden desk by Brazilian master Joaquim Tenreiro, also known as the "Mestre de Madeira" (Master of Wood), because of his skill and artisanal approach to woodwork.
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
'Nido' Mid-Century Modern style Desk in Brazilian Hardwood by Knót Artesanal
By Knót Artesanal
Located in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro
Nido desk is comprised of an ample work area and a slim drawer all enclosed by delicate slats and suspended upon four slender legs. The offset drawer pull breaks the symmetry of the ...
Category
2010s Minimalist Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Read More
This 19th-Century Gilded Desk Displays a Fanciful Kingdom in Marquetry
The stately piece brings both gravitas and whimsy to any work space.
Ask an Interior Designer: Work-from-Home Edition
Leaping into a design project, whether it's refreshing the bedroom or redoing the whole house, can be overwhelming. Luckily, we know more than a few interior designers. You asked questions on Instagram, and now they're answering.
18 Home Offices for Workaholic Design-Lovers
Proof that working from home is a perk.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Large Executive Desk
6 Leg Desk
Antique Greek Desk
Black Painted Writing Desk
Carved Wooden Antique Desk
Large Library Desk
Writing Desk With Casters
Antique Georgian Writing Desk
Black Louis Xv Table
Flat Top Office Desk
Mahogany Standing Desk
Old Steel Desk
Antique Swedish Writing Desk
Antique Wooden Writing Desk
Bureau Table Vintage
Double Sided Tables With Drawers
French Louis Xvi Style Bureau
Lady Desk