Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe mid-century modern American 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.
Postwar American architects and designers were animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist “International Style” architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the ’30s 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, respectively, pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair. George Nelson and his design team created Bubble lamp shades using a new translucent polymer skin. Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were re-purposed: the Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs that used surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century 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, blonde-wood furniture — and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
As the collection of vintage mid-century modern American furniture 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
Black Desk Files Drawers, Wood and 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.
In tribute to Lina Bo Bardi's design, ...
Category
2010s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
21st Century Art Deco Style Castelo Console Handcrafted Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Cartaxo, PT
21st Century Contemporary Art Deco Style Castelo Console Macassar Ebony Dark Green Leather Handcrafted in Europe by Greenapple
Castelo console table embodies the numerous castles th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Onyx, Travertine, Marble, Carrara Marble, Brass, Steel
Black Desk with Drawer, Wood and Metal Legs, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Style
By Atelier BAM
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Marajoara desk with drawers is a study on Mid-Century Modern utilitarian furniture, with Brazilian Native Arte Reference. By Atelier BAM Design.
In tribute to Lina Bo Bardi's design...
Category
2010s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Jean Prouvé Compas Direction Desk in Natural Oak and Black Metal for Vitra
By Vitra, Jean Prouvé
Located in Glendale, CA
Jean Prouvé compas direction desk in natural oak and black metal for Vitra. Originally designed in 1953, Prouvé's iconic desk is based the design on the structural principles for whi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Mid-Century American Desk
Located in Houston, TX
Desk is made out of palisander wood. Table top is reupholstered with brown cowhide. There is wide drawer for files on the left side and smaller drawer on the right. Desk is elevated ...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Milo Baughman for Drexel Perspective Mindoro and Leather Desk
By Milo Baughman, Drexel
Located in Miami, FL
A stunning example of the rare Mid-Century Modern floating top desk from the Perspective collection Milo Baughman designed for Drexel in 1951. Of gleaming and exotic Mindoro wood imp...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Copper
Italian Manufacture, 1960 writing desk in Wood and Light Blue Formica Top
Located in Milan, IT
1960s desk, Italian manufacture in wood and light blue formica top.
It is a mid-century table/writing desk.
The desk has a rectangular structure with a central drawer in wood.
The ta...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Formica, Wood
Vintage Traditional Spanish Writing Desk in Oak Wood, circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Vintage traditional Spanish American writing desk.
By unknown manufacturer from Spain, circa 1940.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preservin...
Category
1940s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Mid Century Design Desk in Oak
Located in Brussels , BE
Mid century design Desk in oak
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Arco Sidedesk 'arredamenti metallici serie' by B.B.P.R. Studio for Olivetti
By Studio BBPR, Olivetti
Located in Munster, NRW
Sidedesk/desk made of metal panels on angled legs, adjustable hexagonal feet in black and a chest of five drawers on rails in light gray / beige plastic, which is in a good vintage c...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Studio BBPR for Olivetti 'Spazio' Desk with Drawers
By Studio BBPR, Olivetti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Studio BBPR for Olivetti, 'Spazio' desk with drawers, steel, vinyl, plastic, Italy, ca. 1960
The desk features two compartments of drawers. A purple vinyl tabletop combines wonderf...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Carpett Desk by Jaime Tresserra, circa 1987
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Wooden folding desk designed by Jaime Tresserra, circa 1987.
Manufactured by Tresserra Design in Spain, circa 1987.
Made of walnut wood.
In good original condition, with min...
Category
1980s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Walnut
1970s Modernist Table by Knoll
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rectangular stainless steel framed dining table/ desk with a white marble top. Two tables could be placed end to end to make one continuous 120" dining / work experience.
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Chrome, Steel
Graphic Formica and Chrome Thonet Table or Desk
By Thonet
Located in Echt, NL
Very nice Thonet Formica table.
This table is ideal as a compact dining table or writing desk.
Marked with manufacturers label.
Chromed metal Eiffel base.
Light grey Formica top ...
Category
20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Ralph Lauren "ZITA" Sidetable or Desk by Allison Palladin for Ralph Lauren
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Plainview, NY
Ralph Lauren "ZITA" side table or desk by Allison Palladin for Ralph Lauren. The Zita side table by Ralph Lauren is a stunning, versatile piece that will lend artistic beauty and tim...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Rare Flush Front Burled Walnut Campaign Desk in the syle of Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
A very fine Campaign desk by West Michigan Furniture, in the style of Milo Baughman, in burled walnut, X-base legs with bronze finish. Unlike other models, this design features drawe...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Le Corbusier LC16 Writing Wood Desk and Shelve by Cassina
By Cassina, Le Corbusier
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Writing desk designed by Le Corbusier in 1957. Relaunched in 2010.
Manufactured by Cassina in Italy.
Defying the laws of physics, going beyond what we normally understand by the ...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Desk and Chair, circa 1960
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A formica desk and chair, circa 1960.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Formica
Danish Modern Executive Rosewood Desk
Located in Burbank, CA
Stunning Danish modern executive rosewood desk manufactured and designed in Denmark, circa 1960s. This desk has a cantilever design which stands out for the Brazilian rosewood used f...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Bodil Kjær Office Desk Table, Wood and Steel by Karakter
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Table designed by Bodil Kjær in 1959.
We are proud to present our first design from a Danish designer. In this case, Danish architect, professor, and designer, Bodil Kjær. The ic...
Category
2010s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Guillerme & Chambron Free-Standing Corner Desk in Stained Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison, corner desk, stained oak, France, 1960s.
Corner desk by French designer duo Guillerme and Chambron. This executive desk shows the fine craft...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Italian Mid-Century Small Writing Desk by Vittorio Dassi, 1950s
By Vittorio Dassi, Dassi
Located in Brussels , BE
Italian mid-century small writing desk by Vittorio Dassi, 1950s.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Mid Century Italian Executive Desk
Located in Countryside, IL
Mid century Italian executive desk
The desk measures: 86.5 wide x 33.5 deep x 30 high, with a chair clearance of 26 inches
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call r...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Enzo Mari Style Sculptural Solid Wood and Glass Desk, Italy, 1970s
Located in Naples, IT
Removable solid wood desk, with shaped glass shelf from the 1970s.
Original furniture by the Arch. Nicola Pagliara, Neaples
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass, Wood
Unusual Oval Shape Walnut Partners Extra Deep Desk Long Metal Stip Shape Pulls
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice American Mid Century Modern Half Oval near organic shape desk. Nice sharp looking stripe shape pulls.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Gio Ponti Vanity Console Desk Formica from Hotel Parco Dei Principi, Roma, 1964
Located in Rome, IT
Rare vanity dressing table designed by Gio Ponti for the rooms of the Hotel Parco dei Principi in Roma
manufactured by Giordano Chiesa, 1964.
Two drawers.
Aash, laminate, nickel-p...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Laminate, Ash
Desk by Guido Faleschini for i4Mariani, Distributed by Pace, Italy C. 1979
Located in Jersey City, NJ
*SUMMER SALE*
Price includes the adjoining table shown in the listing
"Elite" Series desk designed by Guido Faleschini for I4Mariani distributed by Pace Collection wrapped in origin...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather
1954, Coen de Vries for Devo Wooden Writing Desk with Red Drawer and Formica Top
By Wim Rietveld
Located in IJMuiden, NL
Beautiful designed, original little writing desk in wood with X-base, red colored drawer and formica top. Coen de Vries is among the Dutch pioneers of Industrial Design Many of Coen ...
Category
1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Formica, Wood, Paint
Heywood Wakefield Rattan & Maple Writing Desk & Low Back Chair by Sovereign Furn
Located in Topeka, KS
Awesome vintage Heywood Wakefield rattan and maple writing desk that we have paired with a low back rattan chair with a tweed fabric seat by Sovereign Furniture. Beautiful condition,...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Fabric, Rattan, Maple
19th Century Antique Architects Metamorphic Writing Desk
Located in STOKE ON TRENT, GB
Architects table
Erly 19th century architects writing mahogany desk, the top with central leather inset panel rising on ratchet support, and two hinged end panels.
When you lif...
Category
19th Century European Antique Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Midcentury Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk Blonde Maple Finish Ring Pulls
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1560 double drawer desk blonde maple finish with aluminum ring pull knobs solid maple. Desk has been professional refinished. Very beautiful desi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Augusto Savini for Pozzi Drop Leaf Gate Leg Desk with Matching Pamplona Chair
By Pozzi, Augusto Savini
Located in Chicago, IL
Uncommon desk form to come across. Original ivory white lacquer over wood with leather insets. Pozzi label attached. 3 drawers with locks (no keys included-should be easy to replace ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather
Gio Ponti Style Mid-Century Modern Italian Teak Desk, Italy, 1960
Located in Madrid, ES
Mid-Century Modern Italian desk made entirely of teak wood. It is made up of a Gio Ponti-style diagonal geometric structure, a work surface and two open storage compartments on each ...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
1960's Vintage Dressing Table by Richard Hornby
Located in London, GB
A stylish and extremely rare vintage modular dressing table / desk. This was made in England, it was designed by Richard Hornby for Heals as part of the Fyne Ladye range.
Designed a...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Mid Century Desk by Cees Braakman
Located in London, GB
A bich veneered desk by Cees Braakman.
The Netherland, Circa 1950.
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Birch
Peter Lovig Nielsen Teak Desk for Dansk Danish Mid-Century
By Lovig Dansk
Located in Esperance, NY
Peter Lovig Nielsen teak desk for Dansk Danish mid-century. I have 5 matching desks available.
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
French Midcentury Modern Neoclassical Ebony Sycamore Desk by Leon Jallot, 1936
Located in New York, NY
Important Late French Art Deco / Mid-century Modern Neoclassical double level writing table / desk in Ebonized solid Sycamore by Leon Jallot, 1936. The piece is composed of the upper...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Sycamore
De Coene Writing Desk with Drawers in Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Coene, writing desk with drawers, oak, the Netherlands, 1960s
The design of this desk illustrates a strong and solid construction in oak. This is realized by the sharp and clear ...
Category
1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Glass Top Bamboo Desk/Table
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Glass top bamboo desk/table.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bamboo, Glass
French 1950s Rectangular Solid Walnut Table
Located in Long Island City, NY
French midcentury rectangular solid walnut dining table.
Dimensions of the benches are H 17"7/8 x W 54"3/4 x D 9"1/2 /10"1/4.
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Gio Ponti Table in Oak and Brass from Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Montecatini Terme, IT
Table from Banca Nazionale del Lavoro with a structure in oak wood, top in Formica and brass details. In the style of Gio Ponti. Italian manufacture, 1950s.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Osvaldo Borsani Executive Desk for Tecno, Italy, 1954
Located in Ghent, BE
This walnut desk with brushed bases has three drawers and has the techno label
The top is in a beautiful fully restored condition.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
1960’s Mid Century Knee Hole Teak Desk
Located in London, GB
A minimally designed English desk following mid century danish design.
2 drawers with discreet pulls either side of knee hole. Warm hued teak throughout.
Size
Width 150cm x dep...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Teak Wood Desk, Italy, 1950
Located in Madrid, ES
1950's original modern desk composed of a table and 2 drawers module made of teak wood over a black lacquered steel structure with brass details on legs.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass, Steel
Guillerme & Chambron School Desk with Ceramic Tiles
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron, school desk, oak and ceramic, France, 1960s.
School desk by French designer duo Guillerme and Chambron. This desk holds the characteristic decorations and lin...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ceramic, Oak
70s Pine Wooden 4 Drawer Desk
Located in Amstelveen, Noord
Rare and beautiful pine ladys desk with 4 drawers in typical 1970s orange style. The table top has two 'hiddend' tabletops that are to extend from the table top. Rare and very nice t...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Oak Maker's Desk by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Maker's desk is made of American walnut or white oak and has three push-to-open drawers. The case rests on a matte black powder-coated base, and features perforated steel detail ...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Rosso Francia Marble & Metal Desk in the Style of Garouste E Bonetti, 1950s
Located in Chicago, IL
A French 1950s desk in the style of Garouste E Bonetti featuring a rectangular Rosso Francia marble tabletop with stunning coral and gray patterns. This desk has a sculptural metal f...
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Metal
Preben Fabricius and Jorgen Kastholm Executive
Located in Grenoble, FR
Preben Fabricius and Jorgen Kastholm executive desk
An executive desk made of rosewood and chrome-plated steel.
Wood in perfect condition
Dimensions
H 27.125 in. x W 70.75 in. x ...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Pace Style Mid-Century Walnut Lucite and Brass Desk
Located in Countryside, IL
Pace style mid century walnut lucite and brass desk.
The desk measures: 60 wide x 30 deep x 29.5 high, with a chair clearance of 25.5 inches.
All pieces of furniture can be had...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Pine Desk with Drawer from Les Arcs
Located in Sammushi, JP
The desk used at the French ski resort "Les Arcs" where Charlotte Perriand was involved.
A feeling of size that is most suitable as a work desk for one person. A nice vintage work w...
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Asian Influenced Brass Console Table by Mastercraft
By Mastercraft
Located in Atlanta, GA
Asian influenced brass console table by Mastercraft, American, circa 1960s. Retains warm original patina. This piece is a versatile size and can be used as a console table, desk, van...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
Rio Table, by Charlotte Perriand for Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Table designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1937. Relaunched in 2020.
Manufactured by Cassina in Italy.
The historic Rio design low table combines uncommon beauty and utmost function...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rattan, Wood
Paul McCobb Style Mid Century Whitney Birch Desk
By Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb style mid century whitney birch desk
The desk measures: 52 wide x 25 deep x 30 high, with a chair clearance of 24 inches
All pieces of furniture can be had in what ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Birch
Franco Albini Cavalletto Table, Black Stained Wood by Cassina
By Cassina, Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Table designed by Franco Albini in 1950. Relaunched in 2008.
Manufactured by Cassina in Italy.
This table, with its minimal lines and an extremely light look, underscores the extens...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Laminate Writing Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With a sleek design and understated cream color, this Mid-Century Modern desk has four drawers for storage and a large top to work on. Please confirm item location with seller (NY/NJ).
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Laminate
Unique Pierre Chapo Desk in Solid Elm, France 1960s
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Unique Pierre Chapo desk in Solid Elm, France 1960s. The desk was made upon special request; the previous owners purchased different items by Chapo in the late 60s and asked for this...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Elm
1960's Danish Teak Desk by Gunnar Nielsen for Tibergaard
Located in London, GB
A sleek and stylish Danish vintage teak desk. This was designed by Gunnar Nielsen for Tibergaard, it dates from the 1960’s.
It is of useful proportions and is of excellent quality...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Teak
