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Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Carrara Marble Console Table with Chrome Legs by Vittorio Introini, Italy, 1970s
Located in London, GB
An elegant oval shaped versatile console table which can easily become a desk and/or a small dining table Chrome rounded legs base. Measures: L 195cm W 70cm.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Carrara Marble, Chrome

Modern Black Lacquer Occasional Table
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Vintage modern occasional table and desk, in black lacquered wood, featuring a glass top shelf, lower wooden shelf, and brass fixtures. This piece showcases both straight and tapered...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Extension Desk By John van Koert For Drexel Counterpoint
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning, wonderfully detailed, mid-century American desk was designed by John van Koert for Drexel's "Counterpoint" line in 1956. According to Drexel the collection was inspire...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry, Mahogany

Mid-Century Cream Lacquer, Chrome & Glass Desk by Pierre Cardin, 1970s.
Located in Dublin 8, IE
A striking example of modernist design from the iconic French designer Pierre Cardin, this desk blends sculptural form with industrial precision. Created in the late 1960s to early 1...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Mid-century Modern Vanity Desk by Broyhill
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elevate your daily routine with this stunning mid-century modern vanity desk with mirror by Broyhill, a celebrated name in American furniture design. With its clean lines, warm wood ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Harvey Probber Curved Walnut Desk
Located in Hanover, MA
Impressive and sculptural curved top executive desk in walnut by Harvey Probber. Panoramic scale 84" wide x 34" deep x 29.5" high. Seven bands of walnut in alternating grain directi...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Williams Hairpin Writing Desk Walnut Yellow
Located in Cincinnati, US
A thin, elegant and light desk that can be customized to any color desired. This handcrafted item perfectly blends industrial hairpin legs with a beveled wooden top. The irregular be...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Williams Hairpin Writing Desk Maple Black
Located in Cincinnati, US
A thin, elegant and light desk that can be customized to any color desired. This handcrafted item perfectly blends industrial hairpin legs with a beveled wooden top. The irregular be...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Williams Hairpin Writing Desk Maple Prairie Green
Located in Cincinnati, US
A thin, elegant and light desk that can be customized to any color desired. This handcrafted item perfectly blends industrial hairpin legs with a beveled wooden top. The irregular be...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Williams Hairpin Writing Desk Walnut Navy
Located in Cincinnati, US
A thin, elegant and light desk that can be customized to any color desired. This handcrafted item perfectly blends industrial hairpin legs with a beveled wooden top. The irregular be...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Scrittoio Anni 40 in noce e radica
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
Scrittoio con cassetti laterali in legno impiallacciato noce e con il piano in legno impiallacciato radica. Buone condizioni.
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Scrittoio Anni 40 in noce e radica
Scrittoio Anni 40 in noce e radica
$1,297 Sale Price
20% Off
Desk by Geraldo de Barros
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Desk by Geraldo de Barros. Brazil, 1950s. Manufactured by Unilabor. Wood, black painted metal, brass details. Measures: 109 x 52 x h 74 cm 42.9 x 20.4 x h 28.9 in. Item in fair con...
Category

1950s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Metal

1960's French Bureau/Secetaire Desk
Located in London, Lambeth
Excellent storage desk with 3 draws, glass top shelve and pull down table surface. Lockable unit compact design .Cc 1960's French
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Satin

1950's teak desk by Niels Christensen Jun
Located in London, GB
A beautifully crafted Mid-century teak desk designed by Niels Christensen Jun in Denmark during the 1950's.  Constructed from warm, richly grained teak, the desk features clean line...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Guillerme et Chambron, Tile-Topped Oak Writing Table, France, Mid-20th Century
Located in New York, NY
Tilework executed by Boleslaw Danikowski. Robert Guillerme placed equal emphasis on function and aesthetics, creating a look as staid as it was arresting. While his work was in ma...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ceramic, Oak

Desk by BBPR for Olivetti Synthesis, circa 1960
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
desk and his lamp by BBPR for Olivetti Synthesis, circa 1960 The keys are present, some scratches on the board.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Cabinet with Flowers Inlaid Inside, Mounted on an X-Shaped Base in Gilt Metal
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Cabinet with flowers inlaid inside, mounted on an X-shaped base in gilt metal.
Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Boomerang desk Model A10 by Göran Strand for Lelangs Möbelfabrik, 1960s
Located in bruxelles, BE
Wooden desk with 3 drawers with locks at the front of the desk and a hinged door with locks at the back of the desk containing a shelf. One key. Wear due to time and age of the desk....
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Modernist Table from USA
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 ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Chrome, Steel

White Mid Century Table Made in´50s Czechia, Designed by František Jirák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
White mid century table made in´50s Czechia. Designed by František Jirák and made by Tatra Nábytok. The table is made out of lacquered w...
Category

1950s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood, Lacquer

Fabulous Double Pedestal Lucite Tusk Table Desk by Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fabulous double pedestal Lucite tusk table/desk by Charles Hollis Jones. Three curved Lucite pillars make up the two bases of this Tusk table by Char...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Mirror, Lucite

Norton Solid Wood Office Desk Set
Located in Naperville, IL
Elevate your home office or work space with this gorgeous midcentury office set. Crafted with natural solid wood, the simple lines of this amazi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Moldovan Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

George Nelson Herman Miller Drop Leaf Gate Leg Dining Table or Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
A rarer find in original black finish. Clever design by George Nelson for Herman Miller Measures: 40" depth 29.75" height. 64.75" long unfolded 41.5" half folded 18.5" folded.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Italian Red Lacquered Wood Desk from the 50s
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Red lacquered wood desk from the 50s, Italian. Desk 1950s Country: Italian Materials: Red lacquered wood Finish: polyurethanic lacquer It is an ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Modern Lacquered Writing Desk with Brass Accents by John Stuart
Located in Dallas, TX
A timeless vintage piece, this midcentury writing desk feels glamourous, manufactured for John Stuart Inc. Adorning its exterior of glossy black lacquer, paired with bright brass acc...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

1950s Television table/desk from Televise
By Teleavia
Located in London, Lambeth
Super Stylist table originally used for vintage TV easily re used as a desk angled black legs with polished oak surface sitting on castors make it easy for mobility. Cc Italian
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Postmodern 'Martino' Dining Table by Gigi Sabadin for Emme, Italy, 1973
By Gigi Sabadin, Emme
Located in Antwerp, BE
Gigi Sabadin dining table, Emme Italy, 1970s, beechwood The table show smart architectural lines and well-considered use of materials, which are clearly visible in the little det...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Beech

Pierre Jeanneret PJ-TA-11-A Collapsible Work Table / Authentic Mid-Century
Located in Zürich, CH
The relationship between the different shapes ensures a balanced composition. The careful alignment and proportions create an equilibrium, giving a sense of coherent design. Both ten...
Category

1960s Indian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak, Cedar

Copper State River Table
Located in Frankfurt, KY
A bird's eye view of a desert river, reimagined as functional art. Spalted maple from the Atlantic coast in a unique combination; hand-cut inlaid pacifica blue glass and custom solid copper bowtie keys both divide the glass and join together the two pieces of maple. Completed with bespoke steel frame to complete this one-of-a-kind river table...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Copper

Mid-Century Modern Wooden Desk by Barovero, Italy, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Desk by Barovero, Italy, 1960s
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Solid Oak Desk by Raphael Raffel, France, c. 1955
Located in New York City, NY
Solid Oak Desk by Raphael Raffel for Maison Internationale Paris, France, c. 1955. This elegant desk consists of a solid oak construction, dark for...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

50° Desk Italian, Material, Wood
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
wood desk from the 50s, Italian. Desk 1950s Country: Italian Finish: polyurethanic lacquer It is an elegant and sophisticated desk. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

White Leather and Polished Iron Writing Desk.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A white leather and polished iron writing desk, in the manner of Jean-Michel Frank. Two drawers with brass handles. Contemporary.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Rare Desk Set by BBPR for Olivetti Synthesis, circa 1960
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Rare desk set by BBPR for Olivetti Synthesis, including a desk, a storage unit, an office chair, a lamp and a wastepaper basket storage unit: 76 x ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Vintage Swedish Sycamore Drop Leaf Desk
Located in London, GB
A stylish and very well made vintage Swedish sycamore drop leaf desk, dating from the 1960’s. This is of amazing quality and has a wonderful design. It is large and impressive, with...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Desk by Poul Nørreklit For Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik, Wood
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern desk by Poul Nørreklit For Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik, Wood and Plexiglass, 1970s.
Category

1970s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Plexiglass, Wood

Stone Steel Minimalist Table by William Katavolos, Ross Littell & Douglas Kelly
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Minimalist desk or table fashioned from a rectangular slab of black granite perforated by stainless steel column legs.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Granite, Steel

Rustic Brutalist Table Mobichalet, Belgium, 1960s
Located in Echt, NL
Handmade brutalist table in very good original condition. Manufactured by Mobichalet, Belgium in the 1960s The top is made from very heavy solid oak which was not heavily processed...
Category

20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Oak

Elegant Desk in Blackened Wood and Leather circa 1950 Patina to Be Redone, Leath
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Elegant desk in blackened wood and leather, circa 1950 Patina to be redone, leather to be changed.
Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

50° Desk in Wood Italian
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Wood desk from the 50s, Italian. Desk 1950s Country: Italian Finish: polyurethanic lacquer It is an elegant and sophisticated desk. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Michel Boyer Console Table with Modular Aluminum Structure in X
Located in Grenoble, FR
Michel Boyer (1935-2011) Console table with modular aluminum structure in X, supporting a glass top Around 1968 AG Bibliography:- FAVARDIN Patrick, Les Décorateurs des 1970s, éd....
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

"Kroma" Desk by Antonia Astori for Driade, Italy, 1980s
Located in Brussels, BE
Architect, designer, and entrepreneur, Antonia Astori began her own design activity within the Driade company, founded with her brother Enrico and Adelaide Acerbi, to whom she offers highly professional and creative achievements. For Driade organizes the exhibition space for trade shows and promote their corporate visibility. Also plans stores Marithè and Francois...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Italian Desk, Wood and Glass, 1950s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Italian Desk, Wood and Glass, 1950s.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Rustic Brutalist Table Mobichalet, Belgium, 1960s
Located in Echt, NL
Handmade brutalist table in very good original condition. Manufactured by Mobichalet, Belgium in the 1960s The top is made from very heavy solid oak which was not heavily processed...
Category

20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Oak

Italian Mid-Century Stately Wooden Desk with Glass Top, 1950s
Located in Milan, IT
Italian mid-century stately wooden desk with glass top 1950s Sturdy multipurpose desk with eight symmetrical drawers, on either side. The glas...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Willy Van Der Meeren Desk for Tubax, circa 1950, Formica, Metal, Wood, 38 Avai
Located in Brussels, BE
Willy Van Der Meeren desk for Tubax, circa 1950, Formica, metal, wood- 38 available.  
Category

1950s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

André Sornay Formica desk table from the 1950s
Located in Grenoble, FR
André Sornay Formica desk table from the 1950s model made for Sonacotra fireplaces and available in several versions. Very good condition of the top, scratches from use on the base
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Formica, Wood

Williams Hairpin Writing Desk Maple Green
Located in Cincinnati, US
A thin, elegant and light desk that can be customized to any color desired. This handcrafted item perfectly blends industrial hairpin legs with a beveled wooden top. The irregular be...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Large desk by Gastone Rinaldi for Thema Italy
Located in Brussel, BE
Large desk by Gastone Rinaldi for Thema Italy Wonderful wood top.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Bloch Desk by Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in London, England
Bloch Desk by Joaquim Tenreiro
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Fine French Mid-Century Lacquered Desk by Raphael
Located in Long Island City, NY
Raphael (Raphael Raffel, 1912-2000) Rare Beka lacquer pedestal desk with three drawers, a black lacquered base and bronze details.
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Fine French 1950s Leather Covered Desk and Chairs by Jacques Adnet
Located in Long Island City, NY
Jacques Adnet (1900 - 1984) - A fine French mid-century leather-covered curved desk with patinated metal details, a compass style cherry frame with tapered legs finished with silver-...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Cherry

Bloch Desk by Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in London, England
This piece belonged to BLOCH EDITORES S.A. BUILDING which commissioned its interiors to Joaquim Tenreiro and Sergio Rodrigues. This desk presents both a patrimony label with an identification number as well as labels from "Tenreiro Moveis e Decoracoes...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Mid-century Modern desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern desks and writing tables 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 and writing tables created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, case pieces and storage cabinets, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern desks and writing tables made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original desks and writing tables, popular names associated with this style include Cassina, Lawson-Fenning, Charlotte Perriand, and Paul McCobb. 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 and writing tables differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $299 and tops out at $184,000 while the average work can sell for $4,773.

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