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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by legendary manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
2
370
to
43
207
154
370
370
370
370
82
14
11
9
6
5
4
2
1
1
1
4
1,595
182
9
1,190
287
3
8
45
370
410
217
27
8
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
345
206
114
76
65
256
153
90
83
41
17
14
11
10
10
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Period: 1950s
Charlotte Perriand, Mid-Century Modern, Wood Metal Cansado Table, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Table designed by Charlotte Perriand, circa 1950.
Wood, metal frame legs.
Provenance: Cansado, Mauritania (Africa).
In good original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina.
Charlotte Perriand (1903-1999) she was born in Paris in 1903 and attended the E´cole de l'Union centrale des Arts de´coratifs from 1920-1925. Charlotte Perriand designed furniture made of anodized aluminium and chromium-plated steel, showing it at the 1927 "Salon d'Automne" in Paris.
After meeting Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand worked with him and Pierre Jeanneret until 1937. The revolutionary tubular steel furnishings and system furniture designed by the three were presented as "E´quipement de l'habitation" (home equipment) at the 1929 "Salon d'Automne," where they were widely acclaimed.
In 1930 the Union Des Artistes Modernes (UAM) was founded in Paris, a group that viewed itself as a countermovement challenging such establishment organizations as the "Salon d'Automne" and also advocated Art Deco and Modernism. From 1931 Charlotte Perriand showed her own work solo there. In 1937 Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret collaborated on designing a mountain chalet of sheet aluminum, which they showed at the "Exposition Internationale des Arts et Techniques dans la Vie Moderne" and later they came up with plans for prefab houses...
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Stylish Sophisticates Walnut Desk and Chair Lubberts & Mulder for Tomlinson
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning 1950s walnut desk by John Lubberts & Lambert Mulder for Tomlinson, from the Sophisticates collection. We love the stylish curved front with a built-in bookcase along with the five side drawers and a center drawer. Beautiful figured light walnut. . The original chair is included and adds to the total...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Rectangular Dining Table by Osvaldo Borsani
Located in New York, NY
Back-painted glass, brass, walnut. Can easily be used as a dining, entry, or writing table. A rare model.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Writing Desk and Chair
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk with matching chair
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Black and white lacquered solid m...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Vittorio Dassi Brass Feet Wood Small Desk, Italy, 1950s
Located in Naples, IT
Small desk also called 'dattilo', very well designed by Vittorio Dassi in the 1950s. It has a solid structure finished and supported by brass feet and has two drawers on the left sid...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Writing Desk and Chair
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk with matching desk chair.
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon furniture, "Planner Group".
USA, 1950s
Black and white lacq...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Franco Albini for Poggi Model 840 Stadera Desk
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in Milano, IT
Rare and important desk model Stadera designed by Franco Albini for the Poggi manufacture, in 1959. Model 840. Made of noble wood for its shelf, the desk is the perfect modernist ele...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Desk / Writing Table, Paul McCobb, Walnut, American, 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern Desk / Writing Table, Paul McCobb, Walnut, American, 1950s
Having a Large kneehole with Three drawers on one side supporting a white laminate table top writing s...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Laminate, Walnut
Guillerme et Chambron, Rare Desk, Edition Votre Maison, circa 1950/1960
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Guillerme et Chambron, rare desk, Edition Votre Maison, circa 1950/1960.
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak, Faux Leather
Permanente Mobili Cantù, Corner Desk in Mahogany, Italy 1950
Located in Catonvielle, FR
Grooved mahogany corner desk attributed to Paolo Buffa, edited by La Permanente Mobili Cantù, Italy 1950.
The office part forms an L and has two doors and a drawer. The double top r...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Desk Produced in Germany
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare desk by unknown designer. Produced in Germany.
Category
1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Charlotte Perriand Cansado Gray Table, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Table designed by Charlotte Perriand, circa 1950.
Wood, metal frame legs.
Provenance: Cansado, Mauritania (Africa).
In original condition, with wear consistent with age and ...
Category
1950s French 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
Carlo di Carli: Desk in Fruitwood, Brass, and Glass, Italy 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Carlo de Carli (1910 - 1999)
An important sculptural desk with six drawers by seminal Milanese architect and theorist Carlo de Carli, in fruitwood with polished brass handles and s...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Jacques Hauville, Executive Desk for Bema France 1950
Located in Catonvielle, FR
Executive blond oak desk by Jacques Hauville, produced by BEMA, France 1950. The design of great elegance favors the curve, the two boxes with 2 drawers have a library compartment on...
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Italian Mid-century Small Wooden Table
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful Italian wooden desk made in the 1950s, from the house on Lake Como, of fine Italian craftsmanship.
The desk is finely crafted in wood. The frame is supported by four wooden legs, thin and very distinctive, but powerful and strong. The top is also made of fine wood, very durable, and shows the very elegant wood grain. The top contains two small drawers, useful for resting documents or writing objects. The two drawers open via semi-rectangular brass handles.
The vintage wooden desk...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Vintage Desk in Cherrywood by Paolo Buffa, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Extraordinary Cherrywood desk/writing table with crossing legs by Paolo Buffa. This table has approximately 70 years and has been restored as you can s...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Cherry
Umberto Mascagni Dining Table
Located in Hanover, MA
Handsome Italian modern dining table produced in Italy mid-1950's. by Umberto Mascagni of Bologna and imported to the UK by I. Barget Ltd. then retailed through Harrods among other s...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Black lacquered solid maple, with original bras...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Italian Mid-Century Wooden and Glass Writing Desk
Located in Milano, IT
Cute wooden writing desk of fine Italian manufacture from the 1950s.
The desk is made in the frame entirely of fine, light-coloured wood.
The legs supporting the structure are long...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Desk by Robert Charroy for Mobilor, Cité Universitaire Jean Zay d'Antony, Oak
By Mobilor, Robert Charroy
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Modernist desk by French designer Robert Charroy produced by Mobilor in the mid-1950s (1955-1956). This series of furniture was chosen to equip the Jean Zay university residence in t...
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Petite Italian Modern Stained Mahogany Writing Desk by Gio Ponti for Schirolli
By Gio Ponti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Diminutive Italian student desk in stained mahogany designed by Gio Ponti for Schirolli, ca. 1950s, Italy. Sculptural form with angular leg details, presenting a sharp profile.
There are three drawers and an additional open storage section created by the space between the top drawer and surface apron.
Surface is a gray laminate, which can appear light blue depending on the light.
Moderate wear present (scuffs to the laminate along with some scratches and old fills/repairs to the front and back concealing minor veneer losses and screw/drill holes). Drawers slide smoothly, and desk presents well.
Lock is branded "Schirolli Mantova...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Frank Lloyd Wright Mahogany Extension Dining Table, ,
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning rectangular top that extends to accommodate two leaves with bevelled edges and carved Greek key motif above v shaped pedestals with similar decorative motif,, Excellent orig...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Ico Parisi Rare Large Wood and Laminate Desk with Mirror, Hotel Lorena, 1959.60
By Bernini, Ico Parisi
Located in Rome, IT
Ico and Luisa Parisi vanity desk from Hotel Lorena, Grosseto
manufacured by Ditta Bernini
Italy, 1959-60
this desk is very rare because this is the large version of the desk and...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mirror, Laminate, Mahogany
Jorge Zalszupin Folding Desk by L'atelier Brazil 1959
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 Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Faux Leather, Rosewood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Walnut Writing Desk, Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern writing desk
By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture
USA, 1950s
Patchwork bleached walnut top, with solid walnut legs and brass-capped feet....
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Vintage Arthur Umanoff 'Student' Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage 'student' desk by Arthur Umanoff. Black iron frame and shelf with walnut top and drawers. Brass-plated pulls with plenty of patina.
Category
1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass, Iron
Mario Oreglia Mid-Century Wood and Glass Desk (Attr.)
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful Italian desk in maple wood attributed to the great designer Mario Oreglia made in the 1950s.
The desk is very unusual in shape, creating a very...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass, Wood
Italian Small Writing Desk in Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Small writing desk, mahogany, brass, Italy, 1950s.
Sculptural Italian desk with beautiful curved top. This writing table is both refined and elega...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Ico Parisi Rosewood Dining Table Mod. 754/2 for Figli Di Amedeo Cassina, 1959
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A rare dining table mod 574/2 designed by Ico Parisi in the 1959 and produced by Figli di Amedeo Cassina at the beginning of the 1960s. Made in...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Mid-Century Italian Desk in Wood and Laminate
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful mid-century wooden desk designed and produced by a fine Italian manufacturer in the 1950s.
The desk is typically 1950s with its hard, geo...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Laminate, Wood
Early George Nelson Desk / Return, Child's Desk, Modernist, Herman Miller
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early George Nelson desk / return, child's desk, Modernist, Herman Miller, Retains original Herman Miller foil label, 4 drawers, pencil dividers, steel frame, minor pitting (lower right side bottom). Original designed for larger desk, return, typewriter desk...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Small Folding Desk Cantieri Carugati Gianfranco Frattini 1959 in Italian Walnut
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Small folding desk Cantieri Carugati Gianfranco Frattini 1959 in Italian Walnut, open depth 83 cm, completely restored with natural paints as in the past.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Early production Florence Knoll Desk, Classic Modernist design, Knoll New York
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early production walnut and rosewood desk designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll ,features richly grained walnut top rosewood frame, pencil drawer and file drawer. Retains early Knoll ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stainless Steel
Vico Magistretti Design Vintage Desk and Chair Light Maple Wood Color Italian
Located in London, GB
A vintage and rare 1950s desk with matching chair Italian Design by Vico Magistretti. Light maple wood desk and chair with the original leather upholstery. The desk has 7 storage uni...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Fruitwood, Maple
Mid-Century Italian Desk by Gianfranco Frattini, 1950s
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very nice writing desk, designed by Giancarlo Frattini.
It is fabricated in Italy in the 50's.
This desk has three drawers and is in good vintage condition (see the pictures).
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Italian Mid-Century Indian Rosewood Desk By Dassi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning Italian Mid-Century Desk is crafted in Indian Rosewood with a satin finish. The piece features a floating top, with a center drawer and six side drawers. A delicate fr...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Gianfranco Frattini Desk Model 530 Bernini Italy 1957
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Stunning medium sized writing desk model 530 designed by Gianfranco Frattini and manufactured by Bernini, Italy 1957. This desk is made of nicely grained rosewood and cherrywood vene...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Petite Vanity/Writing Table with Stool Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage mahogany vanity/writing table with corresponding naugahyde stool designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar (ca. 1950s, Indiana, USA).
Angu...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Naugahyde, Laminate, Mahogany
Wim Rietveld Pyramid Table Large Ahrend de Cirkel 1959
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Large 'Pyramid' table designed by Wim Rietveld and produced in the Netherlands by Ahrend de Cirkel in 1959. The overall condition is good, but as you can see on the pictures, the tab...
Category
1950s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Jules Wabbes Corner Desk with Drawers in Mutenyé
By Jules Wabbes
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jules Wabbes, corner writing desk, mutenyé, nickel-plated metal, aluminum, Belgium, 1957
Beautifully designed desk by one of Belgium's most renown...
Category
1950s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Aluminum, Chrome, Nickel
Friso Kramer 'REFORM" Industrial Dining or Work Table with Teak Veneered Top
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Friso Kramer "REFORM" Industrial Dining or Work Table with New Veneered Teak Top and Grey Enameled Metal Frame. Frame in Very Original Condition with Visible Wear. Shot with Wild Ind...
Category
1950s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Italian Desk, 1950s
Located in Palermo, PA
Italian desk, 1950s.
Dimensions: H=80 cm; W=185 cm; D= 90 cm.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Friso Kramer Reform Table Small Ahrend de Cirkel, 1963
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Nice small and rare sized industrial 'Reform' table designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, Holland 1955. This dining table was a part of the Reform table program that was designed by Friso Kramer in 1955. The Reform series contained a lot of variety of tables in different sizes and editions to the client’s needs. One thing was always the same, the structure of the base, applied in several different sized and shaped tables. This base was a folded metal frame which was light but also very strong. The tops varied from hardcore, linoleum, Formica and wood. Whatever the client wanted. This has a rectangular shaped top, finished with white formica and an aluminum edge. The table has a grey painted frame in good condition with normal wear and losses. This table comes from TH Delft...
Category
1950s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
1954 Coen de Vries Desk in Birch w/ Ebony Base, Red Drawer and Formica Top
By Coen de Vries, Devo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great little writing desk in birch wood with ebony x-base, colored drawer and formica top. Coen de Vries is one of the Dutch pioneers of industrial...
Category
1950s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Formica, Birch, Ebony
Rosewood Desk by Unilabor, Geraldo de Barros C. 1954, Brazilian Mid-Century
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 Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
Mid-20th Century Large Maple and Oak Drafting Table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large drafting table (ca. 1950s, USA) composed of a maple surface with gray and brown painted trim supported by an oak base.
Surface has been re...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Melchiorre Bega Desk, 1950s Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning Italian desk in a beautiful caramel wood. Four pull-out drawers flank each side of the desk. Angular extension on the left side of the desk for extra writing space and fanta...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Italian Vintage Desk in Walnut Wood, Brass and Glass
Located in Milano, IT
The beautiful desk is made in walnut wood, but the top is covered with glass plate giving the dest and elegant look. The desk features four drawers, one of which can be closed with a...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Cees Braakman for Pastoe Desk in Teak and Metal
By Cees Braakman, Pastoe
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Cees Braakman for Pastoe, desk, teak, brushed metal, The Netherlands, 1950s.
Modest designed desk by Dutch designer Cees Braakman for Pastoe. The table top and drawer compartment are executed in teak. Curved plywood is used to furnish the inner part of the three different drawers, each with a metal handle. A modern exterior...
Category
1950s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Double Pedestal Desk, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern double pedestal executive writing desk
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Solid black lacquered birch, wit...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Gio Ponti for BNL Walnut and Brass Writing Table / Desk
By Gio Ponti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iconic writing table designed in the 1940s by Gio Ponti for Schirolli to furnish BNL (Banca Nazionale del Lavoro) offices across Italy.
This early 1950s model was acquired directly f...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Pierre Jeanneret PJ-TA-12-A Secretary Desk / Authentic Mid-Century Modern
Located in Zürich, CH
This desk is raw in its simplicity, embodying an expressing the pure ideas of Pierre Jeanneret. It is a very strong piece which I love very much, its limited to the elements it needs...
Category
1950s Indian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
20th Century Franco Albini Table Model TL2 "Cavalletto" in Wood for Poggi 1950s
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in Turin, Turin
Iconic table designed by the great Italian maestro Franco Albini in the 50s. The model is TL2 better known as "Cavalletto" (in english "Trestle") since it reminds of lightness and wi...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Rare Mahogany 'TL2' Cavalletto Table / Desk by Franco Albini for Poggi, Italy
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in London, GB
A rare mahogany version of the Cavaletto or TL2 table designed by the great neo-rationalist designer, Franco Albini. Designed in 1950 for manufacturers Poggi...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Italian Brass and Wood Writing Desk or Dining Table with Glass Top, C 1955
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An Italian brass and wood writing desk or dining table with glass top, C 1955.
Category
1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Studio BBPR Small Adjustable Desk for the Olivetti Store in New York, Italy 1954
By Studio BBPR
Located in Milan, IT
Studio BBPR Small adjustable work desk and typewriter station made for the Olivetti store in New York, 1954
This was designed by Studio BBPR for ...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
Ico Parisi: Rare Pair of Consoles in Mahogany and Ebonized Walnut, Italy 1950's
By Ico Parisi
Located in New York, NY
Ico Parisi (1916 - 1996)
A rare and important pair of sculptural consoles by Ico Parisi, their undulating yet modern curves a culmination of the designer's organic mode. The top, in...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
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.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Writing Desk Table Leather Inlay
Amazing Antique Desk
Antique American Writing Desk
Antique Table 4 Drawers
English Regency Desk
Floating Top Desk
French Painted Writing Desk
French Style Ladies Desk
French Vanity Desk
Louis Xv Bureau Plat Desk
Louis Xv Desk Plat
Standard Furniture Company Desk
Vintage 50S Desk
Antique Victorian Mahogany Writing Desk
Black And Ormolu French Table
Ladies Writing Tables
Large Italian Walnut Desk
Turned Leg Walnut Desk