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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 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.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Period: 1960s
Freestanding Desk Teak wood Danish Design, Denmark 1960
Located in Lejre, DK
Freestanding desk in teak wood with 3 drawers on each side, as well as a drawer in the middle of Danish design from around the 1960s. Key included. Dimensions in cm: H:72 W:130 D:70 ...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Raymond Loewy desk df 2000
Located in Portland, OR
This Df-2000 desk Designed By Raymond Loewy For Doubinsky Freres is compact, vibrant and sturdy. It has a shelving compartment underneath that can be adjusted in height and a few lar...
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Danish Teak Drop Leaf Writing Desk By Arne Vodder, 1960s
Located in Den Haag, NL
This writing desk was designed by Arne Vodder and was produced in Denmark in the 1960s. It is made from teak and features a drop leaf . It is in very good vintage condition. extent 1...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Writing Desk by Jens Risom
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Exceptional Mid-Century Modern walnut writing desk by Jens Risom and manufactured in the United States, circa 1950s. This desk has a conserv...
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-Century Modern Secretary Desk in the John Stuart's Janus Collection Style
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid-Century Modern secretary/ wall unit cabinet in the John Stuart's Janus Collection Style. Circa 1960s Features a pull-out writing shelve surface hidden by a false front d...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Desk by Edmondo Palutari for Dassi, 1960s
Located in Lasne, BE
Wooden desk with 5 drawers designed by Edmondo Palutari. Wear due to age and age of the desk.
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Vintage Walnut Writing Desk by Kent Coffey Temp
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This unique walnut writing desk was designed and manufactured by Kent Coffey Tempo in the United States circa 1960. the vintage writing desk features...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Midcentury Swedish Rolltop Secretary Desk by Egon Ostergaard
Located in Detroit, MI
This iconic midcentury Swedish modern Egon Ostergaard teak cylinder rolltop secretary desk cabinet is circa 1960. The Classic Scandinavian Modern design has clean, Minimalist lines a...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Scrittoio Proserpio Vintage Anni 60 Legno Impiallacciato Teak
Located in Milano, IT
Scrittoio con piano estraibile e alzata in legno impiallacciato teak.
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Italian Midcentury Vittorio D'assi Desk, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Italian midcentury Vittorio D'assi desk from the 1960s is a stunning example of functional elegance. Designed by Vittorio D'assi, this desk showcases a harmonious blend of sleek ...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Vintage Walnut Executive Desk by Florence Knoll
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Amazing vintage executive desk designed by architect and furniture designer Florence Knoll in the United States, circa 1960s. This iconic design...
Category

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

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Italian Desk from the 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed in the 1960s the desk also features chrome tubular legs. Italian desk from the late 1960s characterize by the sleek and modern aesthetic. Second height 24.7 from the floor...
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Ico Parisi Desk for Mim Rome from 1960s
Located in bari, IT
Ico Parisi desk in wood and steel including leg protectors for MIM Rome. MIM (Mobili Italiani Moderni) was founded in Rome in 1957 as a company for the des...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Vintage Desk Metal, Italy, 1960s
Located in Milano, IT
Desk with side drawer column in enamelled metal with leatherette-covered top.
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Hans J. Wegner Sewing Table, Model AT-33, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautifully crafted model AT-33 sewing table designed by Hans Wegner and manufactured in Denmark by cabinet maker Andreas Tuck. This teak and oak table features two extendable side l...
Category

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

Materials

Wicker, Oak, Teak

Teak Desk, Model 77, Omann Jun, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Chorzów, PL
A bright Mid-Century Modern teak desk, made in Denmark in the 1960s by Omann Jun Mobelfabrik. Classic Danish design, timeless exclusive vintage style. Furniture in very good condi...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

1960's Vintage Swedish Walnut Desk
Located in London, GB
A stunning and extremely well made large 1960’s vintage walnut desk, which was recently imported from Sweden. The quality is exceptional, this is beautifully constructed and its a g...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Scandinavian Solid Teak Desk by Svend and Madsen Danish, 1960s
Located in Lyon, FR
Small Scandinavian desk from the 1960s by the Danish designer Svend Aage Madsen. Structure in solid teak and veneer, this desk is composed of ...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Michael Taylor for Baker Midcentury Chinoiserie Teak and Walnut Partner Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous midcentury Hollywood Regency chinoiserie double sided partner desk By Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1960s ...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

1960's Executive Desk from Denmark
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Executive desk from Denmark circa mid-1960s now available. This example has matte black iron legs, open back for additional storage, interior and exterior drawers and original brass ...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Rosewood Desk Brazilian Midcentury Design by Joaquim Tenreiro, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Original condition.
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Reguitti Italy design in years '60 rare children desk school in wood
Located in Biella, IT
Reguitti Italy Brescia design in years '60 rare children desk school in wood good structure with little sign of use and wood worming, your see in photo's detail please
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Midcentury teak desk in the style of Gianfranco Frattini, Italy 1960's
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Vintage desk, Italy 1960s in the style of Gianfranco Frattini. A beautiful italian desk with teak wood top and structure and cherry wood feet. Very stylish piece of design from the...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Italian Burl Wood & Brass Desk in Green Malachite Stain
Located in East Hampton, NY
This magnificent malachite green stained burl wood desk with small drawers and ample writing space, sits atop a metal frame with brass stretchers. It is Italian and possibly made by ...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Tolomeo Table by Ico Parisi and Ennio Fazioli - Italy, 1958
Located in Girona, ES
Table or desk "Tolomeo" with stained beech feet and mahogany veneer top, French polish. System under top to possible addition of drawers. Design: Ennio Fazioli...
Category

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

Materials

Beech, Mahogany

Danish Modern Executive Brazilian Rosewood Desk
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful Danish modern executive rosewood desk designed and manufactured in Denmark, circa 1960s. This desk has a very particula...
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Very Rare Reiger Drafting Table Friso Kramer Ahrend de Cirkel, 1963
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Very rare drafting table "Reiger" designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel in 1963. The tabletop is original and has a minor chip as you can see on the close-up. Overall in v...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Midcentury Italian Small Desk 1960s Gio Ponti Style
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Italian midcentury small desk in style of Gio Ponti.
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Rosewood & Chrome Arc Desk and Chair
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rosewood and chrome arc desk and chair, circa 1960s. Very heavy and well made. The chair is currently being reupholstered and can be completed in your fabri...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Harvey Probber Executive Desk: Mid-Century Elegance Meets Modern Functionality
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Experience the sophistication of the 1960s with our beautifully restored Harvey Probber Mid-Century Modern Executive Desk. Crafted from the finest mahogany, this desk exemplifies the...
Category

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

Materials

Marble, Metal, Steel

Mid Century Arne Vodder L-Shaped Rosewood Desk for Sibast, 1960
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Mid Century Rosewood desk designed by Arne Vodder, showcasing the elegance and functionalism that are hallmarks of his work. The desk is a substantial piece, featuring a spacious tab...
Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

Vintage "Biscayne" Floating Top Walnut Desk by Drexel
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful vintage “Biscayne” floating top walnut desk by Drexel and manufactured in the United States, circa 1960s. This desk has been built from the highest quality walnut wood and ...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Italian Mahogany Desk, 1960s
Located in Palermo, PA
Italian mahogany desk, 1960s. Dimensions: H= 78 cm; W= 105 cm; D= 51 cm.
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Desk Action Office 1, George Nelson, Herman Miller, Large Version
Located in Bern, CH
Design classic desk Action Office 1, George Nelson, Herman Miller, large version. Offered is a rare original design classic rarity, the desk Action Office 1. Model 64 902. Designe...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Danish Modern Teak Executive Desk by Ib Kofod Larsen
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Amazing Danish teak executive desk designed by Ib Kofod Larsen for Faarup Møbelfabrik in Denmark, circa 1960s. This desk has a versatile and functional design. fine attention to deta...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern 4 Drawer Writing Desk by Baumritter
Located in Freehold, NJ
This Mid-Century Modern writing desk from the Birchcraft line by Baumritter features hardwood construction, original light finish, durable formica top, and four dovetailed drawers. ?...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Modernist Teak Rollup Secretary Desk by Fratelli Proserpio, Italy, 1960s
Located in Chicago, IL
Modernist Italian 1960s teak compact rollup secretary desk by Fratelli Proserpio. Writing surface pulls out for ease of use, two trays inside the top. Very good vintage condition, un...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Italian Mid Century Secretary, Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian Mid century secretary in Brazilian Rosewood. Four drawers when open the desk height is 30 inches perfect for the chair.
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Midcentury Italian Rattan Desk or Vanity Table, circa 1960s
Located in London, GB
Midcentury Italian rattan desk or vanity table, (circa 1960s). An absolute charmer and stylish piece of the era. There are two horizontal surfaces ...
Category

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

Materials

Rattan

Wonderful Minimalistic Wenge Wood Table or Desk
Located in Munich, DE
Modernist massive wenge dining table from the 1960s, retailed by the dutch exclusive department store metz & co. very intelligent and minimalistic design - easy to disassemble to sto...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Industrial 7900 series 'Economy' desk by André Cordemeyer for Gispen, 1960's
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This industrial desk was designed as a writing machine desk by André Cordemeyer for N.V. Gispen. It is part of the 7900 series. The desk has a metal base with high tapered leggs, 2 d...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

20th Century Big Desk in Wood with Cloth-Covered Top Attributed. Ico Parisi, 60s
Located in Turin, Turin
Ico Parisi was born in Palermo, Italy, in 1916, but as early as 1925 with his family he moved to Como, where in 1936 he graduated as a building surveyor and served an apprenticeship ...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Gunnar Falsig Rosewood Desk for Falsigs Mobelfabrik
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Midcentury rosewood desk, expertly crafted by Gunnar Falsig for Falsigs Møbelfabrik. The desk is a testament to the finesse of Scandinavian design, blending functionality with a stri...
Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

Italian Table Desk Design I.S.A. Bergamo Style
Located in taranto, IT
Original 60s curved desk, probable production I.S.A. Bergamo. Structure in fir wood with veneers and top in beige formica, feet in metal structure with brass terminals. Front w...
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Iron

Mid-Century Modern Walnut "Mainline" Desk by Hooker
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Fabulous Mid-Century Modern walnut “Mainline” desk by Hooker Furniture in the United States, circa 1960s. This desk has been built from the highest quality walnut wood. It has a desi...
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage Midcentury Danish Modern Teak Wood Desk from Avalon, 1960s
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This classic desk or dressing table was probably manufacturer by English maker Avalon, which produced Danish design furniture. This piece was created during the 1960s. The desk has a...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Wonderful, Amazing and Exclusive Frattini Desk
Located in Munich, DE
Very rare and elegant small desk by gianfranco frattini for bernini by opening the drawer the jalousie cover at the back opens. very special piece.
Category

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

Materials

Teak

1960s Mid-Century Modern Walnut Executive Desk with Chrome Accents
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Experience the timeless elegance of our 1960s Mid-Century Modern Executive Desk, masterfully constructed from select walnut wood. This vintage writing table, restored to impeccable c...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Lane Mid-Century Modern Walnut Desk Perception Collection
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This Mid-Century Modern walnut desk from the Perception Collection by Lane Furniture features a finished back and the central drawer is the iconic three dimensional weave / woven, wo...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Midcentury Sculptural Writing Desk in the Style of Ico Parisi, Italy, circa 1960
Located in New York City, NY
Impressive, striking desk in the style of Ico Parisi. Beautiful Grecian details carved into the walnut of the drawers, with smart steel legs capped with brass feet.
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Steel

Mid-Century Modern Solid Wooden Desk Designed by Arne Vodder Boomerang
Located in Ibiza, Spain
Boomerang desk designed by Arne Vodder. Solid teak wood structure and brass details on the legs. Composed of three drawers and a folding door. Denmark, 1960s. Bibliography Designmu...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Vintage Danish Modern Writing Desk by Domino Møbler
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern office desk with two banks of drawers. Danish made teak wood desk for home or office use. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

1963 Danish Writing Desk and Mirrored Vanity, Wood, Oestergaard
Located in Arosio, IT
A Mid-Century Modern small desk that can also be used as mirrored vanity. It has one tilt mirror (still bearing the original label) and one drawer. Legs are in hardwood and the top i...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Desk Model 75 Made In Teak, Made By Omann Junior Møbelfabrik From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Model 75 desk, a timeless piece designed by Gunni Omann and crafted by Omann Junior Møbelfabrik around the 1960s. This desk is a testament to exquisite crafts...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Italian Mid-Century Mahogany Desk - Console - Table Iron Legs, Brass Caps 1960s
Located in Salzburg, AT
Small Italian Mid-Century desk, console table or side table. The object is extremely light-footed and also a little eccentric. The bentwood top of mahogany is beautifully grained and...
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Iron

Midcentury German Rosewood "Omega" Desk by Hans Eichenberg
By Haussmann & Haussmann, Hans Eichenberger
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful midcentury rosewood “Omega” desk designed by Hans Eichenberger for Haussmann and Haussmann in Germany, circa 1950s. This desk has a Minimalist but highly functional design....
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

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

Charlotte Perriand Pine Desk for Les Arcs with Matching Stool, 1960s France
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Charlotte Perriand desk for Les Arcs. circa 1960s. Comes with matching stool. This gorgeous solid pine desk can be used as a console or writing desk. Beautiful vintage condition...
Category

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

Materials

Pine

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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