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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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Price: $1 to $2,500
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Clarke Desk Maple Black
Located in Cincinnati, US
The Clarke Collection comes in ten different table top sizes, two wood species, and two metal finishes. The exposed stainless steel bolts blur the line between Scandinavian and Indus...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

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

Mid-Century Solid Beech & Veneer Desk & Chair Set, Germany c.1960's
Located in London, GB
An unusual style Mid-Century Modern, solid Beech & veneer desk, crafted by Ekawerk Horn-Lippe in East Germany in the 1960's. This inventive design piece features sleek lines and a b...
Category

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

Materials

Beech

Elegant Heywood Wakefield Ladies Writing Desk & Chair
Located in Buffalo, NY
Elegant Heywood Wakefield Ladies Writing Desk & Chair.. Classic mid century modern,Wonderful original finish.Solid birch wood.. Hand delivery avail to New York City or anywhere en ro...
Category

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

Materials

Fabric, Birch

Midcentury Danish Modern Teak Desk 2 Drawers
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Great teak mid century Danish modern desk with 2 drawers with carved wooden handles. Danish design. Has a small shelf on the front side of desk and has a long open shelf that runs un...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Cees Braakman for Pastoe Desk in Teak and Metal
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

Mid - Century, Solid Teak & Veneer Surface Desk, Denmark c.1960's
Located in London, GB
This stunning Mid Century Solid Teak & Veneer Surface Desk. Danish in Design, Boomerang shape model, slightly curved top to front and back edges with a large niche at the back for st...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Mid Century Walnut Desk by Vista of California in the style of George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A dark walnut desk with three full sized side drawers and a smaller drawer in front of the chair area all with sculptural brushed aluminum pulls . The satin black frame gives the pie...
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Mid Century Modern G Plan Fresco Teak Desk Or Vanity
Located in Atlanta, GA
Fantastic mid-century teak vanity or desk. Designed in the 60s by Victor Bramwell Wilkins for G Plan's Fresco Range. Danish Modern in style. Small removable tray in left top drawer. ...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

1950's Deco style French writing desk
Located in London, Lambeth
Solid oak Deco style French writing desk good work surface rounded curved shaped design. 4 storage draws with centre draw.
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Coast Table by Sun at Six, Sienna, Minimalist Dining Table or Desk in Wood
Located in San Jose, CA
Sun at Six is a contemporary furniture design studio that works with traditional Chinese joinery masters to handcraft our pieces using traditional joinery. The coast table can be use...
Category

2010s Chinese Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Scrittoio anni '60 in teak e formica
Located in SAN PIETRO MOSEZZO, NO
Scrittoio anni '60 dalle misure contenute ma molto funzionale. La struttura è in tubolare di ferro verniciato nero con piedi in ottone con parti in legno di teak. I tre cassetti po...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

French Petite Wooden Mid-Century Desk
Located in London, GB
A stylish petite desk. France, c1970s. In the manner of Maison Regian. Likely to be elm or very well simulated elm wood. Ideal as a desk or vanity unit. Good condition gene...
Category

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

Materials

Elm

Modular Desk Set with Black Glass Top by Mojmir Pozar, 1960s, Set of 3
Located in Żory, PL
This vintage furniture set was designed by Mojmir Pozar and produced in the 1960s in the Czech Republic. The set consists of three elements: - smaller cabinet: 40x42x60cm - larger ca...
Category

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

Materials

Glass, Wood

J. Svenstrup Executive Desk
Located in Bristol, GB
A handsome executive desk by J. Svenstrup for A.P. Møbler Denmark in teak, featuring six drawers to the front, as well as a pull down cabinet and storage space for books to the rear.
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Vintage Danish Mid Century Modern Teak Desk
Located in Gardiner, NY
Authentic vintage mid century Danish / Scandinavian Modern teak desk. This piece is in excellent refinished condition with few signs of age-related wear (see photos). If you would ...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

60s Desk
Located in Milano, IT
Desk with side drawer column, enameled metal, mahogany veneer wood. Good conditions.
Category

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

Materials

Metal

1970s Writing Desk, Italy
Located in Praha, CZ
- Item was carefully refurbished - sturdy and stable - mahogany veneer
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Vintage Italian Walnut and Satin Wood Desk
Located in London, GB
A superb vintage Italian walnut and satin wood desk, dating from the 1950-60’s. It is beautifully designed and is of superb quality, standing on wonderful tapered legs with brass fe...
Category

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

Materials

Satinwood

Czechoslovakian Writing Desk by Bohumil Landsman for Jitona, 1970s
Located in Poznań, PL
An oak desk designed by Bohumil Landsman, produced during the 1970's in former Czechoslovakia by a furniture factory Jitona. A striking design. Surfaces cleaned, stained and lacquer...
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Vintage Walnut and Oak Leather Top Desk
Located in London, GB
A very stylish and well made vintage walnut and oak leather top desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1950-60’s. It is beautifully designed and is of superb quali...
Category

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

Materials

Leather, Oak, Walnut

Mid-Century Large Desk By Jens Risom with Green Rixine Top, circa 1960s
Located in Ely, GB
A Beautiful Large Executive Desk Attributed to Jens Risom. Circa 1960s. The desk is in good vintage condition with small age related marks and scuffs. (please see photos), with one ...
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Mid Century Teak Five Drawer Austinsuite Low Desk/Dresser
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
Mid Century Teak Five Drawer Austinsuite Low Desk/Dresser, Danish style on four Pin legs. This classic sleek design is both stylish and practical and fits into any theme of design H:...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Mid century 1960’s desk/dressing table by Uniflex
Located in London, GB
An unusual and rare combination desk and dressing table from English manufacturer Uniflex. With flap down it is a work desk, lift the flap to reveal a mirror and it changes to a dre...
Category

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

Materials

Formica, Teak

Mid 20th Century Vintage Traditional Royal Furniture Drop Top Writing Desk
Located in west palm beach, FL
Experience the timeless sophistication of our Vintage Traditional Royal Furniture Drop Top Writing Desk. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this piece exudes classic Americ...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Teak Desk or Writing Table by Louis van Teeffelen for WéBé
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Mid-Century Modern desk or writing table. Design by Louis Van Teeffelen for WéBé. Striking Dutch design from the 1950s. Minimalistic design in solid teak and ori...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Vintage Walnut Desk
Located in London, GB
A stylish and very practical vintage walnut desk, made in England and dating from the 1960’s. The quality is superb, this is beautifully designed with lovely round sculptural handle...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Danish Teak Writing Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish made mid-century modern desk in teak wood grain. Four drawers and finished back. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Bevan Funnell English Reprodux Campaign Desk
Located in New York, NY
Bevan Funnell English Reprodux Campaign Desk, labeled inside drawer "Made by Bevan Funnell Ltd. Newhaven, England. / The Queens Award to Industry, 1967". 31" H x 60" W x 29.25" D.
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Desk Made In Beechwood Danish Design From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This desk is a great example of Danish design from the 1960s. Made from beech wood, it exudes a timeless elegance and simplicity that is characteristic of Scandinavian design. With i...
Category

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

Materials

Beech

Minimal Danish modern desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
W59 D26.5 H30 Knee clearance 21.75 Danish modern desk in teak. Item has been fully restored. Desk is structurally sound and fully functional. Item ...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Swedish Mid-Century Modern Roll Top Desk, circa 1960s
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Swedish mid century modern roll top desk, circa 1960s. Designed by Egon Ostergaard, for SMI Sweden. Stamped underneath "Made in Sweden...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Sculpted Legs Kneehole Desk & Chair - 2 Pc Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Sculpted Legs Kneehole Desk & Chair - 2 Pc Set. Item features a brown laminated top, 6 dovetailed drawers, sculpted wood drawer pulls and legs, ladd...
Category

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

Materials

Formica, Walnut

Díaz Infante Desk for DM Nacional
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
For your consideration, desk sadly attributed to Clara Porset, Diaz Infante is the real and original designer, I have the documents that support it, manufactured by DM Nacional.
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Vintage Ladies desk from HIKOR, 1970´s, Czechoslovakia
Located in Prague 8, CZ
A Simple vintage beech wood writing desk from the HIKOR Písek company, 1970´s, Czechoslovakia The design is very simple and elegant. It features a section with 4 drawers. The desk ha...
Category

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

Materials

Wood, Beech

George Nelson X-Leg Table for Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
George Nelson X-Leg Table for Herman Miller. Originally designed and produced in the 1950s this was made as a work table for an office but equally intended for a dining space as well...
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Scrivania vintage anni '50
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
Questa scrivania prodotta in Italia risale agli anni '50 del secolo scorso. E' stata realizzata con una struttura in ferro tubolare quadrato e legno impiallicciato teak. Il piano e i...
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Iron

Mid-Century Teak Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern writing desk in teak wood. Simple design with a two drawer bank and tapered legs. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Category

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

Materials

Teak

1960s Rattan and Iron Writing Table Desk
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Lightly used, with very light scratches, or minor cosmetic wear, but has no structural issues. Most antique and vintage items fit this condition.
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Industrial 1950s French Tandem School Desk by Matco
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jean Prouve style Mid-Century school "Tandem" desk with oak wood desk top and slatted seats on a green enameled metal frame that have a lower oak storage shelf. This vintage two seat...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Danish Oak Desk attributed to Henning Kjaernulf
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Solid oak writing desk complete with drawers, attributed to the Danish furniture designer Henning Henry Kjærnulf, a compelling piece. This creation harmoniously blends bold Baroque e...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Arch Desk by BBPR for Olivetti 60s-70s
Located in Milano, IT
Desk made of enameled metal and top made of laminated material.
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Mt Airy Walnut Desk and Chair for John Stuart
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Mt Airy Walnut Desk with Brass pulls and Walnut Armchair. Chair fits nicely under skirt of the desk. Sold through John Stuart. Elegant design, finished on back as well for many op...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Small Walnut Desk with Round Pulls
Located in Belmont, MA
Mid-Century Modern small walnut desk with round pulls, circa 1970s.
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Scrivania Arco di BBPR per Olivetti Anni 60-70
Located in Milano, IT
Scrivania in metallo smaltato e piano in materiale laminato.
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Díaz Infante Desk for DM Nacional
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
For your consideration, desk sadly attributed to Clara Porset, Diaz Infante is the real and original designer, I have the documents that support it, manufactured by DM Nacional.
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Giotto Stoppino Set of Desk and Armchair in Yellow Metal
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giotto Stoppino, desk and armchair, lacquered wood, lacquered metal, fabric upholstery, Italy, 1970s Playful combination of a desk and armchair designed by Italian architect Giotto ...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Mid Century MODERN WALNUT DESK by Founders Furniture Co., c. 1960's
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Mid Century Modern Walnut Desk by Founders Furniture Co., c. 1960's. Featuring a total of five dovetailed drawers with sculpted hand pulls and a laminate woodgrain tabletop, perfect ...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern “Planner Group” Desk by Paul McCobb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs that can seamlessly be incorpo...
Category

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

Materials

Maple

60s Desk Cabinet
Located in Milano, IT
Cabinet with drop-down desk and storage compartment with hinged doors. Teak veneer wood and brass. Good conditions.
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Elegant Italian Small Desk in Cherry
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Writing desk, cherry, brass, beech, formica, Italy, 1950s Very elegant desk made in Italy in the 1950s. The framework is executed in cherry. The upper part of this piece is made fro...
Category

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

Materials

Cherry, Beech

Small Mid Century Italian Desk in Metal, Walnut and Formica, around 1950
Located in Berlin, DE
A charming relic from the mid-20th century, this Small Italian Desk embodies the essence of mid-century design with a perfect blend of metal, walnut, and formica. Crafted around 1950...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Henredon Mid-Century Modern Campaign Oak Double Pedestal Kneehole Desk, 1970s
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern Campaign style double pedestal kneehole desk By Henredon, "Artefacts" Collection USA, Circa 1970s Oak, with original brass hardware. Measures: 48"W ...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Wooden Brutalist Desk in Solid Oak, Made in France, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
This desk is a classic representation of mid-century design, crafted in France during the 1950s. Made from solid oak, it exudes strength and durability. Its minimalist yet impactful design incorporates elements of brutalism, featuring clean lines and geometric shapes. The natural grain of the oak wood adds warmth and character to the piece, while its compact size makes it suitable for smaller spaces. This desk is not only a functional workspace but also a timeless piece of furniture that adds a touch of vintage charm to any room. Honorable designers from this French era is: Charlotte Perriand...
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Desk Made In Teak Designed With A Floating TableTop From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This desk is a nice example of Danish design from the 1960s, made of teak wood. One of the most notable features of this desk is the floating tabletop, which creates an airy and ligh...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Florence Knoll Model 17 Desk
Located in Saint Paul, MN
Alongside the model 75 stool, this desk was part of Florence Knoll's first collection of designs. The louvre drawers follows the same design language used in a variety of casegoods s...
Category

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

Materials

Maple

Desk Made in Teak of Danish Design From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This desk is a beautiful example of Danish design from the 1960s. Made of teak wood, it exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere that fits perfectly with any decor. The desk's simple y...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Small Desk by Ben Thompson for Design Research
By Design Research, Ben Thompson
Located in Belmont, MA
Mid-Century Modern walnut small desk by Design Research, circa 1970s.
Category

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

Materials

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.

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