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Mid-Century Modern Desks

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
Mid-Century Modern Style Desk, Mahogany Finish
Located in Westwood, NJ
Mid-Century Modern style desk with a three-quarter wooden gallery, a single frieze drawer, and raised on square tapered legs. Finished in our dark mahogany stain. Dimensions: 48" ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Wood

Modern Desk with Polished Nickel Supports
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern desk with rectangular starburst veneered walnut grain top with a Macadamia finish, four overcast shagreen inlaid drawers with polished nickel handles and side supports. Dim...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Casablanca Brass, Mexican Walnut and Black Leather Desk / Nomade Atelier Design
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
A striking balance between sharp edges and soft leather pocketing is found in the Casablanca desk by contemporary Nomade Atelier ´s Mexican design. Secr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

Electrohome 703 Circa 75 stereo console radio record player (eames baughman lk)
Located in Madison, WI
“If art decorates space… and music is the art that decorates time, then our vintage stereo consoles decorate lives by accentuating both.” Groovy Wood Stud...
Category

Mid-20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

1960s Walnut and Chrome Executive Desk
Located in Cedar Falls, IA
1960s walnut and chrome executive desk in the style of Florence Knoll. Nice walnut grain and color throughout, including exceptional 76x28 work surface. Features 5 drawers, complet...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Chrome

George Nelson for Herman Miller Swag Leg Desk Model 5850
Located in New York, NY
George Nelson for Herman Miller swag leg desk. The frame of the desk is walnut. Has colorful storage compartments, a white laminated top an...
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ranch Oak Desk and Matching Chair by Brandt
Located in Lafayette, IN
Great little desk in the "Ranch Oak" style and manufactured by Brandt Furniture Co. of Fort Worth, Texas. Desk features a great size paired with that wonderful, faux-weathered wester...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Oak

1960 Retro Pilastro Tomado shelving Grey Metal Desk Unit with Drawer and Shelf
Located in Markington, GB
1960 retro Pilastro Tomado shelving grey metal desk unit with drawer and shelf designed by Tjerk Reijenga for Tomado, Holland. The wall unit is in very...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Hunting Aviation Metal Desk Ernest Race
Located in New York, NY
Ernest Race designed Metal Desk for P.W. Cow / Hunting Aviation, United Kingdom 1946. A wonderful piece of British Design History Desk by Ernest Race. The aluminum metal has a patt...
Category

1940s British Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Drexel Profile Mid-Century Modern Walnut K95 Desk by John Van Koert
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Elegant Mid-Century Modern K95 desk in walnut designed by John Van Koert for high quality furniture maker, Drexel. This desk has two large drawers on the left, and a smaller drawer o...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Walnut

Restored Mid-Century Modern Writers Desk in Walnut with Leather Top, USA, 1960's
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing an extraordinary writer's desk fresh out of our restoration shop. Originally built in the 1960's this minimalist desk has undergone a comprehensive and transformative re...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Leather, Walnut

TEAK Mid Century MODERN Secretary DESK + storage, Made in Denmark
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Vintage Mid century Modern Teak Secretary desk, Made in Denmark. This piece boasts tons of storage space in the four deep and spacious drawers and above there is a hidden pull out de...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

Danish rosewood desk, 1960s
Located in Braga, Braga
Mid century rosewood desk. Denmark in the 1960s. Desk features three drawers on each side and one in the center (three lockable) on the front. A closed bar cabinet and bookshelves on...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Rosewood

Torben Valeur & Henning Jensen Desk for Munch Mobler, Denmark 1960
Located in Braga, Braga
A fantastic rosewood desk designed by Henning Jensen & Torben Valeur manufactured by Munch Mobler in Denmark around 1960. Standing on two rectangular legs with beautiful On both si...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Rosewood

Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller Roll Top Action Office Desk by George Nelson
Located in Lafayette, IN
This is a wonderful early example of the Action Office Roll Top desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Desk features: Walnut roll top (4) action drawers Ebonized black side pane...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

Zig Zag White Bone Inlay Desk
Located in Bangalore, KA
Elevate your home office or workspace with our exquisite zigzag bone inlay desk, a stunning addition that seamlessly blends timeless craftsmanship with modern sophistication. Featuri...
Category

2010s Indian Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Wood, Bone

Henry Rosengren, Danish Mid-Century Modern, Floating Desk, Brazilian Rosewood
Located in Stamford, CT
Henry Rosengren Hansen, Brande Mobelfabrik, Danish Mid-Century Modern, Floating Desk, Rosewood, Denmark, 1960s A rosewood desk designed by Henry Rosengren Hansen in 1963 and produce...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Rosewood

Mother of Pearl Floral Motifs Inlay Desk
Located in Bangalore, KA
Introducing our exquisite black mother of pearl inlay desk, a statement piece that seamlessly merges timeless elegance with modern functionality. Adorned with intricate flower patter...
Category

2010s Indian Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Wood, Mother-of-Pearl

Teak Wood Inlay Work Desk
Located in Bangalore, KA
Elevate your home office or workspace with our exquisite wood inlay work desk, a stunning addition that seamlessly blends timeless craftsmanship with modern sophistication. Adorned w...
Category

2010s Indian Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Wood, Teak

Clover Bone Inlay Desk
Located in Bangalore, KA
Elevate your home office or workspace with our exquisite clover bone inlay desk, a testament to timeless craftsmanship and sophisticated design. Adorned with intricate four-leaf flow...
Category

2010s Indian Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Bone, Wood

Milo Baughman for Murray Mid Century Maple and Brass Desk
Located in Countryside, IL
Milo Baughman for Murray Mid Century Maple and Brass Desk This desk measures: 48 wide x 24.75 deep x 29.75 high, with a chair clearance of 27.75 inches All pieces of furniture can ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

Gilbert Rhode for Herman Miller EOG No. 17 Receptionist Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
For your consideration is this rare Gilbert Rohde EOG No. 17 Receptionist Desk manufactured by Herman Miller in the 1940s. The desk is in original, unrestored condition. It's compose...
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Steel

Bone Inlay Work Desk with Floral Motifs
Located in Bangalore, KA
Elevate your home office or workspace with our exquisite bone inlay work desk, a stunning addition that seamlessly blends timeless craftsmanship with modern sophistication. Adorned w...
Category

2010s Indian Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Bone, Wood

Electrohome 701 Circa 75 stereo console radio record player (eames baughman lk)
Located in Madison, WI
“If art decorates space… and music is the art that decorates time, then our vintage stereo consoles decorate lives by accentuating both.” Groovy Wood Studios This console: This is ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

Desk or Vanity by Lane, Tuxedo series with chair
Located in South Charleston, WV
Black Walnut. With original chair. 44" x 18" 30 1/8" tall. Chair is 20" deep, 18.5" wide and 33.75" tall, seat height 18.5". Hard to find and exquisite desk or vanity by Lane Tuxedo ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Desk by Rusell Wright for Conant Ball
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

Materials

Maple

Stamped 1961 Danish Teak Peter Lovig Nielsen for Hedensted Mobelfabrik Desk
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely original Mid-Century Modern circa 1961 Peter Lovig Danish Teak bookcase back desk designed for Hedens...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Corner Desk with Left Return
Located in Countryside, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Corner Desk with Left Return This desk measures: 62 wide x 28 deep x 28.5 high, with a chair clearance of 27.25 inches The return measures: 62 wide x 6...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Lane Acclaim Mid Century Walnut Desk
Located in Countryside, IL
Lane Acclaim Mid Century Walnut Desk This desk measures: 48 wide x 22 deep x 29.5 high, with a chair clearance of 28.5 inches All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call res...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Walnut Desk by Jens Risom for Jens Risom Design, 1960s
Located in GNIEZNO, 30
A large desk made of walnut wood from the 1960s, designed by Jens Risom for the American manufactory Jens Risom Design. Desk with two drawer modules. There are two drawers in the lef...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Walnut

Restored Chestnut & Bronze 4-Drawer Large Desk by Jack Cartwright for Founders
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Made in the United States towards the late 1960s, this desk was designed by Jack Cartwright and manufactured by Founders in very low numbers, probably due to the quality required dur...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Bronze, Steel

Danish Design Teak Secretaire by Johannes Sorth for Bornholm Møbelfabrik, 1960s
Located in Elshout, NL
Danish Design Secretaire This tall Danish chest of shelves with pull out desk is manufactured Bornholms Møbelfabrik from a pressed wood teak veneer composite. Made late 60s the desi...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

Davis Allen Mid Century Burlwood and Chrome Executive Desk
Located in Countryside, IL
Davis Allen Mid Century Burlwood and Chrome Executive Desk This desk measures: 65.25 wide x 32.25 deep x 29.25 high, with a chair clearance of 26 inches All pieces of furniture can...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Chrome

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Danish Modern Rosewood Executive Desk by Arne Vodder
Located in Lafayette, IN
This is a wonderful executive desk designed by Arne Vodder for Danish furniture manufacturer H.P. Hansen. Desk Features: - Book-matched Rosewood veneer - Solid rosewood frame - Br...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Rosewood

1960s Leopold Mid Century Modern Walnut Executive Desk
Located in Portland, OR
A Midcentury Modern executive desk with a conference size overhanging. Rand & Leopold Desk Company was an office furniture manufacturing firm which operated out of Burlington, Iowa, ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Walnut

Vista of California Desk
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid century modern classic by Vista of California. This piece features an iron frame with walnut stained birch veneer drawers and laminate top. In good vintage condition with mino...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Birch

Mid-Century Freestanding Rosewood Desk, 1960s
Located in GNIEZNO, 30
This desk made in Denmark in the 1960s. The desk is made of rosewood wood and is free-standing thanks to the finished back with an open storage bookspace . There are two modules at t...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Rosewood

McGuire Oak & Bamboo Writing Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
Mid-century modern desk with light wash color that highlights the woodgrain and brass drawer drop handles. The neutral finish makes this desk more contemporary than its dark brown an...
Category

1970s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Oak

Vintage Drexel Heritage Modern Oak Writing Desk
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a vintage Drexel Heritage Modern Oak Writing Desk. Featuring a straight line modern design, four drawers four storage, rosewood drawer trim and pulls. This is an ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Wood, Oak, Rosewood

Seldom seen Mahogany and Cork Desk by Paul Frankl for Johnson
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning mahogany and cork Mid-Century desk by Paul Frankl with three drawers above two cabinets, one fitted with pull out drawers and branded with "Johnson Furniture Company," all ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century 1960s Teak Desk by Stag
Located in London, GB
Stunning Mid-century 1960’s teak desk by Stag. Three spacious drawers on each side with beautifully designed handles. Stunning design with gorgeous teak grain throuhout. Very good v...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

Superb Scandinavian Desk
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
A Mid-Century Modern free-standing desk made Cherry with a likeness of teak wood, designed by Andreas Hansen. Featuring large top with three compartments. Two with flip top leaves, a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Cherry

Pierre Jeanneret Style Mid-Century 'Student' Compass Desk, India 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Undocumented but very much in the style of Pierre Jeanneret Style Mid-Century 'Student' Compass Desk, India 1960's.
Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk with Drop Leaves and File Cabinet
Located in Bradenton, FL
Handsome 1950's mid-century modern Dunbar Desk and Wheeled Pedestal Filing Cabinet, Designed by Edward Wormley. The two-drawer filing cabinet can be placed under the desk to either side or wheeled out for easy access. Desk with drop leaf...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

Nordic Mid-Century Desk with Glass top and brass details
Located in Matosinhos, 13
Crafted from rich wood, this table exudes warmth and character, while its sleek lines and minimalist silhouette capture the essence of mid-century modern aesthetics. Itss exquisite t...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Metal, Brass

1970s Burlwood Executive Desk
Located in Cedar Falls, IA
1970s olive burlwood executive desk. Stately proportions, 72 inches wide, 36 inches deep. Full depth central drawer with plenty of storage space. Exceptional and stunning burlwood...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Olive, Burl

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Corner Desk
Located in Countryside, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Corner Desk The desk measures: 62 wide x 28 deep x 28.5 high, with a chair clearance of 27.25 inches The retur...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Walnut

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Corner Desk
Located in Countryside, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Corner Desk The desk measures: 62 wide x 28 deep x 28.5 high, with a chair clearance of 27.25 inches The retur...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Walnut

French Wooden Modernist Desk, France 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Probably one-of-a-kind, this desk has been crafted with precision and care. It features clean lines and impeccable craftsmanship. Its sleek silhouette exudes an air of understated lu...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Teak Chest of Drawers / Writing Desk / Bureau by Meredew
Located in London, GB
Beautiful vintage teak chest of drawers / writing desk / bureau by Meredew. Very compact piece which offers plenty of storage. Features drop down door (with original key) which revea...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

Office Desk EU01 by Cees Braakman for Pastoe - 1960s
Located in Uccle, BE
Nice office Desk model EU01 of the Japanese Series by Cees Braakman for Pastoe created between 1950 and 1960. This desk is made of teak wood and has a black lacquered metal frame. Th...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Peter Lovig Nielsen "Boomerang" Danish Modern Desk
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Peter Løvig Nielsen for Hedensted Møbelfabrik "Boomerang" Teak desk. Made in Denmark, 1960s. Stunning biomorphic shape. Raised edges with brass details. Drawers in the front and a ba...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

Jens Risom Wall Mounted Walnut and Brass Dresser with Fold Out Desk
Located in Countryside, IL
Jens Risom Wall Mounted Walnut and Brass Dresser with Fold Out Desk This dresser measures: 54 wide x 21 deep x 24 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call res...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

Mid century Danish Modern Magic Box Desk in Teak by Mummenthaler & Meier
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Mid century teak closable locking teak writing desk called the "Magic Box", designed by Swiss Mummenthaler and Meier. The piece closes completely and can be key-locked to protect all...
Category

Mid-20th Century Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Modern Kipp Stewart for Drexel Secretary Desk Hutch With Bookcase
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful vintage Mid Century Modern secretary desk designed by Drexel group, it is marked inside the drawer and in the back too. This iconic desk is made of walnut wood and brass ha...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

Harvey Probber Mid Century Walnut Curved Executive Desk
Located in Countryside, IL
Harvey Probber Mid Century Walnut Curved Executive Desk This desk measures: 92.25 wide x 34.5 deep x 29 high, with a chair clearance of 25.75 in...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Walnut

Newly Refinished - Danish Modern Sculpted Teak Floating Top Desk
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

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century desk by Peter Løvig Nielsen, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century teak desk by Peter Løvig Nielsen, crafted in 1967 by Hedensted Møbelfabrik, Denmark. This double-faced desk, featuring a minimalist design and warm teak wood construction...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

Mid-century Modern desks for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern desks 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 created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, tables, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern desks made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original desks, popular names associated with this style include Paul McCobb, George Nelson, Herman Miller, and Arne Vodder. 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 differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $249 and tops out at $72,000 while the average work can sell for $4,595.

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