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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
Creator: Edward Wormley
Mid-Century Executive Walnut Desk by Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful mid-century executive walnut desk designed by Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar in the United States, circa 1950s. This desk is made with a timeless design that has been profess...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Writing Desk By Edward Wormley For Dunbar
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Beautiful and rare walnut desk designed by Edward Wormley, manufactured by Dunbar ca' 1950's. Single drawer, dark walnut original finish, with nice graining. Edges are raised to give...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Rosewood Roll top Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 452. All Original
Located in Kansas City, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 452 Rosewood Tambour Door Executive Desk in very good completely original condition. Two rolltops, one on each side and three drawers. Large work se...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

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

Edward Wormley for Dunbar MCM Model 452 Rosewood Tambour Door Executive Desk
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar mid century Model 452 Rosewood Tambour door executive desk This desk measures: 74.5 wide x 28 deep x 35 high, with a chair clearance of 24 inches All ...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

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

Edward Wormley Executive Tambour-Door Rosewood Desk for Dunbar
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rosewood executive desk by Edward Wormley c.1950s, USA, for Dunbar. The desk has three shallow drawers that run the length of the desk. The top of the desk features two roll top tamb...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Clean Lined Console Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean lined console table, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American, circa 1960s. This table is a versatile size and can be used as a console or so...
Category

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

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

Rosewood and Mahogany Receptionist Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This spectacular fully restored and sought-after model #452 'Roll Top' desk was designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar and features beautifully grained Rosewood and Ebonized Mahogany, designed and made in the 1960s. Most examples of this design are regular desk height however this example was custom made to be a receptionist desk...
Category

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

Materials

Mahogany, Rosewood

American Walnut Ed Wormley for Dunbar Double Pedestal Desk w/ Folding Return
Located in Rockaway, NJ
American walnut Ed Wormley for Dunbar double pedestal desk w/ folding return. Uniquer folding return desk feature, nice architectural design back, beautiful amber honey tone finish.
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Floating Edward Wormley for Dunbar Executive Extending Desks, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
A rare and sleek Mid-Century Modern executive desks by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. The desks features stunning solid walnut grain and sleek midcentury design. The desk is fi...
Category

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

Materials

Nutwood

Roll Top Writing Desk by Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A stately and elegant rosewood and mahogany campaign desk having three drawers and two rosewood roll-top compartments flanking a central writing surface with a flip-down back splash,...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

1950s Demilune Vanity or Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A solid wood double pedestal desk or vanity with demilune curve to accommodate seating and vertically stacked dowel drawer pulls.
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Mahogany Writing Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An octagonal mahogany writing desk designed by Edward Wormley with a single drawer. Made by Dunbar in the USA, circa 1957.
Category

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

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

Walnut Lectern by Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A unique and elegant lectern in walnut with a roll top cover and a single drawer.
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Excellent Rosewood Roll Top Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Classic roll top desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with leather footrest. This stately executive desk is beautifully constructed of rosewood and mahogany. With two sliding roll-tops,...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Related Items
Side Table Model 5309 by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Rovereta, SM
Model 5309 rare coffee table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Combination of Wood and brass with the original glass top.
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1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

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Brass

Dunbar Contract Division Mid Century Executive Desk
Located in Countryside, IL
Dunbar contract division Mid Century executive desk Desk measures: 72 wide x 36 deep x 28.5 inches high All pieces of furniture ca...
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1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

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Plexiglass, Wood

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

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

Antique French Walnut Tambour Top Desk
Located in Denton, TX
Rare 19th century French walnut roll top desk in the style of Louis XV. The tambour door locks with a key. Also finished on the back so it can be ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Antique French Walnut Tambour Top Desk
Antique French Walnut Tambour Top Desk
H 40.75 in W 46.5 in D 26.5 in
Mid-Century Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Occasional Table
Located in Forney, TX
A beautiful mid-century custom ordered occasional table, model 426A, designed by Edward Wormley (American, 1907-1995) for Dunbar Furniture; Berne, Indiana. The two-tier Modernist...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley Rosewood Occasional Table for Dunbar with Murano Glass Tile Top
Located in Dallas, TX
Rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar solid Brazilian Rosewood occasional table with green Murano Glass mosaic tile top and brass banding. Retains green rectangular Dunbar metal label. A ve...
Category

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

Materials

Cut Glass

Clean Lined Console Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean lined console table, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American, circa 1960s. This table is a versatile size and can be used as a console or so...
Category

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

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

Vintage 7ft 1970s Mid-Century Modern Rosewood & Oak Executive Desk by Dunbar
Located in Lafayette, IN
This beautifully-made executive desk features a design reminiscent of Roger Sprunger and the unparalleled build-quality for which Dunbar is renowned. The clean, Minimalist lines are...
Category

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

Materials

Oak, Rosewood

American Walnut & Brass Vintage Executive Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Revive the hustle and bustle of the mid-century American workplace with this jaw-dropping walnut executive desk. Boasting a newly refinished walnut top measuring over 14 square feet ...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

George III Mahogany Tambour Desk
Located in Essex, MA
Nice old piece very nicely polished and tuned up in good working order. Rectangular top with tambour roll top opening to expose a pull out writing surface with adjustable ratcheted c...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

George III Mahogany Tambour Desk
George III Mahogany Tambour Desk
H 41 in W 38.5 in D 23 in
1968 Executive Desk
Located in Hanover, MA
Executive desk formerly belonging to noted architect George M. Notter, (1933–2007) of the Boston firm Anderson Notter Finegold (now known as Finegold Alexander Architects). Current institutional memory at the firm suggests it was a special order from Herman Miller for the then new New York offices of MGM, however Herman Miller's archivist was unable to confirm. Styling, particularly the distinctive slim milled aluminum tracks through which the entire drawer carriage glides is clearly similar to Warren Platner's designs for Lehigh-Leopold which were then among the most costly of executive office furnishings. The bent flat bar chromed steel base with its distinctive pigeon toe splay is somewhat similar to a table base in Stow Davis' Electa Series, designed by Alexis Yermakov circa 1971. Walnut laminate top is very clean with no issues. One one corner edge shows a small separation. The only identifying markings are within the milled aluminum channel: G.P. F.I. 2 And the date Dec. 20, 1968. See image 18. Between the rectangular laminate top and the chrome base is a heavy blackened steel plate. Underneath the bent chrome pigeon toe feet are bars of a thick phenolic material which act as floor protector. We can have keys made to fit the two locking drawers. Tim Anderson...
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum, Steel, Chrome

1968 Executive Desk
1968 Executive Desk
H 30 in W 72 in D 36 in
Previously Available Items
1960s Edward Wormley Desk Ebony & Ivory Oak Dunbar Berne, Indiana
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Dunbar desk 1960s USA Designer Edward Wormley modern two-tone desk ebony espresso & ivory honey oak wood fabulous modern. Exceptional design on drawer pulls. Maker metal tag present...
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Dunbar Desk in Brazilian Rosewood & English Oak, See Photos, Stunning, Signed
Located in Kansas City, MO
Absolutely stunning Brazilian Rosewood and English oak executive desk designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This has been painstakingly, expertly restored and refinished to it's original beauty. The contrast of the Rosewood and bleached English Oak is exactly as intended in the original design. The pulls are solid brass. The three drawers work perfectly. Signed with the Dunbar big "D" in brass. See our listing for the matching credenza.
Category

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

Materials

Oak, Rosewood

Stunning & Rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany & Leather Desk w Bookshelves
Located in Hudson, NY
Expertly restored mahogany desk designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Stamp present on underside of top drawer. Mahogany construction with leather wrapped base. Absolutely stunning ...
Category

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

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Executive Desk in Walnut and Rosewood, circa 1950s
Located in Peabody, MA
Executive desk with six drawers in walnut with rosewood drawer pulls by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, ca. 1950s. Features a kick screen, a file drawer, two sliding returns, and brass feet.
Category

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

Materials

Rosewood, Walnut

Edward Wormley Drop-Leaf Executive Desk for Dunbar in Walnut and Mahogany
Located in Dallas, TX
Early production green label executive desk Model #5265. The desk has two drop leaves that open to create a larger workspace and was advertised in a catalog as a multipurpose desk th...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Dunbar Writing Desk Designed by Edward Wormley
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This is a Dunbar writing desk designed by Edward Wormley. This desk has the original order ticket taped under the drawer and features the original ...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Executive Desk
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar mid century executive desk Desk measures: 60 wide x 27 deep x 29.25 inches high with a chair clearance of 24.5 inches All pieces of furniture can be had...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Rosewood and Mahogany Executive Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1963, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This grand executive desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar features beautiful Rosewood and Mahogany with brass feet, designed and made in the 1960s. Such incredible use of luxury materials and quality craftsmanship as you would expect from Dunbar in the 1960s. This large sized desk features five drawers, some with internal organizing compartments, one filing drawer, and two pull out writing surfaces. Signed with a metal manufacturer's tag to interior of center drawer which reads 'Dunbar Berne Indiana'. Brass lock in center drawer with key, in working order. In good vintage condition, this Edward Wormley for Dunbar Rosewood and Mahogany receptionist desk...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Black Lacquered Walnut Executive Desk, Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern black lacquered walnut executive desk By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, 1950s Measures: 84.13" W x 36" D x 30" H. Expertly ref...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Executive Desk and Chair Set, circa 1950s
Located in Westport, CT
An exceptional and rarely seen executive desk and chair set designed by renowned Mid-Century Modern furniture designer Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950s. Features stunning ro...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lacquered Rosewood Desk with Leather Top
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Small yet stately, black lacquered rosewood desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar circa 1950s features a scored turquoise green/blue leather top with fa...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Petite Dining Table or Desk
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Unusual and versatile Edward Wormley table. Table could function as a dinette table for 2-4 people, a desk, or a game table. Refinished walnut top sits abo...
Category

1950s American 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.

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