Skip to main content

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.

19
1,600
167
14
to
247
874
864
1,781
1,645
1,661
773
383
352
320
228
214
202
158
108
105
84
73
52
50
36
25
10
1
4
1,595
181
9
1,192
285
3
8
47
369
407
214
29
8
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
1,518
833
373
301
270
1,109
537
456
421
216
58
35
30
26
24
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Mid Century Modern Solid Oak Desk with Laminate Top
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century Modern Solid Oak Desk with Laminate Top Good vintage condition with one leg having a portion split away from the bracing screw which leads to some give in the leg. Addi...
Category

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

Materials

Oak, Laminate

Danish Modern Rosewood L-Shaped Desk by Arne Vodder for H.P. Hansen
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Looking for a statement piece to complete your home office or workspace? Look no further than this stunning Danish modern rosewood L-shaped desk designed by Arne Vodder for H.P. Hans...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

20th Century Italian Vintage Walnut Writing Desk & Armchair by Amleto Sartori
By Amleto Sartori
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century modern Italian office set of a writing desk and an armchair made of hand crafted polished Walnut, designed by Amleto Sartori in good condition. The floating rec...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

small modernist desk
Located in TARBES, FR
Small modernist style desk in wood and steel, tubular leg and brass wrist, some signs of wear and tear on the bottom of the drawer, see photos for faults Welcome to the world of mo...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Modern Heywood Wakefield 3 Drawer Writing Desk
Located in Freehold, NJ
This mid century modern writing desk by Heywood Wakefield features hardwood construction, original champagne finish with newly applied clear coat, three dovetailed drawers with sculp...
Category

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

Materials

Maple

Shagreen desk
Located in New York, NY
Shagreen desk by Karl Springer. Signed.
Category

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

Materials

Shagreen

Mid Century Danish Desk With Shelves By Drexel
Located in Pasadena, CA
Mid Century Drexel Danish Desk with shelves. This desk set has a lot to offer is the foot print it provides. The desk has a great area for work space and offers plenty of shelf space to keep you space organized. This desk set has a small 2 door cabinet...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Style Stitched Leather Wrapped Writing Desk in the manner of Jaques
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions- H: 29in W: 59 1/4in D: 31 3/4in This Mid Century style leather wrapped writing desk in the manner of Jaques Adnet is truly magnificent. If you take a look at the photos ...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Small Italian Desk with Matching Chair - 60's - Vittorio Dassi - Set of 2
Located in Milano, IT
The mid-century Italian desk designed by Vittorio Dassi in the 1960s is an extraordinary example of functional elegance to the point that it is very often attributed to the work of G...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Boomerang desk Model A10 by Göran Strand for Lelangs Möbelfabrik, 1960s
Located in Lasne, BE
Wooden desk with 3 drawers with locks at the front of the desk and a hinged door with locks at the back of the desk containing a shelf. One key. Wear due to time and age of the desk.
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Writing desk by Svend Åge Madsen for Sigurd Hansen 1950s
Located in Milano, IT
Desk with double under-top drawer. Teak veneer wood, fine construction details.
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Very Rare and Original Writing Table PK53 by Poul Kjaerholm for Rud Rasmussen
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
This stunning example is in museum condition, all completely original, not perfect, but very nicely used, the Oregon Pie top has a wonderful patine, with no real digs or scratches. T...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

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

Milo Baughman, Rare Desk, Walnut, Brass, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A rare walnut and brass desk designed by Milo Baughman and produced by Glenn of California, USA, 1950s.
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Walnut and Oak desk with x shaped legs
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Pleased to offer this great walnut and oak desk with a single draw. This great desk sits on a pair of brass/gold x shaped legs. This is even more impressive in person.
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Giovanni Battista Bassi Asymmetrical writing desk Italy 1950
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Beautiful a-symmetrical writing desk-table designed by Giovanni Battista Bassi and made in Italy in 1950. This one of a kind piece was created for a project in Florence. It's made fr...
Category

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

Materials

Hardwood

Large Jacaranda Desk by Jorge Zalszupin by L'Atelier San Paulo, 1960
Located in Dronten, NL
Beautiful large desk designed by Jorge Zalszupin, manufactured by L’Atelier San Paulo, circa 1960. Made of high quality jacaranda wood. The desk has four drawers with very well craf...
Category

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

Materials

Jacaranda

Interlübke White Laminate Desk, 1980s, Germany.
Located in Antwerp, BE
Post modern white laminate Interlübke desk beautiful, simple, sleek design that can stand freely in a spacious room or is also suitable for a small spa...
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Midcentury Desk in Walnut and Steel by Moscatelli for Formanova, Italy, 1965
Located in Roma, IT
Astonishing desk designed by Gianni Moscatelli and produced by Formanova in Italy in 1965. The desk features rectangular tabletop in walnut with wonderful wood grain, the quality of...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Writing Desk, Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black and white lacquered solid maple, with brass har...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Boomerang desk by Renzo Schirolli, 1960s
Located in Lasne, BE
Incredible boomerang desk with floating leather back panel and wooden and leather drawers. The leg of the desk is made of marble. Wear due to time and age of the desk
Category

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

Materials

Marble, Metal

Desk in Wood, 1940, Made in France
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
French Desk Year: 1940 It is an elegant and sophisticated dream desk. The quality of the furniture and the exotic wood used make it unique. It is an icon of distinction. You want t...
Category

1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Modern 3 Drawer Executive Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This desk is comprised of exotic Shedua hardwood and a solid hand polished stainless steel base. The three equal sized drawers provide plenty of storage for pens, small electronics a...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

The London "I" - An Executive Desk
Located in Durban, ZA
The London "I" was our first significant international commission. Destined for a historic apartment in the UK, it now stands overlooking The Thames and The London Eye. A view most a...
Category

2010s South African Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Blue formica and black metal desk, Italian modernism, ca. 1960.
Located in MIlano, IT
Blue formica and black metal desk, Italian modernism, ca. 1960. Small desk from a hotel room with a matte black tubular metal frame and a rectangular-shaped top made of light blue Fo...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Danish Modern Teak Desk with Bookcase
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning Danish modern teak desk designed in Denmark, circa 1960s. This desk features four dovetail drawers and a generous compartment, providing ample storage for all your essential...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Jean Michel Frank Style 1950’s Oak Wood Desk
Located in Milano, IT
Bureau in the style of J M Frank 1950’s from the Cartier store in Paris. Oak Wood Desk. Taller than your standard desk height. Extremely beautiful design. The craftsmanship in the le...
Category

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

Materials

Oak

A MID-CENTURY-MODERN DESK Model CM 172 by PIERRE PAULIN, THONET, France 1950
Located in PARIS, FR
A rigorous and luxurious small desk, Modernist, Constructivist, Reconstruction, black lacquered square section metal structures, box with 3 drawers (and 1 drawer top) and 1 large lac...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Danish Secretary Desk
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful secretary desk designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for Søborg Møbler. It has the label in the back. This secretary desk is made in Denm...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Kazuhide Takahama Antella multi-functional Table for Cassina, new
Located in Berlin, DE
Price is dependent on the chosen material/ color. Available in matte or glossy. Japanese architect Kazuhide Takahama designed Antella as a truly multi-functional piece of furniture...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Plywood, Lacquer

Large Boomerang shaped Walnut Desk with Green Leather patinated top Italy 1950’s
Located in Den Haag, NL
Large Boomerang shaped Walnut Desk with Green Leather patinated top, Italy 1950’s.
Category

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

Materials

Leather, Nutwood

1970s Italian Dining Table in Natural Stone
Located in Hilversum, NL
Presenting an exquisite Italian dining table from the 1970s, unbranded yet radiating timeless elegance. Its distinctive curvy edges rest upon a rectangular travertine column base, sh...
Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Double Pedestal Desk, 1950s
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern double pedestal executive writing desk By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid black and white lacquered birch,...
Category

1950s 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

Danish Modern Teak Desk Model #130 by Børge Mogensen for Søborg Møbler
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning Danish modern teak desk also known as Model #130 designed by Børge Mogensen for Søborg Møbler in Denmark, circa 1950s. This exquisite desk fea...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Vintage French Oak Dining Table in Style of Pierre Jeanneret, France, 1950s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
A beautiful square vintage dinging table in the manner of Pierre Jeanneret. In oak, original from France in the 1950s.
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Lacquered goatskin two drawer desk
Located in New York, NY
Lacquered goatskin two drawer desk by Karl Springer.
Category

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

Materials

Goatskin

Glass and oak modern desk
Located in New York, NY
Glass and oak modern desk.
Category

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

Materials

Glass, Oak

Dutch Industrial Design Desk by Wim Rietveld for Ahrend De Cirkel, 1960's
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Midcentury Dutch Industrial Design Desk by Wim Rietveld and Friso Kramer for Ahrend De Cirkel. Made in the Netherlands, late 1950's, early 1960's. A RARE and hard to find des...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Steel

PAUL FRANKL for JOHNSON Furniture Co. "Amoeba" Desk and Cabinet c. 1950s
Located in LAGUNA BEACH, CA
Paul Frankl, a renowned American designer of the 20th century, crafted a timeless masterpiece in collaboration with Johnson Furniture Company—a kidney-shaped desk that blends functio...
Category

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

Materials

Wood, Birch, Mahogany, Maple, Teak

1970s Monumental Carved Oak Wood Parchment Natural Travertine Console Table Desk
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, rare, travertine top, carved wood console table or desk you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The...
Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Restored Mid Century Modern Teak Wood Desk with Adjustable Base and Drop Leaf
Located in Van Nuys, CA
An exquisite Danish teak desk boasts a drop-leaf extension and a sliding drawer cabinet, showcasing a design that can be traced back to the reno...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

George Nelson for Herman Miller Side Table, Work Table or Small Desk, Signed
Located in Doylestown, PA
George Nelson for Herman Miller side table, work table or small console desk. Great as a side/work table in a home office for printer, files, etc as a useful auxiliary piece to your...
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

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

Max Sauze Foldable Smoke Glass Dining Table
Located in Dronten, NL
This elegant foldable chromed steel table with a floating smoked glass top was designed by Max Sauze, circa 1970, France. Max Sauze is a renowned French designer and artist celebra...
Category

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

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Walnut Desk by Gianfranco Frattini 1956
Located in Berlin, DE
Very elegant writing desk with four drawers and open compartments on both sides. Made of solid walnut wood, handles are made of blackened metal. Height of writing surface 70 cm Gianf...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Adaptable school desk by Jacques Hitier for Mobilor, France 1950s
Located in STRASBOURG, FR
Adaptable school desk designed by Jacques Hitier, produced by Mobilor France in the 1950s, often falsely attributed to Jean Prouvé. The design is typic...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Modern Saw Horse Desk with Steel Base and Rectangular Glass Top
Located in San Francisco, CA
This iconic desk, designed in steel and glass, grounds a room without taking up visual space, thus a great option for both large and small spaces. The solid ground glass top, 1/2" th...
Category

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

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mid-century triangular desk with drawers
Located in Budapest, HU
Mid-century triangular desk with drawers in an excellent condition.
Category

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

Materials

Wood

1970s Henredon Burl/ Rattan Maguire Style Desk
Located in Marietta, GA
Functional and trending, at the moment, rattan and burl desk by Henredon. Similar in style, to Macguire furniture, having a rattan base mixed with a wood top. Four drawers across th...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings Cantilevered Modern Desk Refinished
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean lined cantilevered modern desk, designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, American, circa 1950s. This desk is currently being refinished and can be completed in your ch...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Scrivania in massello di noce color chiaro degli anni 70, MIM Roma Italia
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Elegante piccola scrivania degli anni 70 in massello di noce color chiaro e prodotta dall'iconica azienda italiana MIM Roma. Struttura e cassettini in massello, restaurata ed in ot...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Birch Corner Desk, 1950s
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern solid birch corner desk By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Measures: 35.5"W x 35.5"D x 28.25"H. Good origi...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Heritage Henredon Scalloped Edge Olive Burl Wood Top Desk One Drawer Table MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Decorative Banded Heritage Henredon Scalloped Edge Olive Burl Wood Top Desk One Drawer Table MINT!
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Student Oak & Iron Writing Table Slant Top Desk France, Mid 20th C
Located in Labrit, Landes
French slant top desk writing table for student, circa 1950. Oak and iron pupitre Good vintage condition with nice patina. Authentic condition with engraved marks made by the studen...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

1940s Norman Bel Geddes Metal Desk for Simmons
Located in Wilton, CT
Offering a rare 1940's industrial design desk designed by Norman Bel Geddes for Simmons Furniture Company. This pre-war metal desk was built before use of m...
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Elegant vintage Italian desk with green glass
Located in Milano, IT
Transport yourself to the enchanting world of 1950s Italian design, where elegance and craftsmanship merged seamlessly. In the heart of this era's creative fervor, you'll discover a vintage Italian...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Postmodern 1980s Pine Wood writing Desk in the style of Guillerme & Chambron
Located in Basel, BS
Absolutely fabulous, sculptural desk made of solid pine wood! Three storage drawers on the right side with white accents and button-like solid pine knobs. Next to the drawers, lies a...
Category

1980s European 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.

Recently Viewed

View All