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Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

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 celebrated 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.

Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. 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
Owl Bronze Figurine by Walter Bosse, Vienna Austria for Opera Ball 1953
Owl Bronze Figurine by Walter Bosse, Vienna Austria for Opera Ball 1953

Owl Bronze Figurine by Walter Bosse, Vienna Austria for Opera Ball 1953

$310

Owl Bronze Figurine by Walter Bosse, Vienna Austria for Opera Ball 1953

By Walter Bosse

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Early 1950s - 1960s Austrian Walter Bosse Figurine made for Opera Ball Vienna, 1953 An elegant early 1950s figurine, crafted in Austria and exemplary of mid-century Austrian bronze ...

Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Mid Century Modern Panasonic Kp-2a Battery-Operated Pencil Sharpener
Mid Century Modern Panasonic Kp-2a Battery-Operated Pencil Sharpener

Mid Century Modern Panasonic Kp-2a Battery-Operated Pencil Sharpener

$49

Mid Century Modern Panasonic Kp-2a Battery-Operated Pencil Sharpener

By Panasonic

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration, a vintage Panasonic KP-2A battery-operated pencil sharpener, recognized by its signature faux woodgrain finish.It is a portable model that typically requires ...

Category

1960s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Plastic

Vintage Letter Holder/In-Out Tray Combo Organizer - Refinished in Orange
Vintage Letter Holder/In-Out Tray Combo Organizer - Refinished in Orange

Vintage Letter Holder/In-Out Tray Combo Organizer - Refinished in Orange

$175

Vintage Letter Holder/In-Out Tray Combo Organizer - Refinished in Orange

By Rehab Vintage Interiors

Located in Alhambra, CA

1960s desktop organizer refinished in a gloss Orange (OG 1) powder-coat finish by our workshop in Alhambra, CA. This vintage steel unit features a combo of 3 standing and 3 flat slot...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Steel

Mid Century Globe Wernicke Wood Double Letter Tray
Mid Century Globe Wernicke Wood Double Letter Tray

Mid Century Globe Wernicke Wood Double Letter Tray

$275

Mid Century Globe Wernicke Wood Double Letter Tray

By Ralph Lauren, Globe Wernicke

Located in San Diego, CA

A beautifully crafted vintage two-tier letter tray executed in warm, honey-toned oak with striking exposed dovetail joinery. The sculpted, wave-cut fronts lend a soft organic profile...

Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Vintage onyx cardholder desk accessory, 20th century
Vintage onyx cardholder desk accessory, 20th century

Vintage onyx cardholder desk accessory, 20th century

$192Sale Price|20% Off

Vintage onyx cardholder desk accessory, 20th century

Located in View Park, CA

A vintage onyx card holder, 1960s. Most likely from Italy, Mexico, or Pakistan. Tones of pistachio, rust, and toffee. Pick up in central west Los Angeles or we ship worldwide. 4” W ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Onyx

Seguso Spherical Paperweight in Murano Glass with Gold Dust, Italy 1950s
Seguso Spherical Paperweight in Murano Glass with Gold Dust, Italy 1950s

Seguso Spherical Paperweight in Murano Glass with Gold Dust, Italy 1950s

$770

Seguso Spherical Paperweight in Murano Glass with Gold Dust, Italy 1950s

By Archimede Seguso

Located in Roma, IT

Fantastic spherical shaped paperweight made mouth-blown Murano glass with gold leaf inside. This incredibly charming paperweight was designed by Archimede Seguso in Italy during the ...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass

Brass Desk Pen Holder by Günter Kupetz for WMF Germany - Desk Accessory - 1950’s
Brass Desk Pen Holder by Günter Kupetz for WMF Germany - Desk Accessory - 1950’s

Brass Desk Pen Holder by Günter Kupetz for WMF Germany - Desk Accessory - 1950’s

$456

Brass Desk Pen Holder by Günter Kupetz for WMF Germany - Desk Accessory - 1950’s

By Günter Kupetz

Located in ROUEN, Normandie

Brass Desk Pen Holder by Günter Kupetz for WMF Germany - Desk Accessory - 1950’s Free form brass bowl, originally used as a pen holder, created by Günter Kupetz. Very elegant for a...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Tomado Modernist Desk Office Paper Waste Basket, circa 1960
Tomado Modernist Desk Office Paper Waste Basket, circa 1960

Tomado Modernist Desk Office Paper Waste Basket, circa 1960

$800

Tomado Modernist Desk Office Paper Waste Basket, circa 1960

By Tomado

Located in Atlanta, GA

This is a rare functional mid-century modern desk accessory or office waste-basket designed by Tomado, Holland, circa 1960. The oval shape features a light gray metal structure with ...

Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Metal

Thermometer, 1950s for Tables, Vienna, Around 1950s
Thermometer, 1950s for Tables, Vienna, Around 1950s

Thermometer, 1950s for Tables, Vienna, Around 1950s

$291

Thermometer, 1950s for Tables, Vienna, Around 1950s

Located in Wien, Au

Thermometer, 1950s for tables, Vienna, around 1950s. Original condition.

Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Swatch Twin Phone "Candy" Model, Memphis Style, Vintage 1980s Design
Swatch Twin Phone "Candy" Model, Memphis Style, Vintage 1980s Design

Swatch Twin Phone "Candy" Model, Memphis Style, Vintage 1980s Design

$1,288

Swatch Twin Phone "Candy" Model, Memphis Style, Vintage 1980s Design

Located in Milano, IT

1980s Gorgeous Swatch twin phone 1st model in production called Candy. It's in excellent condition. It works perfectly. Memphis style. It was an icon for its amazing design. A true p...

Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Plastic

Yashica-44 Twin Lens Reflex Medium Format Camera Yashikor 60mm F3.5 Prime Lens
Yashica-44 Twin Lens Reflex Medium Format Camera Yashikor 60mm F3.5 Prime Lens

Yashica-44 Twin Lens Reflex Medium Format Camera Yashikor 60mm F3.5 Prime Lens

$648 / set

Yashica-44 Twin Lens Reflex Medium Format Camera Yashikor 60mm F3.5 Prime Lens

Located in Reading, Berkshire

Yashica-44 Twin Lens Reflex Medium Format Camera With a Yashikor 60mm F3.5 Prime Fixed Lens With Original Grey Leather Case Comes additionally with the original flash and flash cas...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Metal

Italian mid-century modern table fan by elettrodomestici San Giorgio, 1960s
Italian mid-century modern table fan by elettrodomestici San Giorgio, 1960s

Italian mid-century modern table fan by elettrodomestici San Giorgio, 1960s

$385

Italian mid-century modern table fan by elettrodomestici San Giorgio, 1960s

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian mid-century modern table fan by elettrodomestici San Giorgio, 1960s Adjustable table fan with burgundy Bakelite blades and a metal rod cage. The base is also made of burgundy...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Metal

Green White Dressing Table Set made of Mouth-blown Glass
Green White Dressing Table Set made of Mouth-blown Glass

Green White Dressing Table Set made of Mouth-blown Glass

$466 / set

Green White Dressing Table Set made of Mouth-blown Glass

Located in Hannover, DE

This is a one-of-a-kind set that will make your dressing table look absolutely charming! It was found in a 1950s villa. The size refers to the large storage tray. The bottle is 17 c...

Category

1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Glass, Scagliola, Blown Glass

1950’s FROST triple blade oscillating desk fan / ventilator
1950’s FROST triple blade oscillating desk fan / ventilator

1950’s FROST triple blade oscillating desk fan / ventilator

$590

1950’s FROST triple blade oscillating desk fan / ventilator

By Frost

Located in Bern, CH

Beautiful 1950’s FROST triple blade oscillating desk fan / ventilator. With three variable speeds and adjustable angle. Desk or wall mountable. Lovely Nile Blue colour. In prime cond...

Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Metal

Set of Leather Lamp, Basket, Paper Holder, Diary and Pen Holder, circa 1970
Set of Leather Lamp, Basket, Paper Holder, Diary and Pen Holder, circa 1970

Set of Leather Lamp, Basket, Paper Holder, Diary and Pen Holder, circa 1970

$2,760Sale Price / set|20% Off

Set of Leather Lamp, Basket, Paper Holder, Diary and Pen Holder, circa 1970

Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France

This nice desk set is constituted of a lamp, a basket, a paper holder, a diary and a pen holder. The all set is made of leather and brass. This is a French work, circa 1970.

Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Ettore Sottsass for Olivetti Valentine Typewriter, Italy 1960s
Ettore Sottsass for Olivetti Valentine Typewriter, Italy 1960s

Ettore Sottsass for Olivetti Valentine Typewriter, Italy 1960s

$525

Ettore Sottsass for Olivetti Valentine Typewriter, Italy 1960s

By Ettore Sottsass, Olivetti

Located in Naples, IT

Famous and Iconic Portable Typewriter Mod. Valentine designed by Ettore Sottsass and Peter King, for the company Olivetti in 1960, the typewriter is in very good condition with case ...

Category

1960s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Metal

Frog Prince Bronze Pen Holder Figurine by Walter Bosse, Vienna Austria 1950s
Frog Prince Bronze Pen Holder Figurine by Walter Bosse, Vienna Austria 1950s

Frog Prince Bronze Pen Holder Figurine by Walter Bosse, Vienna Austria 1950s

$320

Frog Prince Bronze Pen Holder Figurine by Walter Bosse, Vienna Austria 1950s

By Walter Bosse

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Early 1950s - 1960s Austrian Walter Bosse Figurine An elegant early 1950s - 1960s figurine, crafted in Austria and exemplary of mid-century Austrian bronze design. The piece display...

Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

MCM Octagonal Brass Ashtray
MCM Octagonal Brass Ashtray

MCM Octagonal Brass Ashtray

$175

MCM Octagonal Brass Ashtray

Located in San Diego, CA

A very nice MCM octagonal brass ashtray, circa 1950s. The piece is in great vintage condition and measures 7.25"D x 1.25"H. #4209

Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

1960s/1970s Rare Rolls Royce Musical Decanter Large Desk Ornament, Rolls Royce
1960s/1970s Rare Rolls Royce Musical Decanter Large Desk Ornament, Rolls Royce

1960s/1970s Rare Rolls Royce Musical Decanter Large Desk Ornament, Rolls Royce

$714

1960s/1970s Rare Rolls Royce Musical Decanter Large Desk Ornament, Rolls Royce

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

1960s/1970s Rare Rolls Royce Musical Decanter Large Desk Ornament, Rolls Royce Musical Decanter with the “Silver Sprit of Ecstasy” Mascot by Charles Sykes Silver Spirit This is a c...

Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Metal

Italian mid-century modern brown wooden brass plastic television by Vega, 1950s
Italian mid-century modern brown wooden brass plastic television by Vega, 1950s

Italian mid-century modern brown wooden brass plastic television by Vega, 1950s

$408

Italian mid-century modern brown wooden brass plastic television by Vega, 1950s

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian mid-century modern brown wooden white plastic television by Vega, 1950s Rectangular wooden television. The screen has rounded corners and a cream colored plastic frame, under...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid Century Carved Marble Onyx Stone Aztec Mayan Tribal Bookends
Mid Century Carved Marble Onyx Stone Aztec Mayan Tribal Bookends

Mid Century Carved Marble Onyx Stone Aztec Mayan Tribal Bookends

$125

Mid Century Carved Marble Onyx Stone Aztec Mayan Tribal Bookends

Located in West Hollywood, CA

These striking bookends are meticulously hand-carved from solid onyx stone, showcasing detailed depictions of tribal Aztec or Mayan faces. Each piece highlights the artistry and craf...

Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Onyx

TIFFANY & CO. 1981 Angela Cummings Aerodynamic Twisted Pen In .925 Sterling
TIFFANY & CO. 1981 Angela Cummings Aerodynamic Twisted Pen In .925 Sterling

TIFFANY & CO. 1981 Angela Cummings Aerodynamic Twisted Pen In .925 Sterling

$448Sale Price|25% Off

TIFFANY & CO. 1981 Angela Cummings Aerodynamic Twisted Pen In .925 Sterling

By Tiffany & Co., Angela Cummings

Located in Miami, FL

Sculptural twisted pen designed by Angela Cummings. This exceptional sculptural pen was designed in New York City at the Tiffany & Co. studios by renowned jewelry designer Angel...

Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver, Silver

Swatch Twin Phone 'Puzzle' Memphis Style, Vintage 1989, Excellent
Swatch Twin Phone 'Puzzle' Memphis Style, Vintage 1989, Excellent

Swatch Twin Phone 'Puzzle' Memphis Style, Vintage 1989, Excellent

$430

Swatch Twin Phone 'Puzzle' Memphis Style, Vintage 1989, Excellent

Located in Milano, IT

1980s (1989) Gorgeous Swatch twin phone "Puzzle" in excellent condition with the original box. It works perfectly. Memphis style. It was an icon for its amazing design. A true piece ...

Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Plastic

Italian mid-century Siemens Sip telephone with handset holder music box, 1960s
Italian mid-century Siemens Sip telephone with handset holder music box, 1960s

Italian mid-century Siemens Sip telephone with handset holder music box, 1960s

$758 / set

Italian mid-century Siemens Sip telephone with handset holder music box, 1960s

By Siemens

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian mid-century Siemens Sip telephone with handset holder music box, 1960s Set consisting of a landline telephone with rotary dial mod. Sip and handset music box. The phone is made of where gray plastic with a transparent disc. The handset holder music box is made of white plastic and is made up of three cylindrical elements: the lowest contains a half metal sphere, the highest has a hole and can be used as a pen holder while the central cylinder is the one with the function of a handset holder. The music box is loaded with the appropriate lever under the base and by placing the handset on the button of the central cylinder the sound is activated. Produced in the 1960s, the Siemens telephone...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Pen Holder in Patinated Leather 1960s
Mid Century Pen Holder in Patinated Leather 1960s

Mid Century Pen Holder in Patinated Leather 1960s

$204

Mid Century Pen Holder in Patinated Leather 1960s

Located in Meer, VAN

Mid Century Pen Holder in Patinated Leather 1960s. Beautiful mid century pen holder / cup in dark brown patinated leather. Slender design with nice stitching. A great addition to ...

Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Leather

Canon A-1 Black Body 35mm SLR Film Camera with Canon FD 50mm F1.8 Prime Lens
Canon A-1 Black Body 35mm SLR Film Camera with Canon FD 50mm F1.8 Prime Lens

Canon A-1 Black Body 35mm SLR Film Camera with Canon FD 50mm F1.8 Prime Lens

$520 / set

Canon A-1 Black Body 35mm SLR Film Camera with Canon FD 50mm F1.8 Prime Lens

Located in Reading, Berkshire

Canon A-1 Black Body 35mm SLR Film Camera with Canon FD 50mm F1.8 Prime Lens 1978 to 1985 Made in Japan Weight: 609g

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Metal

A Pair of Brass Bookends for the Golf Enthusiast A very attractive pair
A Pair of Brass Bookends for the Golf Enthusiast A very attractive pair

A Pair of Brass Bookends for the Golf Enthusiast A very attractive pair

$659

A Pair of Brass Bookends for the Golf Enthusiast A very attractive pair

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

A Pair of Brass Bookends for the Golf Enthusiast A very attractive pair and clever design, the ends are made as books which the golfing statues are standing on and also provide the...

Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Metal

Remington Rand De Luxe Model 5 Portable Typewriter 1940s, Working with Case
Remington Rand De Luxe Model 5 Portable Typewriter 1940s, Working with Case

Remington Rand De Luxe Model 5 Portable Typewriter 1940s, Working with Case

$325

Remington Rand De Luxe Model 5 Portable Typewriter 1940s, Working with Case

By Remington Rand

Located in San Carlos, CA

A rare opportunity to own a piece of American mid-century history in its most authentic form. This Remington Rand De Luxe Model 5 portable typewriter is presented exactly as time lef...

Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Metal

Pair of Brutalist Acid Etched Brass Containers by Gallinaro, Italy, 1960s
Pair of Brutalist Acid Etched Brass Containers by Gallinaro, Italy, 1960s

Pair of Brutalist Acid Etched Brass Containers by Gallinaro, Italy, 1960s

$501 / item

Pair of Brutalist Acid Etched Brass Containers by Gallinaro, Italy, 1960s

Located in Milan, IT

Pair of Brutalist Acid Etched Brass Containers by Gallinaro, Italy, 1960s The second container measures 9.5 x 13.5 cm Used as Desk Pen Holders. Signed Gallinaro

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Swatch Twin Phone 'Gutemberg' Memphis Style, Vintage 1989, Excellent
Swatch Twin Phone 'Gutemberg' Memphis Style, Vintage 1989, Excellent

Swatch Twin Phone 'Gutemberg' Memphis Style, Vintage 1989, Excellent

$360

Swatch Twin Phone 'Gutemberg' Memphis Style, Vintage 1989, Excellent

Located in Milano, IT

1980s (1989) Gorgeous Swatch twin phone "Gutemberg" in excellent condition. It works perfectly. Memphis style. It was an icon for its amazing design. The motif of this phone is aweso...

Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Plastic

Mid-Century Functional Tesla Phone 1982, Czechoslovakia
Mid-Century Functional Tesla Phone 1982, Czechoslovakia

Mid-Century Functional Tesla Phone 1982, Czechoslovakia

$458Sale Price|20% Off

Mid-Century Functional Tesla Phone 1982, Czechoslovakia

By Tesla

Located in Praha, CZ

- Very Good original condition - Fully functional. - Tesla manufacturer typ-TA 32.

Category

1980s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Plastic

Ceramic Piggy Bank by Ditar Urbach 1950s
Ceramic Piggy Bank by Ditar Urbach 1950s

Ceramic Piggy Bank by Ditar Urbach 1950s

$205Sale Price|20% Off

Ceramic Piggy Bank by Ditar Urbach 1950s

By Ditmar Urbach

Located in Praha, CZ

Colectible ceramic piggy bank for sale made by Ditmar Urbach Porcelain factory (Keramicky zavod Teplice) Original glaze, original condition, Marked on the bottom with the original st...

Category

1950s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Ceramic

Desk Ornament World Globe with Chrome Model Aeroplane A super piece and a grea
Desk Ornament World Globe with Chrome Model Aeroplane A super piece and a grea

Desk Ornament World Globe with Chrome Model Aeroplane A super piece and a grea

$961

Desk Ornament World Globe with Chrome Model Aeroplane A super piece and a grea

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Desk Ornament World Globe with Chrome Model Aeroplane A super piece and a great desk ornament for the desk that has everything else This small globe is set on a chrome stand benea...

Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Chrome

Italian Tiger’s Eye and Gilt 800 Silver Desk Pen Holder by Mazzetti Milano, 1950
Italian Tiger’s Eye and Gilt 800 Silver Desk Pen Holder by Mazzetti Milano, 1950

Italian Tiger’s Eye and Gilt 800 Silver Desk Pen Holder by Mazzetti Milano, 1950

$1,925

Italian Tiger’s Eye and Gilt 800 Silver Desk Pen Holder by Mazzetti Milano, 1950

Located in Roma, IT

Refined and unique Italian desk pen holder crafted in magnificent natural tiger’s eye and finished with elegant gilt 800 silver mounts. This sophisticated object was produced in Mila...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Quartz, Silver

Set of two Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Pen Holders in Hardwood, Jupanam, 1960s
Set of two Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Pen Holders in Hardwood, Jupanam, 1960s

Set of two Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Pen Holders in Hardwood, Jupanam, 1960s

$500 / set

Set of two Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Pen Holders in Hardwood, Jupanam, 1960s

Located in New York, NY

This pair of pen holders reflects the restrained utility and material integrity associated with Brazilian modern desk accessories of the mid-twentieth century. Modest in scale yet de...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Hardwood

Vintage Sectioned Display Tray in Aluminum
Vintage Sectioned Display Tray in Aluminum

Vintage Sectioned Display Tray in Aluminum

$95

Vintage Sectioned Display Tray in Aluminum

Located in Chula Vista, CA

Partitioned Tray in Aluminum 1.63 h x 14.75 w x 7.38 preowned condition refer to images

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Aluminum

Swedish Mid-century Mallet Tool or Pencil Holder in Walnut, 1950s
Swedish Mid-century Mallet Tool or Pencil Holder in Walnut, 1950s

Swedish Mid-century Mallet Tool or Pencil Holder in Walnut, 1950s

$267

Swedish Mid-century Mallet Tool or Pencil Holder in Walnut, 1950s

Located in Esbjerg, DK

A well-made mallet shaped tool or pencil holder fashioned from solid walnut. Different sized hole for different tools/needles/pens etc. It was made in Sweden circa 1940-60 og excess ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Walnut

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Waste Basket
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Waste Basket

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Waste Basket

$695 / item

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Waste Basket

By Jens Risom

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Waste Basket This waste basket measures: 11.75 wide x 11.75 deep x 14 inches high Fair Vintage Condition. We take our photos in a controlled lighting...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Walnut

Georg Petersens Mid Century Teak Desk Organizer Denmark
Georg Petersens Mid Century Teak Desk Organizer Denmark

Georg Petersens Mid Century Teak Desk Organizer Denmark

$675

Georg Petersens Mid Century Teak Desk Organizer Denmark

By Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A teak top of the desk organizer with four letter slots , two storage cubies and an open top shelve . This well designed accessory is the perfect piece for easy access to your papers...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Teak

Italian Florentine Wooden Gilt Desk Letter Holder, circa 1950's
Italian Florentine Wooden Gilt Desk Letter Holder, circa 1950's

Italian Florentine Wooden Gilt Desk Letter Holder, circa 1950's

$275

Italian Florentine Wooden Gilt Desk Letter Holder, circa 1950's

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Charming vintage Italian paper holder organizer with a top handle from the 1950's. This Mid-Century piece would be a wonderful addition to any home office, library or kitchen. We al...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Wood, Paint

Red Cobra Table Phone, Ericofon by LM Ericsson
Red Cobra Table Phone, Ericofon by LM Ericsson

Red Cobra Table Phone, Ericofon by LM Ericsson

$220

Red Cobra Table Phone, Ericofon by LM Ericsson

Located in Vienna, AT

Vintage Rotary dial red ericofone. This is the model Cobra. It is made of thermoplastic ABS Designed in the 1950s in Sweden by Hugo Blomberg, Ralph Lysell and Gösta Thames, LM Ericsson...

Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Steel

Kalmar Mid-Century Teak Desk Organizer / Letter Tray 1970s
Kalmar Mid-Century Teak Desk Organizer / Letter Tray 1970s

Kalmar Mid-Century Teak Desk Organizer / Letter Tray 1970s

$275

Kalmar Mid-Century Teak Desk Organizer / Letter Tray 1970s

Located in San Diego, CA

A beautifully crafted mid-century modern desk organizer by Kalmar, executed in richly grained Danish teak. This sculptural and highly functional piece embodies the refined simplicity...

Category

1970s Thai Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Teak

Vintage Petrified Wood Catch-All Bowl
Vintage Petrified Wood Catch-All Bowl

Vintage Petrified Wood Catch-All Bowl

$275

Vintage Petrified Wood Catch-All Bowl

Located in San Diego, CA

A very nice vintage petrified wood catch all / bowl, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good condition with wonderful brown and tan colors and measures 6.5"W x 6.5"D x 2"H. Cool piec...

Category

15th Century and Earlier Mexican Antique Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Petrified Wood

Set Of Two Travertine Elephant Sculptures Desk Organizer by Fratelli Mannelli
Set Of Two Travertine Elephant Sculptures Desk Organizer by Fratelli Mannelli

Set Of Two Travertine Elephant Sculptures Desk Organizer by Fratelli Mannelli

$571 / set

Set Of Two Travertine Elephant Sculptures Desk Organizer by Fratelli Mannelli

By Fratelli Mannelli

Located in München, BY

Set of two travertine elephant sculptures as desk organizers by Fratelli Mannelli, Italy, 1970s. A beautiful elephant-shaped letter holder and paperweight. Good condition, undamaged...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Travertine

Vintage Swedish Beige Bakelite Table Phone
Vintage Swedish Beige Bakelite Table Phone

Vintage Swedish Beige Bakelite Table Phone

$240

Vintage Swedish Beige Bakelite Table Phone

Located in Vienna, AT

Bakelite table phone by LM Eriksson from the early 1960s. Repaired on the side see the last 2 pictures  

Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Steel

Vintage-Burnt Bamboo Rattan Desk Organizer Magazine File Mid-Century
Vintage-Burnt Bamboo Rattan Desk Organizer Magazine File Mid-Century

Vintage-Burnt Bamboo Rattan Desk Organizer Magazine File Mid-Century

$210

Vintage-Burnt Bamboo Rattan Desk Organizer Magazine File Mid-Century

By Franco Albini

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration a vintage-style burnt bamboo and rattan desk organizer, often marketed as a magazine holder or letter holder. Unmarked. Dimensions: 11.5" H x 10.5" D x 5" W ...

Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Mid-century Modern desk sets for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern desk sets 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 desk sets created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, plastic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern desk sets made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original desk sets, popular names associated with this style include Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Olivetti, Tesla, and Jacques Adnet. 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 desk sets differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $38 and tops out at $7,600 while the average work can sell for $527.

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