Mid Century Modern Desks

Mid-century modern desks are desks from the mid-century modern style period, which falls between the 1940s and the mid-1960s. In addition to authentic pieces from this era, this description is often used to refer to contemporary reproductions made in the mid-century modern style.

The following guide will help you learn more about mid-century modern desks in addition to learning some essential purchasing tips.

What are Mid-Century Modern Desks?

True vintage Mid-century modern desks are desks created within the time period known today as the mid-century modern period. Because this time period covers around 15 years, it includes a somewhat varied amount of styles that largely depends on the year in which it was made.

Of course, mid-century modern desks are made from a variety of materials. Obviously, the most common material is wood. And the best furniture companies worked with walnut, cherry, teak, mahogany and oak.
However, vinyl and metal feature in other desks from this period as well.

Solid wood desks were common throughout the period, but metal desks were increasingly common towards the end of the 1950s and early to mid-1960s. Of course, metal makes desks sturdy and easy to clean. Additionally, metal and vinyl gave designers the opportunity for different colors and finishes in the home and office.

In fact, many people opted for sleek new metal and vinyl topped desks in new colors like teal, white and green.

Common Mid-century Modern Desk Styles

There are many different types of mid-century modern desks. The following are the most common styles that you will find when searching for authentic vintage mid-century modern desk pieces.

Presidential/Executive Style
The president or executive style became very popular towards the end of the 1950s and into the 1960s. This type of mid-century modern desk was typically made with either solid metal or solid wood. These desks often have a larger desktop that expands outwards past the core frame, mimicking a “presidential” desk. Obviously, these large desks give a room a sense of importance. However, they are also super functional.
Compact Functional Style
A compact functional style mid-century modern desk is designed to combine sleek form with plenty of function and practicality. These types of desks typically have multiple shelves and storage drawers on the interior side, which will allow the user to make the most out of the compact desk. Also, many compact desks feature an asymmetrical design, with drawers on only one side of the desk.
Modular Desks
Modular desks became very popular during the mid-century modern style period due to the fact that they could be customized to fit the user’s needs or preferences. Of course, modular desks were often made with solid wood, but some companies also designed metal modular desks which were intended to mimic the presidential style.

Tips for Purchasing Mid Century Modern Desks

If you are planning to purchase a mid-century modern desk for your home, home office or place of business, you should consider the following tips to help you make an informed purchase.

Tip: Measure your space before you start to shop–and bring a measuring tape.

Always measure your space before you shop, whether you’re shopping online or browsing through antique and secondhand stores. Desks made during this period did not adhere to a single size standard, so you will need to take accurate measurements in order to avoid any mishaps. If you are shopping in person, bring a measuring tape.

Tip: Consider modular desks when you may want more (or less) desk space in the future.

If you aren’t sure exactly how much desk space you want or need, you should consider a modular vintage modular desk. So, if you don’t need that much space at the moment, you can store the secondary modular element somewhere else and then reinstall it when you want the desk expanded.

Remember to keep the above guide in mind when purchasing a mid-century modern desk. And check out our other MCM pages if you want to add Mid Century Modern Bookcases, Credenzas or Chairs to your home office!