Desk and Chair sold separately
Click the dropdown to select either the desk or the chair
A beautifully balanced mid-century desk by DS Vorster, now fully restored & refinished to showcase the warm depth and fine grain of its sapele Mahogany timbers. DS Vorster & Co., active from the 1950s through the 1970s, was one of South Africa’s most respected mid-century manufacturers, known for its clean architectural lines, impeccable timber selection, and quality craftsmanship. Their pieces were built to last and are now increasingly sought-after by collectors for their distinctive, understated elegance.
This desk features its original brass drawer pulls, a hallmark detail often found on Vorster’s more refined cabinetry forms. With five smoothly running drawers and a crisp, linear silhouette, it offers both practical storage and a classic mid-century aesthetic.
Paired with the desk in some of the photos is a DS Vorster mid-century chair, whose proportions and Scandinavian-leaning form work beautifully as a desk chair. The frame has been newly restored and sealed, highlighting the rich timber tones, while the seat remains in its original, as-is upholstery, professionally cleaned to preserve authenticity.
A striking, well-curated pairing for a home office, studio, or reading nook—bringing together the best of South African mid-century craftsmanship and timeless design.
Condition:
Desk: Fully restored, structurally sound, and in excellent vintage condition.
Chair: Frame restored; seat fabric cleaned and in original as-is condition.
Dimensions:
Desk: 137cm W X 59cm D X 74.5cm H (Chair opening 64.5cm W x 58cm H)
Chair: 45cm W X 45cm D X 74.5cm H (Seat height 46cm H)
Shipping Information:
If you are purchasing an item and you are based in Cape Town, Durban, or any area outside Gauteng, please select the 'LOCAL PICK-UP' option at check-out and do not choose a shipment option.
Please be aware that we cannot reserve any items until transportation or shipping arrangements have been finalized. Therefore, it is important to purchase the item and proceed with the checkout process.
After your purchase is complete, you are welcome to arrange your own method of transport. If you require our assistance, we can help you obtain a shipping quote based on the dimensions & volumetric weight of the item(s) you have bought.
Please email us at shop@retrend.co.za so we can provide cost estimates for shipping to your area from our preferred suppliers. For more detailed information, please refer to our shipping policy.
Note/Disclaimer:
Our images form part of the item/s description. Although every effort is made to refurbish our furniture to represent its original state best, it must be noted that most of the items we source date from the 1950s to the late 1970s. For this reason, and although restored, signs of their vintage condition & age might still be visible. We will normally point out any visible/notable concerns. Take note of all photos or view the item in-store prior to purchasing.
Transport & Handling Note:
All items are carefully wrapped and prepared for transport by us (not the courier) to ensure safe handling. Once items leave our premises, we cannot take responsibility for their treatment by third-party transporters. We strongly recommend arranging goods-in-transit insurance for comprehensive protection.
Due to the fragility of glass, we do not recommend shipping glass items outside of Gauteng.
For the full shipping policy, please refer to our Shipping Policy for more information: https://retrend.co.za/policies/shipping-policy
As with many Mid-Century pieces, this item features a thoughtful combination of solid wood and high-quality wood veneer. Veneer has a long and respected tradition in furniture making, valued for both its aesthetic and structural benefits. When crafted with skill and applied in substantial thickness, vintage veneer proves highly durable, allowing for careful restoration, including retouching, sanding, and refinishing without compromising the integrity of the piece.