Ennio Fazioli terni desk for MIM Roma Italy 1958

Iconic desk designed by Ennio Fazioli and manufactured by his own company M.I.M Roma, Italy 1958. This desk is often sold as a design by Ico Parisi but as the Parisi book states, this version was designed by Ennio Fazioli, director of MIM Roma. A similar desk was designed by Parisi but after a fight, Fazioli decided to change the design and manufacture it after Parisi had left the company in 1957. Very nice version with the return on the left (can also be changed to the other side). The whole desk is made of mahogany veneer with aluminium details.

The top has a rectangular bent shape and there’s a small half-circle cutout where you sit. On the left, there’s an extra desk part with a drawer and you can move it to the right if you want. On the right side under the desk there’s a compartment with three drawers and cool aluminium inlay in the middle. The compartment has a lock on the side, and on the back, there are two more drawers. In the middle there’s a thin drawer under the top. The legs are the most iconic feature, a unique double-sided Y-shaped design with the open worked legs. The aluminium feet are slightly smaller than the legs and one on the left is flattened out and gives it something extra. You’ll find the MIM signature tag on the desk’s rim. It’s in really good original condition.

Mobili Italiana Moderne (M.I.M.) was a prominent Italian furniture company established in 1957 by the Fazioli brothers in Rome. In the 50s and 60s, MIM played a key role in advancing Italian design and production innovation. With Ico Parisi as artistic director, the company collaborated with renowned designers such as Bruno Zevi, Giò Ponti, and others, starting with the MIM logo, designed by Bruno Munari in 1954.

MIM was known for its multi-disciplinary approach, integrating architecture and visual arts with furniture design. The company also introduced innovative furniture packaging and shipping methods, anticipating concepts. The 1970s marked MIM’s peak success, with acquisitions of factories and expansion abroad. Leonardo Sinisgalli, an architect and graphic designer, led educational seminars and publications. Although production ceased in 2000, limited reproductions of iconic MIM products continue to enjoy strong sales.

The desk chair on the pictures is not included but can be purchased here.