Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MODERN STYLE
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”
Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.
Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair — crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.
It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.
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Style: Modern
Philipp Plein office black table in split leather with a crocodile skin effect
By Philipp Plein
Located in Valladolid, ES
The Amazing Philipp Plein office Black table in split leather with a crocodile skin effect is a tribute to the grandiosity and wild creativity of this unique and eccentric German dec...
Category
Early 2000s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather
Kidney Shaped Desk in Walnut by Jonathan Field
Located in London, GB
The kidney-shaped desk in solid walnut was designed and made for a client's bay window home study; it has three main drawers of different depths that run on fully extendable Blum run...
Category
2010s English Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
1920's English Pine Desk
Located in Houston, TX
The 1920s English Pine Desk exudes timeless charm with its elegant craftsmanship and functional design. Constructed from rich, solid pine, it boasts a warm, inviting hue that adds ch...
Category
1920s English Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Pine
Handcrafted English Desk
Located in London, GB
A totally unique handcrafted modernist desk designed and made in England by our craftspeople using traditional woodworking and cabinetry techniques. The beautifully figured surface i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak, Walnut
Modern Chiado Console Table, Red Leather, Stone, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Chiado Console, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
The Chiado console table honors Lisbon’s historic quarter, cap...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Granite, Onyx, Marble, Brass
Walnut Orange MiMi Table by Miduny, Made in Italy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Merging clean lines with warm materials, the faceted geometry of the MiMi table creates a slender, graceful profile punctuated with painted surfaces that ca...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak, Plywood, Birch
21st Century Antigua Writing Desk in Carbalho by Roberto Cavalli Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
Antigua desk, with its sculptural design and its luxurious charm, is the perfect centerpiece for prestigious working spaces. In this version, features a top and chest of drawers with...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Molteni&C D.847.1 Ash Wood Desk by Gio Ponti
By Gio Ponti, Molteni & C
Located in Boston, MA
A Molteni&C exclusive has given new life to Gio Ponti's table which was originally designed 70 years ago. Thanks to dedicated craftsmanship, this signature piece has been reproduced ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Lounger and ottoman "Alta" by Oscar Niemeyer / Authentic
Located in Zürich, CH
Lounge chair "Alta" was designed in 1971 by Oscar Niemeyer, in collaboration with Anna Maria Niemeyer and produced by Mobilier International. Niemeyer was a Brazilian architect consi...
Category
1970s Brazilian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Freestanding Console - Desk, Reception Writing Table in Bright Yellow
By Spinzi
Located in Milano, IT
Contemporary console with integrated writing desk and matching stool, from the Silös collection by Spinzi.
It's been designed to offer a compact yet comfortable solution in small ro...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Organic Modern Armona Desk, Oak Root, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Armona desk, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Armona modern desk pays homage to...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Oak
Italian suitcase-shaped leather desk in modern style
Located in Milano, IT
In the eclectic world of interior design, there is an extraordinary Italian leather desk, a true gem of the vibrant 1980s. This is no ordinary desk, but an extravagant piece that defies convention and captures the spirit of travel.
Imagine, if you will, a desk that dares to resemble a travel suitcase, an unconventional masterpiece that blurs the boundaries between form and function. This desk is a symphony of modern style, a true testament to the creativity that flourished in the 1980s.
The entire desk is lovingly upholstered in the richest brown leather, every inch adorned with hand-stitching that testifies to the meticulous craftsmanship of its creator. It is a tactile delight, inviting you to run your fingers over its smooth surface and every stitch testifies to the craftsmanship with which it was created.
But what sets this desk apart are the two pull-out drawers, cleverly concealed in its suitcase-like façade. The handles, which are reminiscent of those of a real travel suitcase HOOKED WITH BRASS STUDS, invite you to explore its secrets. It is as if this desk were a portal to another world, a world where creativity knows no limits.
Each piece seamlessly stitched together, forming a harmonious blend of texture and structure. The corners, reinforced by studded leather elements reminiscent of vintage travel...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Organic Modern Armona Desk, Walnut, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Armona Desk, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Armona modern desk pays homage to...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Organic Modern Armona Desk, Walnut Onyx, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Armona Desk, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Armona modern desk pays homage to...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Onyx
Organic Modern Castelo Desk, Green Marble Brass, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Castelo Desk, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Castelo modern desk table pays h...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Brass
Contemporary Writing Desk In Solid Wood and Glass Worktop
By Mondo
Located in New York, NY
The "Writing" desk, a distinguished creation by Giovanna Azzarello for Riva 1920, elegantly combines functionality and style. Constructed from robust solid walnut, this desk offers a...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Glass
Oak-desk
Located in Carnota, A Coruña, Galicia
Presenting a handcrafted desk by Frank Buschmann made from premium oak, enhanced with an exquisite oil wax finish for enduring beauty. Each element is meticulously crafted, with leg...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood, Oak
Jacob Kjær Mid Century Rio Rosewood Free Standing Writing Desk
By Jacob Kjaer
Located in Kastrup, DK
Freestanding Rio rosewood writing desk with beautiful grain designed by Jacob Kjær, Denmark 1950-1960.
Front with 2x2 drawers with brass pulls. Top with raised edge.
The desk shows r...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
"Now and Then" 21st Century Desk, Italian Walnut and Maple
Located in Turin, IT
A new masterpiece of Ivan Paradisi Atelier “Now and Then” is a desk with elegant classical silhouette and, of course, inlay technique – a distinctive feature of the designer. The desk is in some way a tribute to the absolute hit “Grand Torino” desk...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Maple, Walnut, Resin
Xiitle Desk Small
By ADN Studio
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
The "Xitle" desk is part of ADN Studio´s Volcan Collection. This collection seeks to go back to basics. It is a subtle and refined interpretation of the archetypical modern furniture...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Tessellated Stone Console / Desk
Located in Denton, TX
Two tone Tessellated stone Console / Desk with two drawers and finished on all sides so it can be floated in a room.
Category
20th Century Philippine Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stone
Poet Table
Located in New York, NY
Perfectly shaped desk. Ideal for an office or as a console in a foyer. Bespoke configurations available upon request
Category
2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Bespoke Modernist Tubular Steel Table in Chromed Metal and Glossy Lacquered Wood
By GMD Berlin
Located in Berlin, DE
Bespoke modernist tubular writing table made of chrome plated tubular steel and lacquered wood.
Category
2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Campana Brothers Desk and Chair Assimetrica Collection
Located in Curitiba, PR
The brothers Humberto and Fernando Campana are among the most acclaimed creators in the world and are certainly the most famous names in Brazil when it comes to design. The duo combi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Plywood
1980s Style Black and White Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Interesting 1980s era writing desk. Black lacquer and white laminent tops by Carlton House Furniture.
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Laminate, Wood, Lacquer
Modern Wood and Glass Desk at cost price.
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
One-drawer desk with onyx, top in glass showing a ceramic plate.
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Onyx
Industrial Design Executive Metal Desk, Customizable, Germany, 2018
By GMD Berlin
Located in Berlin, DE
Industrial design executive metal desk, customizable, Germany, 2018.
Category
2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Black, glass & chrome base.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr for luxury French furniture brand, Adentro Paris.
The desk is composed of a central extra clear glass panel with a stora...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Black, glass & golden base.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr for luxury French furniture brand, Adentro Paris.
The desk is composed of a central extra clear glass panel with a stora...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Italian modern Lacquered wood and chromed metal desk by D.I.D., 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Lacquered wood and chromed metal desk by D.I.D., 1970s
Desk table with rectangular top in black lacquered wood. There is a writing desk with chromed metal detail on t...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Desk by Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The 1960s functionalist style desk represents a fascinating piece of furniture that embodies the elegant marriage of functionality and aesthetics. This design object, with its tubula...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr white, glass top & white base.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr for luxury French furniture brand, Adentro Paris.
The desk is composed of a central extra clear glass panel with a stora...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Red glossy top & chrome base.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr. in 2017 for luxury French furniture brand, Adentro Paris. The central panel of the desktop folds back to reveal a hidde...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Wenge, glass & chrome base.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr for luxury French furniture brand, Adentro Paris.
The desk is composed of a central extra clear glass panel with a stora...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Set desk and chair Derk Jan De Vries 1980 circa
By Maisa
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The SAMARA collection desk, designed by Derk Jan De Vries (Obergum, 1917 – Veendam, 1991) for MAISA (Belgium) in 1977, offers a fascinating blend of timeless design and functional el...
Category
1980s Belgian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Orange glossy top & white base.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr. in 2017 for luxury French furniture brand, Adentro Paris. The central panel of the desktop folds back to reveal a hidde...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Office Nutshell by Deborah Bowmann, Belgium, 2022
By Deborah Bowmann
Located in Antwerp, BE
This piece was created by artist duo Deborah Bowmann. The table was exhibited when they did the scenography of our Art Brussels booth in 2022. Later that year, the table also became ...
Category
2010s Belgian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr white, glass top & chrome base.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr for luxury French furniture brand, Adentro Paris.
The desk is composed of a central extra clear glass panel with a stora...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Grey glossy top & white base.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr. in 2017 for luxury French furniture brand, Adentro Paris. The central panel of the desktop folds back to reveal a hidde...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Orange glossy top & bronze base.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr. in 2017 for luxury French furniture brand, Adentro Paris. The central panel of the desktop folds back to reveal a hidde...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Red glossy top & white base.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr. in 2017 for luxury French furniture brand, Adentro Paris. The central panel of the desktop folds back to reveal a hidde...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Grey glossy top & golden base.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr. in 2017 for luxury French furniture brand, Adentro Paris. The central panel of the desktop folds back to reveal a hidde...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Red glossy top & golden base.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr. in 2017 for luxury French furniture brand, Adentro Paris. The central panel of the desktop folds back to reveal a hidde...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Pierre Jeanneret Desk and Stool from the city of Chandigarh, India 1950 - 1959
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Jeanneret Desk and Stool from the city of Chandigarh, India 1950 - 1959 Teak Holland and Sherry boiled wool.
Desk: 27 H x 31.5 W x 23 D inches
Stoo...
Category
1950s Indian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak, Wool
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Grey glossy top & bronze base.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr. in 2017 for luxury French furniture brand, Adentro Paris. The central panel of the desktop folds back to reveal a hidde...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Walnut veneer & chrome base.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr. in 2017 for luxury French furniture brand, Adentro Paris. The central panel of the desktop folds back to reveal a hidde...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Walnut veneer & white base.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr. in 2017 for luxury French furniture brand, Adentro Paris. The central panel of the desktop folds back to reveal a hidde...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Red glossy top & bronze base.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr. in 2017 for luxury French furniture brand, Adentro Paris. The central panel of the desktop folds back to reveal a hidde...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Orange glossy top & chrome base.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr. in 2017 for luxury French furniture brand, Adentro Paris. The central panel of the desktop folds back to reveal a hidde...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Orange glossy top & golden base.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr. in 2017 for luxury French furniture brand, Adentro Paris. The central panel of the desktop folds back to reveal a hidde...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr white, glass top & bronze base.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr for luxury French furniture brand, Adentro Paris.
The desk is composed of a central extra clear glass panel with a stora...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Grey glossy top & chrome base.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr. in 2017 for luxury French furniture brand, Adentro Paris. The central panel of the desktop folds back to reveal a hidde...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Oak Natur Frame Office Table L by Milla & Milli
Located in Geneve, CH
Oak Natur Frame Office Table L by Milla & Milli
Signed by Maša Vukmanović, Jelena Lukač Kirš, Jakov Šrajer
Dimensions: W 160 x D 80 x H 75 cm
Materials: Oak Natur, Black Metal.
F...
Category
2010s Croatian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Walnut, glass & bronze base.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr for luxury French furniture brand, Adentro Paris.
The desk is composed of a central extra clear glass panel with a stora...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Walnut veneer & golden base.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr. in 2017 for luxury French furniture brand, Adentro Paris. The central panel of the desktop folds back to reveal a hidde...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Walnut, glass & golden base.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr for luxury French furniture brand, Adentro Paris.
The desk is composed of a central extra clear glass panel with a stora...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
'Ripple' Black Walnut Desk by Tom Vaughan
By Tom Vaughan
Located in London, GB
'Ripple' black walnut desk by Tom Vaughan
British, 21st Century
Height 70.5cm, width 179cm, depth 81.5cm
This intriguing contemporary desk was expertly designed and made by the Bri...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr walnut, glass & chrome base.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr for luxury French furniture brand, Adentro Paris.
The desk is composed of a central extra clear glass panel with a stora...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Modern desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique 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, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used 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 Marco Zanuso Jr., Finn Juhl, Greenapple, and Elena Salmistraro. 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 $205 and tops out at $76,270 while the average work can sell for $6,480.
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