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Modern Desks

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chaircrafted 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
Vintage John Stuart White Lacquered Campaign Wood Desk X-Chrome Base Two Drawer
Located in North Miami, FL
This newly restored vintage John Stuart campaign 2 drawer desk and or writing desk is white lacquered over wood with chrome handles and 2 X-frame ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Chrome

Modern Milano Leather 3-Drawer Desk with Sleek Cerused Oak by Ercole Home
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A very functional writing, computer desk with 2 covered leather drawers on the side and in the middle a drawers that open to accommodate your writing keyboard. It fits perfectly your...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Modernist Mahogany and Laminate Desk, Italy, c. 1950
Located in New York City, NY
Unique looking desk, composed of bold, broad shapes. 
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Laminate, Mahogany

Vintage Tortoise Bamboo and Rattan Writing Desk
Located in Roanoke, VA
Stunning vintage faux tortoise bamboo writing desk. Beautiful frame and detail. Features three drawers for storage.
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Desks

Materials

Faux Bamboo, Rattan

Modern Milano Leather 3-Drawer Desk with Sleek Cerused Oak by Ercole Home
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A very functional writing, computer desk with 2 covered leather drawers on the side and in the middle a drawers that open to accommodate your writing keyboard. It fits perfectly your...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Lucite and Dark Walnut floating Desk
Located in Ballard, CA
A highly engineered modernist desk made from a walnut (or oak, mahogany, or rosewood veneer) case “floating” on a Lucite base, which is affixed by custom-designed hardware. Custom si...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Modern Toscana Vanity Table Oak Beige Leather Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Toscana Vanity Table, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The organic modern Toscana vanity table is a captivating blend of natural beauty and c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks

Materials

Onyx, Brass

Organic Modern Pontes Desk, Green Marble Brass, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Pontes Desk, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Pontes ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks

Materials

Marble, Brass

Italian Mid Century Small Desk Table designed by Vittorio Dassi in 1950s
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Stylish Italian Mid-Century Modern petite desk in elegant teak from the 1950s, named "Dattilo", designed by the designer Vittorio Dassi. The teak structure is provided with a black ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

Modern Menir Console Table, Calacatta Viola Marble Handmade Portugal Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Menir Console, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Menir modern console table draws inspiration from menhir sil...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks

Materials

Onyx, Marble

Herringbone Waterfall Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
Herringbone Waterfall Desk, create a serene space for work and moments of reflection with this parsons style desk, engaging the senses with its fluid f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Desks

Materials

Wood

Shape modern desk in Eucalyptus with leather top
Located in Desio, IT
Desk from the Shape line, characterized by its curved lines and enhanced by the leather top, presented in Eucalyptus rope F129. Equipped with two large drawers with rallenty system. ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks

Materials

Leather, Bentwood

ClassiCon Orcus Desk in Lacquered White by Konstantin Grcic
Located in New York, NY
Orcus Desk in high gloss lacquer by Konstantin Grcic. Secretary desk in high gloss lacquered drop-flap writing surface, 4 drawers, secret compartment, stora...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Desks

Materials

Steel

Italian Mid Century sculptural Desk Table designed by Vittorio Dassi in 1950s
Located in Traversetolo, IT
This elegant mid-century Italian design desk was designed by Vittorio Dassi in the 1950s. The piece is characterized by a refined design that alternates soft and rounded lines with a...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

Storage cabinet Trinité by Kreatippci Studio
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Trinité - description: This elegant cabinet with Surrealist flair is made of iron, wood and ceramics. Every element of this functional piece radiates refined sophistication and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Slovak Modern Desks

Materials

Iron

Modern Blue Blossom Glass Mosaic Desk with Pavia Metal Base by Ercole Home
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Pavia Blossom desk by Ercole Home has a single drawer, with a Washed Ivory Dark finish on oak. Hand cut glass mosaics in French Blue, Sky Blue and Gold decorate the drawer fronts...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks

Materials

Art Glass, Oak

Moooi Paper Desk in Wood & Cardboard with Oak Veneer Top by Studio Job
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Despite the advances made in technology, many of us still use paper pad and pen for grocery lists, notes & cards while sitting busily at our desks. But have you ever dreamt of a clas...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Desks

Materials

Oak

Modern Milano Leather Painted Wood Desk on Metal Base
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Modern Milano Leather Desk is functional for work or play, with 2 covered leather drawers with pulls, and a center touch-latch wooden drawer. Custom sizes and finishes availa...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks

Materials

Steel

Transitional Modern Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
Stardust Transitional desk, for moments of reflection, this desk adds a note of glamour in our pearlescent Stardust finish. Platinum-striped beading ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Handcrafted Desk "Timaios" in Wood, with Inclined Legs by Anaktae
Located in Athens, GR
Contemporary handmade desk model "Timaios" in Brazilian walnut with four inclined legs and surface, and three drawers with oxidized brass handles. Variations are available in custom...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Greek Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

Atlantic Desk by VOLK
Located in Brooklyn, NY
As shown: Solid walnut with vintage pump organ drawer pulls. Fabric lined drawers by request at an additional fee. Oil and wax finish. Dimensions: 30" H...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks

Materials

Walnut

Modern Stainless Steel and Glass Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern stainless steel and glass desk with drawer and tempered glass writing surface. Dimensions: 54" W x 24" D x 30" H.  
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Franco Albini for Knoll Desk Model '1928'
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Franco Albini for Knoll Desk Model '1928' Italy, 20th Century This 48-inch wide by 26-inch deep desk boasts a sleek and functional design, making it a per...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Desks

Materials

Chrome

Mausam Desk
Located in London, GB
The Mausam desk features a delicate reeded detail and is available with either a matching timber or a white marble top. A practical desk is concealed behind the reeded detail. The de...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Desks

Materials

Marble

Mid-Century Modern Desk by Desk Ennio Fazioli & Ufficio Tecnico for Mim, Italy
Located in Antwerpen, Antwerp
Mid-Century Modern desk by Desk Ennio Fazioli & Ufficio Tecnico for MIM, Italy 1960s. This desk is made of dark warm colored wood and has chrome detailed...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Modern Metal Leather Top Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern Metal Leather top desk, featuring a digitally carved, traditional woven cane design. The carved metal desk boasts mesmerizing textural layers. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Handcrafted Console "Oeneus" in Wood, Lined with Brass by Anaktae
Located in Athens, GR
Contemporary handmade console in walnut wood model "Oeneus" composed of interconnecting rectangular frames. The lower rectangular frame is lined with brass. The upper section has four drawers. Variations are available in custom size, type of wood, color of brass oxidation, and finish, upon request. The lining of the rectangular shelf...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Greek Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

Italian Mid Century Table Desk and chair designed by Vittorio Dassi in 1950s
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Italian Mid-Century Desk and Chair Designed by Vittorio Dassi in the 1950s This stunning Italian Mid-Century desk and chair set was designed by the renowned designer Vittorio Dassi ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Maple, Teak

Modern Black Writing Table Desk or Vanity Console in high gloss
Located in Riga, LV
Refined elegance and classic design characterize the Kanttari Writing Desk. The definition of rich furniture design, this beautiful writing desk is handmade with soft to touch black ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

Jean Prouvé, Bureau "Surveillant" Bois Métal Laqué Et Plateau Formica Noir 50's
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
jean Prouvé (1901-1984, France) : Bureau " Surveillant" Rare modèle du bureau "surveillant : structure des pieds à section carré en métal laqué noir, caisson bois plaqué et plate...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

French Designer Handcrafted Connected Executive Desk in Solid Wood by C. Lecomte
Located in Landivy, FR
This minister's desk is part of the TRAPEZ collection designed by the Vendée designer Christophe Lecomte, who combines noble materials, aesthetics and uptodate office functionalities. This collection includes several desks and storage units to equip personal offices, private practices and companies. This large writing table is made of French high-valued solid and veneer ash wood sourced in sustainable managed and PEFC certified French forests. With TRAPEZ, work free and with only 1 single wire on the floor between your desk and the wall. With the integrated power strip (3 electrical plugs and 2 USB chargers), you will be able to plug your office electronical...
Category

2010s French Modern Desks

Materials

Ash, Wood

2007 Antonio Citterio for Vitra Ad Hoc Desk With White Laminate Tops 70x32
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Ad Hoc Desk, designed by Antonio Citterio for Vitra in 1994. These particular examples date to 2007. The design features a polished cast aluminum frame with adjustable leg...
Category

Early 2000s German Modern Desks

Materials

Aluminum

2007 Antonio Citterio for Vitra Ad Hoc Desk w/ White Laminate Top, 7x Available
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Ad Hoc Desk, designed by Antonio Citterio for Vitra in 1994. The listed price includes one desk, and we have several available for sale. The examples that we have in our i...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Modern Desks

Materials

Aluminum

1970 Jens Risom Designs Double Pedestal Executive Desk in Walnut Made in Denmark
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a large Double Pedestal Executive Desk in Walnut, designed by Jens Risom for Risom Designs Inc. in the 1960s. This example dates to ca. 1970 and has been recently refinished....
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Steel

Rúna Small Desk, by Isabel Ahm from Warm Nordic
Located in Viby J, DK
Timeless desk with a poetic idiom and a neat little drawer. With its pure and Classic design, Rúna creates a space around itself and boosts your entire interior design whether the de...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Slovenian Modern Desks

Materials

Wood

Karl Springer "Chinese Parson Style Desk" in Exquisite Shagreen Lacquer 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Meticulously crafted "Chinese Parson Style Desk" in artisan shagreen and bone lacquer in beige and ivory with inset brass trim sabots by Karl Springer, American 1980's. Drawer is lin...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

Organic Modern Oga Desk Raw American Oak Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Oga Desk, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Oga seamlessly combines the beauty of organic materials with the elegance of contemporary design. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks

Materials

Onyx, Brass

Height Adjustable Industrial Desk Made in Los Angeles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful work station/desk, designed and manufactured in Los Angeles California. The desk has a beautiful industrial steel base, the desk has a height adjustable mechanism that r...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks

Materials

Steel

Calen Desk by Madheke
Located in Geneve, CH
Calen desk by Madheke. Dimensions: D 90 x W 210 x H 78.5 cm. Materials: leather, wood, veneer, metal. Classic leather front and upper, dead matte veneer, bronzed metal detailing...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Amuneal’s Collector’s 4 Bay Office Unit
Located in New York, NY
Four bays of our collector’s shelving system are used to create this modular office configuration with desk, adjustable display shelving, drawers and la...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

1970s 6ft George Nelson & Robert Probst Herman Miller Office Desk w/ Drawers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an original 1970s Herman Miller Action Office desk with two drawers, designed by George Nelson and Robert Probst. This is a delightful...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Laminate, Oak

Modern Lage Bookcases Set/2, Brass Oak Root, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set of 2 Lage bookcases, Contemporary collection, handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Lage modern bookcase was designed to be the focal ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks

Materials

Metal, Brass

Modern Writing Desk with Three Drawers
Located in Greenwich, CT
This modern writing desk was custom made for utility. The desk features 3 drawers for storage, a steel base brushed with antique brass and a white oak top stained ebony. This is a bu...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks

Materials

Steel

Simply Modern Writing Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
An elegant modern writing table with three singular leather wrapped drawers, our Cardamon finish on the veneered frame (and handles) with panel end supports and brushed brass finish ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Desks

Materials

Wood

Modern off White Lacquered Desk Brass Details Style of Baughman or Springer
Located in Topeka, KS
Stunning modern off-white lacquered desk with brass plated details between the drawers and a brass plated toe kick in the style of Milo Baughman, Karl Springer, Lane. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. It has been professionally cleaned and waxed. The top surface has a stain and there is an all over patina as you would expect with use and age. The brass plating at the toe kick is showing its age with pitting and rust. It could be replaced or painted if it bothers you. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Late 20th Century. What a phenomenal desk!! This is an awesome… possibly custom-made, modern off-white laminate desk...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

Vintage John Stuart White Lacquered Campaign Wood Desk X-Chrome Base Two Drawer
Located in North Miami, FL
This newly restored vintage John Stuart campaign 2 drawer desk and or writing desk is white lacquered over wood with chrome handles and 2 X-frame ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Chrome

Little Shanghai Desk in Olive Wood and Black Sycamore Silver Painted Leg
Located in SENLIS, OISE
Little Shanghai desk in olive wood and black sycamore silver painted leg. There are two drawers on each side. The and sides are in olive and black...
Category

2010s French Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Sculptural Green Wood Segment Desk by David Vu - Customizable
By David Vu
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Taking inspiration from the conceptual forms of Hiroshi Sugimoto, the Segment desk by Brooklyn designer David Vu starts with the exploration of simple geo...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks

Materials

Maple, Plywood

1960s Florence Knoll Partners Desk in Walnut and Chrome with Four Drawers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Florence Knoll Partners Desk or Executive Table, Model 2485, designed in 1961. It was manufactured in the 1960s by Knoll International. It features a walnut top that sits o...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Steel, Chrome

1990 Thomas Moser Library Desk in Solid Cherry Hardwood 72x48 in 2x Available
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Library Desk, designed by Thomas Moser and produced by Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers based in Auburn, Maine. This piece dates back to 1990. This desk is comprised of cherry woo...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Desks

Materials

Hardwood, Cherry

Modern Chiado Console Table, Leather Oak Root, Handmade Portugal 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

Materials

Brass

Modern Manhattan Desk Made with Oak, Lacquer and Brass, Handmade by Stylish Club
Located in Seroa, PT
The Manhattan collection presents itself with a straight and rhythmic silhouette on both horizontal and vertical lines, invoking the constructions in height, provided by the technica...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Desks

Materials

Brass, Bronze

'005' Palm Wood and Metal Desk in the Manner of Pierre Chareau
Located in Glendale, CA
'005' Palm Wood and Metal Desk in the Manner of Pierre Chareau Handcrafted in the Los Angeles and French workshops of noted French designer a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks

Materials

Steel

Lucite and Walnut floating Desk
Located in Ballard, CA
A highly engineered modernist desk made from a walnut (or oak, mahogany, or rosewood veneer) case “floating” on a Lucite base, which is affixed by custom-designed hardware. Custom si...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

1960s Arco Office 3-Drawer Desk by Studio BBPR for Olivetti Sintesis
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Arco desk, designed by Studio B.B.P.R for Olivetti Sintesis in 1963. The piece was manufactured in Italy in the 1960s. The frame and base are made of iron, and it has a ca...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Iron

Lucite and Natural Walnut floating Desk
Located in Ballard, CA
A highly engineered modernist desk made from a walnut (or oak, mahogany, or rosewood veneer) case “floating” on a Lucite base, which is affixed by custom-designed hardware. Custom si...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

2010s Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen CH110 Executive Desk in Oak w/ Stainless Steel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a CH110 Executive desk, originally designed by Hans Wegner in 1970. This particular example was produced by Carl Hansen in Denmark in the 2010s. The desk is comprised of both...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Desks

Materials

Stainless Steel

Modern Teak Desk Bookcase By Svend Madsen For Falster
Located in Toledo, OH
Mid century modern teak desk by Svend Madsen for Falster. Desk has six drawers with tow locking drawers with key. Contoured drawer pulls and dove tail drawer construction. No stains ...
Category

1970s European Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

1975 George Nelson for Herman Miller Action Office II Series Roll-Top Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Herman Miller Action Office II Series roll-top desk, designed by George Nelson in 1965. This example dates to 1975 and is dated as such. The piece features a rich walnut-ve...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Aluminum

Desk, Walnut, Modern, Storage, Hardwood, Customizable, Semigood
Located in Issaquah, WA
Modern, hardwood rift desk. Our writing desk and chair combo is still the most popular pairing we make. Timeless lines and subtle tapers make this desk the crowing jewel of any home office. The writing...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks

Materials

Hardwood

Tolda Desk with Mirror in Canaletto Walnut & Black Frame by Valentina Carretta
By Miniforms, Valentina Carretta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tolda is a neo-romantic pop element, the adjustable mirror reveals the inspiration for the classic dressing table, now revisited in a contempora...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks

Materials

Walnut

1960s Florence Knoll Executive Desk in Walnut and Chrome
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Small Executive Desk, model 502B-BWM, designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates in 1952. This example dates to the 1960s. The doors, sides, and back are constructed w...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Contemporary Handcrafted Console ICARUS Layered Marble Pedestals/Top, by Anaktae
Located in Athens, GR
Contemporary, handmade console model "Icarus" in marble. Rectangular surface in marble layers, resting on two geometric, layered pedestals in solid marble. Variations are available i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Greek Modern Desks

Materials

Marble

Emmett Desk Small, Handcrafted Solid Wood Desk
Located in Stevenson, WA
The Emmett Desk is a simple asymmetrical desk with exposed offset box joints and turned tapered legs. Spread your papers out, pile your books in a corner, open the laptop, draw for h...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks

Materials

Hardwood

Modern desks for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern desks 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 created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, tables, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern desks made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original desks, popular names associated with this style include Greenapple, Aymeric Lefort, Danese Milano, and Venfield. 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 differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $49 and tops out at $76,270 while the average work can sell for $7,800.

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