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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 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
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
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
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
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
Modern Chiado Console Table, Leather Oak Root, 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
Materials
Brass
Contemporary Handcrafted Console "Oeneus" in Wood, Lined with Brass by Anaktae
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
Shape modern desk in Eucalyptus with leather top
By Carpanelli
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
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
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
'Frejus' Wood And Steel Desk In The Style Of Eugene Printz
Located in Glendale, CA
'Frejus' Wood And Steel Desk In The Style Of Eugene Printz
Crafted in Los Angeles in the workshop of noted French designer and antiques dealer Denis de le Mesiere, who meticulously ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks
Materials
Steel
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
Amuneal’s Collector’s 4 Bay Office Unit
By Amuneal
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
Franco Albini for Knoll Desk Model '1928'
By Knoll, Franco Albini
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
Apartment-Sized Patterned Osis Desk by Llot Llov
By LLOT LLOV
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Llot Llov's Osis desk was developed specifically for the home office — it has a small footprint yet offers the necessary space to work, and it has a privacy screen to help with both ...
Category
2010s German Modern Desks
Materials
Steel
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
Modern Black Lage Bookcase, Brass Walnut, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Lage Bookcase, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
The Lage bookcase was designed to be the focal point of any offi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks
Materials
Stainless Steel, Steel, Brass, Metal
Jean Prouvé, Bureau "Surveillant" Bois Métal Laqué Et Plateau Formica Noir 50's
By Jean Prouvé
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
Mausam Desk
By Kam Ce Kam
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
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
Modern Menir Console Table, Calacatta Viola Marble Handmade Portugal Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Menir Console, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
The Menir marble console table draws inspiration from the standi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks
Materials
Onyx, Marble, Quartz, Travertine, Carrara Marble
Modern Mismatch Desk Oak Walnut Root Brass Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Modern Mismatch Desk, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Mismatch seamlessly combines the beauty of organic materials with the elegance of cont...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks
Materials
Brass, Stainless Steel
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
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
Karl Springer Superb Desk in Blue Shagreen with Bone Inlays 1980s (Signed)
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully crafted "Chinese Parson Style Desk" in stunning blue shagreen with bone inlays and three drawers by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed “Karl Springer” on brass label ...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Desks
Materials
Bone, Shagreen, 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
Maitland Smith Leather Fold Out Secretary Desk
Located in Countryside, IL
Maitland Smith Leather Fold Out Secretary Desk
This secretary measures: 26 wide x 20 deep x 50.25 inches high
We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as much det...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Desks
Materials
Leather, Wood
1970 Jens Risom Designs Double Pedestal Executive Desk in Walnut Made in Denmark
By Jens Risom
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
1960s Florence Knoll Partners Desk in Walnut and Chrome with Four Drawers
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
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
Rúna Small Desk, by Isabel Ahm from Warm Nordic
By Isabel Ahm
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
'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
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
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
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
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 bookcase was designed to be the focal point o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks
Materials
Metal, Brass, Steel, Stainless Steel
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 Blue Blossom Glass Mosaic Desk with Pavia Metal Base by Ercole Home
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
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
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
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
Simply Modern Writing Table, Dark
Located in Westwood, NJ
Simply modern writing table. An elegant modern writing table with two singular leather-wrapped drawers, our dark eclipse finish on the veneered frame (and handles) with panel end sup...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Desks
Materials
Wood
2022 Giulio Cappellini for Cappellini Senior Desk w/ Leaf Left + Drawer in Oak
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Senior Desk with Left Leaf and Drawer made of wenge stained oak. The desk was designed by Giulio Cappellini and produced by Cappellini in Italy. It dates to cir...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks
Materials
Metal
Drexel Oxford Square Geometric Painted Parsons Style Console Desk Dining Table
By Drexel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Drexel Oxford Square Geometric Painted Parsons Style Console Desk Dining Table. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 29" H x 60" W x 30" D x 26" ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Desks
Materials
Wood
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
1990 Thomas Moser Library Desk in Solid Cherry Hardwood 48x37 in
By Thomas Moser
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
Contemporary Handcrafted Desk "Timaios" in Wood, with Inclined Legs by Anaktae
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
Modern Shagreen Leather Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
A modern shagreen embossed leather-wrapped desk with a brass tone iron-framed base. Three drawers with marbleized paper-lined interiors and with brass ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Desks
Materials
Metal
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
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
C. 1945 Fletcher Art Deco Aviation Executive Desk in Figured Walnut
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a large American Art Deco Aviation Executive Desk, designed by Frank Fletcher and manufactured by Fletcher Aviation for Hughes Aircraft in Pasadena, California ca. 1945. The ...
Category
1940s American Vintage Modern Desks
Materials
Steel
Modernist Tubular Steel Desk with 2 Chests of Drawers, Chromed Metal, Oak Veneer
Located in Berlin, DE
Modernist tubular steel desk with two chests of drawers, chrome plated metal, oak veneer, circa. 1935.
Category
1930s Czech Vintage Modern Desks
Materials
Metal, Chrome
1960s Florence Knoll Executive Desk in Walnut and Chrome
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
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
Atlantic Desk by VOLK
By VOLK 3
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
1960s Florence Knoll Partners Desk or Executive Table in Rosewood, Model 2485
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Florence Knoll Partners Desk or Executive Table, Model 2485, designed in 1961. It was manufactured in the early 1960s by Knoll International based on the 320 Park Avenue la...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Desks
Materials
Steel, Chrome
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
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
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
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.