Skip to main content

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.

to
24
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
115
46
91
75
15
651
172
163
151
115
110
80
73
44
42
27
25
20
14
12
11
2
1
74
106
33
32
3
4
11
12
19
5
3
145
116
37
32
30
91
67
61
26
19
181
109
115
11
8
8
7
7
Style: Modern
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

1964 George Nelson & Robert Propst for Herman Miller Action Office Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original Action Office desk, designed by George Nelson and Robert Propst for Herman Miller in 1964. Action Office was designed as a set of components that could be combine...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Scala Luxury Monumental Geometric "Popova" Desk
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Scala Luxury Monumental Geometric "Popova" Desk This desk measures: 79 wide x 39 deep x 29 high, with a chair clearance of 25 inches We take our photos in a controlled lighting stu...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks

Materials

Wood

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

Natsu Curved Oak Desk with Lacquered Accents and Side Storage
Located in Baguim Do Monte, PT
Natsu Curved Oak Desk with Lacquered Accents and Side Storage The Natsu Desk combines refined elegance with practical functionality. Crafted in oak veneer and enhanced by subtle lac...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Desks

Materials

Oak, Lacquer

Modernist Tubular Steel Desk by Jindrich Halabala, Chromed Metal, Lacquered Wood
Located in Berlin, DE
Modernist tubular steel desk model H-180, designed by Jindrich Halabala and manufactured by Spojené UP Závody, Brno, circa 1935.
Category

1930s Czech Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Drexel Oxford Square Geometric Painted Parsons Style Console Desk Dining Table
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

French Curved Smoked Glass Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking example of mid-century French design, this 1960s curved desk combines a modernist aesthetic with minimalist lines. Its asymmetrical structure features a sculptural white w...
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Glass, Wood

Console In Brozed Brass Top in Black Aziz Marble
Located in London, GB
Sicis is delighted to welcome you at ‘Home’. The classically inspired extent in contemporary plays an eclectic style, elegant and refined. Interiors express personality. A constant...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks

Materials

Marble, Brass

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

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 Industrial Leather Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
A modern industrial leather desk with a solid hammered metal base. It has three drawers accented with cast brass campaign drawer pulls. Dimensions...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Modern Industrial Leather Desk
Modern Industrial Leather Desk
$2,092 Sale Price / item
26% Off
Hardwood & Green Leather Partner Desk with Sliding Keyboard Shelf Twin Pedestal
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this vintage Twin Pedestal partner desk with drop front sliding keyboard shelf A good looking and well made desk with a premium vintage green le...
Category

20th Century English Modern Desks

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Art Deco Bolonha Console Table Nacre Tiles White Handmade Portugal Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Bolonha Console, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. An exclusive and sumptuous hand-carved console table that catches the eye of anyone who ent...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks

Materials

Crystal, Brass, Stainless Steel

Desk, Elm Wood, Osvaldo Borsani, 1953
Located in Berlin, DE
Minimal and elegant desk with drawer. Solid wood construction, take top made of solid elm wood, legs with wooden screw thread. Exhibited at Trienale Milano 1954. Osvaldo Borsan...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Wood, Elm

Organic Modern Madrona Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
Organic modern madrona desk, Inspirational design elements lead with a mesmerizing butcher block top honed from Madrona burl finished in smoke gray. Organically textured stainless...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Organic Modern Madrona Desk
Organic Modern Madrona Desk
$7,004 Sale Price / item
28% Off
A Bronze and Walnut Papiolo Desk by Lawrence Welker IV
Located in Lambertville, NJ
This is a one of a kind desk with a sculpted bronze base and live edge walnut top. The artist, Lawrence Welker IV created the base to resemble a moth. The desk surface is two joine...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks

Materials

Bronze

1970s Jens Risom Design Executive Desk in Walnut with Three Drawers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Executive Desk in Walnut, designed by Jens Risom in the 1960s. Produced by Risom Design Inc. this example dates to the 1970s. It features several drawers which provide amp...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

Essentials Desk by Uhuru
Located in Pasadena, TX
Essentials Desk by Uhuru. Measure: 59" Donald Judd Minimalist inspired desk with powder coated steel legs and ebonized walnut veneer top by Brooklyn-based Uhuru. New in box. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Desks

Materials

Steel

Essentials Desk by Uhuru
Essentials Desk by Uhuru
$600 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Simply Modern Writing Table, 49
Located in Westwood, NJ
An elegant modern writing table with two singular leather-wrapped drawers, our Cardamon finish on the veneered frame (and handles) with panel end ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Desks

Materials

Wood

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

Pivoting Drafting Table, Blackened Steel and Smoked Glass, by Force/Collide
Located in Seattle, WA
Designed and made-to-order in our Seattle studio with artists, architects, drafters, designers and creatives in mind, the Pivoting Drafting Table is modern, minimal and sleek. It features a satin black oxide steel framework with a tempered gray glass inlay (materials and finishes are customizable). The flush, uninterrupted work surface pivots between 0 and 40 degrees to eliminate ergonomic interference for a more versatile way of working. Both clamping levers are easily accessed with an ergonomic feel for quick-change operation, featuring subtle bronze hardware accents. The silhouette of the legs imitates the work surface when expressed in its pivot position for minimal, geometric line-work that lends to a contemporary, minimal feel. The body has an open style for the option of storing a matching Rolling Utility Cart...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks

Materials

Metal, Bronze, Steel, Cut Steel, Iron

Leather & Iron Desk Manufactured in Italy Designed by Tadashi Murase 2021
Located in Kyoto, JP
This desk was designed by Japanese designer Tadashi Murase and crafted in an Italian furniture studio. The iron legs are shaped using bending and curving techniques, finished with a...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks

Materials

Iron

Giacometti Inspired Solid Bronze Dining Table or Desk Built to Order in Any Size
Located in Chicago, IL
Custom Made to Order Solid bronze Desk, or Dining Table inspired by Giacometti and built to your exacting specifications and dimensions. Each Bronze Giacometti inspired Desk or Dinin...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks

Materials

Bronze

Art Deco Style Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
Art Deco style desk elegantly styled with golden amber burr veneer and three drawers with subtle stringing inlay. Raised on four tapering sabre leg...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Desks

Materials

Wood

Art Deco Style Desk
Art Deco Style Desk
$4,627 Sale Price / item
36% Off
Bernhardt Modern Credenza
Located in Pasadena, TX
Bernhardt Credenza A rare modern chrome and maple credenza. 4 drawers with ample storage underneath with shelving. Chrome pulls. Marked Bernhardt. See pedestal desk also available....
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Desks

Materials

Maple

Bernhardt Modern Credenza
Bernhardt Modern Credenza
$4,720 Sale Price
20% Off
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

1970s Jens Risom Design Executive Desk in Walnut with Three Drawers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Executive Desk in Walnut, designed by Jens Risom in the 1960s. Produced by Risom Design Inc. this example dates to the 1970s. It features several drawers which provide amp...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

1950s Florence Knoll Double Pedestal Walnut Chrome and Laminate Executive Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a double pedestal desk, model 1503, designed by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll Associates. This is an original example dating to circa late 1950s. It is cons...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Chrome

1960s Borge Mogensen for Soborg Mobelfabrik Teak Writing Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Classic Teak Writing Desk, designed by Borge Mogensen for Soborg Mobelfabrik in Denmark. This example was produced in the 1960s. It features two right-hand drawers which pr...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

Leon Rosen for Pace Collection Demilune Desk
Located in New York, NY
Leon Rosen for Pace Collection Demilune desk. The desk has a maple lacquered top on solid ebonized wood legs and a single pull-out drawe...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Wood, Maple

21st Century Carpanese Home Italia Desk with Leather Base Modern, Arthur XL
Located in Sanguinetto, IT
Big desk in Walnut Canaletto and leather base and inserts. The beautiful mix between natural Walnut wood and leather is perfect for a Contemporary and luxurio...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

2021 Carl Hansen CH-110 Director's Desk by Hans Wegner in Lacquered Oak
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a CH110 Desk made with an oak top and stainless steel base. The desk, designed by Hans Wegner and produced by Carl Hansen & Son in Denmark, dates to...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Desks

Materials

Stainless Steel

Swivel Leather Desk Chair, Cubé Desk Chair
Located in Miami, FL
Cubé is a desk chair with modern lines combined with noble metal details. It has an elegant leather upholstery. The double cushioning on the seat adds to the level of comfort, while ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Pair of American Contemporary White Two-Tier Concave End Table
Located in Queens, NY
2 American Contemporary white two-tier end table with a concave top and a draw in the middle separating both tiers (PRICED AS PAIR
Category

20th Century American Modern Desks

Materials

Wood

1970s 4ft 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, Wood

1970s 4ft George Nelson & Robert Probst Herman Miller Office Desk w/ Drawers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a 1970s vintage Herman Miller Action Office desk, designed by George Nelson. This is a classic example of Nelson's work with great emphasis on simplicity and functionality. It has cast aluminum legs and basket-like pull-out drawers. We have multiple Action Office desks in stock...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Aluminum

Henry Link Furniture Ornate and Partial Gilt Lighted Hutched Desk
Located in Germantown, MD
Henry Link Furniture Ornate and Partial Gilt lighted Hutched Desk Measures 46" in width, 18" in depth and 75" in height. Desk top is 30" in height with 24" knee clearance. Hutch is ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Desks

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

A Jansen desk
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A neo classic black lacquer double face , can float in oak circa 1950
Category

1940s French Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Oak, Lacquer

Les Cordes, Buffet by Marc Dibeh
Located in Geneve, CH
Les Cordes - buffet by Marc Dibeh 2020 Materials: French Oak, Hemp Rope, Brass Dimensions: W300 x H85 x D65 cm Beirut based designer Marc Dibeh narrates his cultural environme...
Category

2010s Lebanese Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

1950s George Nelson No. 4100 Series Three Drawer Steel Frame Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Steel Frame No. 4100 Series Desk, initially designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1954. This example dates to the 1950s. It features a frame of white powder-coated...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Steel, Iron

1939 Eliel Saarinen, Pipsan, Swanson FHA Birch Desk / Vanity
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Birch Double Pedestal Executive Desk or Vanity, designed by Eliel Saarinen, Eva-Lisa (Pipsan) Saarinen Swanson, and J. Robert F. Swanson in 1939. It was produced in Grand R...
Category

1930s American Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Aluminum, Zinc

Multi Laminated and Lacquered Wood Bureau, Argentina, circa 1970
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Multi laminated and lacquered wood bureau. Argentina, circa 1970. Attributed to Stilka.
Category

1970s Argentine Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Wood

Gildas Berthelot: Contemporary Hanging Furniture, En voiture Simone
Located in Timisoara, RO
En Voiture Simone From Sleek And Minimalist Sculptures To Intricate And Ornate Decorative Pieces, Every Creation Showcases The Unparalleled Versatility Of Maple Wood As A Medium. Gi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Desks

Materials

Wood

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

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

ClassiCon Orcus Home Desk in Walnut by Konstantin Grcic
Located in New York, NY
Orcus desk in walnut by Konstantin Grcic. Secretary desk in MDF and plywood, veneered, drop-flap writing surface, 4 drawers, secret compartment, storage spa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Desks

Materials

Plywood

2022 Studio Job for Moooi Paper Double Pedestal Desk 180, White w/ Oak
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Paper Desk with double pedestal configuration. It has a white finish and oak veneer top. The desk was designed by Studio Job and produced by Moooi in the Nether...
Category

2010s European Modern Desks

Materials

Wood, Oak, Lacquer, Paper

Modern Sevilha Desk Made with Walnut, Handmade by Stylish Club
Located in Seroa, PT
A minimalist collection that reveals the importance of incredible design combined with the best materials, the Seville collection offers functionality, magnificent designs and distin...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Desks

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Rectangular Glass and Oak Writing Desk with Drawers, Sky Bridge Desk
Located in Miami, FL
Sky Bridge is a glass desk with a pure multifunctional storage unit in white oak for the contemporary digital nomad – clean, light and functional. As shown wood: White milk oak g...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks

Materials

Wood, Glass

'Dalsace' Desk in the Manner of Pierre Chareau
Located in Glendale, CA
'Dalsace' Desk in the Manner of Pierre Chareau Price is per item. Available to order in unlimited quantities. Available in standard choice of...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks

Materials

Steel

'Dalsace' Desk in the Manner of Pierre Chareau
'Dalsace' Desk in the Manner of Pierre Chareau
$9,900 Sale Price / item
10% Off
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

1990s American Modern Desks

Materials

Hardwood, Cherry

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

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

Customizable Chocolate Oak Desk with Two Storage Drawers, Class Collection
Located in Miami, FL
A Class desk designed by Uultis Studio in Chocolate oak with chocolate metallic base. The Class desk is a refined marriage of functionality and elegance, featuring a chocolate oak ve...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Modern Stainless Steel Base 2 Drawer Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Modern Stainless Steel Base 2 Drawer Desk by Ercole Home is crafted from Oak with a Painted Ivory finish, with a Tubular Stainless Steel base and stripe mosaic drawerfronts of Iv...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks

Materials

Stainless Steel

C. 1970 Executive Desk by Georges Ciancimino for Mobilier International France
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a substantial Rosewood and Aluminum Executive Desk, designed C. 1970 by Georges Ciancimino for Mobilier International, France. The top and sides are composed of rosewood vene...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

French Modern Zebra Lacquered Iron & Brass Executive Desk & Curule Arm Chair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Modern Zebra Lacquered Iron & Brass Executive Desk & Curule Arm Chair  A striking French Modern executive desk and curule armchair set, a bold statement of elegance and sophi...
Category

20th Century French Modern Desks

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Apartment-Sized Patterned Osis Desk 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

Desk, Walnut, Modern, Storage, Hardwood, Customizable, Semigood
Located in Issaquah, WA
Modern, hardwood rift desk with drawer. The lead time provided is an estimate and may extend up to 12 months. If you require delivery by a specific date, we kindly recommend inquiring prior to purchase to ensure availability. 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

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.

Recently Viewed

View All