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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
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
Lorin Marsh, Modern, Desk, Gray Embossed Leather, Chrome, 2000s
By Lorin Marsh
Located in Manhasset, NY
Hollywood Regency style modern desk or writing table. Embossed and stitched leather on a sleek and stylish chromed steel base. All sides finished in chrome and leather including interior of drawers. This custom quality desk is sure to add sparkle to any room in the home or office. A simply stunning example of detail to workmanship. This particular desk is selling for three times ($25,350) the listed price at Lorin Marsh.
In 1975, Lorin Marsh established their eponymous furniture and décor showroom in the historic New York Decoration and Design building, with the aim of providing comprehensive interior decorating options while maintaining a chic, boutique experience. Not only offering an array of home décor, including furniture, lighting and accessories, Lorin Marsh also presented a wide variety of styles, comprising antique, vintage and modern, as well as imported pieces with European, Asian and South American aesthetics. Over the decades since its inception, the brand expanded to include bespoke pieces, made to the same high-quality standards of craftsmanship that Lorin Marsh has come to be recognized for. Arguably one of the more unique aspects of the company’s operation is the purveying of both brand-designed pieces and unique vintage furnishings...
Category
2010s Modern Desks
Materials
Chrome
21st Century Sean Desk in Wood with Top in Leather by Gianfranco Ferré Home
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
Elegant, functional and comfortable, the Sean desk plays the leading role in the office environment. Made in Tay wood tinted smoky grey, it features inserts with a bronzed finish and...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks
Materials
Wood, Leather
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
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
Console, Attributed to Michel Ducaroy, circa 1970
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Console - Attributed to Michel Ducaroy, circa 1970.
Rosewood and stainless steel
Measures: L 130 x P 43.5 x H 63 cm
Good condition!
Category
1970s European Vintage Modern Desks
Materials
Stainless Steel
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
1980s Danish Modern Oak Desk / Dining Table 40 x 50 x 28.5 inches
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Danish Oak Desk. The designer is unknown, but this appears to be Danish and dates to the 1980s. Given the simple and versatile design, this piece can be used as a desk or a...
Category
1980s Danish Vintage Modern Desks
Materials
Oak
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
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
1977 Charles Pfister for Knoll Leather Wrapped Executive Desk with Chrome Legs
By Knoll, Charles Pfister
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a large leather-covered executive desk known as the “Pfister Table,” initially designed in 1977 by Charles Pfister for Knoll. The piece was produced in Italy around the s...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Desks
Materials
Steel, Chrome
2020 Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen CH110 Executive Desk Walnut Stainless 2x Avail
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 2020. The desk is comprised of both ...
Category
2010s Danish Modern Desks
Materials
Stainless Steel
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 supports and brushed brass finish ac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Desks
Materials
Wood
Teak Wood Desk with 55-Inch Top and Graphite Metal Base - Class Collection
Located in Miami, FL
The Class desk by Uultis is a streamlined, modern writing desk that balances warm natural textures with clean-lined industrial elements. Featuring a 55-inch...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Desks
Materials
Metal
'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
Emmett Desk Large, 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, op...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks
Materials
Hardwood
Elm and Burr Elm Desk and Chair, Designed by John Makepeace, England, 1985
Located in Knutsford, GB
Elm and burr elm desk and matching chair designed by John Makepeace.
Made by Mark Coray in the Makepeace Workshops.
Of shaped form with round column supp...
Category
1980s British Vintage Modern Desks
Materials
Elm
Modern Milano Leather Painted Wood Desk on Metal Base
By Ercole Home
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
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, capturing the essence of its arti...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks
Materials
Brass
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
Modern Minimalist Home Office Writing Desk Satinwood & Brushed Stainless Steel
Located in Vila Nova Famalicão, PT
The Writing Home Desk Convex is made to last for generations and features exquisite wood veneers that beautifully balance simplicity in form.
Tabletop: Satinwood and glass.
Legs: Br...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks
Materials
Metal, Steel, Cut Steel, Stainless Steel
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
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
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
American Post-War White Wooden Table Desk with Chrome Base
Located in Queens, NY
American Post-War Design white painted wood table desk with drawers and supported on 2 chrome "X" form bases. (Desk in need of full restoration)
Metal frame has very light scratchin...
Category
20th Century American Modern Desks
Materials
Wood
Ether Desk - Modern Handcrafted Desk in Natural Wood and White Lacquer
Located in London, GB
The rounded silhouettes of the Ether collection bring forward the elemental beauty of basic geometry while merging it with the warmth of natural wood. The Ether Desk counts with a se...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Desks
Materials
Wood
Modern Stainless Steel Base 2 Drawer Desk
By Ercole Home
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
Shanghai Desk in Ziricotte Wood, Leather Top and Silver Patined Leg
Located in SENLIS, OISE
Shanghai desk in Ziricotte wood, leather top and silver patined leg. The inside is made in Sycomore.
Category
2010s French Modern Desks
Materials
Metal
Walnut Veneer Writing Desk with Drawers and Metal Base – Class Collection
Located in Miami, FL
A modern walnut veneer writing desk with a graphite-finished metal base, the Class desk by Uultis Studio offers a clean-lined silhouette that balances warmt...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Desks
Materials
Metal
Bureau Jean Nouvel Edition Ligne Roset plateau bois pieds aluminium 1980 Design
Located in London, England
Le bureau en hêtre, conçu par le célèbre architecte Jean Nouvel pour l'hôtel Relais et Châteaux "Le Saint-James Bouliac de Bordeaux", incarne à la fois l'élégance et la fonctionnalité. Édité par la renommée maison Ligne Roset, ce meuble séduit par son design raffiné et ses détails astucieux, comme une prise intégrée pour allumer la lampe de chevet...
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Desks
Materials
Beech
Rationalist Desk by Giuseppe Pagano for Maggioni, Veneered Wood, Italy, c. 1940
Located in Berlin, DE
Rationalist wooden desk designed by Giuseppe Pagano Pogatschnig and manufactured by Maggioni, Varedo, circa 1940. The desk was designed for the Bocc...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Modern Desks
Materials
Wood
Custom Oversized High Gloss Lacquer Desk
By Venfield
Located in New York, NY
Custom oversized high gloss lacquer desk with mirrored stainless steel X band legs. Customization is available in different sizes, finishes and...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks
Materials
Stainless Steel
David Linley English Cherry Maple & Burr-ash Three Drawer Writing Desk
By David Linley
Located in Queens, NY
English Contemporary cherry, maple, and burr-ash writing desk having banded inlaid trim witth a diamond design top overthree drawers resting on tapere...
Category
20th Century British Modern Desks
Materials
Maple
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
Modern Desk with Drawers in Argentine Rosewood & Bronze from Costantini, Lorenzo
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
Lorenzo Modern Desk with Drawers in Argentine Rosewood & Bronze from Costantini
Measurements are 66" W x 33" D x 29.5" H
This Classic ye...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Desks
Materials
Bronze
Custom 5, Drawer Lacquered Desk
By Venfield
Located in New York, NY
Custom, made to order 5-drawer lacquered desk with polished chrome & lucite pulls.
Category
2010s American Modern Desks
Materials
Chrome
Handcrafted Myers Console in Solid Wood 48"W by Mary Ratcliffe Studio
Located in Toronto, ON
A handsome console table with elegant curves and drawer storage. Contrasting drawer fronts with concealed integrated pulls and soft close slides provide a simple and elegant storage solution. The drawer fronts of this piece may be customized with leather, brass, or blackened steel. Custom sizing available.
We work with North American solid hardwoods on a made-to-order fabrication basis. Additional offerings in white oak, white ash, dark oak, walnut & hard maple are available, with different finish oils & stains at our disposal.
Please reach out for any customizations to species, stains, or leather quality. We are more than happy to provide more information and pricing as per your specifications.
As all of our products are made-to-order, we cannot accept returns or refunds of purchased items.
Crating, shipping & packaging materials are not included in the flat rate shipping quote provided. Please inquire within at the time of order for a quote on any applicable charges.
Mary Ratcliffe Studio...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Desks
Materials
Ash, Walnut, Oak, Maple
Custom Two Drawer Lacquered Writing Table
By Venfield
Located in New York, NY
Petite custom, made to order, two drawer lacquered writing table with Lucite and chrome handles. Designed and made by Venfield. This item is made to order in your dimensions and color.
Category
2010s American Modern Desks
Materials
Chrome
'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
Gotham Desk Customizable Wood, Metal and Resin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The harmonious mix of materials enhances the beauty of this Gotham desk. The desk features rich oxidized Ambrosia maple wood, a bronze frame, three blackened bronze encased in epoxy ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks
Materials
Metal
Contemporary Patchwork and Iron Writing Desk
Located in Countryside, IL
Contemporary Patchwork and Iron Writing Desk
This desk measures: 65 wide x 36.5 deep x 30 high, with a chair clearance of 25 inches
This piece is in Great Vintage Condition. Ther...
Category
2010s American Modern Desks
Materials
Iron
Contemporary Raw Oak Bracket Desk and Rolling Tabouret Set
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary desk and tabouret Set comprised of a bracket-form raw oak desk with dovetailed joints and a matching three drawer raw oak tabouret, resting on four casters. (PRICED AS S...
Category
20th Century Spanish Modern Desks
Materials
Wood, Oak
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
Contemporary "Icon" Black Satin Glass Desk
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary "Icon" black satin glass top desk with 2 stacked drawers
Condition: Good; Wear consistent with age and use
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Desks
Materials
Glass
Moooi Paper Desk in Wood & Cardboard with Oak Veneer Top by Studio Job
By Moooi
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
C. 1958 Gordon Bunshaft of SOM / Alcoa / GF Studios Italic Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a custom Italic Desk, designed by Alcoa / Reynolds / GF Studios for Gordon Bunshaft and SOM's Reynolds Metals Headquarters in Richmond, VA. The design is largely seen as a co...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Desks
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
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
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
Custom Oak and Polished Chrome Single Drawer Writing Table
By Venfield
Located in New York, NY
Made to order single drawer writing table in oak with polished chrome stretcher and hardware.
Available in custom dimensions and finishes.
Category
2010s American Modern Desks
Materials
Chrome
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
Custom Desk by Hospitality Manufacturer Bermanfalk
By Bermanfalk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Custom made writing desk by quality case goods manufacturer Bermanfalk. Dramatic sloping chrome X-base supports single drawer dark wood cabinet with a blond wood top.
Please confirm...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Desks
Materials
Chrome
Modern Honey Color Ash Wood and Gray Faux Leather Desk with Three Drawers
Located in Middleburg, VA
Add this gorgeous modern desk to your home office for a sophisticated look. Custom designed contemporary desk with three drawers made of honey colored figured ash. The paneled top is...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks
Materials
Faux Leather, Ash
Moooi Paper RHS Desk in Wood & Cardboard with Oak Veneer Top by Studio Job
By Moooi
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
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
Modern Bespoke Birch and Ash Wood Roller Desk
Located in Loddiswell, Devon
This versatile desk embodies a blend of classical and contemporary design. Crafted from North European Birch wood, European Ash wood, and sturdy Aluminium components, this desk exhib...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Desks
Materials
Aluminum
Shanghai Desk in Ziricotte Wood, Leather Top and Silver Patined Leg
Located in SENLIS, OISE
Shanghai desk in Ziricotte wood, leather top and silver patined leg. The inside is made in Sycomore.
Information about the covid 19.
At this point, th...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks
Materials
Metal
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
Shanghai Desk in Ziricotte Wood, Leather Top and Silver Patined Leg
Located in SENLIS, OISE
Shanghai desk in Ziricotte wood, leather top and silver patined leg. The inside is made in Sycomore.
Information about the covid 19.
At this point, the ...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks
Materials
Metal
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.