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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
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
Flamingo, Storage Unit by Hagit Pincovici
Located in Geneve, CH
Flamingo, storage unit by Hagit Pincovici.
Dimensions: W 41 x D 26 x H 85 cm.
Materials: brass.
Hagit Pincovici founded her eponymous bespoke luxury furniture and lighting ateli...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks
Materials
Brass
$7,452 / item
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
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
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
21st Century Antigua Writing Desk in Carbalho by Roberto Cavalli Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
Writing desk with top and chest of drawers in glossy grey color. Under-desktop covered with leather from the collection. Metal base is available in all t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks
Materials
Metal
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
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
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
C. 1974 Davis Allen of SOM Architects for General Fireproofing Reception Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a large Split Reception Desk, initially designed by Davis Allen for General Fireproofing Reception circa 1974. This custom-designed piece truly exemplifies the cutting edge o...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Desks
Materials
Enamel, 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
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
Henry Link Furniture Ornate and Partial Gilt Lighted Hutched Desk
By Henry Link
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
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
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
$13,370 / item
Baker Furniture Regency Burlwood Writing Desk - Pair
Located in Countryside, IL
Baker Furniture Regency Burlwood Writing Desk - Pair
Each desk measures: 48 wide x 26 deep x 29.5 high, with a chair clearance of 24.5 inches
W...
Category
2010s American 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
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
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
21st Century Antigua Writing Desk in Carbalho by Roberto Cavalli Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
Antigua desk, with its sculptural design and its luxurious charm, is the perfect centerpiece for prestigious working spaces. In this version, features a top and chest of drawers with...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks
Materials
Metal
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, Stainless Steel, Cut Steel, 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 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
$2,850 / item
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
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
Scala Luxury Monumental Geometric "Popova" Desk
By Scala Luxury
Located in Countryside, 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
Eurocraft Walnut Executive Desk
Located in Countryside, IL
Eurocraft Walnut Executive Desk
This desk measures: 60 wide x 30 deep x 29.5 high, with a chair clearance of 24.5 inches
We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Desks
Materials
Walnut
$3,295 / item
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
1970s Jens Risom Design Executive Desk in Walnut with Five Drawers
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Executive Desk in Walnut, designed by Jens Risom in the 1960s. This particular example was produced by Risom Design Inc. and dates back to the 1970s. The desk features fiv...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Desks
Materials
Bronze
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
Contemporary Handcrafted Console ICARUS Layered Marble Pedestals/Top, by Anaktae
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
Modern Ash and Faux Leather Desk with Three Drawers by Hastening Designs, 2010
Located in Middleburg, VA
A sleek and refined custom contemporary desk designed and fabricated by Hastening Designs. Crafted in the United States in 2010, this piece features a charming honey-colored figured ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks
Materials
Metal, Steel
Multi Laminated and Lacquered Wood Bureau, Argentina, circa 1970
By Stilka
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
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
'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
$9,900 Sale Price / item
10% Off
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
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
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
Console In Brozed Brass Top in Black Aziz Marble
By sicis
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
$27,833 / item
Modern Black Lage Bookcase, Brass Walnut, Handmade in Portugal 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 office or living space. Its asymm...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks
Materials
Metal, Brass, Steel, Stainless Steel
$8,207 Sale Price / item
44% Off
Contemporary Handcrafted Console "Alke" in Wood with Marble Pedestals by Anaktae
By ANAKTAE
Located in Athens, GR
Contemporary, handmade console model "Alke Marble" with a rectangular surface in walnut wood resting on two geometric pedestals in solid marble.
Variations ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Greek Modern Desks
Materials
Marble
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
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
$14,000 / item
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
Original Shagreen Gilt Metal Writing Table Desk with Single-Drawer
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning RRP £13,000 original shagreen black lacquered with gold gilt metal detailing writing table desk
This is a very substantial desk. Shagreen for those of you who aren’t familiar is shark or ray skin. There are reproductions skins available however these are totally original, the way to tell apart from the feel is on the reproductions each skin is exactly the same, on the real hide...
Category
20th Century English Modern Desks
Materials
Shagreen
$7,775 Sale Price
20% Off
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
$14,650 / item
Console, or desk, in glass and travertine. 1980s. LS5849657C
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Console, or desk, made up of two travertine legs joined by a chrome metal bar at the top. Glass top.
Italian work made in the 1980s.
Dimensions: H 71 x W 198 x D 86 cm
Reference...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Desks
Materials
Glass
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
$14,940 / item
Elemental Desk - Modern Handcrafted Black Lacquer Desk with Brass Legs
Located in London, GB
The Elemental collection encloses in its elegant yet simple shapes a minimalist design that blends premium materials and outstanding craftsmanship in a unique design. This piece is b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Desks
Materials
Brass
Modern Acrylic & Rosewood Desk Poul Norreklit
Located in Toledo, OH
Modern four drawer acrylic and rosewood desk by Poul Norreklit. Acrylic base is 3/4" thick. Two locking center drawers. Original finish. 72" x 35.5" deep x 33" tall. Very nice to exc...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Modern Desks
Materials
Acrylic
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
$16,800 / item
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
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
Les Cordes, Buffet by Marc Dibeh
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
$36,479 / item
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
Bernhardt 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
21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Desks
Materials
Maple
$5,900
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
$1,820 Sale Price
30% Off
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
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
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
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.