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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
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
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
Colombo Moboli Burlwood Secretaire a Abattant
Located in Countryside, IL
Colombo Moboli burlwood secretaire a abattant
Desk measures: 42 wide x 21 deep x 75.5 inches high
This piece is in excellent vintage condition with only a small dent and a coup...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks
Materials
Burl, Wood
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
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
Fred Desk Top in Saddle Extra Leather Cammello
Located in New York, NY
This desk is a meeting of light, almost ethereal geometries. Roberto Lazzeroni creates a piece of furniture in which the visual pleasure of a continuous saddle-leather surface is underlined by delicate hand-produced incisions and cold markings that create refined graphic decorations. A special procedure makes it possible to curve the front of the saddle-leather without any need for internal supports. The ideal companion of the desk is the Ginger chair...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks
Materials
Leather, Ash
Fred Desk Top in Saddle Extra Leather Polvere Grey
Located in New York, NY
This desk is a meeting of light, almost ethereal geometries. Roberto Lazzeroni creates a piece of furniture in which the visual pleasure of a continuous saddle-leather surface is underlined by delicate hand-produced incisions and cold markings that create refined graphic decorations. A special procedure makes it possible to curve the front of the saddle-leather without any need for internal supports. The ideal companion of the desk is the Ginger chair...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks
Materials
Leather, Ash
Fred Desk Top in Saddle Extra Leather Talpa Taupe
Located in New York, NY
This desk is a meeting of light, almost ethereal geometries. Roberto Lazzeroni creates a piece of furniture in which the visual pleasure of a continuous saddle-leather surface is underlined by delicate hand-produced incisions and cold markings that create refined graphic decorations. A special procedure makes it possible to curve the front of the saddle-leather without any need for internal supports. The ideal companion of the desk is the Ginger chair...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks
Materials
Leather, Ash
Raphaël Décorateur Beka Modeled Lacquer & Bronze Desk & Vanity, France, 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Elegant vanity by Raphael. A concealed mirror, and an abundance of drawers make this piece a convenient item. Original gilt bronze hardware and lacque...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Modern Desks
Materials
Bronze
Asymmetrical "Linda Marie" Writing Desk with Leather Top by Kate Duncan
By Kate Duncan
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Riffing on a traditional writing desk, our writing desk is made to order in a variety of sizes, wood types and finishes. A small drawer done u...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Desks
Materials
Leather, Wood
Moooi Paper LHS 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
Little Shanghai Desk in Zebrano Wood and Black Sycomore Silver Painted Leg
Located in SENLIS, OISE
Little Shanghai desk in zebrano wood and black saycomore silver painted leg. There are two drawers on each side.
The end sides are in zebrano and ...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks
Materials
Metal
Vanity Desk Secret in Ebony and Galvanized Metal, Original Sin Collection, Italy
Located in Treviso, Treviso
A short circuit arises in the original Sin collection designed by Giorgio Ragazzini for VG.
It’s not a sin from the origins, but better a venial, unconv...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks
Materials
Metal
Modern French Desk, Light
Located in Westwood, NJ
A French two drawer desk with our mangrove beech veneer finish, embossed leather wrapped frieze and drawers with brushed brass finish handles.
Dimensions: 54" W x 28" D x 30" H.
The...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Desks
Materials
Leather, Wood
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
Hickory White Contemporary Oval Full Size Desk
Located in Toledo, OH
Great design oval burl wood and mahogany contemporary desk by Hickory White Furniture. Stylized tapered legs. Very nice to excellent condition. 62.5" long x 30" tall x 27.5" deep.
Category
20th Century North American Modern Desks
Materials
Mahogany
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 avai...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Desks
Materials
Maple
Tolda Desk with Mirror in Canaletto Walnut & Black Frame by Valentina Carretta
By Miniforms, Valentina Carretta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tolda is a neo-romantic pop element, the adjustable mirror reveals the inspiration for the classic dressing table, now revisited in a contempora...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks
Materials
Walnut
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
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
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
Danese Milano X&Y Medium Desk in Black Metal by Paolo Rizzatto
Located in Hicksville, NY
x&Y is a series of lively and dynamic tables. The structure is in either powder-coated or galvanized metal while the top, which can be either round, square or rectangular, is availab...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks
Materials
Metal
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
21st Century Carpanese Home Italia Desk with Leather Base Modern, Arthur S
Located in Sanguinetto, IT
Small desk in Walnut Canaletto and leather base and inserts. The beautiful mix between natural Walnut wood and leather is perfect for a Contemporary and luxurious environment . The p...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks
Materials
Metal
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
Darling Point Desk by Yabu Pushelberg in Nude Matte Lacquered Oak and Brass
Located in Toronto, ON
This Darling point desk by Yabu Pushelberg in nude brushed ultra matte lacquered oak is paired with a Golden or Bronze coloured brass frame structure.
Yabu Pushelberg’s design for...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Desks
Materials
Oak
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
Danese Milano X&Y Small Desk in Black Metal by Paolo Rizzatto
Located in Hicksville, NY
x&Y is a series of lively and dynamic tables. The structure is in either powder-coated or galvanized metal while the top, which can be either round, squa...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks
Materials
Metal
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
Marble and lacquered Wood Console Capri with Brass Details by Hervé Langlais
Located in Paris, FR
Capri, Console desk, designed by Hervé Langlais for the Gallery Negropontes
H 29.7 x W 41.3 x D, 17.7 inch
Marble and lacquered wood with brass details
Hervé Langlais is a graduate...
Category
2010s European Modern Desks
Materials
Marble, Brass
Danese Milano Farallon Desk in Chrome Structure with White Top by Yves Béhar
Located in Hicksville, NY
Farallon Desk is a extremely light but resistant table. The structural principle takes up the shapes and technologies of the Farallon family: a thin metal surface harmoniously curved...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks
Materials
Metal
Desk, Elm Wood, Osvaldo Borsani, 1953
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
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
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
ClassiCon Orcus 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
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
Darling Point Desk by Yabu Pushelberg in Ivory Matte Lacquered Oak and Brass
Located in Toronto, ON
This darling point desk by Yabu Pushelberg in ivory ultra matte lacquered oak is paired with a golden or bronze coloured
brass finish structure.
Yabu Pushelberg’s design for the...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Desks
Materials
Oak
Darling Point Desk by Yabu Pushelberg in Black Pepper Stained Oak and Brass
Located in Toronto, ON
This darling point desk by Yabu Pushelberg in black pepper stained matte oak is paired with a golden or bronze coloured brass finish structure.
Yabu Pushelberg’s design for the da...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Desks
Materials
Oak
Darling Point Desk by Yabu Pushelberg in Whiskey Matte Lacquered Oak and Brass
Located in Toronto, ON
This darling point desk by Yabu Pushelberg in whiskey ultra matte lacquered oak is paired with a golden or bronze coloured brass finish structure.
Yabu Pushelberg’s design for the...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Desks
Materials
Oak
Custom Black Lacquered Office Writing Desk with Brass Inlay by Carrocel
By Carrocel
Located in North York, ON
This is a custom hand crafted desk that is not a production piece. It is only made to order and is made from bespoke materials designed just for this one piece. Solid maple drawers w...
Category
2010s Canadian Modern Desks
Materials
Brass
Danese Milano X&Y Large Desk in White Metal by Paolo Rizzatto
Located in Hicksville, NY
x&Y is a series of lively and dynamic tables. The structure is in either powder-coated or galvanized metal while the top, which can be either round, square or rectangular, is availab...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks
Materials
Metal
Danese Milano X&Y Small Desk in White Metal by Paolo Rizzatto
Located in Hicksville, NY
x&Y is a series of lively and dynamic tables. The structure is in either powder-coated or galvanized metal while the top, which can be either round, square or rectangular, is availab...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks
Materials
Metal
Darling Point Desk by Yabu Pushelberg in Mist Matte Lacquered Oak and Brass
Located in Toronto, ON
This Darling Point desk by Yabu Pushelberg in Mist Matte lacquered oak is paired with a golden or bronze coloured brass finish structure.
Yabu Pushelberg’s design for the Darling ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Desks
Materials
Oak
Lorenzo Desk in Argentine Rosewood, Bronze and White Lacquer from Costantini
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
This Classic yet modern desk features an Argentine Rosewood body and white mirror-polished lacquered face and drawers with bronze accents. The drawers feature soft-close hardware and...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Desks
Materials
Wood
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
Modern Writing Desk with Three Drawers
Located in Greenwich, CT
This modern writing desk was custom made for utility. The desk features 3 drawers for storage, a steel base brushed with antique brass and a white oak top stained ebony. This is a bu...
Category
2010s American Modern Desks
Materials
Steel
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
Iconic Modern Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
The iconic modern desk with parquetry veneered and lacquered top having brass inlaid details, Icon bronze bound top with inlaid brass strapped accen...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Desks
Materials
Leather
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
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
Contemporary Handcrafted Console "Alke" in Wood with Brass Pedestals by Anaktae
By ANAKTAE
Located in Athens, GR
Contemporary, handmade console model "Alke" with a rectangular surface in walnut wood resting on two geometric pedestals in oxidized solid brass.
Var...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Greek Modern Desks
Materials
Brass
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
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
"Dalsace" Desk in the Manner of Pierre Chareau
Located in Glendale, CA
"Dalsace" desk in the manner of Pierre Chareau. Handcrafted in the Los Angeles and French workshops of noted French designer and antiques deal...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks
Materials
Steel
Drafting Table and Utility Cart, Blackened Steel and Gray 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 Drafting Table and Utility Cart ...
Category
2010s American Modern Desks
Materials
Metal, Bronze, Steel, Cut Steel, Sheet Metal
Console In Brozed Brass Top in Black Aziz Marble or Calacatta Gold 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
Danese Milano Bincan Desk in White Metal by Naoto Fukasawa
Located in Hicksville, NY
Bincan desk is part of the Bincan collection, which was designed for the work place and can be adapted to any type of office or work space. The minimal structure in powder-coated met...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks
Materials
Metal
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
Lorin Marsh, Modern, Desk, Gray Embossed Leather, Chrome, 2000s
By Lorin Marsh
Located in Stamford, CT
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
Modern desks for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Modern desks for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage desks created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, tables, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern desks made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original desks, popular names associated with this style include Greenapple, Aymeric Lefort, Danese Milano, and Venfield. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for desks differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $49 and tops out at $76,270 while the average work can sell for $7,800.
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