Modern Desks and Writing Tables
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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Extraordinary Pierre Jeanneret Library Table
Located in New York, NY
We are very pleased to present this exceptional and rare Pierre Jeanneret illuminated reading table with provenance from DAV (Dayanand Anglo-Vedic) College Chandigarh which was built...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Freestanding Oregon Pine Desk by Andreas Hansen, Denmark
Located in Kastrup, DK
Andreas Hansen, b. 1936
Large freestanding desk made from Oregon pine with three drawers on each side. An elegant detail is the visible dovetail joints on the drawer fronts. Between...
Category
Late 20th Century Danish Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Acrylic, Pine
Maple Parallel Desk by Juntos Projects
By JUNTOS
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Parallel desk is built around two suspended horizontal slabs that create an expansive workspace. The structure is anchored by cross-shaped legs that pierce through the top and fr...
Category
2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Maple
Mid-century modern writing desk
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Mid-century modern writing desk in original vintage condition with signs of use.
Category
1980s Hungarian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Walnut Orange MiMi Table by Miduny, Made in Italy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Merging clean lines with warm materials, the faceted geometry of the MiMi table creates a slender, graceful profile punctuated with painted surfaces that ca...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Birch, Oak, Plywood
EPIC Metal Desk by Soraya Osorio
Located in Vero Beach, FL
EPIC metal desks semi-circle embodies power and confidence. The finishes consist of a Handcrafted textured aged brass front center leg and three drawer fronts and a black bronze steel top and outer legs.
Customization available upon request.
Featured in Elle Decor...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass, Steel
Handcrafted English Oak Desk Console
Located in London, GB
Our larger handcrafted modernist wall mounted oak desk/vanity or console table designed and handmade in England using traditional furniture making techniques. Completely handcrafted ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak, Leather
French Marcello Desk in Blue Lacquer, Glass, and Brass by Joris Poggioli
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ultra-glam statement-making desk in glossy blue lacquer, with glass base, brass accents, and velvet and MDF drawers by French designer Joris Poggioli. I...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Venezia Rialto Writing Desk
By Morici
Located in Milan, IT
Effortlessly enriching any modern interior - from a conference room, office, home study - this sculptural piece will create a timeless and elegant focal point. Entirely crafted of wo...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Cream Study Desk with Natural Linoleum Table Top and Drawer, Customisable
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
This study desk is made with a pearl powder-coated steel frame and colour matched natural linoleum tabletop. The linoleum for our desks is selected for the ecological properties of t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Dante Writing Desk by Daytona
By Daytona
Located in Milan, IT
Refined elegance and a classic design characterize the Dante Writing Desk. With a structure in plywood covered in a dark walnut veneer and a solid walnut base with a brushed gloss fi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Stylo Folding Desk by Enrico Tonucci
Located in Milan, IT
Designed with a modern interior in mind, this luxury desk is foldable and can be a precious and versatile addition to any room. The top in solid wood is co...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Large Turquoise Study Desk with Linoleum Top and Two Drawers, Customizable
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
This large turquoise study desk is made with a powder coated steel frame and a beautiful natural linoleum top made out of linseed oil. This modern minimal desk...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Handcrafted English Oak Desk
Located in London, GB
Our new prime English oak 2 drawer dovetailed desk. Designed and handmade in England using skilled traditional furniture making techniques. Completely handcrafted from the finest ful...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Leather and Metal Desk
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Our Belgian Leather Desk, a seamless blend of craftsmanship and modern minimalism, this desk features a vegetable-tanned leather top, meticulously inlaid on a sleek steel base. The s...
Category
2010s Belgian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
"Volpi" writing desk with drawer in natural Brazilian wood, office table
Located in Alto da Lapa, SP
Alfredo Volpi is a Brazilian painter who, throughout his career, experimented with geometric shapes, especially variations on flag shapes. The Volpi desk is inspired by the geometric...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak, Walnut
ClassiCon Jean Fold Out Table by Eileen Gray
By Eileen Gray
Located in New York, NY
Jean, named after Eileen Gray‘s intimate friend of many years, the architect Jean Badovici, stood in various modeis in their summer villa E 1027. "Every room has at its disposal one ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Contemporary Sitting Standing "Work" Desk in Solid White Oak by Casey Lurie, USA
By Casey Lurie
Located in Chicago, IL
Work desk is the smaller sibling of our WORK table, a contemporary take on the traditional working tables used by artists and designers for centuries. The choice of materials combine...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Oak
Large Bespoke Study Desk with Linoleum Top and Drawer, Customizable
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
This large beetroot color study desk is made with a powder coated steel frame and a beautiful natural linoleum top made out of linseed oil. This modern minimal desk...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Kidney Shaped Desk in Walnut by Jonathan Field
Located in London, GB
The kidney-shaped desk in solid walnut was designed and made for a client's bay window home study; it has three main drawers of different depths that run on fully extendable Blum run...
Category
2010s English Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Xitle Desk with 2 Drawers
By ADN Studio
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
The "Xitle" desk is part of ADN Studio´s Volcan Collection. This collection seeks to go back to basics. It is a subtle and refined interpretation of the archetypical modern furniture...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Organic Modern Pontes Desk, Green Marble Brass, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Pontes Desk, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Pontes ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Brass
Modern Toscana Vanity Table Oak Beige Leather Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Toscana Vanity Table, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
The organic modern Toscana vanity table is a captivating blend of natural beauty and c...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Onyx, Brass
Lucite and Dark Walnut floating Desk
Located in Ballard, CA
A highly engineered modernist desk made from a walnut (or oak, mahogany, or rosewood veneer) case “floating” on a Lucite base, which is affixed by custom-designed hardware. Custom si...
Category
2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Waxed Iron and Exotic Wood Dining Table from Costantini, Fierro, in Stock
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
This one of a kind table is inspired by the massive sculptures of cold rolled steel by Richard Serra. The raw iron top was allowed to oxidize for several years before we applied a wa...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Iron
The Chiquita Desk. Brazilian Solid Wood and Natural Straws.
Located in São Paulo, SP
The Chiquita writing desk features smooth and delicate lines, with 4 drawers featuring fronts made of natural wicker and brass handles that impart a nostalgic and romantic feel to th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Straw, Wood
Bespoke Modernist Tubular Steel Table in Chromed Metal and Glossy Lacquered Wood
By GMD Berlin
Located in Berlin, DE
Bespoke modernist tubular writing table made of chrome plated tubular steel and lacquered wood.
Category
2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Chrome
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 and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Karl Springer Rare "Goatskin Free Form Desk" 1988
Located in New York, NY
Rare and exceptional "Goatskin Free Form Desk" in high gloss lacquered goatskin with drawer by Karl Springer, American 1988 (date stamped on bottom). Springer’s Free Form...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer
Kartell Earl of Wood Desk by Philippe Stark in Light Wood and Chrome Frame
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Earl of wood is a simple new desk with a curved wooden surface, offering the perfect solution to the Office and Habitat worlds on account of its myriad diffe...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Jacques Pastel Pink Dining Table in Bird's Eye Maple by Fred&Juul
By Fred&Juul
Located in Fiesole, Florence
Designed with the aim to find the perfect balance between clean lines and warm texture. Consisting of 5 rounded, 50 mm thick slats with bird’s eye maple veneer, the dining or coffee ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Birdseye Maple, Maple
Philipp Plein office brown desk in split leather with a crocodile skin effect
Located in Oirlo, LI
In a luxurious penthouse, nestled in the heart of a bustling city, stood a desk unlike any other. It was the creation of Philipp Plein, a designer whose name was synonymous with bo...
Category
1970s German Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
"Xilte" Desk
By ADN Studio
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
The "Xitle" desk is part of ADN Studio´s Volcan Collection. This collection seeks to go back to basics. It is a subtle and refined interpretation of the archetypical modern furniture...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Baker Furniture Regency Burlwood Writing Desk
Located in Countryside, IL
Baker Furniture Regency Burlwood Writing Desk
This desk measures: 48 wide x 26 deep x 29.5 high, with a chair clearance of 24.5 inches
We take ...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Bespoke Walnut Desk with Cast Iron Legs Industrial Modern Work Custom Table
Located in Oakville, CT
Bespoke Industrial modern work / office bespoke desk / table with 1 3/4" wooden walnut top, "Brown & Sharpe" Cast iron legs and steel s...
Category
2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel, Iron
Contemporary Trestle Table "Work" in Solid White Oak by Casey Lurie USA
By Casey Lurie
Located in Chicago, IL
Introduced in 2016, WORK table is a contemporary take on the traditional working tables used by artists and designers for centuries.
The table has height adjustable trestles...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Oak
Ebonized Oak and Antique Copper Small Dining Table
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A solid oak top with an ebonized finish and antique copper steel frame dining table with simple and modern lines. Pairs well with the Inherita...
Category
2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Handcrafted English Desk
Located in London, GB
A totally unique handcrafted modernist desk designed and made in England by our craftspeople using traditional woodworking and cabinetry techniques. The beautifully figured surface i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak, Walnut
21st Century Two-Drawer Mirrored Glass and Brass Writing Desk or Console
Located in Miami, FL
This is one of five exclusive pieces.
Two-drawer mirrored glass and brass writing desk
Beautiful and elegant design
Perfect finished.
Overall dimensions: 127 cm W x 51 cm D x 8...
Category
2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Athinia Desk by Ciarmoli Queda Studio
Located in Milan, IT
Timeless allure and exquisite craftsmanship make this desk a precious addition to a modern or classic decor. The oval structure in walnut wood flaunts an elegant leather upholstery w...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
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 and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Raily Dark Writing Desk
Located in Milan, IT
This sophisticated writing desk will transform simple office tasks into a luxurious occasion with its exclusive details. Prized leather covers the wooden top, featuring a practical s...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Modern White Lacquered Executive Desk
Located in North York, ON
Modern white Lacquered executive desk. Timeless Art Deco inspired design lacquered in a designer finish with oil rubbed bronze hardware and execut...
Category
2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Herringbone Waterfall Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
Herringbone Waterfall Desk, create a serene space for work and moments of reflection with this parsons style desk, engaging the senses with its fluid f...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Finn Juhl Nyhavn Desk Wood Black Lino
By Finn Juhl
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Desk designed by Finn Jhul
Manufactured by one collection Finn Juhl, (Denmark)
When Finn Juhl established his first studio at the exclusive address of 33 Nyhavn in central Copenhagen in 1945, he designed a very simple desk...
Category
2010s Danish Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Jim Writing Desk
By CPRN HOMOOD
Located in Ponsacco, IT
This is a modern writing desk with a sophisticated and minimalist design. It features a sleek lacquered structure with curved side panels that provie both stability and a distinctive...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Modern Silhueta Console Table Carrara Marble Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Silhueta console, Modern Collection, handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern.
Inspired by the organic shapes and lean silhouettes, this console adds a modern touch to every li...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Belgian Black Marble, Brass
21st Century Modern Desk In Copper And Wood With Rotating Glass Extension
Located in Milan, IT
An original desk with a wooden top and a glass extension that can rotate around a central pivoting point, like the hand of a clock. This allows the table to expand and contract its usable surface and to adapt to different uses: a dedicated support for a printer or other peripherals, a smaller desk for an additional person or simply more tabletop space. Both tops are supported by a light and essential structure made of copper tubing...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Copper
Modern by Giuseppe Carpanelli Desyo Writing Desk Walnut Wood with Leather
By Carpanelli
Located in Desio, IT
Writing desk in Canaletto walnut. Pen-holder and predisposition for electrical outlets. Upholstery of drawers and basement available in leather, Nabu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Stylish Tubular Steel Executive Desk
Located in Athens, Attiki
Stylish design!
Glass-top executive desk on elegant tubular steel structure with 2-sided sliding drawer.
Excellent condition.
Category
1990s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
St. Charles Desk by Volk
By VOLK 3
Located in Brooklyn, NY
As shown:
Bleached ash veneer with solid ash, marble and inset leather blotter.
Poplar drawers with turned brass drawer pulls
Powder coated steel base
Flat waterborne finish
D...
Category
2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Steel, Brass
Miniforms NAMI Desk in Laquered by E-GGS
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Nami desk by Miniforms, the result of a collaboration with the talented design team at E-ggs, embodies this idea perfectly. From a barely sketched sketch on a sheet of paper, an ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Pebble Edge English Walnut Dining oval Table by Jonathan Field
Located in London, GB
The Pebble Edge Oval Table on Chapel Legs:
The pebble edge refers to the tabletop edge, which takes inspiration from the perfect skimming stone, a stone that has been smoothed and made tactile by natural forces. The photographs show it with the Carol Bentwood walnut chairs.
The two pieces of English walnut used for the top are joined centrally along the live edge and held in place with butterfly ties on the underside.
The tabletop stands...
Category
2010s English Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Apartment-Sized Patterned Osis Desk by Llot Llov
By LLOT LLOV
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Llot Llov's Osis desk was developed specifically for the home office — it has a small footprint yet offers the necessary space to work, and it has a privacy screen to help with both ...
Category
2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Jacques Pine Green Console Table in Bird's Eye Maple by Fred&Juul
By Fred&Juul
Located in Fiesole, Florence
Designed with the aim to find the perfect balance between clean lines and warm texture. Consisting of 5 rounded, 50 mm thick slats with bird’s eye maple veneer, the console table is ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Birdseye Maple, Maple
Elinor McGuire Model 226c Writing Desk
Located in Highland, IN
This exquisite design by Elinor McGuire for McGuire of San Fransisco is an exercise in subtle beauty and refined detailing. With a body covered in cane, slightly splayed legs, and so...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Oscar Writing Desk
By Guerra Vanni
Located in Milan, IT
A remarkable piece of refined taste, this splendid writing desk with 3 drawers and push pull blumotion expertly combines tradition with modernity. The fabulous design of the new Osca...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Silver Leaf
Rare Solid Mexican Cocobolo Wood Desk Don Shoemaker
Located in Atlanta, GA
A bespoken and rare desk by celebrated Mexican designer and woodworker Don Shoemaker, model no F46. Designed in 1970s and executed in 1981, the desk is constructed with patchwork of ...
Category
1980s Mexican Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Cocobolo
Modern desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Modern desks and writing tables 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 and writing tables created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, case pieces and storage cabinets, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern desks and writing tables made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original desks and writing tables, popular names associated with this style include Marco Zanuso Jr., Finn Juhl, Greenapple, and Elena Salmistraro. 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 and writing tables differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $205 and tops out at $76,270 while the average work can sell for $6,480.