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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chaircrafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.

It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.

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Style: Modern
Solid Oak and Walnut Jameson Desk by Lynnea Jean, In-stock
Located in Aitkin, MN
This custom wood desk is hand-made in the United States with all hardwood construction. This modern design is characterized by its solid white oak body, minimalist walnut inlay detai...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood, Oak

Mahogany Desk by Bernt Petersen for Dansk Mobelkunst
Located in San Francisco, CA
This generously proportioned mahogany desk by Bernt Petersen for Dansk Møbelkunst features four drawers with brass campaign-style hardware, clean lines, and elegant proportions. Key ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

John Widdicomb Burlwood and Brass Writing Desk, USA c 1970s
Located in Norwalk, CT
Beautiful burled wood desk, with brass curved bar-form legs and brass recessed pulls. Three shallow drawers. The desk has been refinished and all brass polished and lacquered. The d...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

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 has two steel dra...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Small Burgundy Study Desk with Natural Linoleum Table Top & Drawer, Customizable
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
This small study desk is made with a beetroot powder-coated steel frame and a burgundy coloured natural linoleum tabletop. The linoleum for our desks is selected for the ecological p...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Jacques Pine Green Console Table in Bird's Eye Maple 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, Maple, Birdseye Maple

Rosewood & Chrome Desk by Milo Baughman
Located in San Francisco, CA
A small writing desk by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. Rosewood top with three storage drawers sit atop contemporary bases of chromed steel. Overall in very good condition. The ro...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Beautiful Solid Cherry Desk by Harden, NY, Moser Style
Located in Miami, FL
Solid cherry desk with hidden compartments, hand cut dovetail construction and a leather writing top made by Harden Furniture. Writing surface height is 29" Knee clearance height is ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry

Modern Italian Desk by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant and architectural desk designed by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia, showcasing the refined craftsmanship and modern sensibility that define Italian design. This sleek piece f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

ClassiCon Jean Fold Out Table 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

The Chiquita desk with 8 drawers in Brazilian sollid wood
Located in São Paulo, SP
The Chiquita desk features smooth and delicate lines. In this version, it has 8 drawers with natural cane fronts and brass handles, giving it a nostalgic and romantic touch. Availabl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Large Ice Blue Steel Contemporary Study Desk with Two Drawers - customizable
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
This large ice blue study desk is made with a powder coated steel frame and a beautiful lacquered plywood table top in colour matched ice blue. This modern minimal desk has two steel...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

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

Four Drawer Butternut Study Desk with Linoleum Top - Customizable
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
The four-drawer Study desk is made with a butternut powder-coated steel frame and a pearl-coloured natural linoleum tabletop. The linoleum for our desks is selected for the ecologica...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Large L Shape Customizable Contemporary Corner Study Desk
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
A beautiful large L Shaped Study desk made with a butternut powder-coated steel frame and a beige linoleum top. The furniture linoleum provides a natural satin matt surface made from...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Contemporary Sitting Standing "Work" Desk in Solid White Oak by Casey Lurie, USA
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

Xitle Desk with 2 Drawers
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

Theory Desk in Natural Verde Onyx by Paloma Editions
Located in Geneve, CH
Theory Desk in Natural Verde Onyx by Paloma Editions Dimensions: D 63 x W 160 x H 76 cm. Materials: Natural Verde onyx. The form features our signature directional line work and a s...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Onyx

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

Bespoke Modernist Tubular Steel Table in Chromed Metal and Glossy Lacquered Wood
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

Four Drawer Study Desk with Linoleum Top - Customizable
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
The four-drawer Study desk is made with a matt black powder-coated steel frame and a charcoal-coloured natural linoleum tabletop. The linoleum for our desks is selected for the ecolo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Modern Silhueta Console Table, Port Saint Laurent Marble, Handmade 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

The Bi Writing Desk. Handcrafted from solid jequitibá and imbuia wood.
Located in São Paulo, SP
The Bi writing desk brings modernity and lightness combined with a classic touch. It's crafted from solid jequitibá and imbuia woods and features a movable storage compartment that c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Isabella Costantini, Italy, Duilio Desk with Polished Brass
Located in Ascoli Piceno, IT
Designed by IC and beautifully crafted by Italian artisans, the Duilio desk features a ribbed drawer and stylish legs. The brass, or powder coated metal, details and stunning design will bring elegance and sophistication to any space of your home. Accessories and details: 1 velvet, or faux leather, lined drawer...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Extraordinary Pierre Jeanneret Library Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
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

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

Small Green Study Desk with Natural Linoleum Table Top & Drawer, Customizable
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
This small study desk is made with a green powder-coated steel frame and a contrasting deep green natural linoleum tabletop. The linoleum for our desks is selected for the ecological...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

EPIC Bronze and Steel Desk by Soraya Osorio
Located in Vero Beach, FL
EPIC Semi-Circle Metal Desk — Aged Bronze & Black Bronze Steel The EPIC semi-circle desk commands presence with its sculptural form, embodying a sense of power and confidence in any interior. The front center leg and all three drawer fronts are finished in a hand-crafted, textured aged bronze, offering warmth and artisanal depth. The black bronze steel top and outer legs create a striking contrast, balancing bold geometry with refined materiality. Designed for collectors, creatives, and luxurious workspaces, this desk stands as both a functional centerpiece and a modern statement piece. Customization available upon request. Featured in Elle Decor...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Steel, Bronze

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

Yellow Steel Contemporary Study Desk with Two Drawers - Customizable
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
A large yellow study desk made with a powder coated steel frame and a beautiful lacquered plywood colour matched table top. This modern minimal desk has two steel drawers suspended u...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British 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

Bagutta writing desk by Annig Sarian for Arflex - Italy - 1960s
Located in Milano, IT
Small desk with three drawers, wooden frame and chromed and curved tubular metal supports. The desk has a slight defect on one side, as shown in the photo. Manufactured by Arlex, It...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

'005' Palm Wood and Metal Desk in the Manner of Pierre Chareau
Located in Glendale, CA
'005' Palm Wood and Metal Desk in the Manner of Pierre Chareau Handcrafted in the Los Angeles and French workshops of noted French designer a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

PEMBROKE Writing Desk by AMBROZIA, Claro Walnut, Stainless Steel & Leather
Located in Drummondville, Quebec
This Modern Pembroke writing desk/table is handmade to order from a hand selected bookmatched wood slab desk top with a hand rubbed natural oil and wax ...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel, Cut Steel, Steel, Bronze, Brass

Contemporary Trestle Table "Work" in Solid White Oak by Casey Lurie USA
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

Modern Light Oak Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
With its rounded subtle barrel-shaped top with alternating quarter straight cut oak veneers stands squarely on solid trapezoid-style legs. The facing two drawers have adequate enough...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Modern Shagreen Leather Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
A modern shagreen embossed leather-wrapped desk with a brass tone iron-framed base. Three drawers with marbleized paper-lined interiors and with brass ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Desk or Writing Table Geometric Glass Crystal Collectible Design Handmade Italy
Located in Ancona, Marche
The executive desk 'Origami' is made of extra-clear crystal glass. Each sheet of extra-clear crystal glass is cut and ground with extreme precision, then the sheets are assembled by ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass

Industrial Modern Wrought Iron Tilt Top Drafting Desk / Table
By Jorge A. Marien
Located in East Freetown, MA
Extraordinary modern wrought iron and glass tilt top drafting desk/table. Glass top is framed by wrought iron and tilts when the steampunk style handles are loosened. Table can be used as a dining or large entrance table.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Central Asian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

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

Modern Arco da Augusta Console Calacatta Marble Handmade Portugal Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Arco da Augusta Console, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Inspired by Lisbon's historical arch and as a homage to the Portuguese architecture...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Onyx, Travertine, Marble, Carrara Marble, Brass, Steel

Georgetti Erasmo Luxury Italian Oval Desk by Massimo Scolari
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An extraordinary Italian design with particularly noteworthy Moden form and exquisite wood. Georgetti Erasmo oval desk designed by Massimo Scolari with fluid and linear lines. The de...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

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 and Writing Tables

Materials

Plywood

"Xilte" Desk
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

"Xilte" Desk
"Xilte" Desk
$4,900 / item
"Xilte" Desk
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

"Xilte" Desk
"Xilte" Desk
$4,900 / item
Solid Wood Writer's Desk in Walnut with Steel Joinery and Removable Legs
Located in Biddeford, ME
This writer's desk is an exercise in restraint. This sleek desk’s tapered legs are made from solid Walnut and are detachable thanks to the custom blackene...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Modern Minimalist Home Office Writing Desk in Black Oak Wood and Black Lacquer
Located in Vila Nova Famalicão, PT
The VOID Collection is best described as simple but sophisticated. Furniture with a void, reinforced by the existence of an exoskeleton, captures our attention in this space. This ed...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Cut Steel, 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

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

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

Aurora Sculptural Curved Steel and Solid Ash Wood Desk by Autonomous Furniture
Located in Victoria, BC
Elevate your workspace with the stunning Aurora Desk from Autonomous Furniture. Crafted from the finest Whitened Ash wood and raw steel, this modern industrial desk is a true stateme...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ash, Oak, Walnut

'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

Xiitle Desk Small
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

Large L Shape Customizable Contemporary Corner Study Desk
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
A beautiful large L Shaped Study desk made with a deep burgundy powder-coated steel frame and a colour matched linoleum top made from all-natural ingredients, such as flax, wood flou...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Executive Waterfall Metal Desk With Roll Container, Plated Metal, Glossy Lacquer
Located in Berlin, DE
Modernist executive waterfall metal desk. High-quality metal construction finisher in glossy metallic painting. Available in different finishes and dimensions on request. Production ...
Category

2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Collector's Bleached Oak Wall Hanging Knife Edge Console Table By Amuneal
Located in New York, NY
Amuneal’s wall hanging bleached oak console table uses our traditional Collector’s Shelving hardware to support this two-drawer unit with raised knife-edge surround. The scale of the...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Large Pink Steel Contemporary Study Desk with Two Drawers - customizable
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
This large pink study desk is made with a powder coated steel frame and a beautiful lacquered plywood table top in pink. This modern minimal desk has two steel drawers suspended unde...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British 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

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

Charcoal Black Study Desk - Black Writing Table - Customisable
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
The &New study desk is made with a powder-coated steel frame and a color-matched linoleum tabletop. The linoleum for our desks is selected for the ecological properties of the linsee...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

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.

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