Skip to main content

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.

to
32
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
338
221
536
92
26
1,578
336
331
316
217
212
191
143
108
98
91
77
54
48
24
23
7
1
91
562
2
36
45
1
7
1
8
7
23
10
5
449
338
113
105
80
416
196
164
116
57
654
192
265
17
17
17
17
15
Style: Modern
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

Enso Desk in Wood by Neal Aronowitz
Located in Portland, OR
Enso Desk Designed and made in Portland, Oregon The Enso Desk draws inspiration from the disciplined creative practice of Japanese ink painting. Conceived in a single, fluid, and spo...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Bespoke Executive Metal Desk, Lacquered Steel, Walnut Veneer, Industrial Design
Located in Berlin, DE
Industrial design executive metal desk, customizable. The desk is made of lacquered steel, aluminum, walnut veneer.
Category

2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

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, Birdseye Maple, Maple

Customizable Desk/Vanity In Matte Walnut with Ottoman In Chocolate Velvet
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This minimalist desk and accompanying ottoman offer a functional and adaptable solution for various interior applications. The desk features a robust wood construction for its top su...
Category

2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

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

Modern Mismatch Dining Table, Solid Oak, Brass Handmade by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Modern Mismatch Dining Table, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Mismatch seamlessly combines the beauty of organic materials with the elegance...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

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

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

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

Maple Parallel Desk by Juntos Projects
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

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

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

Dante Writing Desk 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Scrivania Anni '80 Stile 'Quaderna'
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
Grande scrivania vintage con piano rettangolare, cassetti e vani contenitori con finitura in laminato a quadratini nello stile dei celebri arredi firmati Zanotta.
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Laminate

Belgian 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

Venezia Rialto Writing Desk
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

Executive Partners Desk
By Antoine Proulx
Located in Seattle, WA
Antoine Proulx Executive Partners Desk, handmade in USA for the interior design trade. The pedestals of this desk have drawers on both left, right, front and back. The Partners De...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

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

The Square Desk. Brazilian Solid Wood Writing Table Design by Amilcar Oliveira
Located in São Paulo, SP
The Square Desk was inspired by the design of Brazilian modern furniture from the 1950s and 1960s, featuring straight lines and Indian straw weaving. It's delicate and highly comfort...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Straw, Wood

'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

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

Desk or Writing Table Glass Crystal Geometric Shape Collectible Design Italy
Located in Ancona, Marche
The 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 hand, havi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass

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

Customizable Desk/Vanity In Matte Walnut with Ottoman In Navy Blue Velvet
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This minimalist desk and accompanying ottoman offer a functional and adaptable solution for various interior applications. The desk features a robust wood construction for its top su...
Category

2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Modern Console Table Desk with Caned Sides by Costantini, Gianni 'In Stock'
Located in New York, NY
The Gianni Table can be used as a console or desk and features a solid frame with caned sides. Shown in natural cherry.
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cane, Wood

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

Ebonized Oak and Antique Copper Small Dining Table
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

Glass, Painted wood & Chrome Plated Metal 1990s desk by Gallotti e Radice
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Minimal Desk with wheeled chest of drawers in white lacquered wood, thick cut glass and chrome plated metal. Minimal and elegant Desk with chest of drawers on wheels in white lacqu...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Chrome

FIJN Desk in Solid Black Walnut
Located in Calgary, CA
Our FIJN desk is handcrafted in solid wood. Both desks pictured were built in figured Oregon black walnut. Solid wood drawers are lined in leather and inserts can be customized to su...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

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

Fusion Desk by Daniele Lo Scalzo Moscheri
Located in Milan, IT
Designed for presidential offices, this desk's large scale conveys a sense of importance. The soft lines of its rope-colored leather desktop contrast the sharp edges of its dark canaletto-walnut legs, making it extremely modern, sophisticated and visually striking. Central drawer. Front modesty panel...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Noir Ebonized Walnut Modern Truss Desk
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Sleek sophisticated mixed media modern desk handcrafted of minimalist finished metal , curved legs and walnut drawers. From the Layla Grayce Noir Truss Collection. Comes with custom...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Light Ash Modern Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
The desk makes a statement with its contemporary design and unique personality. Its metal pulls in an Ember finish and figured cathedral ash construction add elegance and set it apar...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

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

Custom Bent Office/Writing Desk, Made of Bronze and Walnut Drawers
Located in Chicago, IL
A single brass sheet is bent creating the surface and sides, aptly giving the desk its name. The finish is darkened by hand through a proprietary solution and the drawers are made from solid walnut and veneered fronts. Perfect as a writing desk in any residential library or office or even as a concierge desk...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

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

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

Magic Box Desk by Mummenthaler & Meier
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the stunning Magic Box Desk by Mummenthaler & Meier, a must-have addition to any luxury office space. Crafted with precision and attention to detail, this desk features a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

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

Simply Modern Writing Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
An elegant modern writing table with three singular leather wrapped drawers, our Cardamon finish on the veneered frame (and handles) with panel en...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

PEMBROKE Desk by AMBROZIA, Solid Oxidized Walnut, Blackened Steel & Leather
Located in Drummondville, Quebec
The PEMBROKE writing desk/table is handmade to order from a hand selected solid wood desk top with a hand rubbed natural oil and wax finish that enhance the real beauty of the wood and give a natural warm touch. The elegant style came from our unique studio-machined Pembroke legs...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Steel, Cut Steel, Stainless Steel

Finn Juhl Nyhavn Desk Wood Black Lino
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

"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
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

PEMBROKE Writing Desk by AMBROZIA, Claro Walnut, Stainless Steel & Camel 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

Brass, Bronze, Steel, Cut Steel, Stainless Steel

Wrought Iron and Walnut Table
Located in Chicago, IL
This striking table is a union of two eras, joined with effortless flair. The top began life as a 17th-century Spanish walnut table, worn smooth by centuries of use, its surface dapp...
Category

17th Century Spanish Antique Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

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

White Kidney Shaped Desk, Gesso, Antique Mirror Top
Located in Miami, FL
White kidney shaped desk with Gesso finish. The top is antiqued mirror glass. Ready for a new home.
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Gesso, Mirror, Wood

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

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

Large Deep Green Study Desk with Linoleum Top and Two Drawers, Customizable
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
This large deep green 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 drawers...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Oak and Brass Office Desk Shelving and Loft Storage Suite by Amuneal
Located in New York, NY
This Oak and Brass Office Desk Shelving and Loft Storage Work Suite by Amuneal is a modular office system from Amuneal’s Loft shelving system. Posts in bl...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, 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.

Recently Viewed

View All