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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Bagutta writing desk by Annig Sarian for Arflex - Italy - 1960s
By Annig Sarian
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
Fabio Lenci monumental executive desk for Bernini, Italy, 1973
By Fabio Lenci
Located in Padova, IT
Executive desk designed by Fabio Lenci for Bernini in 1973; walnut wood, folding shelves, plastic container trays, rotating trays, waste paper bin, cast iron ashtray. Excellent origi...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
"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
Jacques Apricot Orange 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
Amuneal’s Collector's Knife Edge Console with 4 Drawers
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 four-drawer unit with vintage bronze metal details and raised kni...
Category
2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
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
Jacques Terracotta Red 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
W Desk, Handmade
By Kino Guerin
Located in Melbourne, CA
The design of this desk is unique and spectacular, it would be a great touch of modernity in your home design.
It is the result of all my research into wood bending, to create this p...
Category
2010s Canadian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Plywood, Walnut
Ventus Desk - Modern Black Handcrafted Table made by Prieto Studio
Located in London, GB
Crafted from solid layers of wood, the Ventus table is a distinguished desk that combines a lightweight silhouette with a sturdy modern look. Raising one of the sides, we have also g...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Modern Art Deco Desk in Solid Wood and Leather by Costantini, Alvear
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
Alvear Modern Art Deco Desk in Solid Wood and Leather by Costantini
This elegant desk crafted from solid Argentine Rosewood and leather combines subtle Art Deco influences with mode...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
Off-Grid Solid Wood Contemporary Sculptural Carved Wall-Mounted Bar Cabinet
By Grain
Located in Bainbridge Island, WA
Our Off-Grid Cabinet takes inspiration from the distinctive checkerboard pattern and functional pivot hinge of a Door for an Inner Room made in the late 19th century by an unnamed Ba...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Modern Arco da Augusta Console Calacatta Marble Handmade Portugal Greenapple
By 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
Brass
Off-Grid Solid Wood Contemporary Sculptural Carved Credenza Cabinet Sideboard
By Grain
Located in Bainbridge Island, WA
Our Off-Grid Credenza takes inspiration from the distinctive checkerboard pattern and functional pivot hinge of a Door for an Inner Room made in the late 19th century by an unnamed B...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ash
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
Sierra Desk in solid Walnut
Located in København Ø, DK
Minimalist desk with surprising details like grooves for cables and different-width legs.
Category
2010s Danish Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood, Walnut
Elle Ecrit Office Desk by Riva 1920, Walnut Knot
By Jamie Durie
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The Elle Ecrit Desk is designed with sleek, rectangular contours and enhanced functionality, featuring a central drawer flanked by two sets of side drawers. Its top includes a slidin...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Aurora Sculptural Steel and 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
Guy LeFevre for Maison Jansen Lacquered Wood w/ Leather Desk, France C 1970s
Located in Norwalk, CT
Designed by noted designer Guy LeFevre who worked extensively with Maison Jansen in the 1970s, this handsome desk incorporates many of his signature details. The base and hardware ar...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Italian Direction's Desk by Roberto Danesi for Maison Frezza
Located in LA FERTÉ-SOUS-JOUARRE, FR
Italian Direction's Desk by Roberto Danesi for Maison Frezza
Indulge in luxury and refinement with this exceptional desk set designed by the renowned Italian designer Roberto Danesi...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
1920's English Pine Desk
Located in Houston, TX
The 1920s English Pine Desk exudes timeless charm with its elegant craftsmanship and functional design. Constructed from rich, solid pine, it boasts a warm, inviting hue that adds ch...
Category
1920s English Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Pine
Freestanding Console - Desk, Reception Writing Table in Bright Yellow
By Spinzi
Located in Milano, IT
Contemporary console with integrated writing desk and matching stool, from the Silös collection by Spinzi.
It's been designed to offer a compact yet comfortable solution in small ro...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Molteni&C D.847.1 Ash Wood Desk by Gio Ponti
By Gio Ponti, Molteni & C
Located in Boston, MA
A Molteni&C exclusive has given new life to Gio Ponti's table which was originally designed 70 years ago. Thanks to dedicated craftsmanship, this signature piece has been reproduced ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Green Marble Coffee Table with Brushed Aluminum or Brass Hardware by Slash
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Each Lino table is a one-of-a-kind piece that celebrates the beauty in imperfection. Crafted from Cipollino marble, quarried from the Apuan Alps in northern Italy, its distinctive de...
Category
2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Onyx, Marble, Aluminum, 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
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
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
Modern Home Office Accent Writing Executive Desk Walnut Wood and Brushed Brass
Located in Vila Nova Famalicão, PT
The Executive Desk ExCentric 2.0 listed here is made in walnut wood and brushed brass. The desk has two drawers, electrical plugs, and a wireless phone charger...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass, Steel, Cut Steel, Stainless Steel
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
Modern Armona Dining Table, American Oak, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Armona Dining Table, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Modern Dark 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
Savignyplatz Desk by Sebastian Herkner in Mist - Matte Lacquered Oak
Located in Toronto, ON
The Savignyplatz in Berlin is an idyllic park and square named after jurist Friedrich Carl von Savigny. Savigny was hailed throughout Germany as the founder of modern jurisprudence a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Handcrafted English Oak Desk
Located in London, GB
A new freestanding modern English oak desk design. Designed and handmade in England using skilled traditional furniture making techniques. Completely handcrafted from the finest full...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Vintage Ron Seff Substantial Gun Metal Bronze & Brass Table, circa 1980s
By Ron Seff
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Ron Seff substantial gun metal bronze & brass table circa 1980s
Offered for sale is a very heavy substantial table by Ron Seff in gunmetal and brass. The table is quite el...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass, Bronze
1980s Style Black and White Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Interesting 1980s era writing desk. Black lacquer and white laminent tops by Carlton House Furniture.
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Laminate, Wood, Lacquer
Lavinia Desk by Pietro Franceschini
Located in Geneve, CH
Lavinia desk by Pietro Franceschini
Materials: Mohair velvet
Dimensions: W 210 x L 71 x H 78 cm.
Designed during a creative momentum in the relaxed Italian Riviera Ligure, our new Urania collection brings playfulness and longing for those innocent days of our childhood. The soft lines and upholstered curves continue our research on Neotenic Design...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Velvet
Ángulo Desk
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Conceptualized in 2023 by Leonardo Floresvillar, and crafted by hand with galvanized aluminum, coated with matte electrostatic paint.
The Angulo Desk was...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
21st Century Elena Salmistraro Table Polyurethane Green Marble Scapin Collezioni
Located in Tezze sul Brenta, IT
Isotopo table design by Elena Salmistraro, product by Scapin Collezioni
Limited Edition
A vibrant round top is combined with a sculptural base made of three rounded conical suppo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble
Modern Oak and Iron Boomerang Form Desk, France, circa 1930s
Located in Norwalk, CT
A real statement piece, this French early modernism desk features a boomerang shaped top in solid oak. The distinctive iron base hold a storage space t...
Category
1930s French Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
Pencil Reed Coffee Table in the Style of Gabriella Crespi, circa 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Boho chic pencil reed rattan square coffee table in the style of Gabriella Crespi, circa 1970s newly lacquered in white with a new glass top...
Category
1970s Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rattan, Reed, Glass, Wood, Lacquer
Brass and Slate Sculpted Console by Frederic Saulou
Located in Geneve, CH
Brass and slate sculpted console by Frederic Saulou
Intègre
Console
Black Slate, chemical engrave brass
Measures: L 150 x W 35 x H 90 cm, approxim...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Slate, Brass
Karl Springer Rare "Goatskin Free Form Desk" 1988
Located in New York, NY
Rare and exceptional "Goatskin Free Form Desk" in 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
Large Dining Table with Stone Mosaic Surface by Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A glamorous dining table designed and retailed by Karl Springer, circa 1980s. The iconic shape features a beveled horse track-shape top with ro...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stone
Fläpps Wall Desk/Secretary 100x60-1 - White
Located in Berlin, BE
A lot of work requires a lot of space. But only until it is done. That's why we now have the large Fläpps Secretary (100x60-1). After work, this fully-grown desk folds back up so discretely against the wall that you can no longer see anything of your work.
But it's not just a folding wall desk...
Category
2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Plywood
Transitional Modern Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
Stardust Transitional desk, for moments of reflection, this desk adds a note of glamour in our pearlescent Stardust finish. Platinum-striped beading ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian 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
Minimalist Modern Desk in Walnut
Located in Lisbon, PT
A stylish desk for home or office. The clean look is achieved by using the drawers almost hided, and as a part of the desk’s structure, as well as cable storage under...
Category
2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Plywood, Walnut
Modern by Giuseppe Carpanelli Pegaso Writing Desk Walnut Wood with Leather
By Carpanelli
Located in Desio, IT
Writing desk in Canaletta walnut with large drawer with push and pull mechanism, small drawers with metal handles in the upper part. Legs in solid wood in Canaletta walnut tone.
Top ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Kidney Desk by Fred Rigby Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Kidney desk by Fred Rigby Studio.
Dimensions: L 174.5 x W 100 x H 75 cm.
Materials: solid oak wood.
Taking inspiration from the simplicity of a ...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
21st Century Elena Salmistraro Table Polyurethane Red Marble Scapin Collezioni
Located in Tezze sul Brenta, IT
Isotopo table design by Elena Salmistraro, product by Scapin Collezioni
Limited Edition
A vibrant round top is combined with a sculptural base made of three rounded conical suppo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble
Organic Modern Oga Desk Raw American Oak Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Oga Desk, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Oga seamlessly combines the beauty of organic materials with the elegance of contemporary design. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Onyx, Brass
Modern Glass and Oak Dining Table
Located in Denton, TX
White oak curved corners with thick plate glass sides and beveled glass top
Base measures at 30W x 16D x 27.75H.
Category
20th Century North American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass, Oak
Modern Walnut and Black High Gloss Writing Desk
Located in North York, ON
Modern walnut and black high gloss writing desk. Beautiful walnut wood grains finished in a high gloss espresso color. Featuring accented high gloss black lacquer painted trim. Compl...
Category
2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Folding Table by Giovanni Offredi for MC Selvini Italy
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
Table by designer Giovanni Offredi and produced by MC Selvini, 1970s. Works excellent as a freestanding table, desk or against a wall and it can be ...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Laminate
Danish Desk
Located in New York, NY
A very handsome Danish desk with wooden sabots.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Palisander
Mid-Century French Four Drawers Rattan Desk, C 1950
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very decorative mid-century French rattan desk, four drawers, C 1950.
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rattan
Artedi Travertine and Brass Dining Table
By Artedi
Located in Denton, TX
Travertine cube with brass cross design that support beveled glass top.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Travertine, Brass
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
Minimalist Modern Desk in Ash for Home Office
Located in Lisbon, PT
A stylish desk for home or office. The clean look is achieved by using the drawers almost hided, and as a part of the desk’s structure. Front desk is available in ash, oak and walnut...
Category
2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Plywood, Oak
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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