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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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

17
3
1
to
1
15
4
21
5
7
21
16
15
2
1
1
3
18
1
1
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
13
6
4
3
4
16
7
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
1
Style: Modern
Color:  Beige
Green Onyx Desk with Brushed Aluminum or Brass Base
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Celebrating nature's inherent beauty, the Oni Desk embraces the irregular shape of a found Green Onyx slab. This desk's innovative design is informed by the unique constraints of the...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Onyx, Brass, Aluminum

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

Long Study Desk / Large Console Table in Beige Linoleum and Steel
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
This large Study desk / Console Table is made with a butternut beige powder-coated steel frame and a pearl linoleum top made from all-natural ingredients, such as flax, wood flour, a...
Category

2010s English Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

21st Century Elena Salmistraro Table Polyurethane Travertino Glossy Legs Isotopo
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 supports...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble

Bricks, Shelf Desk L1
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kueng Caputo is a Zurich, Switzerland based design practice comprised of Lovis Caputo and Sarah Kueng. Their material adventures are often rooted in the complexities of crafts techni...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ceramic

21st Century Elena Salmistraro Table Polyurethane Classic Travertino Glossy Legs
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

Colorful Pink Rockconsole, Royal Stranger
Located in Geneve, CH
Colorful pink Rockconsole, Royal Stranger Dimensions: Width 160cm, height 90cm, depth 50cm Materials: lacquered body suspended by stainless steel coated in brass leg, docked on a m...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Four Drawer Butternut Study Desk with Linoleum Top, Cream Desk - 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

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

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

Genuine Shagreen Desk with Polished Chrome X-Band Base
Located in New York, NY
Genuine shagreen desk with polished chrome X-band base.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

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

Marc Newson Riga Table in Matte Lacquered Woods for Cappellini
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Marc Newson, the Riga table is a writing desk made of Matte lacquered wood (in all of the colors in the collection) with legs in solid beech wood. The feet and knobs are ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Table Desk Writing Home Office Orange Onyx Mirror Steel Contemporary Collectible
Located in Ancona, Marche
The 'Bangles Desk' is an important desk with structure in mirror polished stainless steel and top in rare orange onyx. Dimensions are customizable. Every single bangle is welded and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Onyx, Stainless Steel

Table Desk Writing Home Office Pink Onyx Gold Mirror Steel Modern Collectible
Located in Ancona, Marche
The table 'Bangles Desk Gold' is an important desk with structure in mirror polished stainless steel with 24 Kt gold galvanic special finish and top in rare pink onyx. The 24 Kt gold...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Onyx, Stainless Steel

Contemporary Lucite and Inset Mirror Top Desk
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary lucite desk with 3 inset antiqued mirror squares on the top surface, a shallow glass compartment/shelf, and geometric scroll-shaped ...
Category

20th Century American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Mirror, Lucite

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

Dinning Table B 90cm x 160cm Aluminum Anodized Silver Top Wooden legs
Located in Barcelona, ES
The Table B, which inaugurated the Extrusions Collection in 2009, can reach up to five metres using a simple profile of extruded aluminium. Its apparent simplicity covers a complex t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Paris Bureau Black and White Study Desk Writing Table by Matteo Cibic
Located in Kolkata, IN
Paris Bureau Black and White Study Desk Writing Table by Matteo Cibic is an extraordinary console/writing table, with two drawers. It is available in a ra...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Resin

Paris Bureau Red and White Study Desk Writing Table by Matteo Cibic
Located in Kolkata, IN
Paris Bureau Red and White Study Desk Writing Table by Matteo Cibic is an extraordinary console/writing table, with two drawers. It is available in a rang...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Resin

Ghidini 1961 Miami Table in Stainless Steel by Nika Zupanc
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Desk in stainless steel. Just when you're feeling down, and a little bit battered or numbed by life in general, along comes a spectacularly shiny square-meter of table surface to put...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Related Items
21st Century Howard Chess Table Walnut Wood
Located in RIO TINTO, PT
Chess is one of the most known classic strategy games. Originated in India, the history of chess goes back almost 1500 years until spread to the world. Regarded as the world’s strongest chess master player from 1843 to 1851, Howard Staunton is still known as an iconic English chess player. Honoring Howard and all the chess players, Wood Tailors Club designers conceived this timeless chess table. Designed for sophisticated spaces, the Howard Chess Table...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

21st Century Howard Chess Table Walnut Wood
21st Century Howard Chess Table Walnut Wood
H 29.93 in W 25.2 in D 25.2 in
Organic Modern Armona Desk, Walnut Brass Onyx, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Armona Desk, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Armona...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Onyx, Brass

"Symmetric" Console / Desk, Black Walnut, Patina Steel
Located in North Branch, NY
The "Symmetric" console / desk is a perfectly balanced design of interlocking steel plate joinery and a solid black walnut surface. Customizable to any variation of dimensions, mater...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

21st Century Kenai Dining Table Marble Brass
Located in RIO TINTO, PT
Transpiring emotion through recreations of hidden treasures all around the world, Porus Studio designers conceived its modern collection. Inspired by the turquoise tranquility waters...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

21st Century Kenai Dining Table Marble Brass
21st Century Kenai Dining Table Marble Brass
H 29.93 in W 118.12 in D 41.34 in
Single Minimalistic Heavy Polished Aluminum Table or Desk Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Single minimalistic heavy polished aluminum table or desk base. Add your own wood or stone top to specification. The base dimensions are lis...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Reed and wicker desk with glass shelf and drawers, Italy 1980
Located in Roma, RM
Reed and wicker desk with glass shelf and drawers, Italy 1980 Product details Dimensions: 127 B x 82 H x 57 D cm
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wicker, Reed, Glass

Briccola-ge, Corner Desk or Shelf in solid Oak and Red lacquered brackets
Located in Milan, Lombardy
“The corner is a piece of home mistreated. A dead end with no way out. In every reality, in every culture, the corner is never dutifully considered” So, between the serious and the facetious, Miki Astori explains the project of Briccola-ge, a two- story practical and poetic work plan or small console where to operate in transitory moments… The wall hanging supports are in a mass-colored wooden technical material. The tops are made of solid oak strips with inserts of Briccola Veneziana, the old wooden dolphins...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Bog Wood

Industrial Brushed Steel Factory Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Midcentury, industrial, factory desk features a brushed steel body with stainless steel top and handles and is presentable on the back as well. The desk's chair opening is 19.5 x 23 ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Industrial Brushed Steel Factory Desk
Industrial Brushed Steel Factory Desk
H 30 in W 36.25 in D 24.5 in
Briccola-ge Corner Desk and Shelf in solid Oak Wood and black lacquered brackets
Located in Milan, Lombardy
“The corner is a piece of home mistreated. A dead end with no way out. In every reality, in every culture, the corner is never dutifully considered”…. So, between the serious and the facetious, Miki Astori explains the project of Briccola-ge, a two- story practical and poetic work plan or small console where to operate in transitory moments. The wall hanging supports are in a mass-colored wooden technical material. The tops are made of solid oak strips with inserts of Briccola Veneziana, the old wooden dolphins...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Bog Wood

Genuine Shagreen Desk with Polished Chrome X-Band Base
Located in New York, NY
Genuine shagreen desk with polished chrome X-band base.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Faux Bamboo Brass & Wood Weiman Console Table or Desk with Drawers
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage wood, faux bamboo & brass console table or desk with 2 drawers. Brass has been polished. Marked in drawer and underneath Weiman. Original wood finish has a few minor scratche...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Oak Campaign Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With four large drawers, sculpted legs, and a black-stained writing surface, this vintage campaign desk is perfect for any home office or study. ...
Category

1970s Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Previously Available Items
Hollywood Starlet Ivory Leather Wrapped Desk by Bungalow 5
By Bungalow 5
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Super chic and sexy ivory leather wrapped writing desk by Bungalow 5 with stylish stitching, brushed brass hardware and framing around the 5 drawers. Sleek ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Brass Refined Console Signed by Lukasz Friedrich
Located in Geneve, CH
Brass refined console signed by Lukasz Friedrich Console table, 2020 Materials: Brass, lacquered glass Finish: Polished brass Dimensions: D 30 cm, L 110 cm, H 79 cm This piece c...
Category

2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Brass Refined Console Signed by Lukasz Friedrich
Brass Refined Console Signed by Lukasz Friedrich
H 31.11 in W 43.31 in D 11.82 in
Carved Wood Elephants with Tessellated Stone Top Desk
Located in Denton, TX
Hand carved wooden elephants holding pineapples in their trunks painted in an antique cream color, on top the tessellated stone is a deep g...
Category

20th Century Philippine Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stone

Modern Aluminum Desk with Laminate Top
Located in New York, NY
Modern aluminum desk with laminate top.
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Modern Aluminum Desk with Laminate Top
Modern Aluminum Desk with Laminate Top
H 29.25 in W 42.25 in D 30 in
Brass Refined Console Signed by Lukasz Friedrich
Located in Geneve, CH
Brass refined console signed by Lukasz Friedrich Console table, 2020 Materials: Brass, lacquered glass Finish: Polished brass Dimensions: D 30 cm, L 110 cm, H 79 cm This piece c...
Category

2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Brass Refined Console Signed by Lukasz Friedrich
Brass Refined Console Signed by Lukasz Friedrich
H 31.11 in W 43.31 in D 11.82 in
Stilnovo Table Lamp, Arnoldi for Stilnovo, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Stilnovo table lamp is an elegant design lamp designed by Danilo and Corrado Arnoldi for Stilnovo in 1970s Table lamp with an elegant marble base and a canvas lampshade. Dimens...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble

Homework Desk Glass Top and Wooden Drawer, by Niels Bendtsen from Bensen
Located in Vancouver, BC
The Homework is a deceivingly simple writing desk. Conceived for home offices or other small offices where the desk will be on display, Homework can be adjusted according to your unique needs. Additional information: - Dimensions: D. 70 x W. 122 x H. 73 cm. Homework desk...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Modern Lucite Desk Dining Table with Chrome Sawhorse Bases
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stylish post modern Lucite acrylic desk or dining table featuring a pair of chrome finish saw horse trestle bases. The Lucite top is one inch thick with rounded corners. The trestle ...
Category

20th Century American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Nickel

Oak Console Desk with Stool, Hand-Sculpted by Cedric Breisacher
Located in Geneve, CH
Oak console desk with stool - hand-sculpted by Cedric Breisacher Dimension: H 80 cm x P 35 cm x L 110 cm Butterfly oak stool: 45 x 41 x 42 cm BTRFL console is carved by nature i...
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Shanghai Desk in Ziricotte Wood, Leather Top and Silver Patined Leg
Located in SENLIS, OISE
Shanghai desk in Ziricotte wood, leather top and silver patined leg. The inside is made in Sycomore. Information about the covid 19. At this point, the ...
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

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

Joyn Four Person Workstation, Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec for Vitra
By R.&E. Bourroullec
Located in Dronten, NL
Vitra Joyn four person workstation designed by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, 2002 The price is for the entire unit in the image without the chairs and books. This includes the two tabl...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss 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.

Recently Viewed

View All