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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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

Minimalist Modern Desk in Oak 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

Oak, Wood, Plywood

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 the tabletop. F...
Category

2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Plywood, Walnut

Gala ash wood structure and veneer cover Desk
Located in Mexico City, MX
The Gala desk exhibits wood as the principal material. Composed of solid wood legs and wood veneer top and cabinet with three drawers, this desk is the ideal element for any space th...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Radius Cutaway Reclaimed Walnut Desk
Located in brooklyn, NY
Radiused outer edges and scalloped inner edge create a contrasting profile that adorns this minimal desk. Made from hand oiled solid walnut, this desk blends simple lines with unique...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood

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

Modern Menir Console Table, Calacatta Marble, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Menir Console, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Menir modern console table draws inspiration from menhir sil...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble

"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

"Ruby Tuesday" 21st Century Desk, Walnut and Metal by Ivan Paradisi
Located in Turin, IT
Particularity doesn't mean complexity or overloading with details. A particularity is about being different. And this is what Ivan Paradisi furniture design studio is famous for. Ivan Paradisi Atelier in Turin is glad to present simple though functional and particular desk in walnut. In "Ruby Tuesday" the desiger paid tribute to the nature having implemented the elegancy and functionality in simple natural curves which render the sense of harmony and wholeness. The contemporary handmade desk with two drawers finished in metal will show to advantage in any environment due to its basic design...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

"Gran Torino" 21st Century Desk, Brown Walnut and Maple by Ivan Paradisi
Located in Turin, IT
Designed as a modern elegant and at the same time functional desk, "Gran Torino" is named after the city of Turin, a place rich of culture and history with...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Maple, Walnut

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 the tabletop. F...
Category

2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Plywood, Walnut

Walnut Writing Desk with Drawers, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Writing desk made completely of solid walnut. The drawers are assembled with dovetail joints (includes 2 top drawers and 3 drawers under the desk). This writing desk is characterized by an “X” joint...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Amorph Astra Desk Graphite Walnut stain on Ash wood with Top leather
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Amorph Astra desk solid ashwood with top leather, Dimension: 60" L x 24" D x 30" H. About Amorph: Amorph is a design and manufacturing company base...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

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

Modern by Giuseppe Carpanelli Pegaso Writing Desk Walnut Wood with Leather
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

Roll Contemporary Desk in Metal and Wood
Located in London, GB
Writing desk by day and vanity table by night; roll desk 02 is a minimal piece with four metal legs supporting a solid wooden top. The top is upholstered in ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Amuneal’s Collector's Knife Edge Console
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

Campana Brothers Desk and Chair Assimetrica Collection
Located in Curitiba, PR
The brothers Humberto and Fernando Campana are among the most acclaimed creators in the world and are certainly the most famous names in Brazil when it comes to design. The duo combi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Plywood

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

Pierre Jeanneret Desk and Stool from the city of Chandigarh, India 1950 - 1959
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Jeanneret Desk and Stool from the city of Chandigarh, India 1950 - 1959 Teak Holland and Sherry boiled wool. Desk: 27 H x 31.5 W x 23 D inches Stoo...
Category

1950s Indian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak, Wool

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

Giorgetti Ion Executive Walnut Leather Desk Designed by Chi Wing Lo
Located in Boston, MA
Designed by Chi Wing Lo This writing desk in walnut Canaletto wood and saddle leather harks back to the lightness and elegance of an Ionic column. A versatile and practical product...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut, Leather, Wood

Travertine Coffee Table with Brushed Aluminum or Brass Hardware
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Carefully crafted from a single slab of Egyptian Giallo Travertine, the design of the Gia Coffee Table is dictated by deliberate and intentional cuts—the openings in the legs are inf...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Travertine, Marble, Stainless Steel, Aluminum, 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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

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

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

Modern Metal Leather Top Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern Metal Leather top desk, featuring a digitally carved, traditional woven cane design. The carved metal desk boasts mesmerizing textural layers. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

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

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

Hayche HOS Desk, Oak & White, United Kingdom, Made to Order
Located in Liverpool, GB
The HOS Desk, standing for Home Office System, epitomizes adaptability and modern design. Featuring three mountable and dismountable wooden panels, each with three detachable solid w...
Category

2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Alva Alato Table Red Lacquer Table Top, 1930
Located in Hamburg, DE
Very early desk, writing table by Alva Aalto, circa 1930, red lacquer tabletop, birch, bentwood, table size 182 cm x 90 cm x 72 cm.
Category

1930s Finnish Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birch, Bentwood

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

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 Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

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

Amorph Astra Desk in Metallic Gold Lacquer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Amorph Astra desk solid Wood with metal finish, dimension: 60" L x 24" D x 30" H. It is available in different finishes and custom sizes. About Am...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

21st Cent. Elena Salmistraro Table Polyurethane Red Levanto Marble Top Mat Base
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

Dawkins Desk
Located in New York, NY
CREATE YOUR HOME OFFICE IN STYLE Discover Michael's D A W K I N S Desk today! Bespoke sizes available upon request
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Bricks, Desk K1
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

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

Gio Ponti Attributed "Rosewood Desk"
Located in LAGUNA BEACH, CA
GIO PONTI ATTRIBUTED 'ROSEWOOD DESK' c. 1950's ROSEWOOD, CRYSTAL GLASS 31.5 H x 73 W x 33 D inches.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Rosewood

Sculptural Modern Twin Pedestal Desk in Exotic Solid Wood from Costantini, Andre
Located in New York, NY
Andre Sculptural Modern Twin Pedestal Desk in Exotic Solid Wood from Costantini Named after the eponymous artist, the Andre Desk's rectilinear form allows nature's beauty to take center stage. Available in any species of wood or finish and in custom sizes. Measurements are 65" L x 36" W x 30" H as shown. Finish Options: Solid woods and veneers Custom sizing, materials, and finishes available. About Costantini Design Costantini is a furniture design and manufacturing company founded in 2002 by artist and designer William C Stuart. The name Costantini comes from his maternal grandfather, a first generation Italian-American. Born in New York City and raised upstate, William majored in studio art at Colgate University with a year abroad in Paris, graduating with honors. In 2001, he traveled to Buenos Aires and fell in love with the culture and craftsmanship instantly. He designed his first collection soon after and opened an art and design gallery in Los Angeles. A decade later, he came home to New York and now has a studio in the famed West Chelsea Arts Building where his works blur the lines between art and functional design. The team of artisans continue to produce the majority of the furniture in Argentina. Aside from private collections, some notable public projects include the Hotel Bel Air, the Sultanate of Oman, Bergdorf Goodman, NoMad Hotels...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Jacques Pearl Grey Dining 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 dining or coffee ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Maple, Birdseye Maple

The Gate #01, Long Table/ Desk by Singchan Design Borderland Series
Located in 广州市, CN
Dimension: L3200 x W1000 x H750 Material: Stainless steel Limited Edition 20+2AP The metal surface is not sealed, exposing the true metallic lustre intentionally, giving the tab...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Antique Brass Plated Desk, Pols Potten Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Antique brass plated desk, Pols Potten Studio. Dimensions: W 120.5 x D 51 x H 75.5 cm. Materials: Black powder coated iron frame, aluminium, anti...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum, Brass, Iron

Jacques Pastel Pink Dining 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 dining or coffee ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Birdseye Maple, Maple

Little Shanghai Desk in Olive Wood and Black Sycamore Silver Painted Leg
Located in SENLIS, OISE
Little Shanghai desk in olive wood and black sycamore silver painted leg. There are two drawers on each side. The and sides are in olive and black...
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Rails Functional Sculpture Plywood Trestles Table Desk
Located in London, GB
Composition of x2 RAILS 750 with a tabletop. Bespoke accessories can be made to order in various materials and finishes. A modern system for fluid living. RAILS® is a unique con...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble

Pierre Jeanneret Student Desk and Library Chair
Located in New York, NY
Excellent example of a student desk and library chair from Chandigarh India circa late 1950s. Exceptional patina on the wood including various name inscriptions from young studen...
Category

1950s Indian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

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

Dish Solid Wood Contemporary Sculptural Carved Conference Desk Dining Table
Located in Bainbridge Island, WA
Taking inspiration from hand-carved African stools, a solid wood tabletop with a sloping underbelly is created with a little help from technology. A CNC router is used to cut away th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ash

Modern by Giuseppe Carpanelli Desyo Writing Desk Walnut Wood with Leather
Located in Desio, IT
Writing desk in Canaletto walnut. Pen-holder and predisposition for electrical outlets. Upholstery of drawers and basement available in leather, Nabu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Minimalist Modern Desk in Ash
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

Minimalist Modern Desk in Oak
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 the tabletop. F...
Category

2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Plywood, Walnut

Eileen Writing Desk in Walnut with Palissandro Stone Inset by Chapter & Verse
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Our Eileen writing desk shown in walnut with palissandro stone inset (COM). All of our pieces are made to order with custom sizes available upon request. Additional options includ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble

Reclaimed Teak Droplet Desk
Located in London, GB
Ariane Thakore Ginwala's Droplet desk is the quintessential blend of contemporary and Classic style. Its reclaimed teak construction is handcrafted by expert artisans, ensuring every...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Modern Desk Wood and Steel by Cyril Rumpler, Gustav
Located in Les Acacias, GE
Modern Desk Wood and Steel by Cyril Rumpler, Gustav. The shape of the top and its variations in thickness combined with the metal mesh create an effect of lightness. The combination ...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel, Chrome

Ledoux Shelving, a Custom, Architectiural, Modular Shelving System by Piscina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The modular design of our Ledoux Shelving system allows for it to be uniquely imagined and effortlessly reconfigured. Introduced just this year, Piscina won Best new Designer and Bes...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ash, Oak, Maple, Mahogany

Modern Home Office Writing Desk in High-Gloss Ironwood and Gold Lacquered Steel
Located in Vila Nova Famalicão, PT
The "Fifties Home Desk" is made in high-gloss ironwood and gold lacquered steel. We can also produce this in customized options: The tabletop can be in different wood veneers and dimensions. Feet: Other lacquer colors. You can try it in your space using Augmented Reality with your mobile phone (Fifties Collection, available on our website). Assembled piece. It will be delivered in a wooden box packed in bubble wrap. This table is entirely made in Portugal and manufactured artisanally. The author carefully executed or supervised every process step in a small workshop context. Labor of love from Portugal. Designer/Author - João Faria...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cut Steel, Metal, Steel

Contemporary Beauty Desk, Makeup Table, Writing Table, Mirror, Oak, Brass Medulu
Located in Meolo, Venezia
Beauty desk with simple lines and sophisticated details. Vivian is ideal for intimate environments such as a boutique-hotel or a private residence. A brass box contains two jewel boxes. The white lacquered wooden shell houses...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

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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