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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Creator: Atlas Industries
AD7, Solid Walnut and Bronze Desk with Pencil Drawer
Located in Newburgh, NY
Spare, refined, and meticulously handcrafted of solid hardwoods and bronze, the AD7 desk is distinguished by superb detailing, the finest materials and timeless design. The compositi...
Category
2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
AT16 White Oak Writing Desk, Occasional Table, with Blackened Steel and Castors
Located in Newburgh, NY
Whether used as an occasional table, a writing desk or cart, the AT16’s clean lines and crafted materials offer a graceful solution for the home or office.
Shown in solid white oa...
Category
2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze, Steel
AD7, Solid Walnut and Cold Rolled Steel with Pencil Drawer
Located in Newburgh, NY
Spare, refined, and meticulously handcrafted of solid hardwoods and steel, the AD7 desk is distinguished by superb detailing, the finest materials and timeless design. The compositio...
Category
2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
AD6, Solid White Oak and Cold-Rolled Steel Desk with File and Drawers
Located in Newburgh, NY
Elegant, comfortable and confident. The AD6 is handcrafted of dovetail-joined solid hardwood and cold-rolled steel bar; a study in the basic elements of composition: line, plane and ...
Category
2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
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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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