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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Customizable Items Only
Modern Chiado Console Table, Red Leather, Stone, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Chiado Console, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
The Chiado console table honors Lisbon’s historic quarter, cap...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Granite, Onyx, Marble, Brass
Marquetry Console by Thomas Dariel
Located in Geneve, CH
Marquetry console by Thomas Dariel, Maison Dada.
Measures: W 160 x D 34 x H 110.8 cm.
Structure in MDF coated with painted multiple veneers.
Fronts in matte paint finish.
Metal l...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Unique Design Desk, French Designer Charly Bounan
Located in Geneve, CH
Charly Bounan, is a Parisian designer renowned for its refined creative style and the important eclecticism of its influences.
Dimensions:
Height 80 cm,
width 240 cm,
dep...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Copper
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
"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
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
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
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
Hamilton Modern Desk, by Ambrozia, Tinted Glass, Black Steel, Solid Black Walnut
By AMBROZIA
Located in Drummondville, Quebec
The Hamilton modern working desk is handcrafted from a light weight 2” x 1” steel frame. Featuring a nice 10mm tinted tempered glass which let you see the solid wood storage...
Category
2010s Canadian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Organic Modern Armona Desk, Oak Root, Handmade in 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 modern desk pays homage to...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Oak
Organic Modern Armona Desk, Walnut Onyx, Handmade in 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 modern desk pays homage to...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Onyx
Organic Modern Castelo Desk, Green Marble Brass, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Castelo Desk, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Castelo modern desk table pays h...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Brass
Xitle Desk with 2 Drawers
By ADN Studio
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
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
Modern Mismatch Desk Oak Walnut Root Brass Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Modern Mismatch Desk, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Mismatch seamlessly combines the beauty of organic materials with the elegance of cont...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
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 Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Onyx, Travertine, Marble, Carrara Marble, Brass, Steel
Organic Modern Armona Desk, Oak Root Onyx Brass, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
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 Castelo Console Table, Sahara Marble, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Castelo console, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Onyx, Brass, Stainless Steel, Steel
Modern Castelo Console Table, Sahara Marble, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Castelo Console, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Steel
Table Desk Writing Home Office Grey Marble Top Mirror Steel Modern Collectible
Located in Ancona, Marche
The table 'Gallio' is an important desk with structure in mirror polished stainless steel and top in grey Versylis marble. The structure is inspired by a formation of crystals of Gal...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Stainless Steel
Modern Armona Dining Table, American Oak Brass, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Armona Dining Table, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collec...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Onyx, Marble, Brass
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
PAPILLON 48" Round Dining Table in Black Metal and Black Glass by Soraya Osorio
Located in Vero Beach, FL
The Papillon Dining Table forms the perfect union between black glass and a dark grey/black metal base.
Use as an entry foyer table or desk/writing table.
Featured in Architectural Digest and Elle...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Organic Modern Accent Home Office Writing Desk Black Oak Wood Black Lacquer
Located in Vila Nova Famalicão, PT
João Faria created the stunning home desk ROOTS for contemporary and home offices. Rather than placed against a wall, it should stand in the middle of the room and be admired from al...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Cut Steel, Metal, Steel
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
Crooked Desk by Nazara Lazaro
Located in Geneve, CH
Crooked desk by Nazara Lazaro
Dimensions: H 75 cm x W 170 cm x D 96 cm
Materials: Massive oak with oil wax surface
Also available in natural massive oak, walnut, and white lacquered...
Category
2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Pixel Desk by Morgan Clayhall, sculptural steel and marble
Located in Toronto, CA
The Pixel Desk is designed and finish by hand in our Toronto studio
The Pixel Desk is designed with creating a whimsical interpretation of deconstructionism in the breaking apart of...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Steel
Cerused oak three drawer writing desk having pull out slides.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cerused oak three drawer writing desk having pull out slides that allow for a generous work area. This desk is hand made in our workshops and comes in a darker version. 83" wide whe...
Category
2010s Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Ban Curved Steel and Maple Wood Desk by Autonomous Furniture
Located in Victoria, BC
Introducing the Ban Desk by Autonomous Furniture, where timeless elegance meets industrial edge, crafted to elevate your workspace with unparalleled sophistication.
Imagine your wor...
Category
2010s Canadian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ash, Oak, Walnut
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
Keys Desk by Phase Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Keys Desk by Phase Design
Dimensions: D 55.9 x W 127 x H 73.7 cm.
Materials: Spandrel glass top and powder-coated metal.
Solid steel bar available in a flat black or white powder c...
Category
2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Lucite and Natural Walnut floating Desk
Located in Ballard, CA
A highly engineered modernist desk made from a walnut (or oak, mahogany, or rosewood veneer) case “floating” on a Lucite base, which is affixed by custom-designed hardware. Custom si...
Category
2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
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
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
Lucite and Dark Walnut floating Desk
Located in Ballard, CA
A highly engineered modernist desk made from a walnut (or oak, mahogany, or rosewood veneer) case “floating” on a Lucite base, which is affixed by custom-designed hardware. Custom si...
Category
2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
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
Amorph Astra Desk Graphite Walnut stain on Ash wood with Top leather
By Amorph Inc.
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
Handcrafted English Desk
Located in London, GB
A totally unique handcrafted modernist desk designed and made in England by our craftspeople using traditional woodworking and cabinetry techniques. The beautifully figured surface i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak, Walnut
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
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
Organic Modern Armona Desk, Walnut, Handmade in 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 modern desk pays homage to...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Organic Modern Armona Desk, Oak Root Onyx, Handmade in 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 modern desk pays homage to...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Onyx
Oak-desk
Located in Carnota, A Coruña, Galicia
Presenting a handcrafted desk by Frank Buschmann made from premium oak, enhanced with an exquisite oil wax finish for enduring beauty. Each element is meticulously crafted, with leg...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood, Oak
Xiitle Desk Small
By ADN Studio
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
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Red glossy top & chrome base.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr. in 2017 for luxury French furniture brand, Adentro Paris. The central panel of the desktop folds back to reveal a hidde...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Black, glass & chrome base.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr for luxury French furniture brand, Adentro Paris.
The desk is composed of a central extra clear glass panel with a stora...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Industrial Design Executive Metal Desk, Customizable, Germany, 2018
By GMD Berlin
Located in Berlin, DE
Industrial design executive metal desk, customizable, Germany, 2018.
Category
2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Black, glass & golden base.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr for luxury French furniture brand, Adentro Paris.
The desk is composed of a central extra clear glass panel with a stora...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Wenge, glass & chrome base.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr for luxury French furniture brand, Adentro Paris.
The desk is composed of a central extra clear glass panel with a stora...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Oak Natur Frame Office Table L by Milla & Milli
Located in Geneve, CH
Oak Natur Frame Office Table L by Milla & Milli
Signed by Maša Vukmanović, Jelena Lukač Kirš, Jakov Šrajer
Dimensions: W 160 x D 80 x H 75 cm
Materials: Oak Natur, Black Metal.
F...
Category
2010s Croatian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Orange glossy top & bronze base.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr. in 2017 for luxury French furniture brand, Adentro Paris. The central panel of the desktop folds back to reveal a hidde...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Orange glossy top & white base.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr. in 2017 for luxury French furniture brand, Adentro Paris. The central panel of the desktop folds back to reveal a hidde...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr white, glass top & chrome base.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr for luxury French furniture brand, Adentro Paris.
The desk is composed of a central extra clear glass panel with a stora...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Red glossy top & golden base.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr. in 2017 for luxury French furniture brand, Adentro Paris. The central panel of the desktop folds back to reveal a hidde...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Grey glossy top & golden base.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr. in 2017 for luxury French furniture brand, Adentro Paris. The central panel of the desktop folds back to reveal a hidde...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
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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