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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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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Item Ships From: Europe
Style: Modern
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
Mr. Note Desk - Oak - 190cm
Located in Monte-Serzedo, 13
Following the principles of the “rational design,” Mr. And Mrs. Note Desks embody timeless elegance. Design to reflect the identity of the brand, where function creates attractive pu...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak, Walnut, Plywood
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
Executive Terni Desk Ico Parisi for MIM, Italy
By Ico Parisi
Located in Schellebelle, BE
Terni desk in aluminium and Indian rosewood,
Ico Parisi for MIM
great Italian design
very nice color and powerful patina
marked MIM.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
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
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
Wooden Writing Desk with Drawers and Black Lacquered Legs
Located in Madrid, ES
Large desk veneered with dark wood, front with four drawers with gold-colored pulls. Legs of black lacquered metal.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
Desk
By Mark Grattan
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Lacquered wood, velvet interior drawers and steel pulls.
A sum of quotidian mental captures, memories, utopias, and life experiences come as a whole in Mark Grattan ́s case pieces c...
Category
2010s Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
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
Mario Botta “Tesi” Dining Table for Alias, Italy 1980
By Mario Botta, Alias
Located in Argelato, BO
A very rare desk/dining table designed by Mario Botta, model “Tesi”, manufactured by Alias in, Italy around 1980.
This eye-catching piece has a clear glass rectangular top allows th...
Category
1980s Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
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
Hayche HOS Desk - Oak & White, UK
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 British Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Anonima Castelli Palisander Wood Desk with Elegant Metal Insert Handle, 1970s
Located in Traversetolo, IT
The desk, produced in the 1970s by Anonima Castelli of Bologna, is an authentic vintage piece in impeccable condition, crafted entirely from fine Palisander wood. Its design includes...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Scriptor Desk By Giorgetti In Macassar Ebony
Located in London, GB
Scriptor Desk By Giorgetti In Macassar Ebony.
Giorgetti scriptor desk designed by Leon Krier 2004. This executive desk comes in an ebony wood, with an original cone shaped base. Cyl...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
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
Desk and dressing table by Guillerme et hambron
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Rare piece by Guillerme et Chambron can be used as a desk or a dressing table
Unique pice in oak and ceramic handle
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Glass, Painted wood & Chrome Plated Metal 1990s desk by Gallotti e Radice
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Minimal Desk with wheeled chest of drawers in white lacquered wood, thick cut glass and chrome plated metal.
Minimal and elegant Desk with chest of drawers on wheels in white lacqu...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Chrome
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
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
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
Philipp Plein office black table in split leather with a crocodile skin effect
By Philipp Plein
Located in Valladolid, ES
The Amazing Philipp Plein office Black table in split leather with a crocodile skin effect is a tribute to the grandiosity and wild creativity of this unique and eccentric German dec...
Category
Early 2000s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather
Walnut Writing Desk with Drawers, Made in Italy
By Riva 1920
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
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
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
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
Lounger and ottoman "Alta" by Oscar Niemeyer / Authentic
Located in Zürich, CH
Lounge chair "Alta" was designed in 1971 by Oscar Niemeyer, in collaboration with Anna Maria Niemeyer and produced by Mobilier International. Niemeyer was a Brazilian architect consi...
Category
1970s Brazilian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Italian suitcase-shaped leather desk in modern style
Located in Milano, IT
In the eclectic world of interior design, there is an extraordinary Italian leather desk, a true gem of the vibrant 1980s. This is no ordinary desk, but an extravagant piece that defies convention and captures the spirit of travel.
Imagine, if you will, a desk that dares to resemble a travel suitcase, an unconventional masterpiece that blurs the boundaries between form and function. This desk is a symphony of modern style, a true testament to the creativity that flourished in the 1980s.
The entire desk is lovingly upholstered in the richest brown leather, every inch adorned with hand-stitching that testifies to the meticulous craftsmanship of its creator. It is a tactile delight, inviting you to run your fingers over its smooth surface and every stitch testifies to the craftsmanship with which it was created.
But what sets this desk apart are the two pull-out drawers, cleverly concealed in its suitcase-like façade. The handles, which are reminiscent of those of a real travel suitcase HOOKED WITH BRASS STUDS, invite you to explore its secrets. It is as if this desk were a portal to another world, a world where creativity knows no limits.
Each piece seamlessly stitched together, forming a harmonious blend of texture and structure. The corners, reinforced by studded leather elements reminiscent of vintage travel...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
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
Jacob Kjær Mid Century Rio Rosewood Free Standing Writing Desk
By Jacob Kjaer
Located in Kastrup, DK
Freestanding Rio rosewood writing desk with beautiful grain designed by Jacob Kjær, Denmark 1950-1960.
Front with 2x2 drawers with brass pulls. Top with raised edge.
The desk shows r...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
"Now and Then" 21st Century Desk, Italian Walnut and Maple
Located in Turin, IT
A new masterpiece of Ivan Paradisi Atelier “Now and Then” is a desk with elegant classical silhouette and, of course, inlay technique – a distinctive feature of the designer. The desk is in some way a tribute to the absolute hit “Grand Torino” desk...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Maple, Walnut, Resin
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 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
Italian modern Lacquered wood and chromed metal desk by D.I.D., 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Lacquered wood and chromed metal desk by D.I.D., 1970s
Desk table with rectangular top in black lacquered wood. There is a writing desk with chromed metal detail on t...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
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
Set desk and chair Derk Jan De Vries 1980 circa
By Maisa
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The SAMARA collection desk, designed by Derk Jan De Vries (Obergum, 1917 – Veendam, 1991) for MAISA (Belgium) in 1977, offers a fascinating blend of timeless design and functional el...
Category
1980s Belgian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Office Nutshell by Deborah Bowmann, Belgium, 2022
By Deborah Bowmann
Located in Antwerp, BE
This piece was created by artist duo Deborah Bowmann. The table was exhibited when they did the scenography of our Art Brussels booth in 2022. Later that year, the table also became ...
Category
2010s Belgian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
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 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 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
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 Walnut veneer & 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 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 white, glass top & white 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
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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