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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Grey 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 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 Walnut veneer & 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 & bronze 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 Red 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 & 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 & 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 Red 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 & 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 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 Grey 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
'Ripple' Black Walnut Desk by Tom Vaughan
By Tom Vaughan
Located in London, GB
'Ripple' black walnut desk by Tom Vaughan
British, 21st Century
Height 70.5cm, width 179cm, depth 81.5cm
This intriguing contemporary desk was expertly designed and made by the Bri...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Walnut veneer & 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 Natural oak, glass & 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
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Walnut veneer & 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 Walnut, glass & bronze 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 white, glass top & gold 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 Natural oak, 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
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Walnut, 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 Walnut, glass & 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
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr walnut, 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
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Natural oak, 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 Natural oak, glass & bronze 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 White Matt 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 Matt 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 White Matt 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 White Matt 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 Natural oak veneer & 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 Natural oak 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 Natural oak veneer & 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 Natural oak veneer & 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
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
Walnut Natur Frame Office Table M by Milla & Milli
Located in Geneve, CH
Walnut Natur Frame Office Table M by Milla & Milli
Signed by Maša Vukmanović, Jelena Lukač Kirš, Jakov Šrajer
Dimensions: W 140 x D 60 x H 75 cm
Materials: Walnut Natur, Black Metal...
Category
2010s Croatian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Oak Natur Frame Office Table M by Milla & Milli
Located in Geneve, CH
Oak Natur Frame Office Table M by Milla & Milli
Signed by Maša Vukmanović, Jelena Lukač Kirš, Jakov Šrajer
Dimensions: W 140 x D 60 x H 75 cm
Materials: Oak Natur, Black Metal.
F...
Category
2010s Croatian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Ash Noir Frame Office Table M by Milla & Milli
Located in Geneve, CH
Ash Noir Frame Office Table M by Milla & Milli
Signed by Maša Vukmanović, Jelena Lukač Kirš, Jakov Šrajer
Dimensions: W 140 x D 60 x H 75 cm
Materials: Ash Noir, Black Metal.
Fra...
Category
2010s Croatian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ash
Ash Noir Frame Office Table L by Milla & Milli
Located in Geneve, CH
Ash Noir 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: Ash Noir, Black Metal.
Fra...
Category
2010s Croatian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ash
Walnut Natur Frame Office Table L by Milla & Milli
Located in Geneve, CH
Walnut Natur Frame Office Table M by Milla & Milli
Signed by Maša Vukmanović, Jelena Lukač Kirš, Jakov Šrajer
Dimensions: W 160 x D 80 x H 75 cm
Materials: Walnut Natur, Black Metal...
Category
2010s Croatian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Desk by Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The 1960s functionalist style desk represents a fascinating piece of furniture that embodies the elegant marriage of functionality and aesthetics. This design object, with its tubula...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
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
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
Modern Flamingo Side Table Calacatta Marble Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Flamingo Side Table, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
The Flamingo side table honours the exquisite beauty of nature's design. The luxurious ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Onyx, Marble, Brass, Steel, Stainless 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
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
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
Bureau Bubble Ivoire Desk by Charly Bounan
Located in Geneve, CH
Bureau Bubble Ivoire Desk by Charly Bounan
One of a Kind
Dimensions: D 72 x W 240 x H 75 cm.
Materials: Lacquer and marquetry wood.
Charly Bounan, is a Parisian designer renowned f...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Obsidian Desk - Modern Black Lacquered Desk with Chromed Plinth
Located in London, GB
The steep accents of the Obsidian collection confers its unique design with a sublime and powerful presence, gifting it with a head-turning look and a sharp personality of its own. This piece is built in lacquered wood with a chromed plinth...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Colorful Ash Desk by Thomas Dariel
Located in Geneve, CH
Colorful ash desk by Thomas Dariel, Maison Dada
Measures: W 140 * D 75 * H 103 cm
Desktop in painted ash veneer • fronts in matte paint finish
Structure in MDF • Metal legs with pain...
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
Alva Alato Table Red Lacquer Table Top, 1930
By Alvar Aalto
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
Study Desk / Large Console Table in Charcoal Linoleum and Steel
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
This large Study desk / Console Table is made with a charcoal black powder-coated steel frame and a charcoal linoleum top made from all-natural ingredients, such as flax, wood flour, and limestone. The furniture linoleum provides a natural matt surface with a warm fine texture - a look that is very tactile and looks great with the sleek powder-coated steel frame. This modern minimal desk...
Category
2010s English Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
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
"Gran Torino Special" 21st Century Desk, Italian Walnut and Maple
Located in Turin, IT
We are happy to present a new version of our bestseller Gran Torino desk - Gran Torino Special.
The new desk has the same recognizable silhouette though wit...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Maple, Walnut
Midnight Desk - Modern Black Lacquered Desk with Stainless Steel Legs
Located in London, GB
Like glittering streams of silver flowing down the shadowy contours of the night, the Midnight collection combines the beauty of metal and natural wood in one unique design, unfoldin...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stainless Steel
Colorful Ash Desk by Thomas Dariel
Located in Geneve, CH
Colorful ash desk by Thomas Dariel, Maison Dada
Measures: W 140 x D 75 x H 103 cm
Desktop in painted ash veneer • fronts in matte paint finish
Structure in MDF • Metal legs with p...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
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
Modern Home Office Accent Writing Executive Desk Walnut Wood and Brushed Brass
Located in Vila Nova Famalicão, PT
The Executive Desk ExCentric 2.0 listed here is made in walnut wood and brushed brass. The desk has two drawers, electrical plugs, and a wireless phone charger...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass, Steel, Cut Steel, Stainless Steel
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
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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