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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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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Item Ships From: USA
Style: Modern
Concrete Island Counter Table by OPIARY (L117.5", W55", H30")
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This organic, modern table will enhance and add a distinctive style to any space indoor or out. It is made in Brooklyn of hand-sculpted, polished, and sealed concrete and features an optional built-in planter. DETAILS Indoor/outdoor use and extremely weather-resistant. Sealed and polished to be water and stain resistant. FINISHES Available in earth, white, light grey, grey, dark grey, and black GFRC Pricing varies based on finish. Please message before purchasing. Price listed is for our standard light grey option. Pictured here in our black cement option. All Opiary pieces are handcrafted and made-to-order, and dimensions/finishes are approximations. Clients are welcome to visit our Brooklyn studio during the fabrication of pieces. MODIFICATIONS Live or silk plants...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Concrete

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

ClassiCon Notos Standing Desk in Black by Thomas Kühl & Andreas Krob
Located in New York, NY
Notos is an essential object in a household or office where artistically inclined persons live and work. That is because this unprecedented, multifunctional piece of furniture transforms itself in no time into a standing desk or a note stand...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Plywood

Isabel O'neil Attributed. Hand Painted Kneehole Desk
By Isabel O'Neil Studio
Located in New York, NY
Isabel O'Neil (1908-1981) hand painted kneehole desk. The desk is a Louis XIV style and was hand-painted in 1986. The desk is black lacquered with hand-painted flowers. The desk ha...
Category

20th Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Fred Desk Top in Saddle Extra Leather Testa di Moro Dark Brown
Located in New York, NY
This desk is a meeting of light, almost ethereal geometries. Roberto Lazzeroni creates a piece of furniture in which the visual pleasure of a continuous saddle-leather surface is underlined by delicate hand-produced incisions and cold markings that create refined graphic decorations. A special procedure makes it possible to curve the front of the saddle-leather without any need for internal supports. The ideal companion of the desk is the Ginger chair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Ash

ClassiCon Notos Standing Desk in Maple and Chrome by Thomas Kühl & Andreas Krob
Located in New York, NY
Notos is an essential object in a household or office where artistically inclined persons live and work. That is because this unprecedented, multifunctional piece of furniture transforms itself in no time into a standing desk or a note Stand...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Plywood

Colombo Moboli Burlwood Secretaire a Abattant
Located in Countryside, IL
Colombo Moboli burlwood secretaire a abattant Desk measures: 42 wide x 21 deep x 75.5 inches high This piece is in excellent vintage condition with only a small dent and a coup...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Burl, Wood

Lucite and 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

Bronze Age Desk by Mark Zeff
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bronze Age desk by Mark Zeff, hot rolled steel with wood tanned top. Bronze Age collection by Mark Zeff Bronze Age is a furniture collection designed by Mark Zeff. Zeff takes ins...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary 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

Oslo Belmont Desk by Studio Moe in American Ash
Located in Portland, OR
Combining utility with elegance, this desk is a graceful statement in any home or office. Our handcrafted dovetailed drawers and elegant joinery unite, making sitting down...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ash

Karl Springer Lucite, Glass and Gold Plated Over Brass Console, Desk or Table
Located in North Miami, FL
This elegant vintage Karl Springer console table, writing desk, entry table or dining table has 4 arched lucite columns that rest on a 22 carat gold plated over brass angled plinth p...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Gold, Brass

Genuine Shagreen Desk with Polished Chrome X-Band Base
Located in New York, NY
Genuine shagreen desk with polished chrome X-band base.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

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

Contemporary Patchwork and Iron Writing Desk
Located in Countryside, IL
Contemporary Patchwork and Iron Writing Desk This desk measures: 65 wide x 36.5 deep x 30 high, with a chair clearance of 25 inches This piece is in Great Vintage Condition. Ther...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Phloem Studio Laura Desk, Handmade Modern Secretary Desk in Walnut or White Oak
Located in Stevenson, WA
Phloem Studio Laura desk is a modern contemporary solid wood secretary desk, handmade custom to order for home or office. With a minimal footprin...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood

W25 Wishbone Drawer Desk by Skram
Located in Boston, MA
The W25 version of the wishbone drawer desk is an asymmetrical design. Features include book-matched veneer work with mitered, ‘waterfall’ edges, edges and corners protected with sol...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Modern Gray Blossom Glass Mosaic Desk with Bronze Metal Base by Ercole Home
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Pavia Blossom desk/vanity by Ercole Home has a 2-drawer, with a sky gray wood finish on oak. Handcut glass mosaics in bluegreen and turquoise decorate the drawer fronts in bloss...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Modern Brass Parsons Table by Edelman New York
Located in New York, NY
- Designed and manufactured by Female Founded Design Firm - Made by hand in the USA - Made to order - Custom adjustments available - Measures: L 66” ...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Solid Wood Writer's Desk Maple with Steel Joinery and Removable Legs
Located in Biddeford, ME
This writer's desk is an exercise in restraint. This sleek desk’s tapered legs are made from solid Walnut and are detachable thanks to the custom blackene...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Custom Made Modern Large Executive Desk with Aluminum Trim, circa 1990
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Custom made one of a kind executive desk made in the modern style sometime in the mid-1990s with a slight Art Deco flair. The desk features 3 drawers to the left and a place for a co...
Category

1990s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Contemporary Black Painted Tree Trunk Design Desk or Console Table
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary black painted desk / console table with an irregularly shaped table top on two carved legs with a tree trunk design.       
Category

20th Century American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Pivoting Drafting Table, Blackened Steel and Smoked Glass, by Force/Collide
Located in Seattle, WA
Designed and made-to-order in our Seattle studio with artists, architects, drafters, designers and creatives in mind, the Pivoting Drafting Table is modern, minimal and sleek. It features a satin black oxide steel framework with a tempered gray glass inlay (materials and finishes are customizable). The flush, uninterrupted work surface pivots between 0 and 40 degrees to eliminate ergonomic interference for a more versatile way of working. Both clamping levers are easily accessed with an ergonomic feel for quick-change operation, featuring subtle bronze hardware accents. The silhouette of the legs imitates the work surface when expressed in its pivot position for minimal, geometric line-work that lends to a contemporary, minimal feel. The body has an open style for the option of storing a matching Rolling Utility Cart...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Bronze, Steel, Cut Steel, Iron

Walnut and Antique Nickel Small Dining Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A newer addition to Stephen Kenn's The Inheritance Collection-dining. A solid walnut and steel dining table with simple, minimal and modern lines. Pairs well with the Inheritance Din...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Wall-Mounted Writing Desk or Catch All
Located in New York, NY
Highly functional and stylish piece. Perfect solution to the modern clutter dilemma, the desk features three color coded letter dividers to the right with a single storage slot to th...
Category

20th Century American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Laminate, Walnut

Robert Blackened Steel and Marble Desk with Brass Accents
Located in Paonia, CO
The (wh)ORE HAüS STUDIOS Robert desk is made of blackened steel, marble and brass accents. This desk is made to order and can, therefore, be customized. As pictured, blackened steel,...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass, Steel

Modern White Blossom Glass Mosaic Desk with Modern Metal Base by Ercole Home
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Pavia Blossom desk/vanity by Ercole Home has a 2-drawer, with a painted white wood finish on oak. Handcut glass mosaics in white and silver decorate the drawer fronts in blossom...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Dos Gallos Custom Walnut Desk with Straight Legs and Pencil Drawers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mahogany, walnut or oak custom desk with pencil drawers. Can be made any dimension. Color and finish are custom and can be contemporary or distressed. As shown in medium walnut with ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Oak, Walnut

Modern Flip-Top Mirrored Vanity Desk
Located in New York, NY
Custom modern flip-top mirrored vanity desk with glass shelves. Customization is available in different sizes, finishes and hardware.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mirror, Wood

A French Parchment Dressing Table / Desk
Located in Stamford, CT
A Parchment dressing table finished on 4 sides. Having a interior compartment that is reached by raising the central section on top of the des...
Category

1930s French Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Parchment Paper

"Nizza" Table or Desk with Copper Varnished Steel Top by Moroso for Diesel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Nizza" is a table or desk, designed by Diesel Creative Team and manufactured by Moroso, featuring a top made of a perforated steel sheet varnished with a copper finish and black var...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Steel

"Dalsace" Desk in the Manner of Pierre Chareau
Located in Glendale, CA
"Dalsace" desk in the manner of Pierre Chareau. Handcrafted in the Los Angeles and French workshops of noted French designer and antiques deal...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

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

Custom Modern Reclaimed Pine Desk, Made to Order by Petersen Antiques
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This modern desk with one large drawer is seen here in 60" x 36" however it can be built in any size, it also has the option for hollow legs to accommodate wiring. Because each tabl...
Category

2010s North American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Reclaimed Wood

Solid Wood Writer's Desk in Walnut with Steel Joinery and Removable Legs
Located in Biddeford, ME
This writer's desk is an exercise in restraint. This sleek desk’s tapered legs are made from solid Walnut and are detachable thanks to the custom blackene...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Rare Solid Mexican Cocobolo Wood Desk Don Shoemaker
Located in Atlanta, GA
A bespoken and rare desk by celebrated Mexican designer and woodworker Don Shoemaker, model no F46. Designed in 1970s and executed in 1981, the desk is constructed with patchwork of ...
Category

1980s Mexican Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cocobolo

Modern Eglomise Glass Byzantine Gold Vanity with Forged Metal by Ercole Home
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Mystic Byzantine gold vanity by Ercole Home has a 5-drawer, with ivory wood finish on oak. Hand painted eglomise glass panels are inset on the surface. There are five aluminum pulls in brushed brass finish. The hand hammered metal base...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

St. Charles Desk by Volk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
As shown: Bleached ash veneer with solid ash, marble and inset leather blotter. Poplar drawers with turned brass drawer pulls Powder coated steel base Flat waterborne finish D...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Steel, Brass

Classic Modern Mirrored Desk
Located in New York, NY
Custom classic modern mirrored desk with silver trim legs. Customization is available in different sizes, finishes and hardware.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Silver, Silver Leaf

Rectangular Iron Cube Table with Embedded Wood Top, Dinner or Desk Table
Located in Miami, FL
Rectangular iron cube table with embedded wood top. Dinner table. Desk table Frame material: Extruded and hand-welded iron rods Frame finish: Black Iron rods dimensions: 3.93i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

ClassiCon Pegasus Desk in Black with Leather by IF Group & Tilla Goldberg
Located in New York, NY
The Pegasus Home Desk is a small, ingeniously conceived home workplace that provides space for the digital devices that have long since become part of our everyday lives. A well-desi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather

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

Arflex Sigmund Writing Desk in White Carrara Top with Metal Base by Studio Asai
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Arflex Sigmund Writing Desk in White Carrara Top with Metal Base by Studio Asai. To remain faithful to this search for interior honesty, the design of t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble

Console Table in Contemporary Blackened Steel and White Washed Ash
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The clean lines and simple form of the a-console convey a sense of lightness and precision. A small reveal at the corners expresses the connection to the top and the structure hidden...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Lorin Marsh, Modern, Desk, Gray Embossed Leather, Chrome, 2000s
Located in Stamford, CT
Hollywood Regency style modern desk or writing table. Embossed and stitched leather on a sleek and stylish chromed steel base. All sides finished in chrome and leather including interior of drawers. This custom quality desk is sure to add sparkle to any room in the home or office. A simply stunning example of detail to workmanship. This particular desk is selling for three times ($25,350) the listed price at Lorin Marsh. In 1975, Lorin Marsh established their eponymous furniture and décor showroom in the historic New York Decoration and Design building, with the aim of providing comprehensive interior decorating options while maintaining a chic, boutique experience. Not only offering an array of home décor, including furniture, lighting and accessories, Lorin Marsh also presented a wide variety of styles, comprising antique, vintage and modern, as well as imported pieces with European, Asian and South American aesthetics. Over the decades since its inception, the brand expanded to include bespoke pieces, made to the same high-quality standards of craftsmanship that Lorin Marsh has come to be recognized for. Arguably one of the more unique aspects of the company’s operation is the purveying of both brand-designed pieces and unique vintage furnishings...
Category

2010s Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Argentine Exotic Wood Sabre-Leg Writing Desk from Costantini, Uccello
Located in New York, NY
The Uccello Writing Desk is handcrafted one by one in Costantini's workshop in Buenos Aires. The surface of the table can be specified in any species of wood, or color, or really any...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Drafting Table and Utility Cart, Blackened Steel and Gray Glass by Force/Collide
Located in Seattle, WA
Designed and made-to-order in our Seattle studio with artists, architects, drafters, designers and creatives in mind, the Drafting Table and Utility Cart ...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Bronze, Steel, Cut Steel, Sheet Metal

Decorative Aluminium Table or Desk
Located in New York, NY
Decorative aluminum table or desk with glass top.  
Category

1970s Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Infinity Squares-Table in 1, 200 Year Old Bog Oak with Hand-Turned Legs
Located in Hoboken, NJ
A tabletop is an opportunity to display the beauty of whatever material it is fashioned from, and this piece does not disappoint. The striking beauty 1200 year old bog oak, sawn ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bog Wood

Machined Aluminum Dining Table with Glass Top
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Custom-built Modernist dining table with a machined aluminum base. Perfect for the Futurist and Modernist setting. The table would work well as a large desk.   
Category

1990s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Geo Dining Table in Contemporary Blackened Steel and Marble
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Inspired by the idea of geological plates slipping past one another, this ethereal table features cutaway arches and parabolic curves without end. Kin & Company continues to build on their language of sculptural geometry, this time with a volumetric and chunky blackened steel base. The custom patterned marble...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Steel

Tulare Demilune Desk
Located in New Hampton, NY
Shown in oiled walnut and gunmetal steel with burnished bronze hardware, the Tulare demilune desk features two solid wood drawers, custom made hardware a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze, Steel

Custom Modern Walnut Table with Leaves by Dos Gallos
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom modern table with two separate 18 inch extension leaves that slide in on each side. Starting out at 60 inches long and expands to 96 inches. As shown, in Walnut, with custom f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

21st Century Sean Desk in Wood with Top in Leather by Gianfranco Ferré Home
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
Elegant, functional and comfortable, the Sean desk plays the leading role in the office environment. Made in Tay wood tinted smoky grey, it features inserts with a bronzed finish and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

ClassiCon Orcus Desk in Walnut by Konstantin Grcic
Located in New York, NY
Orcus desk in walnut by Konstantin Grcic. Secretary desk in MDF and plywood, veneered, drop-flap writing surface, 4 drawers, secret compartment, storage spa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Plywood

ClassiCon Orcus Desk in Lacquered White by Konstantin Grcic
Located in New York, NY
Orcus Desk in high gloss lacquer by Konstantin Grcic. Secretary desk in high gloss lacquered drop-flap writing surface, 4 drawers, secret compartment, stora...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Amuneal's Loft 4 Post Work Suite
Located in New York, NY
The loft work suite is a modular office system from Amuneal’s Loft shelving system. Posts in blackened steel are coupled with solid brass machined fitting...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Steel

Contemporary Levita Desk in Solid Matilisguate Wood by Labrica
Located in Oakland Park, FL
The concept that inspired the levita chest and desk was to make it appear that they were levitating. The drawers are delicately supported by a structure inspired by the geometric traditional patterns found in indigenous Guatemalan textiles...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Guatemalan Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

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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