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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Gentile Solid Wood Desk, Walnut in Hand-Made Natural grey Finish, Contemporary
By Dale Italia
Located in Cadeglioppi de Oppeano, VR
Aesthetics and functionality combine in the Ideale solid wood desk. A piece of high quality craftsmanship tailor-made for everyday use as well as to furnish with style. The desk feat...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Williams Hairpin Writing Desk Maple Pink
Located in Cincinnati, US
A thin, elegant and light desk that can be customized to any color desired. This handcrafted item perfectly blends industrial hairpin legs with a beveled wooden top. The irregular be...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Dining Table, Unique Daté Kan Stone Sculptural Design by Okurayama
Located in Geneve, CH
Dining table, Unique Daté Kan Stone sculptural design by Okurayama
Materiel: Daté Kan Stone and forged iron
Sculpted in the Okurayama's Studio in Miyagi's Prefecture, Japan
Each c...
Category
2010s Japanese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stone
White Ángulo Desk
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Conceptualized in 2023 by Leonardo Floresvillar, and crafted by hand with galvanized aluminum, coated with matte powder coating.
The Ángulo Desk was desi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
Williams Writing Desk Maple Rose Copper
Located in Cincinnati, US
A thin, elegant and light desk that can be customized to any color desired. This handcrafted item perfectly blends industrial hairpin legs with a bevelled wooden top. The irregular b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Williams Hairpin Writing Desk Walnut Orange
Located in Cincinnati, US
A thin, elegant and light desk that can be customized to any color desired. This handcrafted item perfectly blends industrial hairpin legs with a beveled wooden top. The irregular be...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Organic 2fold black walnut desk With Pencil Drawers
Located in Hobart, NY
2fold black walnut with leather lined drawer and bronze handles
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Shika Desk by A+A Cooren
Located in Geneve, CH
Shika desk by A+A Cooren
Materials: Base in chromed or black lacquered metal. Upper top in green, gray, or beige lacquered MDF Lower top in white lacquered MDF
Dimensions:
Upper she...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Modern Small Desk with Grey Onyx Top and White Frame, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 500 other unique products. (2.2)
Dining table with aluminum legs, structure and drawer.
The top is made of Grey onyx...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
2001 Rectangular Metal Desk in Gold and Bronze Leaf by Jean Jacques Argueyrolles
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful 2001 rectangular in handcrafted iron desk in gold and bronze leaf by the French artist "Jean Jacques Argueyrolles".
Category
Early 2000s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron, Gold Leaf
Luxury Modern Table Made from Sustainable Ancient River Rescued Wood
By Tréology
Located in Papanui, Christchurch
The subtle expression of natural beauty and craftsmanship, the Umber table was created by taking a trapezoid form and establishing juxtapositions with the base and top elements.
The Umber table is made from matai, a New Zealand native...
Category
2010s New Zealand Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Reclaimed Wood
Marble Desk by Jonathan Hansen
Located in Geneve, CH
Marble desk by Jonathan Hansen
9 Editions + 1 AP
Dimensions: 116.8 x 55.9 x 76.2 cm
Materials: Calacatta marble, architectural bronze, Resin
Se...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Paris Bureau Gray and White Study Desk Writing Table by Matteo Cibic
Located in Kolkata, IN
Paris Bureau Gray and White Study Desk Writing Table by Matteo Cibic is an extraordinary console/writing table, with two drawers. It is available in a ran...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Resin
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
Blue and Brass Rockconsole, Royal Stranger
Located in Geneve, CH
Blue and brass Rockconsole, royal stranger
Dimensions: Width 160cm, height 90cm, depth 50cm
Materials: lacquered body suspended by stainless steel coated in brass leg, docked on a ...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
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
Nestep by DMNTS Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Nestep by DMNTS Design
Dimensions: 20 x 40 x 20 cm
Materials: Recycled fibre-glass and expanded plastic boards
Unique piece.
NESTEP, is based on the reuse of manufacturin...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Plastic, Fiberglass
Lily Marble Console, Signed by Stefan Leo
Located in Geneve, CH
Lily marble console, signed by Stefan Leo
Lily marble console
Forged iron, top marble
Measures: 140 cm x 38 x H 85cm
Atelier Stefan Leo has a remarkable reputation thanks to its uni...
Category
2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble
Famed Brass & Wood Desk with Marble Drawers **LEAD TIME 5-6 WEEKS**
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
**LEAD TIME 5-6 WEEKS**
The Famed Desk was designed with the aim of allowing you to work with more elegance and more simplicity.
Measures: Length: 47.2'' ...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Metal, Brass
Italian-Made Two-Desk Set in 18th Century Pinus Cembra & Steel Sourced in Italy
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This two-desk series is made from Italian, 18th century pinus cembra, harvested from the Varaita Valley, and Italian sourced steel. All surfaces have been treated with linseed oil.
Measurements for desk: 186 cm W x 76 cm H x 68 cm D
Measurements for side desk: 107 cm W x 36 cm H x 62 cm D
CIRMOLO, ANCIENT PINUS CEMBRA:
- WOOD ORIGINALLY HARVESTED FROM THE VARAITA VALLEY, PIEDMONT, ITALY
- PLANKS RECOVERED FROM DISMANTLED MOUNTAIN CHALETS ORIGINALLY BUILT IN THE 18TH CENTURY
- DOES NOT REQUIRE SPECIAL FINISHES BUT CAN BE TREATED WITH NATURAL BEESWAX
- THE WOOD WAS TREATED TO CONFORM TO INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING REQUIREMENTS...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
W Desk, Handmade
By Kino Guerin
Located in Melbourne, CA
The design of this desk is unique and spectacular, it would be a great touch of modernity in your home design.
It is the result of all my research into wood bending, to create this p...
Category
2010s Canadian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Plywood, Walnut
Big Crocco Desk by Egg Designs
Located in Geneve, CH
Big Crocco desk by Egg Designs
Dimensions: 60 L X 160 D X 74.5 H cm
Materials: Ardmore ceramics, Glass, Walnut, Genuine Crocodile Skin Handles
Founded by South Africans and life...
Category
2010s South African Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Tapperella Desk by Colé Italia
Located in Geneve, CH
Tapperella desk by Colé Italia with Emmanuel Gallina
Dimensions: H 75, D 80, W 127 cm
Materials: Writing desk with “tapparella” sliding shutter for a con...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ceramic, 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
Riald Brass and Glass Console, Signed by Stefan Leo
Located in Geneve, CH
Riald brass and glass console - Signed by Stefan Leo.
Forged iron, Top pâte de verre.
Brass, Pâte de verre.
Measures: 140 x 38cm, H:85 cm.
Atelier Stefan Leo has a remarkable r...
Category
2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
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
Beluga Leather Writing Desk by Madheke
Located in Geneve, CH
Beluga leather writing desk by Madheke
Dimensions: W 150 x D x 60 x H 86 cm
Materials: Leather, fabric, metal, veneer
The minimalistic desig...
Category
2010s Indian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Graphite Secretaire Desk, Pols Potten Studio
By Pols Potten
Located in Geneve, CH
Graphite secretaire desk - Pols Potten Studio.
Dimensions: W119 x D59 x H75.5 cm.
Materials: Black powder coated iron frame, graphite plated aluminium top
Pols Potten products...
Category
2010s Dutch Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum, Iron
Poet Table
Located in New York, NY
Perfectly shaped desk. Ideal for an office or as a console in a foyer. Bespoke configurations available upon request
Category
2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
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
White Chunky Desk
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Conceptualized in 2023 by Leonardo Floresvillar, and crafted by hand with galvanized aluminum, coated with matte powder coating.
The Chunky Desk was designed with two surface heigh...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
21st Century by Arch.K.Hacke Marble Table/Consolle in P.Serena & B.Pennsylvania
Located in massa, IT
Marble table/console "Hacke Tavolo" designed by K. Hacke
Size: cm. 200 x90 x 73 H.
Materials: Bianco Pennsylvania + Pietra Serena.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble
Nakamura Contemporary Desk in Metal and Leather
Located in London, GB
The Nakamura desk is an exploration of the possibilities and precision of expert leather-working. Two pieces of leather curve around the table top and me...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
"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
Ángulo Desk
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Conceptualized in 2023 by Leonardo Floresvillar, and crafted by hand with galvanized aluminum, coated with matte powder coating.
The Ángulo Desk was desi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
White Dolmen Desk
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Conceptualized in 2023 by Leonardo Floresvillar, and crafted by hand with galvanized aluminum, coated with matte electrostatic paint.
The Dolmen Desk was designed with two surface ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
Contemporary Vittoriale Writing Desk in Aluminium by Altreforme
Located in Calolziocorte (Lecco) Italy, IT
Refined desk paying tribute to the famous author Gabriele D'Annunzio and his luxury residence on Garda lake.
Pricing excludes VAT.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Blue and Brass Rockconsole, Royal Stranger
Located in Geneve, CH
Blue and brass rock console, Royal Stranger.
Dimensions: width 160cm, height 90cm, depth 50cm
Materials: lacquered body suspended by stainless steel coated in brass leg, docked on ...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Kartell Viscount of Wood Table by Philippe Stark in Ash and Black Frame
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Viscount of wood tables are the latest addition. These naturally composed tables complement the collection's choice of seats and create a sustainable livin...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Kartell Viscount of Wood Table by Philippe Stark in Ash and Chrome Frame
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Viscount of wood tables are the latest addition. These naturally composed tables complement the collection's choice of seats and create a sustainable livin...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Monolith Slab Table by Phaedo
Located in Geneve, CH
Monolith slab table by Phaedo.
Dimensions: W 30" x L 60" x H 16" inches.
Materials: white-washed ash.
The Monolith slab takes the Monolith motif and creates a visually striking surface.
The wood of the table top has been carved away to allow the grain to roll over the rim and down into the cylinder.
Phaedo is a sculpture and design company founded by Morgan Spaulding.
At once playful and restrained, somber and lively, Spaulding’s art and furniture personify the ambiguous curvatures of ethereal in-betweens: dreamstates, memories in recession, thresholds in passing.
In balanced practice, Spaulding’s ornamental sculpture...
Category
2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ash
Black Dolmen Desk
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Conceptualized in 2023 by Leonardo Floresvillar, and crafted by hand with galvanized aluminum, coated with matte electrostatic paint.
The Dolmen Desk was designed with two surface ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
Dawkins Desk
Located in New York, NY
CREATE YOUR HOME OFFICE IN STYLE
Discover Michael's D A W K I N S Desk today! Bespoke sizes available upon request
Category
2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Modern Desk Wood and Steel by Cyril Rumpler, Gustav
Located in Carouge, GE
Modern Desk Wood and Steel by Cyril Rumpler, Gustav.
The shape of the top and its variations in thickness combined with the metal mesh create an effect of lightness. The combination ...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Constantine Oak and Metal Writing Desk, Bronze Age Collection by Mark Zeff
By Mark Zeff
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Constantine writing desk from Blackbarn bronze age collection by Mark Zeff, oak stand with metal and leather side panels.
Bronze Age collection by Mark Zeff
Bronze Age is a furnitur...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Minimalist Modern Desk in Ash
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
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, Ash
Gold Contemporary Square Table, Smoke Glass Top and Gold-Plated Aluminium Legs
By Paolo Rizzo, SEM
Located in Brooklyn, NY
SEM Gold collection, square table with glass top: extra light transparent glass or smoke grey transparent glass (12 mm thick). Plated aluminium legs finished in 24-karat polished or ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum, Gold
Modern Handpainted Hardwood Console Desk SideTable Dilmos Colourful Geometric
Located in Milan, IT
Console, support surface and desk, interchangeable according to desire. Handpainted hardwood structure embellished with hand-drawn graphic details designed by the author, then protec...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Acrylic, Hardwood, Paint
21st Century Modern Wooden Table with White Laminated Top Ermete Made in Italy
Located in Sant'Elena, IT
The new family of tables defined by an innovative connection system between the parts (table-top and legs) that is completely hidden.
The table design allows an expansive solution ranging from small tables to large meeting tables...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Laminate, Wood, Oak
J1 Blackened Steel Desk by Edelman New York
Located in New York, NY
The hot rolled J Desk is New York sleek. She's hot and cool, smooth and effortless. Dark, but transparent about it. Hides nothing, elevating your home character.
Featuring removable arch desk...
Category
2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
"Maxine" 21st Century Black & White Ebony and Flamed Maple Table
Located in Turin, IT
The simplicity of straight geometric squares classically implemented and juxtaposed onto legs with an ideal styling distinguishes Maxine table from lots of others. This desk table is...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Multi Laminated and Lacquered Wood Bureau, Argentina, circa 1970
By Stilka
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Multi laminated and lacquered wood bureau. Argentina, circa 1970.
Attributed to Stilka.
Category
1970s Argentine Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Bronze Age Desk by Mark Zeff
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
21st Century Wynwood Desk in Leather by Gianfranco Ferré Home
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
Elegant and functional, the Wynwood desk fascinates the viewer with its essential lines and refined charm. Made of solid beech wood dyed Smokey Grey, the desk is upholstered in soft ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
A-Table in Contemporary Blackened Steel and White Washed Maple
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The clean lines and simple form of the A-Table convey a sense of lightness and precision. A small reveal at the corners expresses the connection to the top and the structure hidden w...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Rare Hand Painted Pedestal Desk by the Artist Ambrose Thomas Marquis d'Oisy
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely hand painted circa 1940 solid oak best by the Marquis d'Oisy Ambrose Thomas (1880-1959)
The painted pedestal desk is circa 1940-1950...
Category
20th Century English Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
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
Bow Tie Table in Contemporary Blackened Steel and White Washed Maple
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Viewed from one end, the top and base of the bow tie appear to come together in a simple connection of the two materials along the same plane. As the viewer turns the corner, an unex...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
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.