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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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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Style: Modern
Desk "Helio" from Ash wood
Located in Carnota, A Coruña, Galicia
Ash Wood Desk with Oil Finish and Customizable Options This desk, crafted from ash wood and finished with natural oil, showcases traditional joinery techniques and a dovetailed draw...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood, Ash

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

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

Famed Brass Metal and Wood Desk with Marble Drawers
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
The Famed Desk was designed with the aim of allowing you to work with more elegance and more simplicity. It will increase the quality of your working hours...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal, Brass

Crooked Desk by Nazara Lazaro
Located in Geneve, CH
Crooked desk by Nazara Lazaro Dimensions: H 75 cm x W 170 cm x D 96 cm Materials: Massive oak with oil wax surface Also available in natural massive oak, walnut, and white lacquered...
Category

2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Pixel Desk by Morgan Clayhall, sculptural steel and marble
Located in Toronto, CA
The Pixel Desk is designed and finish by hand in our Toronto studio The Pixel Desk is designed with creating a whimsical interpretation of deconstructionism in the breaking apart of...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Steel

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

Desk Console, Unique Daté Kan Stone Sculptural Design by Okurayama
Located in Geneve, CH
Desk console, unique Daté Kan stone sculptural design by Okurayama Materiel: Oak and Daté Kan stone Sculpted in the Okurayama's Studio in Miyagi's Prefecture, Japan Each creation ...
Category

2010s Japanese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stone

"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

Void 03 by DMNTS Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Void 03 by DMNTS Design Dimensions: 42 x 39 x 50 cm Materials: Quercus suber cork Unique Piece Also available in set of two Void 03 is a multipurpose object based on the ana...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cork

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

White Chunky Desk
White Chunky Desk
$2,650 / item
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

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

Keys Desk by Phase Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Keys Desk by Phase Design Dimensions: D 55.9 x W 127 x H 73.7 cm. Materials: Spandrel glass top and powder-coated metal. Solid steel bar available in a flat black or white powder c...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Mies Desk
Located in New York, NY
Discover the Mies desk today! This desk combines a pristine 3" clear acrylic top with the most beautiful metal finishes on the base. Custom sizes available.
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Mies Desk
Mies Desk
$7,470
Set of 2 Void 03 by Dmnts Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Void 03 by DMNTS Design Dimensions: 42 x 39 x 50 cm (each piece) Materials: Quercus suber cork One of A Kind Void 03 is a multipurpose object based on the analysis of ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cork

Constantine Oak and Metal Writing Desk, Bronze Age Collection 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

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

Graphite Secretaire Desk, Pols Potten Studio
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

Two-Drawers Table Special Price at stock for Sale
Located in London, GB
Sicis is delighted to welcome you at ‘Home’. The classically inspired extent in contemporary plays an eclectic style, elegant and refined. Interiors express personality. A constant r...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood, Ebony

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

21st Cent. Elena Salmistraro Table Polyurethane Marquinia Marble Top Mat Base
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

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

Original Shagreen Gilt Metal Writing Table Desk with Single-Drawer
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning RRP £13,000 original shagreen black lacquered with gold gilt metal detailing writing table desk  This is a very substantial desk. Shagreen for those of you who aren’t familiar is shark or ray skin. There are reproductions skins available however these are totally original, the way to tell apart from the feel is on the reproductions each skin is exactly the same, on the real hide...
Category

20th Century English Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Shagreen

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

Lily Glass Console, Signed by Stefan Leo
Located in Geneve, CH
Lily glass console - signed by Stefan Leo Lily glass console Forged iron, top pâte de verre Measures: 140 cm x 38 x H 85cm Atelier Stefan Leo has a re...
Category

2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass

Cantilever Desk by Phaedo
Located in Geneve, CH
Cantilever desk by Phaedo Dimensions: W 60" x D 24" x H 45" inches Materials: Natural Black Walnut The Cantilever Desk draws upon the form and function of the seating in this series of work. 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

Walnut

Trace Table in Contemporary White Powder-Coated Steel and Ebonized Maple
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Through a single, contiguous line, the legs of the trace define the edge, rotating and pivoting each time there is a change in plane. The line is only interrupted by a slight idiosyn...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Unique Gold Brass and Rough Black 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

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

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

Maya Desk by Dare Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Maya desk by Dare Studio Dimensions: W 130 x D 71.5 x H 74.5 cm Materials: European white oak in waxed oil timber finish, black leather Also available...
Category

2010s British Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Original Ocean Travertine Desk by Clement Brazille
Located in Geneve, CH
Original Ocean travertine desk by Clement Brazille Material : Ocean travertine stone Dimensions : 160 x 75 x 74 cm Signed and numbered by Clément B...
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Travertine

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

Contemporary Gaby Gradient Desk by Chapel Petrassi
Located in Geneve, CH
Gaby gradient desk by Chapel Petrassi Dimensions: 125 x 80 x 75 cm Materials: Polished Aluminium, Tailor made HPL laminate Chapel Petrassi is a contemporary design and manufacturing company based in Paris and Naples founded by designers Marie-Charlotte Bassi and Diego Petroso specialized in handcrafted furniture and custom projects for residential, commercial and galleries. The duo met in Rome, Italy while studying, in Art and Literature for Marie-Charlotte and at Academy of Fine Arts for Diego. In 2011 after their studies, the duo travel to Europe for various projects and artistic residencies, including the American Academy in Rome in 2014. These experiences and the meetings generated aroused a curiosity and a great desire to undertake and build a project together. This common desire has naturally materialized in the design and production of contemporary furniture. Chapel Petrassi is define by its fusion of craftsmanship and art fields with the high sense to detail. Its designs are the result of a permanent mix of different visual codes drawn from contemporary languages and youth culture. Chapel Petrassi was finalist at AD Design Award in Berlin in 2016 and awarded at ICFF Studio 2019 in New York presenting its innovative designs and unique concepts, the emerging brand was established as a leading talent in the industry. Chapel Petrassi exhibited its collection at 15th Architecture Biennale, Venice in 2016, Design Museum of Helsinki in 2016, FuoriSalone in Milan in 2016, 2017 and 2018, Galerie Le French Design by VIA, Paris in 2019, Jacob K...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

21st Century by Arch.K.Hacke Marble Table/Desk with wood lacquered Drawers
Located in massa, IT
Marble table/desk "Hacke S" with wood lacquered drawers designed by K.Hacke Size: cm. 200 x 88 x 75 H. Materials: White Carrara - Black Marquinia - Calacatta - Imperial Bardiglio Des...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble

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

Italian Hollywood Regency Bimetal Bicolor Table or Desk, in Romeo Rega Style
Located in Telgte, DE
Italian Hollywood Regency bimetal bicolor table desk metal gilded brass Italy, stunning table. Impressive Geometric base made of chromed and brass-plated steel. Can be used as a din...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Metal

Matte Stainless Steel Decorative Engraving Top Side Ebony Macassar Front Drawers
Located in London, GB
Sicis is delighted to welcome you at ‘Home’. The classically inspired extent in contemporary plays an eclectic style, elegant and refined. Interiors express personality. A constant...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Two-Drawers Table Ebony Veneer Frame Solid Timber Wood Caps at Feet Vetrite
Located in London, GB
Sicis is delighted to welcome you at ‘Home’. The classically inspired extent in contemporary plays an eclectic style, elegant and refined. Interiors express personality. A constant r...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Ebony, Wood

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

Little Shanghai Desk in Olive Wood and Black Sycamore Silver Painted Leg
Located in SENLIS, OISE
Little Shanghai desk in olive wood and black sycamore silver painted leg. There are two drawers on each side. The and sides are in olive and black...
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Ideale Solid Wood Desk, Walnut in Hand-Made Natural Grey Finish, Contemporary
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

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

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

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

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

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

Set of 2 Nestep by DMNTS Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 nestep by DMNTS Design Dimensions: 20 x 40 x 20 cm (each piece) Materials: Recycled fibre-glass and expanded plastic boards One of a kind.   NESTEP, is based on the...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Plastic, Fiberglass

Plume Osis Block Desk by Llot Llov
Located in Geneve, CH
Plume Osis block desk by Llot Llov Dimensions: H 100 x W 90 x D 40 cm Materials: birch Pattern: Plume Also available in mouse, lime, yeti. With the new OSIS BLOCK EDITION, which is inspired by the shape of various rectangular bodies and is used as coffee tables or desks, the design duo LLOT LLOV presents the new colours of the OSIS surface. Inspired by the first furniture edition of OSIS – these three tables are a further development, which present the OSIS surface very well with particularly large surfaces, as one can dive into the depths of the pattern when looking at them. Behind the LLOT LLOV brand is the studio for product and interior design as well as the producer of furniture, objects, lighting and surfaces. Since their foundation in 2006 by Ania Bauer and Jacob Brinck, the two Berlin based author designers have established themselves internationally. One of their recognizable features is the reinterpretation of traditional arts and crafts brought into a contemporary design context. An example of this is OSIS, an innovative surface finish using salt...
Category

2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birch

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

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

Contemporary Claro Walnut Live Edge Table with Cast Bronze Edge
Located in Sebastopol, CA
Handcrafted by Taylor Donsker in Northern California, the cast edge desk features a cast bronze live edge seamlessly attached to a single slab of highly figured Claro walnut. The woo...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Bronze, 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.

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