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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Customizable Desk/Vanity In Matte Walnut with Ottoman In Chocolate Velvet
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This minimalist desk and accompanying ottoman offer a functional and adaptable solution for various interior applications. The desk features a robust wood construction for its top su...
Category

2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Large L Shape Customizable Contemporary Corner Study Desk
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
A beautiful large L Shaped Study desk made with a bright green powder-coated steel frame and a charcoal linoleum top made from all-natural ingredients, such as flax, wood flour, and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

FRONT – Minimalist Work Desk in Oak Wood 140x70
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
A statement piece for refined workspaces – handcrafted in solid OAK, this minimalist executive desk blends functionality and sculptural presence. Elevate your workspace with this lu...
Category

2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Plywood, Oak

Customizable Desk/Vanity In Matte Walnut with Ottoman In Navy Blue Velvet
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This minimalist desk and accompanying ottoman offer a functional and adaptable solution for various interior applications. The desk features a robust wood construction for its top su...
Category

2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Modern Desk "Little Shanghai" by Aymeric Lefort Black and Santos Wood
Located in SENLIS, OISE
Little Shanghai desk in santos wood and black saycomore silver painted leg. There are two drawers on each side. This desk is hand build in or workshop in Paris and can be made in ot...
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

FRONT – Minimalist Work Desk in Walnut Wood 120x60
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
A statement piece for refined workspaces – handcrafted in solid walnut, this minimalist executive desk blends functionality and sculptural presence. Elevate your workspace with this...
Category

2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Walnut, Plywood

G.15 Desk / Natural Walnut with Lacquer by Lusano
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Grant Desk is a study in proportion, where workspace becomes sculpture. A waterfall silhouette defines its form, punctuated by subtle notch detailing. Beneath, three satin lacque...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut, Lacquer

Modern by Giuseppe Carpanelli Desyo Writing Desk Walnut Wood with Leather
Located in Desio, IT
Writing desk in Canaletto walnut. Pen-holder and predisposition for electrical outlets. Upholstery of drawers and basement available in leather, Nabu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Kidney Shaped Desk in Walnut by Jonathan Field
Located in London, GB
The kidney-shaped desk in solid walnut was designed and made for a client's bay window home study; it has three main drawers of different depths that run on fully extendable Blum run...
Category

2010s English Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Pierre Jeanneret Desk and Stool from the city of Chandigarh, India 1950 - 1959
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Jeanneret Desk and Stool from the city of Chandigarh, India 1950 - 1959 Teak Holland and Sherry boiled wool. Desk: 27 H x 31.5 W x 23 D inches Stoo...
Category

1950s Indian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak, Wool

Bagutta writing desk by Annig Sarian for Arflex - Italy - 1960s
Located in Milano, IT
Small desk with three drawers, wooden frame and chromed and curved tubular metal supports. The desk has a slight defect on one side, as shown in the photo. Manufactured by Arlex, It...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Walnut Writing Desk with Drawers, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Writing desk made completely of solid walnut. The drawers are assembled with dovetail joints (includes 2 top drawers and 3 drawers under the desk). This writing desk is characterized by an “X” joint...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Nancy Corzine Wakefield Executive Desk
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Nancy Corzine Wakefield executive desk in excellent condition Piece comes fully restored free of dents and scratches.
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

FRONT – Minimalist Work Desk in Walnut Wood 160x80
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
A statement piece for refined workspaces – handcrafted in solid walnut, this minimalist executive desk blends functionality and sculptural presence. Elevate your workspace with this...
Category

2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Walnut, Plywood

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

Xiitle Desk Small
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
The "Xitle" desk is part of ADN Studio´s Volcan Collection. This collection seeks to go back to basics. It is a subtle and refined interpretation of the archetypical modern furniture...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

FIJN Desk in Solid Black Walnut
Located in Calgary, CA
Our FIJN desk is handcrafted in solid wood. Both desks pictured were built in figured Oregon black walnut. Solid wood drawers are lined in leather and inserts can be customized to su...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Charcoal Black Study Desk with Drawer, Customizable
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
This large black study desk is made with a powder coated steel frame and a beautiful natural linoleum top made out of linseed oil. This modern minimal desk has a single steel drawers...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Large Customisable Study Desk with Modesty Panel and Two Drawers
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
This large beetroot color study desk is made with a powder coated steel frame and a beautiful natural linoleum top made out of linseed oil. This modern minimal desk has two steel dra...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Cloud Glow Desk by MAGILORE – Luxury Kids Desk in Bouclé and Gold Leaf with Amb
Located in Vila Nova de Famalicão, PT
The Cloud Glow Desk by MAGILORE® is a luxury kids desk that blends imagination, elegance, and functionality. Inspired by the softness of a floating cloud, this handcrafted piece feat...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

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

Chunky Desk
Chunky Desk
$2,650 / item
Vintage Post Modern Black Figural Acrylic Panther Base Glass Top Desk Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Post Modern Black Figural Acrylic Panther Base Glass Top Desk Table. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 30" H x 60" W x 30" D x 29" Leg clearance. Approx 21-24" Middle Wi...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Acrylic, Laminate

Jacob Kjær Mid Century Rio Rosewood Free Standing Writing Desk
Located in Kastrup, DK
Freestanding Rio rosewood writing desk with beautiful grain designed by Jacob Kjær, Denmark 1950-1960. Front with 2x2 drawers with brass pulls. Top with raised edge. The desk shows r...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Jacques Pastel Pink Dining Table in Bird's Eye Maple by Fred&Juul
Located in Fiesole, Florence
Designed with the aim to find the perfect balance between clean lines and warm texture. Consisting of 5 rounded, 50 mm thick slats with bird’s eye maple veneer, the dining or coffee ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Birdseye Maple, Maple

Unique Desk in Mica at Cost Price
By VITTORIO SERIO
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
Exceptional desk in french polished ebonite wood from Macassar, with feet covered with plates of amethyst mica. 3 drawers and plate of glass on the top. Unique and signed piece by t...
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Amethyst

Unique Desk in Mica at Cost Price
Unique Desk in Mica at Cost Price
$4,142 Sale Price
72% Off
FRONT – Minimalist Work Desk in Ash Wood 120x60
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
A statement piece for refined workspaces – handcrafted in solid ash, this minimalist executive desk blends functionality and sculptural presence. Elevate your workspace with this lu...
Category

2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Plywood, Ash

Handcrafted English Oak Desk
Located in London, GB
Our new prime English oak 2 drawer dovetailed desk. Designed and handmade in England using skilled traditional furniture making techniques. Completely handcrafted from the finest ful...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Plexiglass Desk + Chair by Fabio Lenci for Formes Nouvelles, Italy 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
This rare 1970s desk and matching chair by Italian designer Fabio Lenci for Formes Nouvelles embodies the forward-thinking ethos of the era. The soft lavender hued plexiglass surface...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Compact Slim Desk Handcrafted In Natural Walnut with Metal Arc Joinery
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This desk embodies the ideal workstation for the contemporary office in the 21st century, catering to enthusiasts of robust wooden craftsmanship. Characterized by sleek rounded surfa...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

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

PEMBROKE Writing Desk by AMBROZIA, Claro Walnut, Stainless Steel & Camel Leather
Located in Drummondville, Quebec
This Modern Pembroke writing desk/table is handmade to order from a hand selected bookmatched wood slab desk top with a hand rubbed natural oil and wax ...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Steel, Cut Steel, Stainless Steel

Light Ash Modern Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
The desk makes a statement with its contemporary design and unique personality. Its metal pulls in an Ember finish and figured cathedral ash construction add elegance and set it apar...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

FRONT – Minimalist Work Desk in Walnut Wood 180x90
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
A statement piece for refined workspaces – handcrafted in solid walnut, this minimalist executive desk blends functionality and sculptural presence. Elevate your workspace with this...
Category

2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Walnut, Plywood

Custom Bent Office/Writing Desk, Made of Bronze and Walnut Drawers
Located in Chicago, IL
A single brass sheet is bent creating the surface and sides, aptly giving the desk its name. The finish is darkened by hand through a proprietary solution and the drawers are made from solid walnut and veneered fronts. Perfect as a writing desk in any residential library or office or even as a concierge desk...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Sleek Wooden Desk with Multiple Storage Compartments in a Minimalist Design
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Presenting a space-efficient desk crafted from solid wood, providing practical storage solutions. This desk facilitates maintaining a neat and organized workspace through three drawe...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Organic Modern Oga Desk Raw American Oak Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Oga Desk, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Oga seamlessly combines the beauty of organic materials with the elegance of contemporary design. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Onyx, Brass

'Frejus' Wood And Steel Desk In The Style Of Eugene Printz
Located in Glendale, CA
'Frejus' Wood And Steel Desk In The Style Of Eugene Printz Crafted in Los Angeles in the workshop of noted French designer and antiques dealer Denis de le Mesiere, who meticulously ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Model 4113 Mahogany Writing Desk
Located in Kastrup, DK
Kaare Klint (1888–1954) Freestanding desk crafted in solid Cuban mahogany. Designed in 1929 by Kaare Klint and manufactured by Rud Rasmussen Cabinetmakers. This is model 4113, likel...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Calen Desk by Madheke
Located in Geneve, CH
Calen desk by Madheke. Dimensions: D 90 x W 210 x H 78.5 cm. Materials: leather, wood, veneer, metal. Classic leather front and upper, dead matte veneer, bronzed metal detailing...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Calen Desk by Madheke
Calen Desk by Madheke
$14,771 / item
ClassiCon Lou Perou Folding Table by Eileen Gray
Located in New York, NY
Like the majority of Eileen Gray‘s tables, this one too can transform itself. And as always she found an unexpected solution. The folding section of the tabletop is supported by a si...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Travertine Coffee Table with Brushed Aluminum or Brass Hardware
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Carefully crafted from a single slab of Egyptian Giallo Travertine, the design of the Gia Coffee Table is dictated by deliberate and intentional cuts—the openings in the legs are inf...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Travertine, Aluminum, Brass, Stainless Steel

Pair of Small Customizable Study Desks / Console Table with Drawer
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
This pair of small study desks are made with a beetroot powder-coated steel frame and a burgundy coloured natural linoleum tabletop. The linoleum for our desks is selected for the ec...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Ivory Ripple Desk by Perler
Located in Geneve, CH
Ivory Ripple Desk by Perler Limited Edition Dimensions: W 130 x D 70 x H 75 cm. Tabletop thickness: 7 cm Materials: Jesmonite. Weight: 50 kg. Color: A subtle shade of warm white/ivor...
Category

2010s Polish Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Other

Elinor McGuire Model 226c Writing Desk
Located in Highland, IN
This exquisite design by Elinor McGuire for McGuire of San Fransisco is an exercise in subtle beauty and refined detailing. With a body covered in cane, slightly splayed legs, and so...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Gold Contemporary Rectangular Table, Glass Top and Gold-Plated Aluminium Legs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sem Gold collection, rectangular table with glass top: extra light transparent glass or smoke grey transparent glass (12 mm thick). Plated aluminium legs finished in 24-karat polishe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum, Gold

Desk or Writing Table Crystal Glass Origami Design Collectible Made in Italy
Located in Ancona, Marche
The desk 'Origami' is made of extra-clear crystal glass. Each sheet of extra-clear crystal glass is cut and ground with extreme precision, then the sheets are assembled by hand, havi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Crystal

Wall Mounted Sit/Stand Desk "Muro" in Oak and Stainless Steel by Casey Lurie
Located in Chicago, IL
Wall anchored stainless steel rails support three wood shelves of varying depths. Each shelf serves a different function: shallow for small objects and pictures, medium for books and larger objects...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Modern Palmwood Desk in the style of Pierre Chareau
Located in Pasadena, CA
Inspired by the refined modernism of Pierre Chareau, this desk combines architectural presence with understated elegance. The base is crafted from forged steel with a black satin pow...
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Palmwood

Modern White Lacquered Executive Desk
Located in North York, ON
Modern white Lacquered executive desk. Timeless Art Deco inspired design lacquered in a designer finish with oil rubbed bronze hardware and execut...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Modern White Lacquered Executive Desk
Modern White Lacquered Executive Desk
$10,360 Sale Price
20% Off
Large Pink Steel Contemporary Study Desk with Two Drawers - customizable
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
This large pink study desk is made with a powder coated steel frame and a beautiful lacquered plywood table top in pink. This modern minimal desk has two steel drawers suspended unde...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Guy LeFevre for Maison Jansen Lacquered Wood w/ Leather Desk, France C 1970s
Located in Norwalk, CT
Designed by noted designer Guy LeFevre who worked extensively with Maison Jansen in the 1970s, this handsome desk incorporates many of his signature details. The base and hardware ar...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

PEMBROKE Desk by AMBROZIA, Solid Oxidized Walnut, Blackened Steel & Leather
Located in Drummondville, Quebec
The PEMBROKE writing desk/table is handmade to order from a hand selected solid wood desk top with a hand rubbed natural oil and wax finish that enhance the real beauty of the wood and give a natural warm touch. The elegant style came from our unique studio-machined Pembroke legs...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Steel, Cut Steel, Stainless Steel

Jack Writing Desk by Daytona
Located in Milan, IT
A magnificent addition to your contemporary or more Classic style home, the Jack Writing Desk features an elegant brass base with a burnished brass finish, a plywood structure with t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Rare Desk by Carlo de Carli
Located in Albany, NY
A rare desk Manufactured by Cassina Date made: 1950 Material: walnut Size: H 30.5” x L 63” x D 28.5” Origin: Italy.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Modern Oak Desk in Natural Bleached Finish
Located in North York, ON
Introducing our stunning modern oak desk, a perfect blend of sleek simplicity and functional elegance. Crafted from high-quality oak and finished with ...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Custom Modern Walnut Dining Table with Column Pedestals by Carrocel
Located in North York, ON
Custom modern walnut dining table with column pedestals by Carrocel. Hand crafted and made to order, simplistic modern styling with clean grain walnut pattern. Thick top with rectang...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Wooden Writing Desk with Drawers and Black Lacquered Legs
Located in Madrid, ES
Large desk veneered with dark wood, front with four drawers with gold-colored pulls. Legs of black lacquered metal.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

FRONT – Minimalist Work Desk in Walnut Wood 140x70
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
A statement piece for refined workspaces – handcrafted in solid walnut, this minimalist executive desk blends functionality and sculptural presence. Elevate your workspace with this...
Category

2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Plywood, Walnut

Georgetti Erasmo Luxury Italian Oval Desk by Massimo Scolari
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An extraordinary Italian design with particularly noteworthy Moden form and exquisite wood. Georgetti Erasmo oval desk designed by Massimo Scolari with fluid and linear lines. The de...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Acrylic Partners Desk with Embossed Crocodile Leather Top, Floor Model Sale
Located in New York, NY
Black embossed crocodile leather desk with acrylic base. Made to order. Customization is available in different sizes and COM (Customer Own Material) for the top. 1 floor sample ...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Acrylic

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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