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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Butterfly Desk
Located in Milan, IT
The Butterfly desk has a folded sheet metal base covered in leather and the top is made in leather with seams. Modesty in bronze lacquered sheet metal. ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Butterfly Desk
Butterfly Desk
$13,403 / item
Nancy Corzine Wakefield Executive Desk
Located in Countryside, 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

Simply Modern Writing Table, 49
Located in Westwood, NJ
An elegant modern writing table with two singular leather-wrapped drawers, our Cardamon finish on the veneered frame (and handles) with panel end ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Utopia Desk, Cream Oak and Bronzed Brass, InsidherLand by Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
The utopia desk is designed in the likeness of the architectural scale that suggests a crossing through the structures of a utopian city, organized by the principles of symmetry and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Metal

Industrial Modern Wrought Iron Tilt Top Drafting Desk / Table
By Jorge A. Marien
Located in East Freetown, MA
Extraordinary modern wrought iron and glass tilt top drafting desk/table. Glass top is framed by wrought iron and tilts when the steampunk style handles are loosened. Table can be used as a dining or large entrance table.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Central Asian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Midnight Modern Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
Midnight Modern Desk with a unique dark cerused greyed finish having a large flat top writing surface, three drawers with metal grommet finger pulls. Rais...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

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

Gala ash wood structure and veneer cover Desk
Located in Mexico City, MX
The Gala desk exhibits wood as the principal material. Composed of solid wood legs and wood veneer top and cabinet with three drawers, this desk is the ideal element for any space th...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Desk or Writing Table Geometric Glass Crystal Collectible Design Handmade Italy
Located in Ancona, Marche
The executive 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 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass

21st Century Elena Salmistraro Table Polyurethane Pinta Verde Marble Glossy
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

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. As an art dealer and designer he worked closely with...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Resin

Alexandra Von Furstenberg Blacksmith Acrylic Desk Sawhorse Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic opaque black acrylic sawhorse blacksmith desk or writing table designed by Alexandra Von Furstenberg. The bold desk features two A framed acrylic saw horse style supports to...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Acrylic, Lucite

Jim Writing Desk
Located in Ponsacco, IT
This is a modern writing desk with a sophisticated and minimalist design. It features a sleek lacquered structure with curved side panels that provie both stability and a distinctive...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Jim Writing Desk
Jim Writing Desk
$9,575 / item
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

Karl Springer "Ming Writing Desk" in Embossed Leather 1980s
Located in New York, NY
“Ming Desk” in color embossed textured leather with 2 drawers by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The craftsmanship and materials are superb and this is a wonderful example of Karl Springer’s work. This is a pared down version of the Chinese Style Series which preceded it. Reference: Karl Springer LTD red binder catalog published in the 1980’s, section “Coffee Tables and Bar Carts”, on page 9 there is a photo of the coffee table model of this desk with the page titled “KARL SPRINGER LTD CHINESE STYLE COFFEE TABLE...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Industrial Design Executive Metal Desk, Customizable, Germany, 2018
Located in Berlin, DE
Industrial design executive metal desk, customizable, Germany, 2018.
Category

2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

"Gran Torino" 21st Century Desk, Brown Walnut and Maple by Ivan Paradisi
Located in Turin, IT
Designed as a modern elegant and at the same time functional desk, Gran Torino piece is named after the city of Turin, a place rich of culture and history ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Maple, Walnut

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

Luxury Walnut Work Desk – Minimalist Executive Office Desk Modern Craftsmanship
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

Lancelot Desk/Dressing Table in red marquetry veneer and high gloss lacquer
Located in London, GB
Stunning handmade writing desk which is also often used as a dressing table, Lancelot is stylish and soft with a curve shaped silhouette, curved ...
Category

2010s British Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Quinta Desk by Stephane Parmentier x Giobagnara
Located in New York, NY
For nearly twenty years, the Giobagnara brand has combined traditional know-how and leading-edge technology to produce elegance of the highest standard. With luxurious creations avai...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather

White Kidney Shaped Desk, Gesso, Antique Mirror Top
Located in Miami, FL
White kidney shaped desk with Gesso finish. The top is antiqued mirror glass. Ready for a new home.
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Gesso, Mirror, Wood

Minimalist Rectangular Dining Table in Solid Caribbean Walnut
Located in PARQUE INDUSTRIAL OTHON P BLANCO, Quintana Roo
The Lumi Table combines durability with comfort, adapting perfectly to any space. It features a simple form that highlights fine joinery details. A solid timber frame supports a tabl...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood, Walnut

Emilio Desk/Dressing Table
Located in London, GB
Emilio is a versatile piece of furniture made from a luxurious blend of marquetry wood veneers, solid natural timber, and bronze. Emilio is designed to take centre stage in your dres...
Category

2010s British Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Apartment-Sized Patterned Osis Desk by Llot Llov
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Llot Llov's Osis desk was developed specifically for the home office — it has a small footprint yet offers the necessary space to work, and it has a privacy screen to help with both ...
Category

2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Burgundy Study Desk with Natural Linoleum Table Top and Drawer, Customizable
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
This study desk is made with a beetroot powder-coated steel frame and a burgundy coloured natural linoleum tabletop. The linoleum for our desks is selected for the ecological propert...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Evo, Oak and Brass Desk or Dining Table by Feruccio Laviani, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 500 other unique products. Table with firm design, made combining old and modern woodcraft. The classical side is in ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Colorful Console by Thomas Dariel
Located in Geneve, CH
Colorful console by Thomas Dariel, Maison Dada Measures: W 160 x D 30 x H 110 cm or W 130 x D 30 x H 110 cm Top in painted ash veneer • fronts in ma...
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Umbo desk Arno Declercq
Located in Lubbeek, BE
* “Umbo lililopinda” ; Swahili for “curved form” For the first time, we have used a language from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to name this collection, inspired by our passio...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Italian Mahogany & Lacquer Dining Table
Located in Denton, TX
Italian mahogany & lacquer dining table. This table top stands on a black lacquer and wood accented pedestal. One leaf extends this table out to fit up...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Lacquer

Baker Furniture Regency Burlwood Writing Desk
Located in Countryside, IL
Baker Furniture Regency Burlwood Writing Desk This desk measures: 48 wide x 26 deep x 29.5 high, with a chair clearance of 24.5 inches We take ...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

The Chiquita desk with 8 drawers in Brazilian sollid wood
Located in São Paulo, SP
The Chiquita desk features smooth and delicate lines. In this version, it has 8 drawers with natural cane fronts and brass handles, giving it a nostalgic and romantic touch. Availabl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Isabella Costantini, Italy, Dalia Desk with Two Drawers
Located in Ascoli Piceno, IT
Designed by IC and immaculately crafted by expert Italian artisans, the Dalia desk features two drawers and stylish curved legs. A piece that will enrich any decor with sophisticate...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

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

Amuneal’s Collector's Knife Edge Console with 3 Drawers
Located in New York, NY
Amuneal’s wall hanging patinaed soft maple console table uses our traditional Collector’s Shelving hardware to support this three-drawer unit with raised knife-edge surround. The sca...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

21st Century Elena Salmistraro Table Polyurethane Green Marble Scapin Collezioni
Located in Tezze sul Brenta, IT
Isotopo table design by Elena Salmistraro, product by Scapin Collezioni Limited Edition A vibrant round top is combined with a sculptural base made of three rounded conical suppo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble

"Optimum" Walnut Desk Designed by Stephane Lebrun for Dessie'
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Optimum" is a desk, designed by Stephane Lebrun and manufactured by Dessie', with a structure made in solid Pascoso walnut (1.57" x 1.57") and features 2 drawers in solid walnut, a ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Walnut

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

The Square Desk, Square Armchair, Carbonized Finish with Shou Sugi Ban, Japanese
Located in São Paulo, SP
The Square Desk was inspired by the design of Brazilian modern furniture from the 1950s and 1960s, featuring straight lines and Indian straw weaving. It's delicate and highly comfortable for everyday use, seamlessly blending functionality and elegance. The wood's ebonization is achieved through the Japanese technique of charred wood known as shou sugi ban. Crafted from solid freijó wood and adorned with a drawer featuring natural Indian straw. * As they are natural materials, wood, straw and leather may have different tones and textures than those shown in the photos. About the designer: Amilcar Oliveira hails from São Paulo, the capital city. He studied Radio and TV at ECA-USP and worked as a director at production companies like Sentimental Filmes and Your Mamma. Currently, he's part of the directorial roster at Mixer. In parallel, he studied carpentry at the Cosi de Legno school under Piero Calò, carrying on the teachings he received from his father and grandfather, who were both carpenters deeply passionate about this craft. Amidst the pandemic, he created his debut piece, the Square Armchair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Straw, Wood

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

Noir Ebonized Walnut Modern Truss Desk
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Sleek sophisticated mixed media modern desk handcrafted of minimalist finished metal , curved legs and walnut drawers. From the Layla Grayce Noir Truss Collection. Comes with custom...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Ángulo Desk - Blue
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Conceptualized in 2023 by Leonardo Floresvillar, and crafted by hand with galvanized metal, coated with matte powder coating. The Ángulo Desk was designe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Ángulo Desk - Blue
Ángulo Desk - Blue
$2,650 / item
Desk, Writing Table, Office, Walnut, Modern, Hardwood, Semigood Design
Located in Issaquah, WA
Hardwood, modern desk or writing table for your home or office. The lead time provided is an estimate and may extend up to 12 months. If you require delivery by a specific date, we kindly recommend inquiring prior to purchase to ensure availability. The timeless lines and subtle tapers of this desk will have you looking forward to sitting down...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Hardwood & Green Leather Partner Desk with Sliding Keyboard Shelf Twin Pedestal
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this vintage Twin Pedestal partner desk with drop front sliding keyboard shelf A good looking and well made desk with a premium vintage green le...
Category

20th Century English Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Executive Terni Desk Ico Parisi for MIM, Italy
Located in Schellebelle, BE
Terni desk in aluminium and Indian rosewood, Ico Parisi for MIM great Italian design very nice color and powerful patina marked MIM.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

21st Century Elena Salmistraro Table Polyurethane White Travertino Marble Top
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

Hand Chiseled Tinted Oak Desk by Egg Designs
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
This hand chiseled desk was designed by Egg Designs for a high end safari lodge in Southern Africa. The robust hand chiseled markings make this a stand ou...
Category

2010s South African Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Steel

Lucite and Dark 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

Molteni&C D.847.1 Ash Wood Desk by Gio Ponti
Located in Boston, MA
A Molteni&C exclusive has given new life to Gio Ponti's table which was originally designed 70 years ago. Thanks to dedicated craftsmanship, this signature piece has been reproduced ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Kroma' Desk by Antonia Astori for Driade, Italy 1980s
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1980s ‘Kroma’ desk designed by Antonia Astori for Driade. This modern desk embodies a minimalist aesthetic, featuring a rectangular white surface composed of wood with fine black l...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Green Onyx Desk with Brushed Aluminum or Brass Base
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Celebrating nature's inherent beauty, the Oni Desk embraces the irregular shape of a found Green Onyx slab. This desk's innovative design is informed by the unique constraints of the...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Onyx, Brass, Aluminum

Bricks, Shelf Desk L1
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kueng Caputo is a Zurich, Switzerland based design practice comprised of Lovis Caputo and Sarah Kueng. Their material adventures are often rooted in the complexities of crafts techni...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ceramic

Luxury Walnut Work Desk – Minimalist Executive Office Desk Modern Craftsmanship
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

21st Century Elena Salmistraro Table Polyurethane Whitetravertinetop Glossy Legs
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

Dark 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

Rare Modernist Glass Table in the Manner of Danny Lane
Located in Forney, TX
A spectacular, Modern sculptured glass table, from the last quarter of the 20th century, in the manner of Danny Lane (United States, b.1955). This stunning table features a floating,...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass

Vintage Ron Seff Substantial Gun Metal Bronze & Brass Table, circa 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Ron Seff substantial gun metal bronze & brass table circa 1980s Offered for sale is a very heavy substantial table by Ron Seff in gunmetal and brass. The table is quite el...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Bronze

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

Modern Black Writing Table Desk or Vanity Console in high gloss
Located in Riga, LV
Refined elegance and classic design characterize the Kanttari Writing Desk. The definition of rich furniture design, this beautiful writing desk is handmade with soft to touch black ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

General Study Desk Writing Table in Brass by Matteo Cibic
Located in Kolkata, IN
General Study Desk Writing Table in Brass by Matteo Cibic is a chic study table in brass, with an extendable writing top and small details, reminiscent of a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

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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