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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
A French Parchment Dressing Table / Desk
Located in Stamford, CT
A Parchment dressing table finished on 4 sides. Having a interior compartment that is reached by raising the central section on top of the des...
Category

1930s French Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Parchment Paper

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

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Burl

Twain, Red Leather Desk, Designed by Gordon Guillaumier, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (1.8) The twain desk has a lacquered brushed steel frame, which gi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

New Darck Ziricote wood, Leather Top and Silver Patined Leg Desk Made to Order
Located in SENLIS, OISE
"Shanghai" desk in Ziricotte wood, leather top and silver patined leg. The inside is made in Sycomore. There are two drawers in the structure. PLease ask for a shipping quote to get ...
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

1980s Style Black and White Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Interesting 1980s era writing desk. Black lacquer and white laminent tops by Carlton House Furniture.  
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Laminate, Wood, Lacquer

21st Century Desk Wight Ebony and Black Leather with Metal Leg by Aymeric Lefort
Located in SENLIS, OISE
A semi-circular black lacquered metal legged desk with a white ebony veneer top and black leather desk blotter. The top of the back legs ends with a LED light. Do not hesitate to ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Donkey, Black Writing Desk with Leds, Made in France
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 500 other unique products. (2) The Maturin donkey, an animal perceived as labor-emblematic in the countryside, preserves its function while taking on an eminently contemporary dimension. Connected and equipped with luminous LEDs, the very distinctive writing desk is powered by an electric bridle. Stubborn and secretive, it conceals sliding storage space and secret drawers for letters and pending files. Once your work is complete, the finely crafted sliding screen...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Laminate

Desk "Orlando" by MarCo Romanelli
Located in Napoli, NA
Orlando is a home / office desk designed by designer MarCo Romanelli. This desk has an essential, fine and robust structure that avoids any formal excess. A discreet and functional ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Other

Quaderna Desk by Superstudio 1970’s
Located in London, England
Quaderna writing desk designed Superstudio Zanotta. 1970s original.
Category

1970s Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Laminate

Ziricotte Wood Desk "Litle Shanghai" with Leather Top and Silver Leg
Located in SENLIS, OISE
Little Shanghai desk in ziricotte wood and silver patined leg. There are two drawers on each side. The sides are in zircone and black sycamore mar...
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Famed Brass & 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. Measures: Length: 47.2'' / Depth: 27.5'' / Height:...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal, Brass

Colorful Console by Thomas Dariel
Located in Geneve, CH
Colorful console by Thomas Dariel, Maison Dada Measures: W160 x D30 x H110 cm or W130 x D30 x H110 cm Top in painted ash veneer • fronts in matte pa...
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Modern Small Desk with Calacatta Ceramic 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 calacatta c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

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 H110 cm. Top in painted ash veneer • fronts in m...
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Old Fir Writing Desk or Console with Two Drawers, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 500 other unique products. Writing desk or console with two drawers in old Fir. A simple and essential line strengthene...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Fir

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

Little Shanghai Desk in Zebrano Wood and Black Sycomore Silver Painted Leg
Located in SENLIS, OISE
Little Shanghai desk in zebrano wood and black saycomore silver painted leg. There are two drawers on each side. The end sides are in zebrano and ...
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Gio Ponti Attributed "Rosewood Desk"
Located in LAGUNA BEACH, CA
GIO PONTI ATTRIBUTED 'ROSEWOOD DESK' c. 1950's ROSEWOOD, CRYSTAL GLASS 31.5 H x 73 W x 33 D inches.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Rosewood

Modern Industrial Leather Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
A modern industrial leather desk with a solid hammered metal base. It has three drawers accented with cast brass campaign drawer pulls. Dimensions...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

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

Modern Small Desk with Brown Lacquered Glass Top and Black 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 8 mm thick ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

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

Finn Juhl Nyhavn Desk Wood Black Lino
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Desk designed by Finn Jhul Manufactured by one collection Finn Juhl, (Denmark) When Finn Juhl established his first studio at the exclusive address of 33 Nyhavn in central Copenhagen in 1945, he designed a very simple desk...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

"Now and Then" 21st Century Desk, Italian Walnut and Maple
Located in Turin, IT
A new masterpiece of Ivan Paradisi Atelier Now and Then is a desk with elegant classical silhouette and, of course, inlay technique – a distinctive feature of the designer. The desk ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Resin, Maple, Walnut

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

Doris Oval Double Pedestal Dining Table in Green Marble and Cast Aluminum
Located in Fiesole, Florence
Dining tables with marble tops and multifaceted pedestals in cast bronze, blackened bronze or aluminum. Inspired by Doric columns in archaic architecture, the extruded multi-point star pedestals have a different finish on each vertical face: the cast metal is polished on one side but left raw on the other. The shading is amplified by the different finishes resulting in a dramatic effect. The pedestal(s) can be combined with tops in any kind of marble and with any shape or dimension. Crafted in Tuscany, Italy, in a foundry specialized in bronze sculptures, serving artists among the most renowned in the world. These pieces are part of our Doris collection that also comprises a console, side and coffee tables. Standard top materials: pink Portugal, white Carrara, green Serpentino and gold Calacatta marble. Standard pedestal materials: oxidized bronze, blackened bronze and aluminum (polished and coarse). Standard sizes: round top 5'3" diameter (seats 8) oval top 3'7" x 6'7" (seats 8) rectangular top 3'11” x 7'11” (seats 10) top thickness 0.8" single pedestal 25.2" diameter double pedestal 14.2" diameter each This listing is for a double pedestal oval table...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Breccia Marble, Carrara Marble, Siena Marble, Aluminum, Bronze

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

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

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

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

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...
Category

2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Plywood, Ash

Harrier 'Jump' Jet Tailplane Desk
Located in London, GB
A stunning desk made from an original Harrier 'Jump' Jet Tailplane Horizontal Stabiliser that has been stripped of its paint and polished to a mirror finish. Three aluminium legs and...
Category

Late 20th Century British Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Cobra Desk, Designed by Laurie Beckerman in 2008
Located in New York, NY
Each cobra, poised as if to lunge, has a mouth that is an open pencil holder, where you can conveniently store all your writing implements. Designed...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

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

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Leather

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

"Ruby Tuesday" 21st Century Desk, Walnut and Metal by Ivan Paradisi
Located in Turin, IT
Particularity doesn't mean complexity or overloading with details. A particularity is about being different. And this is what Ivan Paradisi furniture design studio is famous for. Ivan Paradisi Atelier is glad to present simple though functional and particular desk in walnut. In Ruby Tuesday the designer paid tribute to the nature having implemented the elegancy and functionality in simple natural curves which render the sense of harmony and wholeness. The contemporary handmade desk with two drawers finished in leather will show to advantage in any environment due to its basic design...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Paris Bureau Study Desk Writing Table by Matteo Cibic
Located in Kolkata, IN
Paris Bureau Study Desk Writing Table by Matteo Cibic is an extraordinary console/writing table, with two drawers. It is available in a range of colors, w...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Resin

21st Century Antigua Writing Desk in Carbalho by Roberto Cavalli Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
Writing desk with top and chest of drawers in glossy grey color. Under-desktop covered with leather from the collection. Metal base is available in all t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Ban Curved Steel and Maple Wood Desk by Autonomous Furniture
Located in Victoria, BC
Introducing the Ban Desk by Autonomous Furniture, where timeless elegance meets industrial edge, crafted to elevate your workspace with unparalleled sophistication. Imagine your wor...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ash, Oak, Walnut

Twain, Grey Leather Desk, Designed by Gordon Guillaumier, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (1.8) The twain desk has a lacquered brushed steel frame, which gi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Floor Sample Alma Desk Giorgetti Designed By Pamela Amine w/ Leather Finishes
Located in Boston, MA
Designed By Pamela Amine Alma, from the Latin Almus, meaning “soul”, “she who nourishes”, celebrates the main function of a desk, which is to open the mind and expand one's knowle...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather

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

2010s Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Michel Ducaroy 'attributed to', Desk, Circa 1975
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Tray dimensions: L180 x P90 Desk dimensions: L138 x P65 x H73 Smoked glass top Good condition, slightly pitted stainless steel.
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Ventus Desk - Modern Black Handcrafted Table made by Prieto Studio
Located in London, GB
Crafted from solid layers of wood, the Ventus table is a distinguished desk that combines a lightweight silhouette with a sturdy modern look. Raising one of the sides, we have also g...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Gotham Black Console Table, Designed by Leonardi & Marinelli, 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) The Gotham table collection, with its simple form, is made of a console, coffee table and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass

Old Fir Wood and Iron Desk / Console, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (2.2) Desk / Console with essential design made of Old Fir and particular leg in Iron. A com...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Bureau PJ-BU-08-B
Located in Paris, FR
Provenance: Chandigarh, India Student desk in solid teak. Rectangular top with drooping sides. Pair of lateral “compass” legs joined by a rear crosspiece supporting the open-case frame.
Category

20th Century Indian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Large Old Fir Wood and Iron Desk / Console with Double Shelves, 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) Double desk / console with essential design made of old fir and particular leg in Iron...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

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 ...
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Engraved Brass, Walnut, and Lacquered Wood Burlesque Dining Table by Egg Designs
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
The Burlesque table embodies the playful spirit often evident in the works of Egg Designs. For this table Egg collaborated with Kim Longhurst a South African illustrator to develop the burlesque design which is engraved into the solid brass top...
Category

2010s South African Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

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

Arc Desk by Estudio Persona
Located in Geneve, CH
Arc desk by Estudio Persona Dimensions: l 149.86 x d 76.2 x h 76.2 cm Materials: Bleached Maple Veneer, Black Stained Maple Desk with a bleached maple veneer exterior and black ...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple

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

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

Colorful Green Rockconsole, Royal Stranger
Located in Geneve, CH
Colorful rockconsole, Royal Stranger Dimensions: Width 160cm, height 90cm, depth 50cm Materials: lacquered body suspended by stainless steel coated in brass leg, docked on a matte ...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Chromed Brera Desk by Marcos Zanuso Jr
Located in Geneve, CH
Wood brera desk by Marcos Zanuso Jr Materials: Chromed structure. Desk with drawer. Base in bronze lacquered metal or chromed metal Top in walnut vene...
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Hand, Sculpted Desk, Signed by Lukasz Friedrich
Located in Geneve, CH
Hand, sculpted desk, signed by Lukasz Friedrich Desk “Gloomy Sunday” Measures: 110 x 50 H 76 cm Finish: raw, waxed steel with brass drawer knob ...
Category

2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Blue and Brass Rockconsole, Royal Stranger
Located in Geneve, CH
Blue and brass Rockconsole, royal stranger. Dimensions: width 160 cm, height 90 cm, depth 50 cm Materials: lacquered body suspended by stainless steel coated in brass leg, docked o...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Minimalist Modern Desk in Oak
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...
Category

2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Plywood, Oak

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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