Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MODERN STYLE
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”
Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.
Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair — crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.
It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.
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Style: Modern
Minimalist Modern Desk in Ash for Home Office
Located in Lisbon, PT
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. Front desk is available in ash, oak and walnut...
Category
2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Plywood, Oak
Minimalist Modern Desk in Oak for Home Office
Located in Lisbon, PT
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. Front desk is available in ash, oak and walnut...
Category
2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak, Wood, Plywood
Minimalist Modern Desk in Walnut
Located in Lisbon, PT
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, Walnut
Minimalist Modern Desk in Walnut
Located in Lisbon, PT
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, Walnut
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
Radius Cutaway Reclaimed Walnut Desk
Located in brooklyn, NY
Radiused outer edges and scalloped inner edge create a contrasting profile that adorns this minimal desk. Made from hand oiled solid walnut, this desk blends simple lines with unique...
Category
2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Elm Desk, France, c. 1940
Located in New York City, NY
Distinctive desk showcasing a single drawer and elegantly rounded, tapered wooden legs.
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Elm
Lucite and Natural 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
Philipp Plein office black table in split leather with a crocodile skin effect
By Philipp Plein
Located in Valladolid, ES
The Amazing Philipp Plein office Black table in split leather with a crocodile skin effect is a tribute to the grandiosity and wild creativity of this unique and eccentric German dec...
Category
Early 2000s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather
Organic Modern Armona Desk, Oak Root Onyx, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Armona desk, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Armona modern desk pays homage to...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Onyx
Organic Modern Armona Desk, Walnut Brass Onyx, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Armona Desk, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Armona...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Onyx, Brass
Modern Menir Console Table, Calacatta Marble, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Menir Console, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
The Menir modern console table draws inspiration from menhir sil...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble
"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 is in some way a tribute to the absolute hit “Grand Torino” desk...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Maple, Walnut, Resin
Modern Toscana Vanity Table Oak Beige Leather Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Toscana Vanity Table, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
The organic modern Toscana vanity table is a captivating blend of natural beauty and c...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Onyx, Brass
Modern Armona Dining Table, American Oak, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Armona Dining Table, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
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
"Gran Torino Special" 21st Century Desk, Italian Walnut and Maple
Located in Turin, IT
We are happy to present a new version of our bestseller Gran Torino desk - Gran Torino Special.
The new desk has the same recognizable silhouette though wit...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Maple, Walnut
"Xilte" Desk
By ADN Studio
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
Modern Silhueta Console Table Carrara Marble Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By GF Modern, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Silhueta console, Modern Collection, handcrafted in portugal - Europe by GF Modern.
Inspired by the organic shapes and lean silhouettes, this console adds a modern touch to every ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Onyx, Marble, Steel, Stainless Steel, Brass
Modern Armona Dining Table, American Oak, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Armona Dining Table, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collec...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Oak
"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 in Turin is glad to present simple though functional and particular desk in walnut.
In "Ruby Tuesday" the desiger 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 metal will show to advantage in any environment due to its basic design...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
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" is named after the city of Turin, a place rich of culture and history with...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Maple, Walnut
Custom Floating Lucite, Steel and White Lacquered Two Drawer Desk Vintage
Located in North Miami, FL
This vintage custom made sensational floating desk with 2 drawers has a recessed glass top that floats on steel pegs around the entire desk; the 2 part lucite sides come together with a steel round disk at center at the back and the white lacquered drawers float on the left hand side with chrome...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Bespoke Modernist Tubular Steel Table in Chromed Metal and Glossy Lacquered Wood
By GMD Berlin
Located in Berlin, DE
Bespoke modernist tubular writing table made of chrome plated tubular steel and lacquered wood.
Category
2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Chrome
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
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
Mario Botta “Tesi” Dining Table for Alias, Italy 1980
By Alias, Mario Botta
Located in Argelato, BO
A very rare desk/dining table designed by Mario Botta, model “Tesi”, manufactured by Alias in, Italy around 1980.
This eye-catching piece has a clear glass rectangular top allows th...
Category
1980s Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Walnut Writing Desk with Drawers, Made in Italy
By Riva 1920
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
Amorph Astra Desk Graphite Walnut stain on Ash wood with Top leather
By Amorph Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Amorph Astra desk solid ashwood with top leather, Dimension: 60" L x 24" D x 30" H.
About Amorph:
Amorph is a design and manufacturing company base...
Category
2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Hamilton Modern Desk, by Ambrozia, Tinted Glass, Black Steel, Solid Black Walnut
By AMBROZIA
Located in Drummondville, Quebec
The Hamilton modern working desk is handcrafted from a light weight 2” x 1” steel frame. Featuring a nice 10mm tinted tempered glass which let you see the solid wood storage...
Category
2010s Canadian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Sextante Drawing Board
Located in Ciudad de México, MX
The drawing remover SEXTANTE designed for Breuer is an iconic piece. The piece shows that a designer or architect also enjoys working on a carefully designed and crafted piece.
Thi...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Wicker + Bamboo Writing Desk with Brass Trim, Italy 20th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
A vintage Italian writing desk clad in woven cane with an elegant patinated brass trim. The front and back of this desk are framed in bamboo and it features three front drawers with ...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker
Open Block Writing Desk by Global Views
Located in Los Angeles, CA
W60 D31.5 H29.25 KC26
Contemporary desk in great gently used condition. Item is structurally sound and sturdy with no large areas of wear. Item features one minimal drawer that hide...
Category
1970s Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Industrial Modern Wrought Iron Tilt Top Drafting Desk / Table
By Jorge A. Marien
Located in Weymouth, 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 us...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Central Asian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
Hayche HOS Desk - Oak & White, UK
Located in Liverpool, GB
The HOS Desk, standing for Home Office System, epitomizes adaptability and modern design. Featuring three mountable and dismountable wooden panels, each with three detachable solid w...
Category
2010s British Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Cerused oak three drawer writing desk having pull out slides.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cerused oak three drawer writing desk having pull out slides that allow for a generous work area. This desk is hand made in our workshops and comes in a darker version. 83" wide whe...
Category
2010s Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
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
Elle Ecrit Office Desk by Riva 1920, Walnut Knot
By Jamie Durie
Located in New York, NY
The Elle Ecrit Desk is designed with sleek, rectangular contours and enhanced functionality, featuring a central drawer flanked by two sets of side drawers. Its top includes a slidin...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Aurora Sculptural Steel and Ash Wood Desk by Autonomous Furniture
Located in Victoria, BC
Elevate your workspace with the stunning Aurora Desk from Autonomous Furniture. Crafted from the finest Whitened Ash wood and raw steel, this modern industrial desk is a true stateme...
Category
2010s Canadian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ash, Oak, Walnut
Vintage French Design Kidney Shape Carved Walnut Office Library Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage French Design Kidney Shape Carved Walnut Office Library Desk
Featuring a charming mahogany & walnut French design small office or library desk in the classic kidney shape. ...
Category
1940s French Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Anonima Castelli Palisander Wood Desk with Elegant Metal Insert Handle, 1970s
Located in Traversetolo, IT
The desk, produced in the 1970s by Anonima Castelli of Bologna, is an authentic vintage piece in impeccable condition, crafted entirely from fine Palisander wood. Its design includes...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Scriptor Desk By Giorgetti In Macassar Ebony
Located in London, GB
Scriptor Desk By Giorgetti In Macassar Ebony.
Giorgetti scriptor desk designed by Leon Krier 2004. This executive desk comes in an ebony wood, with an original cone shaped base. Cyl...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Molteni&C Touchdown Workstation Desk by Studio Klass
Located in Boston, MA
Touch Down Unit, an innovative workstation designed by Studio Klass and originally thought for advanced work environments and produced by UniFor has become part of the Molteni&C coll...
Category
2010s 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
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
Large Deep Green Study Desk with Linoleum Top and Two Drawers, Customizable
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
This large deep green 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 drawers...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Desk and dressing table by Guillerme et hambron
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Rare piece by Guillerme et Chambron can be used as a desk or a dressing table
Unique pice in oak and ceramic handle
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
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
Glass, Painted wood & Chrome Plated Metal 1990s desk by Gallotti e Radice
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Minimal Desk with wheeled chest of drawers in white lacquered wood, thick cut glass and chrome plated metal.
Minimal and elegant Desk with chest of drawers on wheels in white lacqu...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Chrome
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
Contemporary Modern Gridiron Stainless Steel Metal Post-Modern Dining Table Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Contemporary Modern Gridiron Stainless Steel Metal Post-Modern Dining Table Desk. Item features a sleek stainless steel construction, clean modern lines, great style and form. *Does ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stainless Steel
Italian Direction's Desk by Roberto Danesi for Maison Frezza
Located in LA FERTÉ-SOUS-JOUARRE, FR
Italian Direction's Desk by Roberto Danesi for Maison Frezza
Indulge in luxury and refinement with this exceptional desk set designed by the renowned Italian designer Roberto Danesi...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Lavinia Desk by Pietro Franceschini
Located in Geneve, CH
Lavinia desk by Pietro Franceschini
Materials: Mohair velvet
Dimensions: W 210 x L 71 x H 78 cm.
Designed during a creative momentum in the relaxed Italian Riviera Ligure, our new Urania collection brings playfulness and longing for those innocent days of our childhood. The soft lines and upholstered curves continue our research on Neotenic Design...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Velvet
Organic Modern Accent Home Office Writing Desk Black Oak Wood Black Lacquer
Located in Vila Nova Famalicão, PT
João Faria created the stunning home desk ROOTS for contemporary and home offices. Rather than placed against a wall, it should stand in the middle of the room and be admired from al...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Cut Steel, Metal, Steel
1920's English Pine Desk
Located in Houston, TX
The 1920s English Pine Desk exudes timeless charm with its elegant craftsmanship and functional design. Constructed from rich, solid pine, it boasts a warm, inviting hue that adds ch...
Category
1920s English Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Pine
Handcrafted English Desk
Located in London, GB
A totally unique handcrafted modernist desk designed and made in England by our craftspeople using traditional woodworking and cabinetry techniques. The beautifully figured surface i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak, 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
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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