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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Returnable Items Only
Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Natural oak, glass & chrome base.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr for luxury French furniture brand, Adentro Paris. The desk is composed of a central extra clear glass panel with a stora...
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Bespoke Modernist Tubular Steel Table in Chromed Metal and Glossy Lacquered Wood
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

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

Organic Modern Armona Desk, Walnut Brass Onyx, Handmade 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...
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
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

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

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

Modern Mismatch Desk Oak Walnut Root Brass Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Modern Mismatch Desk, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Mismatch seamlessly combines the beauty of organic materials with the elegance of cont...
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

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

Modern Silhueta Console Table Carrara Marble Handmade in Portugal by 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

Table Desk Writing Home Office Pink Onyx Gold Mirror Steel Modern Collectible
Located in Ancona, Marche
The table 'Bangles Desk Gold' is an important desk with structure in mirror polished stainless steel with 24 Kt gold galvanic special finish and top in rare pink onyx. The 24 Kt gold...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Onyx, Stainless Steel

Modern Chiado Console Table, Red Leather, Stone, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Chiado Console, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Chiado console table honors Lisbon’s historic quarter, cap...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Granite, Onyx, Marble, Brass

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

Elle Ecrit Office Desk by Riva 1920, Walnut Knot
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

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

High end palissander desk by Promemoria italy, 1990s
Located in HEVERLEE, BE
High end italian desk by Promemoria italy with a incredibly beautiful palissander frame and top. Inside the two drawers we find a leather finish, labelled with makers mark. The nat...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Palisander

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

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

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

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

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

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

Modern Black Lacquered Writing Desk
Located in North York, ON
Introducing the perfect addition to your home office or study - the Modern black lacquered writing desk. With its clean and minimalist design, this desk exudes a sleek and contempora...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

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

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

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

Marquetry Console by Thomas Dariel
Located in Geneve, CH
Marquetry console by Thomas Dariel, Maison Dada. Measures: W 160 x D 34 x H 110.8 cm. Structure in MDF coated with painted multiple veneers. Fronts in matte paint finish. Metal l...
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

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

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

Thomas O’Brien For Century Modern Mahogany & Kingwood Writing Desk / Table
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a beautiful desk designed by Thomas O’Brien for Century. It is a compilation of kingwood veneers over mahogany, which gives it a rosewood effect. It has two drawers and is ma...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Kingwood, Mahogany

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...
Category

2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Plywood, Walnut

1970s Peter Protzman Zebrawood executive desk for Herman Miller
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Peter Protzman’s zebra wood executive desk for Herman Miller. These were manufactured in 1970 and 1971. This desk was only produced for a short period of time because of issues with ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

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

Modern Castelo Console Table, Sahara Marble, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Castelo Console, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Steel

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

Modernist desk by Etienne Fermigier, France, 1970s
Located in Lyon, FR
Beautiful modernist desk by Etienne Fermigier, produced by JFR, made in France in the 1970s. Laminate top, aluminum structure. Very good condition, few traces of time on the top.
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Amorph Astra Desk Graphite Walnut stain on Ash wood with Top leather
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

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

Walnut Orange MiMi Table by Miduny, Made in Italy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Merging clean lines with warm materials, the faceted geometry of the MiMi table creates a slender, graceful profile punctuated with painted surfaces that ca...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Plywood, Birch

21st Century Antigua Writing Desk in Carbalho by Roberto Cavalli Home Interiors
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
Antigua desk, with its sculptural design and its luxurious charm, is the perfect centerpiece for prestigious working spaces. In this version, features a top and chest of drawers with...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Organic Modern Armona Desk, Walnut 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

Lounger and ottoman "Alta" by Oscar Niemeyer / Authentic
Located in Zürich, CH
Lounge chair "Alta" was designed in 1971 by Oscar Niemeyer, in collaboration with Anna Maria Niemeyer and produced by Mobilier International. Niemeyer was a Brazilian architect consi...
Category

1970s Brazilian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Italian suitcase-shaped leather desk in modern style
Located in Milano, IT
In the eclectic world of interior design, there is an extraordinary Italian leather desk, a true gem of the vibrant 1980s. This is no ordinary desk, but an extravagant piece that defies convention and captures the spirit of travel. Imagine, if you will, a desk that dares to resemble a travel suitcase, an unconventional masterpiece that blurs the boundaries between form and function. This desk is a symphony of modern style, a true testament to the creativity that flourished in the 1980s. The entire desk is lovingly upholstered in the richest brown leather, every inch adorned with hand-stitching that testifies to the meticulous craftsmanship of its creator. It is a tactile delight, inviting you to run your fingers over its smooth surface and every stitch testifies to the craftsmanship with which it was created. But what sets this desk apart are the two pull-out drawers, cleverly concealed in its suitcase-like façade. The handles, which are reminiscent of those of a real travel suitcase HOOKED WITH BRASS STUDS, invite you to explore its secrets. It is as if this desk were a portal to another world, a world where creativity knows no limits. Each piece seamlessly stitched together, forming a harmonious blend of texture and structure. The corners, reinforced by studded leather elements reminiscent of vintage travel...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Organic Modern Armona Desk, Walnut, 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

Wood, Walnut

Organic Modern Armona Desk, Oak Root, 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

Wood, Oak

Freestanding Console - Desk, Reception Writing Table in Bright Yellow
Located in Milano, IT
Contemporary console with integrated writing desk and matching stool, from the Silös collection by Spinzi. It's been designed to offer a compact yet comfortable solution in small ro...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Writing Desk In Solid Wood and Glass Worktop
Located in New York, NY
The "Writing" desk, a distinguished creation by Giovanna Azzarello for Riva 1920, elegantly combines functionality and style. Constructed from robust solid walnut, this desk offers a...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Glass

Organic Modern Castelo Desk, Green Marble Brass, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Castelo Desk, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Castelo modern desk table pays h...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

ESCRITORIO Antonio Ferretti
Located in MADRID, ES
Antonio Ferretti Escritorio en madera de roble y latón con metalpintado. Italia, años 60, Medidas: 79x96x60 cm. Marca de producción
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Jacob Kjær Mid Century Rio Rosewood 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

Xitle Desk with 2 Drawers
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

Tessellated Stone Console / Desk
Located in Denton, TX
Two tone Tessellated stone Console / Desk with two drawers and finished on all sides so it can be floated in a room.
Category

20th Century Philippine Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stone

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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