Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
SCANDINAVIAN MODERN STYLE
The gentle, organic contours that are typical of vintage Scandinavian modern furniture appear in the work of Danish, Finnish and Swedish designers not as a stylistic gesture, but rather as a practical, ergonomic — and, as importantly, elegant — response to the human form.
Characterized by bold, clean lines and simple, sturdy symmetries, Scandinavian modernism is perhaps the warmest and most organic iteration of modernist design. The work of the designers associated with this style was founded on centuries-old beliefs in both quality craftsmanship and the ideal that beauty should enhance even the humblest accessories of daily life.
Each nation produced exceptional talents in all areas of the applied arts, yet each had its forté. Sweden was home to Bruno Mathsson, creator of the classic Grasshopper chair and Berlin daybed, but the country excelled most notably at ceramics. In the ’20s at the great Gustavsberg porcelain manufactory, Wilhelm Kåge introduced Scandinavian modern pieces based on influences from folklore to Cubism; his skills were passed on to his versatile and inspired pupils Berndt Friberg and Stig Lindberg.
Likewise, Finland produced a truly ingenious Scandinavian modern furniture designer in the architect Alvar Aalto, a master at melding function and artistic form in works like the Paimio chair. Yet Finnish glassware was pre-eminent, crafted in expressive, sculptural designs by Tapio Wirkkala and Timo Sarpaneva.
The Danes excelled at chairs. Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen were exemplars of the country’s facility with wood, particularly teak.
Wegner created such iconic pieces as the Round chair and the Wishbone chair; Jacobsen — while he produced the best-selling plywood Ant chair — designed two classic upholstered pieces of the 1950s: the Swan chair and Egg chair. The list of great Danes could go on and on, including Finn Juhl, maker of the bold Chieftain chair; Poul Kjaerholm, with his lean metal-and-rattan aesthetic; and Vernor Panton, who introduced a vibrant Pop note into international design.
On 1stDibs, you will note both instantly recognizable vintage Scandinavian modern designs — those that have earned iconic status over time — and many new discoveries. Even more than 50 years on from their heyday, the prolific, ever-evolving Scandinavian modernists continue to amaze and delight.
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Style: Scandinavian Modern
Mid-Century Freestanding Oak Desk in Solid Oak, Danish Cabinetmaker, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
Mid-century freestanding desk in solid oak and with brass handles. Made by a Danish cabinetmaker in 1950s.
Nice curves for this perfect office desk. Overall a great impression.
T...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Desk in Solid Mahogany Designed by Frits Heningsen, 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Freestanding desk in solid mahogany with three drawers, designed and made by cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen. Made in Denmark, great original condition.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Rare Rosewood & Lucite Desk by Poul Nørreklit for S.H. Møbelfabrik, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare Rosewood and Lucite executive pedestal desk was designed by Poul Nørreklit and produced by Sigurd Hansens Møbelfabrik in Denmark in the 1960s.
Incredible vivid Rosewood ...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Lucite, Rosewood
Hardwood Desk with Raised Edge by Erik Riisager Hansen
Located in Madrid, ES
Sleek desk made of hardwood with partly raised edge. Slim tapered legs. Drawer section with three drawers. Designed by Erik Riisager Hansen and manufactured by Haslev Møbelsnedkeri.
...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood, Beech
Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen Writing Desk in Solid Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, desk model 310, solid teak, Denmark, 1950s.
This exceptional desk is created by the Danish designers Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen....
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen Desk Model '310' in Solid Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, desk model 310, solid teak, Denmark, 1950s.
Stunning desk designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. It truly holds the quintessenti...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Clarke Desk Walnut Black
Located in Cincinnati, US
The Clarke Collection comes in ten different table top sizes, two wood species, and two metal finishes. The exposed stainless steel bolts blur the line between Scandinavian and Indus...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Danish Desk by Aksel Bender Madsen & Ejner Larsen, Denmark
Located in Utrecht, NL
Beautiful distinguished Danish desk, made of mahogany (mainly solid) by Danish designers Ejner Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen from 1960.
The desk is full of beautiful detailing such ...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Large Secretary Desk in Ash Wood Made in France
By Eric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This large secretary desk is designed by the famous parisian Designer Eric Gizard and delivered fully mounted.
The overall dimensions of the box itself are
Width 120 cm / 47.2''...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Ash, Lacquer
Swedish Art Deco Oval Dining Table in Burl Wood, 1930s
By Josef Frank
Located in Odense, DK
A rare Art deco beauty made in burl wood with some amazing golden brown grains. Made in 1930s by a Swedish cabinetmaker.
This monumental oval dining table will complementary many i...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Birch, Burl
Ole Wanscher Freestanding Desk in Rosewood Made by A.J. Iversen, Copenhagen 1959
Located in Odense, DK
Rare and important desk designed by Ole Wanscher and manufactured at master cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen in 1959. Exhibited at the Danish Cabinetmakers Guild exhibition the same year. T...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Swedish Västerviks Mobelsnickareskola Fall-Front Desk, circa 1975
Located in New York, NY
A Swedish birch, walnut and burl walnut fall-front desk, circa 1975, the rectangular top above a single long drawer and a fall front writing surface. The interior with numerous small...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Square Desk in Ash Wood Designed by Eric Gizard, 100% Made in France
By Eric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This square desk is made of solid ash wood and designed by Eric Gizard, famous Parisian Designer
1 wooden drawer in the front
Our woods come exclusively from sustainable manage...
Category
2010s French Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ash, Lacquer, Wood
Contemporary Black Dining Table in Solid Oak by Coolican & Company (36" x 96")
Located in Mississauga, Ontario
Carefully selected materials and refined proportions give the Lakeshore table an elegant, rational quality. Brass-pinned breadboard ends and quarter sawn white oak top are centuries-...
Category
2010s Canadian Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Swedish Modern Solid Pine Desk, Axel Einar Hjorth Style, Made in 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Mid-century solid pine desk / dining table. Crafted by a Swedish cabinetmaker in 1960s.
Similar to the Lovö series designed by Axel Einar Hjorth.
A fine brutalist object with a ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Svend Madsen Modern Danish Teak Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a great size desk by Sven Madsen.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Desk Designed by Gustaf Axel Berg, Produced by G.A. Berg Sweden, 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Black lacquered birch, elm and pewter inlay.
Measures: H: 75 cm/ 29 1/2''
L: 150 cm/ 4' 11''
D: 75 cm/ 2' 6''
Provenance: private collection, Sweden
Gustaf Axel Berg ran h...
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Birch, Elm
Mid Century Danish Drop Leaf Expanding Desk Arne Vodder
By Arne Vodder
Located in Baltimore, MD
A desk with incredible form and presence. This rare most attractive original Danish Modern drop leaf desk by Arne Vodder (1926-2009) designed for Sibast Mobler in Denmark, features a...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard Rosewood Desk Vanity
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare writing table attributed to Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard.
Great condition with newly restored rosewood.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Svend Aage Madsen Desk Produced by K. Knudsen & Søn in Denmark
Located in Malmo, SE
Rare desk designed by Svend Aage Madsen. Produced by K. Knudsen & Søn in Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Ole Wanscher Desk Produced by Cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen in Denmark
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Malmo, SE
Rare freestanding desk designed by Ole Wanscher. Produced by cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen in Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
1980s Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sørensen Desk and Chair, Mahogany and Red Leather
Located in Knebel, DK
Fully restored desk and armchair designed for Botium and Frederecia Furniture in 1980s.
The desk and chair are made of mahogany with red leather seat on the chair and are part of th...
Category
1980s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Danish Desk by Erik Riisager Hansen, Haslev Møbelsnedkeri, Denmark
Located in Utrecht, NL
Vintage teak desk, model 66, designed by Danish designer Erik Riisager Hansen, executed by Haslev Mobelsnedkeri, Denmark.
A Haslev label with model number can be found underneath of...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Danish Teak Draw Leaf Dining Table by Henning Kjaernulf for Vejle Stole
Located in Miami, FL
Clever and clean design in this mid-century Scandinavian Modern expandable dining table designed by Henning Kjaernulf, manufactured by Vejle Stole and Mobelfabrik in the 1960s. The t...
Category
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Aksel Bender Madsen & Ejner Larsen Desk by Næstved Møbelfabrik in Denmark
Located in Malmo, SE
Rare desk designed by Aksel Bender Madsen & Ejner Larsen. Produced by Næstved Møbelfabrik in Denmark.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Jacob Kjær Writing Desk
By Jacob Kjaer
Located in Nordhavn, DK
Jacob Kjær 1896-1957.
A freestanding Jacob Kjær Walnut desk.
Front features four drawers.
An elegant and beautiful desk with fine details. The build quality and materials are of the ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Danish Teak Desk
Located in London, GB
A Danish midcentury desk of unknown designer/maker. Regardless, this is a highly unusual piece of design and build. The teak laminated surface is draped -molded over a frame in the m...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak, Plywood
Danish Modern Teak Secretary by Arne Hovmand-Olsen Mogens Kold, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Munster, DE
Teak secretary designed by Arne Hovmand-Olsen. The secretary impresses with great veneer and beautifully crafted interior.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Secrétaire with optimized storage space, scandinavian design by E. Gizard, Paris
By Eric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This secretary Desk belongs to our ÉGÉE COLLECTION and has been created in a KUBE concept for optimized storage spaces.
The ÉGÉE collection is designed by the Parisian designer Eri...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Ash, Lacquer
Alvar Aalto Desk and Chair Model 65, made by Artek, Finland in the 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Odense, DK
Alvar Aalto work table and chair model 65 in wonderful vintage condition made at Artek in the 1960s. Table is made of laminated elm and the chair is made of birch. Original wool upho...
Category
1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Birch, Elm
Free-Standing Desk by Kai Kristiansen for Feldballes Møbelfabrik, Denmark, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Free-standing desk by Kai Kristiansen for Feldballes Møbelfabrik, Denmark 1950s. This is Model No 70 made out of teak. Lovely triangular shaped runner legs. Two compartments of drawe...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Oak Writing Desk by Yngvar Sandstrom
Located in Madrid, ES
Oak desk designed by Yngvar Sandström and manufactured by AB Seffle Möbelfabrik in Sweden. The desk features two drawers on both sides that can be easily removed. Keys included. Stam...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Large Free-Standing Desk with Drawers in Solid Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Desk with chest of drawers, solid pine, Europe, 1960s
This asymmetrically designed desk can be placed as a free-standing element in the room. A striking tension is created by plac...
Category
1960s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Midcentury Desk in Rosewood, Danish Modern, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Freestanding desk in rosewood designed and made in Denmark in the 1960s. Great condition.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Arnold Madsen Club Legged Desk / Table in Beech, Scandinavian Modern, 1940s
Located in Odense, DK
Early and important desk attributed to Danish designer Arnold Madsen. The club-shaped legs are made from solid pieces of hand turned beechwood and resembles the legs on Madsens famou...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Beech
Secretary Desk in White, South Scandinavian Design by Eric Gizard, Paris
By Eric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This Secretary desk in solid and veneer ash wood is designed by famous parisian Designer Eric Gizard
The Kube itself (without the feet height) is Width 90 cm / 35.4'' x Height 90...
Category
2010s French Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ash
Midcentury Desk in Rosewood, Danish Modern, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Freestanding desk in rosewood designed and made in Denmark in the 1960s. Great condition.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Desk in Teak Designed by Omann Junior, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Desk in teak designed by Omann Junior from the 1960s. The table is in great vintage condition.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Børge Mogensen for Søborg Desk in Teak and Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Børge Mogensen for Søborg Møbelfabrik, desk, model '203', teak and steel, Denmark, 1953.
This slender, elegant desk features a thin steel frame and a soft, veneered teak top and dra...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Palette JH9, Brass & Lacquered Walnut Desk by Jaime Hayon for & Tradition
By Jaime Hayon
Located in Lebanon, LB
Inspired by Alexander Calder’s kinetic sculptures, Spanish designer Jaime Hayon transformed the idea of a mobile into a table - stabilised by a metal armature.
This Palette Desk is ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass, Steel
Console Desk in solid Ash Wood by Eric Gizard, South Scandinavian Style
By Eric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This console table is made of solid ash wood and designed by the famous Parisian Designer Eric Gizard.
Our woods come exclusively from sustainable managed French forests.
1 wooden...
Category
2010s French Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Ash, Lacquer
Nanna Ditzel, Freestanding Desk in Teak by Søren Willadsen, 1958, Denmark
Located in Munster, NRW
This elegant design by Nanna & Jørgen Ditzel serves as a desk, a writing table, library table, or even a console table in a large space.
The spare, minimal form is delightful from ...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Desk by Ejner Larsen & Aksel Bent Madsen for Willy Beck from Poul Cadovious Home
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
This very rare desk was used by designer Poul Cadovious at his home for many years, and is in very nice condition. We do have the provenance for this piece, which will go along with ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Scandinavian Modern Solid Freestanding Pine Desk, Made in 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Scandinavian modern freestanding desk in solid pine, made in 1960s.
Nicely patinated. Great object for the modern interior style.
A fine brutalist set with a warm color and patina t...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Axel-Einar Hjorth, 'Lovö' Table, Nordiska Kompaniet, 1932
Located in Berlin, DE
Pine 'Lovö' table by Swedish Modernist Axel-Einar Hjorth, manufactured by Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden, circa 1932.
Best known for his modern reduced design, this table by Axel-Eina...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Finn Juhl Desk in Teak for Bovirke, Model BO69, 1953
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Finn Juhl freestanding teak writing desk with detachable flip-down leaf. Drawer section with four polychrome lacquered drawers. Anodized metal frame with teak shoes. Designed 1953.
...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Sven Ivar Dysthe Desk in Walnut, Leather and Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sven Ivar Dysthe for Dokka Møbler, desk, walnut, leather, steel, Norway, 1960s
This refined desk is designed by the Norwegian designer Sven Ivar Dysthe. The desk has four tubular st...
Category
1950s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Peter Lovig Nielsen Danish Modern Teak Flip Top Desk
Located in Baltimore, MD
Fabulous highly collectible Danish Modern, mid century expandable, desk/table, designed by Jens Quistgaard of Dansk for Peter Løvig Nielsen, circa 1960s. A remarkable statement of qu...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Desk /Table by Bengt Johan Gullberg, Metal and Teak, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Hägersten, SE
Desk by Bengt Johan Gullberg. Produced by Gullberg trading company in Sweden during the 1950s. Made from black lacquered metal with big rubber feet and table top of teak. Consisting ...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Vintage Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Teak & Oak Executive Desk by Borge Mogen
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is a beautiful scandinavian modern desk in teak and oak woods designed by Borge Mogensen and manufactured by Søborg Møbelfabrik in Denmark in the 1950's.
This exclusive desk, r...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Nanna Ditzel, Freestanding Desk in Oak by Søren Willadsen, 1958, Denmark
Located in Munster, NRW
This elegant design by Nanna & Jørgen Ditzel serves as a desk, a writing table, library table, or even a console table in a large space.
The spare, minimal form is delightful fro...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
1960s Danish Teak Desk by Omann Jun
Located in High Point, NC
A Midcentury Modern desk by Danish designer Omann Jun. Made in the 1960s in teak, this piece epitomizes the clean lines and expert craftsmanship for which the designer is known. The ...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass, Teak
Hans J. Wegner Rare Desk in Oak and Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen, desk JH571, teak, oak, metal, Denmark, design 1953
Out of all the desks that Wegner designed, the ‘JH571‘ is the most 'Wegnerian'. This is mostly...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Danish Modern Desk OS60 by Arne Vodder for Sibast 1959 Teak
By Arne Vodder
Located in Munster, DE
Desk "OS60" by Arne Vodder for Sibast. This desk was made in Denmark around 1959 with excellent teak wood and beautiful details, like solid teak wood drawers. The desk is in excellen...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Danish Modern Writing Desk GE 125 by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA 1970s
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish modern writing desk GE 125 by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA 1970s
Mid-century Danish modern model No GE 125 oak desk designed by Danish architect Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, Denma...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Rare Rosewood Desk by Bodil Kjaer
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Rare model 901 desk in rosewood by Danish designer Bodil Kjaer produced by cabinet maker E. Pedersen & Søn and distributed by Jason Danmark circa 1959.
"I have had a life, not a c...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Hans J. Wegner Vintage Desk AT 305 of Oak Made by Danish Andreas Tuck, 1960s
Located in Aarhus C, DK
Writing desk model AT 305 by the Danish architect Hans J. Wegner and manufactured by Andreas Tuck in the 1960´s in Denmark.
The frame is made of solid oak and the tabletop of oak ve...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Kai Kristiansen Free-Standing Desk in Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kai Kristiansen, desk model '70', teak, brass, Denmark, designed in 1958
Kai Kristiansen designed a well-balanced desk in teak with expressive grain. On two runners on each side t...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
