Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
SCANDINAVIAN MODERN STYLE
Scandinavian modernism is perhaps the warmest and most organic iteration of modernist design. The work of the designers associated with vintage Scandinavian modern furniture was founded on centuries-old beliefs in both quality craftsmanship and the ideal that beauty should enhance even the humblest accessories of daily life.
ORIGINS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Emerged in the 1930s
- Scandinavian design and Nordic design originated primarily in Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Iceland and Norway
- Introduced in the United States in mid-20th century
- Informed by the Bauhaus; influenced American mid-century modernism
CHARACTERISTICS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Bold, clean lines and simple, sturdy symmetries
- Use of natural materials — native woods such as pine, ash and beech
- Open, airy spaces
- Promotion of functionality
- Emphasis on craftsmanship; rooted in cabinetry profession and traditional construction techniques
- Minimal ornamentation (little to no embellishment)
- A neutral or light color palette owing to prominence of light woods
SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Alvar Aalto
- Hans Wegner
- Kaare Klint
- Arne Jacobsen
- Greta Magnusson Grossman
- Finn Juhl
- Arne Vodder
- Verner Panton
ICONIC SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The gentle, organic contours that are typical of Scandinavian design appear in the furnishings and decor created by 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.
Each nation produced exceptional talents in all areas of the applied arts, yet each had its forté. Sweden was home to Greta Magnusson Grossman and Bruno Mathsson — creators of the classic Grasshopper lighting series and Berlin daybed, respectively — but the country excelled most notably at ceramics. In the 1920s at the great Gustavsberg porcelain manufactory, Wilhelm Kåge introduced pieces in the Scandinavian style 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, created in collaboration with his first wife, Aino. 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 the revolutionary architect and furniture innovator 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, a stylistic maverick and maker of the bold Chieftain chair; Poul Kjaerholm, with his lean metal-and-rattan aesthetic; and Verner Panton, who introduced a vibrant Pop note into international design.
Today, decades after their heyday, the prolific, ever-evolving Scandinavian modernists continue to amaze and delight, and interior designers all over the world use their pieces to bring warmth to any given space.
On 1stDibs, you will note both instantly recognizable vintage Scandinavian modern chairs, sofas, rugs and tables — those that have earned iconic status over time — and many new discoveries.
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Style: Scandinavian Modern
French Gray-Blue Rectangular Console Table in Solid Wood by Eric Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This grey blue rectangular console table / desk is designed by Eric Gizard in Paris. It is 100% made of solid ash wood from sustainably managed and PEFC certified French forests.
...
Category
2010s French Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Lacquer, Ash
Poul Kjaerholm PK53 Desk for E. Kold Christensen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Poul Kjaerholm PK53. Executed by E. Kold Christensen, Denmark.
Oak and dull chromium-plated steel.
Literature: Michael Sheridan, The Funiture o...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Desk in Teak of Danish Design from the 1970s
Located in Lejre, DK
This teak desk from the 1970s encapsulates the essence of Danish design with its sleek lines, functional elegance, and warm, natural materials. Crafted with meticulous attention to ...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Arne Jacobsen Munkegaard School Desk Produced by Fritz Hansen in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare Munkegaard school desk designed by Arne Jacobsen. Produced by Fritz Hansen in Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Rare Freestanding Desk in Teak by Heinrich Althoff, 1960s
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Very cool freestanding desk produced by Heinrich Althoff around 1960. Made of teak wood with beautiful sculptural drawer handles. The asymmetric and light architecture with rounded t...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Desk in the style of Finn Juhl & Arne Vodder Produced in Denmark
By Finn Juhl, Arne Vodder
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare freestanding desk in the style of Finn Juhl & Arne Vodder. Produced in Denmark.
Measures: Width: 170 ( 226.5) cm.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Dining Table by Yngve Ekström, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Dining table or desk designed by Yngve Ekstrom, produced by Swedese, Sweden, 1960s.
Very good condition with small signs of usage.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Desk model Copenhague CPH90 in oak designed by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, 1990s
By HAY
Located in Lejre, DK
Desk model Copenhague CPH90 in oak designed by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec manufactured by Hay.
H: 75 W: 130 D: 65
Category
1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Freestanding Desk by Mogens Koch
By Mogens Koch
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Freestanding desk in oak with shelf underneath. Mogens Koch / Rud. Rasmussen Snedkerier.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
1965 Danish Arne Jacobsen Saint Catherines Desk and Chair in Oak by Fritz Hansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Danish Arne Jacobsen Saint Catherines desk and chair in laminated oak by Fritz Hansen
The set is marked with a Fritz Hansens production label fro...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Poul Volther Desk Produced by FDB Møbler in Denmark
By Poul Volther
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare desk designed by Poul Volther. Produced by FDB Møbler in Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Poul Nørreklit Freestanding Desk by Sigurd Hansens Møbelfabrik in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare freestanding desk designed by Poul Nørreklit. Produced by Sigurd Hansens møbelfabrik in Denmark.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
1940s Danish Oak Table with Twisted Legs and New Patinated Leather Top by Cabine
Located in Lejre, DK
This table is a beautiful example of Danish craftsmanship from the 1940s, created by a Danish cabinetmaker. The frame is made of solid oak, characterized by twisted, sturdy legs that...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Oak
Scandinavian vintage teak desk with three drawers
Located in Brescia, IT
1950s/60s teak desk with three-drawer side block and elegant construction details.
Vintage Scandinavian desk dating from the 1950s/60s, made of teak with slender legs and exposed si...
Category
1950s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Scandinavian two-tone vintage teak desk
Located in Brescia, IT
Clear desk and teak drawers. Three drawers with molded handles and flip top on one side.
Streamlined design with sharp contrasts between the clear frame and the three dark teak draw...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
1970s Borge Mogensen Fully Restored Folding Oak Conference / Dining Tables
Located in Knebel, DK
Refinished oak folding tables designed by Børge Mogensen in 1971 and made by Fredericia Stolefabrik.
The flexible folding tables were originally designed as a conference tables cons...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Poul Hundevad & Kai Winding Dining Table by Poul Hundevad & Co in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare dining table / work table designed by Poul Hundevad & Kai Winding. Produced by Poul Hundevad & Co. in Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Jørgen Berg. Danish Writing Desk In Rosewood, 1960-1970
By Jørgen Berg
Located in Kastrup, DK
Jørgen Berg.
Danish writing desk in Rio rosewood.
Fall-front fitted with a writing slope with brown leather that lifts up to reveal an open interior storag...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Arne Vodder Desk Produced by Sibast Møbelfabrik in Denmark
By Arne Vodder
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare freestanding desk designed by Arne Vodder. Produced by Sibast Møbelfabrik in Denmark.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Desk Probably Produced in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare desk by unknown designer. Probably produced in Sweden.
Category
1960s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Large Poul Kjaerholm PK55 Scandinavian Dining Table by Ejvindt Kold Christensen
Located in Dronten, NL
Exceptionally well preserved example of iconic work / dining table model PK55 designed by Danish architect Poul Kjaerholm in 1957, manufactured by Ejvindt Kold Christensen according ...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
EM Desk by DUVALD Contemporary Vanity Desk Handcrafted in Denmark. Mirror.
By Örn Duvald, DUVALD
Located in Gentofte, DK
EM Desk manifests a unique design language and functionality, combining in one desk both work and vanity with an elegant and soft aesthetic expression. This exclusive hand crafted pi...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Other
Blue wooden handcrafted writing table, designed by Eric Gizard in Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This sea blue rectangular console table / desk is designed by Eric Gizard in Paris. It is 100% made of solid ash wood from sustainably managed and PEFC certified French forests.
Collection ÉGÉE
This desk is part of the ÉGÉE collection designed by Eric Gizard in Paris. Eric combines the sleek and refined codes of Scandinavian design with natural materials and muted and "trendy" colorful lacquers.
Mon Petit Meuble...
Category
2010s French Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Lacquer, Ash
French light blue rectangular wooden hand-crafted writing table
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This light blue rectangular console table / desk is designed by Eric Gizard in Paris. It is 100% made of solid ash wood from sustainably managed and PEFC certified French forests.
...
Category
2010s French Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Lacquer, Ash
Custom-Made Desk, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Custom-made desk from the 1960s, produced in Sweden.
Very high quality. Mint condition.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Karl-Erik Ekselius Desk / Dining Table Produced by JOC in Vetlanda, Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare and large desk / dining table designed by Karl-Erik Ekselius. Produced by JOC in Vetlanda, Sweden.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Scandinavian "A2" Multi Table by Bengt Johan Gullberg, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Hägersten, SE
Multi table model "A2" designed by Bengt Johan Gullberg. Produced in Sweden by Gullberg Trading Company during the 1950s. Made from raw lacquered steel and teak wood. Good vintage co...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
writing desk model Roman Large
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Roman is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian functionalism.
Entirely made in France, each piece is individually produced according to you...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Early Hans J. Wegner teak desk model AT-305, 1955
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Early Hans J. Wegner teak desk with three integrated drawers and two drop leaves.
Designed 1955 and manufactured by cabinetmaker Anders Tuck, Denmark. Marked by maker.
Dimension:...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
"Heritage" Chilean Mesquite Solid Bronze-Leg Desk with Brass Butterfly Inlays
Located in Frankfurt, KY
Custom-made solid brass butterfly inlays interlock book-matched Chilean Mesquite atop a solid bronze base. Honoring the South American origins of Chile...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze, Brass
Borge Mogensen Drop-Leaf Office or Dining Table in Teak and Steel Denmark
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
Danish Modernism free-standing office desk or dining table, model 206 by Borge Morgensen, made of fined teak top and matte chrome-plated steel fra...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Rare desk in mahogany with two drawers by Vilhelm Wohlert
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Rare desk in mahogany with two drawers and feet. Designed in 1958 by Vilhelm Wohlert for cabinetmaker Arne Poulsen.
NOTE: Restoration of the desk is included within the price.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Poul Nørreklit desk model GP 160 by Georg Petersens møbelfabrik in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare freestanding desk model GP 160 designed by Poul Nørreklit. Produced by Georg Petersens møbelfabrik in Denmark.
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
writing desk model Roman Small
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Roman is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian functionalism.
Entirely made in France, each piece is individually produced according to you...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Williams Writing Desk Maple Mustard
Located in Cincinnati, US
A thin, elegant and light desk that can be customized to any color desired. This handcrafted item perfectly blends industrial hairpin legs with a beveled wooden top. The irregular be...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
"Jomfruhår" Scandinavian Modern Ginkgo Biloba Waterfall Slab Table
Located in Frankfurt, KY
A substantial, single slab of Ginkgo Biloba both simultaneously waterfalls while being supported with a singular, solid brass base. Custom-made Mexican P...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Fabricius and Kastholm Dining Table Danish Scandinavian Design
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Rare dining table designed by Preben Fabricius and Jorgen Kastholm for Bo-Ex.
Base made of steel with a top glass.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Hemm Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Hemm Desk is a contemporary design inspired by the classic drafting table of the Mid-Century Modern movement. An exercise in simplicity, with all the necessary details to support...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ash, Oak, Walnut
Johan Rohde Unique Desk in Mahogany and Brass
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Johan Rohde desk in mahogany with brass fittings. Right side have three drawers and left has three shelfs when doors open.
Provenance: This desk was made for H. P. Rohde in 1945, wh...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
November Light table in ash by Louise Campbell
Located in Fiskars, FI
The light drawing table fits into hotel rooms, shops, homes and offices among others. Its drawer, as well as the whole table, is made following the old table making traditions of the...
Category
2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ash
Teak and Steel Desk by Ejner Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A teak desk with steel frame and pulls, with a left side return housing filing shelves designed by Ejner Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen. Return dimensions; 39.5" W, 17.5" D, 26.5" H.
Category
1960s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
JO Desk by DUVALD Contemporary Desk Handcrafted in Denmark. Hardwood, steel
By Örn Duvald
Located in Gentofte, DK
The desk explores tactility in a working environment. Modern work life is digital and rather one-dimensional and abstract in the sense of the small space this occupies. JO desk is about perceptions of materiality and construction and encourages engagement and the feeling of physical things.
The table explores the contrast between warm and cold materials, as well as soft and hard edges.The beautiful warm hardwood tabletop rests on top of the cold tubular steel frame, and they melt together in a balance between function and aesthetics.
A floating box...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Teak Desk with Leather Inset by Atvidabergs Snickerifabrik
Located in San Francisco, CA
A teak desk, showcasing a leather-inset writing pad and a sleek, built-in drawer for convenient storage. Bearing the Åtvidabergs Snickerifabrik maker’s mark on the inside drawer, thi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak, Leather
Large Elmwood Desk by Bernt Petersen
Located in San Francisco, CA
A substantial elm wood desk by Bernt Petersen for Henrik Worts featuring 2 locking drawers.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Elm
Scandinavian Modern desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian 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, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern desks and writing tables made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Denmark 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 Éric Gizard, Børge Mogensen, Hans J. Wegner, and Arne Vodder. 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 $458 and tops out at $90,000 while the average work can sell for $4,800.