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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 

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

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
Unique Desk or Table Made by Jens Harald Quistgaard in 1953, Solid Teak and Oak
Located in Odense, DK
A stunning Scandinavian solid unique teak & oak table or desk with continuous drawer and slightly sloping legs and two crossed iron bars. The desk was drawn and executed as a special...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Scandinavian Console Table in solid Ash Wood by Eric Gizard, Paris
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

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

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

Midcentury Desk in Rosewood, Danish Modern, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Desk in rosewood designed and made in Denmark in the 1960s. Great condition.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Danish Midcentury Desk in Teak and Oak, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Freestanding desk in teak with a solid oak frame, designed and made in the 1960s. Made in Denmark, great original condition.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Freestanding Midcentury Desk in Teak, Made in Denmark, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Freestanding desk in teak, designed and made in Denmark. Great original condition.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Midcentury Desk in Rosewood and Stool in Patinated Leather, Danish Modern, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Desk and stool in rosewood designed and made in Denmark in the 1960s. Great condition.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Desk in Teak in Style of Ole Wanscher, Midcentury Danish Design, 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Desk in teak designed and made in Denmark 1950s. Great original condition.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

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

"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

EM Desk by DUVALD Contemporary Vanity Desk Handcrafted in Denmark. Mirror.
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

Steel and Teak Desk by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen. Denmark, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant, minimalist desk by Arne Jacobsen. Sleek steel frame with wooden feet, beautiful teak table top. Neat size.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Erik Riisager Hansen Desk Produced by Haslev Møbelsnedkeri in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare freestanding desk designed by Erik Riisager Hansen. Produced by Haslev Møbelsnedkeri in Denmark.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

"Heritage" Midcentury Modern Brass & Sonoran Mesquite Table With Brass Butterfly
Located in Frankfurt, KY
Custom-made solid brass butterfly inlays interlock book-matched Sonoran Mesquite atop a solid brass base. Indigenous to the southwest Sonoran Desert, the Sonoran Mesquite has a life...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

1970s Borge Mogensen Refinished Folding Conference / Dining Tables in Oak
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

Desk in Teak of Danish Design from the 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This desk is a splendid example of Danish design from the 1960s and represents the era with its timeless appearance and functionality. Made of teak wood, the desk exudes a warm and ...
Category

1960s 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

Hans Wegner Desk Produced by Cabinetmaker Johannes Hansen in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare freestanding desk designed by Hans Wegner. Produced by cabinetmaker Johannes Hansen in Denmark.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

"Heritage" Midcentury Modern Copper and Chilean Mesquite Table With Copper Butte
Located in Frankfurt, KY
Custom-made copper butterfly inlays interlock book-matched Chilean Mesquite atop a solid patina copper base. Honoring the South American origins of C...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Copper

"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

Hans J. Wegner Card Table of Cherry Wood, Made by Firtz Hansen A/S, Denmark 1968
Located in Aarhus C, DK
Round table/card table model 2081 by the Danish architect Hans J. Wegner (1914-2007) and manufactured by Fritz Hansen A/S in September 1968, Denmark. The table is made of cherry woo...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

White Square Desk in Ash Wood Designed by Eric Gizard, 100% Made in France
Located in Landivy, FR
This square desk is made of 100% solid ash wood and designed by Eric Gizard, a famous Parisian Designer 1 wooden drawer is placed in the front This squar...
Category

2010s French Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ash, Lacquer, Wood

Beautifully Crafted Swedish Desk in Teak, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Desk model A10 in teak with drawers on left and partner compartment on other side by Göran Strand for Lelångs Möbelfabrik, Sweden ...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Plexi Glass Desk by Poul Nørreklit, Denmark, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Striking desk by Poul Nørreklit, made from plexi glass with a lacquered wood table top and drawers. Thick, translucent sides, a boxy design with an airy expression.
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Plexiglass, Wood

Midcentury Danish Design Desk in Teak by Svend Aage Madsen, 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Great looking desk in teak with cane details on the frame and the handles. Designed by Svend Aage Madsen. Made in Denmark in the 1950s. Nice original condition.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cane, Teak

JO Desk by DUVALD Contemporary Desk Handcrafted in Denmark. Hardwood, steel
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

Scandinavian Modern Teak Office Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish Scandinavian Modern desk features broad Danish design and teak finish. Dovetail details and carved drawer pulls add to the spacious storage offered within its four drawe...
Category

Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Arne Vodder Desk Produced by Sibast Møbelfabrik in Denmark
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

Dining Table in Solid Scandinavian Pine by Søborg Furniture, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Dining table in Scandinavian solid pine, designed and made by Søborg Furniture. Made in Denmark, great original condition.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Børge Mogensen Desk Produced by Søborg Møbler in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare desk designed by Børge Mogensen. Produced by Søborg Møbler in Denmark. Dimensions (W x D x H): 133 ( 180 ) x 80 x 71 cm.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

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

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

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Jens Risom Desk Produced by Gutenberghus in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare large executive desk designed by Jens Risom. Produced by Gutenberghus in Denmark.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Steel

Hans Wegner Desk Model JH-563 by Cabinetmaker Johannes Hansen in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare freestanding desk model JH-563 designed by Hans Wegner. Produced by cabinetmaker Johannes Hansen in Denmark.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Børge Mogensen Dining Table / Desk Produced by Søborg Møbler in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare dining table / desk designed by Børge Mogensen. Produced by Søborg Møbler in Denmark.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

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

Hans Wegner Desk Model AT325 for Andreas Tuck
Located in San Francisco, CA
Hans Wegner desk model AT325 for Andreas Tuck, Denmark. Large and impressive desk made with high quality construction and attention to detail, newly refinished ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

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

Desk Produced in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare desk by unknown designer. Produced in Sweden.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Teak

Aksel Bender Madsen & Ejner Larsen Desk by Næstved Møbelfabrik in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
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

Desk Produced in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare freestanding desk by unknown designer. Produced in Denmark.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Finn Juhl Desk Model NV-40 by Niels Vodder in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare desk NV-40 designed by Finn Juhl. Produced by cabinetmaker Niels Vodder in Denmark.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

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

1960s Arne Vodder Fully Restored Executive Desk in Teak by Sibast
Located in Knebel, DK
Large executive desk in teak designed by Arne Vodder for Sibast Møbler. The spacious desk is well designed and not least well crafted not only by hand by also by heart to create not...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

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

Svend Aage Madsen Desk Produced by K. Knudsen & Søn in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
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

Rare Børge Mogensen Teak Steel Desk Vintage Midcentury Soborg Mobler Danish Mod
Located in Hyattsville, MD
This desk is missing additional right side desk leaf, but unnecessary. Rare and iconic Danish modern design by Børge Mogensen for Soborg Mobelfabrik of Denmark. Beautiful condition,...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Poul Volther Desk Produced by FDB Møbler in Denmark
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

Hans J Wegner Solid Teak Architect's Desk Model 571
Located in Minneapolis, MN
This is a beautiful and pristine solid teak desk by Hans J. Wegner, made by Johannes Hansen in the mid-1950s. Stainless hardware, all teak. Condition is excellent. Professional, s...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

1960s Danish Solid Teak Table / Desk by Hans Wegner for Johannes Hansen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare Danish modern solid teak table / desk with clean sides and a recessed apron with chromium hardware. Designed by Hans Wegner, crafted by Johannes Hansen in the 1960s.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Hadar Schmidt Desk in Rosewood Produced by Hadar Schmidt in Sweden
By Hadar Schmidt
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare desk designed by Hadar Schmidt. Produced by Hadar Schmidt in Sweden.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Convertible Danish Desk, Dining Table or Partners Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Teak top with drawers on either side elevated on ebonized tapered legs. With the legs set at the four corners, it functions as a partners desk or a dining table in the middle of a ro...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak, Wood

Swedish Art Moderne Black Writing Desk with Zebra Hide Insert
Located in Atlanta, GA
Fabulous black lacquered writing desk with bookcase and lockable cabinet on front and curved desktop, pencil drawer and another cabinet wit...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cowhide, Leather, Wood

Poul Kjaerholm Professor Desk for Rud. Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Poul Kjaerholm professor desk. Oxidixed steel frame and top of Oregon Pine. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen, Copenhagen.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Poul Volther Desk Produced by FDB Møbler in Denmark
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

Desk/Dining Table, Anonymous, Denmark, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Desk/dining table, anonymous, Denmark, 1950s. Teak top with lacquered wood base. Measures: H 72 cm/ 28 ½” L 175 cm/ 5' 9” D 75 cm/ 29 ½”.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

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.

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