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Modern Desks

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Barbara Barry for Baker Mahogany Vanity Desk
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Barbara Barry for Baker Mahogany Vanity Desk This desk measures: 54 wide x 25 deep x 30.25 high, with a chair clearance of 25.5 inches We take our photos in a controlled lighting s...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Modern Mira Console Table, Onyx Miel, Brass, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mira Console, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Mira onyx console table stands out as a bold expression of modern sophistication. Inspired...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks

Materials

Onyx, Quartz, Travertine, Marble, Carrara Marble, Brass

Modernist Tubular Steel Desk, Glossy Lacquered Wood, Plated Metal, Customizable
Located in Berlin, DE
Modernist tubular steel desk in glossy lacquered wood and plated metal, c. 1950. The wood finish is customizable, delivery time c. 8-12 weeks.
Category

2010s German Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

005 Palm Wood and Metal Desk in the Manner of Pierre Chareau
Located in Glendale, CA
'005' Palm Wood and Metal Desk in the Manner of Pierre Chareau Handcrafted in the Los Angeles and French workshops of noted French designer a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks

Materials

Steel

Organic Modern Pontes Desk, Green Marble Brass, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Pontes Desk, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Pontes ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks

Materials

Marble, Brass

Delphine Mirrored Desk
Located in New York, NY
Reflectology. Minimalist forms meet Maximalist glamour. Antiqued mirror with a polished brass base. Our Delphine Desk features a single center drawer finished with bright robin's egg...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

Modern Chiado Console Table, Leather Oak Root, 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

Materials

Brass

Herringbone Waterfall Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
Herringbone Waterfall Desk, create a serene space for work and moments of reflection with this parsons style desk, engaging the senses with its fluid f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Desks

Materials

Wood

Modern Shagreen Leather Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
A modern shagreen embossed leather-wrapped desk with a brass tone iron-framed base. Three drawers with marbleized paper-lined interiors and with brass ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Simply Modern Writing Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
An elegant modern writing table with three singular leather wrapped drawers, our Cardamon finish on the veneered frame (and handles) with panel en...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Desks

Materials

Wood

Rationalist Desk by Giuseppe Pagano for Maggioni, Veneered Wood, Italy, c. 1940
Located in Berlin, DE
Rationalist wooden desk designed by Giuseppe Pagano Pogatschnig and manufactured by Maggioni, Varedo, circa 1940. The desk was designed for the Bocconi faculty in Milan.
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

Modern Black Writing Table Desk or Vanity Console in high gloss
Located in Riga, LV
Refined elegance and classic design characterize the Kanttari Writing Desk. The definition of rich furniture design, this beautiful writing desk is handmade with soft to touch black ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

1979 Warren Platner for Knoll Executive Desk in Leather, Oak, and Chromed Steel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Large Executive Desk, designed by Warren Platner for Knoll International in 1973. The desk features a minimalist design, having a chromed-steel cantilever base. It has an i...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Italian Mid Century sculptural Desk Table designed by Vittorio Dassi in 1950s
Located in Traversetolo, IT
This elegant mid-century Italian design desk was designed by Vittorio Dassi in the 1950s. The piece is characterized by a refined design that alternates soft and rounded lines with a...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

Rúna Small Desk, by Isabel Ahm from Warm Nordic
Located in Viby J, DK
Timeless desk with a poetic idiom and a neat little drawer. With its pure and Classic design, Rúna creates a space around itself and boosts your entire interior design whether the de...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Slovenian Modern Desks

Materials

Wood

Calen Desk by Madheke
Located in Geneve, CH
Calen desk by Madheke. Dimensions: D 90 x W 210 x H 78.5 cm. Materials: leather, wood, veneer, metal. Classic leather front and upper, dead matte veneer, bronzed metal detailing...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Calen Desk by Madheke
Calen Desk by Madheke
$17,886 / item
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

Materials

Onyx, Brass

1960s Florence Knoll Partners Desk in Walnut and Chrome with Four Drawers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Florence Knoll Partners Desk or Executive Table, Model 2485, designed in 1961. It was manufactured in the 1960s by Knoll International. It features a walnut top that sits o...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Amuneal’s Collector’s 4 Bay Office Unit
Located in New York, NY
Four bays of our collector’s shelving system are used to create this modular office configuration with desk, adjustable display shelving, drawers and la...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

Scala Luxury Monumental Geometric "Popova" Desk
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Scala Luxury Monumental Geometric "Popova" Desk This desk measures: 79 wide x 39 deep x 29 high, with a chair clearance of 25 inches We take our photos in a controlled lighting stu...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks

Materials

Wood

Eurocraft Walnut Executive Desk
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Eurocraft Walnut Executive Desk This desk measures: 60 wide x 30 deep x 29.5 high, with a chair clearance of 24.5 inches We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Desks

Materials

Walnut

2020 Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen CH110 Executive Desk Walnut Stainless 2x Avail
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a CH110 Executive desk, originally designed by Hans Wegner in 1970. This particular example was produced by Carl Hansen in Denmark in the 2020. The desk is comprised of both ...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Desks

Materials

Stainless Steel

Italian Mid Century Table Desk and chair designed by Vittorio Dassi in 1950s
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Italian Mid-Century Desk and Chair Designed by Vittorio Dassi in the 1950s This stunning Italian Mid-Century desk and chair set was designed by the renowned designer Vittorio Dassi ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Maple, Teak

Modern Toscana Vanity Table Oak Beige Leather Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Toscana Vanity Table, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The organic modern Toscana vanity table is a captivating blend of natural beauty and c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks

Materials

Onyx, Brass

2007 Antonio Citterio for Vitra Ad Hoc Desk With White Laminate Tops 70x32
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Ad Hoc Desk, designed by Antonio Citterio for Vitra in 1994. These particular examples date to 2007. The design features a polished cast aluminum frame with adjustable leg...
Category

Early 2000s German Modern Desks

Materials

Aluminum

Modern Industrial Leather Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
A modern industrial leather desk with a solid hammered metal base. It has three drawers accented with cast brass campaign drawer pulls. Dimensions...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Baker Furniture Modern Regency Writing Desk or Bureau Plat Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional modern Regency style writing desk or bureau plat desk By Michael Vanderbyl for Baker Furniture, "Archetype" Collection USA,...
Category

1990s American Modern Desks

Materials

Nickel

Jean Prouvé, Bureau "Surveillant" Bois Métal Laqué Et Plateau Formica Noir 50 s
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
jean Prouvé (1901-1984, France) : Bureau " Surveillant" Rare modèle du bureau "surveillant : structure des pieds à section carré en métal laqué noir, caisson bois plaqué et plate...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Italian modern metal and dark brown plastic desk for 2 INN, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern metal and dark brown plastic desk for 2 INN, 1970s Metal and plastic desk. The frame is made of curved stainless steel tubing. The rectangular top with rounded corners...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Frejus Wood And Steel Desk In The Style Of Eugene Printz
Located in Glendale, CA
'Frejus' Wood And Steel Desk In The Style Of Eugene Printz Crafted in Los Angeles in the workshop of noted French designer and antiques dealer Denis de le Mesiere, who meticulously ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks

Materials

Steel

Pivoting Drafting Table, Blackened Steel and Smoked Glass, by Force/Collide
Located in Seattle, WA
Designed and made-to-order in our Seattle studio with artists, architects, drafters, designers and creatives in mind, the Pivoting Drafting Table is modern, minimal and sleek. It features a satin black oxide steel framework with a tempered gray glass inlay (materials and finishes are customizable). The flush, uninterrupted work surface pivots between 0 and 40 degrees to eliminate ergonomic interference for a more versatile way of working. Both clamping levers are easily accessed with an ergonomic feel for quick-change operation, featuring subtle bronze hardware accents. The silhouette of the legs imitates the work surface when expressed in its pivot position for minimal, geometric line-work that lends to a contemporary, minimal feel. The body has an open style for the option of storing a matching Rolling Utility Cart...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks

Materials

Metal, Bronze, Steel, Cut Steel, Iron

Lucite and Dark Walnut floating Desk
Located in Ballard, CA
A highly engineered modernist desk made from a walnut (or oak, mahogany, or rosewood veneer) case “floating” on a Lucite base, which is affixed by custom-designed hardware. Custom si...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Desk by Desk Ennio Fazioli Ufficio Tecnico for Mim, Italy
Located in Antwerpen, Antwerp
Mid-Century Modern desk by Desk Ennio Fazioli & Ufficio Tecnico for MIM, Italy 1960s. This desk is made of dark warm colored wood and has chrome detailed...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Bamboo desk or console
By Meroni
Located in Lugo, IT
Bamboo desk or console table The color is not uniform but the Shabby Chic technique is possible Made by Meroni. Defects. Good condition. Thank you.
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks

Materials

Wood

Swivel Upholstered Leather Desk Chair, Jenn Desk Chair
Located in Miami, FL
JENN is a leather desk chair slightly tilted to achieve a relaxed, ergonomic seating position. The unique proportions of the JENN desk chair make it a dainty accent that is “big” in ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks

Materials

Leather, Wood

Storage cabinet Trinité by Kreatippci Studio
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Trinité - description: This elegant cabinet with Surrealist flair is made of iron, wood and ceramics. Every element of this functional piece radiates refined sophistication and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Slovak Modern Desks

Materials

Iron

Franco Albini for Knoll Desk Model 1928
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Franco Albini for Knoll Desk Model '1928' Italy, 20th Century This 48-inch wide by 26-inch deep desk boasts a sleek and functional design, making it a per...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Desks

Materials

Chrome

ClassiCon Orcus Home Desk in Walnut by Konstantin Grcic
Located in New York, NY
Orcus desk in walnut by Konstantin Grcic. Secretary desk in MDF and plywood, veneered, drop-flap writing surface, 4 drawers, secret compartment, storage spa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Desks

Materials

Plywood

Modern Architect s Writing Desk
Located in Nyack, NY
Clean architectural lines and precision craftsmanship define the Modern Architects Desk. The essence of the Modern Architects Writing Desk's design is rooted in the inherent elegance...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks

Materials

Ash, Walnut

Modern Architect s Writing Desk
Located in Nyack, NY
Clean architectural lines and precision craftsmanship define the Modern Architects Desk. The essence of the Modern Architects Writing Desk's design is rooted in the inherent elegance...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks

Materials

Ash, Walnut

Modern Minimal Executive Desk
Located in Nyack, NY
The Modern Minimal Writing Desk's all solid wood construction is evident throughout. Turned legs, radiused edges and soft corners all contribute to the organic nature of this design....
Category

2010s American Modern Desks

Materials

Ash, Walnut

Modern Minimal Standard Desk
Located in Nyack, NY
The Modern Minimal Writing Desk's all solid wood construction is evident throughout. Turned legs, radiused edges and soft corners all contribute to the organic nature of this design....
Category

2010s American Modern Desks

Materials

Ash, Walnut

Modern Minimal Writing Desk
Located in Nyack, NY
The Modern Minimal Writing Desk's all solid wood construction is evident throughout. Turned legs, radiused edges and soft corners all contribute to the organic nature of this design....
Category

2010s American Modern Desks

Materials

Ash, Walnut

Handcrafted Myers Console in Solid Wood 48"W by Mary Ratcliffe Studio
Located in Toronto, ON
A handsome console table with elegant curves and drawer storage. Contrasting drawer fronts with concealed integrated pulls and soft close slides provide a simple and elegant storage solution. The drawer fronts of this piece may be customized with leather, brass, or blackened steel. Custom sizing available. We work with North American solid hardwoods on a made-to-order fabrication basis. Additional offerings in white oak, white ash, dark oak, walnut & hard maple are available, with different finish oils & stains at our disposal. Please reach out for any customizations to species, stains, or leather quality. We are more than happy to provide more information and pricing as per your specifications. As all of our products are made-to-order, we cannot accept returns or refunds of purchased items. Crating, shipping & packaging materials are not included in the flat rate shipping quote provided. Please inquire within at the time of order for a quote on any applicable charges. Mary Ratcliffe Studio...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Desks

Materials

Ash, Maple, Oak, Walnut

Sculptural Green Wood Segment Desk by David Vu - Customizable
By David Vu
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Taking inspiration from the conceptual forms of Hiroshi Sugimoto, the Segment desk by Brooklyn designer David Vu starts with the exploration of simple geo...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks

Materials

Maple, Plywood

Natsu Curved Oak Desk with Lacquered Accents and Side Storage
Located in Baguim Do Monte, PT
Natsu Curved Oak Desk with Lacquered Accents and Side Storage The Natsu Desk combines refined elegance with practical functionality. Crafted in oak veneer and enhanced by subtle lac...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Desks

Materials

Oak, Lacquer

Modern Lage Black Bookcase, Brass Walnut, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Lage Bookcase, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Lage bookcase was designed to be the focal point of any offi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks

Materials

Metal, Brass, Steel, Stainless Steel

Modern Menir Console Table, Calacatta Viola Marble Handmade Portugal Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Menir Console, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Menir quartz console table draws inspiration from the standing stones of ancient Alentejo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks

Materials

Onyx, Quartz, Travertine, Marble, Carrara Marble

Raphaël Décorateur Beka Modeled Lacquer Bronze Desk Vanity, France, 1950 s
Located in New York, NY
Elegant vanity by Raphael. A concealed mirror, and an abundance of drawers make this piece a convenient item. Original gilt bronze hardware and lacque...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Desks

Materials

Bronze

Modern Milano Leather 3-Drawer Desk with Sleek Cerused Oak by Ercole Home
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A very functional writing, computer desk with 2 covered leather drawers on the side and in the middle a drawers that open to accommodate your writing keyboard. It fits perfectly your...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Lucite and Walnut floating Desk
Located in Ballard, CA
A highly engineered modernist desk made from a walnut (or oak, mahogany, or rosewood veneer) case “floating” on a Lucite base, which is affixed by custom-designed hardware. Custom si...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

French Amber Plexiglass + Chrome Desk Attributed to Michel Dumas, 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare and sculptural, this 1970s French desk merges amber-smoked plexiglass with polished chrome in a futuristic silhouette. Attributed to Michel Dumas, it features fluid, curved line...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Chrome

1960s Florence Knoll Partners Desk or Executive Table in Rosewood, Model 2485
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Florence Knoll Partners Desk or Executive Table, Model 2485, designed in 1961. It was manufactured in the early 1960s by Knoll International based on the 320 Park Avenue la...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Atlantic Desk by VOLK
Located in Brooklyn, NY
As shown: Solid walnut with vintage pump organ drawer pulls. Fabric lined drawers by request at an additional fee. Oil and wax finish. Dimensions: 30" H...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks

Materials

Walnut

Italian Mid Century Executive Table Desk designed by Paolo Buffa in 1950s
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Elegant Executive Desk designed by Paolo Buffa in the 1950s. The desk top is characterized by the presence of three lateral drawers, two similar on the left side and a larger one on ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Walnut

1970s Jens Risom Design Executive Desk in Walnut with Three Drawers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Executive Desk in Walnut, designed by Jens Risom in the 1960s. Produced by Risom Design Inc. this example dates to the 1970s. It features several drawers which provide amp...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

Minimalist Vanity Desk w/ Rounded Silhouette Storage By Mondo Design Studio
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This dressing vanity is a sculptural masterpiece, defined by its bold yet refined silhouette. The design features a curved, contoured top crafted from luxurious marble, supported by ...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Desks

Materials

Marble, Metal

Italian modern black wood, steel and smoked glass Desk by Formanova, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black wood, steel and smoked glass Desk by Formanova, 1970s L-shaped desk with rectangular top in smoked glass. Under the top there are two modules of different sizes ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Metal, Steel

1975 George Nelson for Herman Miller Action Office II Series Roll-Top Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Herman Miller Action Office II Series roll-top desk, designed by George Nelson in 1965. This example dates to 1975 and is dated as such. The piece features a rich walnut-ve...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Aluminum

1970 s Ultra Modern Off White Writing Desk
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1970's Ultra Modern Off White Writing Desk. Composed of Melamine. This is a really beautiful Modern desk.
Category

1970s Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Composition

Modern desks for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern desks 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 created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, tables, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern desks made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original desks, popular names associated with this style include Greenapple, Aymeric Lefort, Danese Milano, and Venfield. 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 differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $49 and tops out at $76,270 while the average work can sell for $7,800.

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