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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chair — crafted 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
Italian modern black wood, steel and smoked glass Desk by Formanova, 1970s
By Formanova
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
Modern Black Lage 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 office or living space. Its asymm...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks
Materials
Stainless Steel, Steel, Metal, Brass
Modern Lage Bookcases Set/2, Brass Oak Root, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set of 2 Lage Bookcases, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
The Lage bookcase was designed to be the focal point o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks
Materials
Stainless Steel, Steel, Metal, Brass
1990 Thomas Moser Library Desk in Solid Cherry Hardwood 48x37 in
By Thomas Moser
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Library Desk, designed by Thomas Moser and produced by Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers based in Auburn, Maine. This piece dates back to 1990. This desk is comprised of cherry woo...
Category
1990s American Modern Desks
Materials
Hardwood, Cherry
Oak Desk from Jean Prouvé Workshops, 1950
Located in Andrézieux-Bouthéon, FR
Oak Desk from Jean Prouvé Workshops, 1950
Vintage Design
This emblematic oak office, awarded to the prestigious Jean Prouvé workshops, a remarkable centerpiece of the industrial des...
Category
20th Century French Modern Desks
Materials
Metal
Bureau Jean Nouvel par Ligne Roset plateau bois pieds aluminium Francais 1980
Located in London, England
Le bureau en hêtre, conçu par le célèbre architecte Jean Nouvel pour l'hôtel Relais et Châteaux "Le Saint-James Bouliac de Bordeaux", est une pièce maîtresse qui incarne à la fois élégance et fonctionnalité. Ce meuble, édité par la renommée maison Ligne Roset, séduit dès le premier regard par son design raffiné et ses détails astucieux.
L’un des aspects les plus remarquables de ce bureau est son intégration pratique d'une prise, permettant d'allumer la lampe de chevet...
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Desks
Materials
Beech
Charcoal Maple Executive Desk
Located in Astoria, NY
Charcoal Maple Executive Desk, raised on two square legs, one drawer with clear finish to inside. 30.25" H x 78.25" W x 40.5" D. Provenance: From a New York City Collection. Keywords...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Desks
Materials
Maple
Giacometti Inspired Solid Bronze Dining Table or Desk Built to Order in Any Size
Located in BENSENVILLE, IL
Custom Made to Order Solid bronze Desk, or Dining Table inspired by Giacometti and built to your exacting specifications and dimensions. Each Bronze Giacometti inspired Desk or Dinin...
Category
2010s American Modern Desks
Materials
Bronze
Modernist Tubular Steel Desk by Jindrich Halabala, Chromed Metal, Lacquered Wood
Located in Berlin, DE
Modernist tubular steel desk model H-180, designed by Jindrich Halabala and manufactured by Spojené UP Závody, Brno, circa 1935.
Category
1930s Czech Vintage Modern Desks
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Bernhardt Modern Credenza
Located in Pasadena, TX
Bernhardt Credenza
A rare modern chrome and maple credenza.
4 drawers with ample storage underneath with shelving.
Chrome pulls. Marked Bernhardt.
See pedestal desk also available....
Category
Late 20th Century North American Modern Desks
Materials
Maple
$4,720 Sale Price
20% Off
Organic Modern Madrona Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
Organic modern madrona desk, Inspirational design elements lead with a mesmerizing butcher block top honed from Madrona burl finished in smoke gray.
Organically textured stainless...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Desks
Materials
Metal
$8,756 / item
Modern Menir Console Table, Calacatta Viola Marble Handmade Portugal Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Menir Console, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
The Menir marble console table draws inspiration from the standi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks
Materials
Onyx, Marble, Quartz, Travertine, Carrara Marble
Modernist Tubular Steel Desk with 2 Chests of Drawers, Chromed Metal, Oak Veneer
Located in Berlin, DE
Modernist tubular steel desk with two chests of drawers, chrome plated metal, oak veneer, circa. 1935.
Category
1930s Czech Vintage Modern Desks
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Colombo Mobili Burlwood Secretaire Abattant
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Colombo Moboli burlwood secretaire a abattant
Desk measures: 42 wide x 21 deep x 75.5 inches high
This piece is in excellent vintage condition with only a small dent and a coup...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks
Materials
Wood, Burl
Teak Wood Desk with 55-Inch Top and Graphite Metal Base - Class Collection
Located in Miami, FL
The Class desk by Uultis is a streamlined, modern writing desk that balances warm natural textures with clean-lined industrial elements. Featuring a 55-inch...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Desks
Materials
Metal
Moooi Paper Desk in Wood
Cardboard with Oak Veneer Top by Studio Job
By Moooi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Despite the advances made in technology, many of us still use paper pad and pen for grocery lists, notes & cards while sitting busily at our desks. But have you ever dreamt of a clas...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Desks
Materials
Oak
Art Deco Style Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
Art Deco style desk elegantly styled with golden amber burr veneer and three drawers with subtle stringing inlay. Raised on four tapering sabre leg...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Desks
Materials
Wood
$5,784 / item
Drexel Oxford Square Geometric Painted Parsons Style Console Desk Dining Table
By Drexel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Drexel Oxford Square Geometric Painted Parsons Style Console Desk Dining Table. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 29" H x 60" W x 30" D x 26" ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Desks
Materials
Wood
Art Deco Bolonha Console Table Nacre Tiles White Handmade Portugal Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Bolonha Console, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
An exclusive and sumptuous hand-carved console table that catches the eye of anyone who ent...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks
Materials
Crystal, Brass, Stainless Steel
Shape modern desk in Eucalyptus with leather top
By Carpanelli
Located in Desio, IT
Desk from the Shape line, characterized by its curved lines and enhanced by the leather top, presented in Eucalyptus rope F129. Equipped with two large drawers with rallenty system.
...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks
Materials
Leather, Bentwood
$6,137 Sale Price / item
25% Off
1970s Jens Risom Design Executive Desk in Walnut with Five Drawers
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Executive Desk in Walnut, designed by Jens Risom in the 1960s. This particular example was produced by Risom Design Inc. and dates back to the 1970s. The desk features fiv...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Desks
Materials
Bronze
A Bronze and Walnut Papiolo Desk by Lawrence Welker IV
Located in Lambertville, NJ
This is a one of a kind desk with a sculpted bronze base and live edge walnut top. The artist, Lawrence Welker IV created the base to resemble a moth. The desk surface is two joine...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks
Materials
Bronze
Contemporary Patchwork and Iron Writing Desk
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Contemporary Patchwork and Iron Writing Desk
This desk measures: 65 wide x 36.5 deep x 30 high, with a chair clearance of 25 inches
This piece is in Great Vintage Condition. Ther...
Category
2010s American Modern Desks
Materials
Iron
Desk, Elm Wood, Osvaldo Borsani, 1953
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Berlin, DE
Minimal and elegant desk with drawer. Solid wood construction, take top made of solid elm wood, legs with wooden screw thread. Exhibited at Trienale Milano 1954.
Osvaldo Borsan...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Desks
Materials
Wood, Elm
C. 1970 Executive Desk by Georges Ciancimino for Mobilier International France
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a substantial Rosewood and Aluminum Executive Desk, designed C. 1970 by Georges Ciancimino for Mobilier International, France. The top and sides are composed of rosewood vene...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Desks
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
2010s Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen CH110 Executive Desk in Oak w/ Stainless Steel
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 2010s. The desk is comprised of both...
Category
2010s Danish Modern Desks
Materials
Stainless Steel
Simply Modern Writing Table, 49
Located in Westwood, NJ
An elegant modern writing table with two singular leather-wrapped drawers, our Cardamon finish on the veneered frame (and handles) with panel end ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Desks
Materials
Wood
$3,930 / item
Essentials Desk by Uhuru
By Uhuru Design
Located in Pasadena, TX
Essentials Desk by Uhuru. Measure: 59"
Donald Judd Minimalist inspired desk with powder coated steel legs and ebonized walnut veneer top by Brooklyn-based Uhuru.
New in box.
...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Desks
Materials
Steel
$600 Sale Price / item
20% Off
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
1964 George Nelson
Robert Propst for Herman Miller Action Office Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original Action Office desk, designed by George Nelson and Robert Propst for Herman Miller in 1964. Action Office was designed as a set of components that could be combine...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Desks
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Console In Brozed Brass Top in Black Aziz Marble
By sicis
Located in London, GB
Sicis is delighted to welcome you at ‘Home’.
The classically inspired extent in contemporary plays an eclectic style, elegant and refined. Interiors express personality.
A constant...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks
Materials
Marble, Brass
$28,148 / item
C. 1974 Davis Allen of SOM Architects for General Fireproofing Reception Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a large Split Reception Desk, initially designed by Davis Allen for General Fireproofing Reception circa 1974. This custom-designed piece truly exemplifies the cutting edge o...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Desks
Materials
Enamel, Steel
Leon Rosen for Pace Collection Demilune Desk
Located in New York, NY
Leon Rosen for Pace Collection Demilune desk. The desk has a maple lacquered top on solid ebonized wood legs and a single pull-out drawe...
Category
1980s Vintage Modern Desks
Materials
Wood, Maple
1970s 4ft George Nelson
Robert Probst Herman Miller Office Desk w/ Drawers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a 1970s vintage Herman Miller Action Office desk, designed by George Nelson. This is a classic example of Nelson's work with great emphasis on simplicity and functionality. It has cast aluminum legs and basket-like pull-out drawers.
We have multiple Action Office desks in stock...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Desks
Materials
Aluminum
Hardwood
Green Leather Partner Desk with Sliding Keyboard Shelf Twin Pedestal
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this vintage Twin Pedestal partner desk with drop front sliding keyboard shelf
A good looking and well made desk with a premium vintage green le...
Category
20th Century English Modern Desks
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Vintage John Stuart White Lacquered Campaign Wood Desk X-Chrome Base Two Drawer
Located in North Miami, FL
This newly restored vintage John Stuart campaign 2 drawer desk and or writing desk is white lacquered over wood with chrome handles and 2 X-frame ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Desks
Materials
Chrome
$6,240 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of American Contemporary White Two-Tier Concave End Table
Located in Queens, NY
2 American Contemporary white two-tier end table with a concave top and a draw in the middle separating both tiers (PRICED AS PAIR
Category
20th Century American Modern Desks
Materials
Wood
1970s Jens Risom Design Executive Desk in Walnut with Three Drawers
By Jens Risom
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
Multi Laminated and Lacquered Wood Bureau, Argentina, circa 1970
By Stilka
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Multi laminated and lacquered wood bureau. Argentina, circa 1970.
Attributed to Stilka.
Category
1970s Argentine Vintage Modern Desks
Materials
Wood
1970s 4ft George Nelson
Robert Probst Herman Miller Office Desk w/ Drawers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an original 1970s Herman Miller Action Office desk with two drawers, designed by George Nelson and Robert Probst. This is a delightful...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Desks
Materials
Laminate, Oak, Wood
2021 Carl Hansen CH-110 Director
s Desk by Hans Wegner in Lacquered Oak
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a CH110 Desk made with an oak top and stainless steel base. The desk, designed by Hans Wegner and produced by Carl Hansen & Son in Denmark, dates to...
Category
2010s Danish Modern Desks
Materials
Stainless Steel
1960s Borge Mogensen for Soborg Mobelfabrik Teak Writing Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Classic Teak Writing Desk, designed by Borge Mogensen for Soborg Mobelfabrik in Denmark. This example was produced in the 1960s. It features two right-hand drawers which pr...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Modern Desks
Materials
Teak
1950s Florence Knoll Double Pedestal Walnut Chrome and Laminate Executive Desk
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a double pedestal desk, model 1503, designed by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll Associates. This is an original example dating to circa late 1950s. It is cons...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Desks
Materials
Chrome
Les Cordes, Buffet by Marc Dibeh
By Marc Dibeh
Located in Geneve, CH
Les Cordes - buffet by Marc Dibeh
2020
Materials: French Oak, Hemp Rope, Brass
Dimensions: W300 x H85 x D65 cm
Beirut based designer Marc Dibeh narrates his cultural environme...
Category
2010s Lebanese Modern Desks
Materials
Brass
$36,892 / item
Swivel Leather Desk Chair, Cubé Desk Chair
Located in Miami, FL
Cubé is a desk chair with modern lines combined with noble metal details. It has an elegant leather upholstery. The double cushioning on the seat adds to the level of comfort, while ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks
Materials
Metal
$1,460 / item
A Jansen desk
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A neo classic black lacquer double face , can float in oak circa 1950
Category
1940s French Vintage Modern Desks
Materials
Oak, Lacquer
$5,749
1939 Eliel Saarinen, Pipsan, Swanson FHA Birch Desk / Vanity
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Birch Double Pedestal Executive Desk or Vanity, designed by Eliel Saarinen, Eva-Lisa (Pipsan) Saarinen Swanson, and J. Robert F. Swanson in 1939. It was produced in Grand R...
Category
1930s American Vintage Modern Desks
Materials
Aluminum, Zinc
1950s George Nelson No. 4100 Series Three Drawer Steel Frame Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Steel Frame No. 4100 Series Desk, initially designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1954. This example dates to the 1950s. It features a frame of white powder-coated...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Desks
Materials
Steel, Iron
Gildas Berthelot: Contemporary Hanging Furniture, En voiture Simone
Located in Timisoara, RO
En Voiture Simone
From Sleek And Minimalist Sculptures To Intricate And Ornate Decorative Pieces, Every Creation Showcases The Unparalleled Versatility Of Maple Wood As A Medium. Gi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Desks
Materials
Wood
Modern Manhattan Desk Made with Oak, Lacquer and Brass, Handmade by Stylish Club
Located in Seroa, PT
The Manhattan collection presents itself with a straight and rhythmic silhouette on both horizontal and vertical lines, invoking the constructions in height, provided by the technica...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Desks
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Leather
Iron Desk Manufactured in Italy Designed by Tadashi Murase 2021
Located in Kyoto, JP
This desk was designed by Japanese designer Tadashi Murase and crafted in an Italian furniture studio.
The iron legs are shaped using bending and curving techniques, finished with a...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks
Materials
Iron
2022 Studio Job for Moooi Paper Double Pedestal Desk 180, White w/ Oak
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Paper Desk with double pedestal configuration. It has a white finish and oak veneer top. The desk was designed by Studio Job and produced by Moooi in the Nether...
Category
2010s European Modern Desks
Materials
Wood, Oak, Lacquer, Paper
Modern Sevilha Desk Made with Walnut, Handmade by Stylish Club
Located in Seroa, PT
A minimalist collection that reveals the importance of incredible design combined with the best materials, the Seville collection offers functionality, magnificent designs and distin...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Desks
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Custom Two Drawer Lacquered Writing Table
By Venfield
Located in New York, NY
Petite custom, made-to-order, two-drawer lacquered writing table with Lucite and chrome handles. Designed and made by Venfield.
Currently out of stock but available for custom orde...
Category
2010s American Modern Desks
Materials
Chrome
$14,940 / item
Rectangular Glass and Oak Writing Desk with Drawers, Sky Bridge Desk
Located in Miami, FL
Sky Bridge is a glass desk with a pure multifunctional storage unit in white oak for the contemporary digital nomad – clean, light and functional.
As shown wood: White milk oak g...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks
Materials
Wood, Glass
ClassiCon Orcus Desk in Lacquered White by Konstantin Grcic
Located in New York, NY
Orcus Desk in high gloss lacquer by Konstantin Grcic. Secretary desk in high gloss lacquered drop-flap writing surface, 4 drawers, secret compartment, stora...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Desks
Materials
Steel
1990 Thomas Moser Library Desk in Solid Cherry Hardwood 72x48 in 2x Available
By Thomas Moser
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Library Desk, designed by Thomas Moser and produced by Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers based in Auburn, Maine. This piece dates back to 1990. This desk is comprised of cherry woo...
Category
1990s American Modern Desks
Materials
Hardwood, Cherry
Customizable Chocolate Oak Desk with Two Storage Drawers, Class Collection
Located in Miami, FL
A Class desk designed by Uultis Studio in Chocolate oak with chocolate metallic base. The Class desk is a refined marriage of functionality and elegance, featuring a chocolate oak ve...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Desks
Materials
Metal
David Linley English Cherry Maple
Burr-ash Three Drawer Writing Desk
By David Linley
Located in Queens, NY
English Contemporary cherry, maple, and burr-ash writing desk having banded inlaid trim witth a diamond design top overthree drawers resting on tapere...
Category
20th Century British Modern Desks
Materials
Maple
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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