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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Modern Milano Leather Painted Wood Desk on Metal Base
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Modern Milano Leather Desk is functional for work or play, with 2 covered leather drawers with pulls, and a center touch-latch wooden drawer. Custom sizes and finishes availa...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks

Materials

Steel

Height Adjustable Industrial Desk Made in Los Angeles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful work station/desk, designed and manufactured in Los Angeles California. The desk has a beautiful industrial steel base, the desk has a height adjustable mechanism that r...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks

Materials

Steel

Apartment-Sized Patterned Osis Desk by Llot Llov
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Llot Llov's Osis desk was developed specifically for the home office — it has a small footprint yet offers the necessary space to work, and it has a privacy screen to help with both ...
Category

2010s German Modern Desks

Materials

Steel

French Modern Zebra Lacquered Iron Brass Executive Desk Curule Arm Chair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Modern Zebra Lacquered Iron & Brass Executive Desk & Curule Arm Chair  A striking French Modern executive desk and curule armchair set, a bold statement of elegance and sophi...
Category

20th Century French Modern Desks

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Dalsace Desk in the Manner of Pierre Chareau
Located in Glendale, CA
'Dalsace' Desk in the Manner of Pierre Chareau Price is per item. Available to order in unlimited quantities. Available in standard choice of...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks

Materials

Steel

Desk, Walnut, Modern, Storage, Hardwood, Customizable, Semigood
Located in Issaquah, WA
Modern, hardwood rift desk with drawer. The lead time provided is an estimate and may extend up to 12 months. If you require delivery by a specific date, we kindly recommend inquiring prior to purchase to ensure availability. Timeless lines and subtle tapers make this desk the crowing jewel of any home office. The writing...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks

Materials

Hardwood

French Designer Handcrafted Connected Executive Desk in Solid Wood by C. Lecomte
Located in Landivy, FR
This minister's desk is part of the TRAPEZ collection designed by the Vendée designer Christophe Lecomte, who combines noble materials, aesthetics and uptodate office functionalities. This collection includes several desks and storage units to equip personal offices, private practices and companies. This large writing table is made of French high-valued solid and veneer ash wood sourced in sustainable managed and PEFC certified French forests. With TRAPEZ, work free and with only 1 single wire on the floor between your desk and the wall. With the integrated power strip (3 electrical plugs and 2 USB chargers), you will be able to plug your office electronical...
Category

2010s French Modern Desks

Materials

Ash, Wood

Modern Stainless Steel Base 2 Drawer Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Modern Stainless Steel Base 2 Drawer Desk by Ercole Home is crafted from Oak with a Painted Ivory finish, with a Tubular Stainless Steel base and stripe mosaic drawerfronts of Iv...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks

Materials

Stainless Steel

Maitland Smith Leather Fold Out Secretary Desk
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Maitland Smith Leather Fold Out Secretary Desk This secretary measures: 26 wide x 20 deep x 50.25 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as much det...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Desks

Materials

Leather, Wood

À 1960 small desk
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
an elegant desk circa 1960 can first anywhere
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Wood

Modern Blue Blossom Glass Mosaic Desk with Pavia Metal Base by Ercole Home
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Pavia Blossom desk by Ercole Home has a single drawer, with a Washed Ivory Dark finish on oak. Hand cut glass mosaics in French Blue, Sky Blue and Gold decorate the drawer fronts...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks

Materials

Art Glass, Oak

Custom Mahogany and Parchment Desk Featuring Three Central Drawers
Located in New York, NY
Custom parchment and mahogany writing desk. This desk is custom made. It can be crafted in your choice of wood and finish, mahogany, cerused oak, parchment top, shagreen etc. Lead Ti...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks

Materials

Mahogany, Parchment Paper

Giaiotti desk and display case, 1960s, set of 2
Located in Manzano, IT
Professional set consisting of executive desk and matching display case, designed and made in Italy in the 1960s by designer Giaiotti, to furnish executive offices with style, functi...
Category

18th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Modern Desks

Materials

Iron

Modern Minimalist Home Office Writing Desk Satinwood Brushed Stainless Steel
Located in Vila Nova Famalicão, PT
The Writing Home Desk Convex is made to last for generations and features exquisite wood veneers that beautifully balance simplicity in form. Tabletop: Satinwood and glass. Legs: Br...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks

Materials

Metal, Steel, Cut Steel, Stainless Steel

Lucite and Natural 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

Lorenzo Desk in Argentine Rosewood, Bronze and White Lacquer from Costantini
Located in New York, NY
This Classic yet modern desk features an Argentine Rosewood body and white mirror-polished lacquered face and drawers with bronze accents. The drawers feature soft-close hardware and...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Desks

Materials

Wood

Contemporary Raw Oak Bracket Desk and Rolling Tabouret Set
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary desk and tabouret Set comprised of a bracket-form raw oak desk with dovetailed joints and a matching three drawer raw oak tabouret, resting on four casters. (PRICED AS S...
Category

20th Century Spanish Modern Desks

Materials

Wood, Oak

Custom White Lacquer Desk with Lucite Side Panels
Located in New York, NY
Made-to-order, custom white lacquer desk with Lucite side panel supports and pulls in Lucite and chrome. Drawer interiors are finished in spray lacquer.  Currently out of stock but ...
Category

2010s North American Modern Desks

Materials

Chrome

American Post-War White Wooden Table Desk with Chrome Base
Located in Queens, NY
American Post-War Design white painted wood table desk with drawers and supported on 2 chrome "X" form bases. (Desk in need of full restoration) Metal frame has very light scratchin...
Category

20th Century American Modern Desks

Materials

Wood

Contemporary "Icon" Black Satin Glass Desk
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary "Icon" black satin glass top desk with 2 stacked drawers Condition: Good; Wear consistent with age and use
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Desks

Materials

Glass

C. 1958 Gordon Bunshaft of SOM / Alcoa / GF Studios Italic Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Italic Desk, designed by Alcoa / Reynolds / GF Studios for Gordon Bunshaft and SOM's Reynolds Metals Headquarters in Richmond, VA. The design is largely seen as a collabor...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Gotham Desk Customizable Wood, Metal and Resin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The harmonious mix of materials enhances the beauty of this Gotham desk. The desk features rich oxidized Ambrosia maple wood, a bronze frame, three blackened bronze encased in epoxy ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

2020 Noori Desk by Nuevo Living in Onyx (black)
By Nuevo
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Noori desk, originally designed and produced by Nuevo Living. This particular example was made in Canada in 2020. The desk features a streamlined rectangular top finished i...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Desks

Materials

Onyx, Steel

Drafting Table and Utility Cart, Blackened Steel and Gray 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 Drafting Table and Utility Cart ...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks

Materials

Metal, Bronze, Steel, Cut Steel, Sheet Metal

1960s Hans J. Wegner for Andreas Tuck AT325 Desk in Rosewood and Steel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Rosewood and Steel Desk, Model AT 325, designed by Hans J. Wegner for Andreas Tuck in Denmark in 1960. This example was executed with a rosewood top, having two lockable sh...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Steel

Custom Black Lacquered Office Writing Desk with Brass Inlay by Carrocel
Located in North York, ON
This is a custom hand crafted desk that is not a production piece. It is only made to order and is made from bespoke materials designed just for this one piece. Solid maple drawers w...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

Tolda Desk with Mirror in Canaletto Walnut Black Frame by Valentina Carretta
By Miniforms, Valentina Carretta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tolda is a neo-romantic pop element, the adjustable mirror reveals the inspiration for the classic dressing table, now revisited in a contempora...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks

Materials

Walnut

Moooi Paper RHS Desk in Wood Cardboard with Oak Veneer Top by Studio Job
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

Shanghai Desk in Ziricotte Wood, Leather Top and Silver Patined Leg
Located in SENLIS, OISE
Shanghai desk in Ziricotte wood, leather top and silver patined leg. The inside is made in Sycomore. Information about the covid 19. At this point, the ...
Category

2010s French Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Moooi Paper LHS Desk in Wood Cardboard with Oak Veneer Top by Studio Job
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

Modern Writing Desk with Three Drawers
Located in Greenwich, CT
This modern writing desk was custom made for utility. The desk features 3 drawers for storage, a steel base brushed with antique brass and a white oak top stained ebony. This is a bu...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks

Materials

Steel

Custom Oak and Polished Chrome Single Drawer Writing Table
Located in New York, NY
Made to order single drawer writing table in oak with polished chrome stretcher and hardware. Available in custom dimensions and finishes.
Category

2010s American Modern Desks

Materials

Chrome

Console, or desk, in glass and travertine. 1980s. LS5849657C
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Console, or desk, made up of two travertine legs joined by a chrome metal bar at the top. Glass top. Italian work made in the 1980s. Dimensions: H 71 x W 198 x D 86 cm Reference...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Glass

Lorin Marsh, Modern, Desk, Gray Embossed Leather, Chrome, 2000s
Located in Manhasset, NY
Hollywood Regency style modern desk or writing table. Embossed and stitched leather on a sleek and stylish chromed steel base. All sides finished in chrome and leather including interior of drawers. This custom quality desk is sure to add sparkle to any room in the home or office. A simply stunning example of detail to workmanship. This particular desk is selling for three times ($25,350) the listed price at Lorin Marsh. In 1975, Lorin Marsh established their eponymous furniture and décor showroom in the historic New York Decoration and Design building, with the aim of providing comprehensive interior decorating options while maintaining a chic, boutique experience. Not only offering an array of home décor, including furniture, lighting and accessories, Lorin Marsh also presented a wide variety of styles, comprising antique, vintage and modern, as well as imported pieces with European, Asian and South American aesthetics. Over the decades since its inception, the brand expanded to include bespoke pieces, made to the same high-quality standards of craftsmanship that Lorin Marsh has come to be recognized for. Arguably one of the more unique aspects of the company’s operation is the purveying of both brand-designed pieces and unique vintage furnishings...
Category

2010s Modern Desks

Materials

Chrome

1960s Florence Knoll Double Pedestal Executive Desk Chrome Wood Fully Refinished
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original double pedestal desk, model 1503, initially designed by Florence Knoll in 1956. This example was manufactured by Knoll Associates in the early 1960s. It is constr...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Steel

Modern Metal Leather Top Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern Metal Leather top desk, featuring a digitally carved, traditional woven cane design. The carved metal desk boasts mesmerizing textural layers. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Custom Oversized High Gloss Lacquer Desk
Located in New York, NY
Custom oversized high gloss lacquer desk with mirrored stainless steel X band legs. Customization is available in different sizes, finishes and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks

Materials

Stainless Steel

Modern Ash and Faux Leather Desk with Three Drawers by Hastening Designs, 2010
Located in Middleburg, VA
A sleek and refined custom contemporary desk designed and fabricated by Hastening Designs. Crafted in the United States in 2010, this piece features a charming honey-colored figured ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks

Materials

Metal, Steel

1960s Dieter Waeckerlin for Behr B Series Teak Desk, 28" x 45"
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Teak and Steel Desk, designed by Dieter Waeckerlin for his B Series for Behr furniture in 1957. This desk dates to the 1960s. The exterior is veneered in rich teak, and sta...
Category

1960s German Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Steel

Black Glass Wall Mount Console Table
Located in New York, NY
Black glass wall mount console table with brass sabot's.
Category

2010s American Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

C. 1945 Fletcher Art Deco Aviation Executive Desk in Figured Walnut
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a large American Art Deco Aviation Executive Desk, designed by Frank Fletcher and manufactured by Fletcher Aviation for Hughes Aircraft in Pasadena, California ca. 1945. The ...
Category

1940s American Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Steel

New Darck Ziricote wood, Leather Top and Silver Patined Leg Desk Made to Order
Located in SENLIS, OISE
"Shanghai" desk in Ziricotte wood, leather top and silver patined leg. The inside is made in Sycomore. There are two drawers in the structure. PLease ask for a shipping quote to get ...
Category

2010s French Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Modern Desk with Drawers in Argentine Rosewood Bronze from Costantini, Lorenzo
Located in New York, NY
Lorenzo Modern Desk with Drawers in Argentine Rosewood & Bronze from Costantini Measurements are 66" W x 33" D x 29.5" H This Classic ye...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Desks

Materials

Bronze

Shanghai Desk in Ziricotte Wood, Leather Top and Silver Patined Leg
Located in SENLIS, OISE
Shanghai desk in Ziricotte wood, leather top and silver patined leg. The inside is made in Sycomore. Information about the covid 19. At this point, th...
Category

2010s French Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Shanghai Desk in Ziricotte Wood, Leather Top and Silver Patined Leg
Located in SENLIS, OISE
Shanghai desk in Ziricotte wood, leather top and silver patined leg. The inside is made in Sycomore.  
Category

2010s French Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

1977 Charles Pfister for Knoll Leather Wrapped Executive Desk with Chrome Legs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a large leather-covered executive desk known as the “Pfister Table,” initially designed in 1977 by Charles Pfister for Knoll. The piece was produced in Italy around the s...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Little Shanghai Desk in Zebrano Wood and Black Sycomore Silver Painted Leg
Located in SENLIS, OISE
Little Shanghai desk in zebrano wood and black saycomore silver painted leg. There are two drawers on each side. The end sides are in zebrano and ...
Category

2010s French Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Little Shanghai Desk in Olive Wood and Black Sycamore Silver Painted Leg
Located in SENLIS, OISE
Little Shanghai desk in olive wood and black sycamore silver painted leg. There are two drawers on each side. The and sides are in olive and black...
Category

2010s French Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

1960s Florence Knoll Executive Desk in Walnut and Chrome
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Small Executive Desk, model 502B-BWM, designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates in 1952. This example dates to the 1960s. The doors, sides, and back are constructed w...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Ziricotte Wood Desk "Litle Shanghai" with Leather Top and Silver Leg
Located in SENLIS, OISE
Little Shanghai desk in ziricotte wood and silver patined leg. There are two drawers on each side. The sides are in zircone and black sycamore mar...
Category

2010s French Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

2022 Giulio Cappellini for Cappellini Senior Desk w/ Leaf Left + Drawer in Oak
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Senior Desk with Left Leaf and Drawer made of wenge stained oak. The desk was designed by Giulio Cappellini and produced by Cappellini in Italy. It dates to cir...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Modern Acrylic Rosewood Desk Poul Norreklit
Located in Toledo, OH
Modern four drawer acrylic and rosewood desk by Poul Norreklit. Acrylic base is 3/4" thick. Two locking center drawers. Original finish. 72" x 35.5" deep x 33" tall. Very nice to exc...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Modern Desks

Materials

Acrylic

Console, Attributed to Michel Ducaroy, circa 1970
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Console - Attributed to Michel Ducaroy, circa 1970. Rosewood and stainless steel Measures: L 130 x P 43.5 x H 63 cm Good condition!
Category

1970s European Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Stainless Steel

Original Shagreen Gilt Metal Writing Table Desk with Single-Drawer
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning RRP £13,000 original shagreen black lacquered with gold gilt metal detailing writing table desk  This is a very substantial desk. Shagreen for those of you who aren’t familiar is shark or ray skin. There are reproductions skins available however these are totally original, the way to tell apart from the feel is on the reproductions each skin is exactly the same, on the real hide...
Category

20th Century English Modern Desks

Materials

Shagreen

Citronnier Wood and Marquetry Secretaire by Englander Bonta, Argentina, 1950
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Citronnier wood and marquetry secretaire by Englander & Bonta, Argentina, 1950. Englander & Bonta where two European designer that migrated to Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1930 and man...
Category

1950s Argentine Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Wood

Modernist Mahogany and Laminate Desk, Italy, c. 1950
Located in New York City, NY
Unique looking desk, composed of bold, broad shapes. 
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Laminate, Mahogany

1970s 6ft 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

Flamingo, Storage Unit by Hagit Pincovici
Located in Geneve, CH
Flamingo, storage unit by Hagit Pincovici. Dimensions: W 41 x D 26 x H 85 cm. Materials: brass. Hagit Pincovici founded her eponymous bespoke luxury furniture and lighting ateli...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

1970s 6ft 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

1980s Danish Modern Oak Desk / Dining Table 40 x 50 x 28.5 inches
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Danish Oak Desk. The designer is unknown, but this appears to be Danish and dates to the 1980s. Given the simple and versatile design, this piece can be used as a desk or a...
Category

1980s Danish Vintage Modern Desks

Materials

Oak

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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