Skip to main content

Modern Desks and Writing Tables

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.

to
34
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
346
220
558
89
21
1,534
354
315
313
214
212
196
157
118
100
89
72
54
48
27
26
8
1
88
579
3
36
37
2
6
2
8
10
22
5
3
450
341
117
105
81
419
198
165
116
47
668
174
253
29
18
18
17
15
Style: Modern
Glass, Painted wood Chrome Plated Metal 1990s desk by Gallotti e Radice
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Minimal Desk with wheeled chest of drawers in white lacquered wood, thick cut glass and chrome plated metal. Minimal and elegant Desk with chest of drawers on wheels in white lacqu...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Chrome

FRONT – Minimalist Work Desk in Solid Oak Wood 140x70
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
A statement piece for refined workspaces – handcrafted in solid OAK, this minimalist executive desk blends functionality and sculptural presence. Elevate your workspace with this lu...
Category

2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Wood, Plywood

Maple Parallel Desk by Juntos Projects
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Parallel desk is built around two suspended horizontal slabs that create an expansive workspace. The structure is anchored by cross-shaped legs that pierce through the top and fr...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple

Osvaldo Borsani, Mid-Century Executive Desk, 1940s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant mid-century executive desk crafted in richly toned walnut, featuring a gently curved silhouette that gives the piece a refined, architectural presence. The generous rectangul...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Bureau Bubble Ivoire Desk by Charly Bounan
Located in Geneve, CH
Bureau Bubble Ivoire Desk by Charly Bounan One of a Kind Dimensions: D 72 x W 240 x H 75 cm. Materials: Lacquer and marquetry wood. Charly Bounan, is a Parisian designer renowned f...
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Amuneal’s Collector s Knife Edge Console with 3 Drawers
Located in New York, NY
Amuneal’s wall hanging patinaed soft maple console table uses our traditional Collector’s Shelving hardware to support this three-drawer unit with raised knife-edge surround. The sca...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

FRONT – Minimalist Work Desk in Solid Walnut Wood 180x90
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
A statement piece for refined workspaces – handcrafted in solid walnut, this minimalist executive desk blends functionality and sculptural presence. Elevate your workspace with this...
Category

2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Walnut, Plywood

desk foil 2010
Located in bari, IT
Introducing the "Foil" desk, a design piece that combines functionality and pure aesthetics. Its name, "Foil," evokes the lightness and brilliance of its surfaces: a transparent glas...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

desk foil 2010
desk foil 2010
$1,423 / item
Collector s Bleached Oak Wall Hanging Knife Edge Console Table By Amuneal
Located in New York, NY
Amuneal’s wall hanging bleached oak console table uses our traditional Collector’s Shelving hardware to support this two-drawer unit with raised knife-edge surround. The scale of the...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

FRONT – Minimalist Work Desk in Walnut Wood 120x60
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
A statement piece for refined workspaces – handcrafted in solid walnut, this minimalist executive desk blends functionality and sculptural presence. Elevate your workspace with this...
Category

2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Walnut, Plywood

Italian Empire Revival Secretary Desk with Marble Top, 1940s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tall cabinet with fitted drawers, writing surface, and grey marble top. Rich mahogany finish accented by Empire-style columns and gilt mounts
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Oscar Writing Desk
Located in Milan, IT
A remarkable piece of refined taste, this splendid writing desk with 3 drawers and push pull blumotion expertly combines tradition with modernity. The fabulous design of the new Osca...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Silver Leaf

Oscar Writing Desk
Oscar Writing Desk
$7,245 / item
Small White Study Desk with Natural Linoleum Table Top Drawer, Customizable
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
This small study desk is made with a paper white powder-coated steel frame and a off white colour matched natural linoleum tabletop. The linoleum for our desks is selected for the ec...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Large Pink Steel Contemporary Study Desk with Two Drawers - customizable
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
This large pink study desk is made with a powder coated steel frame and a beautiful lacquered plywood table top in pink. This modern minimal desk has two steel drawers suspended unde...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Charcoal Black Study Desk - Black Writing Table - Customisable
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
The &New study desk is made with a powder-coated steel frame and a color-matched linoleum tabletop. The linoleum for our desks is selected for the ecological properties of the linsee...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

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 and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Modern Eglomise Glass Byzantine Gold Vanity with Forged Metal by Ercole Home
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Mystic Byzantine gold vanity by Ercole Home has a 5-drawer, with ivory wood finish on oak. Hand painted eglomise glass panels are inset on the surface. There are five aluminum pulls in brushed brass finish. The hand hammered metal base...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Executive Waterfall Metal Desk With Roll Container, Plated Metal, Glossy Lacquer
Located in Berlin, DE
Modernist executive waterfall metal desk. High-quality metal construction finisher in glossy metallic painting. Available in different finishes and dimensions on request. Production ...
Category

2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Raily Dark Writing Desk
Located in Milan, IT
This sophisticated writing desk will transform simple office tasks into a luxurious occasion with its exclusive details. Prized leather covers the wooden top, featuring a practical s...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Waxed Iron and Exotic Wood Dining Table from Costantini, Fierro, in Stock
Located in New York, NY
This one of a kind table is inspired by the massive sculptures of cold rolled steel by Richard Serra. The raw iron top was allowed to oxidize for several years before we applied a wa...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Iron

Kidney Shaped Desk in Walnut by Jonathan Field
Located in London, GB
The kidney-shaped desk in solid walnut was designed and made for a client's bay window home study; it has three main drawers of different depths that run on fully extendable Blum run...
Category

2010s English Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Xiitle Desk Small
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
The "Xitle" desk is part of ADN Studio´s Volcan Collection. This collection seeks to go back to basics. It is a subtle and refined interpretation of the archetypical modern furniture...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Unique Design Desk, French Designer Charly Bounan
Located in Geneve, CH
Charly Bounan, is a Parisian designer renowned for its refined creative style and the important eclecticism of its influences. Dimensions: Height 80 cm, width 240 cm, dep...
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Copper

Bespoke Executive Metal Desk, Lacquered Steel, Walnut Veneer, Industrial Design
Located in Berlin, DE
Industrial design executive metal desk, customizable. The desk is made of lacquered steel, aluminum, walnut veneer.
Category

2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Chunky Desk
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Conceptualized in 2023 by Leonardo Floresvillar, and crafted by hand with galvanized aluminum, coated with matte powder coating. The Chunky Desk was designed with two surface heigh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Chunky Desk
Chunky Desk
$2,650 / item
White Kidney Shaped Desk, Gesso, Antique Mirror Top
Located in Miami, FL
White kidney shaped desk with Gesso finish. The top is antiqued mirror glass. Ready for a new home.
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Gesso, Mirror, Wood

Handcrafted English Desk
Located in London, GB
A totally unique handcrafted modernist desk designed and made in England by our craftspeople using traditional woodworking and cabinetry techniques. The beautifully figured surface i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Enso Desk in Wood by Neal Aronowitz
Located in Portland, OR
Enso Desk Designed and made in Portland, Oregon The Enso Desk draws inspiration from the disciplined creative practice of Japanese ink painting. Conceived in a single, fluid, and spo...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Martin Szekely, Contemporary, Sycamore, Wenge, Rare Writing Desk, France, 1999
Located in Manhasset, NY
Martin Szekely, Contemporary, Sycamore, Wenge, Rare 'Satragno' Writing Desk, France, 1999 Rare example of a 'Satragno' desk or table designed and produced by Martin Szekely (b. 1956...
Category

1990s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Sycamore, Wenge

Fabio Lenci monumental executive desk for Bernini, Italy, 1973
Located in Padova, IT
Executive desk designed by Fabio Lenci for Bernini in 1973; walnut wood, folding shelves, plastic container trays, rotating trays, waste paper bin, cast iron ashtray...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Arthur S Carpanese Home Italia Desk with Leather Base
Located in Sanguinetto, IT
Small desk in Walnut Canaletto and leather base and inserts. The beautiful mix between natural Walnut wood and leather is perfect for a Contemporary and luxurious environment . The p...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Rare Desk by Carlo de Carli
Located in Albany, NY
A rare desk Manufactured by Cassina Date made: 1950 Material: walnut Size: H 30.5” x L 63” x D 28.5” Origin: Italy.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

The Chiquita Desk. Brazilian Solid Wood and Natural Straws.
Located in São Paulo, SP
The Chiquita writing desk features smooth and delicate lines, with 4 drawers featuring fronts made of natural wicker and brass handles that impart a nostalgic and romantic feel to th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Straw, Wood

Desk or Writing Table Glass Crystal Geometric Shape Collectible Design Italy
Located in Ancona, Marche
The desk 'Origami' is made of extra-clear crystal glass. Each sheet of extra-clear crystal glass is cut and ground with extreme precision, then the sheets are assembled by hand, havi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass

Customizable Desk/Vanity In Matte Walnut with Ottoman In Chocolate Velvet
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This minimalist desk and accompanying ottoman offer a functional and adaptable solution for various interior applications. The desk features a robust wood construction for its top su...
Category

2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

21st Century Elena Salmistraro Table Polyurethane Green Marble Scapin Collezioni
Located in Tezze sul Brenta, IT
Isotopo table design by Elena Salmistraro, product by Scapin Collezioni Limited Edition A vibrant round top is combined with a sculptural base made of three rounded conical suppo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble

Unique Desk in Mica at Cost Price
By VITTORIO SERIO
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
Exceptional desk in french polished ebonite wood from Macassar, with feet covered with plates of amethyst mica. 3 drawers and plate of glass on the top. Unique and signed piece by t...
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Amethyst

Unique Desk in Mica at Cost Price
Unique Desk in Mica at Cost Price
$4,152 Sale Price
72% Off
Guy LeFevre for Maison Jansen Lacquered Wood w/ Leather Desk, France C 1970s
Located in Norwalk, CT
Designed by noted designer Guy LeFevre who worked extensively with Maison Jansen in the 1970s, this handsome desk incorporates many of his signature details. The base and hardware ar...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Pebble Edge English Walnut Dining oval Table by Jonathan Field
Located in London, GB
The Pebble Edge Oval Table on Chapel Legs: The pebble edge refers to the tabletop edge, which takes inspiration from the perfect skimming stone, a stone that has been smoothed and made tactile by natural forces. The photographs show it with the Carol Bentwood walnut chairs. The two pieces of English walnut used for the top are joined centrally along the live edge and held in place with butterfly ties on the underside. The tabletop stands...
Category

2010s English Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Modern Dark Brushed Oak Writing Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
A modern oak writing table with our Charteris finish. This desk has gently splayed solid end supports and a matte tungsten silhouette and it has two suspended frieze drawers. Dime...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Four Drawer Matt Black Study Desk with Linoleum Top - Customizable
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
The four-drawer Study desk is made with a matt black powder-coated steel frame and a charcoal-coloured natural linoleum tabletop. The linoleum for our desks is selected for the ecolo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

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 and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Customizable Desk/Vanity In Matte Walnut with Ottoman In Navy Blue Velvet
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This minimalist desk and accompanying ottoman offer a functional and adaptable solution for various interior applications. The desk features a robust wood construction for its top su...
Category

2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Design Desk, French Designer Charly Bounan
Located in Geneve, CH
Charly Bounan, is a Parisian designer renowned for its refined creative style and the important eclecticism of its influences. As an art dealer and designer he worked closely with...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Resin

Charcoal Black Study Desk with Drawer, Customizable
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
This large black study desk is made with a powder coated steel frame and a beautiful natural linoleum top made out of linseed oil. This modern minimal desk has a single steel drawers...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Rationalist Desk Made Of Chrome Plated Steel And Stained Wood, Italy, c. 1930
By Cova, Italy 1
Located in Berlin, DE
Rationalist desk attributed to Cova - Milano, c. 1930. The desk is made of chrome plated tubular steel and stained wood. Restored on request, delivery time 10-12 weeks.
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Gold Contemporary Rectangular Table, Glass Top and Gold-Plated Aluminium Legs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sem Gold collection, rectangular table with glass top: extra light transparent glass or smoke grey transparent glass (12 mm thick). Plated aluminium legs finished in 24-karat polishe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum, Gold

Jacques Terracotta Red Console Table in Bird s Eye Maple by Fred&Juul
Located in Fiesole, Florence
Designed with the aim to find the perfect balance between clean lines and warm texture. Consisting of 5 rounded, 50 mm thick slats with bird’s eye maple veneer, the console table is ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Maple, Birdseye Maple

Contemporary Desk Ernest by Obstacles, Solid Oak, Umber
Located in Paris, IDF
'Ernest' Desk designed by Studio Obstacles in collaboration with Spanish artist Yoyo Balagué. Dimensions: W. 240 x L. 80 x H. 74 cm W.94.49 x L.31.50 x H.29.13 in Wood finishes: Na...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Oak

Pair of Small Customizable Study Desks / Console Table with Drawer
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
This pair of small study desks are made with a beetroot powder-coated steel frame and a burgundy coloured natural linoleum tabletop. The linoleum for our desks is selected for the ec...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Isabella Costantini, Italy, Dalia Desk with Two Drawers
Located in Ascoli Piceno, IT
Designed by IC and immaculately crafted by expert Italian artisans, the Dalia desk features two drawers and stylish curved legs. A piece that will enrich any decor with sophisticate...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Engraved Brass, Walnut, and Lacquered Wood Burlesque Dining Table by Egg Designs
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
The Burlesque table embodies the playful spirit often evident in the works of Egg Designs. For this table Egg collaborated with Kim Longhurst a South African illustrator to develop the burlesque design which is engraved into the solid brass top...
Category

2010s South African Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Jumbo Table with Structure in Black Ash, by Paolo Cappello
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Jumbo table is a solid looking writing desk designed to meet the challenges of the home office or limited space of bedrooms. A band of metal embraces the top, embellishing its volume...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

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 and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

SARAH desk
Located in Pesaro, IT
Wide legs as a storage unit, pull-out drawer under the tabletop, the used internal space for a cable channel, wireless charging (optional) makes this table as functional as possible....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

SARAH desk
SARAH desk
$10,232 / item
Victor Desk by Dom Edizioni
Located in Milan, IT
Elegant and timeless, this desk will be a sophisticated choice for any interior. Either in an office, private study, or behind a sofa in the living room, this piece will be functiona...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Wave Desk / Console Table in Green Resin by Facture Studio
Located in New York, NY
Wave Desk by Facture Resin, Wood L 60" x D 20" x H 30" Limited Edition 5 In Wave, designer Quincy Ellis turns to hand-sculpted forms that create clean, undulating lines. Soft grad...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Epoxy Resin

Wooden Writing Desk with Drawers and Black Lacquered Legs
Located in Madrid, ES
Large desk veneered with dark wood, front with four drawers with gold-colored pulls. Legs of black lacquered metal.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Desk, Writing Table, Office, Walnut, Modern, Hardwood, Semigood Design
Located in Issaquah, WA
Hardwood, modern desk or writing table for your home or office. 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. The timeless lines and subtle tapers of this desk will have you looking forward to sitting down...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Modern Eglomise Glass Pink Dust Vanity with Forged Metal Legs by Ercole Home
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The églomisé pink dust vanity by Ercole Home has a 5-drawer, with silver leaf wood finish. Hand painted églomisé glass panels are inset on the su...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Modern desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique 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, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern desks and writing tables made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America 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 Marco Zanuso Jr., Finn Juhl, Greenapple, and Elena Salmistraro. 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 $205 and tops out at $76,270 while the average work can sell for $6,480.