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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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

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Style: Modern
PEMBROKE Desk by AMBROZIA, Solid Oxidized Walnut, Blackened Steel Leather
Located in Drummondville, Quebec
The PEMBROKE writing desk/table is handmade to order from a hand selected solid wood desk top with a hand rubbed natural oil and wax finish that enhance the real beauty of the wood and give a natural warm touch. The elegant style came from our unique studio-machined Pembroke legs...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel, Cut Steel, Steel, Bronze

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
Walnut Writing Desk with Drawers, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Writing desk made completely of solid walnut. The drawers are assembled with dovetail joints (includes 2 top drawers and 3 drawers under the desk). This writing desk is characterized by an “X” joint...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Custom Bent Office/Writing Desk, Made of Bronze and Walnut Drawers
Located in Chicago, IL
A single brass sheet is bent creating the surface and sides, aptly giving the desk its name. The finish is darkened by hand through a proprietary solution and the drawers are made from solid walnut and veneered fronts. Perfect as a writing desk in any residential library or office or even as a concierge desk...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

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

Large Deep Green Study Desk with Linoleum Top and Two Drawers, Customizable
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
This large deep green 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 two steel drawers...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Ángulo Desk - Terracotta
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Conceptualized in 2023 by Leonardo Floresvillar, and crafted by hand with metal, coated with matte powder coating. The Ángulo Desk was designed with two ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Doris Double Pedestal Dining Table in White Carrara Marble and Cast Aluminum
Located in Fiesole, Florence
Dining tables with marble tops and multifaceted pedestals in cast bronze, blackened bronze or aluminum. Inspired by Doric columns in archaic architecture, the extruded multi-point ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Breccia Marble, Carrara Marble, Siena Marble, Aluminum, Bronze

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

Modern White Lacquered Executive Desk
Located in North York, ON
Modern white Lacquered executive desk. Timeless Art Deco inspired design lacquered in a designer finish with oil rubbed bronze hardware and execut...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Modern White Lacquered Executive Desk
Modern White Lacquered Executive Desk
$10,360 Sale Price
20% Off
Georgetti Erasmo Luxury Italian Oval Desk by Massimo Scolari
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An extraordinary Italian design with particularly noteworthy Moden form and exquisite wood. Georgetti Erasmo oval desk designed by Massimo Scolari with fluid and linear lines. The de...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Modern Flip-Top Mirrored Vanity Desk
Located in New York, NY
Custom modern flip-top mirrored vanity desk with glass shelves. Customization is available in different sizes, finishes and hardware.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Desk or Writing Table Crystal Glass Origami Design Collectible Made in 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

Crystal

Amuneal’s Collector s Knife Edge Console with 4 Drawers
Located in New York, NY
Amuneal’s wall hanging bleached oak console table uses our traditional Collector’s Shelving hardware to support this four-drawer unit with vintage bronze metal details and raised kni...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

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 and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Gran Torino Big Version in Walnut Maple by Ivan Paradisi
Located in Turin, IT
The Gran Torino Big Version by Ivan Paradisi is an evolution of the designer’s celebrated masterpiece, the original Gran Torino Desk. Conceived upon the request of a private collecto...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Maple, Walnut

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

1970 s "Boomerang" Desk in Walnut, Chrome Plated Steel and Glass - Italy
Located in Girona, Girona
"Boomerang" desk, large top in varnished walnut covered with a thick glass. Two chrome plated steel columns. Italy c. 1970 Measure: Width top: 77 cm.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

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

Jacques Pearl Grey Dining 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 dining or coffee ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Birdseye Maple, Maple

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

Wall Mounted Sit/Stand Desk "Muro" in Oak and Stainless Steel by Casey Lurie
Located in Chicago, IL
Wall anchored stainless steel rails support three wood shelves of varying depths. Each shelf serves a different function: shallow for small objects and pictures, medium for books and larger objects...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

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

G.15 Desk / Ebonized Walnut with Lacquer by Lusano
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Grant Desk is a study in proportion, where workspace becomes sculpture. A waterfall silhouette defines its form, punctuated by subtle notch detailing. Beneath, three satin lacque...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut, Lacquer

Cast Brass, Glass and Walnut Timber Big Crocco Desk by Egg Designs
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
The Big Crocco desk belongs to the Big Crocco collection designed by Egg Designs and manufactured in South Africa. This high end, contemporary and bespoke desk...
Category

2010s South African Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Modern Eglomise Glass Byzantine Gold Vanity and Forged Metal Legs by Ercole Home
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Mystic Byzantine Gold Green vanity by Ercole Home has a 9-drawer, with ivory wood finish on oak. Hand painted eglomise glass panels are inset on the surface. There are nine pulls in brushed brass finish. The hand hammered metal base...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Gala ash wood structure and veneer cover Desk
Located in Mexico City, MX
The Gala desk exhibits wood as the principal material. Composed of solid wood legs and wood veneer top and cabinet with three drawers, this desk is the ideal element for any space th...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

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 and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple, Plywood

Ivory Ripple Desk by Perler
Located in Geneve, CH
Ivory Ripple Desk by Perler Limited Edition Dimensions: W 130 x D 70 x H 75 cm. Tabletop thickness: 7 cm Materials: Jesmonite. Weight: 50 kg. Color: A subtle shade of warm white/ivor...
Category

2010s Polish Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Other

Plexiglass Desk + Chair by Fabio Lenci for Formes Nouvelles, Italy 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
This rare 1970s desk and matching chair by Italian designer Fabio Lenci for Formes Nouvelles embodies the forward-thinking ethos of the era. The soft lavender hued plexiglass surface...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

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 and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

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

Hickory Chair Modern Saber Leg Dining Table Or Desk W/ Saber Leg - James River
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a modern ebonized saber leg writing desk or dining table by Hickory Chair. It is a custom piece from their longest running line, the James River Collection. This has been in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ash, Ebony

FRONT – Minimalist Work Desk in Oak Wood 120x60
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

Wood, Walnut, Plywood

Utopia Desk, Cream Oak and Bronzed Brass, InsidherLand by Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
The utopia desk is designed in the likeness of the architectural scale that suggests a crossing through the structures of a utopian city, organized by the principles of symmetry and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Metal

Gianfranco Frattini Writing Desk in Walnut, Italy, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Gianfranco Frattini in the 1960s, this Italian writing desk exemplifies his refined modernist vision. Crafted in walnut with a beautifully figured grain, the desk feature...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Kartell Earl of Wood Desk by Philippe Stark in Black Slatted Ash
Located in Brooklyn, NY
EARL OF WOOD is a simple new desk with a curved wooden surface, offering the perfect solution to the Office and Habitat worlds on account of its myriad diffe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Table Desk Writing Home Office Grey Marble Top Mirror Steel Modern Collectible
Located in Ancona, Marche
The table 'Gallio' is an important desk with structure in mirror polished stainless steel and top in grey Versylis marble. The structure is inspired by a formation of crystals of Gal...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Stainless Steel

"Optimum" Walnut Desk Designed by Stephane Lebrun for Dessie
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Optimum" is a desk, designed by Stephane Lebrun and manufactured by Dessie', with a structure made in solid Pascoso walnut (1.57" x 1.57") and features 2 drawers in solid walnut, a ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Tulare Desk
Located in New Hampton, NY
Shown in oiled walnut and gunmetal steel with burnished bronze hardware, the Tulare desk features three solid wood drawers, custom-made hardware and hand a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze, Steel

Tulare Desk
Tulare Desk
$12,300 / item
Pierre Jeanneret Desk and Stool from the city of Chandigarh, India 1950 - 1959
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Jeanneret Desk and Stool from the city of Chandigarh, India 1950 - 1959 Teak Holland and Sherry boiled wool. Desk: 27 H x 31.5 W x 23 D inches Stoo...
Category

1950s Indian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak, Wool

Cantilever Desk Table in Gloss Laquered Ebony Solid Wood Brass by Artempo
Located in Geneve, CH
Cantilever Desk Table in Gloss Laquered Ebony Solid Wood & Brass by Artempo Dimensions: D 240 x W 80 x H 75 cm. Materials: Ebony wood and brass. This design employs cantilevered arc...
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Jack Writing Desk by Daytona
Located in Milan, IT
A magnificent addition to your contemporary or more Classic style home, the Jack Writing Desk features an elegant brass base with a burnished brass finish, a plywood structure with t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Writing Desk, Etched Brass, Pivoting Doors Stone Elm Shelves/Walnut
Located in Brooklyn, NY
SEM Pivot collection, writing desk, simple and sculptural. The supporting structure is a rigid system of metal tubes to which are added shelves in beautiful stone elmwood and Canaletto walnut wood combined with various lacquered containers...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Black Design Desk by French Designer Charly Bounan
Located in Geneve, CH
Black Design desk by French Designer Charly Bounan Dimensions: Height: 80 cm. Width: 240 cm. Depth: 80 cm. Charly Bounan, is a Parisian designer renowned for its refined crea...
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Resin

Desk Table Home Office Pink Onyx Mirror Polished Steel Collectible Design Italy
Located in Ancona, Marche
The 'Bangles Desk' is an important desk with structure in mirror polished stainless steel and top in rare pink onyx. Every single bangle is welded and highly polished by hand. The mi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Onyx, Stainless Steel

Hans J. Wegner Model PP 312 Ash Wood Writing Desk, Designed for PP Møbler, 1980
Located in Kastrup, DK
Hans J. Wegner desk, model PP 312, designed for PP Møbler in 1981. Crafted from solid ash wood, this desk features an elegant and functional design that reflects superior craftsmansh...
Category

Late 20th Century Danish Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ash

"Xilte" Desk
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

"Xilte" Desk
"Xilte" Desk
$4,900 / item
Scrivania Anni 80 Stile Quaderna
Located in Milano, IT
Grande scrivania vintage con piano rettangolare, cassetti e vani contenitori con finitura in laminato a quadratini nello stile dei celebri arredi firmati Zanotta.
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Laminate

Herman Miller Motia Sit-to-Stand Electric Height Adjustable Rectangle Table Desk
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Elegant Motia Ergonomic Sit-to-Stand table desk/work center by Herman Miller. Electric adjustable height work table that gracefully moves from the sitting to standing position in sec...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Organic Design, Natural Beige Working Desk in MDF Frame, with drawer by kar
Located in Geneve, CH
Lifting desk by kar Dimensions: W 120 x D 45 x H 75 cm Materials: MDF Frame Available in black. Kar, is the root of Sanskrit Karma, meaning karmic repet...
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Fiberglass

Red Steel Contemporary Study Desk with Two Drawers - Customizable
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
A large red study desk made with a powder coated steel frame and a beautiful lacquered plywood colour matched table top. This modern minimal desk has two steel drawers suspended unde...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Custom Modern Walnut Executive Desk by Carrocel
Located in North York, ON
Coupling both classic and modern elements into one stylish design, this writing desk from the Carrocel Custom collection presents a picture of walnut elegance. A rectangular floating...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

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 and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

21st Century Two-Drawer Mirrored Glass and Brass Writing Desk or Console
Located in Miami, FL
This is one of five exclusive pieces. Two-drawer mirrored glass and brass writing desk Beautiful and elegant design Perfect finished. Overall dimensions: 127 cm W x 51 cm D x 8...
Category

2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

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 and Writing Tables

Materials

Onyx, Brass

Laurameroni "Poe" Rounded Desk in Black Rye-Straw by Bartoli Design
Located in Monza, IT
Family of desks with round-shaped top and legs with ovoidal section. Top in special shaded glossy lacquered wood and legs covered in a black rye-straw inlay. Poe consoles stem from the desire to design a family of desks for contemplation, working hours, or moments dedicated to personal passions. The rounded shape of the top conveys the idea of meditation and introspection while the legs gently connect to the tabletop giving a precious effect. Inspired by the antique escritoires...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Rare Modernist Glass Table in the Manner of Danny Lane
Located in Forney, TX
A spectacular, Modern sculptured glass table, from the last quarter of the 20th century, in the manner of Danny Lane (United States, b.1955). This stunning table features a floating,...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass

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

Italian Desk With Metal Structure And Custom Leather Wood Colors
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This office desk is perfect for both home offices and commercial workspaces. Sleek and geometric, the cylinder-shaped top features a drawer and two open compartments on each side. B...
Category

2010s Italian 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.

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