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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 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
Modern Chiado Console Table, Red Leather, Stone, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Chiado Console, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
The Chiado console table honors Lisbon’s historic quarter, cap...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Granite, Onyx, Marble
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
Long Study Desk / Large Console Table in Beige Linoleum and Steel
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
This large Study desk / Console Table is made with a butternut beige powder-coated steel frame and a pearl linoleum top made from all-natural ingredients, such as flax, wood flour, a...
Category
2010s English Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Minimalist Modern Desk in Ash for Home Office
Located in Lisbon, PT
A stylish desk for home or office. The clean look is achieved by using the drawers almost hided, and as a part of the desk’s structure. Front desk is available in ash, oak and walnut...
Category
2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Plywood, Oak
Minimalist Modern Desk in Oak for Home Office
Located in Lisbon, PT
A stylish desk for home or office. The clean look is achieved by using the drawers almost hided, and as a part of the desk’s structure. Front desk is available in ash, oak and walnut...
Category
2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak, Wood, Plywood
Whitewashed Ash Linderman Wall-Mounted Desk with Leather Wrapped Drawer in Stock
Located in Accord, NY
New York Heartwoods' Linderman wall-mounted desk is influenced by Mid-Century Modern, Shaker and Asian design, and features a hand-shaped base, leather wrapped pen drawer (shown here...
Category
2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Ash, Leather
Minimalist Modern Desk in Walnut
Located in Lisbon, PT
A stylish desk for home or office. The clean look is achieved by using the drawers almost hided, and as a part of the desk’s structure, as well as cable storage under the tabletop. F...
Category
2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Plywood, Walnut
Minimalist Modern Desk in Walnut
Located in Lisbon, PT
A stylish desk for home or office. The clean look is achieved by using the drawers almost hided, and as a part of the desk’s structure, as well as cable storage under the tabletop. F...
Category
2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Plywood, Walnut
Walnut Writing Desk with Drawers, Made in Italy
By Riva 1920
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
Alva Alato Table Red Lacquer Table Top, 1930
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Hamburg, DE
Very early desk, writing table by Alva Aalto, circa 1930, red lacquer tabletop, birch, bentwood, table size 182 cm x 90 cm x 72 cm.
Category
1930s Finnish Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Birch, Bentwood
Study Desk / Large Console Table in Charcoal Linoleum and Steel
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
This large Study desk / Console Table is made with a charcoal black powder-coated steel frame and a charcoal linoleum top made from all-natural ingredients, such as flax, wood flour, and limestone. The furniture linoleum provides a natural matt surface with a warm fine texture - a look that is very tactile and looks great with the sleek powder-coated steel frame. This modern minimal desk...
Category
2010s English Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Hamilton Modern Desk, by Ambrozia, Tinted Glass, Black Steel, Solid Black Walnut
By AMBROZIA
Located in Drummondville, Quebec
The Hamilton modern working desk is handcrafted from a light weight 2” x 1” steel frame. Featuring a nice 10mm tinted tempered glass which let you see the solid wood storage...
Category
2010s Canadian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Italian modern Wooden desk mod. Canaan by Marcel Breuer for Gavina, 1970s
By Gavina, Marcel Breuer
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Wooden desk mod. Canaan by Marcel Breuer for Gavina, 1970s
Desk mod. Canaan with rectangular wooden top. On one side there are 2 drawers and on the other 4. It has a ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
"Symmetric" Console / Desk, Black Walnut, Patina Steel
Located in North Branch, NY
The "Symmetric" console / desk is a perfectly balanced design of interlocking steel plate joinery and a solid black walnut surface. Customizable to any variation of dimensions, mater...
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
Walnut Orange MiMi Table by Miduny, Made in Italy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Merging clean lines with warm materials, the faceted geometry of the MiMi table creates a slender, graceful profile punctuated with painted surfaces that ca...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak, Plywood, Birch
Modern Art Deco Desk in Solid Wood and Leather by Costantini, Alvear
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
Alvear Modern Art Deco Desk in Solid Wood and Leather by Costantini
This elegant desk crafted from solid Argentine Rosewood and leather combines subtle Art Deco influences with mode...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
Modern Arco da Augusta Console Calacatta Marble Handmade Portugal Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Arco da Augusta Console, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Inspired by Lisbon's historical arch and as a homage to the Portuguese architecture...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Modern Silhueta Console Table Carrara Marble Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Silhueta console, Modern Collection, handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern.
Inspired by the organic shapes and lean silhouettes, this console adds a modern touch to every li...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Belgian Black Marble, Brass
Organic Modern Accent Home Office Writing Desk Black Oak Wood Black Lacquer
Located in Vila Nova Famalicão, PT
João Faria created the stunning home desk ROOTS for contemporary and home offices. Rather than placed against a wall, it should stand in the middle of the room and be admired from al...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Cut Steel, Metal, Steel
Radius Cutaway Reclaimed Walnut Desk
Located in brooklyn, NY
Radiused outer edges and scalloped inner edge create a contrasting profile that adorns this minimal desk. Made from hand oiled solid walnut, this desk blends simple lines with unique...
Category
2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Organic Modern Armona Desk, Oak Root Onyx, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Armona desk, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Armona modern desk pays homage to...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Onyx
Organic Modern Armona Desk, Walnut Onyx, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Armona Desk, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Armona modern desk pays homage to...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Onyx
Modern Armona Dining Table, American Oak, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Armona Dining Table, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese 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
Modern Armona Dining Table, American Oak, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Armona Dining Table, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collec...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Oak
Modern Castelo Console Table, Sahara Marble, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Castelo Console, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Marble, Brass
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
Table Desk Writing Home Office Pink Onyx Gold Mirror Steel Modern Collectible
Located in Ancona, Marche
The table 'Bangles Desk Gold' is an important desk with structure in mirror polished stainless steel with 24 Kt gold galvanic special finish and top in rare pink onyx. The 24 Kt gold...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Onyx, Stainless Steel
Modern Armona Dining Table, American Oak Brass, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Armona Dining Table, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collec...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Onyx, Brass
Vintage Boho Faux Goatskin Waterfall Desk
Located in west palm beach, FL
Infuse your workspace with bohemian elegance using this Vintage Boho Faux Goatskin Waterfall Desk. The American-style design features a smooth, faux goatskin finish and a sleek water...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Paint
Large Customisable Study Desk with Modesty Panel and Two Drawers
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
This large beetroot color 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 dra...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Rose Tarlow Melrose House Cyrano Writing Table Desk
By Rose Tarlow
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Rose Tarlow Melrose House Cyrano Writing Table Desk. it features Five drawers and pull out platforms on either side. The drawer pulls are a variant bronze oval.
Category
1990s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
21st Century Desk Wight Ebony and Black Leather with Metal Leg by Aymeric Lefort
Located in SENLIS, OISE
A semi-circular black lacquered metal legged desk with a white ebony veneer top and black leather desk blotter. The top of the back legs ends with a LED light.
Do not hesitate to ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Opener Desk in European Walnut by Jonathan Field
Located in London, GB
Opener Desk Mk 2. Autumn 2023: number 2 of a series of 5 only
The design revisited of the original Opener Desk design, which was also made in an edition of five in 2010 to 2012.
...
Category
2010s English Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Ventus Desk - Modern Black Handcrafted Table made by Prieto Studio
Located in London, GB
Crafted from solid layers of wood, the Ventus table is a distinguished desk that combines a lightweight silhouette with a sturdy modern look. Raising one of the sides, we have also g...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Desk by Pierre Paulin, CM141 design editited by Thonet, France, 1960's
Located in Paris, FR
Desk CM141 designed by Pierre Paulin, Thonet Edition, 1950-60's, France
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Organic Modern Armona Desk, Walnut Brass Onyx, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Armona Desk, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Armona modern desk pays homage to...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Onyx, Brass
Contemporary dressing table and stool in cherry
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Contemporary dressing table and stool in cherry circa 1990.
Well made in cherry wood, concave shaped dressing table with decorative brass ...
Category
Late 20th Century English Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Modern Menir Console Table, Calacatta Marble, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Menir Console, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
The Menir modern console table draws inspiration from menhir silhouettes, standing as a tribu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble
Bespoke Modernist Tubular Steel Table in Chromed Metal and Glossy Lacquered Wood
By GMD Berlin
Located in Berlin, DE
Bespoke modernist tubular writing table made of chrome plated tubular steel and lacquered wood.
Category
2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Off-Grid Solid Wood Contemporary Sculptural Carved Wall-Mounted Bar Cabinet
By Grain
Located in Bainbridge Island, WA
Our Off-Grid Cabinet takes inspiration from the distinctive checkerboard pattern and functional pivot hinge of a Door for an Inner Room made in the late 19th century by an unnamed Ba...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Off-Grid Solid Wood Contemporary Sculptural Carved Credenza Cabinet Sideboard
By Grain
Located in Bainbridge Island, WA
Our Off-Grid Credenza takes inspiration from the distinctive checkerboard pattern and functional pivot hinge of a Door for an Inner Room made in the late 19th century by an unnamed B...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ash
Modern by Giuseppe Carpanelli Pegaso Writing Desk Walnut Wood with Leather
By Carpanelli
Located in Desio, IT
Writing desk in Canaletta walnut with large drawer with push and pull mechanism, small drawers with metal handles in the upper part. Legs in solid wood in Canaletta walnut tone.
Top ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Roller One Co. Writing Desk Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Roller One Co. Writing Desk Table
This minimalist desk/table with three drawers by Roller One Co. Ltd. would be a functional and sleek addition to...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Organic Modern Armona Desk, Walnut Brass Onyx, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Armona Desk, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Armona...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Onyx, Brass
Modern Castelo Console Table, Sahara Marble, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Castelo Console, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Steel
Amuneal’s Collector's Knife Edge Console
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
Pierre Guariche. Desk in teak and lacquered metal. 1960s. LS56631534M
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pierre Guariche, by.
Desk in teak with its lacquered metal base. Black laminate top.
French work realized in the 1960s.
Dimensions: H 75 x W 161 x D 71 cm
Reference: LS56631534M
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Desk
By Mark Grattan
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Lacquered wood, velvet interior drawers and steel pulls.
A sum of quotidian mental captures, memories, utopias, and life experiences come as a whole in Mark Grattan ́s case pieces c...
Category
2010s Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
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
Artedi Travertine and Brass Dining Table
By Artedi
Located in Denton, TX
Travertine cube with brass cross design that support beveled glass top.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Travertine, Brass
Sierra Desk in solid Walnut
Located in København Ø, DK
Minimalist desk with surprising details like grooves for cables and different-width legs.
Category
2010s Danish Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood, Walnut
Mario Botta “Tesi” Dining Table for Alias, Italy 1980
By Alias, Mario Botta
Located in Argelato, BO
A very rare desk/dining table designed by Mario Botta, model “Tesi”, manufactured by Alias in, Italy around 1980.
This eye-catching piece has a clear glass rectangular top allows th...
Category
1980s Vintage Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Crooked Desk by Nazara Lazaro
Located in Geneve, CH
Crooked desk by Nazara Lazaro
Dimensions: H 75 cm x W 170 cm x D 96 cm
Materials: Massive oak with oil wax surface
Also available in natural massive oak, walnut, and white lacquered...
Category
2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Pixel Desk by Morgan Clayhall, sculptural steel and marble
Located in Toronto, CA
The Pixel Desk is designed and finish by hand in our Toronto studio
The Pixel Desk is designed with creating a whimsical interpretation of deconstructionism in the breaking apart of...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Steel
Cerused oak three drawer writing desk having pull out slides.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cerused oak three drawer writing desk having pull out slides that allow for a generous work area. This desk is hand made in our workshops and comes in a...
Category
2010s Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Wicker + Bamboo Writing Desk with Brass Trim, Italy 20th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
A vintage Italian writing desk clad in woven cane with an elegant patinated brass trim. The front and back of this desk are framed in bamboo and it features three front drawers with ...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker
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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