Think contemporary, and most automatically picture Scandinavian design — simple, clean lines, no clutter and ample use of light. Yet, whether you’re envisioning living room or office furniture, Scandinavian design dates back a few decades, building off greater emphasis on modernity. As you search for a desk, understand more what true Scandinavian design means.

Why a Scandinavian Desk?

Whether you’re thinking about a vintage or modern Scandinavian desk, this style — perhaps considered archetypically contemporary — is marked by a few key attributes.

One, Scandinavian furniture design emerged sometime toward the mid-20th century, starting in Nordic countries like Sweden and Denmark before it spread through the rest of Europe and eventually the U.S. Simplicity, at a basic level, defines what you’ll see among Scandinavian office design: Straightforward lines, solid colors, no clutter or knickknacks and a clear use of light and space. The result seems to almost illuminate the desk and rest of your office furniture, giving everything a clear purpose.

Update Your Office

To some extent, Scandinavian office furniture gives off a retro-modern vibe that’s simultaneously timeless. You know you’ve seen it before, perhaps even years ago, but the result is never dated nor specific to one décor trend. In turn, whether you’re on the search for an executive, writing or computer desk in a Scandinavian style, what’s old is new and feels fresh. Chairish acknowledges this fluidity, curating a selection of modern and vintage pieces that illuminate the work of current artisans and makers and keep vintage Scandinavian furniture in circulation to support a more sustainable economy.

Scandinavian Desks

Shop Vintage Scandinavian Desks

1800s Scandinavian Light Painted Slant-Front Secretary with Multiple Drawers

1980s Rosewood Danish Modern Floating Executive Desk by Dyrlund

1960s Norwegian Rosewood Executive Desk Vintage

1970s Teak Vintage Executive Desk With Filing Drawer

Sloane Mayer, Washington D C Mid-Century Walnut Two-Part Fall Front Desk

Mid Century Writing Desk Artisan Bassett C 1950/60's

1960s Torbjørn Afdal for Nesjestranda Møbelfabrikk Mid Century Teak Secretary Writing Desk

Mid Century Secretary Desk in Mahogany

Small Mid Century Teak Desk Vanity by Gunther Hoffstead Uniflex

Mid Century Fresco Desk by Vb Wilkins for G Plan

1960s Mid Century Danish Wood Writing Desk With File Drawer

1950s Norwegian Slant Front Mid Century Desk

1960s Danish Style Teak Secretary Desk

Villa & House Paola Desk Bleached Cerused Oak

Swedish Mid Century Modern Teak Roll-Top Desk by Egon Ostergaard

1960s Mid-Century Walnut Floating Tambour Desk Attributed to Glenn of California

Vintage Scandinavian Modern Rosewood Desk by Ganddal Møbelfabrikk

Danish Modern Rosewood Cantilever Executive Desk by Georg Petersens

1950s Mid Century Rosewood Desk

Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Executive Desk With Glass Top by Arne Vodder Style

1970s Scandinavian ‘MagicBox’ Secretary Desk W/ Keys

1960s Vintage Mid Century Danish Teak Secretary Desk

Vintage Elm Wood Console or Writing Table Desk

Vintage Scandinavian Mid Century Modern Rosewood Boomerang Desk Model A10 by Göran Strand

Rosewood Secretary Desk | Attributed to Arne Wahl Iversen

Scandinavian Modern Teak Desk

Danish Mid Century Modern Fall Front Desk Att. To Gunnar Nielsen Tibergaard C 1950/1960's

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Teak Roll Top Desk or Dresser

1960’s Danish Modern Teak Cylinder Roll Top Secretary Desk in the Style of Egon Ostergaard

D-Scan Danish Solid Teak Desk

Kai Kristiansen Executive Teak Desk Model 70

1980s Mid Century Solid Teak Andreas Hansen Desk

Early 19th Century Scandinavian Satinwood Drop Leaf Writing Table

1960s Mid Century Modern Teak Desk

German Modern Rosewood Desk With Drawers and Shelf

Vintage Danish Rosewood Floating Executive Desk by h.p. Hansen

Danish Design Executive Desk

1960s Mid Century Danish Teak Writing Desk With Hutch

Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Desk

Børge Mogensen Teak 'Partner's' Desk for Ab Karl Andersson, 1960

1950s Mid Century Maple Desk by Paul McCobb for Winchendon

1790s Scandinavian Slant Front Desk with Carved Panel and Four Drawers

Vintage 1960’s Scandinavian Danish Modern Extendable Teak Wood Desk Attributed to Gunnar Nielsen Tibergaard

Folks 2-Tier Primary Desk Designed by Nathan Yong

Vintage Danish Mid Century Modern Teak Writing Desk

1960s Brazilan Rosewood Secretary by Riis Antonsen for Borge Hansen Denmark

Mid- Century Modern G-Plan Teak Desk 30 Inches Tall

Vintage Danish Mid Century Modern Walnut Secretary Desk

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