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Desk By Century

127
30,989
2,599
732
to
2,396
18,099
15,206
34,211
32,240
32,811
15,315
1,727
1,257
1,253
821
518
496
480
457
390
363
306
257
228
203
143
82
49
1,307
5,328
24,334
3,333
2,524
14,510
4,310
122
50
120
232
392
3,760
4,739
2,249
450
137
18,444
17,322
5,209
4,482
3,981
23,037
7,928
7,512
5,073
4,770
634
523
478
317
263
Sort By
Chippendale Style Mahogany Serpentine Drop-Front Desk by Century, 20th C
By Century Furniture
Located in Big Flats, NY
A Chippendale style secretary by Century offers mahogany construction with drop-front desk over
Category

20th Century American Chippendale Desks

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Writing Desk by Mainline
By Mainline by Hooker
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elegant, functional, and full of mid-century quality, this vintage writing desk by Mainline stands
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Standard Grade Wooton Desk
By Wooton Desk Co.
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a highly desirable and quite rare 19th century standard grade Wooton desk. This desk
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Late Victorian Desks

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Standard Grade Wooton Desk
19th Century Standard Grade Wooton Desk
H 64.5 in W 41.25 in D 31.25 in
Antique Regency Writing Table Desk Birds Eye Maple Kidney Shape
By Century Furniture
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A fabulous quality antique kidney shaped writing table by Century Furniture featuring a birds eye
Category

Early 20th Century American Regency Revival Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Regency Style Leather Executive Office Chair by Century
By Century Furniture
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stately leather executive swivel office chair crafted by Century Furniture. The chair features a
Category

20th Century American Regency Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Metal, Brass

American Indianapolis, Indiana Mahogany Wooton Armoire Desk, circa 1880
By Wooton Desk Co.
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A Wooton desk, produced from 1874 to 1890 in Indianapolis, Indiana Designed by entrepreneur
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Mid century Desk by Gio Ponti
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
DESK BY GIO PONTI A midcentury desk produced in Italy by Italian master Gio Ponti, good solid
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Mid century Desk by Gio Ponti
Mid century Desk by Gio Ponti
H 31.11 in W 46.46 in D 31.11 in
Mid-Century Executive Desk by John Widdicomb
By John Widdicomb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elegant mid-century vintage desk from skilled craftsmen of Grand Rapids' John Widdicomb Fine
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

19th Century walnut desk by Gillows
Located in Martlesham, GB
An exhibition quality 19th Century walnut Bonheur Du Jour / desk by Gillows, the top having a brass
Category

Antique 1860s British Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

19th Century walnut desk by Gillows
19th Century walnut desk by Gillows
H 49 in W 45.5 in D 22 in
Pagoda Mid Century Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
century desk makes an uplifting addition to home office interiors, and a chic first impression in halls
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing...

Materials

Wood

Pagoda Mid Century Desk
Pagoda Mid Century Desk
H 29.5 in W 59 in D 27.5 in
Desk Table by Robin Day, England, 20th Century
By Robin Day
Located in Brussels, BE
Robin Day desk table, two available.
Category

Mid-20th Century English Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Desk Table by Robin Day, England, 20th Century
Desk Table by Robin Day, England, 20th Century
H 29.53 in W 51.19 in D 37.41 in
Mid Century Walnut & Oak Desk by Lane
By Lane Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautifully crafted seven drawer desk with finished back by Lane, features three drawers on each
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Oak, Walnut

1960s Mid Century Walnut Desk Designed by Hooker
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century walnut desk designed and manufactured by Hooker in the United States circa 1960s. This
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Satinwood & Marquetry Desk Stamped by Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A fine quality mid 19th Century well-figured satinwood and marquetry pedestal desk. Marquetry
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Danish Desk With Shelves By Drexel
Located in Pasadena, CA
Mid Century Drexel Danish Desk with shelves. This desk set has a lot to offer is the foot print it
Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

19th Century Gustavian Writing Desk by Johan Oman
By Johan Öman
Located in New York, NY
A 19th century writing desk by Swedish Master Cabinet Maker Johan Öman (1789-1833) who worked for
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Desk by Bergwood, Circa 1975
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern desk by Bergwood - circa 1975.
Category

Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Desk by Bergwood, Circa 1975
Mid-Century Modern Desk by Bergwood, Circa 1975
H 28.75 in W 70.87 in D 35.44 in
Customized Mid-Century Modern Desk by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern L-shaped designed desk by Danish-American furniture designer Jens Risom. Teak
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Resin, Lacquer, Teak

Fine French Mid-Century Lacquered Desk by Raphael
By Raphael Raffel
Located in Long Island City, NY
Raphael (Raphael Raffel, 1912-2000) Rare Beka lacquer pedestal desk with three drawers, a black
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Mid-Century Italian Desk by Gianfranco Frattini, 1950s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very nice writing desk, designed by Giancarlo Frattini. It is fabricated in Italy in the 50's
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Italian Mid-Century Indian Rosewood Desk By Dassi
By Vittorio Dassi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning Italian Mid-Century Desk is crafted in Indian Rosewood with a satin finish. The piece
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Walnut Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern desk made by the Indiana Desk Company. Large walnut desktop and five drawers
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Walnut Desk
Mid-Century Walnut Desk
H 28.75 in W 60.25 in D 30 in
19th Century Rosewood Writing Desk
Located in New York, NY
Hand-crafted in the 19th Century, this Louis XV-style desk is comprised of rosewood with decorative
Category

Antique 19th Century Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Rosewood Writing Desk
19th Century Rosewood Writing Desk
H 39.25 in W 50.5 in D 25 in
Mid-Century Modern Desk by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Desk by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s
Category

Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Desk by Gio Ponti
Located in London, GB
This walnut desk designed by Gio Ponti is of a very useful size and elegant design with the typical
Category

Vintage 1950s Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Desk by Gio Ponti
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Desk by Gio Ponti
H 31.11 in W 66.93 in D 29.93 in
Mid century 1960’s desk/dressing table by Uniflex
By Uniflex
Located in London, GB
An unusual and rare combination desk and dressing table from English manufacturer Uniflex. With
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Formica, Teak

Mid-Century Writing Desk by Basset
By Bassett Furniture
Located in Trenton, NJ
This Vintage Writing Desk by Bassett Furniture offers a charming touch of practical mid-century
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Writing Desk by Basset
Mid-Century Writing Desk by Basset
H 30.5 in W 42.25 in D 18 in
Mid Century Modern Walnut Desk by Paul McCobb, c1960s
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Step back in time with this show-stopping vintage mid century walnut desk, artfully designed by the
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Incredible Mid Century Italian Curved Top Desk By Bernini
By Bernini
Located in Portlaoise, IE
Incredibly beautiful and stylish midcentury Italian desk with curved front featuring they most
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Vintage Mid Century Danish Teak Desk by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is an extremely rare desk by Kai Kristiansen for FM Mobler Denmark. This is a smaller version
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Mid-20th Century Walnut Executive Desk by John Widdicomb
By John Widdicomb
Located in Ava, MO
Presenting this exceptional desk by John Widdicomb. We've had many desks come through our
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Desk by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
than spectacular. A desk like this will honestly look great in any mid-century modern, rustic or
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Mid-Century Modern 4 Drawer Writing Desk by Baumritter
By Baumritter
Located in Freehold, NJ
This Mid-Century Modern writing desk from the Birchcraft line by Baumritter features hardwood
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern glass desk by Tosi, Italy 1960'
Located in Brussels, BE
Italian desk by Tosi, distinguished by its two glass panels adorned with elegant brass accents. The
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Desk/ Table by Borsani, Italy, 1950s
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Desk/ Table by Borsani, Italy, 1950s
Category

Vintage 1950s Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

19th Century Chinoiserie Desk
Located in New Orleans, LA
This French, 19th century Chinoiserie black lacquer and gilded kneehole desk features an impressive
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

19th Century Chinoiserie Desk
19th Century Chinoiserie Desk
H 33 in W 48 in D 21 in
1970’s Mid-Century Modern Desk by Schreiber Furniture
By Schreiber
Located in London, GB
Schreiber desk with the trademark veneer and distinctive recessed curved handles. The top is mushroom
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Formica, Teak

Danish Mid-Century Rosewood Desk by H. Sigh & Son
By H. Sigh & Søns Møbelfabrik AS
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Rosewood mid-century desk by H. Sigh & Son, circa 1960's. Stunning bookmatched veneer top surface
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

18th Century English Chinoiserie Table Desk
Located in Charlottesville, VA
18th century English chinoiserie table desk, having a drop-down front revealing five interior
Category

Antique 18th Century English Chinoiserie Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Lacquer

18th Century English Chinoiserie Table Desk
18th Century English Chinoiserie Table Desk
H 11.75 in W 18.75 in D 19.5 in
Mid Century Modern Swedish Rolltop Secretary Desk by Egon Ostergaard
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Embrace Scandinavian elegance with the Mid Century Modern Swedish Rolltop Secretary Desk by Egon
Category

20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Desk in Teak by Nanna Ditzel, 1960s
By Nanna Ditzel, Poul Kold Savvaerk
Located in Lejre, DK
Rare freestanding desk in teak and beech, designed Nanna Ditzel and produced by Poul Kolds Savværk
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Beech, Teak

Mid-Century Desk in Teak by Nanna Ditzel, 1960s
Mid-Century Desk in Teak by Nanna Ditzel, 1960s
H 27.56 in W 47.25 in D 23.63 in
Mid-Century Modern Desk by Studio BBPR for Olivetti
By Studio BBPR
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Desk by Studio BBPR for Olivetti
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Plastic

Louis XIV Style Desk 19th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Beautiful 19th century Louis 14 desk. Beautiful solid wood, whose legs are carved in a baluster
Category

Antique 19th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Louis XIV Style Desk 19th Century
Louis XIV Style Desk 19th Century
H 29.73 in W 29.73 in D 19.49 in
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Desk by Jean Gillon, Brazil, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Desk by Jean Gillon, Brazil, 1960s
Category

Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

20th Century Imperial French Bureau Plat or Desk by Charles Boulle
Located in Berlin, DE
Imperial French bureau plat or desk by Charles Boulle This model was built by the most important
Category

20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

19th Century, French Wood Travel Desk
Located in IT
19th Century, French Wood Travel Desk Measures: cm H 103 x W 52 x closed D 9. Open D 59 cm This
Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

19th Century, French Wood Travel Desk
19th Century, French Wood Travel Desk
H 40.56 in W 20.48 in D 3.55 in
Mid 20th century elm and mahogany desk by Carl Bergsten
By Carl Bergsten
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 20th century elm and mahogany table by Carl Bergsten circa 1930. Beautiful table by well
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Elm, Mahogany

Custom Desk by Woodland Furniture
By Woodland Furniture
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very well made desk with finished back. In a honey tone wood with an antiqued finish with
Category

20th Century Country Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Custom Desk by Woodland Furniture
Custom Desk by Woodland Furniture
H 31.5 in W 68 in D 32 in
Studio Desk, designed by Vittorio Armellini, Italy Mid-20th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Large desk with glass top and tabletop extension on the left side. The desk is slightly curved and
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid-century American Desk in Zebra Wood By Warren Platner
By Warren Platner
Located in Houston, TX
Desk is made out of zebra wood. Table top is reupholstered with brown cowhide. There is wide drawer
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Desk by Giorgio Preti
Located in Milan, IT
Desk by Giorgio Preti, Italy, 1950s. Designed for then CEO of the Banco di San Geminiano e San
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Desk by Giorgio Preti
Desk by Giorgio Preti
H 30.71 in W 79.53 in D 39.38 in
Mid-Century Danish Teak Desk
By Nordisk Andels-Eksport
Located in Baltimore, MD
A beautiful Danish modern mid century teak desk, crafted by Nordisk Andels-Eksport in Denmark
Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Danish Teak Desk
Mid-Century Danish Teak Desk
H 27 in W 48.5 in D 18.5 in
Locust desk by AROUNDtheTREE
By Alexandre Caldas
Located in Agualva-Cacém, PT
Locust desk designed by Alexandre Caldas to AROUNDtheTREE was created to be a memento to those, who
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ash, Walnut

Locust desk by AROUNDtheTREE
Locust desk by AROUNDtheTREE
H 30.36 in W 59.06 in D 31.3 in
Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Desk by Valdemar Mortensen, 1960s.
By Vald Mortensen
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak desk by Valdemar Mortensen, 1960s. High-end freestanding executive
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern Wooden Desk by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Desk by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s
Category

Vintage 1960s Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Italian Mid-Century Double-Sided Desk by Paolo Buffa, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Stunning Italian double-sided desk of the 1950s, attributable to the design of Paolo Buffa. It’s
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Quaderna Desk by Superstudio
Located in London, England
Quaderna writing desk designed Superstudio Zanotta. Modern edition.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Plastic, Wood

Quaderna Desk by Superstudio
Quaderna Desk by Superstudio
H 28.75 in W 70.87 in D 31.89 in
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Desk by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern wooden desk by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s 4 Drawers.  
Category

Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Spanish 17th Century Carved Desk
Located in London, Charterhouse Square
An ornately carved desk originating from Spain in the late 17th century. Heavy turned legs
Category

Antique Late 17th Century Spanish Other Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Spanish 17th Century Carved Desk
Spanish 17th Century Carved Desk
H 27.96 in W 54.73 in D 31.11 in
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Newly refinished vintage American desk with unique features that are sure to impress! Featuring
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Oak, Walnut

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk
H 30 in W 52 in D 24 in
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Desk By Century For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic desk by century available at 1stDibs. A desk by century — often made from metal, wood and brass — can elevate any home. If you’re shopping for a desk by century, we have 6735 options in-stock, while there are 597 modern editions to choose from as well. There are many kinds of the desk by century you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. A desk by century, designed in the Mid-Century Modern, Modern or Scandinavian Modern style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. A well-made desk by century has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames and Knoll are consistently popular.

How Much is a Desk By Century?

A desk by century can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $2,800, while the lowest priced sells for $1 and the highest can go for as much as $1,740,240.
Questions About Desk By Century
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    A Murphy desk is a wall-mounted desk that folds out to provide a work surface for a laptop, tablet, documents, and other items. It is a great solution if you have a little space or don't require a full desk every day. Shop a range of antique and vintage Murphy desks on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    A captain’s desk is a type of desk that you stand at rather than sit in front of. It usually has an angled desktop and decorative molding. Captain Josiah Davenport commissioned the British furniture maker Gillows of Lancaster to design the first one in the late 18th century. Sometimes, people refer to the furnishing as a Davenport desk in his honor. Shop a variety of captain’s desks on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    A person of average height should have a desk that is 28 to 30 inches high.

  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    A kidney desk is a desk that has a curvy top that is similar in shape to a human kidney. Many kidney desks are very ornate, showing off details like vellum-lined tabletops and parquetry inlay. Shop a selection of kidney desks on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    To date a desk, first look for any stamps or labels that tell you the name of the company that produced it. You can then use the maker information to research the piece using trusted online resources. In some cases, you may even find a manufacturing date on the piece. If you have difficulty determining how old a piece is, seek help from a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and modern desks on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    A console desk is a high, narrow table called a console table that can double as a desk. It is often used by people who work from home in a communal space, such as a hallway or a living room, as a workspace. Some console tables feature built-in storage, like drawers or shelves. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of console tables.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A kneehole desk refers to the type of desk that has a recessed, or “knee hole,” underneath between sets of drawers. The design leaves ample room for your legs when you are in a seated position. Shop a selection of antique kneehole desks on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
    A bed desk — or lap desk — is a type of desk that is primarily designed for use in bed or for other similar circumstances. It generally offers a flat work surface with enough room for a laptop, mouse and a notebook.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A peninsula desk is a two-sided desk, with each side designed with one long drawer. This functional desk makes working with a partner easy. You can shop a collection of peninsula desks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    A hutch is a set of cabinets or shelves placed on top of a desk. Hutches can also be found on counters, drawers, and even cabinets.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A desk tray is a storage solution used to tidy up desktop work areas. Normally, they are flat rectangular trays with raised sides, and their proportions make them ideal for storing stacked papers. Some trays have more than one tier to separate incoming and outgoing paperwork. You'll find a variety of antique and vintage desk trays on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    A captain’s desk is sometimes referred to as Davenport desk. It is a small desk with an inclined desktop that can be lifted to access large storage space. It has smaller spaces in the form of small drawers and pigeonholes on the sides. This desk owes its name to Captain Josiah Davenport (1771–1836) who was the first to commission the design. Find a collection of antique and vintage desks on 1stDibs today.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
    A tanker desk is a type of desk made of a simple rectangular working surface that rests on two pedestals. A tanker desk can also take the form of a large surface that rests on a pair of small cabinets consisting of drawers of multiple sizes. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary tanker desks from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    A writing desk may refer to a desk with a top, often sloping, for writing on or to a portable case with compartments to hold writing materials and a surface for writing.

  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    A waterfall desk is a desk that features rounded corners. This term comes from the idea that this stylistic feature makes it seem as if the lines of the desk flow like a waterfall. The waterfall style emerged during the 1930s and 40s. Find a range of waterfall desks on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    An executive desk is a desk often found in the offices of C-suite executives and other professionals. Compared to a standard writing desk, an executive desk is typically larger. Many feature ornate details and/or rare materials, like exotic hardwoods. Although designs vary, most executive desks have a pedestal design with a center space that provides legroom positioned between stacked drawers. Find a diverse assortment of desks on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    A modular desk is one composed of components. Unlike a standard desk that consists of a single piece, a modular desk features pieces that you can mix and match to create your own custom workspace. For example, a maker may offer a variety of desktops, pedestals and storage units, such as filing drawers, open shelves and specialized shelving for computer towers and peripherals. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of desks.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    A skinny desk is sometimes called a writing desk. The name comes from the fact that the smaller desktop provides enough space for writing but doesn’t offer much extra room for storage or a computer. Shop a range of writing desks on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2024

    No one knows for sure who invented the desk lamp, as many engineers worked on designs for lamps during the 1920s. Many experts cite the Anglepoise lamp, however, as the earliest iteration of the modern desk lamp. Since its 1934 debut, this ingenious task light has become one of the most celebrated examples of industrial design. 

    How the Anglepoise came to be is the stuff of design legend: In 1932, a vehicle-suspension engineer by the name of George Carwardine joined forces with a West Midlands springs manufacturer, Herbert Terry & Sons, to create a mechanism by which opposed springs would, as Carwardine explained, exert a “unidirectional constant force” on a pivoted lever that could counteract the force of gravity.

    This invention was not destined for an auto but for a lamp Carwardine was developing. The innovation would allow the piece’s articulated arm to be moved with ease to almost any position and remain there. As the product of engineering acumen rather than fashion, the Anglepoise soon became a favorite among modernist architects and designers, who interpreted it as “a machine for lighting,” just as Le Corbusier had reimagined the house as “a machine for living in.”

    The Angelpoise's rivals include the 1930 Bestlite, which was one of the earliest Bauhaus-influenced designs, created by Robert Dudley Best, who had studied under Walter Gropius at the Bauhaus in Dessau. German modernist Karl Trabert’s 1930s desk lamp for Schanzenbach & Co. was notable for its domed shade above a hinged arm.

    Find vintage table lamps and other lighting on 1stDibs.

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A secretary desk works with the help of hinges that secure the writing surface to the rest of the piece. To use one, you simply pull down on the wooden door to open the hinge and lower the writing surface. Return the desk to its closed position by lifting the writing surface up. You'll find a selection of secretary desks on 1stDibs.