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Midcentury Writing Desk

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Mid-Century Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
Mid-century desk or dressing table with our Rowan primavera veneered with inset breakfront top with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Desks and Wr...

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Desk
Mid-Century Desk
H 30 in W 47.75 in D 27.75 in
Mid Century Desk - Light
Located in Westwood, NJ
Mid Century Desk or dressing table with our Mangrove primavera veneer with inset breakfront top
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Desks and Wr...

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Desk - Light
Mid Century Desk - Light
H 30 in W 47.75 in D 27.75 in
Architectural Mid Century Desk, 1940s, Sweden
Located in Berlin, DE
Architectural mid century desk, 1940s, Sweden.
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Architectural Mid Century Desk, 1940s, Sweden
Architectural Mid Century Desk, 1940s, Sweden
H 29.34 in W 43.31 in D 23.63 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
Asymmetrical Italian Mid-Century Desk in Walnut
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century desk in walnut with an open pore satin finish. The asymmetrical design offers a
Category

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

Materials

Leather, Walnut

scrivania in radica design - 1950 - mid century - desk - design
Located in Milano, MI
scrivania in radica design - 1950 - mid century - desk - design Caratteristiche Produzione
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Pierre Jeanneret Pigeonhole Mid-Century Desk PJ-BU-02-A
Located in London, GB
An increasingly scarce teak mid-century desk by legendary design Pierre Jeanneret. India, circa
Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Danish Mid-Century Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage writing desk made in Denmark features three drawers and plenty of small storage
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Danish Mid-Century Desk
Danish Mid-Century Desk
H 34 in W 50 in D 27.5 in
Danish Mid-Century Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large teak writing desk with storage and finished back. Five drawers, caned back, wood trimmed
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Danish Mid-Century Desk
Danish Mid-Century Desk
H 29 in W 62 in D 28 in
Executive Mid-century Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modern style executive desk with yellow formica top, metal handles and cane back. (Please confirm
Category

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

Materials

Laminate, Walnut

Executive Mid-century Desk
Executive Mid-century Desk
H 29.5 in W 76 in D 34 in
Cosmopolitan Mid Century Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
A welcoming and sophisticated work surface, A three-drawer writing table that warmly blends brushed
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Desks and Wr...

Materials

Metal

Cosmopolitan Mid Century Desk
Cosmopolitan Mid Century Desk
H 30 in W 72 in D 34 in
Two tone mid century desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
W52.5 D23.25 H30 KNEE CLEARANCE 24 KNEE WIDTH 19.5 Fully restored walnut and oak desk circa 1960s
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Two tone mid century desk
Two tone mid century desk
H 30 in W 52.5 in D 23.25 in
Rway 4-Drawer Mid Century Desk in Black
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Extremely rare Rway black mid century desk with silver hardware. This desk in in decent vintage
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Steel

Rway 4-Drawer Mid Century Desk in Black
Rway 4-Drawer Mid Century Desk in Black
H 30.5 in W 46 in D 19.5 in
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
French Petite Wooden Mid-Century Desk
By Maison Regain
Located in London, GB
A stylish petite desk. France, c1970s. In the manner of Maison Regian. Likely to be elm or
Category

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

Materials

Elm

French Petite Wooden Mid-Century Desk
French Petite Wooden Mid-Century Desk
H 31.11 in W 38.39 in D 23.43 in
Danish Mid-Century Desk in Teak, 1960s
By Haslev Mobelsnedkeri
Located in Lejre, DK
Freestanding desk in teak, designed and made in Denmark. Great condition.
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Danish Mid-Century Desk in Teak, 1960s
Danish Mid-Century Desk in Teak, 1960s
H 29.53 in W 80.71 in D 37.41 in
Italian Midcentury Writing Desk Attributed to Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Rome, IT
This stunning and impressive Italian executive desk with finished brass sabots and seven drawers.
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Fully restored midcentury writing Desk, 1960's, Czechoslovakia
Located in Prague 8, CZ
This ladies writing desk was made in the former Czechoslovakia in the 1960´s. It's made of beech
Category

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

Materials

Plastic, Wood, Beech

Restored Midcentury Writing Desk, Bohumil Landsman, Oak, Umakart, Czechia, 1950s
By Novy Domov, Bohumil Landsman
Located in Horomerice, CZ
Restored Midcentury Writing Desk. Material: Oak, Umakart Architect: Bohumil Landsman Maker: Nový
Category

Vintage 1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood, Oak

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
Oak Danish Mid-Century Desk attr. to Henning Kjaernulf
Located in London, GB
A good looking simple desk, in oak, with reverse book case shelves for displaying books or curios
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Midcentury Writing Desk or Console Table from Up Zavody, 1960s
By Up Závody
Located in Żory, PL
Mid-century writing desk which can also be used as a console table. Manufactured by UP Zavody
Category

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

Materials

Glass, Wood

Mid Century Desk in the style of Hans Wegner Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very nice simple smaller sized writing desk with two drawers having bent wood handles and upper
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Desk in wood by Derk Jan De Vries, 1960s
By Domus
Located in Argelato, BO
Mid-century light wood desk by Derk Jan de Vries - Netherlands, 1960s. It is an iconic and very
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Italian Mid-Century Desk with Bookcase in Maple Wood Ico Parisi Style , 1950s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Vigonza, Padua
A particular and very useful by Permanente Mobili Cantù Mid-Century Modern desk with bookcase in
Category

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

Materials

Maple

Mid-Century Desk by Robin Day with Zinc Top and Beech Legs, 1950s
By Robin Day
Located in Hønefoss, 30
This midcentury desk is designed by renowned designer Robin Day, known for his contributions to
Category

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

Materials

Zinc

French Mid-Century Desk in Black Lacquer with Brass Details by Jean Claude Mahey
By Jean Claude Mahey
Located in Salzburg, AT
Straight-lined desk in a clear design by French designer Jean Claude Mahey. The object is made
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century American Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Double pedestal mid-century desk with laminate top. Six total drawers for storage and finished wood
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century American Desk
Mid-Century American Desk
H 28.5 in W 54 in D 18 in
Danish Modern Rosewood Writing Desk
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Rosewood mid-century desk, circa 1960's. Sleek uncluttered design with bookmatched veneer top. Four
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Danish Modern Rosewood Writing Desk
Danish Modern Rosewood Writing Desk
H 29.5 in W 59.5 in D 31.5 in
Mid-Century Writing Desk with Filing Drawer
Located in Trenton, NJ
This unique midcentury writing desk is long and narrow with a durable laminate top and sturdy metal
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Writing Desk with Filing Drawer
Mid-Century Writing Desk with Filing Drawer
H 29.5 in W 60.25 in D 19.25 in
Custom French Mid-Century Style Cerused Oak Desk, Jean-Michel Frank
By Jean-Michel Frank
Located in New York, NY
Sober, elegant and practical French mid-century desk or writing table in the modern neoclassical
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writin...

Materials

Oak

Danish Modern Walnut Writing Desk
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Walnut mid-century desk, circa 1960's. Clean modern lines with stunning grain patterns on the top
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Danish Modern Walnut Writing Desk
Danish Modern Walnut Writing Desk
H 30 in W 55 in D 29.5 in
Farsø Stolefabrik Designed Desk
By Farso Stolefabrik
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Farsø Stolefabrik for Maurice Villency rosewood mid-century desk. Beautiful deep grain throughout
Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

Farsø Stolefabrik Designed Desk
Farsø Stolefabrik Designed Desk
H 28 in W 59 in D 31.5 in
Italian Vintage Desk in Style of Anonima Castelli
By Anonima Castelli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian mid century desk in style of Anonima Castelli. Top is Formica, Oak veneer total of nine
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Double-Sided Executive Birch Desk Imexcotra
Located in London, GB
Mid-Century Double-Sided Executive Birch Desk Imexcotra Mid-Century desk was manufactured in
Category

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

Materials

Brass

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

Danish Modern Oak Writing Desk
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Oak mid-century desk, circa 1960's. Robust desk with curling top edges and ample storage for your
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Danish Modern Oak Writing Desk
Danish Modern Oak Writing Desk
H 30 in W 59 in D 30 in
Modern Lacquered Writing Desk with Brass Accents by John Stuart
By John Stuart
Located in Dallas, TX
A timeless vintage piece, this midcentury writing desk feels glamourous, manufactured for John
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Drop Leaf Extending Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Teak mid-century desk with extra leaf that lifts and slides to extend the desk to 5.5 feet wide
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Drop Leaf Extending Desk
Drop Leaf Extending Desk
H 28 in W 46 in D 23 in
Henning Kjaernulf Danish Mid-Century Oak Desk
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Norwalk, CT
Give your office some modern farmhouse flair with this Danish mid-century desk in carved oak by
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Henning Kjaernulf Danish Mid-Century Oak Desk
Henning Kjaernulf Danish Mid-Century Oak Desk
H 28.5 in W 61.75 in D 31.25 in
Czechoslovak Midcentury Chrome and Formica Writing Desk, 1950s, Czechoslovakia
Located in Prague 8, CZ
Midcentury writing desk with three plastic drawer. It has a construction of chrome pipes and a
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Chrome

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

British Colonial Style Faux Bamboo and Grasscloth Pagoda Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive mid century desk crafted with a faux burnt bamboo frame having grasscloth panels on the
Category

Mid-20th Century Philippine British Colonial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Grasscloth, Faux Bamboo

Sexy Slim Rosewood and Chrome Desk by Ste. Marie and Laurent Mid-Century
By Andre Laurent
Located in Pemberton, NJ
. This Mid-Century desk floats on a modern chrome cantilever base and is finished on all sides. It
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Black Polished Mahogany Writing Desk by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Kastrup, DK
Ole Wanscher, Danish 1903-1985. Mid-century desk in black polished mahogany by Danish cabinetmaker
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Poul Nørreklit for Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik selectform desk model 'GP 160'
By Poul Nørreklit, Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
A vintage mid-century desk designed by Poul Nørreklit for Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik. Original
Category

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

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mid-Century Bamboo, Rattan Wicker and Glass Italian Desk with Drawers, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Fabulous mid-century desk in bamboo and Vienna straw wicker with crystal top. This unique piece was
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Italian Mid-Century Mahogany Desk - Console - Table Iron Legs, Brass Caps 1960s
Located in Salzburg, AT
Small Italian Mid-Century desk, console table or side table. The object is extremely light-footed
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Iron

1970s Walnut Executive Campaign Waterfall Desk And Cabinet, Set of 2
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, Mid Century desk and cabinet set you could
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Luciano Frigerio Presidential Writing Desk in Walnut, Italy 1970s
By Luciano Frigerio, Luciano Frigerio di Desio
Located in Almelo, NL
mid-century desk designed by Luciano Frigerio for the "Norman" series, manufactured in Desio, Italy
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Granite

Mid Century Curved Writing Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Mid-Century Modern grey leather top writing desk with three drawers. This desk is crafted with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Desks and Wr...

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Curved Writing Desk
Mid Century Curved Writing Desk
H 30 in W 59 in D 27.5 in
Center desk with beautiful cross on the base
By Mid Century Antiques
Located in Milano, IT
COD-2470 Center desk in walnut with beautiful cross on the base and little houses on the top
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Center desk with beautiful cross on the base
Center desk with beautiful cross on the base
H 29.53 in W 43.31 in D 25.6 in
Mastercraft Mid Century Bronze Writing Desk
By Mastercraft
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive vintage writing desk crafted in bronze with a hip acid washed finish, in a stylized
Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk
Located in Greenwich, CT
This vintage Mid-Century Modern writing desk has been completely refinished and refreshed to look
Category

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

Materials

Wood

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

Large Italian Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk
Located in Berlin, DE
Large Italian Mid-Century Modern writing desk. Spectacular large writing / working desk made in
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Large Italian Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk
Large Italian Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk
H 35.44 in W 64.97 in D 28.75 in
Restored Rattan and Formica Desk with Drawers and Hourglass Rattan Sides
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This restored mid-century desk showcases blonde Formica with drawers, enclosed in an hourglass
Category

Vintage 1950s Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rattan, Formica

1960s Mid Century Modern Walnut Writing Desk
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century walnut executive desk designed and manufactured in the United States circa 1960s. The
Category

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

Materials

Laminate, Walnut

Danish Mid-Century Rosewood Writing Desk
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Rosewood Danish desk, circa 1960's. Unique 5 legged design with metal pulls and a bank of drawers
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rose Quartz, Rosewood

Danish Mid-Century Teak Writing Desk
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Teak Danish desk, circa 1960's. Robust work surface! Finished on both sides, if placed in the
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Danish Mid-Century Teak Writing Desk
Danish Mid-Century Teak Writing Desk
H 29.5 in W 59 in D 32 in
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Midcentury Writing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal midcentury writing desk for your home. A midcentury writing desk — often made from wood, metal and hardwood — can elevate any home. There are 479 variations of the antique or vintage midcentury writing desk you’re looking for, while we also have 8 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer midcentury writing desk, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. A midcentury writing desk made by Mid-Century Modern designers — as well as those associated with Scandinavian Modern — is very popular. A well-made midcentury writing desk has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Paul McCobb, Winchendon Furniture (Planner Group) and Vittorio Dassi are consistently popular.

How Much is a Midcentury Writing Desk?

Prices for a midcentury writing desk can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $277 and can go as high as $60,790, while the average can fetch as much as $3,441.

Finding the Right desks-writing-tables for You

Choosing the perfect writing desk or writing table is a profoundly personal journey, one that people have been embarking upon for centuries.

Queen Atossa of Persia, from her writing table circa 500 B.C., is said to have been the originator of the art of handwritten letters. Hers was reportedly the first in a long and colorful history of penned correspondence that grew in popularity alongside literacy. The demand for suitable writing desks, which would serve the composer of the letters as well as ensure the comfort of the recipient naturally followed, and the design of these necessary furnishings has evolved throughout history.

Once people began to seek freedom from the outwardly ornate styles of the walnut and rosewood writing desks and drafting tables introduced in the name of Queen Victoria and King Louis XV, radical shifts occurred, such as those that materialized during the Art Nouveau period, when designers longed to produce furniture inspired by the natural world’s beauty. A prime example is the work of the famous late-19th-century Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí — his rolltop desk featured deep side drawers and was adorned with carved motifs that paid tribute to nature. Gaudí regularly combined structural precision with decorative elements, creating beautiful pieces of furniture in wood and metal.

Soon afterward, preferences for sleek, geometric, stylized forms in furniture that saw an emphasis on natural wood grains and traditional craftsmanship took hold. Today, Art Deco desks are still favored by designers who seek to infuse interiors with an air of luxury. One of the most prominent figures of the Art Deco movement was French decorator and furniture designer Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann. With his use of neoclassical motifs as well as expensive and exotic materials such as imported dark woods and inlays of precious metals for his writing desks, Ruhlmann came to symbolize good taste and modernity.

The rise in appreciation for Scandinavian modernism continues to influence the design of contemporary writing desks. It employs the “no fuss” or “less is more” approach to creating a tasteful, sophisticated space. Sweden’s master cabinetmaker Bruno Mathsson created gallery-worthy designs that are as functional as they are beautiful. Finnish architect Alvar Aalto never viewed himself as an artist, but, like Mathsson, his furniture designs reflected a fondness for organic materials and a humanistic approach. Danish designers such as Hans Wegner introduced elegant shapes and lines to mid-century desks and writing tables, often working in oak and solid teak.

From vintage desks to contemporary styles, 1stDibs offers a broad spectrum of choices for conducting all personal and business writing and reading activities.

Questions About Midcentury Writing Desk
  • 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 ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    A small writing table is also called a davenport table or davenport desk. They normally feature a sloped or inclined top attached with hinges to the back of the table. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage davenport desks.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    A writing desk with drawers is also called a secretary. It is a desk with drawers, one of which can be pushed out and the front of the desk lowered to create a flat writing surface. These writing desks have been made in a variety of styles over the years. Shop for a variety of writing tables with drawers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    What an old-fashioned writing desk is called varies by design. Pieces with drop-down fronts are secretary desks (these are typically made of two parts: a chest of drawers on the bottom and a hutch or cupboard with shelves on the top), while ones that rest on two pillars, cabinets or bookcases are pedestal desks. A desk with a small writing surface positioned in front of drawers and cubbies is a bureau à gradin. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of desks.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    In French, the term for a writing desk that often featured a drop-down writing surface is secretaire. This type of desk is called a secretary desk in English. Simply put, a secretary desk is a multifunctional piece of furniture with a hinged writing surface that folds open or drops down. When the leaf is folded out, small inner storage compartments, which are called pigeonholes, cubbies, recesses or drawers, are revealed. On 1stDibs, shop antique secretary desks from some of the world's top sellers.