Used Desks
Early 20th Century American Used Desks
Oak
1950s Belgian Used Desks
Steel
1970s French Modern Used Desks
Stainless Steel
1970s Swedish Used Desks
Metal
19th Century English Victorian Used Desks
Mahogany, Leather
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Desks
Shagreen
20th Century English Used Desks
Brass
1960s Danish Modern Used Desks
Palisander
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Used Desks
Teak
19th Century British Used Desks
Wood
20th Century Used Desks
Leather, Wood
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Used Desks
Leather, Mahogany
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Used Desks
Metal, Chrome
Early 20th Century British Used Desks
Wood
1930s British Art Deco Used Desks
Oak
20th Century Used Desks
Metal
20th Century English Used Desks
Brass
1960s British Mid-Century Modern Used Desks
Walnut
1950s French Industrial Used Desks
Steel
19th Century English Victorian Used Desks
Leather, Mahogany
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Used Desks
Metal
1850s Indian Used Desks
Teak
Mid-19th Century French French Provincial Used Desks
Wood
Early 20th Century British Used Desks
Wood
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Desks
Brass
1930s Slovak Art Deco Used Desks
Metal
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Used Desks
Teak
1980s French Provincial Used Desks
Wood
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Used Desks
Rosewood
2010s American Modern Used Desks
Brass
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Used Desks
Wood
1970s North American Used Desks
Maple
Mid-20th Century Used Desks
Wood
1980s European Post-Modern Used Desks
Wood
1950s French Used Desks
Leather, Walnut
1940s Italian Used Desks
Wood
20th Century Used Desks
Steel
1960s European Modern Used Desks
Wood, Mahogany
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Used Desks
Marble, Bronze
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Desks
Brass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Desks
Wood
1960s Used Desks
Laminate
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Desks
Brass
20th Century French Modern Used Desks
Gold Plate
19th Century Used Desks
Oak
1960s American Used Desks
Bronze, Nickel
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Desks
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Used Desks
Teak
1870s English Used Desks
Walnut
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Used Desks
Metal
19th Century Used Desks
Mid-19th Century English Used Desks
Mahogany
19th Century Used Desks
Brass
19th Century French Used Desks
Tortoise Shell
20th Century Rustic Used Desks
Driftwood
1940s French Art Deco Used Desks
Chrome
1940s French Used Desks
Oak
Early 20th Century French Used Desks
Wood
1890s English Campaign Used Desks
Mahogany
20th Century French Used Desks
Wood
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Used Desks For Sale on 1stDibs
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Finding the Right Desks and 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.
- What are desk blotters used for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Desk blotters are used to protect the top of a table or desk. It helps prevent scratches and absorbs dripped or spilled ink and paint. Desk pad is another name for a blotter. You'll find a selection of vintage and antique desk blotters on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Davenport desk is used for writing and is typically favored by women. The desk features a slanted top leather insert, a cupboard, slides and drawers to carry writing essentials. You’ll find a selection of antique Davenport desks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Because of their variety of sizes and range in function, console tables can easily work as a desk. Given their size and ease of mobility, a console table can be used in almost any sort of room.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, you can use a library table as a desk. In fact, many people like the spacious tops found on library tables because they usually have enough room to accommodate a computer and provide additional work space. Find a range of library tables on 1stDibs.
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