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Desks and Writing Tables

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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
French 19th Century Empire Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A classically designed Empire style mahogany desk from France. This desk has a new inset green leather top embossed with brass tooling and banding around the perimeter. A more worn l...
Category

19th Century French Empire Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

19th Century Rococo Soft Blue Desk
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Period Rococo desk from Dalarna Sweden. With decorative curved legs and one single drawer. Repainted in soft light blue.
Category

19th Century Swedish Rococo Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Sculpted Legs Kneehole Desk & Chair - 2 Pc Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Sculpted Legs Kneehole Desk & Chair - 2 Pc Set. Item features a brown laminated top, 6 dovetailed drawers, sculpted wood drawer pulls and legs, ladd...
Category

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

Materials

Formica, Walnut

Dyrlund Desk Model 'Space' With Side Table And Drawer Module
Located in Vienna, AT
Dyrlund. Desk, model 'Space' with side table and drawer module in lacquered wood, handle and legs in steel. Desk D. 95 cm, L. 200 cm, H. 73 cm, side table H. 61 cm, W. 120 cm, D. 40 ...
Category

1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Jorge Zalszupin Directors desk, Brazil 1960s
By L’Atelier, Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Brussels, BE
In 1960, Jorge Zalszupin designed and manufactured this large desk as part of the Componivel Series at his own company, L’ Atelier, located in Brazil. Its outer framing runs along th...
Category

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

Materials

Leather, Wood

1980's Campaign Style Mahogany Writing Desk
Located in Southampton, NJ
Campaign style writing desk with four cock beaded dovetailed drawers boasting fiery Mahogany grains. A well designed desk with generous storage for its mid size. Matching pieces can ...
Category

20th Century American Campaign Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Desk Made In Beechwood Danish Design From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This desk is a great example of Danish design from the 1960s. Made from beech wood, it exudes a timeless elegance and simplicity that is characteristic of Scandinavian design. With i...
Category

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

Materials

Beech

Rare Victorian Burr Oak & Walnut Merryweather London 1885 Stamped Desk, Leather
By Merryweather and Sons 1
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Victorian Merryweather Holloway London 1885 stamped burr walnut and oak twin pedestal desk A very fine desk indeed, made ...
Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Oak, Walnut

Early 19th Century English Lap Desk on Stand with Original Leather
Located in Middleburg, VA
Early 19th Century English Lap Desk on Stand with Original Leather. England, circa 1800-1830. Measures: 20" H, 14.5" W, 9" D
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Early 20th Century Metamorphic Writing Desk by J.C Vickery of London
Located in Martlesham, GB
Early 20th century mahogany metamorphic writing table by J.C Vickery of Regent St, London, the moulded edge hinged top lifting up and folding over to reveal the rising writing desk top, which consists of various writing instruments including ink wells, various compartments and a time piece, the writing slope also lifts up to reveal further storage space, the underneath of the writing slope is marked “J.C VICKERY” Standing on elegant cabriole legs. Circa 1910. JC Vickery is a British consumer goods company founded in 1890 London. John Collard Vickery and his then partner, Arthur Thomas Hobbs, bought up the long established business of William Griggs...
Category

1910s European Edwardian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Mid-Century Spanish Catalan Table Sofa Hall Entry Console Table Oak Iron 82.5" W
Located in Tyler, TX
HARD-TO-FIND Mid-Century Spanish Catalan WIDE Console, Sofa Table, Entry, Hall or Foyer Table ~~82.5" Wide~~c. Mid-20th Century Beautiful distressed oak ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Spanish Colonial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Antique Military Campaign Style Desk
Located in London, GB
A top quality antique military campaign style desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1930’s. It is very well made, with a useful and smart design. The wood has a l...
Category

1930s British Campaign Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Midcentury Modern Italian Teak Desk: Expertly Restored to Original Beauty
Located in Rome, IT
Restored vintage writing desk, originating from Italy in the 1950s, presents a striking example of midcentury design ethos. Crafted from rich teak wood and featuring a sleek frame of...
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Iron

1970s Milo Baughman Burlwood Chrome Curved Executive Desk
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and one of a kind, sculptural Burlwood solid wood desk you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. Chrom...
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

20th Century Lacquered and Painted Wood French Louis XV Style Writing Desk, 1950
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
Elegant French desk from the mid-20th century. Louis XVI style furniture finely sculpted, lacquered and painted, enriched with gilded and chiselled bronze. Desk finished for the cent...
Category

1950s French Louis XV Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

STUNNING REGENCY STYLE NEOCLASSICAL BRASS & WALNUT WRiTING TABLE DESK CIRCA 1920
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning, Regency Neoclassical style Walnut & Satinwood writing table with X framed solid br...
Category

1920s Regency Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Danish Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Secretary Desk
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Rosewood Danish secretary desk, circa 1960's. Sleek angular profile and elegant tapering legs. Stunning bookmatched veneer case with contrasting beech wood fitted interior. Minor ven...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

19th Century Oak Lawyer's Secretary Step Back Flat Top Desk
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is a great looking antique desk with plenty of organizing space and storage but there is enough room to work on a laptop. The top is a separate piece and can be removed leaving ...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Danish Modern Solid Teak Biomorphic Desk
Located in Miami, FL
A rare Danish Modern Desk with a biomorphic top. Solid teal construction. Note the finger joints on all drawers.
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Limited Edition Soriana Denim Armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Soriana limited edition Denim armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina. A design armchair with soft, generous contours, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa in the 1960s to bring ho...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Executive Monumental Rosewood with Polished Steel Platner Insp. Desk with, 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful midcentury desk with rosewood top. The wood is in excellent condition. The bases are made of steel and add a very modern look.  
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Desk
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Gustavian style 3 drawer desk. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1920s Swedish Gustavian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Vintage French Louis XV Style Walnut Leather Top Bronze Ormolu Writing Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Louis XV Style Walnut Leather Top Bronze Ormolu Writing Desk. Item features a working lock and key, 3 faux drawers to rear, bronze ormolu, tooled leather top, beautifu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Art Deco Desk by Sanyas and Popot Paris 1930
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
ART DECO DESK A stunning French Art Deco desk produced in Paris in 1930 by Sanyas et Popot ,this example has been crafted from oak and rosewood designed with a curved top section. It...
Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Gustavian Style 9 Drawer Desk
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Gustavian Style 9 Drawer Desk. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1940s Swedish Gustavian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Teak Desk by Severin Hansen for Haslev
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
A beautiful example of this classic Scandinavian Modern design, a great example of form and function. This is the more desireable 4 drawer version, and is in great condition.
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Vintage Louis XV style desk 1950s
Located in Catania, IT
Vintage desk in the Louis XV style with decorations and inlays lacquered wood and gilt bronzes, with 3 capacious drawers. In good condition, writing surface to be re-done.
Category

1940s Louis XV Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Black Polished Mahogany Writing Desk by Ole Wanscher
Located in Kastrup, DK
Ole Wanscher, Danish 1903-1985. Mid-century desk in black polished mahogany by Danish cabinetmaker and designer Ole Wanscher. Six drawers (2x3) with original brass handles and locks...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Desk Made In Rosewood By Omann Jun. Furniture Factory From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This desk is a nice example of Danish design from the 1960s, created by Omann Junior Møbelfabrik. Made from high-quality rosewood, it exudes a timeless elegance and artisan finesse. ...
Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

Mt Airy Walnut Desk and Chair for John Stuart
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Mt Airy Walnut Desk with Brass pulls and Walnut Armchair. Chair fits nicely under skirt of the desk. Sold through John Stuart. Elegant design, finished on back as well for many op...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Courtly ladies' secretary signed F. Linke around 1880 Paris
Located in Berlin, DE
Courtly ladies' secretary signed F. Linke around 1880 Paris Solid oak wood veneered with fine veneer and packaged over a wide area. Fire-gilded and finely chased bronze and cambered.
Category

19th Century Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

French Postal Desk
Located in Cirencester, GB
Circa 1950's this is a painted steel French 'La Poste' sorting table. Great original condition and the colour is blue/grey with a terracotta brown top. We think it would look fab in a home office or even as a kitchen desk...
Category

1950s French Industrial Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Rare Gio Ponti Writing Desk in Walnut and Grissinato Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gio Ponti, writing desk, walnut, mahogany, glass, Italy, 1940s This writing table, a rare find designed by Gio Ponti, originates from the 1940s. The design is truly magnificent, fea...
Category

1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Mahogany, Walnut

Industrial Modern Wrought Iron Tilt Top Drafting Desk / Table
By Jorge A. Marien
Located in Weymouth, MA
Extraordinary modern wrought iron and glass tilt top drafting desk/table. Glass top is framed by wrought iron and tilts when the steampunk style handles are loosened. Table can be us...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Central Asian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

bbpr ultrarare writing desk early
Located in Medesano, IT
Every aspect of this Italian design captures the meticulous craftsmanship and the innovation that the BBPR Studio is celebrated for. The design also incorporates a distinctive Japane...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Antique Louis XVI Style Mahogany and Ormolu Bonheur du Jour by Winckelsen
Located in London, GB
Antique Louis XVI style mahogany and ormolu bonheur du jour by Winckelsen French, 1864 Height 105cm, width 73cm, depth 42cm Charles-Guillaume Winckelsen (French, 1812-1871) is the c...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Scrivania vintage anni '50
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
Questa scrivania prodotta in Italia risale agli anni '50 del secolo scorso. E' stata realizzata con una struttura in ferro tubolare quadrato e legno impiallicciato teak. Il piano e i...
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Iron

Executive Desk by Jules Wabbes for Mobilier Universel, Belgium, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Executive desk designed by Jules Wabbes and manufactured by Mobilier Universel in the 1960s. This exclusive desk bears the hallmark of Jules Wabbes, a celebrated Belgian furniture de...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Rare Ilmari Tapiovaara Desk, 1940s, Finland
Located in Helsinki, FI
Rare Ilmari Tapiovaara desk, Domus Academica student house, 1940s. Birch with painted table top. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use. Beautiful minimalistic de...
Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birch, Paint

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Writing Desk
Located in Houston, US
Beautifully painted in a contemporary turquoise, this Swedish Gustavian style desk is handmade with mortise joints and dovetailed drawers. On each drawer there is horizontal fluting...
Category

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Bamboo Style Desk w/ Bookcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This large desk unit and chair are made with a bamboo style wood. Great detailing and ample storage. Desk has nine drawers and the topper has many adjustable shelves. Chair: 38h, 18....
Category

20th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Faux Bamboo

ANTIQUE 1684 DATED HAND CARVED 17TH CENTURY LIFT TOP WRITiNG TABLE DESK BIBLE
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning, late 17th century, hand caved 1684 lift top writing work table traditionally used for bible s...
Category

1680s English Charles II Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Empire Mahogany Desk With Hunter Green Leather Top, Circa 1930
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Empire mahogany desk with tooled hunter green leather top. The desk with bronze banding and trim, bronze finely fluted corner medallions, fluted and tapering legs with bronze caps an...
Category

Early 20th Century American Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Mahogany inlaid writing desk
Located in Cheshire, GB
Mahogany inlaid desk. The top with inset green leather surrounded by a mahogany inlaid border. Above an arrangement of drawers with similar inlaid decoration and brass handles. Raise...
Category

Early 20th Century British Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Vintage Danish Mid Century Teak Bullet Desk in the Manner of Kai Kristiansen
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is a beautiful scandinavian modern desk in teak manufactured in Denmark in the 1960's which design is reminiscent of Kai Kristiansen. This special desk, recently imported from E...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Space Age Yellow Chapter One Desk by Broyhill Premier, 1970's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Space Age Yellow Chapter One desk by Broyhill Premier, 1970's. In good vintage condition.
Category

1970s American Space Age Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

French Louis XV Style Kidney Shaped Leather Top Bronze Mounted 3 Drawer Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Louis XV Style Kidney Shaped Leather Top Bronze Mounted 3 Drawer Desk. Item features finished back with bronze accents, beautiful wood grain, very pretty desk. Circa L...
Category

Late 20th Century Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Freestanding Diplomat Desk Made In Mahogany By Fritz Henningsen From 1930s
Located in Lejre, DK
This freestanding desk is a magnificent piece of furniture art, created by the renowned designer Fritz Henningsen back in the 1930s. Crafted from mahogany wood and equipped with bras...
Category

1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

English Edwardian Quarter Sawn Oak Library Table Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome oak English library writing table or desk made in the Edwardian taste. The desk features quarter sawn oak elements that showcase the fascinating woodgrain patterns. The plan...
Category

20th Century English Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Calista Console with White Marble and Solid Walnut
Located in Houston, TX
The modern Calista console elevates the Classic runway Silhouette. With your choice of exotic marble, it makes for an amazing statement piece. We have also used it as a desk, a buff...
Category

2010s American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble

Green Linoleum Table/Desk by Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sørensen for Magnus Olesen
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. Bent birch legs and inset linoleum top. Comes with connectors to join multiple tables together.
Category

1980s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birch

French Louis XV Style Figural Maple Burl Writing Desk Napoleon Bureau Plat 72"
Located in Dayton, OH
Monumental Louis XV / Napoleon III style office desk. A serpentine form made from birdseye maple with three large dovetailed drawers in the frieze and long tapered cabriole legs. Fea...
Category

Late 20th Century Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Díaz Infante Desk for DM Nacional
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
For your consideration, desk sadly attributed to Clara Porset, Diaz Infante is the real and original designer, I have the documents that support it, manufactured by DM Nacional.
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Signed Romeo Rega Console or Desk in Chrome and Brown Plexiglass, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning desk or console table in chromed steel with a brown plexiglass top. This incredibly rare piece is signed by Romeo Rega and was designed in Rome,Italy during the 1970s. This...
Category

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

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Antique American Empire Style Mahogany Library Writing Table Office Desk Vanity
Located in Dayton, OH
An antique American Empire style dressing table, circa 1930s. Originally featured a mirror along the back which was eventually removed to use as an office desk. Made from mahogany ...
Category

Early 20th Century American American Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

A Very Fine 19th Century Marquetry Inlaid Bureau Du Dame
Located in Dublin, IE
A very fine 19th Century richly patinated fruitwood Bureau Du Dame. This gorgeous writing desk is of exceptional quality, stunningly hand carved, line inlaid, ormolu mounted and wit...
Category

19th Century English Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century French Louis XVIII Style Stripped Writing Table
Located in Houston, US
This country table exemplifies the rustic style seen in Southern France and Spain. The style as seen in Louis XIII country interpretations, developed in France an Spain and mirror th...
Category

19th Century French Louis XIII Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut

A Biedermeier Antique Writing Cylinder Bureau/Desk with Drawers c1880
Located in Oak Park, MI
A sophisticated antique Danish (?) cylinder bureau desk with drawers. A great piece! Rare Biedermeier style. The cylinder top slides up to reveal a plethora of drawers, hidden drawer...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Biedermeier Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique and Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

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.

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