Skip to main content

Desk Ruhlmann Writing Table

Jacques Ruhlmann Style, French Art Deco, Writing Desk, Macassar, France, 1930s
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Stamford, CT
Jacques Ruhlmann Style, French Art Deco, Writing Desk, Macassar, France, 1930s A sleek and stylish
Category

Mid-20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Exquisite 1920s French Art Deco Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann Style Rosewood Desk
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Moderne desk is in the style of Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann, there are no attribution marks. .
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Modernist Blackened Oak Desk Attributed to Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann, France, 1932
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Brussels, BE
model is quite similar to the desks, part of furniture, designed by Ruhlmann for the student rooms of
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Art Deco Desk in the Style of Jacques Emile Ruhlmann, 1960s
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE, FR
Very elegant large Art Deco desk, curved on all its faces. Opening by 4 drawers and resting on
Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Art Deco Desk in the style of Jacques-Emile Ruhlmann (1879-1933), France, 1920s
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Art Deco desk on curved tapered legs. The desk has a corresponding design on the front and
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Palisander, Rosewood

French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Desk /Writing Table by Jacques Adnet 1940
By Jacques Adnet
Located in New York, NY
Rare and important French mid-century 1940's desk or writing table by Jacques Adnet symbolizing the
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Steel

Rare French Art Deco Writing Table / Desk in Teak c. 1925, style of Andre Groult
By Andre Groult
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and Timeless French Art Deco Writing Table / Desk in Teak Wood circa 1925. This rare and
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Mid Century Style Stitched Leather Wrapped Writing Desk in the manner of Jaques
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions- H: 29in W: 59 1/4in D: 31 3/4in This Mid Century style leather wrapped writing desk in
Category

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

Materials

Metal

French Art Deco Writing Table with Two Side Drawers
By Andre Domin & Marcel Genevriere for Maison Dominique
Located in Hanover, MA
French Art Deco writing table or desk with two side drawers, maple parquet top, rounded (subtly
Category

Vintage 1940s Belgian Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple, Oak

Studio Craft East Indian Satinwood Desk by Gregg Lipton
By Gregg Lipton
Located in Hanover, MA
maker, Gregg Lipton. Inspired by Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann’s Soussa desk. Executed with extra special
Category

Late 20th Century American Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Satinwood

Art Deco Vanity Table or Desk After Style of Ruhlmann
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Oakland, CA
French Art Deco Desk In Style of Ruhlmann. Macassar wood was chosen and the “ivorite” plastic
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Argentine Art Deco Desks

Materials

Macassar

French Mid-century Modern Neoclassical Bamboo Rattan Console or Desk
Located in New York, NY
A rare and elegant French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical desk / writing table or console. The
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Console Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan, Glass

Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, "Modèle Sultzer, " Art Deco Desk, Mahogany, 1932
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in New York, NY
This rare writing table in polished mahogany and silvered bronze is marked by E´mile-Jacques
Category

20th Century French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

People Also Browsed

Art Deco Briar Root Dining Table, France, 1930s
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Art Deco wood dining table, France, 1930s. A fine 1930s Art Deco dining table with beautiful walnut root cover. veneer. The item has been restored cleaned and polished. Major damag...
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Dining Room Tables

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Organic Modern Small Table Lamp Natural Wood Handmade Fluted Shade
By Isabel Moncada
Located in San Antonio, TX
PATA DE ELEFANTE SMALL table lamp was designed for the Atomic collection by Mexican artist Isabel Moncada. Named Pata de Elefante –Elephant's Foot– for the prominent shape at its ba...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Textile, Wood

Eros Solid Oak Dining Table
By Aeterna Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Solid oak handcrafted dining table. 2" thick tabletop with nature inspired pedestals.  
Category

2010s Modern Tables

Materials

Hardwood, Oak

Eros Solid Oak Dining Table
Eros Solid Oak Dining Table
H 30 in W 102 in D 45 in
Custom Made Round Sheepskin Ottoman with Oak Ball Feet
Located in London, GB
Custom-made ottoman developed & produced at our workshops in London using the highest quality materials. This example is upholstered in a Honey coloured sheepskin and features oiled ...
Category

2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Sheepskin, Oak

Gio Ponti F.A. 33 Medium Mirror in Black Brass
By Gubi, Gio Ponti
Located in Glendale, CA
Gio Ponti F.A. 33 medium mirror in black brass. The F.A. 33 Mirror was originally designed by Gio Ponti in 1933 for Fontana Arte, the period’s most prominent lamp, glass, and mirror ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Materials

Brass

Gio Ponti F.A. 33 Medium Mirror in Black Brass
Gio Ponti F.A. 33 Medium Mirror in Black Brass
H 31.49 in W 21.25 in D 0.98 in
French Modern Neoclassical Plaster Chandelier, Jean Michel Frank and Giacometti
By Jean-Michel Frank
Located in New York, NY
A Custom, large, pure, sober French Plaster Chandelier / Pendant in the style of Giacometti for Jean-Michel Frank circa 1930. The size shown is 32” D x 30” H and is hanging from 3 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and ...

Materials

Brass

Murano Glass Art Deco Style Chandelier
Located in Austin, TX
Art Deco style ballroom chandelier of Murano glass with many oval and curved "graniglia" glass components in a tiered and feathered shape. The "fumé" and gold colors are combined in ...
Category

2010s Italian Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Murano Glass

Contemporary Minimal Round Coffee Center Table in Travertine Stone Natural Pores
Located in Porto, PT
Lunarys Center Table is an outstanding modern design piece. A key coffee table for a contemporary living room project seems to come directly from space. Made in travertine stone is p...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Organic Modern Center Tables

Materials

Travertine

Custom Made Oak and Velvet Bench
Located in London, GB
A custom-made upholstered bench with fumed and oiled oak frame. The padded top has been upholstered with in Pierre Frey mustard mohair velvet. *Alternative upholstery options als...
Category

2010s British Scandinavian Modern Tables

Materials

Mohair, Oak

Custom Made Oak and Velvet Bench
Custom Made Oak and Velvet Bench
H 14.77 in W 46.46 in D 14.97 in
Jean Michel Frank Style 1950’s Oak Wood Desk
By (after) Jean Michel Frank
Located in Milano, IT
Bureau in the style of J M Frank 1950’s from the Cartier store in Paris. Oak Wood Desk. Taller than your standard desk height. Extremely beautiful design. The craftsmanship in the le...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Art Deco Burl Ash Writing Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Art Deco burl ash and inlaid writing table, circa 1930's. With an inlaid burl ash top, the front of the desk with a single file drawer on the left side and two drawers on the right s...
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Desks

Materials

Ash

Art Deco Burl Ash Writing Table
Art Deco Burl Ash Writing Table
H 31.25 in W 60.5 in D 35 in
Elegant Armchair, Upholstered in Pure Alpaca
By Jean Royère, Jacques Adnet, (after) Jean Michel Frank
Located in London, GB
An elegant modern armchair, upholstered in pure alpaca wool. High quality hand-made beech frames and newly upholstered in an off white premium 100% alpaca. Fast shipping worldwide.
Category

2010s British Art Deco Lounge Chairs

Materials

Alpaca, Beech

Elegant Armchair, Upholstered in Pure Alpaca
Elegant Armchair, Upholstered in Pure Alpaca
H 29.93 in W 34.65 in D 36.62 in
Custom Made Model 54 Mohair Velvet Lounge Chair
Located in London, GB
Dagmar Design Model 54 lounge chair A custom made lounge chair developed and hand-made at our workshops in London using the highest quality materials. The 54 chair is available...
Category

2010s British Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Sheepskin, Beech

Art Deco Rosewood Desk with Leather Chair, France, 1930s
By De Coene Frères
Located in Regensburg, DE
Original, restored french Art Deco Desk with leather swivel armchair from circa 1930s. Gorgeous Rosewood veneered and excellently lacquered with high-gloss clear piano lacquer. Be...
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Chrome

1930s Art Deco Sideboard in the Style of Jules Leleu, Mahogany, Sycamore -France
By Jules Leleu
Located in Girona, ES
Exceptional Art Deco sideboard, mahogany veneer, 3 blocks, in the middle 5 cutlery drawers in sycamore with satin nickel plated metal handles, on both sides 3 shelves, ash wood venee...
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Sideboards

Materials

Ash, Ebony, Mahogany, Sycamore

Art Deco French Wood Black Glass Buffet Sideboard Commode
Located in Valladolid, ES
Amazing French chest of drawers made of precious wood, in an elegant veined reddish tone, original from the first half of the 40s of the 20th century. Characteristic design of Art Dé...
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Buffets

Materials

Brass

Art Deco French Wood Black Glass Buffet Sideboard Commode
Art Deco French Wood Black Glass Buffet Sideboard Commode
No Reserve
H 38.59 in W 50.4 in D 16.93 in

Recent Sales

Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann Desk
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann desk designed for Cite University.
Category

20th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann Desk
Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann Desk
H 1 in W 1 in D 1 in
Art Deco Macassar Pedestal Desk in the Manner of Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, 1930
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Chicago, IL
furniture and interior designer, Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann. This very important and rare desk will be a focal
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Macassar Ebony Bureau Plat in the style of Ruhlmann
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in San Francisco, CA
Stunning beautiful.`
Category

Vintage 1930s French Desks and Writing Tables

Cherrywood Desk / game table by Alfred Porteneuve
By Alfred Porteneuve
Located in Geneva, CH
Solid cherrywood desk / game table with top sheathed in red leather (other side with felt). The top
Category

Vintage 1930s French Desks and Writing Tables

Three One Four Studio, "Fossilised" Desk, Rosewood, Vellum, Resin, Brass
Located in Hinckley, GB
A modern and unique take on a Louis XV writing desk that Jacques-Emile Ruhlmann reworked in 1920’s
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Oak Desk and Chair, Cité Universitaire de Paris, 1932
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in High Point, NC
A desk and chair by French Art Deco master Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann. Tooled oil-cloth applied to the
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hemp, Oak

Petite Art Deco Macassar Writing or Vanity Desk
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Oakland, CA
This lovely desk has many of the essential French elements you would expect from that empowered
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Argentine Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Parchment Paper, Wood

A Lime Rosewood Writing Table In The Manner Of Ruhlmann
Located in London, GB
A French limed rosewood writing table of good quality in the manner of Ruhlmann. With a fitted desk
Category

Vintage 1930s French Desks and Writing Tables

Art Deco Console/Writing Table in the style of Ruhlmann
Located in New York, NY
Spectacular console/writing table in black lacquer,with embossed bronze leather top
Category

20th Century Desks and Writing Tables

the Student's Desk by Jacques-Emile Ruhlmann
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rectangular oak desk with rounded corners, a tan leather writing surface and a central drawer, on
Category

Vintage 1930s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Art Deco Burlwood Desk with Fluted Legs and Brass Details
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This fine Art Deco desk is a true gem. The desk is veneered in a warm burled wood. The fluted legs
Category

Vintage 1920s North American Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Magnificent Art Deco Ivory Inlaid and Parchment Writing Desk
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent Art Deco Ivory Inlaid and Parchment Writing Desk after Ruhlmann
Category

20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Ivory

Jules Leleu Semicircle Desk
By Jules Leleu
Located in Long Island City, NY
Semi circular birch wood desk by Jules Leleu About Jules Leleu: Jules Leleu (1883 - 1961) a
Category

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

Materials

Birch

Jules Leleu Semicircle Desk
Jules Leleu Semicircle Desk
H 29.5 in W 50.5 in D 21.75 in
Italian Ebonized Maple Wood Desk by Guido Zichele for Bloomingdales
Located in Chicago, IL
An ebonized maple wood desk with a walnut veneer in the style of Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann. This desk
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Silver Leaf

Art Deco Desk And Chairs Set By Jules Leleu And Maxime Old
By Jules Leleu, Maxime Old
Located in New Orleans, LA
This timeless chair and desk set features the iconic designs of two French Art Deco greats, Jules
Category

20th Century French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Velvet, Mahogany, Lacquer

Art Deco Desk, Cabinet and Chair in Style of Ruhlmann
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Oakland, CA
for our shop, the goal was to re-create this famous Ruhlmann desk. The goal was to re-create this
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Argentine Art Deco Desks

Materials

Wood

Art Deco Bibliotek Dining Table attributed to Eliel Saarinen
Located in Atlanta, GA
equally at home in a dining room, a library or as a fantastic writing table / desk. There are two leaves
Category

Finnish Dining Room Tables

1940s French Writing Desk
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in London, England
Solid teak writing desk in the manner of deco designer Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann. Wonderful sculpted
Category

Vintage 1940s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

1940s French Writing Desk
1940s French Writing Desk
Free Shipping
H 30.71 in W 40.16 in D 24.41 in
Awesome Art Deco Desk and Chair in the Style of Ruhlmann
Located in Oakland, CA
for our shop; the goal was to re-create this famous Ruhlmann desk. The finest Macassar wood was chosen
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South American Art Deco Desks and Writing ...

Materials

Leather, Wood

French Art Deco Desk in Macassar Inspired by Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Houston, TX
drawers. This stunning Art Deco desk is inspired by the work of Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann and dates to 1925.  
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Macassar

French Art Deco Macassar Desk
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant vintage Art Deco desk handcrafted out of mahogany in the style of Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Category

Vintage 1950s French Art Deco Desks

Materials

Macassar, Mahogany, Lacquer

French Art Deco Macassar Desk
French Art Deco Macassar Desk
H 28.75 in W 48 in D 25 in
Rare & Early Art Deco Writing Table By E.J. Ruhlmann
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in New York, NY
Rare & Early Burled elm writing Table with gilt bronze Sabot and details, by Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Category

20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Rare Writing Table by Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in New York, NY
Rare writing table "modele Sultzer" by Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann (1879-1933), Stamped "Ruhlmann
Category

20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Rare Writing Table by Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Rare Writing Table by Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann
H 35.5 in W 35.5 in D 25.75 in
E.J. Ruhlmann: Rare And Elegant 1930 Desk In Oak And Ash
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Encino, CA
Rare elegant desk by Emile-Jacques RUHLMANN in oak and ash with a suede top and a single large
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Ash

E.J. Ruhlmann: Rare And Elegant 1930 Desk In Oak And Ash
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Encino, CA
Rare elegant desk by Emile-Jacques RUHLMANN in oak and ash with a suede top and a single large
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Ash

Jules Deroubaix Art Deco Writing in Burled Elm and Gilt Bronze France circa 1935
By Jules Deroubaix
Located in New York, NY
Ruhlmann. The pieces made after Ruhlmann's passing are often reminiscent of Ruhlmann's designs and often
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Emile Jacques Ruhlmann Desk, Model of
Located in Encino, CA
Emile Jacques Ruhlmann desk, model of. France Circa 1970. Elm structure, Cognac leather top (lamb
Category

Vintage 1970s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Emile Jacques Ruhlmann Desk, Model of
Emile Jacques Ruhlmann Desk, Model of
H 30.5 in W 43 in D 24 in
Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann Desk, France 1930's
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in New York, NY
A dévoré oak desk by Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, with a tan leather top and small drawer to the front
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Oak

Emile Jacques Ruhlmann Desk
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in London, GB
ÉMILE-JACQUES RUHLMANN Desk A dévoré oak desk by Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, with a tan leather top
Category

20th Century French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Oak

Emile Jacques Ruhlmann Desk
Emile Jacques Ruhlmann Desk
H 29.93 in W 43.31 in D 23.63 in
French Modern Oak and Leather Desk, Émile Jacques Ruhlmann
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Hollywood, FL
From maison des provinces de France, city universitaire provenance sothebys 3/7/2012 literature- G Brunon Guardia, "La Maison des Provincesde France a la Cite' Universitaire", Art ...
Category

Vintage 1930s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Art Deco Amboyna Wood Kidney Form Desk in the Manner of Ruhlmann circa 1925
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in New York, NY
# Y061 - Art Deco kidney shaped Amboyna wood desk in the manner of Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann. The
Category

20th Century American Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Amboyna

Art Deco Amboyna Burl Ruhlmann style Writing Table from France C.1930
Located in Houston, TX
A Jaacues-Emile Ruhlmann style Art Deco writing table with a curved front and one drawer featuring
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut, Amboyna

Hollis & Knight Barclay Writing Desk
Located in Kensington, MD
Zebrawood top on Ruhlmann inspired curved wooden legs, single drawer. View our
Category

20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Fabulous Art Deco Desk in the Manner of J. E. Ruhlmann
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco desk in Macassar ebony with leather top and nickel sabots.
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Macassar, Ebony, Leather

Drop lid Art Deco / Ruhlmann styled secretary in Macassar Ebony
Located in New York, NY
Drop lid front secretary with interior compartments of curly maple. Exterior of unit in macassar ebony in a natural tone with a polished sheen. With fluted legs and silver highlights...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Desks and Writing Tables

ART DECO MACASSAR VENEERED SMALL WRITING TABLE After Ruhlmann
Located in San Francisco, CA
A FINE AND WELL-FIGURED FRENCH ART DECO MACASSAR VENEERED SMALL WRITING TABLE INLAID WITH IVORY
Category

Early 20th Century French Desks

An Art Deco Dressing Table or Desk after a design by Ruhlmann
Located in New York, NY
An Art Deco dressing table, vanity or writing table featuring a kidney shaped body in Rosewood with
Category

Early 20th Century French Vanities

Materials

Rosewood

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Desk Ruhlmann Writing Table", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Desk Ruhlmann Writing Table For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal desk ruhlmann writing table for your home. Each desk ruhlmann writing table for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, oak and hardwood. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer desk ruhlmann writing table, there are earlier versions available from the 20th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. A desk ruhlmann writing table made by Art Deco designers — as well as those associated with Mid-Century Modern — is very popular. A well-made desk ruhlmann writing table has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann are consistently popular.

How Much is a Desk Ruhlmann Writing Table?

Prices for a desk ruhlmann writing table start at $1,700 and top out at $125,000 with the average selling for $15,925.

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.

Read More