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Italian 1930's Burl Walnut Writing Desk
Located in New York, NY
A very fine Italian 1930's burl walnut writing table or desk, the large rectangular surface is
Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Italian 1930's Burl Walnut Writing Desk
Italian 1930's Burl Walnut Writing Desk
$10,420
H 30 in W 57 in D 30 in
French Provincial Writing Desk 1930s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 20th century painted French Provincial style desk. The desk stands on four cabriole legs that
Category

Vintage 1930s French French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Paint

French Provincial Writing Desk 1930s
French Provincial Writing Desk 1930s
$3,800
H 28 in W 72 in D 30 in
Cotswold School Writing Table c. 1930's
Located in Long Island City, NY
Cotswold School Writing Table C. 1930's. Can also be used as a side table, pedestal, or console.
Category

Vintage 1930s English Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Cotswold School Writing Table c. 1930's
Cotswold School Writing Table c. 1930's
$4,500
H 28.5 in W 34.25 in D 14.75 in
Bauhaus Beech Writing Desk by Marcel Breuer, 1930s
By Marcel Breuer
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
A rare and iconic Bauhaus-era writing desk by Marcel Breuer. This beautifully balanced piece
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Bauhaus Beech Writing Desk by Marcel Breuer, 1930s
Bauhaus Beech Writing Desk by Marcel Breuer, 1930s
$7,800
H 30.32 in W 57.09 in D 29.53 in
Italian 1930's Writing Table / Desk, for Banca Del Popolo, Trapani
Located in New York, NY
An Italian 1930's writing table made for Banca Del Popolo, Trapani. The rectangular surface is
Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Copper

1930's Vintage Heavy Cherrywood Writing Desk - Comes Apart Into 4 Pieces
Located in Opa Locka, FL
On offer 1930's USA Made Heavy Cherrywood Writing Desk. Lots of storage with 6 drawers. Can be
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Art Deco Modernist Black Lacquered Desk or Writing Table, 1930s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Art Deco Modernist desk or writing table. Striking Dutch design from the 1930s
Category

Vintage 1930s Dutch Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Art Deco Writing Desk in Oak, Belgium 1930s
Located in Hellouw, NL
A striking and practical design, this 1930s Belgian Art Deco desk reflects the balance between
Category

Vintage 1930s Belgian Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Art Deco Writing Desk in Oak, Belgium 1930s
Art Deco Writing Desk in Oak, Belgium 1930s
$4,665
H 29.53 in W 57.88 in D 35.44 in
1930s, Italian Art Deco Desk Writing Table Four Drawers in Blond Walnut
Located in Vigonza, Padua
1930s Italian Art Deco desk writing table four drawers in blond walnut, wax polished, rubber top
Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

White Bauhaus Writing Desk Made in 1930s Germany, Restored
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
The desk has been re-polished with polyutherane piano lacquer by our professional refurbishing team
Category

Vintage 1930s German Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, Oak, Chrome-Plated Steel, Germany, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Desk dimensions: Height: 79 cm (31.1 in) Width: 110 cm (43.3 in) Depth: 63 cm (24.8 in) Leg space
Category

Early 20th Century German Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Original ArtDeco Writing Desk, J. Halabala, UP Zavody, Walnut, Czech, 1930s
By Up Závody, Jindřich Halabala
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Height: 71 cm (28 in) Width: 54 cm (21.3 in) This Art Deco writing desk, designed by Jindřich Halabala
Category

Vintage 1930s Czech Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Walnut, Lacquer

Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by Marcel Breuer for Thonet, Czech, 1930s
By Thonet, Marcel Breuer
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This iconic writing desk from the 1930s is a remarkable example of Bauhaus design. Designed by
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Restored Bauhaus Oak Writing Desk, Jindrich Halabala, UP Zavody, 1930s, Czechia
By Up Závody, Jindřich Halabala
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Bauhaus oak writing desk designed by Jindrich Halabala. Period: 1930-1939 Source
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Restored Bauhaus Oak Writing Desk Designed by Jindrich Halabala, 1930s, Czechia
By Jindřich Halabala, Up Závody
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Bauhaus oak writing desk designed by Jindrich Halabala. Period: 1930-1939. Source
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Art Deco Writing Desk Designed by Czech Architect Jindřich Halabala, 1930s
By Up Závody, Jindřich Halabala
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
One of the most successful writing desk made in United Arts & Crafts Manufacture (UP) in Brno
Category

20th Century Czech Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Lacquer, Walnut

Bauhaus Writing Desk and Chair, Hynek Gottwald, Czechia, 1930s, Lacquered Wood
By Hynek Gottwald
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
White bauhaus writing desk and chair made by Hynek Gottwald, Czechia. Period: 1930-1939
Category

Vintage 1930s Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Restored Art Deco Writing Desk, by J. Divíšek, Repolished, Walnut, Czech, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
) This elegant Art Deco desk, dating from the 1930s, originates from Czechoslovakia and is ideal for
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Lacquer, Wood, Walnut

1930´s Art Deco "Minister" Desk, Double Sided, Mottled Mahogany - Barcelona
Located in Girona, Girona
Art Deco "Minister" desk, double sided in solid wood with mottled mahogany veneer, base with
Category

Vintage 1930s Spanish Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by Robert Slezak, Beech, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Dimensions of the table: Height: 74 cm (29.1 in) Width: 145 cm (57.1 in) Depth: 72 cm (28.3 in) Leg space: Height: 69 cm (27.2 in) Width: 72.5 cm (28.5 in) This table was designed ...
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome, Steel

Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk With Chair, Chrome, Steel, Wood, Czech, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
It has been re-polished with polyutherane piano lacquer by our professional refurbishing team in Czechia according to the original process. The chrome parts have been cleaned and pr...
Category

Vintage 1930s Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Bauhaus Restored Beech Writing Desk Made in 1930s by Robert Slezak, Czechia
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Completely restored writing desk with a frame in tubular chromed steel. Designed by Robert
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by Marcel Breuer for Thonet, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This iconic writing desk from the 1930s is a remarkable example of Bauhaus design. Designed by
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

1930's Thonet Desk B 282By Bruno Weill with Unique Dutch Family Provenance
By Bruno Weil, Thonet
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
1930's Thonet B282 desk by Bruno Weill with unique family provenance of history and including its
Category

Vintage 1930s French Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Art Deco Desk and Chair, Parchment Top, Vittorio Valabrega, Italy, 1930's
By Vittorio Valabrega
Located in Austin, TX
Valabrega, a hard to find Art Deco designer, Italy, 1930's. Measures: Chair: 31" H x 22.5" W x 20" D, Seat
Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Goatskin

Art Deco Desk and Chair, Parchment Top, Vittorio Valabrega, Italy, 1930's
Art Deco Desk and Chair, Parchment Top, Vittorio Valabrega, Italy, 1930's
$8,640 Sale Price / set
20% Off
H 30.75 in W 75 in D 35.5 in
Restored Art Deco Solid Oak Writing Desk Made in the 1930s, Czechia
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Art Deco writing desk. Revived polish. Period: 1930-1939 Source: Czechia Material
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Lacquer

Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by André Lurcat, Walnut, New Polish, Czech, 1930s
By André Lurcat
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk Catalog model: PS 8 Material: Walnut, Chrome-plated Steel Source
Category

Vintage 1930s Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

White German Bauhaus Chrome Plated Steel Writing Desk, Made in the 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Desk with a tubular chromed steel frame Manufactured in the 1930s. Wood is completely restored
Category

Early 20th Century German Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Art Deco Writing Desk Designed by Jindrich Halabala, Oak Walnut Chrome, 1930s
By Up Závody, Jindřich Halabala
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
One of the most successful writing desk made in United Arts & Crafts Manufacture (UP) in Brno
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Restored Art Deco Writing Desk, by Robert Slezak, Oak, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Desk dimensions: Height: 77 cm (30.3 in) Width: 148 cm (58.3 in) Depth: 75.5 cm (29.7 in) Leg
Category

Vintage 1930s Czech Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

1930s Antique White Neoclassical Writing Table or Vanity
Located in Stamford, CT
1930s neoclassical writing table or vanity table. Newly painted in an antique white finish. New
Category

Vintage 1930s American Hollywood Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Hollywood Regency Lucite and Glass Desk Circa 1930's
Located in Norwalk, CT
This elegant coffee table brings one back to the golden era of Hollywood style in the early 20th century. Crafted from beautifully crafted lucite, this glass top table exudes class a...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Restored Art Deco Writing Desk, J. Halabala, UP Zavody, Oak, Beech, Czech, 1930s
By Up Závody, Jindřich Halabala
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant writing desk, designed in the Art Deco style, comes from Czechoslovakia from the first
Category

Vintage 1930s Czech Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

1930s "Record" desk by Axel Einar Hjorth, NK, Sweden, 1930s
By Nordiska Kompaniet, Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Luxurious “Record” desk by Axel Einar Hjorth, with birch root top and sides and framed with
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birch, Zebra Wood

1930s Larkin Soap Secretary Desk
By Larkin & Co.
Located in Germantown, MD
Antique oak, slant front secretary made by Larkin. Measures 30.5" in width x 16" in depth x 46.5" in height. Good vintage condition with three functional drawers. Some wear and tear ...
Category

Early 20th Century American American Classical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

1930s Larkin Soap Secretary Desk
1930s Larkin Soap Secretary Desk
$1,595
H 46.5 in W 30.5 in D 16 in
Elegant French Art Deco Desk circa 1930s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant French Art Deco Desk, France, circa 1930s. Stylish tapered leg form with geometric inlaid
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Elegant French Art Deco Desk circa 1930s
Elegant French Art Deco Desk circa 1930s
$4,850
H 29.75 in W 48 in D 25.5 in
1930's Center desk in walnut root and polished metal profiles
Located in Milano, IT
COD-2835 Center desk in walnut root and polished metal profiles, three drawers on the side with
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Italian Designer, Desk, Wood, Metal, Italy, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained wood and metal desk designed and produced in Italy, c. 1930s. Dimensions: 31.75” H
Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Italian Designer, Desk, Wood, Metal, Italy, 1930s
Italian Designer, Desk, Wood, Metal, Italy, 1930s
$8,900
H 31.75 in W 58.75 in D 29.75 in
1930's Desk in chromed tubular with drawers on the side
Located in Milano, IT
COD-2602 Desk in chromed tubular with drawers on the side and a thick ground glass top
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

1930's Desk in chromed tubular with drawers on the side
1930's Desk in chromed tubular with drawers on the side
$7,086
H 30.71 in W 43.31 in D 23.63 in
Wooden Art Deco Desk with Drawers, 1930s
Located in Brussels, BE
Wooden Art Deco Desk with Drawers, 1930s
Category

Vintage 1930s Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Wooden Art Deco Desk with Drawers, 1930s
Wooden Art Deco Desk with Drawers, 1930s
$5,669
H 30.71 in W 76.38 in D 35.04 in
1930s Small Desk in the style of Jacques Adnet
By Jacques Adnet
Located in CA, CA
A 1930’s desk in the style of Jacques Adnet with two drawers to the front and glass handles set in
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

1930s Small Desk in the style of Jacques Adnet
1930s Small Desk in the style of Jacques Adnet
$3,658
H 27.56 in W 31.11 in D 22.05 in
Tubular Steel Functional Desk in Birch, Heteka Finland 1930s
By Heteka, Pauli Blomstedt
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful example of the functionalist period and tubular steel furniture. This writing desk is
Category

Vintage 1930s Finnish Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Functionalist "Sketching Table" desk by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1930s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Stockholm, SE
Striking desk by Carl Malmsten, in a rustic design, model called “Skissbordet” (“The Sketching
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Vintage Functionalist Desk by Alvar Aalto, Artek, Finland, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Stockholm, SE
Desk by Alvar Aalto made from birch with original green top. Lovely, clean lines. Neat size, small
Category

Vintage 1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birch

"Corall" Dining Table/Desk, Axel Einar Hjorth, Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1930s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant 1930s library / dining table or desk by Axel Einar Hjorth, from the “Corall” series. Clean
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birch

Paolo Buffa for Galdino Maspero Writing Desk in Walnut
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paolo Buffa for Galdino Maspero, writing desk, walnut, Italy, late 1930s/early 1940s This writing
Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Paolo Buffa for Galdino Maspero Writing Desk in Walnut
Paolo Buffa for Galdino Maspero Writing Desk in Walnut
$36,400
H 31.5 in W 66.93 in D 31.5 in
Danish Modern Desk by Ernst Kühn, Lysberg, Hansen & Therp, Danmark, 1930s
By Ernst Kühn, Lysberg, Hansen & Therp
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Danish Modern desk by Ernst Kühn, made from mahogany with unusual lines and proportions
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Modern Oak and Iron Boomerang Form Desk, France, circa 1930s
Located in Norwalk, CT
A real statement piece, this French early modernism desk features a boomerang shaped top in solid
Category

Vintage 1930s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Functionalist Birch Desk by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Stockholm, SE
Striking desk by Alvar Aalto, made from birch in a compact functionalist design. Drawers to the
Category

Vintage 1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birch

Gio Ponti double-sided desk in American walnut and parchment, Italy, 1930s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
to shaping the myth of “Made in Italy.” An original piece from the 1930s, this desk captures the
Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut, Parchment Paper

Functionalist Desk Czech Bauhaus Tubular Steel, 1930s
Located in Wien, AT
This functionalist desk, with a construction of bent tubular steel was made in Czech Republic
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Functionalist Desk Czech Bauhaus Tubular Steel, 1930s
Functionalist Desk Czech Bauhaus Tubular Steel, 1930s
$5,900
H 30.71 in W 48.04 in D 26.38 in
Art Deco Black Lacquered Model Cambridge Partners Desk by De Coene, 1930s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Art Deco partners desk Model Cambridge.Design by De Coene.Striking Belgium
Category

Vintage 1930s Belgian Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Swedish Wooden Pine Desk by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, 1930s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare and early mid century wooden desk "Värmdö" in stained pine by Axel Einar Hjorth for
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

1930s French Art Deco Desk in Black Lacquer with Nickeled Metal Applications
Located in Ulm, DE
Desk Piano lacquer, black high gloss Metal applications, freshly nickel-plated Non-functional
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Early Bauhaus "B21" Side Table Desk by Marcel Breuer Produced by Thonet, 1930s
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare and early Bauhaus "B21" desk / side table in black stained wood with chromed tubular
Category

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

Materials

Steel

French Art Deco Black Lacquered Executive Table Desk, 1930s
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Stunning French desk from the 1930s with an elegant design characterized by linear and symmetrical
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Art Deco Rosewood Palisander Desk by Jules Leleu, 1930s
By Jules Leleu
Located in Zurich, CH
This original and rare desk can be found in the design book by V. Jutheau JULES ET ANDRÉ LELEU on
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Art Deco Rosewood Palisander Desk by Jules Leleu, 1930s
Art Deco Rosewood Palisander Desk by Jules Leleu, 1930s
$69,393
H 29.93 in W 64.18 in D 31.5 in
1930s Mahogany Circular Reception Desk / Bar, Attributed to Donald Deskey
By Donald Deskey
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Circular Reception Desk / Bar, Attributed to Donald Deskey, Circa 1930s By repute, the reception
Category

Vintage 1930s American Machine Age Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

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1930s Writing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic 1930s writing desk available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, metal and walnut, every 1930s writing desk was constructed with great care. There are many kinds of the 1930s writing desk you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 20th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. Each 1930s writing desk bearing Art Deco, Industrial or Scandinavian Modern hallmarks is very popular. A well-made 1930s writing desk has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Gilbert Rohde, Marcel Breuer and Kaare Klint are consistently popular.

How Much is a 1930s Writing Desk?

The average selling price for a 1930s writing desk at 1stDibs is $4,926, while they’re typically $1 on the low end and $120,000 for the highest priced.

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 1930s 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 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 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 ExpertJune 30, 2023
    What brides wore in the 1930s varied. Some wore long flowing dresses made of satin or silk. Long sleeves were popular and designs often featured only minimal embellishments like appliqués and beading. Because many people faced difficult financial situations due to the Great Depression, brides also sometimes simply wore their best dresses on their wedding days. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage wedding dresses.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 26, 2024
    To identify 1930s furniture, first see if you can spot a maker's mark in hidden areas, such as the back, base, inside of drawers or under tabletops and seats. Trusted online resources can help you determine who produced your furniture based on these markings, and from there, you can research more to get a rough idea of how old your item is. A piece's characteristics can also be helpful when dating furniture. Many items made during the 1930s are examples of Art Deco furniture. Art Deco furniture is characterized by geometric patterns and luxurious materials, such as shagreen, marble, mother of pearl, mirrored glass, exotic animal hides and rare woods like mahogany, ebony and zebra wood. A certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer can provide an expert opinion on when your piece was likely made. On 1stDibs, explore a range of 1930s furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    Yes, people had record players in the 1930s. In fact, record players began to become more common during the decade and continued to grow in popularity throughout the 1940s, 50s and 60s. Thomas Edison made the first phonograph record player in 1877. Shop a variety of record players 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 31, 2023
    In the 1930s, phones typically looked like rotary telephones. They had either a round or square base with a numbered dial that spun when you dialed and a handset receiver with both an earpiece and a mouthpiece. A cord connected the handset to the base. Find a variety of rotary phones on 1stDibs.
  • 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.