What is a writing desk?

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.

What is a small writing desk called?

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.

What is a writing desk with drawers called?

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.

What is an old-fashioned writing desk called?

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.

What was the term in French furniture for a writing desk that often featured a drop-down writing surface?

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.

Brutalist Writing Desk

Danish Baroque

19th Century Danish Wood Furniture

Minimalist Desks

Brutalist Dining Table Base

De Puydt

Polished Concrete Tables

Henning Kjaernulf Desk

Oak Mid Century Desk

brutalist desk

$1,268Sale Price|43% Off

H 29.93 in W 59.45 in D 30.32 in

brutalist desk

By Associated Artists

Located in TARBES, FR

workspace with this brutalist style minister's desk crafted from Padouk wood. For more information or to

Category

Late 20th Century Congolese Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Padouk

1960s French Bleached Brutalist Table or Desk

$4,000

H 28.55 in W 47.45 in D 31.7 in

1960s French Bleached Brutalist Table or Desk

Located in London, GB

A brutalist desk or small dining table constructed from mixed bleached timbers. The carved single

Category

Mid-20th Century French Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Elm, Wenge

Luciano Frigerio Presidential Writing Desk in Walnut, Italy 1970s

$5,950

H 30.32 in W 78.75 in D 31.5 in

Luciano Frigerio Presidential Writing Desk in Walnut, Italy 1970s

By Luciano Frigerio di Desio, Luciano Frigerio

Located in Almelo, NL

Luciano Frigerio Presidential Writing Desk in Walnut, Italy 1960s This is a rare presidential

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Granite

1970s brutalist desk or console by Albert Féraud

$23,494

H 30.32 in W 55.12 in D 31.5 in

1970s brutalist desk or console by Albert Féraud

By Albert Feraud

Located in Paris, FR

Little desk or console, composed of folded and entangled metal tubes. Rectangular glass slab.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Danish Mid-Century Brutalist Desk / Small Table in Solid Oak Wood, 1920

$1,440Sale Price|20% Off

H 29.93 in W 23.63 in D 22.84 in

Danish Mid-Century Brutalist Desk / Small Table in Solid Oak Wood, 1920

By Charlotte Perriand

Located in Copenhagen, DK

Danish Brutalist solid oak table with decorative details. The Table has beautiful and decorative

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Danish Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Belgian Brutalist Oak X Base Dining Table or Desk, Attributed to De Puydt

$3,450

H 31.5 in W 71 in D 31.75 in

Belgian Brutalist Oak X Base Dining Table or Desk, Attributed to De Puydt

By De Puydt

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A rare and impressive Brutalist dining table or desk, attributed to the Belgian manufacturer De

Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

1970s Spanish Wood Brutalist Style Console Table Desk

$3,495

H 32 in W 60 in D 28 in

1970s Spanish Wood Brutalist Style Console Table Desk

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

This exuberant console table or desk originates from Spain and shows the highly decorative

Category

Vintage 1970s Spanish Spanish Colonial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Saporiti. Brutalist and minimalist desk in glass and concrete. 1970s.

$8,340

H 28.35 in W 78.75 in D 39.38 in

Saporiti. Brutalist and minimalist desk in glass and concrete. 1970s.

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Sergio and Giorgio Saporiti Rectangular desk in Brutalist and Minimalist style, consisting of a

Category

Vintage 1970s Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass

1960's Roger Capron Vallauris Ceramic Tiles & Oak Brutalist Table/Desk France

$5,700

H 29.53 in W 55.52 in D 29.14 in

1960's Roger Capron Vallauris Ceramic Tiles & Oak Brutalist Table/Desk France

By Roger Capron

Located in bergen op zoom, NL

1960's French Brutalist Local Carpenter Crafted Solid Oak Table/Desk with Roger Capron Ceramic

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Wooden Brutalist Desk in Solid Oak, Made in France, 1950s

$1,600

H 29.93 in W 34.65 in D 22.84 in

Mid Century Wooden Brutalist Desk in Solid Oak, Made in France, 1950s

Located in Odense, DK

This desk is a classic representation of mid-century design, crafted in France during the 1950s

Category

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

Materials

Oak

Walnut and lacquer desk

$33,500 / item

H 29.5 in W 93.7 in D 43.3 in

Walnut and lacquer desk

By Franck Genser

Located in PARIS, FR

The Chumtak desk, a spectacular piece from the Pouvoir collection, embodies both power and serenity

Category

2010s French Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut, Lacquer

French Carved Wood Brutalist Table by Charles Dudouyt

$12,500

H 29 in W 58.75 in D 39.25 in

French Carved Wood Brutalist Table by Charles Dudouyt

By Charles Dudouyt

Located in Los Angeles, CA

" from floor to underside of table. Perfect as a desk or console table.

Category

Mid-20th Century French Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Dutch Pine Waterfall Desk, C. 1970.

$3,450

H 29 in W 47.25 in D 28.25 in

Dutch Pine Waterfall Desk, C. 1970.

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Crafted with minimalist precision, the desk emphasizes material honesty and organic texture—a nod

Category

Late 20th Century Dutch Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Free-Form Desk Set, 1960

$3,524 / set

H 29.69 in W 60.24 in D 20.87 in

Free-Form Desk Set, 1960

Located in Catonvielle, FR

Desk, bookcase and tripod chair in solid mahogany, Circa 1960. The trestle desk has a 5 cm thick

Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

M_019 Desk by Anya Antropova for Monolith

$21,500 / item

H 29.53 in W 61.03 in D 30.71 in

M_019 Desk by Anya Antropova for Monolith

By Monolith

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The M_019 Tuye Desk monolithic silhouette contemplates classical proportions with minimalist

Category

2010s Mexican Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Travertine

Freestanding Desk in Oak, Danish Mid Century Modern, Henning Kjærnulf, 1950s

$2,800

H 29.14 in W 56.7 in D 29.34 in

Freestanding Desk in Oak, Danish Mid Century Modern, Henning Kjærnulf, 1950s

By Henning Kjærnulf

Located in Odense, DK

An elegant freestanding writing desk designed by Danish designer Henning Kjærnulf in the 1950s

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid-20th Century, Freestanding Oak Desk by Henning Kjærnulf, Denmark, 1960s

$2,680

H 28.75 in W 59.06 in D 29.93 in

Mid-20th Century, Freestanding Oak Desk by Henning Kjærnulf, Denmark, 1960s

By Henning Kjærnulf

Located in Odense, DK

A sculptural freestanding oak executive desk by Henning Kjærnulf, crafted in Denmark circa 1960s

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

“The Hanging Tree” Desk, Iron, James Vincent Milano, Italy, 2022

$8,223 / item

H 29.53 in W 63 in D 23.63 in

“The Hanging Tree” Desk, Iron, James Vincent Milano, Italy, 2022

By JAMES VINCENT MILANO

Located in Milano, IT

“The Hanging Tree” Desk, Iron, JAMES VINCENT MILANO, Italy, 2022 Concave hexagonal top. Height

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

19th Century Antique Baroque Dining / Desk Table in Oak, Danish Cabinetmaker

$6,500

H 31.11 in W 65.36 in D 30.71 in

19th Century Antique Baroque Dining / Desk Table in Oak, Danish Cabinetmaker

Located in Odense, DK

This impressive 19th-century baroque dining/desk table, made from solid oak by a skilled Danish

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Danish Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique Baroque Dining / Desk Table in Oak, Danish Cabinetmaker, 19th Century

$6,800

H 32.29 in W 49.22 in D 35.04 in

Antique Baroque Dining / Desk Table in Oak, Danish Cabinetmaker, 19th Century

Located in Odense, DK

This Antique Baroque versatile dining / desk table, crafted by a skilled Danish cabinetmaker in the

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Danish Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Round Brutalist Dining Table in Oak, Mid Century Modern, Made in France, 1960s

$3,200

H 29.93 in Dm 47.25 in

Round Brutalist Dining Table in Oak, Mid Century Modern, Made in France, 1960s

Located in Odense, DK

A stunning solid oak round dining table in the brutalist style, crafted in France during the 1960s

Category

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

Materials

Oak

Contemporary 'JULIUS' Secretary by Eichkorn, Black Bronze, Customizable

$41,703 / item

H 29.53 in W 64.18 in D 27.56 in

Contemporary 'JULIUS' Secretary by Eichkorn, Black Bronze, Customizable

By Eichkorn

Located in Paris, IDF

JULIUS Console Table by German contemporary design studio Eichkorn. Material: Cast Bronze with Black Patina Standard size: H.75 x 163 x 70 cm - Customizations are possible Our „JUL...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

James de Wulf Concrete Leaning Table, Available Now

$28,024

H 30 in W 34 in D 78 in

James de Wulf Concrete Leaning Table, Available Now

Located in Paia, HI

A play on balance, this table is constructed entirely of two concrete pieces. The tabletop is singly supported by the leg, while the two merge with gravity to lock into place. Their ...

Category

2010s American Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Concrete, Cement

James de Wulf Concrete Leaning Coffee Table

$6,380 / item

H 17.5 in W 22 in D 56 in

James de Wulf Concrete Leaning Coffee Table

By James de Wulf

Located in Paia, HI

A play on balance, this table is constructed entirely of two concrete pieces. The tabletop is singly supported by the leg, while the two merge with gravity to lock into place. Their ...

Category

2010s American Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Concrete, Cement

James de Wulf Concrete Leaning Table

$28,024 / item

H 30 in W 34 in D 78 in

James de Wulf Concrete Leaning Table

Located in Paia, HI

A play on balance, this table is constructed entirely of two concrete pieces. The tabletop is singly supported by the leg, while the two merge with gravity to lock into place. Their ...

Category

2010s American Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Concrete, Cement

Mid-Century Modern Italian Brutalist Desk, Galvanized Metal, 1950-1970

$18,320Sale Price|20% Off

H 31 in W 95 in D 31 in

Mid-Century Modern Italian Brutalist Desk, Galvanized Metal, 1950-1970

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A silver-grey, vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian Brutalist writing, office desk made of hand

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Conference Tables

Materials

Metal

Recent Sales

De Puydt Brutalist Oak Desk and Armchair, Belgium (1970)

Unavailable

H 30.71 in W 49.22 in D 29.53 in

De Puydt Brutalist Oak Desk and Armchair, Belgium (1970)

By De Puydt

Located in Antwerpen, BE

De Puydt Brutalist Oak Desk and Armchair: Iconic Belgian Craftsmanship from the 1970s De Puydt

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

TDE '01', Table

Unavailable

H 30 in W 88 in D 22 in

TDE '01', Table

By Nima Abili

Located in Los Angeles, CA

matte porcelain tiles and sanded grey grout. Inspired by Brutalist style of architecture this collection

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Porcelain

Brutalist Desk Ate Van Apeldoorn, 1960s

Sold

H 28.75 in W 58.67 in D 29.53 in

Brutalist Desk Ate Van Apeldoorn, 1960s

Located in PARIS, FR

Extremely rare desk by Ate van Apeldoorn for Houtwerk Hattem, Netherlands 1960s. Solid pine

Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Paul Evans Style Brutalist Executive Desk and Credenza

Sold

H 29 in W 89 in D 39 in

Paul Evans Style Brutalist Executive Desk and Credenza

By Paul Evans

Located in Van Nuys, CA

Paul Evans style Brutalist executive desk with matching credenza. This large 7 foot wide desk

Category

Vintage 1960s American Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

1970s Brutalist Desk Mccarroll & Gillespe Forms+Surfaces Santa Barbara

Sold

H 29 in W 72.25 in D 36 in

1970s Brutalist Desk Mccarroll & Gillespe Forms+Surfaces Santa Barbara

By Forms and Surfaces, Billy Joe Mccarroll and David Gillespe

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration, a 1970s Stunning Executive Desk by Billy Joe Mccarroll & David Gillespie

Category

Vintage 1970s American Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Early edition brutalist concrete steel desk by Jonas Bohlin

Sold

H 28.15 in W 31.5 in D 59.06 in

Early edition brutalist concrete steel desk by Jonas Bohlin

By Källemo, Jonas Bohlin

Located in London, GB

patinated steel frame and contrasting concrete leg, the angular desk has a reductive design in keeping with

Category

Late 20th Century Swedish Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Concrete, Steel

1920s Baroque Style Writing Desk / Table in Solid Oak, By a Danish Cabinetmaker

Sold

H 30.71 in W 59.85 in D 29.14 in

1920s Baroque Style Writing Desk / Table in Solid Oak, By a Danish Cabinetmaker

Located in Odense, DK

A beautifully proportioned Danish writing desk / table from the 1920s, crafted entirely in solid

Category

Early 20th Century Danish Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Mid Century Brutalist Desk in Bog Oak and Mahogany, around 1970s

Sold

H 29.73 in W 51.19 in D 28.35 in

Mid Century Brutalist Desk in Bog Oak and Mahogany, around 1970s

Located in Berlin, DE

This mid century brutalist desk in bog oak veneer and mahogany was made in 1972 for a house in

Category

Vintage 1970s German Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Bog Wood

Brutalist Brown Solid Pine Dining Table or Work Desk, 1970s

Sold

H 27.96 in W 31.5 in D 66.93 in

Brutalist Brown Solid Pine Dining Table or Work Desk, 1970s

Located in Hilversum, NL

This mid-20th century Brutalist trestle dining table or work desk/kitchen table was made in the

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

French Modern Rectangular Brutalist Desk / Dining Table in Solid Oak, 1950s

Sold

H 30.32 in W 68.9 in D 31.5 in

French Modern Rectangular Brutalist Desk / Dining Table in Solid Oak, 1950s

Located in Odense, DK

cabinetmaker in 1950s. A fine decorative brutalist desk that will complementary many interior styles. A

Category

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

Materials

Oak

Mid Century Wooden Brutalist Desk in Solid Elm, Made in France, 1950s

Sold

H 28.15 in W 39.38 in D 21.26 in

Mid Century Wooden Brutalist Desk in Solid Elm, Made in France, 1950s

Located in Odense, DK

Mid Century wooden brutalist desk in solid elm, made in France, 1950s. Overall good vintage

Category

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

Materials

Elm

Vintage Brutalist Table Base by Silas Seandel

Sold

H 29 in W 68 in D 38 in

Vintage Brutalist Table Base by Silas Seandel

By Silas Seandel

Located in New York, NY

1970s Brutalist table base by Silas Seandel.

Category

20th Century American Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Copper, Steel

Rare Brutalist Table from France, 1960s

Sold

H 27.5 in W 46 in D 22.5 in

Rare Brutalist Table from France, 1960s

Located in Nashville, TN

Rare brutalist table from France, 1960s. Solid stained pine construction with nice wear and patina

Category

Vintage 1960s European Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Collectible Desk by Arno Declercq, Edition of 12

Sold

H 29.53 in W 91.74 in D 39.38 in

Collectible Desk by Arno Declercq, Edition of 12

By Arno Declercq

Located in Antwerp, BE

Arno Declercq, 2020; Collectible Design; Handcrafted Burned and waxed Iroko wood Featured at Tefaf, Maastricht 2020 Measures: 233 cm wide x 100 cm deep x 75 cm high / 92” wide x ...

Category

2010s European Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Freestanding Desk in Oak, Danish Mid Century Modern, Henning Kjærnulf, 1950s

Sold

H 29.93 in W 70.87 in D 31.5 in

Freestanding Desk in Oak, Danish Mid Century Modern, Henning Kjærnulf, 1950s

By Henning Kjærnulf

Located in Odense, DK

An elegant freestanding writing desk designed by Danish designer Henning Kjærnulf in the 1950s

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Brutalist Style Half Cylinder Oak Roll Top Marble Writing Desk 53"

Sold

H 49 in W 53 in D 25 in

Mid Century Brutalist Style Half Cylinder Oak Roll Top Marble Writing Desk 53"

Located in Dayton, OH

A quaint mid century Brutalist style office desk. Features a dark oak finish and half cylinder

Category

Mid-20th Century Brutalist Desks

Materials

Marble

Paul Evans Rare Writing Table / Desk, Signed 1969

Sold

H 29 in W 35.5 in L 29 in

Paul Evans Rare Writing Table / Desk, Signed 1969

By Paul Evans

Located in Culver City, CA

1969. this cold cast resin, bronze finish pedestal writing desk features deep relief artistry which

Category

Vintage 1960s Brutalist Desks

Materials

Bronze

Antique Black Brutalist Desk with Turned Bobbin Feet, 1880s

Sold

H 31.89 in W 50.4 in D 29.53 in

Antique Black Brutalist Desk with Turned Bobbin Feet, 1880s

Located in Berlin, DE

This beautiful Antique Brutalist was made around 1880s in the United Kingdom. The black lacquered

Category

Antique 1880s British Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut, Lacquer

Brutalist Carved Oak Executive Desk Inspired by Pierre Chapo with Storage

Sold

H 30.5 in W 68.25 in D 33.75 in

Brutalist Carved Oak Executive Desk Inspired by Pierre Chapo with Storage

By Robert Thompson, Pierre Chapo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful Brutalist carved oak executive desk with double sided cabinets and metal accents. A full

Category

Mid-20th Century British Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Antique Danish Rectangular Brutalist Desk in Solid Oak, Made in Early 1900s

Sold

H 30.32 in W 48.82 in D 31.5 in

Antique Danish Rectangular Brutalist Desk in Solid Oak, Made in Early 1900s

Located in Odense, DK

Beautiful antique freestanding brutalist desk / small dining table in solid oak. Made by a danish

Category

Early 20th Century Danish Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

French Oak Writing Table Louis XV Style Brutalist Aspect, Early 19th Century

Sold

H 30.71 in W 42.92 in D 23.23 in

French Oak Writing Table Louis XV Style Brutalist Aspect, Early 19th Century

Located in Labrit, Landes

This oak writing table in the Louis XV style was made in France in the early 19th century. Its

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Contemporary Brutalist Oxidized Steel Desk Model MSB 302.1 by M.

Sold

H 29.14 in W 49.22 in D 21.26 in

Contemporary Brutalist Oxidized Steel Desk Model MSB 302.1 by M.

By Msubiràs

Located in Barcelona, ES

Contemporary Brutalist Oxidized Steel Desk with One Seat, Model MSB 302.1 by M. Subiràs The MSB

Category

2010s Spanish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Brutalist Pine Drrawers Desk by Maison Regain, France 1960s

Sold

H 29.93 in W 44.1 in D 22.84 in

Mid-Century Brutalist Pine Drrawers Desk by Maison Regain, France 1960s

By Maison Regain

Located in Brussels, BE

Mid-century brutalist pine drawers desk by Maison Regain - France 1960s.

Category

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

Materials

Pine

Freestanding Brutalist Desk in Solid Oak, Made by a Danish Cabinetmaker, 1950s

Sold

H 30.12 in W 56.89 in D 29.53 in

Freestanding Brutalist Desk in Solid Oak, Made by a Danish Cabinetmaker, 1950s

By Hans J. Wegner, Henning Kjærnulf

Located in Odense, DK

ornamentation. The desk's top is spacious and flat, providing ample workspace for writing, drawing, or working

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Custom Black and Pink Brutalist Postmodern Memphis Style Oak Desk by Reeves

Sold

H 30 in W 48 in D 30 in

Custom Black and Pink Brutalist Postmodern Memphis Style Oak Desk by Reeves

By Reeves Design + Art

Located in Houston, TX

This black and light pink desk is custom made in the Postmodern Memphis style. The natural oak legs

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Sculptural Brutalist table Mobichalet, Circa 1950

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H 28.35 in W 53.94 in D 34.65 in

Sculptural Brutalist table Mobichalet, Circa 1950

By Mobichalet

Located in Santa Gertrudis, Baleares

This sculptural Brutalist table has been handmade from solid pine slabs by Mobichalet of Belgium in

Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Brutalist Resin Dining Table GOOP by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 1970s

Sold

H 29.53 in W 55.12 in D 31.5 in

Brutalist Resin Dining Table GOOP by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 1970s

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Salzburg, AT

Brutalist Resin Dining Table GOOP by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 1970s Brutalist dining

Category

Vintage 1970s American Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Resin, Wood

Freestanding Desk in Oak by Henning Kjærnulf, Danish Mid Century Modern, 1950s

Sold

H 28.94 in W 56.89 in D 29.14 in

Freestanding Desk in Oak by Henning Kjærnulf, Danish Mid Century Modern, 1950s

By Henning Kjærnulf

Located in Odense, DK

An elegant freestanding writing desk designed by Danish designer Henning Kjærnulf in the 1950s

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Sculptural pine desk by Gilbert Marklund for Furusnickarn AB

Sold

H 29.53 in W 39.38 in D 23.63 in

Sculptural pine desk by Gilbert Marklund for Furusnickarn AB

By Gilbert Marklund, Furusnickarn AB

Located in PRAHA 5, CZ

Rare pine wood desk designed by Gilbert Marklund. Manufactured by Furusnickarn AB, Sweden 1970s

Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Danish Oak Two-Sided Desk Attributed to Henning Kjærnulf, 1970s

Sold

H 28.38 in W 61.88 in D 30.25 in

Danish Oak Two-Sided Desk Attributed to Henning Kjærnulf, 1970s

By Henning Kjærnulf, Kai Lyngfeldt Larsen

Located in Round Top, TX

Danish oak two-sided desk attributed to Henning Kjærnulf, circa 1970s. This beautifully crafted

Category

Late 20th Century Danish Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Freestanding Desk in Oak, Danish Mid Century Modern, Henning Kjærnulf, 1950s

Sold

H 29.73 in W 61.26 in D 31.5 in

Freestanding Desk in Oak, Danish Mid Century Modern, Henning Kjærnulf, 1950s

By Henning Kjærnulf

Located in Odense, DK

An elegant freestanding writing desk designed by Danish designer Henning Kjærnulf in the 1950s

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Small Dressing Table in Brutalist Kjærnulf Style, 1960s

Sold

H 26.97 in W 35.44 in D 17.13 in

Small Dressing Table in Brutalist Kjærnulf Style, 1960s

By Henning Kjærnulf

Located in Store Heddinge, DK

room desk, or a child's study table. Note the table’s height: slightly lower than a standard desk

Category

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

Materials

Oak

Danish Modern, Rectangular Desk / Dining Table in Solid Oak, Handcrafted, 1950s

Sold

H 29.93 in W 78.75 in D 39.38 in

Danish Modern, Rectangular Desk / Dining Table in Solid Oak, Handcrafted, 1950s

Located in Odense, DK

Introducing a large rectangular desk / dining table in solid oak, crafted by a Danish Cabinetmaker

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Round Brutalist Dining Table in Oak, Mid Century Modern, Made in France, 1960s

Sold

H 29.34 in Dm 44.1 in

Round Brutalist Dining Table in Oak, Mid Century Modern, Made in France, 1960s

Located in Odense, DK

A stunning solid oak round dining table in the brutalist style, crafted in France during the 1960s

Category

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

Materials

Oak

Art Deco Sculptural Table 1930s

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H 30.32 in W 62.21 in D 38.39 in

Art Deco Sculptural Table 1930s

By Charles Dudouyt

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Compact oak table, France, 1930s. This table shows some highly crafted lines when you look at the well designed elegant yet solid details. The sides of this table are sculptural an...

Category

Vintage 1930s French Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Brutalist writing desk, 1980s

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H 29.53 in W 55.12 in D 27.56 in

Brutalist writing desk, 1980s

Located in Antwerpen, BE

Writing desk designed and produced in the 1980’s by an unknown maker. The geometrical lines on both

Category

Vintage 1980s Brutalist Desks

Materials

Wood

Brutalist Desk or Dining Table Base

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H 28.75 in W 55.5 in D 24.75 in

Brutalist Desk or Dining Table Base

Located in New York, NY

Square steel stock overlaid with bronze brazing rod "drips" forming an inrregular golden surface. Inspired by the bronze studio pieces of Paul Evan and Phil Powell, this piece has a ...

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Vintage 1970s American Desks and Writing Tables

Large Tambour Brutalist desk in Black by Clausen & Maerus, Norway 1960s

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H 30.12 in W 43.31 in D 82.68 in

Large Tambour Brutalist desk in Black by Clausen & Maerus, Norway 1960s

By Clausen and Maerus

Located in Beek en Donk, NL

Very large, brutalist, free standing Tambour desk in black by Norwegian designers Clausen & Maerus

Category

Vintage 1960s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

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Large German Brutalist Wenge Desk by HR, 1960s

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H 30.71 in W 73.23 in D 33.47 in

Large German Brutalist Wenge Desk by HR, 1960s

By HR Design

Located in Warsaw, PL

This large detached and bilateral executive desk was manufactured in Germany by HR during the 1960s

Category

Vintage 1960s German Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wenge

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Antique and Vintage Tables

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Brutalist Writing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the brutalist writing desk you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, metal and oak, every brutalist writing desk was constructed with great care. Find 15 options for an antique or vintage brutalist writing desk now, or shop our selection of 6 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer brutalist writing desk, there are earlier versions available from the 20th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. A brutalist writing desk is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Mid-Century Modern, Modern and Scandinavian Modern styles are sought with frequency. Many designers have produced at least one well-made brutalist writing desk over the years, but those crafted by Arno Declercq, Billy Joe Mccarroll and David Gillespe and Charles Dudouyt are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Brutalist Writing Desk?

Prices for a brutalist writing desk start at $1,691 and top out at $45,000 with the average selling for $3,850.

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 Brutalist Writing Desk

What is a writing desk?
1 Answer
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.
What is a small writing desk called?
1 Answer
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.
What is a writing desk with drawers called?
1 Answer
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.
What is an old-fashioned writing desk called?
1 Answer
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.
What was the term in French furniture for a writing desk that often featured a drop-down writing surface?
1 Answer
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.