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Century Writing Desk

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Mid-Century Writing Desk, 1960's, Czechoslovakia, Brussels Period
Located in Prague 8, CZ
Mid-century writing desk, made in Czechoslovakia, 1960's. Walnut wood, formica surface on the top
Category

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

Materials

Formica, Wood, Walnut

Danish 18th Century Writing Desk By Royal Architect C. F. Harsdorff
By Caspar Frederik Harsdorff
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
18th Century writing desk with five drawers. The desk is designed by the Danish royal neoclassical
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Danish Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut

English 19th Century Writing Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
We love the design of this simple yet sophisticated mahogany desk! There is no storage in this desk
Category

Antique 19th Century English Other Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

English 19th Century Writing Desk
English 19th Century Writing Desk
H 28.63 in W 47.88 in D 23.5 in
A Mid-Century Writing Desk Attributed to Gio Ponti
By Gio Ponti
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
A Mid-Century writing desk. Mahogany and beech wood with three draws and lift up hinged top
Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

20th Century writing Desk Louis XV Piano-Black Bureau Plat
Located in Berlin, DE
20th Century writing Desk Louis XV Piano-Black Bureau Plat Majestic bureau plat in Louis XV style
Category

20th Century Louis XV Desks

Materials

Bronze

20th Century Writing Desk in the Neo-Rococo Forms
Located in Opole, PL
high legs: the front ones are cabriole bent, and the rear are straight. The inside of the writing desk
Category

Early 20th Century European Rococo Revival Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

19th Century Writing Desk
Located in London, Park Royal
French, Napoleon III period, writing desk. Handmade in ebonized wood and cased with brass
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Desks

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Writing Desk
19th Century Writing Desk
H 30.32 in W 67.72 in D 37.01 in
21st Century Writing Desk, Oak Brass and Italian Leather Inlay
By B.B. for Reschio, Benedikt Bolza Design
Located in Lisciano Niccone, Perugia
An oak, brass and leather writing desk B.B. - Strong contrasting materials combine – I love how
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Italian Mid-Century Writing Desk by La Permanente Mobili Cantù, 1950s
By La Permanente Mobili Cantù
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Step into the allure of mid-century Italian design with this masterfully writing desk crafted in
Category

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

Materials

Brass

French 19th Century Writing Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French writing desk made of rosewood and mahogany. This desk has an upper console containing four
Category

Antique 19th Century French Other Desks

Materials

Leather, Mahogany, Rosewood

French 19th Century Writing Desk
French 19th Century Writing Desk
H 38.75 in W 56.75 in D 33.5 in
Early 20th Century Writing Desk in Walnut with Inlay by Meroni & Fossati
By Meroni & Fossati
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Italian elegant early 20th century Directoire writing desk in walnut massive and veneered with
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Directoire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Writing Desk by Thomasville
By Thomasville
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chic sleek vintage writing desk with a two drawer case featuring an unusual mahogany oyster veneer
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Aluminum

Danish Mid - Century Writing Desk in Walnut
Located in Houston, TX
elongated legs are supporting the desk. On the bottom each leg has a brass tip. Condition is very good
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Walnut

Maitland-Smith Vintage Egyptian Style Writing Desk
By Maitland Smith
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout mid century writing desk having a tessellated marble top on a case with two drawers and
Category

20th Century Philippine Egyptian Revival Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

Mid century beechwood writing desk, 1970´s, Czechoslovakia
Located in Prague 8, CZ
This Mid century writing desk was made in the former Czechoslovakia in 1970s . The design is very
Category

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

Materials

Wood, Beech, Plywood

19th Century Gustavian Writing Desk by Johan Oman
By Johan Öman
Located in New York, NY
A 19th century writing desk by Swedish Master Cabinet Maker Johan Öman (1789-1833) who worked for
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Formica Writing Desk, 1960´s, Czechoslovakia
Located in Prague 8, CZ
Mid century writing desk with one drawer. It has chromed legs and formica top. Very simple
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Midcentury Writing Desk or Console Table from Up Zavody, 1960s
By Up Závody
Located in Żory, PL
Mid-century writing desk which can also be used as a console table. Manufactured by UP Zavody
Category

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

Materials

Glass, Wood

Mid century formica writing desk or side table, 1960´s, Czechoslovakia
Located in Prague 8, CZ
Mid century writing desk or side table, it features a formica surface and chromed legs and one
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Chrome

French Louis XVI Kingwood Veneer, Ormolu, and Red Leather Writing Desk
Located in New York, NY
French Louis XVI style (19th century) writing desk with kingwood veneer, a rectangular red leather
Category

Antique 19th Century Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Kingwood

Generous antique English partner writing desk, Withy Grove Store, Manchester
Located in Harderwijk, NL
fantastic and completely original early 20th century writing desk supplied by Withy Grove Stores in
Category

Early 20th Century English Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

1800's Antique Bronze Mounts, Porcelain Plaques, Writing Continental Desk!
Located in Austin, TX
Gorgeous Antique Desk, Writing Continental, Bronze Mounts, Porcelain Plaques, 1800's, 19th Century
Category

Antique 19th Century European Other Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

French Original Black Painted Portable 18th Century Writing Desk
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
An original black painted portable desk from the end of the 18th century. With owner initials, the
Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

Antique Regency Writing Table Desk Birds Eye Maple Kidney Shape
By Century Furniture
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A fabulous quality antique kidney shaped writing table by Century Furniture featuring a birds eye
Category

Early 20th Century American Regency Revival Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Curved Writing Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Mid-Century Modern grey leather top writing desk with three drawers. This desk is crafted with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Desks and Wr...

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Curved Writing Desk
Mid Century Curved Writing Desk
H 30 in W 59 in D 27.5 in
19th Century Rosewood Writing Desk
Located in New York, NY
Hand-crafted in the 19th Century, this Louis XV-style desk is comprised of rosewood with decorative
Category

Antique 19th Century Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Rosewood Writing Desk
19th Century Rosewood Writing Desk
H 39.25 in W 50.5 in D 25 in
Edward J Wormley for Dunbar Wood and Brass Tube Writing Desk
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
American mid-century writing desk with a rectangular top with a wooden frame and deep brown
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Metal, Brass

19th Century Biedermeier Writing Desk
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Very beautiful desk. The desk is from the Biedermeier period and was covered with cherry veneer
Category

Antique 19th Century German Biedermeier Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry, Walnut

19th Century Biedermeier Writing Desk
19th Century Biedermeier Writing Desk
H 30.71 in W 63.98 in D 30.91 in
18th Century French Ladies Writing Desk
Located in Houston, TX
Elegant French ladies writing table, or desk made in the Louis XVI style.
Category

Antique 18th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

18th Century French Ladies Writing Desk
18th Century French Ladies Writing Desk
H 26.25 in W 23 in D 14.7 in
Great English Partner Desk/Writing Desk 20th Century, Mahogany
Located in Berlin, DE
Great English Partner Desk/Writing Desk 20th Century, Mahogany Solid mahogany, partially veneered
Category

20th Century English Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Oak Writing Desk
Located in High Point, NC
This oak desk was made in France in the 19th Century. An original concept for a standing height
Category

Antique 19th Century French French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Oak Writing Desk
19th Century French Oak Writing Desk
H 46.1 in W 39.4 in D 29.5 in
20th Century Louis Phillippe Writing Desk
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Beautiful and elegant Louis Philippe writing desk in a burl mahogany wood with leather and bronze
Category

Vintage 1950s French Louis Philippe Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

20th Century Classical English Writing Desk
Located in Berlin, DE
adjustable in the room. Desk consists of three parts (2 containers + worktop). The desk is an absolute
Category

20th Century English Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

20th Century Classical English Writing Desk
20th Century Classical English Writing Desk
H 30.71 in W 47.64 in D 23.63 in
Boulle Writing Desk
Located in New York, NY
Well-proportioned French black lacquer and Boulle writing desk with metal gallery raised back
Category

Antique 19th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Tortoise Shell

Boulle Writing Desk
Boulle Writing Desk
H 38 in W 31 in D 20 in
Spanish 19th century Writing Table - Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
A charming later 19th century Writing Table - Desk from the Catalan region of Spain. Soundly
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Spanish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Spanish 19th century Writing Table - Desk
Spanish 19th century Writing Table - Desk
H 32.5 in W 74.88 in D 24.75 in
17th Century Spanish Writing Table - Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
An outstanding and very handsome 17th century Spanish Writing Table - Desk from the Catalan region
Category

Antique 17th Century European Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chestnut, Walnut

17th Century Spanish Writing Table - Desk
17th Century Spanish Writing Table - Desk
H 29.38 in W 51.5 in D 31 in
English Partner Desk, Writing Desk
Located in Berlin, DE
box, slightly protruding tabletop. Green writing surface decorated with extraordinary gold embossing
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Leather

English Partner Desk, Writing Desk
English Partner Desk, Writing Desk
H 28.35 in W 48.04 in D 30.71 in
Mastercraft Mid Century Bronze Writing Desk
By Mastercraft
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive vintage writing desk crafted in bronze with a hip acid washed finish, in a stylized
Category

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

Materials

Bronze

18th Century Italian Writing Table, Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very handsome 18th century writing table - desk from Tuscany. Beautifully constructed from
Category

Antique 18th Century Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chestnut

18th Century Italian Writing Table, Desk
18th Century Italian Writing Table, Desk
H 32.25 in W 79.38 in D 33.75 in
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk
Located in Greenwich, CT
This vintage Mid-Century Modern writing desk has been completely refinished and refreshed to look
Category

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

Materials

Wood

French 19th Century Mahogany Travel Writing Desk
Located in London, GB
French 19th century mahogany travel writing desk French, 19th century Measures: Height 94cm
Category

Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century mahogany inlaid writing desk
Located in Martlesham, GB
A superb quality 19th Century mahogany inlaid writing desk, the super structure comprising of three
Category

Antique 1890s British Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Mahogany Writing Desk
Located in Cheshire, GB
Mahogany and fruitwood inlaid ladies writing desk. The superstructure with central shelf flanked by
Category

Early 20th Century British Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Mahogany Writing Desk
Mahogany Writing Desk
H 36.5 in W 36 in D 21 in
20th Century Impressive Writing Desk / Bureau Plat
Located in Berlin, DE
Impressive desk / Bureau Plat, 20th century Castle-like desk, solid wood. Engraved bronze
Category

20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Oak Writing Desk
Located in High Point, NC
19th century oak desk from France. The top is banded and has beveled and hand carved decorated
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

19th Century French Oak Writing Desk
19th Century French Oak Writing Desk
H 29.13 in W 47.13 in D 25.5 in
20th Century French Bureau Plat/ Writing Desk
Located in Berlin, DE
20th century French bureau plat/ writing desk In Bois Satiné veneer, mirror veneer covering all
Category

20th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Oval Desk Consolle Table in the style of Giotto Stoppino, Tubular Steel & Wood
By Bernini, Giotto Stoppino
Located in Roma, IT
top of this Mid-20th century Writing Desk is of high quality, 6cm thick and decorated with a modernist
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Silas Writing Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Silas writing desk is crafted in solid hardwood with steel and brass accents. Inspired by the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writ...

Materials

Stainless Steel

Silas Writing Desk
Silas Writing Desk
H 30 in W 60 in D 30 in
19th Century American Chippendale Writing Desk
By Thomas Chippendale
Located in Nashville, TN
This 19th century American chippendale desk is a true masterpiece that will make a statement in any
Category

Antique 1880s American Chippendale Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Danish Mid-Century Rosewood Writing Desk
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Rosewood Danish desk, circa 1960's. Unique 5 legged design with metal pulls and a bank of drawers
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rose Quartz, Rosewood

Danish Mid-Century Teak Writing Desk
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Teak Danish desk, circa 1960's. Robust work surface! Finished on both sides, if placed in the
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Danish Mid-Century Teak Writing Desk
Danish Mid-Century Teak Writing Desk
H 29.5 in W 59 in D 32 in
Midcentury Inspired Writing Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
This midcentury inspired writing desk is perfect for those looking for a blend of elegance and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Desks and Wr...

Materials

Wood

Midcentury Inspired Writing Desk
Midcentury Inspired Writing Desk
H 29.75 in W 55 in D 26 in
Large Italian Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk
Located in Berlin, DE
Large Italian Mid-Century Modern writing desk. Spectacular large writing / working desk made in
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Large Italian Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk
Large Italian Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk
H 35.44 in W 64.97 in D 28.75 in
Child Rosewood Writing Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage writing desk on rolling wheels, in an incredible rich rosewood color. This compact desk is
Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

Child Rosewood Writing Desk
Child Rosewood Writing Desk
H 24 in W 47 in D 18 in
Leather Top Writing Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage writing desk includes a protective cover for part of the top surface, multiple drawers
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Leather Top Writing Desk
Leather Top Writing Desk
H 31 in W 43.5 in D 20 in
19th Century Figured Walnut Ladies Writing Desk.
Located in Nantwich, GB
Attractive rare Victorian ladies writing desk with two short drawers below two tambour roll tops
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Century Furniture Modern Chrome and Zebra Wood Metal Base Desk Table 849-761
By Century Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Century Furniture Modern Chrome and Zebra Wood Metal Base Desk Table 849-761. Item features 3
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Early 19th century Regency davenport writing desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
leather writing surface. Top opens to reveal a richly colored interior with 2 drawers. Writing slope lifts
Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Palisander

Great English partner desk, writing desk, mahogany
Located in Berlin, DE
Great English partner desk, desk 1870, mahogany Solid mahogany, partially veneered. Three-drawer
Category

20th Century English Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

1960s Mid Century Modern Walnut Writing Desk
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century walnut executive desk designed and manufactured in the United States circa 1960s. The
Category

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

Materials

Laminate, Walnut

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Century Writing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal century writing desk for your home. Each century writing desk for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, metal and hardwood. If you’re shopping for a century writing desk, we have 12469 options in-stock, while there are 561 modern editions to choose from as well. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect century writing desk — we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. Each century writing desk bearing Mid-Century Modern, Victorian or Louis XVI hallmarks is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made century writing desk over the years, but those crafted by Paul McCobb, George Nelson and Herman Miller are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Century Writing Desk?

Prices for a century writing desk start at $1 and top out at $1,825,345 with the average selling for $4,296.

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 Century 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 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 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 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 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.