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 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 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 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.

Danish Writing Desk

Minimalist Desks

Rosewood Veneer Desk

Danish Modern Rosewood Furniture

Mid Century Modern Desk With Lock

Arne Vodder Teak Desk

Danish Mahogany Table

Desks From 1960s

Drop Leaf Table With Drawers

Jørgen Berg. Danish Writing Desk In Rosewood, 1960-1970

$4,720

Jørgen Berg. Danish Writing Desk In Rosewood, 1960-1970

By Jørgen Berg

Located in Kastrup, DK

Jørgen Berg. Danish writing desk in Rio rosewood. Fall-front fitted with a writing slope with brown leather that lifts up to reveal an open interior storage compartment.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

1960s Danish Modern Angular Danish Writing Desk in Teak

$4,740

1960s Danish Modern Angular Danish Writing Desk in Teak

Located in Berkeley, CA

Origin: Denmark Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: Unknown Era: 1960s Materials: Teak Measurements: 59.5″ wide x 30″ deep x 29″ tall; Kneehole: 25" wide x 18.5" deep x 26.75" tall

Category

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

Materials

Teak

1963 Danish Writing Desk and Mirrored Vanity, Wood, Oestergaard

$3,776

1963 Danish Writing Desk and Mirrored Vanity, Wood, Oestergaard

By Harry Østergaard

Located in Arosio, IT

A Mid-Century Modern small desk that can also be used as mirrored vanity. It has one tilt mirror (still bearing the original label) and one drawer. Legs are in hardwood and the top i...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Danish Modern Adjustable Teak Desk by Arne Vodder for Sibast

$2,900

Danish Modern Adjustable Teak Desk by Arne Vodder for Sibast

By Arne Vodder, Sibast

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This Mid-Century Danish writing desk by Arne Vodder for Sibast features an adjustable floating drawer cabinet, allowing the user to position it on the right or left side of the table.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Antique Custommade Writing Desk in Mahogany, Danish Cabinetmaker, Early 1900s

$4,680

Antique Custommade Writing Desk in Mahogany, Danish Cabinetmaker, Early 1900s

Located in Odense, DK

An elegant antique Danish writing desk crafted in richly mahogany, featuring a green felt inset writing surface.

Category

Early 20th Century Danish Biedermeier Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Denmark 1960’s Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk Attributed to Arne Vodder

$3,960Sale Price|20% Off

Denmark 1960’s Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk Attributed to Arne Vodder

By Arne Vodder

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Wonderful Danish writing desk original from the 1960’s. This is an attributed to Arne Vodder, it has no label or sign.

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

Danish Teak Writing Desk

$2,200

Danish Teak Writing Desk

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Danish made mid-century modern desk in teak wood grain. Four drawers and finished back. Please confirm location NY or NJ

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Antique Danish Oak Writing Desk, 1900s.

$1,711

Antique Danish Oak Writing Desk, 1900s.

Located in Asaa, DK

Antique Danish Oak Writing Desk, 1900s. Nordic antique baroque style writing table in stained oak.

Category

Antique Early 1900s Danish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Large Mid Century Danish Modern Mahogany Wood Executive Desk, 2 Matching Avail

$4,600

Large Mid Century Danish Modern Mahogany Wood Executive Desk, 2 Matching Avail

Located in Detroit, MI

NOTE: We have two matching twin desks available for sale separately. Please reach out for details. This exceptional vintage mid century Danish modern mahogany wood desk by Søborg Mo...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Danish mid century writing desk in teak - boomerang

$4,248

Danish mid century writing desk in teak - boomerang

Located in Ranst, VAN

This Danish vintage desk is made of teak wood. This desk was made by a local Danish carpenter on behalf of the previous owner, one of a kind piece. It is made in a boomerang shape an...

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern Teak Drop Leaf Desk Danish Modern Writing Desk

$1,395

Mid-Century Modern Teak Drop Leaf Desk Danish Modern Writing Desk

Located in Wilmington, DE

Perfect as a writing desk, laptop desk, or compact workspace.

Category

Mid-20th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Exquisite Free-standing Danish Mid-Century Writing Desk by Arne Vodder, Denmark

$5,133

Exquisite Free-standing Danish Mid-Century Writing Desk by Arne Vodder, Denmark

By Sibast, Arne Vodder

Located in Voorburg, NL

Exquisite Danish Free-Standing Desk in teak. Designed by Arne Vodder and produced by Sibast Denmark in 1960s. The Desk is made of teak wood and features two sets of three drawers on ...

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Peter Lovig free standing writing desk in teak Denmark 1960

$3,836

Peter Lovig free standing writing desk in teak Denmark 1960

By Løvig Design, Peter Løvig Nielsen

Located in Etten-Leur, NL

Well-crafted freestanding writing desk designed by Peter Løvig Nielsen, Denmark, circa 1960.

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Arne Wahl Iversen Executive Rosewood Writing Desk by Vinde Denmark

$4,800

Arne Wahl Iversen Executive Rosewood Writing Desk by Vinde Denmark

By Arne Wahl Iversen

Located in Cincinnati, OH

An exceptionally elegant Mid Century Brazilian rosewood executive writing desk with two drawers to each side and a middle pencil drawer with brass keyhole including the original key.

Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

Danish Teak and Oak Writing Desk, Scandinavian Modern, 1960s

$2,832

Danish Teak and Oak Writing Desk, Scandinavian Modern, 1960s

Located in Madrid, ES

Desk in veneered teak and solid oak. Four drawers on the left side, lockable drawer in the middle. Some traces of wear in the form of scratches and marks. Key included.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Danish Modern Writing Desk in Oak, in style of Henning Kjærnulf, Denmark, 1960s

$2,850

Danish Modern Writing Desk in Oak, in style of Henning Kjærnulf, Denmark, 1960s

By Henning Kjærnulf

Located in Rødding, DK

A commanding solid oak freestanding writing desk in the Danish Country Modern tradition, with deeply hand-carved drawer fronts, brass ring pulls, and a richly figured cathedral grain...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Arne Vodder Teak Writing Desk with Drop Leaf Extension, Denmark, 1960s

$3,068

Arne Vodder Teak Writing Desk with Drop Leaf Extension, Denmark, 1960s

By Arne Vodder

Located in Berlin, DE

Designed by Arne Vodder and produced in Denmark during the 1960s, this elegant teak writing desk is a fine example of Danish Modern design.

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Svend Aage Madsen writing desk in rosewood Sigurd Hansen Denmark 1960

$6,490

Svend Aage Madsen writing desk in rosewood Sigurd Hansen Denmark 1960

By Svend Åge Madsen, H.P. Hansen

Located in Etten-Leur, NL

Svend Aage Madsen writing desk produced by Sigurd Hansen, Denmark, 1960.

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

1960s Danish Modern Rosewood Roll Top Writing Desk by Bernhardt Pedersen

$2,450

1960s Danish Modern Rosewood Roll Top Writing Desk by Bernhardt Pedersen

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Danish Modern Rosewood Roll-Top Writing Desk This exceptional Danish Modern writing desk, expertly designed and crafted by Bernhard Pedersen & Son in the United States, is a masterc...

Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Executive Desk or Writing Table

$1,900

Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Executive Desk or Writing Table

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A wonderful and simply designed teak desk from Scandinavia circa 1970's. It features teak construction with finished back. Clean & ready to use condition. No drawer keys present but ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Danish Modern Teak Executive Writing Desk Henning Jorgensen for Fredericia

$7,080

Danish Modern Teak Executive Writing Desk Henning Jorgensen for Fredericia

By Fredericia

Located in Munich, Bavaria

Rare Danish Modern desk by Henning Jorgensen for Fredericia Mobelfabrik, 1960.Not confuse with Fredericia Stolefabrik. It is in oiled teak. Sculptural design. Minimal thin handles...

Category

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

Materials

Wood, Teak

Severin Hansen Writing Desk Model '36' for Haslev Mobelsnedkeri, Denmark 1960s

$9,440

Severin Hansen Writing Desk Model '36' for Haslev Mobelsnedkeri, Denmark 1960s

By Haslev Mobelsnedkeri, Severin Hansen

Located in Wien, AT

Highly collectible writing desk produced by Haslev Mobelsnedkeri in Denmark and designed by Severin Hansen Jnr. in 1958.

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Danish Modern Arne Vodder Style Teak Writing Or Executive Desk 1960s

$3,000

Danish Modern Arne Vodder Style Teak Writing Or Executive Desk 1960s

By Arne Vodder, B.J. Hansen

Located in Southampton, NJ

Beautiful teak Scandinavian Writing Desk in the manner of Arne Vodder having a file drawer on the left, 3 drawer on the right and case storage at the front.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Vintage Art Deco Mahogany Writing Desk, Danish Mid-Century Modern, 1950s

$4,435

Vintage Art Deco Mahogany Writing Desk, Danish Mid-Century Modern, 1950s

Located in Store Heddinge, DK

A calm and solid piece that holds its space with ease. The Mahogany desk is made in the 1950s Denmark and is in very good condition. The surface shows light signs of use, and overall...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Peter Løvig Nielsen boomerang writing desk in teak Løvig Denmark 1960

$5,310

Peter Løvig Nielsen boomerang writing desk in teak Løvig Denmark 1960

By Løvig Design, Peter Løvig Nielsen

Located in Etten-Leur, NL

This striking boomerang-shaped writing desk was designed by Peter Løvig Nielsen and produced by Løvig in Denmark circa 1960.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Borge Mogensen Desk & Chair Oak Soborg Mobler Denmark 1954 Writing Table

$3,304

Borge Mogensen Desk & Chair Oak Soborg Mobler Denmark 1954 Writing Table

By Søberg Møbler, Børge Mogensen

Located in Basel, BS

Børge Mogensen desk, model 132 for Søborg Møbelfabrik. The writing desk was first published in the 1954 Søborg catalogue, the here offered model was produced in the early 1960s and ...

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Teak & Chrome Base Mid Century Danish Modern Petit Desk Console Writing Table

$3,400

Teak & Chrome Base Mid Century Danish Modern Petit Desk Console Writing Table

By Fritz Hansen

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Teak & Chrome Base Mid Century Danish Modern Petit desk Console writing table.

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

1970 Peter Løvig Nielsen Dansk Design Denmark Teak Flip Top Desk Writing Table

$4,700

1970 Peter Løvig Nielsen Dansk Design Denmark Teak Flip Top Desk Writing Table

By Lovig Dansk, Dansk, Peter Løvig Nielsen

Located in Miami, FL

Danish Modern Teak flip-top desk by Peter Løvig Nielsen, featuring a sleek wooden frame, 4 dovetailed Writing Desk drawers, and a removable top section with 2 dovetailed drawers and ...

Category

Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Danish Rosewood Desk by Svend Aage Madsen for Sigurd Hansen Writing Table

$10,257

Danish Rosewood Desk by Svend Aage Madsen for Sigurd Hansen Writing Table

By Svend Åge Madsen, Sigurd Hansen Møbelfabrik

Located in Uxbridge, GB

We have for sale a very elegant rosewood writing table by Svend Aage Madsen for Sigurd Hansen c1958. This is a really nice, really well made piece. The piece was originally designed ...

Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

Early 20th Century, Baroque Style Writing Desk, Made by a Danish Cabinetmaker

$2,180

Early 20th Century, Baroque Style Writing Desk, Made by a Danish Cabinetmaker

Located in Odense, DK

An early 20th-century Danish centre table, defined by a beautifully figured tabletop where the wood grain forms its own quiet "landscape". The surface reads almost like a natural dra...

Category

Early 20th Century Danish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Ole Wanscher Writing Desk of Mahogany by Cabinetmaker A. J. Iversen Denmark 1950

$6,490

Ole Wanscher Writing Desk of Mahogany by Cabinetmaker A. J. Iversen Denmark 1950

By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen

Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg

Free standing writing desk with 5 drawers designed by Ole Wanscher (1903-1985).

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Danish Mid Century Teak Box Wooton Folding Desk Writing Table File Cabinet MINT!

$6,400

Danish Mid Century Teak Box Wooton Folding Desk Writing Table File Cabinet MINT!

By Skovby Møbelfabrik A/S 1

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Danish Mid Century Teak Box Wooton Folding Desk Writing Table File Cabinet MINT!

Category

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

Materials

Teak

1960s Danish Desk

$1,299

1960s Danish Desk

Located in London, Lambeth

Wonderfully designed Danish desk with good function and form with 3 storage draws in teak Dimensions 130cm wide 60cm. deep 75cm. high

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Teak Desk by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for Søborg, Denmark

$4,956

Teak Desk by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for Søborg, Denmark

By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen

Located in Barcelona, ES

Desk designed in 1959 by danish architects Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for Søborg, Denmark.

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Writing desk in mahogany by Frits Henningsen

$3,770

Writing desk in mahogany by Frits Henningsen

By Frits Henningsen

Located in Copenhagen, DK

Writing desk in patinated mahogany with black leather top. Designed by Frits Henningsen.

Category

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

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Danish Designer, Desk, Oak, Denmark, 1950s

$9,800

Danish Designer, Desk, Oak, Denmark, 1950s

Located in High Point, NC

An oak desk designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1950s. Minor to moderate wear to inside of drawers, tray, and cabinet. Moderate wear and minor natural cracking to desktop surface ...

Category

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

Materials

Oak

1950s Danish teak desk

$2,950

1950s Danish teak desk

Located in Milano, Lombardia

1950s desk, Danish manufacture. Made of teak, the desk features two drawers with recessed handles.

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Danish Vintage Teak Desk

$1,572

Danish Vintage Teak Desk

Located in London, GB

A smart and beautifully designed Danish vintage teak desk, dating from the 1960’s. This is very well made and has an interesting feature whereby the right hand side of the top flips...

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Light Danish Desk, Denmark 1950's

$14,500

Light Danish Desk, Denmark 1950's

Located in New York, NY

A bleached Teak desk with exposed joinery finished on all sides. Clearance under apron 24”.

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Rosewood and Brass writing desk by Svend Langkild

$3,009

Rosewood and Brass writing desk by Svend Langkild

By Svend Langkilde

Located in Esbjerg, DK

All original, excellent condition writing table with black leather details. Made in Brazilian rosewood with brass handles. Danish modern design by Svend Langkilde.

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Danish Modern Teak Writing Desk w/ Woven Wicker Front by Sligh Lowry

$2,588

Midcentury Danish Modern Teak Writing Desk w/ Woven Wicker Front by Sligh Lowry

Located in Van Nuys, CA

Original 1960s Danish modern style teak writing desk with woven wicker front and dark stained carved teak drawer pulls.

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Biedermaier Writing Table in Light Wood Denmark

$2,950

Biedermaier Writing Table in Light Wood Denmark

Located in Prato, Tuscany

We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Parti...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Danish Teak Rolltop Desk

$1,500

Danish Teak Rolltop Desk

Located in Brooklyn, NY

With an interesting compact shape and plenty of storage, this Mid-Century Modern rolltop desk is unique in size and design. A large amount of drawer space allows this vintage piece t...

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Danish Cabinetmaker 1950s Rosewood Desk

$13,608

Danish Cabinetmaker 1950s Rosewood Desk

Located in London, England

An exquisite Danish cabinetmaker made desk in stunning rosewood dated to the early 1950s. This elegant desk exhibits the finest cabinetmaking techniques with subtle mouldings on the ...

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Mid-Century Danish Teak Desk

$1,995

Mid-Century Danish Teak Desk

Located in Baltimore, MD

Beautiful remarkable statement in design and craftsmanship. This mid-century teak Danish desk, precisely crafted in exceptional teak grain wood, with a fully finished back the finish...

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Scandinavian Danish desk in teak

$3,481

Scandinavian Danish desk in teak

By Arne Vodder

Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Danish desk from the 60s in the taste of Arne Vodder's work. Structure in solid wood and veneer. This Scandinavian desk features two columns of drawers suspended from the front and b...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Vintage Danish Drop Leaf Desk

$4,034

Vintage Danish Drop Leaf Desk

Located in London, GB

A stylish and extremely well made vintage Danish drop leaf desk, dating from the 1960’s. This is of amazing quality and has a wonderful design. It is a lovely fairly compact size, w...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Danish Teak Desk

$1,295

Mid-Century Danish Teak Desk

By Nordisk Andels-Eksport

Located in Baltimore, MD

A beautiful Danish modern mid century teak desk, crafted by Nordisk Andels-Eksport in Denmark. Features a rectangular top above one generously-sized filing drawer to the left, key is...

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Danish Art Deco Desk in Flame Birch – Danish Cabinetmaker, 1940s

$6,000

Danish Art Deco Desk in Flame Birch – Danish Cabinetmaker, 1940s

Located in Lejre, DK

This elegant Danish Art Deco desk from the 1940s is a fine example of exceptional Scandinavian craftsmanship.

Category

Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birch

Large Writing Desk Made In Light Mahogany From 1920s

$820

Large Writing Desk Made In Light Mahogany From 1920s

Located in Lejre, DK

This large writing desk, crafted from light mahogany, hails from the 1920s and stands as a testament to timeless elegance and functional design. With its graceful silhouette and exq...

Category

Vintage 1920s Danish Other Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

1960s Danish Modern Teak Executive Desk

$3,250

1960s Danish Modern Teak Executive Desk

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Danish Modern Teak Writing Desk Bring refined Scandinavian craftsmanship into your home with this exceptional Danish modern teak writing desk, designed and built in Denmark during t...

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Desk

$9,500

Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Desk

Located in Queens, NY

Mid-Century Danish teak desk with rectangular top and two sets of drawers float-mounted under the desktop (2 drawers on left, 3 drawers on right).

Category

20th Century Danish Modern Desks and Writing Tables

NV 40 - Writing desk in rosewood by Finn Juhl

$20,886

NV 40 - Writing desk in rosewood by Finn Juhl

By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl

Located in Copenhagen, DK

NV 40 - Rare writing desk in rosewood with mirror and recessed brass handles and three compartments.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Danish Vintage Teak Free Standing Desk

$1,709

Danish Vintage Teak Free Standing Desk

Located in London, GB

A stylish and very well made Danish vintage teak free standing desk. This was made in Denmark, it dates from the 1960’s. It is of superb quality, it has a wonderful and useful desig...

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Midcentury Writing Board in Solid Teak, Danish Design, 1960s

$1,500

Midcentury Writing Board in Solid Teak, Danish Design, 1960s

Located in Lejre, DK

This adjustable writing desk is a perfect example of Danish craftsmanship and design.

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Danish Mid-Century Desk

$2,200

Danish Mid-Century Desk

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This vintage writing desk made in Denmark features three drawers and plenty of small storage compartments.

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Mid Century Modern Oak Writing Desk by Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s

$4,251

Mid Century Modern Oak Writing Desk by Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s

By Henning Kjærnulf, EG Kvaliteet

Located in Rødding, DK

A Danish oak pedestal writing desk designed by Henning Kjærnulf, bearing the original EG Kvalitetsmøbel label on the underside — "Design Arkitekt H.

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Tables Under $2,000

Antique and Vintage Tables

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Danish Writing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the Danish writing desk you’re looking for. A Danish writing desk — often made from wood, hardwood and teak — can elevate any home. Find 1668 options for an antique or vintage Danish writing desk now, or shop our selection of 25 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer Danish writing desk, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. When you’re browsing for the right Danish writing desk, those designed in Scandinavian Modern, Mid-Century Modern and Modern styles are of considerable interest. Many designers have produced at least one well-made Danish writing desk over the years, but those crafted by Arne Vodder, Peter Løvig Nielsen and Hans J. Wegner are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Danish Writing Desk?

A Danish writing desk can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $4,606, while the lowest priced sells for $369 and the highest can go for as much as $116,682.

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 Danish 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 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 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 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.

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