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Italian Empire Style Elegant Writing Desk
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Introducing this elegant Italian desk dating back to the 20th century. An extremely refined desk
Category

20th Century Italian Empire Desks

Materials

Bronze

Italian Empire Style Elegant Writing Desk
Italian Empire Style Elegant Writing Desk
$3,067
H 29.73 in W 42.13 in D 22.05 in
Classic by Carpanelli Zebrano Writing Desk
By Carpanelli
Located in Desio, IT
The structure of this elegant writing desk is solid wood plated with cherry-wood, zebrano, briar
Category

2010s Italian Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Classic by Carpanelli Zebrano Writing Desk
Classic by Carpanelli Zebrano Writing Desk
$10,263 / item
H 31.11 in W 33.47 in D 72.84 in
A Minimalist Art Deco style Dark Cerused Oak Writing Desk.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This elegant writing desk is crafted from dark cerused oak, featuring three spacious drawers and
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Louis XV Style Bureau Plat or Writing Desk with Bronze Mounts
Located in Barntrup, DE
signature on the side of one drawer. This elegant writing desk is a charming addition to any room
Category

Vintage 1950s European Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Louis XVI writing desk with pull-out surface, featuring an inlaid compass rose
Located in Cesena, FC
Elegant Louis XVI writing desk with pull-out writing surface, inlaid on the top with a compass rose
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Italian Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Maple

Empire Estremoz Desk - Hand-Crafted Turned Marble & Brass - Boca do Lobo
Located in Rio Tinto, PT
An elegant writing desk built in marble with polished brass details. Its cracks are hand-carved and
Category

2010s Portuguese Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal, Brass

VICTORIAN LADIES WRITING DAVENPORT DESK WITH INLAY & LEATHER WRITiNG SURFACE
Located in Pulborough, GB
19th century, a compact and elegant writing desk designed for both practicality and display. The sloped
Category

20th Century British Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Printz Desk in Ivory Parchment and Black Oak by Elan Atelier (preorder)
Located in New York, NY
Made to order elegant writing desk or makeup table. Ten weeks production, plus international
Category

2010s Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Restored Art Deco Writing Desk, J. Halabala, UP Zavody, Oak, Beech, Czech, 1930s
By Jindřich Halabala, Up Závody
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

21st Century Anna Desk in Black Limed Oak, Handcrafted in Portugal by Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
Anna desk is an imposing and elegant writing desk. With a high gloss lacquered body that contrasts
Category

2010s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

1940s Writing Desk by Ico Parisi for Brugnoli Mobili, Cantu, Wax-Polished
By Ico Parisi, Brugnoli Mobili Cantú
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Elegant writing desk with legs and frame in solid walnut, veneer teak wood the tops and partridge
Category

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

Materials

Walnut, Teak

Elegant French Style Writing Desk
Located in Riverdale, NY
Elegant French style writing desk with Louis XV lines in blond wood with silver leaf-painted table
Category

Vintage 1950s American Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Elegant French Style Writing Desk
Elegant French Style Writing Desk
$2,595
H 29 in W 47 in D 20 in
Guglielmo Ulrich elegant walnut writing desk
By Italian school XX ct.
Located in Milano, IT
COD-z85 Guglielmo Ulrich Elegant walnut writing desk with beautiful floor cross and 4 shaped
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Guglielmo Ulrich elegant walnut writing desk
Guglielmo Ulrich elegant walnut writing desk
$15,928
H 28.35 in W 51.97 in D 21.66 in
Mid-Century Writing Desk by Arden
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Channel classic mid-century style with this elegant Writing Desk by Arden, a beautiful example of
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Writing Desk by Arden
Mid-Century Writing Desk by Arden
$1,350
H 29.5 in W 41.5 in D 19.5 in
Louis XVI Style Center Table or Desk in Lacquered and Gilded Wood, 19th Century
Located in NICE, FR
. This versatile piece can serve as an elegant writing desk, a display table, or a refined centerpiece in
Category

Antique 1860s French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Giltwood

Joel's Desk 5 Elegant, Doubles as Writing Table, Two Legs
By Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Joel's Desk 5 Elegant, Doubles as Writing Table, Two Legs — Introduction: Crafting Elegance with
Category

2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Hardwood, Oak

Joel's Desk 5 Elegant, Doubles as Writing Table, Two Legs
Joel's Desk 5 Elegant, Doubles as Writing Table, Two Legs
$12,732 / item
H 29.93 in W 59.06 in D 23.63 in
Antique Georgian 18th Century Satin Walnut Bureau Desk Writing Table Elegant
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique Georgian 18th Century Satin Walnut Bureau Desk Writing Table – a rare and exquisite piece
Category

Antique 18th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique Georgian 18th Century Satin Walnut Bureau Desk Writing Table Elegant
Antique Georgian 18th Century Satin Walnut Bureau Desk Writing Table Elegant
$2,812 Sale Price
30% Off
H 43.31 in W 42.52 in D 18.9 in
Antique French Writing Desk, 1800s Solid Oak with Cabriole Legs Elegant Patina
Located in Firenze, IT
Elegant 1800s French provincial writing desk in solid oak with cabriole legs and rich patina, a
Category

Antique 19th Century French French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

20th Century Elegant Black Bureau Plat / Writing Desk in Louis XV, Beech
Located in Berlin, DE
20th century elegant black bureau plat / writing desk in Louis XV, beech Exclusive bureau plat
Category

20th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

20th Century Elegant Black Bureau Plat / Writing Desk in Louis XV, Beech
20th Century Elegant Black Bureau Plat / Writing Desk in Louis XV, Beech
$5,029 Sale Price
20% Off
H 28.35 in W 35.44 in D 21.66 in
20th Century Elegant Veneered Bureau Plat or Writing Desk in Louis XV Style
Located in Berlin, DE
Elegant veneered bureau plat or desk in Louis XV style Solid beechwood and veneer. Very fine
Category

20th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Swedish Writing Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant 19th-century Swedish writing desk exemplifies the timeless charm of Gustavian design
Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Writing Desk
19th Century Swedish Writing Desk
$3,450
H 29.9 in W 41.3 in D 27.9 in
Elegant Neoclassical Desk by Baker
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant neoclassical desk, designed for Baker, circa 1960s. It is a versatile size and would make a
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Elegant Neoclassical Desk by Baker
Elegant Neoclassical Desk by Baker
$4,800
H 29 in W 48 in D 24 in
Mahogany Writing Desk with Satinwood Inlay
Located in Cheshire, GB
A fine quality Edwardian mahogany writing desk featuring elegant satinwood inlay and a rich patina
Category

Early 20th Century British Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Mahogany Writing Desk with Satinwood Inlay
Mahogany Writing Desk with Satinwood Inlay
$2,736
H 36.5 in W 36 in D 21 in
19th Century Writing Desk with Drawer
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This is an elegant antique writing desk, commonly referred to as a “bureau plat,” likely dating
Category

Antique 19th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

19th Century Writing Desk with Drawer
19th Century Writing Desk with Drawer
$2,280
H 28.75 in W 38.59 in D 24.41 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 Louis Phillippe Writing Desk
20th Century Louis Phillippe Writing Desk
$3,900
H 32 in W 35.5 in D 20 in
Italian Classic Walnut Marquetry Desk Writing Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant Italian desk writing table with amazing veneer wood marquetry decorations, double
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Italian Classic Walnut Marquetry Desk Writing Table
Italian Classic Walnut Marquetry Desk Writing Table
$3,044
H 31.5 in W 44.49 in D 22.45 in
Italian Antique Walnut Marquetry Desk Writing Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant Italian antique desk writing table with great veneer wood marquetry decorations
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Italian Antique Walnut Marquetry Desk Writing Table
Italian Antique Walnut Marquetry Desk Writing Table
$2,359
H 31.5 in W 36.23 in D 20.87 in
Italian Antique Rustic Table Desk Writing Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Very charming and elegant Italian table or desk writing table with stylish carved legs, wood and
Category

20th Century Italian Rustic Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Italian Antique Rustic Table Desk Writing Table
Italian Antique Rustic Table Desk Writing Table
$1,887
H 31.11 in W 35.44 in D 21.26 in
Elegant Neoclassical Writing Table by Maison Jansen, France 1950.
By Maison Jansen
Located in Brussels, BE
Elegant Black lacquer writing table with brass details. Original green leather top. Two drawers and
Category

Vintage 1950s French Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Elegant Neoclassical Writing Table by Maison Jansen, France 1950.
Elegant Neoclassical Writing Table by Maison Jansen, France 1950.
$2,737 Sale Price
20% Off
H 29.53 in W 39.38 in D 23.23 in
Gorgeous Oyster Wood Writing Desk with Cabriole Legs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Superbly elegant medium sized writing desk made of gorgeously grained oyster wood, having 3 drawers
Category

Vintage 1980s American Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Gorgeous Oyster Wood Writing Desk with Cabriole Legs
Gorgeous Oyster Wood Writing Desk with Cabriole Legs
$2,650
H 29.75 in W 41.5 in D 19.5 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
Elegant Italian Desk Convertible into Sewing Machine
By Midcentury Italian school
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant Italian desk convertible into sewing machine from the 1950s. The desk through its shapes
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Iron

Elegant Italian Desk Convertible into Sewing Machine
Elegant Italian Desk Convertible into Sewing Machine
$2,642 Sale Price
20% Off
H 31.11 in W 39.38 in D 20.08 in
French Walnut Secretary Slant Front Desk Writing Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant desk, writing table, with slant drop front, with the beautiful carved decors in
Category

Mid-20th Century French Belle Époque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

French Walnut Secretary Slant Front Desk Writing Table
French Walnut Secretary Slant Front Desk Writing Table
$2,064
H 36.23 in W 27.56 in D 15.36 in
Louis XVI-Style Mahogany Writing Desk with Leather Top
Located in Atlanta, GA
An elegant Louis XVI–style flat writing desk crafted in waxed blond mahogany, combining refined
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

Elegant Italian Small Desk in Cherry and Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Writing desk, cherry, mahogany, brass, formica, Italy, 1950s Very elegant desk made in Italy in
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Elegant Italian Small Desk in Cherry and Mahogany
Elegant Italian Small Desk in Cherry and Mahogany
$1,675
H 30.52 in W 33.08 in D 19.69 in
Fine Arts Furniture Co. Elegant Mahogany Three Drawer Writing Table
By Fine Arts Furniture Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant and modern mahogany three drawer writing table from Fine Arts Furniture, Grand Rapids MI, a
Category

20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Fine Arts Furniture Co. Elegant Mahogany Three Drawer Writing Table
Fine Arts Furniture Co. Elegant Mahogany Three Drawer Writing Table
$3,400 Sale Price
20% Off
H 29 in W 48 in D 23 in
Restored Biedermeier Writing Desk, Spruce, Maple Veneer, Austria, 1830s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant Biedermeier writing desk comes from Austria from the early 19th century. It is made of
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Maple, Lacquer, Spruce

19th Century Biedermeier Ash Writing desk, Austria - Vienna, Shellac
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant Biedermeier writing desk comes from Austria (Vienna) from the 19th century. It is made
Category

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

Materials

Wood, Ash, Lacquer

Elegant Cherry Wood Desk by Maison Jansen, France 1950.
By Maison Jansen
Located in Brussels, BE
Elegant cherry desk in the Louis XVI style. Black leather top, two brass keys, two drawers in
Category

Vintage 1950s French Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Elegant Cherry Wood Desk by Maison Jansen, France 1950.
Elegant Cherry Wood Desk by Maison Jansen, France 1950.
$2,123
H 30.32 in W 43.31 in D 21.66 in
19th Century Swedish Black-Painted Writing Desk with Brass Fittings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant 19th-century Swedish writing desk in pine, finished in a rich black patina that highlights
Category

Antique 19th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Elefante Desk 14 Elegant, Multi-Use Configuration, Asymmetrical
By Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Elefante Desk 14 Elegant, Multi-Use Configuration, Asymmetrical — Introduction: Crafting Elegance
Category

2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Hardwood, Oak

Elefante Desk 14 Elegant, Multi-Use Configuration, Asymmetrical
Elefante Desk 14 Elegant, Multi-Use Configuration, Asymmetrical
$12,732 / item
H 29.93 in W 59.06 in D 23.63 in
1950s Elegant Italian Small Desk in Ash and Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Writing desk, ash, walnut, brass, formica, Italy, 1950s Very elegant desk made in Italy in the
Category

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

Materials

Ash, Walnut

1950s Elegant Italian Small Desk in Ash and Walnut
1950s Elegant Italian Small Desk in Ash and Walnut
$1,675
H 30.32 in W 33.08 in D 19.69 in
19th Century Unique Restored Czech Biedermeier Ash Writing Desk, 1830s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant Biedermeier style writing desk originates from Bohemia from the first half of the 19th
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Czech Biedermeier Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Ash, Lacquer

1950s Danish Writing Desk by Helmut Magg — Restored Design Classic
By Helmut Magg
Located in Las Vegas, NV
1950s Danish Writing Desk by Helmut Magg — Restored Design Classic This elegant lady's writing desk
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Small English Victorian Inlaid Mahogany Writing Table / Desk c.1900
Located in Leicester, GB
A beautiful small English Victorian mahogany writing table. An elegant fitted desk from the earlier
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Small English Victorian Inlaid Mahogany Writing Table / Desk c.1900
Small English Victorian Inlaid Mahogany Writing Table / Desk c.1900
$912 Sale Price
20% Off
H 29.53 in W 29.93 in D 19.69 in
Antique Walnut and Marquetry Writing Desk
Located in London, GB
This elegant writing desk was created in France in the late 18th century, during the reign of King
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Brass

Antique Walnut and Marquetry Writing Desk
Antique Walnut and Marquetry Writing Desk
$12,744
H 27.17 in W 37.41 in D 26.38 in
1940's Small elegant desk with extraordinary side uprights
By Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Milano, IT
COD-2791 Guglielmo Ulrich (1904 -1977) Small elegant desk with extraordinary side uprights, four
Category

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

Materials

Wood

1940's Small elegant desk with extraordinary side uprights
1940's Small elegant desk with extraordinary side uprights
$11,798
H 26.78 in W 38.59 in D 21.66 in
SECOND HALF OF THE 18th CENTURY SMALL NEOCLASSICAL SLAB WRITING DESK
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant small veneered writing desk in walnut and olive wood, finely carved. The writing desk is
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Italian Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Olive, Walnut

19th Century Louis XV Style Writing Desk or Center Table
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
Extremely elegant Louis XV Style writing desk or center table, with a gracefully adorned floral
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze, Brass

19th Century Louis XV Style Writing Desk or Center Table
19th Century Louis XV Style Writing Desk or Center Table
$2,320 Sale Price
20% Off
H 29.34 in W 40.56 in D 24.61 in
Antique Boulle Style Inlaid Brass Ormolu Mount Ebonized Writing Table Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
Complete your work space with this elegantly painted and carved writing desk. Store your office supplies in
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Baroque Revival Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique Georgian Revival Mahogany Writing Desk c.1880–1900, Dressing Table
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
quality Georgian Revival mahogany writing desk, dating from c.1880–1900. With elegant proportions and
Category

Antique 19th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique Georgian Revival Mahogany Writing Desk c.1880–1900, Dressing Table
Antique Georgian Revival Mahogany Writing Desk c.1880–1900, Dressing Table
$1,873 Sale Price
30% Off
H 30.32 in W 28.35 in D 16.54 in
Elegant veneered bureau plat / desk in Louis XV style
Located in Berlin, DE
Elegant veneered bureau plat / desk in Louis XV style Solid beech wood and veneer. Very fine
Category

20th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Elegant veneered bureau plat / desk in Louis XV style
Elegant veneered bureau plat / desk in Louis XV style
$4,754
H 28.15 in W 35.44 in D 22.05 in
A French Directoire style Leather Top Mahogany Writing Desk, C. 1950.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Crafted in mahogany with a leather writing surface, this elegant desk features five drawers, bronze
Category

Mid-20th Century French Directoire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

c.1800 Antique Georgian Mahogany Writing Desk – Fine Quality, Dressing Table
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
A fine quality Antique Georgian Mahogany Writing Desk, dating from around 1800, featuring elegant
Category

Antique 19th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

c.1800 Antique Georgian Mahogany Writing Desk – Fine Quality, Dressing Table
c.1800 Antique Georgian Mahogany Writing Desk – Fine Quality, Dressing Table
$1,873 Sale Price
30% Off
H 27.56 in W 32.29 in D 16.54 in
Italian Marquetry Walnut Burl Secretary Slant Front Desk Writing Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant Italian desk, writing table, with slant drop front, with the beautiful light and dark
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Belle Époque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by Robert Slezák, Oak, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant Bauhaus writing desk originates from Czechoslovakia from the 1930s. It is an authentic
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

20th Century, Ico Parisi Wooden Writing Desk with Two Drawers, 50s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Turin, Turin
desk has a wooden structure with two drawers, and it is very simple but elegant. Perfect as writing
Category

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

Materials

Wood

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Elegant Writing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the elegant writing desk you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, metal and brass, every elegant writing desk was constructed with great care. If you’re shopping for an elegant writing desk, we have 133 options in-stock, while there are 2 modern editions to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer elegant writing desk, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. An elegant writing desk made by Mid-Century Modern designers — as well as those associated with Art Deco — is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made elegant writing desk over the years, but those crafted by Paul Frankl, Baker Furniture Company and Haslev Mobelsnedkeri are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Elegant Writing Desk?

Prices for an elegant writing desk can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $645 and can go as high as $27,100, while the average can fetch as much as $4,800.

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 Elegant 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.