What is a Formica table top?

Formica table tops are tabletops that are made of a composite material invented for industrial products in the early 1900s. Formica, today, is one of the brands that produces HPL, a high-pressure laminate that is heat-resistant and durable and ideal for use in tabletop construction. Find a collection of antique and vintage tables on 1stDibs.

What is a roll top desk?

A roll top desk is a piece of furniture that has a wooden cover that can be pulled down when the desk is not in use. Shop a collection of roll top furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What is a roll top desk called?

Sometimes, roll-top desks are called tambours, sliding roll desks or roll-up desks. However, roll-top is the most commonly used name. The style of desk became popular during the 19th century. You can find a range of roll-top desks on 1stDibs.

What do you call the leather top on a desk?

The leather top on a desk is usually just called a leather top. However, some people refer to it as a leather insert or leather writing surface. The thin pieces of leather that go into making leather-top desks are known as skivers. Shop a variety of desks from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.

What is the point of a roll top desk?

A roll top desk kept small essentials and paperwork organized. The roll top design was ideal for business people to secure their desks at the end of the day without filing away their work. Browse a variety of roll top desks on 1stDibs.

Can I paint a leather desk top?

Yes, you can paint a leather desk top. You can transform an old leather desk top and add visual appeal with easy-to-use leather paint. If you don’t feel confident in trying this by yourself, get in touch with a furniture restorer or related professional for help. Find a variety of leather desk tops on 1stDibs.

What era are roll top desks from?

Roll-top desks are originally from the late 18th century in the Georgian era of England. By the middle of the Victorian era, they were found in most offices and produced on a large scale. Shop a range of antique roll-top desks on 1stDibs.

How do I know if my roll top desk is antique?

To tell if a roll-top desk is an antique, look closely at the materials. Real antiques feature hardwoods like cherry, mahogany and black walnut. If you detect the use of engineered woods, the desk is a reproduction. Also, early pieces show off irregular dovetail joints. Joints that appear perfectly uniform indicate that a roll-top desk is a more recent mass-produced piece. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of expertly vetted antique roll-top desks.

How much is a roll top desk worth?

A roll top desk can be worth anywhere between $3,000 to $6,000, depending on the condition, materials used and time of manufacturing. Roll top desks are expensive, as they are very popular on the antique furniture market and are considered timeless collectibles. Shop a range of antique and vintage roll top desks on 1stDibs.

How do I know if my antique roll top desk?

A variety of factors can determine the exact age of an antique roll top desk. Some things to look for is the type of wood and craftsmanship used to create the desk. Typically, older desks will be made from heavier wood. You can also check for a maker’s marks to determine the age. When in doubt, work with a certified appraiser to determine the authenticity of your roll top desk. You’ll find a variety of expertly vetted roll top desks on 1stDibs.

Formica Top Desk

Prouve Legs

Midcentury White Formica Table

Linoleum Desk

Mid Century Formica Side Table

Formica Knoll

George Nelson For Herman Miller Executive Desk

Blond Wood Mid Century Desk

Desk With Steel Legs

late 1940s desk by Gio Ponti in walnut wood

$4,231

H 29.65 in W 41.46 in D 23.35 in

late 1940s desk by Gio Ponti in walnut wood

By Gio Ponti

Located in Vigevano, PV

late 1940s desk by Gio Ponti in walnut wood and formica top. this desk was made for a house in milan, designed by gio ponti and emilio lancia.

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Formica, Walnut

Mid-Century Walnut and Formica Top Writing Desk

$1,800

H 30.25 in W 44 in D 17.5 in

Mid-Century Walnut and Formica Top Writing Desk

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Elegant mid-century modern writing desk featuring a warm walnut wood frame and a durable Formica top.

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

1960s Friso Kramer Style Industrial Desk Teak Formica Top by Werzalit

$195 / item

H 29.75 in W 27.5 in D 19.5 in

1960s Friso Kramer Style Industrial Desk Teak Formica Top by Werzalit

By Friso Kramer

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The design features a compact cantilever frame construction in dark gray painted metal paired with a warm teak-toned Formica top that displays natural wood grain patterning.

Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Modern Teak Desk by Remploy, Formica Top, UK, 1967

$1,156

H 28.75 in W 61.03 in D 20.48 in

Mid Century Modern Teak Desk by Remploy, Formica Top, UK, 1967

By Remploy

Located in Leicester, GB

Elegant metal handles. The desk top is finished with a beautiful and hardwearing Formica with an attractive leaf pattern.

Category

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

Materials

Formica, Teak

Modernist Italien writing desk with drawers and light blue Formica table top.

$7,757

H 30.71 in W 68.9 in D 35.44 in

Modernist Italien writing desk with drawers and light blue Formica table top.

Located in Wolfurt, AT

Rare modernist desk with mahogany veneer and light blue Formica table top.

Category

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

Materials

Formica, Wood

Globe Wernicke Style Mid-Century Modern White Steel Tanker Desk w/ Formica Top

$850Sale Price|32% Off

H 28.75 in W 60.25 in D 31 in

Globe Wernicke Style Mid-Century Modern White Steel Tanker Desk w/ Formica Top

By Globe Wernicke

Located in Miami, FL

Globe Wernicke Style Mid-Century Modern White Steel Tanker Desk w/ Formica Top Offered for sale is a Globe Wernicke style mid-century modern white steel tanker desk with a white For...

Category

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

Materials

Steel

1960s desk top in colorful formica

$740

H 29.53 in W 42.92 in D 23.63 in

1960s desk top in colorful formica

Located in SAN PIETRO MOSEZZO, NO

Fully restored 1960s desk/desk. Color matched an agile black lacquered tubular iron frame with adjustable brass feet. Colored formica top as well as the fronts of the 3 drawers, wo...

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Iron

1954 Coen de Vries Desk in Birch with Ebony Base, Red Drawer and Formica Top

$1,295Sale Price|23% Off

H 29.5 in W 33.625 in D 21.75 in

1954 Coen de Vries Desk in Birch with Ebony Base, Red Drawer and Formica Top

By Coen de Vries, Devo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Great little writing desk in birch wood with ebony x-base, red drawer and Formica top.

Category

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

Materials

Formica, Birch, Ebony

1954, Coen de Vries for Devo Wooden Writing Desk with Red Drawer and Formica Top

$1,116

H 29.73 in W 33.27 in D 21.66 in

1954, Coen de Vries for Devo Wooden Writing Desk with Red Drawer and Formica Top

By Wim Rietveld

Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL

. :-) Beautiful designed, original little writing desk in wood with X-base, red colored drawer and formica top.

Category

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

Materials

Formica, Wood, Paint

Mid Century Bentwood Table by James Leonard, Formica Top, 1960

$884

H 29.14 in W 35.44 in D 29.14 in

Mid Century Bentwood Table by James Leonard, Formica Top, 1960

By James Leonard

Located in Leicester, GB

Gorgeous bentwood table with Formica top. This table is attributed to James Leonard for Esavian.

Category

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

Materials

Beech, Formica, Bentwood, Plywood

Willy Van Der Meeren Desk in Wooden Edge and Formica Top

$634

H 31.11 in W 31.5 in D 19.69 in

Willy Van Der Meeren Desk in Wooden Edge and Formica Top

By Willy Van Der Meeren

Located in BE

This desk is the second version with a wooden edge and formica top.

Category

20th Century Desks

Materials

Wood

1960s Guillerme et Chambron Oak and Formica Desk , Made in France

$5,988

H 30.32 in W 47.25 in D 22.84 in

1960s Guillerme et Chambron Oak and Formica Desk , Made in France

By Guillerme et Chambron

Located in London, GB

Crafted in oak with a sleek formica top, this desk exemplifies mid-century French modernism, combining functional elegance with understated sophistication.

Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Formica, Oak

Mid-Century Modern Italian Desk with Return in Wood with Turquoise Top

$13,800 / set

H 27.56 in W 44.1 in D 25.2 in

Mid-Century Modern Italian Desk with Return in Wood with Turquoise Top

Located in Waalwijk, NL

The formica top is executed in a vibrant blue turquoise color.

Category

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

Materials

Formica, Mahogany, Maple

Recent Sales

Mid Century Richardson Bros Co. Secretary Desk

Unavailable

H 64 in W 54.5 in D 18 in

Mid Century Richardson Bros Co. Secretary Desk

By Richardson Brothers

Located in Spokane Valley, WA

Formica top desk. Minor dings here and there but nothing major whatsoever.

Category

Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Materials

Walnut

20th Century, Italian Desk 1960s Made of Ash and Peach Formica

Unavailable

H 76 in W 110 in D 60 in

20th Century, Italian Desk 1960s Made of Ash and Peach Formica

Located in Berlin, DE

With an extension made of ash tree. The formica desk top is in peach color.

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Iron

Standing-Height Roll-Top Desk and Chair by George Nelson "Action Office"

Unavailable

H 43.31 in W 64.97 in D 32.29 in

Standing-Height Roll-Top Desk and Chair by George Nelson "Action Office"

By George Nelson

Located in Munster, DE

Large standing-height desk with matching chair by Herman Miller. Desk with lockable writing surface and storage compartment, four drawers at the front. The desk comes with optional p...

Category

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

Materials

Steel, Chrome

AHREND de Cirkel / vintage industrial Result desk by Friso Kramer, 1950s

Unavailable

H 29.53 in W 49.22 in D 23.63 in

AHREND de Cirkel / vintage industrial Result desk by Friso Kramer, 1950s

By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel

Located in Deventer, NL

The desk has a gray sheet steel frame, a pink-orange drawer unit and Formica top.

Category

Vintage 1950s Dutch Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Bauhaus Walnut Writing Desk with Red Top

Unavailable

H 30.71 in W 70.87 in D 35.44 in

Bauhaus Walnut Writing Desk with Red Top

Located in Prague 8, CZ

The red Formica top gives it a striking look and is easy to maintain.

Category

Mid-20th Century French Bauhaus Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Formica, Walnut, Plywood

Writing Desk Solid Walnut Formica Top Vintage Manufactured in Italy, 1950s

Sold

H 31.5 in W 47.64 in D 27.56 in

Writing Desk Solid Walnut Formica Top Vintage Manufactured in Italy, 1950s

Located in Milano, IT

A writing desk with drawers, solid walnut and walnut veneer, Formica covered top.

Category

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

Materials

Formica, Walnut

Desk with Drawers Mahogany Veneer, Top Covered with Formica, Brass Tips

Sold

H 29.93 in W 43.31 in D 23.43 in

Desk with Drawers Mahogany Veneer, Top Covered with Formica, Brass Tips

Located in Milano, IT

A desk with drawers, mahogany veneer, top covered with formica, brass tips.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Italian Manufacture, 1960 writing desk in Wood and Light Blue Formica Top

Sold

H 30.71 in W 48.82 in D 29.53 in

Italian Manufacture, 1960 writing desk in Wood and Light Blue Formica Top

Located in Milano, Lombardia

1960s desk, Italian manufacture in wood and light blue formica top.

Category

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

Materials

Formica, Wood

Vintage desk wegné wood with green formica top , 1970s

Sold

H 30.71 in W 59.85 in D 29.93 in

Vintage desk wegné wood with green formica top , 1970s

Located in Delft, NL

Dimensions: 152cm Width, 78cm Height, 76,5cm Depth Period: 1970s Material: Wengé veneer , metal , formica

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Pierre Paulin & Thonet Desk with Drawer, Metal Teak & Formica, France Circa 1955

Sold

H 28.35 in W 39.38 in D 23.63 in

Pierre Paulin & Thonet Desk with Drawer, Metal Teak & Formica, France Circa 1955

By Thonet, Pierre Paulin

Located in La Teste-de-Buch, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

France circa 1955 Black lacquered metal feet, teak veneer drawer on the right side and a teak veneer and formica top. Very elegant desk.

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Mid Century White Steel Tanker Des w/ Formica Top by Globe-Wernicke

Sold

H 30 in W 60 in D 30 in

Mid Century White Steel Tanker Des w/ Formica Top by Globe-Wernicke

By Globe Wernicke

Located in Van Nuys, CA

Atomic age white painted steel tanker desk features a wood grain Formica top, 2 pull-out work tables, and a center drawer with 5 side drawers.

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Black Top Wood Desk on Red Metal Base

Sold

H 29 in W 47.25 in D 31.25 in

Black Top Wood Desk on Red Metal Base

Located in Culver City, CA

Simple modern desk, solid wood table top with black formica surface on red metal base.

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Rare Red Topped Ahrend Industrial Desk with Cubby

Sold

H 30.75 in W 37.5 in D 27.25 in

Rare Red Topped Ahrend Industrial Desk with Cubby

By Ahrend de Cirkel

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Rare early edition Ahrend Industrial desk with thick tubular metal legs, red formica top with metal edging and storage shelf.

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Midcentury Modern Desk in Hardwood & White Top by Jorge Zalszupin, 1970

Sold

H 32.3 in W 73.6 in D 25.2 in

Midcentury Modern Desk in Hardwood & White Top by Jorge Zalszupin, 1970

By Jorge Zalszupin

Located in New York, NY

The desk is made of Caviuna hardwood and Formica finishes.

Category

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

Materials

Formica, Hardwood

Bespoke Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaari 1950s Birch & Linoleum Top Desk by Laukaan Puu

Sold

H 28.75 in W 47.25 in D 29.53 in

Bespoke Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaari 1950s Birch & Linoleum Top Desk by Laukaan Puu

By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu

Located in London, GB

A petite desk by Ilmari Tapiovaara. The desk was bespoke designed and made for an educational institution in Finland in the 1950s. Only a small quantity of this desk were made as t...

Category

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

Materials

Formica, Birch

Very Original Desk or Vanity in Natural Elmwood with Roll Top Curtain

Sold

H 48.82 in W 32.68 in D 27.56 in

Very Original Desk or Vanity in Natural Elmwood with Roll Top Curtain

Located in Mexico, DF

Original and rare desk or vanity made in natural elmwood and white Formica top with one drawer and rolltop curtain with key.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Vintage Office Desk in Wood with Yellow Top and Drawers Italian Manufacture 60s

Sold

H 30.12 in W 47.25 in D 23.43 in

Vintage Office Desk in Wood with Yellow Top and Drawers Italian Manufacture 60s

Located in Cascina, Pisa

Vintage desk or writing table with structure in wood and a bright yellow laminate on top, the desk presents three drawers on both sides with brass handles. Italian manufacture fr...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

George Nelson Eog Desk with Off-White Top

Sold

H 29 in W 65.5 in D 29.5 in

George Nelson Eog Desk with Off-White Top

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Kalamazoo, MI

This is a Classic Mid-Century Modern desk in Walnut and white Formica that was designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller's Executive Office Group (better known today as EOG) in the...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Formica, Walnut

Willy Van Der Meeren Writing Desk for Tubax Desk

Sold

H 31.25 in W 39.25 in D 21.75 in

Willy Van Der Meeren Writing Desk for Tubax Desk

By Willy Van Der Meeren, Tubax

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Midcentury Willy Van Der Meeren Industrial desk with Formica top and teal enameled tubular metal frame.

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Milo Baughman Large Multi Level Modernist Desk / Black Top

Sold

H 30.5 in W 72.5 in D 34.5 in

Milo Baughman Large Multi Level Modernist Desk / Black Top

By Milo Baughman

Located in Westport, CT

Mahogany modernist Milo Baughman, black top midcentury desk, three-drawer compartments and pull-out area on side for lap top/typewriter.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Small Vintage 1950s Italian Desk

Sold

H 31.11 in W 38.98 in D 20.87 in

Small Vintage 1950s Italian Desk

Located in London, London

Compact sized desk Red formica top Red and yellow drawers Geometric shape Italy 1950s.

Category

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

Materials

Formica, Wood

Dutch Mid-Century School Desk

Sold

H 30 in W 41.5 in D 25.5 in

Dutch Mid-Century School Desk

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Cute little Industrial Dutch school desk with original metal frame and birch side stacking drawers and formica top.

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Florence Knoll L Shaped Desk with Return by KNOLL

Sold

H 29 in W 66 in D 43.5 in

Florence Knoll L Shaped Desk with Return by KNOLL

By Florence Knoll

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Large executive desk with return making an L shape. Modesty panel and white formica top with three drawers on desk and file drawer on return.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut, Formica

Friso Kramer Style 1950s Metal Desk with Prouve Legs

Sold

H 30.25 in W 47 in D 23.5 in

Friso Kramer Style 1950s Metal Desk with Prouve Legs

By Friso Kramer

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Wonderful Industrial metal desk with formica top, bone drawer housing, charcoal legs and slate blue enameled metal drawers.

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Desk by Gio Ponti for University of Padova, ca. 1950

Sold

H 31.11 in W 51.19 in D 27.56 in

Desk by Gio Ponti for University of Padova, ca. 1950

By Gio Ponti

Located in Berlin, DE

Wooden desk with Formica top in light-grey by Gio Ponti for Administrative Offices Forli / University of Padova, ca. 1950

Category

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

Materials

Formica, Wood

1960s Mid Century Modern Walnut Writing Desk

Sold

H 29 in W 59.75 in D 30 in

1960s Mid Century Modern Walnut Writing Desk

Located in North Hollywood, CA

The desk is amazing and boasts a beautiful walnut frame with a sleek formica top.

Category

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

Materials

Laminate, Walnut

Friso Kramer Style 1950s Metal Desk with Prouve Legs

Sold

H 30.5 in W 43.325 in D 25.625 in

Friso Kramer Style 1950s Metal Desk with Prouve Legs

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Wonderful Industrial metal desk with formica top, blue-grey drawer housing, black enameled metal legs and slate blue enameled drawers.

Category

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

Materials

Sheet Metal, Steel

George Nelson Desk for Herman Miller with Open Credenza Return

Sold

H 29.75 in W 72 in D 67.5 in

George Nelson Desk for Herman Miller with Open Credenza Return

By George Nelson

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

Executive desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller with return and light grey formica style top.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Stainless Steel

1940s French Organic Shaped Desk

Sold

H 30 in W 48 in D 39 in

1940s French Organic Shaped Desk

Located in Tarrytown, NY

1940s organic shaped two-drawer desk with Formica top.

Category

Vintage 1940s Desks

Ahrend de Cirkel Industrial Metal Table

Sold

H 29.5 in W 55.25 in D 27.625 in

Ahrend de Cirkel Industrial Metal Table

By Ahrend de Cirkel

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Industrial enameled grey frame with printed formica top. Great dining table, desk or work table from the University of Delft.

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Jean Prouvé, Large Compas Desk, White Formica Top Black Lacquered Metal

Sold

H 28.75 in W 63 in D 31.5 in

Jean Prouvé, Large Compas Desk, White Formica Top Black Lacquered Metal

By Jean Prouvé

Located in High Point, NC

Manufactured by Les Ateliers Jean Prouvé, Nancy, France. Circa 1953, black coated steel sheet base, white Formica top, grey lacquered metal container with two drawers. An excellent e...

Category

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

Materials

Sheet Metal

George Nelson Desk with Return With Dry Erase Formica Top

Sold

H 29.5 in W 71.75 in D 69.5 in

George Nelson Desk with Return With Dry Erase Formica Top

By George Nelson

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Fantastic desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Special custom size. Newly veneered white desktop with dry-erase formica. Allows you to write on the desktop! Walnut desk with chro...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Laminate, Walnut

Polish Aluminum and Pink Granite Formica Desk by Leon Rosen for Pace Collection

Sold

H 30 in W 79 in D 36 in

Polish Aluminum and Pink Granite Formica Desk by Leon Rosen for Pace Collection

By Leon Rosen, Pace Collection

Located in Palm Springs, CA

Glamorous 1970’s polish aluminum and faux pink granite Formica top “Mezzaluna” desk by Leon Rosen for Pace Collection.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

Rare Industrial Desk with Asymmetric Top

Sold

H 30.25 in W 55.25 in D 27.5 in

Rare Industrial Desk with Asymmetric Top

By Jean Prouvé

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Rare industrial enameled metal desk with asymmetric Formica top and double side stacking drawers with key!!

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Standing-Height Roll-Top Desk and Chair by George Nelson "Action Office"

Sold

H 43.31 in W 64.97 in D 32.29 in

Standing-Height Roll-Top Desk and Chair by George Nelson "Action Office"

By George Nelson

Located in Rosendahl, DE

Large standing-height desk with matching chair by Herman Miller. Desk with lockable writing surface and storage compartment, four drawers at the front. The desk comes with optional p...

Category

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

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Kartell Desk by Simmon Fussell

Sold

H 28.75 in W 52 in D 18 in

Kartell Desk by Simmon Fussell

By Kartell

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

Double bank of Kartell stacking drawers designed by Simmon Fussell with white Formica style desk top. Great storage and work surface for any home office, kids room or small flat.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Space Age Desks

Materials

Plastic, Formica, Wood

Walnut Executive Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller

Sold

H 29.44 in W 66 in D 30 in

Walnut Executive Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Hudson, NY

A walnut desk with brushed steel legs. Top is formica. Stunning practical desk in good original condition.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Steel

Desk / Table Florence Knoll Formica top 1960

Sold

H 29.14 in W 56.3 in D 31.5 in

Desk / Table Florence Knoll Formica top 1960

By Florence Knoll

Located in Saint Rémy de Provence, FR

Top completely restored with a glossy black formica veneer and edges of the wooden top.

Category

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

Materials

Formica, Wood

Desk / Table Florence Knoll Formica Top, 1960

Sold

H 29.14 in W 56.3 in D 31.5 in

Desk / Table Florence Knoll Formica Top, 1960

By Florence Knoll

Located in Saint Rémy de Provence, FR

Top completely restored with a glossy black formica veneer and edges of the wooden top.

Category

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

Materials

Formica, Wood

Midcentury Teak Desk with Formica Top

Sold

H 28.35 in W 44.89 in D 24.02 in

Midcentury Teak Desk with Formica Top

Located in Chesham, GB

This midcentury Scandinavian style desk is made of teak with a Formica top and angled legs.

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk with Formica Top, 1960s

Sold

H 29.93 in W 46.07 in D 26.38 in

Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk with Formica Top, 1960s

Located in Savona, IT

Italian manufacturing desk produced in the 1960s. Teak veneered wood structure. Top and front of the drawers veneered in green ant. Teak legs cut in jade. Good general conditions...

Category

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

Materials

Formica, Wood, Teak

Mid Century Italian Five Drawers Black Formica Top Writing Desk

Sold

H 30.12 in W 44.89 in D 25.99 in

Mid Century Italian Five Drawers Black Formica Top Writing Desk

By La Permanente Mobili Cantù

Located in Firenze, Toscana

Writing desk with five drawers, two larger ones arranged under the top and three drawers on a chest of drawers arranged oblique respect to the top ,with three sculptured handles .

Category

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

Materials

Formica

Midcentury Walnut Desk with Formica Top Designed by Jens Risom

Sold

H 28.5 in W 64 in D 30 in

Midcentury Walnut Desk with Formica Top Designed by Jens Risom

By Jens Risom

Located in Madison, WI

Midcentury walnut desk with formica top designed by Jens Risom.

Category

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

Materials

Walnut, Formica

Midcentury Shaw Walker Tanker Desk with Linoleum Top and Steel Corner Bumpers

Sold

H 29 in W 58 in D 31 in

Midcentury Shaw Walker Tanker Desk with Linoleum Top and Steel Corner Bumpers

By Shaw Walker

Located in Madison, WI

Midcentury Tanker desk with Linoleum top and steel corner bumpers. Minor reassembly of legs to desk top required to keep shipping costs down and assure safe delivery.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Industrial Desk

Sold

H 29 in W 48 in D 30 in

Industrial Desk

Located in New York, NY

Three drawer industrial metal desk with formica top.

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Walnut Desk by Vista of California

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H 30 in W 54.5 in D 18 in

Walnut Desk by Vista of California

Located in Pasadena, CA

Metal frame with walnut drawers and aluminium handles and white formica top. This desk is very unusual by its depth.

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Desk by Yves Rual

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Desk by Yves Rual

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Mahogany and formica desk, with glass top . By Yves Rual 1960 175 X 75 X 76

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Sold

H 28.75 in W 54 in D 24 in

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Two drawer desk with formica top and chrome X framed bases

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Bistro Table or Desk

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Two Sided American Walnut Room Divider with Multiple Drawers

Sold

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Two Sided American Walnut Room Divider with Multiple Drawers

Located in Pasadena, CA

One side has a sliding tambour door and three open bays over a drop front Formica top writing desk with three drawers and interior parcel and letter cubby holes set on a a ten drawer...

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Vintage Midcentury Dutch Metal Writing Desk Jean Prouvé Style, 1950s

Sold

H 31.5 in W 38.19 in D 18.9 in

Vintage Midcentury Dutch Metal Writing Desk Jean Prouvé Style, 1950s

Located in Appeltern, Gelderland

Great 1950s heavy steel desk with formica top in grey, yellow, red and white.

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Formica Top Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the formica top desk you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Frequently made of laminate, formica and wood, every formica top desk was constructed with great care. Your living room may not be complete without a formica top desk — find older editions for sale from the 20th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. Each formica top desk bearing Mid-Century Modern hallmarks is very popular. A well-made formica top desk has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Ahrend de Cirkel, Milo Baughman and Ilmari Tapiovaara are consistently popular.

How Much is a Formica Top Desk?

A formica top desk can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $2,412, while the lowest priced sells for $745 and the highest can go for as much as $24,000.

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 Formica Top Desk

What is a Formica table top?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
Formica table tops are tabletops that are made of a composite material invented for industrial products in the early 1900s. Formica, today, is one of the brands that produces HPL, a high-pressure laminate that is heat-resistant and durable and ideal for use in tabletop construction. Find a collection of antique and vintage tables on 1stDibs.
What is a roll top desk?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A roll top desk is a piece of furniture that has a wooden cover that can be pulled down when the desk is not in use. Shop a collection of roll top furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is a roll top desk called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Sometimes, roll-top desks are called tambours, sliding roll desks or roll-up desks. However, roll-top is the most commonly used name. The style of desk became popular during the 19th century. You can find a range of roll-top desks on 1stDibs.
What do you call the leather top on a desk?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
The leather top on a desk is usually just called a leather top. However, some people refer to it as a leather insert or leather writing surface. The thin pieces of leather that go into making leather-top desks are known as skivers. Shop a variety of desks from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is the point of a roll top desk?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A roll top desk kept small essentials and paperwork organized. The roll top design was ideal for business people to secure their desks at the end of the day without filing away their work. Browse a variety of roll top desks on 1stDibs.
Can I paint a leather desk top?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021
Yes, you can paint a leather desk top. You can transform an old leather desk top and add visual appeal with easy-to-use leather paint. If you don’t feel confident in trying this by yourself, get in touch with a furniture restorer or related professional for help. Find a variety of leather desk tops on 1stDibs.
What era are roll top desks from?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Roll-top desks are originally from the late 18th century in the Georgian era of England. By the middle of the Victorian era, they were found in most offices and produced on a large scale. Shop a range of antique roll-top desks on 1stDibs.
How do I know if my roll top desk is antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
To tell if a roll-top desk is an antique, look closely at the materials. Real antiques feature hardwoods like cherry, mahogany and black walnut. If you detect the use of engineered woods, the desk is a reproduction. Also, early pieces show off irregular dovetail joints. Joints that appear perfectly uniform indicate that a roll-top desk is a more recent mass-produced piece. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of expertly vetted antique roll-top desks.
How much is a roll top desk worth?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
A roll top desk can be worth anywhere between $3,000 to $6,000, depending on the condition, materials used and time of manufacturing. Roll top desks are expensive, as they are very popular on the antique furniture market and are considered timeless collectibles. Shop a range of antique and vintage roll top desks on 1stDibs.
How do I know if my antique roll top desk?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A variety of factors can determine the exact age of an antique roll top desk. Some things to look for is the type of wood and craftsmanship used to create the desk. Typically, older desks will be made from heavier wood. You can also check for a maker’s marks to determine the age. When in doubt, work with a certified appraiser to determine the authenticity of your roll top desk. You’ll find a variety of expertly vetted roll top desks on 1stDibs.

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