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Biedermeier Writing Desk, Germany, circa 1820
Biedermeier Writing Desk, Germany, circa 1820

Biedermeier Writing Desk, Germany, circa 1820

Located in Greding, DE

Biedermeier writing desk veneered in cherry, raised on tall, slightly splayed legs. A drawer is

Category

Antique 1820s German Biedermeier Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Cherry

Postmodern Memphis Design Writing Desk, Germany, 1980s
Postmodern Memphis Design Writing Desk, Germany, 1980s

Postmodern Memphis Design Writing Desk, Germany, 1980s

Located in Antwerp, Antwerp

This striking postmodern writing desk exemplifies the bold aesthetics of the Memphis design

Category

Vintage 1980s German Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, Steel, Glass, Germany, 1940s
Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, Steel, Glass, Germany, 1940s

Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, Steel, Glass, Germany, 1940s

Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj

Dimensions of the desk: Height: 70 cm (27.6 in) Width: 100 cm (39.4 in) Depth: 55 cm (21.7 in) Leg

Category

Vintage 1940s German Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Biedermeier Walnut Writing Desk Table, South Germany circa 1825
Biedermeier Walnut Writing Desk Table, South Germany circa 1825

Biedermeier Walnut Writing Desk Table, South Germany circa 1825

Located in Darmstadt, DE

beautifully as a refined writing desk but also works well as a versatile work table or a slim console table in

Category

Antique Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Design Midcentury Writing Table / Desk, Germany, 1960s
Design Midcentury Writing Table / Desk, Germany, 1960s

Design Midcentury Writing Table / Desk, Germany, 1960s

Located in Praha, CZ

- Germany - around 1960s - good original condition, stable, refreshed jt

Category

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

Materials

Wood

German Bauhaus Writing Desk in Black lacquered Metal, around 1925
German Bauhaus Writing Desk in Black lacquered Metal, around 1925

German Bauhaus Writing Desk in Black lacquered Metal, around 1925

Located in Berlin, DE

This striking German Bauhaus writing desk from around 1925 exemplifies the radical functional

Category

Vintage 1920s German Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Completely restored funkcionalism Chrome Writing Desk from Germany 1930-1939
Completely restored funkcionalism Chrome Writing Desk from Germany 1930-1939

Completely restored funkcionalism Chrome Writing Desk from Germany 1930-1939

Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj

Writing desk made in Germany Material: Chrome Completely restored. We guarantee safe a the

Category

Vintage 1930s German Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

White Bauhaus Writing Desk Made in 1930s Germany, Restored
White Bauhaus Writing Desk Made in 1930s Germany, Restored

White Bauhaus Writing Desk Made in 1930s Germany, Restored

Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj

The desk has been re-polished with polyutherane piano lacquer by our professional refurbishing team

Category

Vintage 1930s German Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

18th century Louis XVI Writing Desk, cherry veneer, South Germany
18th century Louis XVI Writing Desk, cherry veneer, South Germany

18th century Louis XVI Writing Desk, cherry veneer, South Germany

Located in Belmont, MA

Rare Louis XVI writing desk, South German 1780, exquisite cherry and plum wood veneer on front back

Category

Antique 1780s German Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry

Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, Oak, Chrome-Plated Steel, Germany, 1930s
Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, Oak, Chrome-Plated Steel, Germany, 1930s

Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, Oak, Chrome-Plated Steel, Germany, 1930s

Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj

Desk dimensions: Height: 79 cm (31.1 in) Width: 110 cm (43.3 in) Depth: 63 cm (24.8 in) Leg space

Category

Early 20th Century German Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Post modern Memphis style artistic writing desk and chair, Germany 1980s
Post modern Memphis style artistic writing desk and chair, Germany 1980s

Post modern Memphis style artistic writing desk and chair, Germany 1980s

By Memphis Group, Gaetano Pesce, Ettore Sottsass

Located in ECHT, NL

Unique artistic writing desk and chair. The frame is made from steel and wrought iron in different

Category

Late 20th Century German Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Biedermeier Writing Desk, 19th Century
Biedermeier Writing Desk, 19th Century

Biedermeier Writing Desk, 19th Century

Located in Greding, DE

Small Biedermeier writing desk in walnut, raised on tapered square legs with brass sabots and

Category

Antique 19th Century German Biedermeier Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

White German Bauhaus Chrome Plated Steel Writing Desk, Made in the 1930s
White German Bauhaus Chrome Plated Steel Writing Desk, Made in the 1930s

White German Bauhaus Chrome Plated Steel Writing Desk, Made in the 1930s

Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj

Desk with a tubular chromed steel frame Manufactured in the 1930s. Wood is completely restored

Category

Early 20th Century German Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

19th Century Restored German Biedermeier Cherry-Tree Writing Desk, Table, 1830s
19th Century Restored German Biedermeier Cherry-Tree Writing Desk, Table, 1830s

19th Century Restored German Biedermeier Cherry-Tree Writing Desk, Table, 1830s

Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj

Biedermeier writing desk Completely restored. Shellac polish. Material: Cherry tree Period

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Czech Biedermeier Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Lacquer, Cherry

Small Ladies’ Writing Desk, 20th Century
Small Ladies’ Writing Desk, 20th Century

Small Ladies’ Writing Desk, 20th Century

Located in Greding, DE

Small oval ladies' writing desk in Baroque style, featuring hand-painted floral decoration on a

Category

20th Century German Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Writing Desk and Chair by Carl Sasse for Casala Germany c. 1950's
Mid Century Writing Desk and Chair by Carl Sasse for Casala Germany c. 1950's

Mid Century Writing Desk and Chair by Carl Sasse for Casala Germany c. 1950's

By Casala, Carl Sasse

Located in New York, NY

Stylish architectural writing table, desk and chair, designed by Carl Sasse, for Casala made in

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Davenport Desk, Germany, 1870
Davenport Desk, Germany, 1870

Davenport Desk, Germany, 1870

$2,240Sale Price|20% Off

Davenport Desk, Germany, 1870

Located in Belmont, MA

Introducing a delightful German Davenport desk dating back to 1870. This small and narrow desk

Category

Antique 1870s German Louis Philippe Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Desk Produced in Germany
Desk Produced in Germany

Desk Produced in Germany

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Rare desk by unknown designer. Produced in Germany.

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Bauhaus Tiered Tubular Chromed Steel Writing Desk
Bauhaus Tiered Tubular Chromed Steel Writing Desk

Bauhaus Tiered Tubular Chromed Steel Writing Desk

By Marcel Breuer

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This 1930s modernist black writing desk in the manner of Marcel Breuer emphasizes classic Bauhaus

Category

Early 20th Century German Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

German Biedermeier Mahogany Kneehole Desk
German Biedermeier Mahogany Kneehole Desk

German Biedermeier Mahogany Kneehole Desk

Located in Queens, NY

German Biedermeier (19th Century) mahogany kneehole desk with bronze trim.

Category

Antique 19th Century German Biedermeier Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Biedermeier-style Desk, Germany
19th Century Biedermeier-style Desk, Germany

19th Century Biedermeier-style Desk, Germany

Located in New York, NY

Small desk with a burlwood veneer and black lacquered writing surface. The desk stands on ebonized

Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Art Deco or Art Nouveau Walnut Writing Desk
Art Deco or Art Nouveau Walnut Writing Desk

Art Deco or Art Nouveau Walnut Writing Desk

Located in Darmstadt, DE

Very nice big writing desk from the period around 1915, transition from Art Nouveau to the Art Deco

Category

Vintage 1910s German Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Gorgeous 18th Century Tin Marquetry Writing Desk/ Cabinet
Gorgeous 18th Century Tin Marquetry Writing Desk/ Cabinet

Gorgeous 18th Century Tin Marquetry Writing Desk/ Cabinet

Located in Brussels, BE

18th century tin marquetry writing desk.

Category

Antique Early 18th Century German Louis XIV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Tin

Louis XVI Desk, Germany 1780, cherry veneer
Louis XVI Desk, Germany 1780, cherry veneer

Louis XVI Desk, Germany 1780, cherry veneer

Located in Leimen, DE

Louis XVI Desk, Germany circa 1780 – Cherry Veneer with Geometric Intarsia An exquisite Louis XVI

Category

Antique 1780s German Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry

Small Neoclassical Desk, Northern Germany, 1810-20
Small Neoclassical Desk, Northern Germany, 1810-20

Small Neoclassical Desk, Northern Germany, 1810-20

Located in Leimen, DE

a writing desk, hallway table, or refined side table, this versatile piece adds sophistication and

Category

Antique 1810s German Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Mid Century Green Saddle Leather Walnut Executive Writing Desk
Mid Century Green Saddle Leather Walnut Executive Writing Desk

Mid Century Green Saddle Leather Walnut Executive Writing Desk

Located in Munich, Bavaria

Midcentury 1960s Desk from Germany. In walnut and green saddle leather top. 2 drawers on each side

Category

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

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Mid 19th Century German Biedermeier Cherrywood Standing Desk
Mid 19th Century German Biedermeier Cherrywood Standing Desk

Mid 19th Century German Biedermeier Cherrywood Standing Desk

Located in Dusseldorf, DE

Large Biedermeier standing desk or writing desk. West German/Rhineland, around 1840. Solidly

Category

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

Materials

Cherry

Early 19th Century Biedermeier Cherrywood Ladies Desk, Germany
Early 19th Century Biedermeier Cherrywood Ladies Desk, Germany

Early 19th Century Biedermeier Cherrywood Ladies Desk, Germany

Located in Darmstadt, DE

Germany. Crafted primarily from solid cherrywood, the desk reflects the restrained and functional design

Category

Antique Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry, Softwood

Industrial Design Executive Metal Desk, Customizable, Germany, 2018
Industrial Design Executive Metal Desk, Customizable, Germany, 2018

Industrial Design Executive Metal Desk, Customizable, Germany, 2018

By GMD Berlin

Located in Berlin, DE

Industrial design executive metal desk, customizable, Germany, 2018.

Category

2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Rare Rundform Series Berlin Writing Desk by Mauser Werke 1940s
Rare Rundform Series Berlin Writing Desk by Mauser Werke 1940s

Rare Rundform Series Berlin Writing Desk by Mauser Werke 1940s

By Mauser Werke

Located in Aachen, NW

This rare and impressive Berlin executive desk from the Rundform series was designed in the 40s and

Category

Vintage 1940s German Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Ernest Igl for Wilhelm Werndl 'Directors' Writing Desk in White Polyurethane
Ernest Igl for Wilhelm Werndl 'Directors' Writing Desk in White Polyurethane

Ernest Igl for Wilhelm Werndl 'Directors' Writing Desk in White Polyurethane

By Wilhelm Werndl, Ernest Igl

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Ernest Igl for Wilhelm Werndl, 'Directors' writing desk, polyurethane, Germany, 1970/71 Ernest

Category

Vintage 1970s German Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Plastic

German Walnut Baroque Desk or Dressing table Mid-18th Century
German Walnut Baroque Desk or Dressing table Mid-18th Century

German Walnut Baroque Desk or Dressing table Mid-18th Century

Located in London, GB

things. See other German baroque pieces from same period pieces to complete a suite. This desk is

Category

Antique 18th Century German Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Art Nouveau / Jugendstil Desk, Carved Wood, Germany, Circa 1910
Art Nouveau / Jugendstil Desk, Carved Wood, Germany, Circa 1910

Art Nouveau / Jugendstil Desk, Carved Wood, Germany, Circa 1910

Located in VÉZELAY, FR

Features: Style: Art Nouveau / Jugendstil Material: Carved wood Origin: Germany, circa 1910

Category

Vintage 1910s German Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Bronze

19th Century Biedermeier Writing Desk in Cherry Veneer with Walnut and Rootwood
19th Century Biedermeier Writing Desk in Cherry Veneer with Walnut and Rootwood

19th Century Biedermeier Writing Desk in Cherry Veneer with Walnut and Rootwood

Located in Darmstadt, DE

This elegant 19th-century Biedermeier writing desk is veneered in fine cherrywood and accented with

Category

Antique 19th Century German Biedermeier Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry, Walnut

Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Desk or Dressing Table, Cherrywood
Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Desk or Dressing Table, Cherrywood

Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Desk or Dressing Table, Cherrywood

Located in Greven, DE

Antique Biedermeier make-up and writing desk Southern Germany Cherry early 19th century

Category

Antique Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry

Bespoke Executive Metal Desk, Lacquered Metal, Industrial Design, Germany, 2018
Bespoke Executive Metal Desk, Lacquered Metal, Industrial Design, Germany, 2018

Bespoke Executive Metal Desk, Lacquered Metal, Industrial Design, Germany, 2018

By GMD Berlin

Located in Berlin, DE

Metal executive desk in a classic industrial design. The timelessly simple form with two drawers

Category

2010s German Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Industrial Design Executive Metal Desk in Lacquered Metal, Germany, 2018
Industrial Design Executive Metal Desk in Lacquered Metal, Germany, 2018

Industrial Design Executive Metal Desk in Lacquered Metal, Germany, 2018

By GMD Berlin

Located in Berlin, DE

Executive metal desk in classical industrial design style. The timeless essential form with two

Category

2010s German Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum, Metal

JK 204 desk by Jorgen Kastholm for kill international, 1960s Germany.
JK 204 desk by Jorgen Kastholm for kill international, 1960s Germany.

JK 204 desk by Jorgen Kastholm for kill international, 1960s Germany.

By Jørgen Kastholm, Kill International

Located in Landgraaf, NL

JK 204 desk by Jorgen Kastholm for kill international, 1960s Germany. Large and heavy desk made

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Mid-Century Large Desk, Veneered Wood, Chrome-Plated Steel, Germany, ca. 1960
Mid-Century Large Desk, Veneered Wood, Chrome-Plated Steel, Germany, ca. 1960

Mid-Century Large Desk, Veneered Wood, Chrome-Plated Steel, Germany, ca. 1960

Located in Berlin, DE

Large Mid-Century executive desk made of veneered wood and chrome-plated steel. The architectural

Category

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

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Rare Mauser B65 desk after Marcel Breuer, Bauhaus tubular steel tube, Germany
Rare Mauser B65 desk after Marcel Breuer, Bauhaus tubular steel tube, Germany

Rare Mauser B65 desk after Marcel Breuer, Bauhaus tubular steel tube, Germany

By Mauser Werke

Located in Berlin, DE

This rare Mauser B 65 desk, produced in Germany around 1954, is a postwar interpretation of one of

Category

Mid-20th Century German Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Steel, Chrome

German Mid-Century Modern Cantilevered Wood and Metal Desk by Voss, 1950
German Mid-Century Modern Cantilevered Wood and Metal Desk by Voss, 1950

German Mid-Century Modern Cantilevered Wood and Metal Desk by Voss, 1950

By Voss

Located in New York, NY

Elegant German modernist desk / writing table by Voss with a cantilevered wood top and three wood

Category

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

Lovely Desk by Herbert Hirche for Holzäpfel, Germany, 1960s
Lovely Desk by Herbert Hirche for Holzäpfel, Germany, 1960s

Lovely Desk by Herbert Hirche for Holzäpfel, Germany, 1960s

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

Lovely Desk by Herbert Hirche for Holzäpfel, Germany, 1960s Slight signs of use due to age

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Desk Style Art Deco in Wood and chrome, 1940, Made in Germany
Desk Style Art Deco in Wood and chrome, 1940, Made in Germany

Desk Style Art Deco in Wood and chrome, 1940, Made in Germany

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Only the wood is restored, not the chrome metal It is an elegant and sophisticated dream desk. The

Category

Vintage 1940s German Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Desk Style Art Deco in Wood and chrome, 1940, Made in Germany
Desk Style Art Deco in Wood and chrome, 1940, Made in Germany

Desk Style Art Deco in Wood and chrome, 1940, Made in Germany

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Only the wood is restored, not the chrome metal It is an elegant and sophisticated dream desk. The

Category

Vintage 1940s German Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Bauhaus Tubular Steel Desk by Bruno Weil for Thonet, Stained Wood, Germany, 1930
Bauhaus Tubular Steel Desk by Bruno Weil for Thonet, Stained Wood, Germany, 1930

Bauhaus Tubular Steel Desk by Bruno Weil for Thonet, Stained Wood, Germany, 1930

By Thonet, Bruno Weil

Located in Berlin, DE

Bauhaus tubular steel desk designed by Bruno Weil (Bèwè) and manufactured by Thonet, Germany, c

Category

Vintage 1930s German Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Iconic Lady Desk by Helmut Magg for WK Möbel, Mid Century Modern, Germany, 1950s
Iconic Lady Desk by Helmut Magg for WK Möbel, Mid Century Modern, Germany, 1950s

Iconic Lady Desk by Helmut Magg for WK Möbel, Mid Century Modern, Germany, 1950s

By Helmut Magg

Located in Wrocław, Poland

This is the famous desk designed by Helmut Magg, also known as „Lady Desk”. Produced in Germany by

Category

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

Materials

Cherry

Lovely Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze-Mounted German K.P.M. Porcelain Desk
Lovely Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze-Mounted German K.P.M. Porcelain Desk

Lovely Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze-Mounted German K.P.M. Porcelain Desk

By KPM Porcelain

Located in Long Island City, NY

A Lovely Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted German K.P.M. Porcelain Desk Decorated allover

Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Belle Époque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Biedermeier Writing Table, circa 1830
Biedermeier Writing Table, circa 1830

Biedermeier Writing Table, circa 1830

Located in Greding, DE

central stretcher. The desk offers ample storage with five drawers and an expandable writing surface that

Category

Antique 1830s German Biedermeier Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Desk ClassiCon Orcus Home Desk design Konstantin Grcic - White
Desk ClassiCon Orcus Home Desk design Konstantin Grcic - White

Desk ClassiCon Orcus Home Desk design Konstantin Grcic - White

By Konstantin Grcic

Located in Alcamo, IT

Brand: ClassiCon Model: Orcus Home Desk Design: Konstantin Grcic, 1993 In an era dominated by

Category

2010s German Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

ClassiCon Orcus Home Desk design Konstantin Grcic - Walnut
ClassiCon Orcus Home Desk design Konstantin Grcic - Walnut

ClassiCon Orcus Home Desk design Konstantin Grcic - Walnut

By Konstantin Grcic

Located in Alcamo, IT

Brand: ClassiCon Model: Orcus Home Desk Design: Konstantin Grcic, 1993 In an era dominated by

Category

2010s German Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Postmodern desk, interlübke
Postmodern desk, interlübke

Postmodern desk, interlübke

By Interlübke

Located in Neuss, NW

Postmodern desk by interlübke from the 1980s. High quality desk with a white asymethric working

Category

Vintage 1980s German Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

1960s Desk, Günter Renkel
1960s Desk, Günter Renkel

1960s Desk, Günter Renkel

By Günter Renkel

Located in Neuss, NW

Minimalistic freestanding desk from the 1960s by Günter Renkel for Rego Möbel. Corpus in teak

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Desk by Elmar Flototto
Desk by Elmar Flototto

Desk by Elmar Flototto

By Elmar Flötotto

Located in Brussels, BE

The desk by Elmar Flototto from circa 1980 features a beech wood structure paired with a brown

Category

Vintage 1980s German Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Formica, Beech

Herbert Hirche Desk for Holzäpfel
Herbert Hirche Desk for Holzäpfel

Herbert Hirche Desk for Holzäpfel

By Herbert Hirche

Located in Neuss, NW

Classic freestanding desk from the 1960s by Herbert Hirche for Holzäpfel. High-quality squared

Category

Vintage 1960s German Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

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German Writing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic German writing desk available at 1stDibs. A German writing desk — often made from wood, metal and hardwood — can elevate any home. There are 204 variations of the antique or vintage German writing desk you’re looking for, while we also have 41 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer German writing desk, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. A German writing desk is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Mid-Century Modern, Modern and Art Deco styles are sought with frequency. Many designers have produced at least one well-made German writing desk over the years, but those crafted by Helmut Magg, Marcel Breuer and ClassiCon are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a German Writing Desk?

Prices for a German writing desk can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $737 and can go as high as $125,000, while the average can fetch as much as $4,664.

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 German 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 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 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 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.