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Frnech. Art Deco Macassar Elegant Writing Desk
Frnech. Art Deco Macassar Elegant Writing Desk

Frnech. Art Deco Macassar Elegant Writing Desk

Located in North Bergen, NJ

Frnech Art Deco writing desk with beautiful Macassar wood. The desk has a shaped top held by four

Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Macassar

Italian Empire Style Elegant Writing Desk
Italian Empire Style Elegant Writing Desk

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 Louis XV Style Elegant Writing Desk
Italian Louis XV Style Elegant Writing Desk

Italian Louis XV Style Elegant Writing Desk

Located in Casale Monferrato, IT

We present this elegant Italian desk dating back to the second half of the 20th century. An

Category

20th Century Italian Louis XV Desks

Materials

Bronze

Classic by Carpanelli Zebrano Writing Desk
Classic by Carpanelli Zebrano Writing Desk

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

An Expanding Dark Cerused Oak Writing Desk
An Expanding Dark Cerused Oak Writing Desk

An Expanding Dark Cerused Oak Writing Desk

Located in Philadelphia, PA

. Contemporary. 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

20th Century Lacquered and Painted Wood French Writing Desk, 1950
20th Century Lacquered and Painted Wood French Writing Desk, 1950

20th Century Lacquered and Painted Wood French Writing Desk, 1950

Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont

suitable for professional use. This elegant writing desk rests on four sturdy, curved legs. The feet are

Category

Vintage 1950s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Louis XV-Style Writing Desk with Leather Top and Bronze Mounts, 1950
Louis XV-Style Writing Desk with Leather Top and Bronze Mounts, 1950

Louis XV-Style Writing Desk with Leather Top and Bronze Mounts, 1950

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
Louis XVI writing desk with pull-out surface, featuring an inlaid compass rose

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
Empire Estremoz Desk - Hand-Crafted Turned Marble & Brass - Boca do Lobo

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

Franlk Lloyd Wright Desk
Franlk Lloyd Wright Desk

Franlk Lloyd Wright Desk

By Frank Lloyd Wright

Located in Winterswijk, NL

. This elegant writing desk features two drawers and a rack, combining Wright's iconic design with modern

Category

Vintage 1960s Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by Robert Slezák, Oak, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by Robert Slezák, Oak, Chrome, Czech, 1930s

Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by Robert Slezák, Oak, Chrome, Czech, 1930s

By Robert Slezák

Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj

This elegant writing desk is a premier example of Bauhaus functionalist design, dating back to

Category

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Mid-Century Danish Freestanding Oak Desk attributed to Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s.
Mid-Century Danish Freestanding Oak Desk attributed to Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s.

Mid-Century Danish Freestanding Oak Desk attributed to Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s.

By Henning Kjærnulf

Located in Asaa, DK

elegant writing desk in solid and veneered Nordic white oak attributed to Danish architect Henning

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

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

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

By Up Závody, Jindřich Halabala

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
21st Century Anna Desk in Black Limed Oak, Handcrafted in Portugal by Duistt

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
1940s Writing Desk by Ico Parisi for Brugnoli Mobili, Cantu, Wax-Polished

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
Elegant French Style Writing Desk

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

Mid-Century Writing Desk by Arden
Mid-Century Writing Desk by Arden

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

Guglielmo Ulrich elegant walnut writing desk
Guglielmo Ulrich elegant walnut writing desk

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

Demi-Lune Art Deco Desk in Black High Gloss Lacquered Wood, France 1930s
Demi-Lune Art Deco Desk in Black High Gloss Lacquered Wood, France 1930s

Demi-Lune Art Deco Desk in Black High Gloss Lacquered Wood, France 1930s

Located in Ulm, DE

table in a living space – as an elegant writing desk in a study or guest room – as a reception or

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Beech

Elegant women's writing desk, France, circa 1900.
Elegant women's writing desk, France, circa 1900.

Elegant women's writing desk, France, circa 1900.

Located in Chorzów, PL

Elegant women's desk, France, circa 1900. Very good condition. Wood: walnut Dimensions: height

Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Elegant early 20th century Swedish birch writing desk
Elegant early 20th century Swedish birch writing desk

Elegant early 20th century Swedish birch writing desk

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Scandinavian writing desk, with art nouveau and deco influences. Veneered in a stunning golden birch, with

Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birch

An Elegant 2 Drawer Writing Table or Reception Desk
An Elegant 2 Drawer Writing Table or Reception Desk

An Elegant 2 Drawer Writing Table or Reception Desk

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

An Elegant 2 Drawer Writing Table or Reception Desk The Desk stands on elegant reeded legs and

Category

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

1950's Silvio Cavatorta elegant blond wood writing desk
1950's Silvio Cavatorta elegant blond wood writing desk

1950's Silvio Cavatorta elegant blond wood writing desk

By Silvio Cavatorta

Located in Milano, IT

Silvio Cavatorta (1899-1957) Elegant blond wood writing desk with two side drawers and magazine

Category

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

Materials

Maple

Joel's Desk 5 Elegant, Doubles as Writing Table, Two Legs
Joel's Desk 5 Elegant, Doubles as Writing Table, Two Legs

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

Antique Georgian 18th Century Satin Walnut Bureau Desk Writing Table Elegant
Antique Georgian 18th Century Satin Walnut Bureau Desk Writing Table Elegant

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

20th Century Elegant Black Bureau Plat / Writing Desk in Louis XV, Beech
20th Century Elegant Black Bureau Plat / Writing Desk in Louis XV, Beech

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

19th Century Swedish Writing Desk
19th Century Swedish Writing Desk

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

Early 20th Century French Writing Desk
Early 20th Century French Writing Desk

Early 20th Century French Writing Desk

Located in New York, NY

An elegant French ladies’ writing desk, dating to the early 20th century, crafted in the Louis XV

Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Elegant Neoclassical Desk by Baker
Elegant Neoclassical Desk by Baker

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

Mahogany Writing Desk with Satinwood Inlay
Mahogany Writing Desk with Satinwood Inlay

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

Elegant Italian Small Desk in Ash
Elegant Italian Small Desk in Ash

Elegant Italian Small Desk in Ash

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Writing desk, ash, brass, formica, Italy, 1950s Very elegant desk made in Italy in the 1950s. The

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Italian Antique Walnut Marquetry Desk Writing Table
Italian Antique Walnut Marquetry Desk Writing Table

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

Mid-Century Walnut and Formica Top Writing Desk
Mid-Century Walnut and Formica Top Writing Desk

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

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Elegant X Base Desk or Console Table
Elegant X Base Desk or Console Table

Elegant X Base Desk or Console Table

Located in Atlanta, GA

Elegant console table or desk, American, circa 1950s. This piece is a versatile size and can be

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Porada Contemporary Walnut Writing Desk, Made in Italy
Porada Contemporary Walnut Writing Desk, Made in Italy

Porada Contemporary Walnut Writing Desk, Made in Italy

Located in Miami, FL

Elegant and minimalist writing desk by Porada, Made in Italy. Crafted from beautifully grained

Category

Early 2000s Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Elegant French Art Deco Desk circa 1930s
Elegant French Art Deco Desk circa 1930s

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

French Walnut Secretary Slant Front Desk Writing Table
French Walnut Secretary Slant Front Desk Writing Table

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

Fine Arts Furniture Co. Elegant Mahogany Three Drawer Writing Table
Fine Arts Furniture Co. Elegant Mahogany Three Drawer Writing Table

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

Elegant Italian Small Desk in Cherry and Mahogany
Elegant Italian Small Desk in Cherry and 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

Restored Biedermeier Writing Desk, Spruce, Maple Veneer, Austria, 1830s
Restored Biedermeier Writing Desk, Spruce, Maple Veneer, Austria, 1830s

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
19th Century Biedermeier Ash Writing desk, Austria - Vienna, Shellac

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

Antique Walnut and Marquetry Writing Desk
Antique Walnut and Marquetry Writing Desk

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

Elefante Desk 14 Elegant, Multi-Use Configuration, Asymmetrical
Elefante Desk 14 Elegant, Multi-Use Configuration, Asymmetrical

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

Restored Mid-Century Writing Desk, Ash, Revived Polish, Czech, 1960s
Restored Mid-Century Writing Desk, Ash, Revived Polish, Czech, 1960s

Restored Mid-Century Writing Desk, Ash, Revived Polish, Czech, 1960s

Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj

This elegant Mid-Century writing desk originates from Czechoslovakia from the 1960s. It is an

Category

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

Materials

Wood, Lacquer, Ash

Small English Victorian Inlaid Mahogany Writing Table / Desk c.1900
Small English Victorian Inlaid Mahogany Writing Table / Desk c.1900

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

1940's Small elegant desk with extraordinary side uprights
1940's Small elegant desk with extraordinary side uprights

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

19th Century Louis XV Style Writing Desk or Center Table
19th Century Louis XV Style Writing Desk or Center Table

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

Brass, Bronze

Danish Roll-Top Writing Desk in Elm, Scandinavian Mid-Century Design
Danish Roll-Top Writing Desk in Elm, Scandinavian Mid-Century Design

Danish Roll-Top Writing Desk in Elm, Scandinavian Mid-Century Design

Located in Stockholm, SE

This elegant roll-top writing desk, made in Denmark in the 1940s, is a fine example of the period’s

Category

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

Materials

Elm

Elegant veneered bureau plat / desk in Louis XV style
Elegant veneered bureau plat / desk in Louis XV style

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

Rare Art Nouveau Jugendstil Single Drawer Writing Desk Cabriole Louis Majorelle
Rare Art Nouveau Jugendstil Single Drawer Writing Desk Cabriole Louis Majorelle

Rare Art Nouveau Jugendstil Single Drawer Writing Desk Cabriole Louis Majorelle

By Louis Majorelle

Located in Peoria, AZ

, jugendstil desk. Tasteful and elegant, this single drawer writing desk has sensational lines and uniquely

Category

Vintage 1910s American Jugendstil Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Fruitwood, Oak

Antique Georgian Revival Mahogany Writing Desk c.1880–1900, Dressing Table
Antique Georgian Revival Mahogany Writing Desk c.1880–1900, Dressing Table

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 Boulle Style Inlaid Brass Ormolu Mount Ebonized Writing Table Desk
Antique Boulle Style Inlaid Brass Ormolu Mount Ebonized Writing Table Desk

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

Italian Marquetry Walnut Burl Secretary Slant Front Desk Writing Table
Italian Marquetry Walnut Burl Secretary Slant Front Desk Writing Table

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

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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 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.