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PAPILLON 48" Round Dining Table in Black Metal and Black Glass by Soraya Osorio
PAPILLON 48" Round Dining Table in Black Metal and Black Glass by Soraya Osorio

PAPILLON 48" Round Dining Table in Black Metal and Black Glass by Soraya Osorio

By Soraya Osorio

Located in Vero Beach, FL

The Papillon Dining Table forms the perfect union between black glass and a dark grey/black metal

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Steel

Italian mid-century modern blue formica and black metal desk, 1960s
Italian mid-century modern blue formica and black metal desk, 1960s

Italian mid-century modern blue formica and black metal desk, 1960s

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian mid-century modern blue formica and black metal desk, 1960s. Small desk, coming from a

Category

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

Materials

Metal

French 1950s Black Metal and Wood Occasional / Writing Table
French 1950s Black Metal and Wood Occasional / Writing Table

French 1950s Black Metal and Wood Occasional / Writing Table

Located in Long Island City, NY

A French Mid-Century writing / side table with a wooden top, a black lacquered metal frame and

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Italian Teak Wood, Brass & Black Metal Mid-Century Modern Dining Table
Italian Teak Wood, Brass & Black Metal Mid-Century Modern Dining Table

Italian Teak Wood, Brass & Black Metal Mid-Century Modern Dining Table

By Ico Parisi, ISA Bergamo

Located in Varese, Lombardia

and fluted edge. Black iron legs with shaped brass feet. The table top has been restored; the painting

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Brass, Iron

Jacques Hitier for MBO, Desk in oak and black metal, year 1951
Jacques Hitier for MBO, Desk in oak and black metal, year 1951

Jacques Hitier for MBO, Desk in oak and black metal, year 1951

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

. Tripod base in black lacquered metal. French work realized in 1951. Reference: LS5469909E

Category

Mid-20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Desk in the Style of Art Deco in Black Piano Lacquer
Desk in the Style of Art Deco in Black Piano Lacquer

Desk in the Style of Art Deco in Black Piano Lacquer

Located in Ulm, DE

Modernist desk in black lacquer Writing desk Piano lacquer, high gloss black Metal fittings in

Category

Vintage 1950s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

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

drawers on each side supported by four black metal legs. A refined, modern composition of materials and

Category

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

Italian mid-century modern metal leather plastic desk BBPR Olivetti, 1960s
Italian mid-century modern metal leather plastic desk BBPR Olivetti, 1960s

Italian mid-century modern metal leather plastic desk BBPR Olivetti, 1960s

By Olivetti, Studio BBPR

Located in MIlano, IT

rectangular metal top covered in green leather and black plastic corners. Under the top, there is a column of

Category

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

Materials

Metal

50s Mid-Century Modern Italian Metal Base Brass Feet Teak Wood Console Table
50s Mid-Century Modern Italian Metal Base Brass Feet Teak Wood Console Table

50s Mid-Century Modern Italian Metal Base Brass Feet Teak Wood Console Table

By Charlotte Perriand, George Nelson

Located in Carimate, Como

wooden top with drawer standing on black metal base and nice brass foot-ends. Midcentury modernist

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Console Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Dutch Midcentury Industrial Desk
Dutch Midcentury Industrial Desk

Dutch Midcentury Industrial Desk

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Dutch midcentury industrial black metal desk with a rectangular wood top and three cupped ring

Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Desk by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1960s
Desk by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1960s

Desk by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1960s

By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno

Located in bruxelles, BE

White wooden desk with black metal. Consists of a cabinet with 3 drawers and storage space, and

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Vintage Desk by Willy Van Der Meeren for Tubax, 1950s
Vintage Desk by Willy Van Der Meeren for Tubax, 1950s

Vintage Desk by Willy Van Der Meeren for Tubax, 1950s

By Tubax, Willy Van Der Meeren

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

, a lot of these disappeared and where discarted. The desk is made out of black metal and a formica

Category

Vintage 1950s Belgian Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Drexel Desk
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Drexel Desk

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Drexel Desk

By Drexel

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful walnut Drexel desk with matte black metal handles. Great piece for any office or bedroom

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Hugh Acton Style Rosewood Executive Desk
Mid-Century Modern Hugh Acton Style Rosewood Executive Desk

Mid-Century Modern Hugh Acton Style Rosewood Executive Desk

By Hugh Acton

Located in Clarksboro, NJ

straight line design, large rectangular rosewood top, floating black metal cabinets, flat bar chrome legs

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Ico Parisi "Urio" Executive Desk, MIM Roma, Italy 1950s
Ico Parisi "Urio" Executive Desk, MIM Roma, Italy 1950s

Ico Parisi "Urio" Executive Desk, MIM Roma, Italy 1950s

By MIM Roma, Ico Parisi

Located in Roma, IT

crafted in a luxurious rosewood, polished steel and enameled black metal. The desk showcases stunning

Category

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

Materials

Aluminum, Steel, Metal

Jumbo Table with Structure in Black Ash, by Paolo Cappello
Jumbo Table with Structure in Black Ash, by Paolo Cappello

Jumbo Table with Structure in Black Ash, by Paolo Cappello

By Miniforms, Paolo Cappello

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Structure. Detail finishes offered include Copper Rose Gold Matte, and Black Metal. If you are interested in

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Tables

Materials

Wood

Modernist Wall-Mounted Console, France, 1960s
Modernist Wall-Mounted Console, France, 1960s

Modernist Wall-Mounted Console, France, 1960s

Located in Antwerp, BE

surface. The long, slender proportions create a floating effect, subtly grounded by a single black metal

Category

Vintage 1960s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Formica, 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

clarity that defined early modernist design. Executed in black lacquered metal, the desk features a

Category

Vintage 1920s German Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Mid Century Modern French Black Lacquered metal table or desk
Mid Century Modern French Black Lacquered metal table or desk

Mid Century Modern French Black Lacquered metal table or desk

Located in London, GB

Unusual French industrial style black lacquered metal dining table or desk.   

Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Metal

21st Century by Giovanni Casellato & MarCo Raparelli Metal Desk Table Black
21st Century by Giovanni Casellato & MarCo Raparelli Metal Desk Table Black

21st Century by Giovanni Casellato & MarCo Raparelli Metal Desk Table Black

By Marco Raparelli

Located in Roma, IT

"A story that doesn't get told" first started as a site specific installation, for Secondome exhibition "I'm not weird, I'm limited edition" during Milan Fuorisalone 2015: An iron ta...

Category

2010s Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron, Metal

Belmont Adjustable Hydraulic Architectural Drafting / Work Table, Art Deco Style
Belmont Adjustable Hydraulic Architectural Drafting / Work Table, Art Deco Style

Belmont Adjustable Hydraulic Architectural Drafting / Work Table, Art Deco Style

By Belmont

Located in Buffalo, NY

wood top and is mounted on the round hydraulic metal pedestal with a chromed base protected by a black

Category

Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome, Metal

20th Century Yellow Formica children's school desk with two leaves
20th Century Yellow Formica children's school desk with two leaves

20th Century Yellow Formica children's school desk with two leaves

Located in Miami, FL

Yellow formica and black metal desk, Italian modernism, ca. 1960. Small desk from a hotel room with

Category

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

Materials

Formica

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

with a black hard plastic insert. The metal frame is lacquered and available in various colors and

Category

2010s German Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Metal and Leather Writing Table
Metal and Leather Writing Table

Metal and Leather Writing Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

metal frame provides a strong, modernist foundation, while the textured leather top adds warmth and

Category

Vintage 1970s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Willy Van Der Meeren Desk by Tubax Belgium 1955
Willy Van Der Meeren Desk by Tubax Belgium 1955

Willy Van Der Meeren Desk by Tubax Belgium 1955

By Tubax, Willy Van Der Meeren

Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant

typical fifties Industrial desk has a very nice Industrial look with the black metal folded v structure

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Industrial Metal Work Desk, America 1950
Industrial Metal Work Desk, America 1950

Industrial Metal Work Desk, America 1950

Located in Culver City, CA

Metal Work Table America, 1950 Industrial table made fully of metal with one drawer on front. 65.5

Category

Vintage 1950s American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Large Black Desk Files Drawers, Wood Metal, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Style
Large Black Desk Files Drawers, Wood Metal, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Style

Large Black Desk Files Drawers, Wood Metal, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Style

By Atelier BAM

Located in Sao Paulo, SP

Marajoara desk with drawers and files (optional) is a study on Mid-Century Modern utilitarian furniture, with Brazilian Native Arte Reference. In tribute to Lina Bo Bardi's design, ...

Category

2010s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

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

an aluminium profile with a black hard plastic insertion. The metal structure is painted and

Category

2010s German Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum, Metal

21st Century Desk Wight Ebony and Black Leather with Metal Leg by Aymeric Lefort
21st Century Desk Wight Ebony and Black Leather with Metal Leg by Aymeric Lefort

21st Century Desk Wight Ebony and Black Leather with Metal Leg by Aymeric Lefort

By Aymeric Lefort

Located in SENLIS, OISE

A semi-circular black lacquered metal legged desk with a white ebony veneer top and black leather

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Black Desk with Drawer, Wood and Metal Legs, Brazil Mid-Century Modern Designer
Black Desk with Drawer, Wood and Metal Legs, Brazil Mid-Century Modern Designer

Black Desk with Drawer, Wood and Metal Legs, Brazil Mid-Century Modern Designer

By Atelier BAM

Located in Sao Paulo, SP

The Marajoara design desk with drawers is a study in Mid-Century Modern utilitarian and luxury furniture, featuring minimalist details and inspired by Brazilian native art. The desig...

Category

2010s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

British Colonial Military Officer's Campaign Metal Field Desk
British Colonial Military Officer's Campaign Metal Field Desk

British Colonial Military Officer's Campaign Metal Field Desk

By Army & Navy CSL

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Rare British colonial officer's campaign field desk on stand. Constructed from metal and brass

Category

Antique 19th Century English Campaign Desks

Materials

Brass, Metal

Müller Desk TB229 in Metal 'Reseda green'
Müller Desk TB229 in Metal 'Reseda green'

Müller Desk TB229 in Metal 'Reseda green'

By Müller Möbelfabrikation

Located in Tilburg, NL

Müller Desk TB229 in Metal 'Reseda green'. Germany, current production. Beautiful classic looking

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writin...

Materials

Metal

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

Meccano Metal Desk - Headboard, Collectible Italian Furniture, Spinzi Milano
Meccano Metal Desk - Headboard, Collectible Italian Furniture, Spinzi Milano

Meccano Metal Desk - Headboard, Collectible Italian Furniture, Spinzi Milano

By Spinzi

Located in Milano, IT

directly in the bedroom. Crafted from a single, bent, burned metal sheet, it has a wonderful patina

Category

2010s Italian Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

21st Century Desk Wight Ebony and Black Leather with Metal Leg by Aymeric Lefort
21st Century Desk Wight Ebony and Black Leather with Metal Leg by Aymeric Lefort

21st Century Desk Wight Ebony and Black Leather with Metal Leg by Aymeric Lefort

By Aymeric Lefort

Located in SENLIS, OISE

A semi-circular black lacquered metal legged desk with a white ebony veneer top and black leather

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

21st Century Desk Wight Ebony and Black Leather with Metal Leg by Aymeric Lefort
21st Century Desk Wight Ebony and Black Leather with Metal Leg by Aymeric Lefort

21st Century Desk Wight Ebony and Black Leather with Metal Leg by Aymeric Lefort

By Aymeric Lefort

Located in SENLIS, OISE

A semi-circular black lacquered metal legged desk with a white ebony veneer top and black leather

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

21st Century Desk Wight Ebony and Black Leather with Metal Leg by Aymeric Lefort
21st Century Desk Wight Ebony and Black Leather with Metal Leg by Aymeric Lefort

21st Century Desk Wight Ebony and Black Leather with Metal Leg by Aymeric Lefort

By Aymeric Lefort

Located in SENLIS, OISE

A semi-circular black lacquered metal legged desk with a white ebony veneer top and black leather

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Famed Brass Metal and Wood Desk with Marble Drawers
Famed Brass Metal and Wood Desk with Marble Drawers

Famed Brass Metal and Wood Desk with Marble Drawers

By LAGU

Located in İSTANBUL, TR

Features: -First grade oak veneer -Alexander black marble -Brass plated metal -Two drawers -Keyboard drawer

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal, Brass

Bbpr for Olivetti, Spazio Table, Desk, 1950s/60s
Bbpr for Olivetti, Spazio Table, Desk, 1950s/60s

Bbpr for Olivetti, Spazio Table, Desk, 1950s/60s

By Studio BBPR

Located in MARSEILLE, FR

Large 'Spazio' table or desk with a top covered in green vinyl, resting on a gray and black metal

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Paolo Piva Style Metal and Glass Desk, Italy, 1970s
Paolo Piva Style Metal and Glass Desk, Italy, 1970s

Paolo Piva Style Metal and Glass Desk, Italy, 1970s

By Paolo Piva

Located in Naples, IT

Rectangular dining table with geometric black lacquered metal frame and transparent glass top, in

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Mini Willy Van Der Meeren Writing Desks for Tubax with Black Base and Black Edge
Mini Willy Van Der Meeren Writing Desks for Tubax with Black Base and Black Edge

Mini Willy Van Der Meeren Writing Desks for Tubax with Black Base and Black Edge

By Willy Van Der Meeren, Tubax

Located in Los Angeles, CA

printed laminate top, black enameled metal wire frame, and black sheet metal shelf. Founded in 1948 by Jan

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Organic Modern Accent Home Office Writing Desk Black Oak Wood & Black Lacquer
Organic Modern Accent Home Office Writing Desk Black Oak Wood & Black Lacquer

Organic Modern Accent Home Office Writing Desk Black Oak Wood & Black Lacquer

By João Faria, EMOTIONAL OBJECTS

Located in Vila Nova Famalicão, PT

. This listing is for a Limited Edition called "Back in Black." It is manufactured of black oak wood and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Steel, Cut Steel

Modern Home Office Writing Executive Desk Black Oak Wood & Black Lacquered Steel
Modern Home Office Writing Executive Desk Black Oak Wood & Black Lacquered Steel

Modern Home Office Writing Executive Desk Black Oak Wood & Black Lacquered Steel

By João Faria, EMOTIONAL OBJECTS

Located in Vila Nova Famalicão, PT

The Executive Desk ExCentric 1.0 is made of black oak wood and black metallic lacquered steel and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Steel, Cut Steel, Stainless Steel

Modern Small Desk with Black Marquina Ceramic Top and Black Frame, Made in Italy
Modern Small Desk with Black Marquina Ceramic Top and Black Frame, Made in Italy

Modern Small Desk with Black Marquina Ceramic Top and Black Frame, Made in Italy

By Matthias Demacker

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

) Dining table with aluminum legs, structure and drawer. The top is made of Black marquina ceramic

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Mid Century Writing Table - Silent Black
Mid Century Writing Table - Silent Black

Mid Century Writing Table - Silent Black

$3,117Sale Price / item|20% Off

Mid Century Writing Table - Silent Black

Located in Westwood, NJ

wood in a silent black polished finish atop an organic faux bois base in a silvered bronze finish

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Desks and Wr...

Materials

Marble, Metal

Modern Minimalist Home Office Writing Desk in Black Oak Wood and Black Lacquer
Modern Minimalist Home Office Writing Desk in Black Oak Wood and Black Lacquer

Modern Minimalist Home Office Writing Desk in Black Oak Wood and Black Lacquer

By EMOTIONAL OBJECTS, João Faria

Located in Vila Nova Famalicão, PT

Sideboard from the same collection. The Void Collection has three versions: black lacquered steel

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Steel, Cut Steel

Famed Chrome Desk with Alexander Black Marble Drawers
Famed Chrome Desk with Alexander Black Marble Drawers

Famed Chrome Desk with Alexander Black Marble Drawers

By LAGU

Located in İSTANBUL, TR

Features: -First grade oak veneer -Alexander black marble -Brass plated metal -Two drawers -Keyboard drawer

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal, Chrome

Desk /Table by Bengt Johan Gullberg, Metal and Teak, Sweden, 1950s
Desk /Table by Bengt Johan Gullberg, Metal and Teak, Sweden, 1950s

Desk /Table by Bengt Johan Gullberg, Metal and Teak, Sweden, 1950s

By Bengt Johan Gullberg

Located in Hägersten, SE

from black lacquered metal with big rubber feet and table top of teak. Consisting of two metal sawbucks

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Studio BBPR for Olivetti "Spazio" Desk with an Olive Felt Top, Italy, 1960's
Studio BBPR for Olivetti "Spazio" Desk with an Olive Felt Top, Italy, 1960's

Studio BBPR for Olivetti "Spazio" Desk with an Olive Felt Top, Italy, 1960's

By Olivetti, Studio BBPR

Located in Uithoorn, NL

is its material composition. Three distinct materials—metal, felt, and black plastic—are used in

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Industrial Design Rolling Cart/ Trolley Lacquered Metal for Office/Living Spaces
Industrial Design Rolling Cart/ Trolley Lacquered Metal for Office/Living Spaces

Industrial Design Rolling Cart/ Trolley Lacquered Metal for Office/Living Spaces

By GMD Berlin

Located in Berlin, DE

Linoleum, nanotech laminate or lacquer and is framed with an aluminum profile with a black hard plastic

Category

2010s German Industrial Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Aluminum, Metal

Wooden Writing Desk with Drawers and Black Lacquered Legs
Wooden Writing Desk with Drawers and Black Lacquered Legs

Wooden Writing Desk with Drawers and Black Lacquered Legs

Located in Madrid, ES

Large desk veneered with dark wood, front with four drawers with gold-colored pulls. Legs of black

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

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Black Metal Desks For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are several options of black metal desks available for sale. Frequently made of metal, wood and steel, all black metal desks available were constructed with great care. There are 124 antique and vintage black metal desks for sale at 1stDibs, while we also have 38 modern editions to choose from as well. Black metal desks have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 19th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Black metal desks are generally popular furniture pieces, but Mid-Century Modern, Modern and Art Deco styles are often sought at 1stDibs. Some black metal desks are too large for some spaces — a variety of smaller black metal desks, measuring 18 inches across, are available at 1stDibs. Aymeric Lefort, Olivetti and Studio BBPR each produced beautiful black metal desks that are worth considering.

How Much are Black Metal Desks?

Prices for black metal desks can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, black metal desks begin at $525 and can go as high as $61,200, while the average can fetch as much as $4,142.

Finding the Right Desks And 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 Black Metal Desks
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The best way to refinish an old metal desk is to start by cleaning the desk. Ensure that the surface is free of dust and rust, then prime the desk with one to two coats of primer. And dependent upon its condition, a coat of any metal paint can freshen up an old metal desk. Browse a wide selection of vintage metal desks on 1stDibs.