Parsons Style Writing Desk
The Burl Wood Parson Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Modern burl wood dining table, with Parsons style legs, one drawer, a 'rustic' warm brown finish
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Desks and Wr...
Materials
Wood, Burl
Espresso Finish Art Deco Style Vanity/ Writing Desk
Located in East Hampton, NY
This Parsons style, simple and stylish desk has an added feature of a flip top vanity area with
Category
Vintage 1970s American Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Vintage Coastal Wrapped Rattan Writing Desk
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fabulous vintage Coastal writing desk. Chic wrapped rattan on a clean Parsons style frame. Glass
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rattan, Glass
Herringbone Waterfall Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
parsons style desk, engaging the senses with its fluid form and gently rounded edges.
A pearlescent
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Cork-Topped Parkman Desk by Lawson-Fenning
By Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Parkman desk features a Parsons-style waterfall shape with cork on the top and sides and three
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Cork, Walnut
Cork-Topped Oak Parkman Desk by Lawson-Fenning
By Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Parkman desk features a Parsons-style waterfall shape with cork on the top and sides and three
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak, Cork
Elegant Restored Vintage Oil Drop Lacquer Extension Dining Table or Writing Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
An exceptional vintage Parsons style extension dining table, circa 1970. Stout, expertly made
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Materials
Hardwood
H 29 in W 100 in D 38 in
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"Fit Side Table" Minimalist Travertine Cream Marble Side Table by Aparentment
By Josep Vila Capdevila
Located in Terrassa, Catalonia
The Fit Side Table is a minimalist style low table made of treated Travertine marble. This side table is composed by five marble pieces, all of them assembled in a logical and harmon...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Side Tables
Materials
Marble, Travertine
H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Custom Pair of French Plaster Lamps in the Manner of Alberto Giacometti
By Alberto Giacometti
Located in New York, NY
Custom pair of French plaster lamps in the manner of Alberto Giacometti.
The lamp shades are not included. One pair is currently available.
Lead Time for custom made is 8-10 weeks.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Plaster
Pair Various Positions Nightstand in Walnut and Oak by Master Studio for Lemon
By Lemon
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Inspired by his fascination with the aesthetic allure of interiors depicted in films and literature, Yaniv Chen endeavors to capture the essence of captivating spaces. Reflecting upo...
Category
2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals
Materials
Oak, Walnut
H 21.66 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
Josef Hoffmann and the Wiener Werkstaette Fabric Department Pendant, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
A simple but sensational fixture, designed by Josef Hoffmann, for the fabric department of the Wiener Werkstaette on Kaerntnerstrasse in Vienna. Style and color of the fabric custom-...
Category
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Silk
H 39.38 in Dm 37.41 in
Mini Cloud Table in Oak by Louise Liljencrantz, Sweden
By Louise Liljencrantz
Located in Stockholm, SE
Mini cloud side table in oak finished with a satin clear coat.
Designed by Lousie Liljencrantz, Interior Designer based in Stockholm Sweden.
Made in Sweden.
Category
2010s Swedish Side Tables
Materials
Oak
Pair of 'Croisillon' Matte Black Steel and Parchment Lamps by Design Frères
By Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chic pair of 'Croisillon' matte black steel and parchment lamps by Design Frères. European style shade with bottom ring (no finial).
This lamp is on display at the Pebble Bar in NYC.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Table Lamps
Materials
Steel
Yki Nummi Large 'Lokki' Pendant for Innolux Oy
By Yki Nummi, Innolux Finland
Located in Glendale, CA
Yki Nummi large 'Lokki' pendant for Innolux Oy, Finland.
Designed in 1960, Nummi's innovative 'Lokki' is one of the best-known Finnish design classics. The name Lokki comes from ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Chandeliers an...
Materials
Metal
'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
By Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Glendale, CA
'Plissé White Edition' pleated textile table lamp by Folkform for Örsjö.
This unique table lamp was awarded “Lighting of the Year 2022” by Residence Magazine Sweden, who called it “...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Textile
Gio Ponti F.A. 33 Medium Mirror in Black Brass
By Gio Ponti, Gubi
Located in Glendale, CA
Gio Ponti F.A. 33 medium mirror in black brass. The F.A. 33 Mirror was originally designed by Gio Ponti in 1933 for Fontana Arte, the period’s most prominent lamp, glass, and mirror ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors
Materials
Brass
“Tiffany” Wall bracket 30 gold Silk, Antiqued Brass, Silvered Glass
By Sabrina Landini
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
TIFFANY the iconic lamp!
For 20 years, we have been committed to offering you unique collections in terms of design and quality. Using an ancestral manufacturing silvering method, a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Giraffe dining Chair in Solid Brazilian Wood by Juliana Vasconcellos
By Juliana Lima Vasconcellos
Located in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais
The Giraffe dining chair was designed with soft curves and slender, but with volume, bringing comfort and elegance. The base structure was thought with three feet. The upholstered se...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Wood
H 33.47 in W 17.72 in D 20.08 in
Articulated Sconce Mid-Century Modern Stilnovo Style Solid Brass Black and White
By Stilnovo, Arredoluce, Gino Sarfatti
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
This exquisite sconce is a nod to the timeless pieces crafted by mid-century modern Italian studios Arteluce and Stilnovo in the 1950s, but with a unique and distinctive design that ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and...
Materials
Brass, Metal, Aluminum
H 11.03 in W 5.91 in D 33.86 in
Shuffle mh1 Spectrum Side Table by Mia Hamborg for & Tradition
By Mia Hamborg
Located in Dubai, AE
The Shuffle side table in Spectrum colors seems to conjure images of classic wooden toys and with good reason.
The choice of colors and the fact that you can unify and construct the...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Side Tables
Materials
Wood
Pair of Constant Night Stands in Iroko Wood by Master Studio for Lemon
By Lemon
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Neatly proportioned with exceptional detailing, the constant nightstand is your perfect bedside partner. In our furniture making, the IDEA is to create special pieces that you can bu...
Category
2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals
Materials
Hardwood
Panoplie Petite Iron Tripod Lamp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Petite iron tripod lamp with slender legs and tapered feet. New wiring and new oyster linen shade. Multiple available, sold individually. Takes one E12 base bulb, up to 25 W or highe...
Category
2010s Table Lamps
Materials
Iron
Modern Low Round Findley Side Table in Specialty Lacquer by Martin and Brockett
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Martin & Brockett's Findley Round Low Side Table features the collection's signature curved lip and round base. Shown in Glacier blue hand polished high gloss lacquer
H 19.75 in. x...
Category
2010s American End Tables
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Recent Sales
Custom Parsons Desk
By Good Design
Located in New York, NY
Classic Parsons style desk. High gloss lacquer finish top available by your order in any color
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writ...
Materials
Stainless Steel
Hand Crafted Solid Oak Parsons Style Dining Table
Located in Boulder, CO
This handcrafted solid oak Parsons dining table is a masterpiece of timeless beauty and exceptional
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Parchment Parsons Style Dining Table
By Aldo Tura
Located in San Francisco, CA
as a large desk or writing table.
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Materials
Wood, Parchment Paper
Parsons Style Writing Desk Marked John Stuart
By John Stuart
Located in New York, NY
Burl top, three drawer Parsons desk, with aluminum trim. Minor wear and loss to the aluminum trim
Category
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Olive Burl Parsons style writing desk attributed to Baughman
Located in Ferndale, MI
Modern Parsons style olive burl writing desk with beautiful book matched veneer top. Could also be
Category
Vintage 1960s American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Modern Hollywood Regency Walnut Parson’s Style Writing Desk Tomlinson Furniture
By Tomlinson/Erwin-Lambeth Furniture Company
Located in Topeka, KS
Gorgeous modern or Hollywood Regency style slender hall Parson’s style writing desk by Tomlinson
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Desks
Materials
Brass
H 30.75 in W 54 in L 30.75 in
Olive Burl Parsons style writing desk attr. Milo Baughman
Located in Danville, CA
Gorgeous Olive Burl Parsons style desk with three concealed drawers.
Category
Vintage 1970s American Desks
Materials
Wood
Parsons Style Lapis Lazuli Desk
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Lapis clad desk or console with Mother of Pearl inlay on top. Desk features 3 drawers
Category
20th Century Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Lapis Lazuli
"Chinese Parsons Style Desk" by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Chinese parsons style desk" covered in burgundy embossed lizard leather by Karl Springer, American
Category
Late 20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables
Henredon "Scene Two" Olive Burl Parsons Style Desk
By Henredon, Milo Baughman
Located in Houston, TX
"Scene Two" desk by Henredon in olive burl. A single drawer in the center provides storage. Blocky
Category
Vintage 1970s American Hollywood Regency Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Burl, Olive
Custom Modern 3 Drawer Dovetailed Parson Style Desk by Norm Stoeker
By Norm Stoeker, Edward Wormley
Located in Houston, TX
and design. In the modern parson's style, The piece of furniture can be used as a console table, a
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Poplar, Satinwood
Chinese Parsons Style Desk in Embossed Lizard Leather by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Chinese Parsons Style Desk" in bone color embossed lizard leather with three drawers by Karl
Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Waterfall Parsons Table Desk Faux Tortoise Shell Laminate Style Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome modern table, console table, or desk in a waterfall parsons styling covered in a faux
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Laminate, Wood
H 29 in W 60 in L 29 in
Parsons Style Mid-Century Modern Desk in a Burl / Faux Tortoise Shell Laminate
Located in Houston, TX
Parsons style Mid-Century Modern desk covered in a burl / faux tortoise shell laminate. In the
Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Laminate
H 29.5 in W 54 in D 27.5 in
French 20th Century Oak Art Deco Parson Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
was at this time that this wonderful Deco style oak Parson desk was made. The desk features a
Category
20th Century French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Vintage Coastal Wrapped Rattan Writing Desk
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fabulous vintage Coastal writing desk. Chic wrapped rattan on a clean Parsons style frame. Glass
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rattan, Glass
Burl Wood Bureau Plat Desk on Parson's Frame In the Manner of Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman, Tomlinson
Located in Peabody, MA
case with two drawers on brass finished parson’s style frame.
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
H 30.5 in W 54 in D 27 in
Sophisticated Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman Style Burled Olive Wood Desk
By Milo Baughman
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A sleek Parsons shaped Milo Baugham style contemporary burled olive wood desk having two drawers
Category
Vintage 1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Olive
Craft Revival hand crafted Cocobolo Wood Desk
Located in Bainbridge, NY
1980's Modern Parsons style 2 drawer Cocobolo Desk. Uniquely crafted Studio piece with 45 degree
Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Cocobolo
Vintage Original Karl Springer Desk and Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A red leather clad parson's style desk and chair by Karl Springer. Desk has three drawers. Chair is
Category
20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Giorgio Armani "Cambridge" Desk in Cerused White Oak
By Giorgio Armani, Armani Casa
Located in Miami, FL
Cerused white oak Parsons style desk in the manner of Jean Michel Frank designed by Giorgio Armani
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Classic Modernist 3-Drawer Burl Wood Desk designed by Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman
Located in Buffalo, NY
book-match burl wood,, Architecturally designed, Classic ,, sleek , simple. Parsons style fit
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Burl
Hollywood Regency Parsons Style Herringbone Rattan Basket Weave Dining Table
By Bielecky Brothers
Located in Chattanooga, TN
1970s vintage Parsons style dining table or writing desk. Sturdy hardwood construction, completely
Category
Vintage 1970s American Hollywood Regency Dining Room Tables
Materials
Wicker, Cane, Wood, Rattan
H 29.25 in W 62 in D 40 in
Mid Century Parsons Style Writing Desk Made in Italy, circa 1950-1960s
By Milo Baughman, (after) Jean Michel Frank
Located in New York, NY
Chic architectural Parsons style writing desk, having tri angular legs, and a vibrant exotic veneer
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Modern Parsons Style Writing Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modern three-drawer writing desk in stitched antiqued leather. Substantial vintage desk features
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Desks
Materials
Leather
Modern Lacquered Parsons Style Writing Desk
Located in Locust Valley, NY
Parsons style, modern lacquered writing desk with two drawers. Beautifully finished piece, with
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Desks
Materials
Lacquer
Donghia Wood & Chrome Parsons Style Desk
By Parsons
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
This tailored and sophisticated, this Parsons style desk designed by Angelo Donghia and includes
Category
20th Century Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
1970s Burled Wood Parsons Style Desk
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1970s burled wood Parsons style 2-drawer desk. Desk has just been refinished.
Category
Vintage 1970s Desks and Writing Tables
Olive Ash Burl Three-Drawer Parsons Style Writing Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Olive ash burl Parsons design desk with three shallow drawers. Clean lines with slab sides and top
Category
Vintage 1970s American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Burl, Olive
Italian Parquet Marquetry Burl Walnut Top Parsons Desk Writing Table Two Drawers
By Maurice Dufrêne
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Italian exotic burl woods, including rosewood trim marquetry desk or writing table with two drawers
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood, Walnut
H 29 in W 54 in D 27 in
Chic Vintage Rattan Basket Weave Parsons Style Dining or Writing Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning vintage Parsons style dining table or writing desk, circa 1975. Stout hardwood
Category
Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood, Rattan
Fabulous Milo Baughman Parson Style Burled Olivewood Desk Mid-century Modern
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fabulous Milo Baughman Parson style desk with one drawer. This desk is in original vintage
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
H 30.5 in W 56 in D 30 in
Modernist Parsons Style Antiqued Mirror and Vitrolite Desk with Single Drawer
Located in New York, NY
This very clean and modernist Parsons style desk is made of gorgeous antique mirror with borders of
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mirror
H 30 in W 54 in D 30 in
Michael Taylor for Baker Mid Century Modern Walnut Campaign Style Writing Desk
By Michael Taylor
Located in Dayton, OH
An iconic Parsons desk or library table by Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture, circa 1960s
Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
H 28 in W 59 in D 28 in
Mid-Century Modern Emerald Green Parsons Desk Console or Sofa Table
By Karl Springer, Milo Baughman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A uniquely thick proportioned console table or desk. It is very well made and features an emerald
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Laminate, Wood
Mid-century French Pine Single Drawer Writing Table Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rustic mid-century modern French writing table or desk crafted from pine. Made in a minimalist
Category
20th Century French Rustic Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Modernist Mahogany Dovetailed Desk
By Wright Horne
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
. Drawer is made so it's flush with the parsons style base. The desk was made by Wright Horne who was a
Category
Vintage 1970s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Milo Baughman for Directional Mid Century Desk File Cabinet
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Baltimore, MD
Fabulous parsons writing desk or console table with modular file cabinets designed by Milo Baughman
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Two-Drawer Lacquered Console or Writing Desk, Usa, circa 1980
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Parsons style console table or writing desk in a yellow, thick crackled lacquered finish with two
Category
Late 20th Century Console Tables
Beautiful Vintage Raffia Extension Dining Table in Cream Lacquer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stellar vintage dining table, circa 1970s. Handsome Parsons style form with subtle Asian detail
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Materials
Hardwood, Raffia
Vintage Walnut Parsons Writing Desk/Table
Located in Hudson, NY
a very handsome and classic modern vintage Parsons style writing desk/table in beautifully grained
Category
Vintage 1970s American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Parsons Style Parquetry Writing Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
Custom made parsons style parquetry desk with two small drawers.
Category
Vintage 1970s Unknown Desks and Writing Tables
Wood Parsons Style Desk
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Crafted from white elm, this versatile parsons style desk is equally at home in your library or
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Desks and Writing Tables
Dunbar Style Parsons Design Desk
Located in Bronx, NY
Dunbar Style Parsons Design Desk, please inquire about inventory and rentals for photo shoots by
Category
20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Parsons Style Directional Desk by Milo Baughman
Located in San Francisco, CA
Beautiful parsons style two drawer desk by Milo Baughman for Directional, with the thin profile and
Category
Vintage 1970s American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Midcentury Walnut Parsons Style Desk or Vanity with Brass Hardware
By Milo Baughman
Located in Houston, TX
This desk or vanity has gorgeous clean lines and intricate walnut graining which is book-matched on
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Mid-Century Parsons Style Desk with Brass Accents and Tiger Wood Grain
Located in Bridport, CT
Beautiful Mid-Century partners desk. Beautiful wood grain with brass accents. Partner pull out
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
BURLED WOOD DESK / WRITING TABLE
Located in St.amford, CT
This three drawer parsons style desk / writing table by Century, features burled wood, with darker
Category
20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
1970's Writing Table by Pace
By Pace Collection
Located in Miami, FL
Elegant Desk in Parsons style by Pace collection
With two drawers fitted with pencil holders
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Burl Lacquer Desk
Located in New York, NY
Parsons style maple burl lacquer two-drawer desk or console made by Wellington Hall circa 1970
Category
Vintage 1970s American Desks and Writing Tables
Karl Springer Shagreen Desk
Located in Southampton, NY
Magnificent parson's style mahogany veneer and black lacquer desk with shagreen plateau and drawers
Category
Late 20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Desk with 2 drawers by Milo Baughman
Located in New York, NY
Burl Parson's style desk with two drawers and chrome sabots by Milo Baughman
Category
20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables
Stainless Steel and Leather Desk by Pace
By Pace Collection
Located in New York, NY
Polished stainless steel parsons-style frame with a brown hide insert for the writing surface and
Category
Vintage 1970s American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stainless Steel
Parsons Style Desk, by Henredon
By Henredon
Located in Hudson, NY
Scene two by Henredon. Gorgeous burled wood. Single drawer.
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Burl
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Parsons Style Writing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs
Find many varieties of an authentic parsons style writing desk available at 1stDibs. A parsons style writing desk — often made from wood, cork and oak — can elevate any home. If you’re shopping for a parsons style writing desk, we have 3 options in-stock, while there are 7 modern editions to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer parsons style writing desk, there are earlier versions available from the 20th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. A parsons style writing desk is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in mid-century modern, Art Deco and modern styles are sought with frequency. Many designers have produced at least one well-made parsons style writing desk over the years, but those crafted by Lawson-Fenning are often thought to be among the most beautiful.
How Much is a Parsons Style Writing Desk?
Prices for a parsons style writing desk start at $1,650 and top out at $11,500 with the average selling for $4,025.
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.
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