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French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Walnut Partners Desk
French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Walnut Partners Desk

French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Walnut Partners Desk

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

An extraordinary walnut Louis XVI style partners desk with leather top from 19th century, France

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

19th Century, French Renaissance Barley Twist Walnut Partner's Desk
19th Century, French Renaissance Barley Twist Walnut Partner's Desk

19th Century, French Renaissance Barley Twist Walnut Partner's Desk

Located in Dallas, TX

19th century, French Renaissance barley twist walnut partner's desk is not only rare to find, but

Category

Antique 1890s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Faux Leather, Walnut

John Widdicomb Chinoiserie Partners Desk Hand Painted Leather Top
John Widdicomb Chinoiserie Partners Desk Hand Painted Leather Top

John Widdicomb Chinoiserie Partners Desk Hand Painted Leather Top

By John Widdicomb

Located in West Hartford, CT

Rare oil painted Chinoiserie partners desk made by John Widdicomb. Features drawers and cabinets on

Category

Mid-20th Century American Chippendale Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Burr Walnut Partners Desk
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Burr Walnut Partners Desk

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Burr Walnut Partners Desk

Located in Chelmsford, Essex

For sale is a good quality Edwardian burr walnut partners desk. The desk has a green leather insert

Category

Early 20th Century English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Vintage French Solid Oak Partners Gothic Desk ~ Saturday Sale
Vintage French Solid Oak Partners Gothic Desk ~ Saturday Sale

Vintage French Solid Oak Partners Gothic Desk ~ Saturday Sale

Located in Dallas, TX

A handsome example in Gothic Revival style of early 1900s Europe, this French solid oak partners

Category

Vintage 1930s French Gothic Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Large 19th Century English Victorian Mahogany Pedestal Partners Desk
Large 19th Century English Victorian Mahogany Pedestal Partners Desk

Large 19th Century English Victorian Mahogany Pedestal Partners Desk

Located in Chelmsford, Essex

For sale is a fine quality large 19th century Victorian mahogany partners desk. The top having a

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Art Deco Figured Walnut Partners Desk by Maple & Co
Art Deco Figured Walnut Partners Desk by Maple & Co

Art Deco Figured Walnut Partners Desk by Maple & Co

By Maple & Co.

Located in London, GB

A stunning original Art Deco partners desk in walnut. This was made in England by Maple & Co, it

Category

Mid-20th Century English Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Victorian Mahogany Inlaid Partners Pedestal Desk, circa 1870
Antique Victorian Mahogany Inlaid Partners Pedestal Desk, circa 1870

Antique Victorian Mahogany Inlaid Partners Pedestal Desk, circa 1870

Located in London, GB

We are pleased to be able to offer for sale this striking example of an antique Victorian Partners

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Antique English Mahogany Edwardian Partner's Desk with Leather Top
Antique English Mahogany Edwardian Partner's Desk with Leather Top

Antique English Mahogany Edwardian Partner's Desk with Leather Top

Located in Dallas, TX

Antique English Mahogany Edwardian Partner's Desk with Leather Top will make the perfect

Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique, Small Ladies Walnut Partners Desk by Lovell & COX
Antique, Small Ladies Walnut Partners Desk by Lovell & COX

Antique, Small Ladies Walnut Partners Desk by Lovell & COX

Located in Oxfordshire, GB

Small walnut partners desk. A fine Victorian free standing walnut partners desk made in the

Category

Antique 1880s English Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Georgian Revival Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk, 19th Century
Antique Georgian Revival Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk, 19th Century

Antique Georgian Revival Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk, 19th Century

Located in London, GB

This is a stunning Georgian Revival mahogany partners pedestal desk, circa 1880 in date. The desk

Category

Antique 1880s Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Big Oak 18-Drawer Partners Desk in Perfect Condition
Big Oak 18-Drawer Partners Desk in Perfect Condition

Big Oak 18-Drawer Partners Desk in Perfect Condition

Located in Eindhoven, NL

Beautiful large antique oak desk. All in perfect condition. Desk has 18 drawers and four pull-out shelves. Nice paneled sides. Hand colored brown leather with blind tooling. Warm lig...

Category

Vintage 1910s British Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Palatial Victorian Gilt-Bronze Mounted Bureau Plat Partner’s Desk
Palatial Victorian Gilt-Bronze Mounted Bureau Plat Partner’s Desk

Palatial Victorian Gilt-Bronze Mounted Bureau Plat Partner’s Desk

Located in LOS ANGELES, CA

A Palatial Victorian Gilt-Bronze Mounted Bureau Plat. This palatial bureau plat is of grand proportions. The top is of serpentine rectangular out-shape and is lined in well worn fa...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Very Rare Custom Finn Juhl Partner's Desk by Bovirke
Very Rare Custom Finn Juhl Partner's Desk by Bovirke

Very Rare Custom Finn Juhl Partner's Desk by Bovirke

Located in London, GB

Designed by Finn Juhl and made by cabinetmakers Bovirke as a custom piece with drawers on both sides of the desk this is a very rare piece. The coloured drawers are in good original ...

Category

20th Century Danish Desks and Writing Tables

Beautiful R.E.H. Kennedy mahogany military partners desk
Beautiful R.E.H. Kennedy mahogany military partners desk

Beautiful R.E.H. Kennedy mahogany military partners desk

By Kennedy Furniture For Harrods London

Located in Crawley, GB

We delight to offer for sale this lovely mahogany campaign twin pedestal desk with green tooled leather top , brush and slide , sliding drawers and campaign handles . In good conditi...

Category

Mid-20th Century British Campaign Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Peter Lovig Nielsen Flip-top Partners Desk, circa 1960s
Peter Lovig Nielsen Flip-top Partners Desk, circa 1960s

Peter Lovig Nielsen Flip-top Partners Desk, circa 1960s

By Peter Løvig Nielsen

Located in Norwalk, CT

This iconic teakwood desk was made by Peter Lovig Furniture Company in Denmark in the 1960s. Purchased form the original owners it has been beautifully restored. It has the signature...

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

English Antique Carved Walnut Leather-Top Pedestal Partner’s Desk
English Antique Carved Walnut Leather-Top Pedestal Partner’s Desk

English Antique Carved Walnut Leather-Top Pedestal Partner’s Desk

Located in Shippensburg, PA

A robust and beautifully executed pedestal desk in the Georgian taste, it is a product of the turn of the century and features careful hand-craftsmanship of every aspect of the piece...

Category

20th Century English Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Antique George IV Flame Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk, 19th Century
Antique George IV Flame Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk, 19th Century

Antique George IV Flame Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk, 19th Century

Located in London, GB

This is a stunning antique George IV mahogany partners desk, circa 1840 in date. This splendid

Category

Antique 1840s English George IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Vintage Victorian Style Burr Walnut Partners Pedestal Desk 20th Century
Vintage Victorian Style Burr Walnut Partners Pedestal Desk 20th Century

Vintage Victorian Style Burr Walnut Partners Pedestal Desk 20th Century

Located in London, GB

This is an exquisite burr walnut partners pedestal desk dating from the mid 20th Century.  This

Category

Mid-20th Century English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Victorian Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk Maple & Co 19th C
Antique Victorian Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk Maple & Co 19th C

Antique Victorian Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk Maple & Co 19th C

By Maple & Co.

Located in London, GB

beautiful flame mahogany and features a stunning gilt tooled green leather writing surface. It is a partners

Category

Antique 1870s English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Antique French Empire Revival Ormolu Mounted Partners Desk 19th Century
Antique French Empire Revival Ormolu Mounted Partners Desk 19th Century

Antique French Empire Revival Ormolu Mounted Partners Desk 19th Century

Located in London, GB

A superb Napoleon III Ormolu Mounted Empire Revival Flame Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk, Circa

Category

Antique 1870s Napoleon III Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

George III Style Burton-Ching Burl Walnut Pedestal Partners Desk
George III Style Burton-Ching Burl Walnut Pedestal Partners Desk

George III Style Burton-Ching Burl Walnut Pedestal Partners Desk

Located in LOS ANGELES, CA

George III style Burton-Ching burl walnut pedestal partners desk.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American George III Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Burl

George III Style Burton-Ching Burl Walnut Pedestal Partners Desk
George III Style Burton-Ching Burl Walnut Pedestal Partners Desk

George III Style Burton-Ching Burl Walnut Pedestal Partners Desk

Located in LOS ANGELES, CA

George III style Burton-Ching burl walnut pedestal partners desk.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American George III Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Burl

Antique English Mahogany Partner's Desk with Leather Top, Circa 1880.
Antique English Mahogany Partner's Desk with Leather Top, Circa 1880.

Antique English Mahogany Partner's Desk with Leather Top, Circa 1880.

Located in New Orleans, LA

Antique English mahogany partner's desk with leather top, circa 1880.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Victorian 6ft Flame Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk 19th C
Antique Victorian 6ft Flame Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk 19th C

Antique Victorian 6ft Flame Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk 19th C

Located in London, GB

This is a very fine antique Victorian flame mahogany inverted breakfront partners pedestal desk

Category

Antique 1880s English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Børge Mogensen Teak 'Partner's' Desk for AB Karl Andersson, 1960
Børge Mogensen Teak 'Partner's' Desk for AB Karl Andersson, 1960

Børge Mogensen Teak 'Partner's' Desk for AB Karl Andersson, 1960

By Børge Mogensen

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Wonderful Børge Mogensen teak "partner's" desk from the second half of the 20th century, a two part

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Early 20th Century Complete Partners Suite by Heaton Tabb & Co.
Early 20th Century Complete Partners Suite by Heaton Tabb & Co.

Early 20th Century Complete Partners Suite by Heaton Tabb & Co.

Located in Dallas, TX

: Large Partner’s Desk, Large Side Table, Filing Cabinet and Trash Bin. All pieces are made of gorgeous

Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique English Victorian Carved Oak Elizabethan Revival Greenman Partners Desk
Antique English Victorian Carved Oak Elizabethan Revival Greenman Partners Desk

Antique English Victorian Carved Oak Elizabethan Revival Greenman Partners Desk

By Edwards & Roberts

Located in Glasgow, GB

A stunning, beautifully carved Elizabethan Revival Victorian oak partners desk attributed to

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Faux Leather, Oak

Antique German Carved Mahogany Black Forest Style Stag Partners' Desk
Antique German Carved Mahogany Black Forest Style Stag Partners' Desk

Antique German Carved Mahogany Black Forest Style Stag Partners' Desk

Located in Big Flats, NY

Antique German carved mahogany Black Forest style partners' desk features stag and foliate

Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Grand French Louis XVI Style Walnut and Brass Partner's Desk
Grand French Louis XVI Style Walnut and Brass Partner's Desk

Grand French Louis XVI Style Walnut and Brass Partner's Desk

Located in Birmingham, AL

Grand French Louis XVI style partner's desk. Solid walnut. Olive green leather insert with brass

Category

Vintage 1920s French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Bronze

19th Century Victorian Red Chinoiserie Faux Bamboo English Partners Desk
19th Century Victorian Red Chinoiserie Faux Bamboo English Partners Desk

19th Century Victorian Red Chinoiserie Faux Bamboo English Partners Desk

Located in Round Top, TX

A Victorian faux bamboo Chinoiserie partners desk in re-laquered elm, the top with aged camel

Category

Antique 19th Century British Other Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Faux Bamboo

Vintage Reproduction of Sir Winston Churchill's Leather Top Partners Desk
Vintage Reproduction of Sir Winston Churchill's Leather Top Partners Desk

Vintage Reproduction of Sir Winston Churchill's Leather Top Partners Desk

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Handsome copy of Winston Churchill's George III style partners desk crafted in mahogany with a

Category

Mid-20th Century English George III Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Large Mahogany & Brown Leather Christopher Langley Twin Pedestal Partner Desk
Large Mahogany & Brown Leather Christopher Langley Twin Pedestal Partner Desk

Large Mahogany & Brown Leather Christopher Langley Twin Pedestal Partner Desk

By Christopher Langley LTD

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

pedestal partner desk with brown leather top A solid and substantial desk, this is one of the heaviest

Category

20th Century English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Style Partners / Executive Desk, Rosewood
Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Style Partners / Executive Desk, Rosewood

Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Style Partners / Executive Desk, Rosewood

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

Located in Stamford, CT

Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Style Partners / Executive Desk, Rosewood/Walnut Fully Refinished

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century English Bevan Funnell Ltd. Campaign Style Partners Desk
Mid-Century English Bevan Funnell Ltd. Campaign Style Partners Desk

Mid-Century English Bevan Funnell Ltd. Campaign Style Partners Desk

By Bevan Funnell Ltd.

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is an English Bevan Funnell Ltd. campaign style partners desk. The top is a tooled green

Category

Mid-20th Century Campaign Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique George III Marquetry Inlaid Partners Pedestal Desk 18th C
Antique George III Marquetry Inlaid Partners Pedestal Desk 18th C

Antique George III Marquetry Inlaid Partners Pedestal Desk 18th C

Located in London, GB

This is a superb and rare antique George III mahogany and marquetry inlaid twin pedestal partners

Category

Antique 1780s English George III Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Georgian Burled Walnut Leather Top Double-Sided Executive Partners Desk
Georgian Burled Walnut Leather Top Double-Sided Executive Partners Desk

Georgian Burled Walnut Leather Top Double-Sided Executive Partners Desk

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in South Bend, IN

A stately Georgian or Chippendale style double-sided executive partners desk with inlaid leather

Category

Mid-20th Century American Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Scandinavian Modern Rosewood Flip-Top Partners Desk By Peter Løvig Nielsen
Scandinavian Modern Rosewood Flip-Top Partners Desk By Peter Løvig Nielsen

Scandinavian Modern Rosewood Flip-Top Partners Desk By Peter Løvig Nielsen

By Peter Løvig Nielsen

Located in Brooklyn, NY

shelf to a two-person partners desk by simply flipping the top shelf down and turning the removable

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Fine Georgian Style Partners Desk, Executive Desk, Tooled Leather Top, Baker
Fine Georgian Style Partners Desk, Executive Desk, Tooled Leather Top, Baker

Fine Georgian Style Partners Desk, Executive Desk, Tooled Leather Top, Baker

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in Stamford, CT

A Georgian style flame mahogany partners desk, tooled leather top, A Georgian Style Partners

Category

Mid-20th Century American Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Grand French Louis XV Style Walnut Partner's Desk with Marquetry Inlay
Grand French Louis XV Style Walnut Partner's Desk with Marquetry Inlay

Grand French Louis XV Style Walnut Partner's Desk with Marquetry Inlay

Located in Birmingham, AL

legs. Stamped by the maker A. Bourdet. Original keys for each drawer. This handsome writing table

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Fruitwood, Walnut

Rare Victorian Chinoiserie Japanned Black Laqured Twin Pedestal Partner Desk
Rare Victorian Chinoiserie Japanned Black Laqured Twin Pedestal Partner Desk

Rare Victorian Chinoiserie Japanned Black Laqured Twin Pedestal Partner Desk

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

pedestal partner desk, circa 1860 A very rare and desirable desk, this is a nice mid Victorian example

Category

Antique 1860s English High Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Victorian Satinwood and Boxwood Inlay Twin Pedestal Partner Desk Gillows
Victorian Satinwood and Boxwood Inlay Twin Pedestal Partner Desk Gillows

Victorian Satinwood and Boxwood Inlay Twin Pedestal Partner Desk Gillows

By Gillows of Lancaster & London

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Stunning elegant Victorian Satinwood with Boxwood inaly partner desk Please note the delivery fee

Category

Antique 19th Century British Late Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Boxwood, Satinwood

Early 20th Century Partners Desk by Harrods "The Gillows Model"
Early 20th Century Partners Desk by Harrods "The Gillows Model"

Early 20th Century Partners Desk by Harrods "The Gillows Model"

Located in London, GB

This is a fine piece of Harrods furniture in the form of an antique mahogany partners pedestal desk

Category

Antique Early 1900s English Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Swedish Biedermeier Satin Birch Pedestal Partner Desk, circa 1840-1860
Antique Swedish Biedermeier Satin Birch Pedestal Partner Desk, circa 1840-1860

Antique Swedish Biedermeier Satin Birch Pedestal Partner Desk, circa 1840-1860

By Biedermeier

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

birch twin pedestal partner A very rare and good looking piece, rare to find as a solid twin pedestal

Category

Antique 1840s Swedish Biedermeier Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Satin, Birch

Black Lacquer EJ VICTOR Office Partners Desk with Leather Top
Black Lacquer EJ VICTOR Office Partners Desk with Leather Top

Black Lacquer EJ VICTOR Office Partners Desk with Leather Top

Located in North York, ON

This beautiful desk was made by EJ Victor out of North Carolina. A company known for their attention to detail, use of quality materials, and employing only the finest craftsmen, it...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Desks and Writing Tables

Oval Georgian-Style Partners Desk; Banded Mahogany and Oyster-Burl
Oval Georgian-Style Partners Desk; Banded Mahogany and Oyster-Burl

Oval Georgian-Style Partners Desk; Banded Mahogany and Oyster-Burl

Located in Houston, TX

Oval bookmatched veneered top with a banded edge, above A frieze with three drawers along each side and two faux drawers at each end., mounted to a pair of semi-oval pedestals Each w...

Category

Vintage 1920s European Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Flame Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk by Edwards & Roberts 19th Century
Antique Flame Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk by Edwards & Roberts 19th Century

Antique Flame Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk by Edwards & Roberts 19th Century

By Edwards & Roberts

Located in London, GB

top is inset with a superb gold tooled green leather writing surface. This splendid desk is a partners

Category

Antique 1850s English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique English Mahogany Partner's Desk with Gadroon Border and New Leather
Antique English Mahogany Partner's Desk with Gadroon Border and New Leather

Antique English Mahogany Partner's Desk with Gadroon Border and New Leather

Located in New Orleans, LA

Antique English mahogany partner's desk with gadroon border and new leather, circa 1890-1920.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Antique Flame Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk George III Revival 19th Century
Antique Flame Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk George III Revival 19th Century

Antique Flame Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk George III Revival 19th Century

Located in London, GB

This is a wonderful antique flame mahogany twin pedestal partners desk in the stunning George III

Category

Antique 1870s English George III Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Stunning Vintage Mahogany Oval Twin Pedestal Partner Desk Drawers All Round
Stunning Vintage Mahogany Oval Twin Pedestal Partner Desk Drawers All Round

Stunning Vintage Mahogany Oval Twin Pedestal Partner Desk Drawers All Round

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to this absolutely stunning Crotch Mahogany Oval Partners desk with brass handles

Category

20th Century English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Antique Flame Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk George III Revival 19th Century
Antique Flame Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk George III Revival 19th Century

Antique Flame Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk George III Revival 19th Century

Located in London, GB

This is a wonderful antique flame mahogany twin pedestal partners desk in the stunning George III

Category

Antique 1870s English George III Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

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Partners Writing Table For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic partners writing table available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, mahogany and animal skin, every partners writing table was constructed with great care. If you’re shopping for a partners writing table, we have 548 options in-stock, while there are 4 modern editions to choose from as well. There are many kinds of the partners writing table you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. A partners writing table, designed in the Victorian, Georgian or Regency style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. Many designers have produced at least one well-made partners writing table over the years, but those crafted by Florence Knoll, Peter Løvig Nielsen and Jens Harald Quistgaard are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Partners Writing Table?

Prices for a partners writing table start at $800 and top out at $225,000 with the average selling for $6,488.

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.