Retro Writing Desk
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Modernist Writing Desk
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A writing desk finely crafted in solid teak having a floating bank of drawers and turned dowel legs.
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Teak
Leather Top Writing Desk
Located in Pomona, CA
A leather top writing desk with brass accent on the edge and three drawers
Category
1970s American Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Brass
Argentinian Writing Desk, 1950s
Located in Milano, IT
Writing desk with column of drawers and open compartment under the top; solid beech wood stained
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Beech, Mahogany
Leather Top Writing Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage writing desk includes a protective cover for part of the top surface, multiple drawers
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Brass
Child Rosewood Writing Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage writing desk on rolling wheels, in an incredible rich rosewood color. This compact desk is
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Rosewood
Writing Desk by George Nelson
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A single pedestal writing desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller with a built-in pivoting lamp
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Steel
Ico Parisi writing desk
By Ico Parisi
Located in Milano, IT
COD-2444
Ico Parisi (1916-1996)
One or a pair of bedroom writing desk in oak with compartment for
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Wood
1970’s French Elm Writing Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
Postmodern French writing desk. Made of Elm.
Category
1970s French Post-Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Elm
Writing Desk by Henry Kjærnulf
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Striking writing desk in oak with drawers. By Henry Kjærnulf.
Refreshing design with bold
Category
1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Oak
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
1950s American Louis XV Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Wood
Bamboo Writing Desk with Drawers, 1980s
Located in Roma, RM
BAMBOO WRITING DESK WITH DRAWERS 1980
Product details
Dimensions: 90L x 80H x 61D cm.
Category
1980s Italian Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Bamboo
Writing Desk Mahogany Veneer, Italy, 1950s
Located in Milano, IT
Drop-leaf writing desk with drawers in the lower part; mahogany veneered wood with inlaid thread
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Mahogany
Finn Juhl Teak Writing Desk
By Bovirke, Finn Juhl
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
This a wonderful example of a Finn Juhl freestanding teak writing desk with detachable 20.25 inch
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Steel
Italian Walnut, Formica and Brass Writing Desk, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian walnut, Formica and brass writing desk, 1960s. Beautiful writing desk, with top in white
Category
1960s Italian Adam Style Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Brass
1950s John Widdicomb Ladies Writing Desk
By John Widdicomb
Located in Naples, FL
Excellent vintage condition! Formal French Country style ladies writing desk; signature John
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Retro Writing Desk
Materials
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 Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Rattan, Glass
Elegant French Deco Style Writing Desk
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Sophisticated French Deco style rosewood veneer writing desk having gorgeous silhouette and unusual
Category
1970s French Art Deco Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Rosewood
Tessellated Stone Writing Desk by Maitland Smith
By Maitland Smith
Located in Fraser, MI
Maitland Smith Writing Desk. Mahogany Drawers. Stone rectangular tiles assembled in a surface
Category
1980s Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Stone
Mastercraft Mid Century Bronze Writing Desk
By Mastercraft
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive vintage writing desk crafted in bronze with a hip acid washed finish, in a stylized
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Bronze
1950's Deco style French writing desk
Located in London, Lambeth
Solid oak Deco style French writing desk good work surface rounded curved shaped design. 4 storage
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Oak
French Writing Desk in Solid Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Writing desk, pine, France, 1960s
This writing desk of French origin has a splendid construction
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Pine
Harvey Probber Writing Desk- Signed
By Harvey Probber
Located in Trenton, NJ
This impressive mid-century modern writing desk from Harvey Probber features a striking yet simple
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Wood
Italian Postmodern Round Rolling Writing Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This round Postmodern writing desk is on casters for easy mobility and transportation. The half
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Steel
1800s New England Pine Writing Desk
Located in Germantown, MD
Small writing desk from the 1800s in New England. Original patina. Good steady condition
Category
Mid-20th Century American American Colonial Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Pine
Vintage Writing Desk, 1970's, Czechoslovakia
Located in Prague 8, CZ
This Vintage writing desk was made in the former Czechoslovakia in the 1970´s.
It's made of
Category
Late 20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Iron
Vintage Writing Desk, 1970´S, Czechoslovakia
Located in Prague 8, CZ
This Vintage writing desk was made in the former Czechoslovakia in the 1970´s.
It´s made of
Category
Late 20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Iron
Vintage Drexel "Composite" Series Writing Desk
By Drexel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern writing desk combining sturdy quality with great design. Manufactured by Drexel
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Metal, Brass
Elegant Heywood Wakefield Ladies Writing Desk & Chair
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Buffalo, NY
Elegant Heywood Wakefield Ladies Writing Desk & Chair.. Classic mid century modern,Wonderful
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Fabric, Birch
Vintage Walnut Writing Desk by Kent Coffey Temp
By Kent-Coffey
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This unique walnut writing desk was designed and manufactured by Kent Coffey Tempo in the United
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Walnut
Vintage Regency Hand Painted Gladiator Writing Desk
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fantastic Vintage Regency writing desk. Beautiful hand painted detail with scenes of gladiators
Category
Late 20th Century North American Regency Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Paint
Vintage Asian Custom Built Reclaimed Writing Desk
Located in west palm beach, FL
Incredible vintage Asian writing desk. Custom built to the designers specs. Beautiful reclaimed
Category
Late 20th Century Singaporean Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Wood
20th Century Louis Phillippe Writing Desk
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Beautiful and elegant Louis Philippe writing desk in a burl mahogany wood with leather and bronze
Category
1950s French Louis Philippe Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Brass
Mahogany Writing Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An octagonal mahogany writing desk designed by Edward Wormley with a single drawer. Made by Dunbar
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
Genuine Mahogany Writing Desk with 8 Drawers
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Genuine mahogany writing desk, made approximately in 1930-1940s. It's 44" wide, 22" deep and 30
Category
Mid-20th Century American Colonial Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Mahogany
Sears Roebuck & co., Writing Desk, Oak, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A small solid oak writing desk from the "Harmony House Ranch-Mode"-series, designed and produced by
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Oak
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk
Located in Greenwich, CT
This vintage Mid-Century Modern writing desk has been completely refinished and refreshed to look
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Wood
Large Italian Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk
Located in Berlin, DE
Large Italian Mid-Century Modern writing desk.
Spectacular large writing / working desk made in
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Metal
Danish Rosewood Writing Desk by Bernhard Pedersen
By Bernhard Pedersen & Son
Located in Toledo, OH
This beautiful Danish rosewood writing desk is complete with 3 drawers and a barrel top that rolls
Category
1960s Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Rosewood
Midcentury Formica Writing Desk, 1960´s, Czechoslovakia
Located in Prague 8, CZ
Mid century writing desk with one drawer. It has chromed legs and formica top.
Very simple
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Chrome
Unique wall unit with methacrylate top writing desk
By Italian school XX ct.
Located in Milano, IT
COD-CV026
Unique wall unit with methacrylate top writing desk with one drawer, newspaper holder and
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Wood
Baker Furniture Georgian Carved Mahogany Writing Desk
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Georgian or Chippendale style writing desk
By Baker Furniture
USA, circa 1980s
Category
1980s American Georgian Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Brass
1960s National Mt Airy Mahogany Chippendale Writing Desk
By National Mt. Airy
Located in Germantown, MD
Vintage Mahogany Chippendale writing desk by National Mount Airy Furniture of North Carolina
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Chippendale Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Brass
Vintage American Mahogany Escritoire Writing Desk
Located in Plainview, NY
A beautiful and timeless 1970's American escritoire desk. The writing desk is made of solid
Category
Late 20th Century American Classical Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Mahogany
Danish Freestanding Writing Desk by Valdemar Mortensen, 1960s
Located in Ranst, VAN
Beautiful vintage writing desk in teak produced by Valdemar Mortensen, Denmark 1960s. There are six
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Teak
Romweber Spanish Baroque Carved Pine Writing Desk
By Jim Peed, Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Spanish Baroque style writing desk
By Jim Peed for Romweber
USA, Circa 1990s
Category
Late 20th Century American Baroque Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Brass
Small Wooden Italian Writing Desk with Brass Details
Located in Madrid, ES
Writing desk made in Italy, circa 1960s. The desk has been partially restored and has a tabletop
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Brass
Modern Lacquered Writing Desk with Brass Accents by John Stuart
By John Stuart
Located in Dallas, TX
A timeless vintage piece, this midcentury writing desk feels glamourous, manufactured for John
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Brass
Late 20th Century Vintage Coastal Wrapped Rattan Writing Desk
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fabulous vintage Coastal writing desk. Chic wrapped rattan frame with inset woven rattan panels
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Rattan
Fully restored midcentury writing Desk, 1960's, Czechoslovakia
Located in Prague 8, CZ
This ladies writing desk was made in the former Czechoslovakia in the 1960´s.
It's made of beech
Category
Late 20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Plastic, Wood, Beech
Stickley American Colonial Cherry Wood Writing Desk, 1960
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous American Colonial style writing desk or entry table
By L. & J.G. Stickley
USA
Category
1960s American American Colonial Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Brass
1980s English Root Wood Writing Desk with Door and Drawers
Located in Marbella, ES
1980s English root wood writing desk with door and drawers.
Category
Late 20th Century English Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Mahogany
Severin Hansen 1950s Danish Rosewood Writing Desk
By Haslev Mobelsnedkeri, Severin Hansen Jr., Severin Hansen
Located in London, GB
Severin Hansen Jnr. - Model 36 Writing Desk
This iconic desk waa designed by Severin Hansen Jnr
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Rosewood
Scandinavian Ergonomic Design Writing Desk and Stool, Stokke, 1980's
By Stokke
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Scandinavian ergonomic design writing desk with pivoting stool, made by Stokke, Norway 1980
Category
1980s Norwegian Post-Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Metal
Wooden Writing Desk with Metal Structure, Italy, 1960s
Located in Madrid, ES
Small writing desk of wood and metal, Formica table top. Front of the two drawers painted in black
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Metal
French Mid-Century Louis XV Style Writing Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
French, Louis XV style, black lacquered chestnut writing desk, circa 1940's features a brass
Category
Mid-20th Century French Louis XV Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Jacob Kjær Mid Century Rio Rosewood Writing Desk
By Jacob Kjaer
Located in Kastrup, DK
Freestanding Rio rosewood writing desk with beautiful grain designed by Jacob Kjær, Denmark 1950
Category
Mid-20th Century European Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Rosewood
Mid-Century Writing Desk with Filing Drawer
Located in Trenton, NJ
This unique midcentury writing desk is long and narrow with a durable laminate top and sturdy metal
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Metal
Winner Book Motif Leather Wrapped Maitland Smith Writing Desk
By Maitland Smith
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Handsome Maitland Smith leather wrapped writing desk having trompe l'oeil book decoration with two
Category
1980s Philippine Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Leather, Wood
Boho Chic Reed and Wicker Writing Desk by Whitecraft
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Exceptional vintage boho regency writing desk by Whitecraft Furniture. Features a pencil reed frame
Category
1980s Philippine Regency Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Wicker, Reed, Glass
French Hollywood Regency Style Mahogany Writing Desk
Located in Plainview, NY
A classy mid-20th century French Hollywood Regency style writing desk. The desk is made of solid
Category
Mid-20th Century Hollywood Regency Retro Writing Desk
Materials
Brass, Iron
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Retro Writing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs
With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the retro writing desk you’re looking for. Each retro writing desk for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, metal and hardwood. There are many kinds of the retro writing desk you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 20th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. A retro writing desk made by Mid-Century Modern designers — as well as those associated with Scandinavian Modern — is very popular. Arne Vodder, Paul McCobb and George Nelson each produced at least one beautiful retro writing desk that is worth considering.
How Much is a Retro Writing Desk?
A retro writing desk can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $3,698, while the lowest priced sells for $1 and the highest can go for as much as $250,000.
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 Retro Writing Desk
- What is a writing desk?1 Answer1stDibs 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 12, 2021A 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 ExpertOctober 19, 2021A 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 ExpertJune 15, 2023What 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, 2023In 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.
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