Free Standing Mahogany English Regency Tambour Roll Top Writing Desk
Located in Kastrup, DK
An elegant 19th century freestanding mahogany roll top writing desk. Tambour top rolls back to reveal a fitted interior with drawers, pigeon holes and a slant lid leather writing su...
Brass
1960s Danish Modern Rosewood Roll Top Writing Desk by Bernhardt Pedersen
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Danish Modern Rosewood Roll-Top Writing Desk This exceptional Danish Modern writing desk, expertly designed and crafted by Bernhard Pedersen & Son in the United States, is a masterc...
Rosewood
Mid 19th Century Mahogany Roll Top Writing Desk
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Roll bureau or roll secretary. Mid 19th century. Solid mahogany and veneered on oak. Standing on 4 twisted turned table legs with 5 long frame drawers, a work surface that can be...
Mahogany, Oak
Roll Top Writing Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1960s
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A stately and elegant rosewood and mahogany campaign desk having three drawers and two rosewood roll-top compartments flanking a central writing surface with a flip-down back splash,...
Wood
Roll Top Writing Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1960s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A stately and elegant rosewood and mahogany campaign desk having three drawers and two rosewood roll-top compartments flanking a central writing surface with a flip-down back splash,...
Brass
Roll-Top Desk in Louis XVI Style with Marquetry and Brass Gallery
Located in Miami, FL
Elegant antique-style roll-top writing desk (bureau à cylindre) crafted from fine wood veneers with beautiful parquetry and inlaid details.
Bronze
19th Century Empire Writing Desk With Roll Top, Nutwood, Austria ca. 1800
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Absolute extraordinary crafted, rare early 19th century roll top writing desk from the turn of the century around 1800 in Austria.
Brass
$2,500Sale Price|35% Off
Bernhardt Pedersen Danish Mid Century Modern Rosewood Roll Top Desk
By Bernhard Pedersen & Son
Located in Plainview, NY
A rare Bernhardt Pedersen & Son Danish Mid Century Modern roll top writing desk crafted from beautifully grained rosewood, the desk emanates a warm and inviting aura, drawing att...
Rosewood
Midcentury Action Office Roll Top Desk George Nelson for H Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Pasadena, TX
Herman Miller George Nelson action office series drafting desk 1965 design This vintage roll-top writing desk is from the Herman Miller "Action Office" line and features a hideawa...
Aluminum
John Van Koert Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Cherry Wood Roll Top Desk, 1959
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern roll top writing desk By John Van Koert for Drexel USA, 1959 Sculpted cherry wood, with original brass hardware.
Brass
Art Deco Ebonized Pearwood Writing Desk with Tambour Roll Top
Located in Queens, NY
Art Deco ebonized pearwood writing desk with a tambour roll top upper section concealing four Pairs of interior drawers with diamond pattern inlaid burl wood fronts surrounding a bro...
Wood, Leather, Fruitwood
$5,570Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Lady's Writing Desk, French, Marble, Roll Top Bureaux, Victorian, C.1850
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique lady's writing desk. A French, mahogany and marble roll top bureaux, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1850.
Marble
George III Mahogany Roll-Top Writing Table
Located in New York, NY
The rectangular writing table fitted with two frieze drawers and with pull-out candle slides to the sides; raised on square tapering legs ending in brass caps and casters; surmounted...
Brass
$2,996Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Georgian Burlwood Roll Top Desk
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Featuring working locks with 3 keys, a hidden/secret drawer for keys (photos 15-16), and 2 other secret compartments for papers... (photos 17-18). The top writing surface comes out a...
Brass
Superb 1920s Oak Roll Top Desk
Located in Dublin, IE
A superb 1920s beautifully patinated oak roll top desk of neat proportions, finely carved and of gorgeous quality.
Oak
$105,600Sale Price|20% Off
Large Francois Linke Roll Top Desk
By François Linke
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large and very fine Francois Linke roll top desk French late 19th-early 20th century Bureau a cylindre, index number 393.
Wood
Arts and Crafts Roll Top Desk
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Arts and Crafts roll top in quarter sawn oak, cubbyholes retreat and desktop folds out. This one used in Canadian Pacific train station. Note hidden bookcase storage below. Very well...
Oak
Victorian Carved Solid Oak Roll Top Desk
By R.J. Horner & Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Victorian or Edwardian style solid oak roll-top desk USA, Circa Late 20th Century Carved oak, with brass hardware. Measures: 54"W x 29"D x 45.75"H. Desk height: 30". V...
Oak
Vintage Industrial Steel & Brass Roll Top Desk
Located in Oakville, CT
Antique Steel Roll Top Desk with Brass Feet by Art Metal Co. Jamestown, NY Overall Dimensions: 36 1/2" deep x 66" wide x 42" high Desk Space: 31" deep x 60" wide x 31" high Pencil ...
Brass, Steel
Arts & Crafts Solid Oak Roll Top Desk
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Solid Oak English hand crafted roll-top desk with good proportions. Stately, yet not too large. Original patina with English lever lock mark and dovetailed joinery. Pigeon hole compa...
Oak
19th Century English Oak Roll Top Desk with Leather Top
Located in Queens, NY
English Arts and Crafts oak roll top desk with side drawers and leather top.
Leather, Oak
English Mahogany and Gold Accented Roll Top Desk
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian style mahogany roll top desk that opens to reveal drawers, letter holders, and a gold embossed leather desk surface, with a gilt bronze filigree gallery top, under ...
Metal, Ormolu
Louis XVI Roll-Top Desk in Mahogany, circa 1800
Located in Greding, DE
Louis XVI roll-top desk in mahogany, raised on tapered square legs with bronze sabots and fitted with five drawers beneath the writing surface.
Brass, Bronze
Early 20th Century French Empire Style Roll-Top Desk
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century French Empire style roll-top desk French, Early 20th Century Height 113cm, width 84cm, depth 62cm This charming roll-top desk is crafted from ormolu mounted hardw...
Marble, Ormolu
Hand Painted Paul Sormani Ladies Roll Top Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Hand painted. 1 dovetailed drawer. Flip up top containing felt top and 3 small drawers. Brass foot caps and trim. Dimensions: 34 3/4" h x 27 1/2" w x 17" d.
Mahogany
Robert and Joanne Herzog Studio Craft Roll Top Desk
By Robert and Joanne Herzog
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning cantilevered walnut studio craft desk, by California design couple Robert and Joanne Herzog c.1986, is a showstopper. The piece features a roll top desk with interior s...
Walnut
$1,320Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Eastlake Walnut Cylinder Roll Top Paneled Secretary Desk c1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Victorian Eastlake Walnut Cylinder Roll Top Paneled Secretary Desk C1890 Measures - 62 1/4" x 31 3/4" x 20 5/8" This antique Victorian secretary desk, crafted around 1890, ...
Walnut
Tambour Door Roll Top Secretary Desk from Mainline by Hooker
By Hooker Furniture, Mainline by Hooker
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A classic mid-century modern secretary desk from Hooker’s renowned “Mainline” collection, this walnut tambour-door piece elegantly combines form and function. A reeded tambour door s...
Brass
Roll Top Standing Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A unique and elegant standing desk in walnut with a roll top cover and a single drawer.
Wood
Antique T. Wallis And Co. London Mahogany Roll Top Desk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A handsome and very well made Roll Top desk with dove-tail drawer construction, traditional British form and handsome contrasting woods.
Brass
Ormolu-Mounted Marquetry Roll-Top Desk Attributed to P. Bernard
By Jean-Henri Riesener
Located in London, GB
Bernard is listed at 4 Passage des Postes, Paris from 1856-1876. An almost identical roll-top desk stamped by Bernard, sold Christie's New York, 13 December 1983, lot 412.
Ormolu
Ebonized Roll Top Desk by Herter Brothers, Victorian Style, 44\
By Herter Brothers
Located in Queens, NY
American Victorian Aesthetic Movement ebonized roll top lady's desk with gallery top upper section & stretcher base with lower drawer and inlaid & incised trim (in the style ...
Mahogany
Edwardian Oak Roll Top Secretary Desk, Circa 1900, UK, Brass Accents
Located in Madrid, ES
Oak secretary / writing desk from circa 1900's. Featuring a roll-up flap with underlying writing board, shelf interior and two drawers. Below the writing desk there are two pull-out ...
Brass
George Zee Style Roll Top Desk, Antique Wood, Vintage Design, USA
By George Zee
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
A handsome vintage roll-top desk crafted in the Asian Modern manner, featuring a beautifully figured mahogany-toned finish and an elegant tambour door concealing a spacious writing c...
Wood
1960s Roll Top Secretary Desk by Egon Ostergaard for Markaryds Mobelindustri
Located in Victoria, BC
A 1960s roll-top secretary desk designed by Egon Ostergaard and produced by Markaryds Mobelindustri in Sweden.
Wood
Mid Century Modern Desk with Roll-Top, Poland, 1950s, Fully Restored
Located in Wrocław, Poland
There were approximately only several dozen pieces produced, each one for one Polish Fashion salon that were located in every main city of Poland back in those days. This fabulous d...
Birch, Maple
Roll Top Standing Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A unique and elegant lectern in walnut with a roll top cover and a single drawer.
Walnut
Antique General Optical Mahogany Ophthalmic Cabinet Roll Top Medical Work Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Antique Mahogany "Genothalmic" Ophthalmic Cabinet by General Optical Co, Roll Top Med...
Glass, Mahogany
American Industrial Roll Top Desk/Table/Bar by Toledo, Japanned Finish
By Toledo Metal Furniture Co.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
American Industrial Roll Top Desk or Table by Toledo, Japanned Finish, circa 1920s A rare and sculptural early 20th-century industrial rolltop desk or table by the Toledo Metal Furn...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Danish Teak Roll Top Desk Secretary Chest, 1970s
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
An elegant Mid-Century Modern Danish secretary chest crafted in rich teak, featuring a stylish roll-top desk revealing organized compartments and five spacious drawers below. Design...
Wood, Teak
French Empire Style Mahogany Roll Top Desk with Bronze Gilt Trim
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire style (19th Century) mahogany roll top desk with bronze trim.
Bronze
Louis XVI 19th C. Bronze Mounted Figural Marqetry Inlaid Roll Top Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Designed to glide smoothly upward and backward, the curved roll-top conceals a thoughtfully organized writing interior while maintaining the desk's elegant profile.
Bronze
Mid-century Danish walnut roll top desk, dresser or secretary, circa 1950s
Located in Long Island City, NY
Mid-century modern walnut desk, secretary or dresser. Made in Denmark, 1950s Roll top, 3 big drawers on the bottom with original keys. 9 small drawers on the top.
Walnut
$1,960Sale Price|20% Off
French Vernis Martin Decorated Louis XIV Mahogany & Ormolu Lady’s Roll Top Desk
Located in Big Flats, NY
French Vernis Martin Decorated Louis XIV Mahogany & Ormolu Lady’s Roll Top Desk Measures - 42 3/8" x 30 1/2" x 21 1/8" This antique French Louis XIV style lady’s roll top desk, dat...
Mahogany
Antique Victorian American Oak S Curve Tambour Roll Top Executive Office Desk
Located in Dayton, OH
A stunning Late Victorian-era roll-top desk crafted from solid oak. This commanding piece showcases exceptional craftsmanship, featuring beautiful paneled oak siding that highlights ...
Oak
Antique French Ormolu Mounted Roll Top Desk in the Style of Riesener
By Jean-Henri Riesener
Located in London, GB
Antique French ormolu mounted roll top desk in the style of Riesener French, 19th Century Height 120cm, width 146cm, depth 73cm This magnificent 19th-century bureau à cylindre, als...
Marble, Ormolu
Signed Gervais Durand Cylinder Roll Top French Louis XVI Desk C.1880
By Gervais Durand
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Measures : 45 1/8" h x 41 3/8" w x 24" d There are desks built for paperwork, and then there are desks built for history. This extraordinary signed Gervais Durand Louis XVI cylinde...
Bronze
Egon Ostergaard for SMI Sweden Bookmatched Teak Roll Top Desk or Secretary
By Egon Ostergaard
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed in the 1960s by Egon Ostergaard, this desk was made by SMI, a somewhat nebulous figure in MCM production. We've had a number of SMI pieces, and the quality is always excelle...
Brass
Mid-Century Danish Modern Roll Top Desk, Dresser or Cabinet in Teak
By Finn Juhl, Arne Vodder
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine looking roll top Scandinavian desk made in the 1970s. It features beautiful teak wood and plenty of storage space. In the style of: Finn Juhl or Arne Vodder.
Teak
$3,160Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Derby Oak Raised Panel S-Roll Top Desk with Carved Pulls c1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
This antique Derby oak roll top desk, dating from circa 1900, features a classic raised panel design.
Oak
Mid-Century Walnut Roll-Top Desk by John Kapel for Glenn of California
By Glenn of California, John Kapel
Located in North Hollywood, CA
An exceptional and increasingly hard-to-find mid-century modern roll top desk designed by John Kapel for Glenn of California, circa 1960s.
Metal, Bronze
Excellent Rosewood Roll Top Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Classic roll top desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with leather footrest. This stately executive desk is beautifully constructed of rosewood and mahogany. With two sliding roll-tops,...
Brass
Rosewood Roll top Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 452. All Original
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 452 Rosewood Tambour Door Executive Desk in very good completely original condition. Two rolltops, one on each side and three drawers. Large work se...
Brass
A very fine 19th century French Louis XVI roll top desk signed A Beurdeley Paris
By Emmanuel-Alfred Beurdeley
Located in Dallas, TX
A very fine 19th century French Louis XVI parquetry and gilt bronze mounted roll top desk . Signed A. Beurdeley A Paris. Very fine gilt bronze mounts of cherub scenes going all the ...
Bronze
Louis XVI Style French Marquetry Roll Top Bureau De Damme
Located in London, by appointment only
A fine 19th century roll top bureau de damme in the Louis XVI style, with fine veneers and panels of floral and musical inspired marquetry, the superstructure with a pierced brass ga...
Marble, Bronze
Louis XV Style Writing Desk by François Linke
By François Linke
Located in New Orleans, LA
Superior craftsmanship and elegant bronze work characterize this tambour front roll top writing desk by François Linke, the most important French ébéniste of his time.
Bronze
Petit Roll Top Mahogany Mechanical Desk Writing Table Tapered Legs Mid Century
By Edward Wormley
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Beginning of Mid Century Modern era Petit Roll Top Mahogany Mechanical Desk Writing Table Tapered Legs Mid Century MINT!
Mahogany
Fine Quality Late 18th Century Satinwood Roll Top Writing Desk
Located in Wiltshire, GB
A fine quality late 18th century satinwood roll top writing desk Dimensions Height 39" 99cm Width 24" 61cm Depth 17" 43cm All of the items that we advertise for sale have be...
Satinwood
Unavailable
H 47.25 in W 46.86 in D 23.23 in
A 19th Century Directoire Period Walnut Cylinder Roll Top Writing Desk
Located in Toorak, VIC
An Early 19th Century Directoire Period Walnut Cylinder Roll Top Writing Desk. Handsome in presence this impressive large desk in walnut and beautifully figured burr walnut veneer p...
Marble, Brass
A Russian Neoclassical Roll Top Writing Desk
Located in New Haven, CT
A most elegant Russian Plumpudding mahogany cylinder desk, circa 1810. Raised on four tapered legs the lower case holds seven drawers and two sliding shelves with leather tops that e...
Mahogany
Unavailable
H 46.3 in W 23.63 in D 23.98 in
English Antique Oak Bureau Tambour Roll-Top Writing Desk Chest Edwardian
Located in Newcastle upon Tyne, GB
An impressive Edwardian solid oak roll-top writing bureau. The tambour fall flap enclosed adjustable writing surface and fitted interior comprising miniature drawers and storage. Fi...
Oak
Unavailable
H 38 in W 34 in D 23 in
Hollywood Regency Design Mastercraft Roll Top Brass Bamboo Writing Desk
By Mastercraft
Located in Mount Penn, PA
Mastercraft Amboyna burl wood and etched brass roll top desk with brass bamboo legs. The piece has two drawers, several interior compartments and a leather writing space.
Brass
Walnut Roll Top Desk
Located in Manchester, GB
A small and attractive walnut roll top desk with a stamp to the central drawer top - Gillows London. Whilst this is a well made piece we think the attribution to Gillows is suspiciou...
Walnut
19th Century Roll Top Desk & Bookcase
Located in Naples, FL
This desk is sure to impress with its antique charm. The roll top and bookcase provide ample storage space for all your office essentials, while the desk itself is perfect for worki...
Glass, Wood
Antique Children's Oak Roll Top Desk
Located in Alhambra, CA
Lovely 1920s antique writing desk made of solid oak. Petit size suited for a child. Great condition for its age; wood had been conditioned. Classic craftsman styling. Dimensions: ...
Oak
Unavailable
H 38.5 in W 55 in D 28 in
Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Writing Desk With Roll Top by Sligh-Lowry
By Sligh-Lowry Furniture Co.
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is a beautiful and rare desk in walnut manufactured by Sligh-Lowry in the USA in the late 1950's. This refinished and exquisite desk features a vibrant wood grain, a large smoot...
Walnut
Oak Roll Top Desk on Wheels
Located in New York, NY
Missing lock. Carved handles. 8 drawers. Full interior. Excellent restored condition.
Oak
Edwardian Oak Roll Top Desk by Lebus Desk Co
By Harris Lebus
Located in Manchester, GB
An Edwardian oak roll top desk with the lockplate reading 'Lebus Desk Co'. Of above average quality and in excellent condition. Particularly nice in it's natural polished oak finish....
Oak
1820s Modern Design Biedermeier Roll Top Desk
Located in Long Island City, NY
This very piece is illustrated in a reference book from 1991. Only one second roll top desk I came across in 47 years and which I sold 25 years ago in NYC, illustrated in a reference...
Cherry, Ebony, Maple, Pine
An Eighteenth Century Mulberry Roll Top Desk
Located in London, GB
An Austrian cylinder desk dating from the Late Eighteenth Century. This neo-classical desk is a rare example in that it is entirely veneered in Mulberry wood - the distinctive figuri...
Unavailable
H 48.04 in W 53.15 in D 24.02 in
Wonderful 18th Century French Roll Top Desk (Cylinder Bureau)
Located in Poole, GB
Wonderful 18th Century French Roll Top Desk ( cylinder bureau ) A very elegant and with great proportions, late 18th century French walnut and parquetry Cylinder bureau with chevron...
Walnut
Unavailable
H 38.19 in W 37.41 in D 18.51 in
Midcentury Scandinavian Teak Roll Top Desk by Egon Ostergaard
By Egon Ostergaard
Located in Chesham, GB
A Swedish teak cylinder roll top desk/bureau designed by Egon Ostergaard in the 1960s. Featuring a pullout / pull-out desk and a quad cut veneer design on the roll top.
Teak
Unavailable
H 43.31 in W 64.97 in D 32.29 in
Standing-Height Roll-Top Desk and Chair by George Nelson "Action Office"
By George Nelson
Located in Munster, DE
Large standing-height desk with matching chair by Herman Miller. Desk with lockable writing surface and storage compartment, four drawers at the front. The desk comes with optional p...
Steel, Chrome
Unavailable
H 34.75 in W 25.25 in D 17 in
19th Century French Brass Inlay Rosewood Writing Desk with Cylinder Roll Top
Located in South Newfane, VT
This museum-worthy piece has a Tambour cylinder roll-top that opens as the main drawer is opened, a felt writing surface and a working brass drawer lock with original key.
Bronze
roll-top writing desk by Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A roll-top writing desk in oak with lucite legs and leather writing surface.
Wood, Lucite, Leather
Andreas Hansen Danish Teak Roll Top Writing Desk Ca. 1980s
By Hadsten Traeindustri, Andreas Hansen
Located in Peabody, MA
Roll top writing desk by Andreas Hansen for Hadsten Træindustri, made in Denmark, circa 1980s.
Leather, Teak
English 19th Century Mahogany Roll Top Writing Desk
Located in Locust Valley, NY
A 19th century, English mahogany roll top writing desk with two drawers and four bales in front with fretwork detail on apron at corners, and straight legs ending on casters with a s...
Mahogany
Sold
H 36 in W 27 in D 15.5 in
Vintage Children's Size Child's Roll Top Writing Desk and School Chairs, a Set
By Paris Mfg. Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage children's size child's roll top writing desk and school chairs, a set. Set includes a small child's size roll top desk, one child size adjustable height "office" desk chair,...
Wood
Sold
H 44.49 in W 48.03 in D 34.06 in
20th Century Mahogany Roll Top Writing Desk, Freestanding, England, circa 1920
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Beautiful mahogany roll top writing desk from the period around 1920 in England.
Mahogany
Elegant Theodore Alexander Roll Top Writing Desk
By Theodore Alexander
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Refined traditional English style flip front desk having a gallery top over roll top centre with fold over desk surface.
Leather, Mahogany
19th Century Regency Mahogany Roll Top Writing Desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 19th century ladies mahogany roll top desk, the top having a gallery above a cylinder top opening to reveal a lovely fitted interior with various drawers and compartments which...
Mahogany
Mastercraft Roll-Top Writing Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Burl and brass roll-top desk by Mastercraft.
Brass
1880s Danish White Wooden Roll-Top Writing Desk
Located in High Point, NC
A roll-top writing desk from Denmark, circa 1880. The exterior is painted a fresh white; the tambour rolls back to reveal a desktop with a leather writing surface and a set of statio...
Brass
1880s Danish White Wooden Roll-Top Writing Desk
Located in High Point, NC
A roll-top writing desk from Denmark, circa 1880. The exterior is painted a fresh white; the front rolls back to reveal a desktop with a leather writing surface and a set of stationa...
Brass
1880s Danish White Wooden Roll-Top Writing Desk
Located in High Point, NC
A roll-top writing desk from Denmark, circa 1880. The exterior is painted a fresh white; the front rolls back to reveal a desktop with a leather writing surface and a set of stationa...
Brass
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.
Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.
Fans of the French film star may be surprised to learn that he had a flair for furniture with sleek lines and disco-era flash.
Like other pieces in the firm’s Candy Box collection, the cheerful limited-edition design showcases French craft.
Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
The designer’s innovative use of an unexpected material gives this console a lift.
The stately piece brings both gravitas and whimsy to any work space.
Use them as tables or stools, indoors or out.