Rolling Desks
Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Steel
2010s German Industrial Carts and Bar Carts
Aluminum, Metal
Vintage 1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Fiberglass
2010s German Industrial Desks and Writing Tables
Metal, Aluminum
20th Century Desks and Writing Tables
Metal
Vintage 1970s American Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
Antique 19th Century English William IV Desks and Writing Tables
Metal, Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Brass, Steel
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Teak
Antique 19th Century English Desks and Writing Tables
Metal, Brass
2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Metal, Bronze, Steel, Cut Steel, Sheet Metal
Antique 19th Century English William IV Desks and Writing Tables
Metal, Brass
2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Metal, Bronze, Steel, Cut Steel, Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Tables
Wood
Mid-20th Century Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Wood
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Rosewood
20th Century Swedish Desks and Writing Tables
Wood
Early 20th Century English Chippendale Desks and Writing Tables
Leather, Mahogany
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Aluminum
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Marble, Stainless Steel
Antique Early 18th Century English Georgian Desks and Writing Tables
Oak
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Ceramic, Oak
Antique 19th Century French Other Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
Antique 19th Century Italian Baroque Center Tables
Bronze
Late 20th Century Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Stainless Steel
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2010s American Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and...
Brass, Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Wood
2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals
Hardwood
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Silk
Vintage 1970s American Space Age Beds and Bed Frames
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Daybeds
Teak
2010s German Modern Cabinets
Steel
2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Composition
2010s Turkish Night Stands
Wood, Paint
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2010s German Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Rush, Wood
Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
Aluminum, Iron
Vintage 1970s French Space Age Architectural Elements
Metal, Aluminum
Recent Sales
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Teak
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Oak
Antique 1890s English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables
Mahogany
Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Tables
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Fiberglass
Antique Early 1900s American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables
Metal, Steel
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Metal
Vintage 1940s American Empire Revival Desks and Writing Tables
Bronze
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Wood
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Jacaranda
20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Chrome
Antique 19th Century English Desks and Writing Tables
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Walnut
Early 20th Century English Desks and Writing Tables
Oak, Pine, Leather
Antique 19th Century English Desks and Writing Tables
Brass, Metal
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Metal
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Teak
Antique 19th Century English Desks and Writing Tables
Metal, Brass
Vintage 1940s Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Walnut
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Antique Late 19th Century English Desks and Writing Tables
Metal, Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English Desks and Writing Tables
Metal, Brass
Antique 19th Century English Desks and Writing Tables
Metal, Brass
Antique 19th Century English Desks and Writing Tables
Metal, Brass
20th Century Italian Side Tables
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1970s Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Antique Late 18th Century English George III Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
Antique 19th Century English Georgian Desks and Writing Tables
Brass, Metal
Antique Late 19th Century European British Colonial Desks and Writing Ta...
Metal
Antique Late 18th Century American Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Metal
Early 20th Century American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables
Steel
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Iron
Early 2000s Swiss Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Steel
Early 2000s Swiss Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Steel
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Teak
Early 20th Century American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables
Steel
20th Century English George III Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
Antique 19th Century English Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
Antique 19th Century English Desks and Writing Tables
Metal, Brass
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Teak
Antique Mid-19th Century English William IV Desks and Writing Tables
Metal, Brass
Antique 19th Century English Desks and Writing Tables
Leather, Wood, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century Scottish Regency Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Chrome
Early 20th Century North American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables
Oak, Pine
Antique Late 19th Century English Desks and Writing Tables
Metal, Brass
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Wood
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables
Leather, Mahogany
Early 20th Century English Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
Vintage 1970s American Hollywood Regency Demi-lune Tables
Brass
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
20th Century American Carts and Bar Carts
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Lucite
Early 20th Century English Regency Desks and Writing Tables
Metal, Brass
Vintage 1980s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Metal
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Metal
Rolling Desks For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Rolling Desks?
Finding the Right Desks and Writing Tables for You
Choosing the perfect writing desk or writing table is a profoundly personal journey, one that people have been embarking upon for centuries.
Queen Atossa of Persia, from her writing table circa 500 B.C., is said to have been the originator of the art of handwritten letters. Hers was reportedly the first in a long and colorful history of penned correspondence that grew in popularity alongside literacy. The demand for suitable writing desks, which would serve the composer of the letters as well as ensure the comfort of the recipient naturally followed, and the design of these necessary furnishings has evolved throughout history.
Once people began to seek freedom from the outwardly ornate styles of the walnut and rosewood writing desks and drafting tables introduced in the name of Queen Victoria and King Louis XV, radical shifts occurred, such as those that materialized during the Art Nouveau period, when designers longed to produce furniture inspired by the natural world’s beauty. A prime example is the work of the famous late-19th-century Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí — his rolltop desk featured deep side drawers and was adorned with carved motifs that paid tribute to nature. Gaudí regularly combined structural precision with decorative elements, creating beautiful pieces of furniture in wood and metal.
Soon afterward, preferences for sleek, geometric, stylized forms in furniture that saw an emphasis on natural wood grains and traditional craftsmanship took hold. Today, Art Deco desks are still favored by designers who seek to infuse interiors with an air of luxury. One of the most prominent figures of the Art Deco movement was French decorator and furniture designer Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann. With his use of neoclassical motifs as well as expensive and exotic materials such as imported dark woods and inlays of precious metals for his writing desks, Ruhlmann came to symbolize good taste and modernity.
The rise in appreciation for Scandinavian modernism continues to influence the design of contemporary writing desks. It employs the “no fuss” or “less is more” approach to creating a tasteful, sophisticated space. Sweden’s master cabinetmaker Bruno Mathsson created gallery-worthy designs that are as functional as they are beautiful. Finnish architect Alvar Aalto never viewed himself as an artist, but, like Mathsson, his furniture designs reflected a fondness for organic materials and a humanistic approach. Danish designers such as Hans Wegner introduced elegant shapes and lines to mid-century desks and writing tables, often working in oak and solid teak.
From vintage desks to contemporary styles, 1stDibs offers a broad spectrum of choices for conducting all personal and business writing and reading activities.
- What is a roll top desk?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A roll top desk is a piece of furniture that has a wooden cover that can be pulled down when the desk is not in use. Shop a collection of roll top furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Roll-top desks are originally from the late 18th century in the Georgian era of England. By the middle of the Victorian era, they were found in most offices and produced on a large scale. Shop a range of antique roll-top desks on 1stDibs.
- What is a roll top desk called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Sometimes, roll-top desks are called tambours, sliding roll desks or roll-up desks. However, roll-top is the most commonly used name. The style of desk became popular during the 19th century. You can find a range of roll-top desks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A roll top desk kept small essentials and paperwork organized. The roll top design was ideal for business people to secure their desks at the end of the day without filing away their work. Browse a variety of roll top desks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A roll top desk can be worth anywhere between $3,000 to $6,000, depending on the condition, materials used and time of manufacturing. Roll top desks are expensive, as they are very popular on the antique furniture market and are considered timeless collectibles. Shop a range of antique and vintage roll top desks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A variety of factors can determine the exact age of an antique roll top desk. Some things to look for is the type of wood and craftsmanship used to create the desk. Typically, older desks will be made from heavier wood. You can also check for a maker’s marks to determine the age. When in doubt, work with a certified appraiser to determine the authenticity of your roll top desk. You’ll find a variety of expertly vetted roll top desks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To tell if a roll-top desk is an antique, look closely at the materials. Real antiques feature hardwoods like cherry, mahogany and black walnut. If you detect the use of engineered woods, the desk is a reproduction. Also, early pieces show off irregular dovetail joints. Joints that appear perfectly uniform indicate that a roll-top desk is a more recent mass-produced piece. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of expertly vetted antique roll-top desks.
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