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20th Century Swedish Writing Desk
20th Century Swedish Writing Desk

20th Century Swedish Writing Desk

Located in Atlanta, GA

This 20th-century Swedish writing desk exudes the timeless simplicity and elegance of Scandinavian

Category

20th Century Swedish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine, Paint

19th Century Swedish Writing Desk
19th Century Swedish Writing Desk

19th Century Swedish Writing Desk

Located in Atlanta, GA

This elegant 19th-century Swedish writing desk exemplifies the timeless charm of Gustavian design

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Swedish Painted Writing Desk
Swedish Painted Writing Desk

Swedish Painted Writing Desk

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Pretty early 19th century Swedish painted pine writing desk. 1820. Kneehole: 20.5-inches x 26

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Swedish Art Nouveau Style Oak Writing Desk
Swedish Art Nouveau Style Oak Writing Desk

Swedish Art Nouveau Style Oak Writing Desk

Located in Madrid, ES

Kidney-shaped oak writing desk with double chest of drawers with 8 drawers on each side. Wrought

Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Bertil Fridhagen, Swedish Modern, Writing Desk or Vanity, Teak, Sweden, 1960s
Bertil Fridhagen, Swedish Modern, Writing Desk or Vanity, Teak, Sweden, 1960s

Bertil Fridhagen, Swedish Modern, Writing Desk or Vanity, Teak, Sweden, 1960s

By Bodafors, Bertil Fridhagen

Located in Manhasset, NY

Bertil Fridhagen, Bodafors, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Writing Desk or Vanity, Teak, Sweden, 1960s

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Elegant early 20th century Swedish birch writing desk
Elegant early 20th century Swedish birch writing desk

Elegant early 20th century Swedish birch writing desk

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Early 20th century Swedish birch writing table circa 1910. We are pleased to offer this stunning

Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birch

Swedish Writing Table
Swedish Writing Table

Swedish Writing Table

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Original painted Swedish 3 drawer writing table. Nicely decorated with fluted legs and swag carving

Category

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

19th Century Antique Swedish Gustavian Writing Table / Desk Original Paint
19th Century Antique Swedish Gustavian Writing Table / Desk Original Paint

19th Century Antique Swedish Gustavian Writing Table / Desk Original Paint

Located in Boden, SE

19th century Swedish Gustavian desk from Umeå Västerbotten, Northern Sweden. A high-class

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Swedish Art Moderne Black Writing Desk with Zebra Hide Insert
Swedish Art Moderne Black Writing Desk with Zebra Hide Insert

Swedish Art Moderne Black Writing Desk with Zebra Hide Insert

Located in Atlanta, GA

Fabulous black lacquered writing desk with bookcase and lockable cabinet on front and curved

Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cowhide, Leather, Wood

Swedish Gustavian Writing Desk, Late 18th Century, Late 1700s
Swedish Gustavian Writing Desk, Late 18th Century, Late 1700s

Swedish Gustavian Writing Desk, Late 18th Century, Late 1700s

Located in New York, NY

A Swedish late Gustavian writing desk, late 18th century in excellent antique condition. Key

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Scandinavian Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique Genuine Swedish Rustic Original Blue Writing Desk Table with Drawers
Antique Genuine Swedish Rustic Original Blue Writing Desk Table with Drawers

Antique Genuine Swedish Rustic Original Blue Writing Desk Table with Drawers

Located in Kramfors, SE

Antique genuine pine writing desk from Sweden with blue paint. The table is in untouched original

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Country Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Biedermeier Writing Desk or Sofa Table in Mahogany, Sweden, circa 1840
Biedermeier Writing Desk or Sofa Table in Mahogany, Sweden, circa 1840

Biedermeier Writing Desk or Sofa Table in Mahogany, Sweden, circa 1840

Located in INTERLAKEN, NY

A handsome Biedermeier sofa table or writing desk in Cuban mahogany with one drawer and two drop

Category

Antique 1840s Swedish Karl Johan Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Swedish Writing Table Desk, Genuine Red and Blue Painted Folk Art
Antique Swedish Writing Table Desk, Genuine Red and Blue Painted Folk Art

Antique Swedish Writing Table Desk, Genuine Red and Blue Painted Folk Art

Located in Kramfors, SE

Antique Swedish folk art writing table from the village of Alfta in Hälsingland in northern Sweden

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

vintage desk  desk  1960s  Swedish
vintage desk  desk  1960s  Swedish

vintage desk desk 1960s Swedish

By Troed Nilsson

Located in Lemmer, NL

vintage desk desk 1960s Swedish period 1960s design T. Nilsson Glimakra Sweden condition

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desk
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desk

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desk

Located in Allerum, SE

19th century Swedish Gustavian writing desk with three drawers in it's original finish with

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Table
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Table

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Table

Located in Kramfors, SE

Gustavian table from northern Sweden in untouched original condition. The table is from the years

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Desk Produced in Sweden
Desk Produced in Sweden

Desk Produced in Sweden

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Rare desk by unknown designer. Produced in Sweden.

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Teak

Desk Swedish 18th Century Green Original Paint Sweden
Desk Swedish 18th Century Green Original Paint Sweden

Desk Swedish 18th Century Green Original Paint Sweden

Located in New York, NY

Desk Swedish 18th Century Green Original Paint Sweden. A writing desk Swedish made during the 18th

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bentwood

19th Century Gustavian Writing Desk by Johan Oman
19th Century Gustavian Writing Desk by Johan Oman

19th Century Gustavian Writing Desk by Johan Oman

By Johan Öman

Located in New York, NY

A 19th century writing desk by Swedish Master Cabinet Maker Johan Öman (1789-1833) who worked for

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Custom-Made Desk, Sweden, 1960s
Custom-Made Desk, Sweden, 1960s

Custom-Made Desk, Sweden, 1960s

By Hvidt & Mølgaard

Located in Stockholm, SE

Custom-made desk from the 1960s, produced in Sweden. Very high quality. Mint condition.

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century Walnut Writing Desk by Göran Strand
Mid Century Walnut Writing Desk by Göran Strand

Mid Century Walnut Writing Desk by Göran Strand

Located in Berkeley, CA

Origin: Sweden Designer: Goran Strand Manufacturer: Lelångs Möbelfabrik, Bengtsfors Era: 1950s

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Swedish 3 Drawer Country Desk
Swedish 3 Drawer Country Desk

Swedish 3 Drawer Country Desk

Located in Hollywood, FL

This is a unique Swedish Country Desk. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster

Category

Antique 1880s Swedish Country Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Swedish Country 3 Drawer Desk
Swedish Country 3 Drawer Desk

Swedish Country 3 Drawer Desk

Located in Hollywood, FL

This is a unique Swedish country 3 drawer desk. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints

Category

Antique 1880s Swedish Country Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Fine 18th Century Swedish Rococo Desk
Fine 18th Century Swedish Rococo Desk

Fine 18th Century Swedish Rococo Desk

Located in Bozeman, MT

Fine 18th century Swedish Rococo desk / console table with one drawer and in Its original colour

Category

Antique 18th Century Swedish Rococo Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Desk Swedish Gustavian Style 2 Drawer
Desk Swedish Gustavian Style 2 Drawer

Desk Swedish Gustavian Style 2 Drawer

Located in Hollywood, FL

This is a unique Swedish Gustavian style desk. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints

Category

Antique 1880s Swedish Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Swedish Mahogany Desk, Åfors Möbelfabrik, Circa 1950s
Swedish Mahogany Desk, Åfors Möbelfabrik, Circa 1950s

Swedish Mahogany Desk, Åfors Möbelfabrik, Circa 1950s

Located in New York, NY

A Swedish Modern writing desk, Produced by Åfors Möbelfabrik, circa 1950s, the rectangular top with

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Swedish Desk Circa 1840
19th Century Swedish Desk Circa 1840

19th Century Swedish Desk Circa 1840

Located in Atlanta, GA

This refined 19th-century Swedish desk, circa 1840, is a stunning example of Scandinavian

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine, Paint

Swedish Biedermeier Style Birch Kneehole Desk
Swedish Biedermeier Style Birch Kneehole Desk

Swedish Biedermeier Style Birch Kneehole Desk

Located in Queens, NY

Swedish Biedermeier style (19/20th Century) birch and black trimmed kneehole desk with black

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Birch

Axel Wannberg unique dining table/desk, Sweden
Axel Wannberg unique dining table/desk, Sweden

Axel Wannberg unique dining table/desk, Sweden

By Axel Wannberg

Located in Stockholm, SE

A refined dining table or a sculptural desk, this striking piece by Swedish designer Axel Wannberg

Category

2010s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birch, Elm

A Swedish Modern Desk by Ferdinand Lundquist
A Swedish Modern Desk by Ferdinand Lundquist

A Swedish Modern Desk by Ferdinand Lundquist

By Ferdinand Lundquist

Located in New York, NY

A refined Swedish writing table by the firm of designer Ferdinand Lundquist. Featuring three

Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Birch, Maple

Vintage Swedish Walnut Desk by Bertil Fridhagen
Vintage Swedish Walnut Desk by Bertil Fridhagen

Vintage Swedish Walnut Desk by Bertil Fridhagen

By Bertil Fridhagen, Bodafors

Located in London, GB

A stylish and beautifully designed vintage Swedish walnut desk by Bertil Fridhagen. This was

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Large 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Fall Front Desk
Large 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Fall Front Desk

Large 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Fall Front Desk

Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire

Large early 19th Century Swedish fall front desk. With copious amounts of drawer storage the work

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Desk Swedish Baroque Period 18th Century Veneer Sweden
Desk Swedish Baroque Period 18th Century Veneer Sweden

Desk Swedish Baroque Period 18th Century Veneer Sweden

Located in New York, NY

Desk Swedish Baroque Period 18th Century Veneer Sweden. A stunning desk made during the Baroque

Category

Antique 18th Century European Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Black Painted Pine Partner’s Desk
19th Century Swedish Black Painted Pine Partner’s Desk

19th Century Swedish Black Painted Pine Partner’s Desk

Located in Round Top, TX

desk has been restored, is strong and stable, and is ready to be placed, used, and enjoyed as a writing

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine, Paint

Desk Probably Produced in Sweden
Desk Probably Produced in Sweden

Desk Probably Produced in Sweden

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Rare desk by unknown designer. Probably produced in Sweden.

Category

Vintage 1960s European Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Desk Probably Produced in Sweden
Desk Probably Produced in Sweden

Desk Probably Produced in Sweden

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Rare freestanding desk by unknown designer. Probably produced in Sweden. Width: 132.5 ( 197.5 ) cm.

Category

Vintage 1950s European Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Danish Mid Century Modern Petit Single Pedestal Desk Two Drawers
Danish Mid Century Modern Petit Single Pedestal Desk Two Drawers

Danish Mid Century Modern Petit Single Pedestal Desk Two Drawers

By Dux of Sweden

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Mid-Century Modern walnut single pedestal two drawers small desk or writing table.

Category

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid 20th century carved mahogany Swedish desk
Mid 20th century carved mahogany Swedish desk

Mid 20th century carved mahogany Swedish desk

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Mid 20th century carved mahogany Swedish desk circa 1947. We are pleased to offer this superb

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Rococo 18th Century Writing Table with Drawer, Origin: Sweden, Circa 1760
Rococo 18th Century Writing Table with Drawer, Origin: Sweden, Circa 1760

Rococo 18th Century Writing Table with Drawer, Origin: Sweden, Circa 1760

Located in New York, NY

Fantastic Rococo 18th century writing table with single drawer with accentuated cabriole legs

Category

Antique 18th Century Swedish Rococo Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine, Paint

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desk with Marble Paint
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desk with Marble Paint

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desk with Marble Paint

Located in Boden, SE

19th Century Swedish desk from Skelleftea Vasterbotten, Northern Sweden. Untouched originalpaint

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Danish Teak Mid Century Modern Drop Front Secretary Box Desk Cabinet MINT
Danish Teak Mid Century Modern Drop Front Secretary Box Desk Cabinet MINT

Danish Teak Mid Century Modern Drop Front Secretary Box Desk Cabinet MINT

By Dux of Sweden

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Danish Teak Mid Century Modern Drop Front Secretary Box Desk Cabinet MINT

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Swedish Biedermeier Birch Veneered Five Drawer Desk, circa 1880
Swedish Biedermeier Birch Veneered Five Drawer Desk, circa 1880

Swedish Biedermeier Birch Veneered Five Drawer Desk, circa 1880

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Swedish Biedermeier birch veneered desk with five drawers from the 19th century. This antique

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Swedish early 20th century carved birch pedestal desk
Swedish early 20th century carved birch pedestal desk

Swedish early 20th century carved birch pedestal desk

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Swedish early 20th century carved birch pedestal desk circa 1900. Elegant Scandinavian pedestal

Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birch

19th Century Swedish Kidney Shaped Desk in Original Paint
19th Century Swedish Kidney Shaped Desk in Original Paint

19th Century Swedish Kidney Shaped Desk in Original Paint

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

19th Century Swedish painted kidney shape desk. Having two banks of three graduated drawers

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Paint

Swedish Art Deco Axel Einar Hjorth "Roma" Desk
Swedish Art Deco Axel Einar Hjorth "Roma" Desk

Swedish Art Deco Axel Einar Hjorth "Roma" Desk

By Axel Einar Hjorth

Located in Uccle, BE

Produced by Bodafors in Sweden. Stained flamed birch desk "Roma" for Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors

Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birch

Antique Northern Swedish Blue Country Table or Desk
Antique Northern Swedish Blue Country Table or Desk

Antique Northern Swedish Blue Country Table or Desk

Located in Kramfors, SE

Antique Swedish country table or desk with a drawer. The table is an authentic country house

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Country Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Antique Swedish Genuine Country Console Table or Desk
Antique Swedish Genuine Country Console Table or Desk

Antique Swedish Genuine Country Console Table or Desk

Located in Kramfors, SE

Swedish antique console table from the 1820s. The table is a genuine Swedish country furniture made

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Country Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desk with Original Paint
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desk with Original Paint

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desk with Original Paint

Located in Boden, SE

19th century Swedish Gustavian desk from Umeå Västerbotten, Northern Sweden. Nice Gustavian Desk

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desk with Original Paint
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desk with Original Paint

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desk with Original Paint

Located in Boden, SE

19th century Swedish Gustavian desk from Lulea Norrbotten, Northern Sweden. A beautiful desk with

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Midcentury Desk by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
Midcentury Desk by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s

Midcentury Desk by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s

By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn

Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län

Beautiful desk by Josef Frank, made from mahogany with a smooth look. Clean lines and subtly

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

A Swedish Gustavian painted fall front desk, C. 1820.
A Swedish Gustavian painted fall front desk, C. 1820.

A Swedish Gustavian painted fall front desk, C. 1820.

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Crafted in two pieces, this Neoclassical form desk features clean lines and understated elegance

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Paint

Art Nouveau Pine Desk by Carl Westman, Sweden, 1910s
Art Nouveau Pine Desk by Carl Westman, Sweden, 1910s

Art Nouveau Pine Desk by Carl Westman, Sweden, 1910s

By Carl Westman

Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län

Stained pine desk by Carl Westman, made in Art Noveau style with bold, flowing lines and details

Category

Vintage 1910s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Swedish Biedermeier Style Birch Kneehole Desk
Swedish Biedermeier Style Birch Kneehole Desk

Swedish Biedermeier Style Birch Kneehole Desk

Located in Queens, NY

Swedish Biedermeier style (19/20th Century) birch kneehole desk with three drawer above two cabinet

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Biedermeier Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Birch

Swedish 20th century elm desk by Carl Bergsten
Swedish 20th century elm desk by Carl Bergsten

Swedish 20th century elm desk by Carl Bergsten

By Carl Bergsten

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

respected Swedish designer and architect Carl Bergsten (1879-1935) This table is able to extend, but is

Category

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

Materials

Elm

Functionalist "Sketching Table" desk by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1930s
Functionalist "Sketching Table" desk by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1930s

Functionalist "Sketching Table" desk by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1930s

By Carl Malmsten

Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län

Striking desk by Carl Malmsten, in a rustic design, model called “Skissbordet” (“The Sketching

Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Antique Swedish Wide Curly Birch Pedestal Desk, Circa 1820-1840
Antique Swedish Wide Curly Birch Pedestal Desk, Circa 1820-1840

Antique Swedish Wide Curly Birch Pedestal Desk, Circa 1820-1840

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Swedish pedestal curly birch desk, circa 1820-40. This antique desk from Sweden features a four

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birch

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Swedish Writing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the Swedish writing desk you’re looking for. A Swedish writing desk — often made from wood, softwood and pine — can elevate any home. If you’re shopping for a Swedish writing desk, we have 1069 options in-stock, while there are 11 modern editions to choose from as well. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect Swedish writing desk — we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. Each Swedish writing desk bearing Scandinavian Modern, mid-century modern or Art Deco hallmarks is very popular. Carl Malmsten, Göran Strand and Axel Einar Hjorth each produced at least one beautiful Swedish writing desk that is worth considering.

How Much is a Swedish Writing Desk?

Prices for a Swedish writing desk can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $160 and can go as high as $15,675,000, while the average can fetch as much as $4,726.

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 Swedish Writing Desk
  • 1stDibs 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, 2021
    A 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, 2021
    A 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, 2023
    What 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, 2023
    In 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.