What is a writing desk?

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.

What is a writing desk with drawers called?

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.

What is a small writing desk called?

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.

What is an old-fashioned writing desk called?

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.

What was the term in French furniture for a writing desk that often featured a drop-down writing surface?

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.

Thonet Writing Desk

German Design Wood Tables

Oak Thonet

Thonet Teak

Thonet Bruno Weil

Vienna Secession Style Thonet Writing Desk/ Table

$5,800

H 29.5 in W 31.5 in D 21.5 in

Vienna Secession Style Thonet Writing Desk/ Table

By Thonet

Located in North Miami, FL

This all original Vienna Secession style table/ desk with linoleum embedded top and stunning brass covers over feet. Extremely attractive piece with some minor signs of age and wear.

Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Vienna Secession Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by Marcel Breuer for Thonet, Czech, 1930s

$6,549

H 30.32 in W 63 in D 27.56 in

Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by Marcel Breuer for Thonet, Czech, 1930s

By Marcel Breuer, Thonet

Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj

This iconic writing desk from the 1930s is a remarkable example of Bauhaus design.

Category

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Bauhaus Writing Desk and Chair, Thonet, Chrome-Plated Steel, Czechia, 1930s

$7,316 / set

H 30.71 in W 57.09 in D 29.53 in

Bauhaus Writing Desk and Chair, Thonet, Chrome-Plated Steel, Czechia, 1930s

By Marcel Breuer, Thonet

Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj

Bauhaus writing desk and chair. Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Period: 1930-1939 Material: Chrome-Plated Steel, Lacquered Wood Number of drawers: 8 Designed by world-renowne...

Category

Vintage 1930s Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by Marcel Breuer for Thonet, Chrome, Czech, 1930s

$6,549

H 30.32 in W 63 in D 27.56 in

Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by Marcel Breuer for Thonet, Chrome, Czech, 1930s

By Marcel Breuer, Thonet

Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj

This iconic writing desk from the 1930s is a remarkable example of Bauhaus design.

Category

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Austrian Bentwood Child's Desk by Thonet, 19th Century Design

$4,250

H 22 in W 33 in D 18 in

Austrian Bentwood Child's Desk by Thonet, 19th Century Design

By Thonet

Located in Queens, NY

Austrian Bentwood small child's desk with attached chair with double hoop back design. (THONET label and brand)

Category

Antique 19th Century Austrian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bentwood

Original Otto Wagner for Thonet 1905 Writing Desk Postal Saving Bank Vienna

$60,181 / item

H 31.5 in W 41.34 in D 25.99 in

Original Otto Wagner for Thonet 1905 Writing Desk Postal Saving Bank Vienna

By Woka Lamps, Otto Wagner, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH

Located in Vienna, AT

Made by Thonet, Vienna. Otto Wagner Writing Desk, Postal Saving Bank, Vienna - Lit.: Asenbaum/Haiko, Otto Wagner, Möbel und Innenräume, Salzburg/Vienna 1984, p. 212, ill. 271.

Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Jugendstil Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Bauhaus Tubular Steel Desk by Bruno Weil for Thonet, Stained Wood, Germany, 1930

$6,844

H 29.53 in W 53.94 in D 29.93 in

Bauhaus Tubular Steel Desk by Bruno Weil for Thonet, Stained Wood, Germany, 1930

By Bruno Weil, Thonet

Located in Berlin, DE

Bauhaus tubular steel desk designed by Bruno Weil (Bèwè) and manufactured by Thonet, Germany, c. 1930

Category

Vintage 1930s German Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Early Bauhaus "B21" Side Table Desk by Marcel Breuer Produced by Thonet, 1930s

$10,030

H 27.17 in W 33.86 in D 17.72 in

Early Bauhaus "B21" Side Table Desk by Marcel Breuer Produced by Thonet, 1930s

By Thonet, Marcel Breuer

Located in Stockholm, SE

Very rare and early Bauhaus "B21" desk / side table in black stained wood with chromed tubular steel base by Marcel Breuer produced by Thonet in Germany, 1930s. In good original cond...

Category

Vintage 1930s German Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH Allegory Desk in Beech Wood

$5,244 / item

H 49.6 in W 39.3 in D 25.9 in

Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH Allegory Desk in Beech Wood

By Adolf Loos, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Allegory desk, a perfect handy stand for home office spaces and for the most intimate contract solutions, by the Italian-Danish duo GamFratesi, enriches the furniture proposal of Wie...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Bauhaus Tubular Steel Desk by Thonet, Chrome Plated Metal, Lacquered Wood, 1930

$9,062

H 29.53 in W 77.56 in D 29.93 in

Bauhaus Tubular Steel Desk by Thonet, Chrome Plated Metal, Lacquered Wood, 1930

By Thonet, R. C. Coquery

Located in Berlin, DE

Bauhaus tubular steel desk B 282 designed by R. C. Coquery and manufactured by Thonet, c. 1930 Delivery time c. 8 weeks

Category

Vintage 1930s Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

"B286" Desk By Bruno Weil For Thonet

$16,412

H 28.94 in W 58.67 in D 27.56 in

"B286" Desk By Bruno Weil For Thonet

By Bruno Weil

Located in London, GB

A modernist B286 desk designed by German designer Bruno Weil for Thonet circa 1930. Blue enamelled steel with chromed draws and a magnificent thick Saint Gobain glass table top. ...

Category

Vintage 1930s Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

CM 172 desk by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, 1960'

$5,203

H 29.14 in W 59.06 in D 29.53 in

CM 172 desk by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, 1960'

By Pierre Paulin

Located in LYON, FR

CM 172 desk by Pierre Paulin for Thonet 1960s desk by Pierre Paulin in teak (1955-1957) Genuine CM 172 model. Beautiful lines with its black steel crossbar structure and two-drawe...

Category

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

Materials

Steel

A MID-CENTURY-MODERN Modernist DESK by THONET, France 1950

$4,484

H 30.71 in W 41.34 in D 27.56 in

A MID-CENTURY-MODERN Modernist DESK by THONET, France 1950

Located in PARIS, FR

A rigorous and luxurious small desk, Modernist, Constructivist, Reconstruction, black lacquered square section metal structures, box with 3 drawers (and 1 drawer top) and 1 large lac...

Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Desk by Pierre Paulin, CM141 design editited by Thonet, France, 1960's

$7,363Sale Price|20% Off

H 28.75 in W 23.43 in D 50.79 in

Desk by Pierre Paulin, CM141 design editited by Thonet, France, 1960's

By Pierre Paulin

Located in Paris, FR

Desk CM141 designed by Pierre Paulin, Thonet Edition, 1950-60's, France

Category

Vintage 1960s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Modernis Tubular Steel Desk, Chrome Plated Metal, Stained Wood, Germany, c. 1930

$6,136

H 29.93 in W 53.94 in D 26.78 in

Modernis Tubular Steel Desk, Chrome Plated Metal, Stained Wood, Germany, c. 1930

By Bruno Weil, Thonet

Located in Berlin, DE

Modernist tubular steel desk designed by Bruno Weil and manufactured by Thonet or under Thonet license, c. 1930. The desk is made of chrome-plated tubular steel and black-stained wood.

Category

Vintage 1930s Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Boomerang Curved Transparent Glass Desk by Enzo Mari

$6,310 / item

H 29.14 in W 77.96 in D 33.47 in

Boomerang Curved Transparent Glass Desk by Enzo Mari

By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH

Located in Milan, IT

The boomerang curved transparent glass desk, designed by Enzo Mari, features a distinctive curved laminated beam inspired by architectural boomerang shapes and supported by four slen...

Category

2010s Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass

Pierre Paulin CM 178 Desk for Thonet, Oak and Black Metal Writing Desk, France

$6,490

H 29.53 in W 43.31 in D 21.66 in

Pierre Paulin CM 178 Desk for Thonet, Oak and Black Metal Writing Desk, France

By Pierre Paulin, Thonet

Located in Paris, FR

Rare CM 178 writing desk designed by Pierre Paulin and produced by Thonet in France, circa 1950s–1960s.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, 1953

$8,732

H 28.75 in W 50.79 in D 23.23 in

Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, 1953

By Thonet, Pierre Paulin

Located in Vienna, AT

This iconic small midcentury modern writing desk was designed by Pierre Paulin 1953 and produced by Thonet, Model CM141.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Steel

Model No. 3 Desk or Writing Chair by Thonet, 1900's

$814

H 31.89 in W 27.17 in D 20.08 in

Model No. 3 Desk or Writing Chair by Thonet, 1900's

By Thonet

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

A very nice desk or writing chair by Thonet. It is fabricated in the Czech Republic around 1900.

Category

Early 20th Century Czech Victorian Chairs

Materials

Wood

Recent Sales

Elegant Thonet Writing Table

Unavailable

H 30.32 in W 63 in D 30.71 in

Elegant Thonet Writing Table

By Thonet

Located in Vienna, AT

Desk, manufactured by Gebrüder Thonet, Vienna Beech, mahogany stained and polished, leather, brass

Category

20th Century Austrian Jugendstil Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Original Art Nouveau bentwood desk by Gebrüder Thonet (Vienna, around 1914)

Unavailable

H 30.32 in W 44.1 in D 25.2 in

Original Art Nouveau bentwood desk by Gebrüder Thonet (Vienna, around 1914)

By Thonet

Located in Wien, AT

Objekt: Schreibtisch (freistehend) Entwurf: Firmenentwurf Gebrüder Thonet unter Leitung Otto Prutschers (Wien, um 1914) Modell-Nummer: 23057 Ausführung: Gebrüder Thonet unter Leitung...

Category

Vintage 1910s Austrian Jugendstil Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Pierre Paulin Desk Thonet 1950s CM223

Unavailable

H 29.34 in W 63.19 in D 31.7 in

Pierre Paulin Desk Thonet 1950s CM223

By Pierre Paulin, Thonet

Located in Basel, CH

Pierre Paulin desk Pierre Paulin desk Thonet 1950s CM223 manufactured by Thonet in the 1950’s in France. Table top and cabinets veneered with teak wood. Stands on four black lacquere...

Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Thonet Style Table, circa 1920s

Unavailable

H 30.71 in W 35.83 in D 23.63 in

Thonet Style Table, circa 1920s

By Thonet

Located in Lábatlan, HU

Thonet style table wonderful rustic patina Its legs and curved wooden brackets recall the construction of Baumann and Thonet Furniture Thonet table, 1920. Beech with stained top. O...

Category

Vintage 1920s Hungarian Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Beech

Modernist Desk, France, 1930s

Unavailable

H 30.71 in W 43.31 in D 23.63 in

Modernist Desk, France, 1930s

By Thonet

Located in Berlin, DE

Small tubular steel desk from France from the main epoch of tubular steel furniture, produced, circa 1930. Practically designed with two drawers and a shelf under the plate. The orig...

Category

Vintage 1930s French Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Pierre Paulin 's Desk "CM 174" Produced by Thonet, circa 1960

Unavailable

H 28.75 in W 37.8 in D 21.26 in

Pierre Paulin 's Desk "CM 174" Produced by Thonet, circa 1960

By Pierre Paulin

Located in Saint Ouen, Île-de-France

Pierre Paulin 's desk "CM 174" produced by Thonet, circa 1960. Oak and black painted steel.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Marcel Breuer Style Desk 1950s Mid-Century Modern

Unavailable

H 31.5 in W 27.56 in D 51.19 in

Marcel Breuer Style Desk 1950s Mid-Century Modern

By Thonet, Marcel Breuer

Located in Lucca, IT

Marcel Breuer style desk 1950s Mid-Century Modern.

Category

Vintage 1940s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Bauhaus Writing Desk by Thonet and Designed by Pierre Paulin

Unavailable

H 28.75 in W 51.19 in D 23.63 in

Mid-Century Bauhaus Writing Desk by Thonet and Designed by Pierre Paulin

By Pierre Paulin, Thonet

Located in Vienna, AT

Designed by Pierre Paulin, circa 1930. In the style of the Bauhaus era. Manufactured by Thonet. Lable under the tabletop. Walnut chest and drawers, black lacquered tabletop. Black l...

Category

Mid-20th Century Bauhaus Desks

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Vintage Writing Desk with Drawer, Czechoslovakia, ca. 1950s–60s

Unavailable

H 29.53 in W 23.63 in D 35.44 in

Vintage Writing Desk with Drawer, Czechoslovakia, ca. 1950s–60s

By Thonet

Located in Prague 8, CZ

A simple and functional vintage wooden desk from former Czechoslovakia, dating approximately to the 1950s–60s. This piece combines rustic and utilitarian aesthetics with a charming, ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Art Deco Dining Room Tables

Materials

Wood

Bentwood Writing Desk Armchairs, 1950s, Czechoslovakia

Unavailable

H 34.65 in W 21.26 in D 18.9 in

Bentwood Writing Desk Armchairs, 1950s, Czechoslovakia

By Radomír Hofman, Thonet

Located in Prague 8, CZ

These armchairs were made in the former Czechoslovakia in the 1950´s. Made of dark stained beechwood. Can be used as office chairs or writing desk chairs. They are in very good Vi...

Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Beech

Red Midcentury Design Bauhaus Writing Desk Container by Marcel Breuer, 1930

Unavailable

H 27.56 in W 17.13 in D 27.37 in

Red Midcentury Design Bauhaus Writing Desk Container by Marcel Breuer, 1930

By Marcel Breuer, Mücke & Melder

Located in Vienna, AT

The piece is from the personal collection of a Thonet family member. This writing desk container is a representative piece of furniture in terms of its Bauhaus origins with the id...

Category

Vintage 1930s Czech Bauhaus Cabinets

Materials

Steel

Bentwood Writing Desk by Thonet

Sold

H 30.25 in W 36 in D 18 in

Bentwood Writing Desk by Thonet

By Thonet

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Bentwood writing desk with curved bentwood legs, laminate top, and single drawer.

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bentwood

Thonet Bentwood Charming Writing Table Desk, 1900s

Sold

H 26.78 in W 46.46 in D 16.93 in

Thonet Bentwood Charming Writing Table Desk, 1900s

By Thonet

Located in Paris, FR

Very charming 1900s bentwood Thonet writing table desk. With its original key, one drawer and several paper, documents, letters shelves.

Category

Antique 19th Century Austrian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bentwood

Antique Bentwood Writing Desk Table in the Style of Thonet

Sold

H 31 in W 39 in D 25 in

Antique Bentwood Writing Desk Table in the Style of Thonet

By Thonet

Located in Detroit, MI

This lovely antique wooden writing desk table in the style of Thonet is circa 1920 and likely Austrian.

Category

Vintage 1920s Austrian Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Bentwood

Completely restored funkcionalism Chrome small Writing Desk, Thonet 1930-1939

Sold

H 27.17 in W 39.38 in D 17.72 in

Completely restored funkcionalism Chrome small Writing Desk, Thonet 1930-1939

By Thonet

Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj

Writing desk made in Czechoslovakia Material: Chrome Completely restored.

Category

Vintage 1930s Czech Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Bentwood writing table by Thonet

Sold

H 33.08 in W 27.17 in D 19.3 in

Bentwood writing table by Thonet

By Thonet

Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj

Bentwood writing table by Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.

Category

Vintage 1910s Austrian Vienna Secession Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Beech, Bentwood

Jugendstil bentwood writing table by Thonet

Sold

H 29.14 in W 40.95 in D 25.2 in

Jugendstil bentwood writing table by Thonet

By Thonet

Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj

Jugendstil bentwood writing table by Thonet in very nice original condition with signs of use.

Category

Antique Early 1900s Austrian Jugendstil Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Beech, Bentwood

Art Nouveau Bentwood Writing Table/ Desk Attributed to Thonet, Austria

Sold

H 40.1 in W 36.6 in D 23.2 in

Art Nouveau Bentwood Writing Table/ Desk Attributed to Thonet, Austria

By Thonet-Mundus

Located in Lichtenberg, AT

Remarkable Art Nouveau bentwood writing table or desk from circa 1910 in Austria, attributed to Thonet.

Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Early 'B287' Bauhaus writing desk by Bruno Weil for Thonet, ca. 1932

Sold

H 30.12 in W 69.3 in D 30.71 in

Early 'B287' Bauhaus writing desk by Bruno Weil for Thonet, ca. 1932

By Thonet, Bruno Weil

Located in Sittard, LI

Exceptional variant of the B287 writing desk designed by Bruno Weil (Wébé) and produced by Thonet, Austria ca. 1932.

Category

Vintage 1930s Austrian Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Chrome, Nickel

Desk by Pierre Paulin for Thonet

Sold

H 28.75 in W 39.38 in L 28.75 in

Desk by Pierre Paulin for Thonet

By Thonet, Pierre Paulin

Located in Paris, FR

Desk by Pierre Paulin for Thonet.

Category

Vintage 1960s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Desk CM174 by Pierre Paulin for Thonet

Sold

H 28.75 in W 39.38 in D 23.63 in

Desk CM174 by Pierre Paulin for Thonet

By Pierre Paulin, Thonet

Located in Paris, FR

Desk CM174 by Pierre Paulin for Thonet.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Desk CM141 by Pierre Paulin, Thonet Edition, 1954

Sold

H 28.35 in W 50.79 in D 23.23 in

Desk CM141 by Pierre Paulin, Thonet Edition, 1954

By Pierre Paulin, Thonet

Located in Paris, FR

Desk CM141 by Pierre Paulin, Thonet Edition, 1954.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Desk CM141 by Pierre Paulin, Thonet Edition, 1954

Sold

H 28.35 in W 50.79 in D 24.02 in

Desk CM141 by Pierre Paulin, Thonet Edition, 1954

By Pierre Paulin, Thonet

Located in Paris, FR

Oak desk model CM141 by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, 1954.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Art Deco Marcel Breuer Bauhaus Desk for Thonet

Sold

H 27.96 in W 38.59 in D 21.66 in

Art Deco Marcel Breuer Bauhaus Desk for Thonet

By Marcel Breuer, Thonet

Located in Paris, FR

Tubular steel desk with two red Bordeaux varnished wooden drawers designed by the Bauhaus architect Marcel Breuer (1902-1981) in 1935, and produced by Thonet during the 1930s. The tr...

Category

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Desk Model CM178 by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, 1950s

Sold

H 28.75 in W 43.31 in D 21.66 in

Desk Model CM178 by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, 1950s

By Pierre Paulin, Thonet

Located in Paris, FR

Desk model CM178 by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, 1950s.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Oak

Pierre Paulin Desk CM 172 for Thonet, France, 1960s

Sold

H 29.14 in W 59.06 in D 29.53 in

Pierre Paulin Desk CM 172 for Thonet, France, 1960s

By Pierre Paulin, Thonet

Located in Saint Ouen, FR

CM 172 desk designed by Pierre Paulin in 1955 for Thonet in France. This desk comes with two veneered oakwood drawers box, one veneered oakwood top and an Y-shaped base and handles ...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Pierre Paulin CM 141 Desk for Thonet, France, 1954

Sold

H 28.75 in W 51.19 in L 28.75 in

Pierre Paulin CM 141 Desk for Thonet, France, 1954

By Thonet, Pierre Paulin

Located in Saint Ouen, FR

Iconic CM141 desk designed by Pierre Paulin for Thonet France in 1954. Black lacquered metal base and handles. Oak veneer. Black formica top. Beautiful patina. Bibliography: Cathe...

Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Early ‘CM141’ Desk by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, France, 1953

Sold

H 28.75 in W 51.19 in D 25.2 in

Early ‘CM141’ Desk by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, France, 1953

By Thonet, Pierre Paulin

Located in Antwerp, BE

Admire this early ‘CM141’ desk by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, France 1953. This perfect proportioned desk features a black lacquered steel frame with a black formica top. On the right ...

Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Art Nouveau Table or desk from Gebrüder Thonet, 1910s

Sold

H 30.71 in W 36.03 in D 24.02 in

Art Nouveau Table or desk from Gebrüder Thonet, 1910s

By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH

Located in Linkebeek, BE

Art Nouveau Table or desk from Gebrüder Thonet, 1910s Art deco - Palmette - Table - Model 8122 Measures : 91.5 x 61cm H:78cm Table top has some defects visible in photos Country of O...

Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bentwood

Classic Mid-Century Modern Desk by Thonet Manner of Finn Juhl

Sold

H 30 in W 48 in D 29 in

Classic Mid-Century Modern Desk by Thonet Manner of Finn Juhl

By Thonet, Finn Juhl

Located in Buffalo, NY

Classic Mid-Century Modern Desk by Thonet manner of Finn Juhl, striking design, architectural iron frame, birch ply body with black laminate drawer fronts, molded plastic interiors, ...

Category

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

Materials

Iron, Aluminum

Pierre Paulin & Thonet Desk with Drawer, Metal Teak & Formica, France Circa 1955

Sold

H 28.35 in W 39.38 in D 23.63 in

Pierre Paulin & Thonet Desk with Drawer, Metal Teak & Formica, France Circa 1955

By Thonet, Pierre Paulin

Located in La Teste-de-Buch, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Desk with a single drawer designed by Pierre Paulin and manufacture by Thonet. France circa 1955 Black lacquered metal feet, teak veneer drawer on the right side and a teak venee...

Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Oak Bauhaus Chrome Writing Desk by Thonet, Good Condition and Patina, 1930s

Sold

H 31.11 in W 57.09 in D 29.53 in

Oak Bauhaus Chrome Writing Desk by Thonet, Good Condition and Patina, 1930s

By Marcel Breuer

Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj

Desk with a frame in tubular chromed steel. Manufactured by Thonet, Germany, in the 1930s. Designer: Marcel Breuer Very good original condition with original varnish. Tubular steel...

Category

Vintage 1930s German Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Oak Bauhaus Chrome Writing Desk by Thonet, Good Condition and Patina, 1930s

Sold

H 31.11 in W 57.09 in L 31.11 in

Oak Bauhaus Chrome Writing Desk by Thonet, Good Condition and Patina, 1930s

By Marcel Breuer

Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj

Desk with a frame in tubular chromed steel. Manufactured by Thonet, Germany, in the 1930s. Designer: Marcel Breuer Very good original condition with original varnish. Tubular steel...

Category

Vintage 1930s German Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Pierre Paulin desk by Thonet

Sold

H 28.25 in W 38.25 in D 21.25 in

Pierre Paulin desk by Thonet

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Small Desk with Metal Frame, Dusty Blue Formica Top and Matching Formica Faced Wood Drawer.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Desk by Pierre Paulin for Thonet

Sold

H 28.5 in W 50.75 in D 24 in

Desk by Pierre Paulin for Thonet

Located in New York, NY

Important Modernist Desk Designed by Pierre Paulin and edited by Thonet. Upon a Structure of Enameled Steel sits a Cantilevered Set of 2 Drawers and Desk Top Composed of Walnut and B...

Category

Vintage 1950s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Table Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH Late 20th Century

Sold

H 29.14 in W 55.12 in D 31.5 in

Table Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH Late 20th Century

By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH

Located in Saint Ouen, FR

Elegant and design black table or desk with chrome detail signed Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH late 20th Century Stamp present : « Bergasse 31 - Gebr Thonet Vienna - Ges. MBH & CO.KG ...

Category

1990s Austrian Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Desk CM141 by Pierre Paulin, Thonet Edition, 1954

Sold

H 72 in W 129 in D 61 in

Desk CM141 by Pierre Paulin, Thonet Edition, 1954

By Pierre Paulin

Located in Paris, FR

Desk model CM141 by Pierre Paulin, Thonet Edition, 1954.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Pierre Paulin Model "CM 141" Desk for Thonet

Sold

H 29 in W 51 in D 23.5 in

Pierre Paulin Model "CM 141" Desk for Thonet

By Pierre Paulin

Located in Van Nuys, CA

This stunning mid-century modern Pierre Paulin Model "CM 141" desk for Thonet features fabulous lines enhanced by its partial jet black top which contrasts with the mahogany body. Th...

Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Pivoting Desk designed by Joe Adkinson for Thonet

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H 29 in W 52 in D 22 in

Pivoting Desk designed by Joe Adkinson for Thonet

Located in St. Louis, MO

Desk with pivoting table on left side and bank of drawers on the right, brass legs and support

Category

Vintage 1950s American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Desk CM 141, Pierre Paulin for Thonet, France, 1953

Sold

H 29.14 in W 50.91 in D 25.2 in

Desk CM 141, Pierre Paulin for Thonet, France, 1953

By Pierre Paulin

Located in Catonvielle, FR

Writing table CM 141 Pierre Paulin oak and black Formica, black lacquered metal base, edition Thonet, France, 1953.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Pierre Paulin CM 172 Desk for Thonet, France, 1950s

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H 29.53 in W 59.06 in D 29.53 in

Pierre Paulin CM 172 Desk for Thonet, France, 1950s

By Pierre Paulin

Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Iconic CM172 desk designed by Pierre Paulin for Thonet, France. Black lacquered metal base. Mahogany veneer for the case. Black Formica top with some scratches.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Desk CM141 by Pierre Paulin

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H 28.75 in W 50.79 in D 24.02 in

Desk CM141 by Pierre Paulin

By Thonet, Pierre Paulin

Located in Paris, FR

Desk CM141 by Pierre Paulin, Thonet edition, 1954.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Desk CM141 by Pierre Paulin

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H 28.35 in W 50.79 in D 23.23 in

Desk CM141 by Pierre Paulin

By Pierre Paulin, Thonet

Located in Paris, FR

Desk CM141 by Pierre Paulin, Thonet Edition, 1954.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Desk CM141 by Pierre Paulin

Sold

H 28.75 in W 50.79 in D 24.02 in

Desk CM141 by Pierre Paulin

By Thonet, Pierre Paulin

Located in Paris, FR

Desk CM141 by Pierre Paulin, Thonet Edition, 1954.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Pierre Paulin for Thonet Desk Model CM141 France 1953s

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H 28.75 in W 51.19 in D 25.2 in

Pierre Paulin for Thonet Desk Model CM141 France 1953s

By Pierre Paulin

Located in Oirlo, LI

Pierre Paulin (1927-2009), is one of the iconic designers of the post-war period. He studied at the Ecole Camondo where he was a student of the interior designer Maxime Old. Very qu...

Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Pierre Paulin Desk Model CM 217. France Edition Thonet, 1962

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H 28.7 in W 39.4 in D 23.6 in

Pierre Paulin Desk Model CM 217. France Edition Thonet, 1962

By Pierre Paulin

Located in VILLERS-SUR-MER, FR

A very rare Pierre Paulin (1922-2009) model CM 217 desk with square tubular legs in black lacquered metal on which rests a plywood top covered with black laminate, suspended pedestal...

Category

Vintage 1960s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Pierre Paulin Desk CM 223 Vintage French Design

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H 29.53 in W 51.19 in D 27.56 in

Pierre Paulin Desk CM 223 Vintage French Design

By Thonet, Pierre Paulin

Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Desk designed by Pierre Paulin, French designer, and edited by Thonet. Composed of 3 drawers and a top in mahogany and steel.

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

CM 178 Desk in oak and metal by Pierre Paulin, Thonet, 1957

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H 29.14 in W 43.31 in D 22.84 in

CM 178 Desk in oak and metal by Pierre Paulin, Thonet, 1957

By Pierre Paulin

Located in Saint Ouen, France

CM 178 Desk in oak and metal by Pierre Paulin, Thonet, 1957 Born in 1927, Pierre Paulin enrolled at the end of the war at the Camondo school where his artistic and technical quali...

Category

Vintage 1950s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Rare and Early B14 Table or Desk by Marcel Breuer for Thonet

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H 29.93 in W 59.06 in D 29.53 in

Rare and Early B14 Table or Desk by Marcel Breuer for Thonet

By Marcel Breuer

Located in Munich, DE

ebonized wood chromed metal. marked and in good vintage condition. matching stool also available.

Category

Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Thonet wach meker work table

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H 63 in W 25.5 in D 28 in

Thonet wach meker work table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Thonet working table , upper petite glass vitrine with the original key, lower 2 shelves, very interesting and artistic table.Perfect for a kids desk or vanities

Category

Vintage 1930s Austrian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

German Bauhaus Table by Thonet, Fully Restored, 1930s

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H 25.99 in W 25.99 in L 25.99 in

German Bauhaus Table by Thonet, Fully Restored, 1930s

By Marcel Breuer

Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj

Table with a tubular chromed steel frame. Manufactured by Thonet, Germany, in the 1930s. Designer: Marcel Breuer Very good original condition with original varnish. Tubular steel w...

Category

Vintage 1930s Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Rare 1930's Thonet B 791 Writing Desk Chair

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H 33.08 in W 19.3 in D 15.75 in

Rare 1930's Thonet B 791 Writing Desk Chair

By Thonet-Mundus

Located in PRAHA 5, CZ

Made of bent beech wood. Manufactured by Thonet Mundus in 1930's. This particular chair was being used in the offices of Koh-I-Noor factory in Budweis, Czechoslovakia. Labeled with T...

Category

Vintage 1930s Austrian Bauhaus Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Beech

Rare Thonet Nr. 1 Writing Desk Chair

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H 82 in W 64 in D 53 in

Rare Thonet Nr. 1 Writing Desk Chair

By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Michael Thonet

Located in PRAHA 5, CZ

Rare model featured in 1904 Thonet catalogue. Bent solid beech with perforated plywood seat and back. Labeled and imprinted with Thonet factory trade mark. Expertly restored by a pro...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Beech

Black Writing Desk with White Leather Surface by Thonet, Detachable, circa 1980

Sold

H 28.54 in W 47.64 in D 24.02 in

Black Writing Desk with White Leather Surface by Thonet, Detachable, circa 1980

By Thonet

Located in Lichtenberg, AT

PLEASE NOTE: we also offer the perfect edition for this Thonet writing desk: a black Thonet armchair - design by Marcel Kammerer - with white leather upholstery.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Beech

Thonet Small Desk

Sold

H 29.93 in W 54.34 in D 25.6 in

Thonet Small Desk

By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH

Located in Girona, Girona

Small desk in double-sided solid light oak with four drawers, bakelite handles, nickel-plated metal keyhole and key. Satin shellac and wax finish. Maison Thonet c.1930-40.

Category

Vintage 1930s Austrian Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Early Vintage Desk Attributed to Thonet

Sold

H 27 in W 53.75 in D 20.88 in

Early Vintage Desk Attributed to Thonet

By Florence Knoll, Thonet

Located in Chicago, IL

A nicely proportioned vintage desk attributed to Thonet. A more unusual size to find. More Slim. Faux wood grain laminate top. Could possibly be edited with a sheet of wood veneer. ...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

1954 Pierre Paulin " CM141" Desk, ed Thonet

Sold

H 28.35 in W 51.19 in D 24.02 in

1954 Pierre Paulin " CM141" Desk, ed Thonet

By Thonet, Pierre Paulin

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

1954 Pierre Paulin " CM141" desk, ed Thonet Black melamined writing surface with a block of two drawers in ash veneer.

Category

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

Materials

Steel

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Thonet Writing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic thonet writing desk available at 1stDibs. Each thonet writing desk for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, metal and oak. If you’re shopping for a thonet writing desk, we have 42 options in-stock, while there are 1 modern editions to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer thonet writing desk, there are earlier versions available from the 19th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. A thonet writing desk made by Mid-Century Modern designers — as well as those associated with Art Deco — is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made thonet writing desk over the years, but those crafted by Thonet, Pierre Paulin and Marcel Breuer are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Thonet Writing Desk?

A thonet writing desk can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $3,798, while the lowest priced sells for $1,250 and the highest can go for as much as $50,055.

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 Thonet Writing Desk

What is a writing desk?
1 Answer
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.
What is a writing desk with drawers called?
1 Answer
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.
What is a small writing desk called?
1 Answer
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.
What is an old-fashioned writing desk called?
1 Answer
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.
What was the term in French furniture for a writing desk that often featured a drop-down writing surface?
1 Answer
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.

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