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Knoll Writing Desk

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Warren Platner for Knoll Writing Desk in Cherry and Black Leather
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Warren Platner for Knoll, writing desk, cherry, chrome-plated metal, black leather, United States
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Warren Platner Writing Desk with Black Leather Top
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Warren Platner for Knoll, writing desk, leather, metal, oak, United States, design 1973 This heavy
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Knoll by Florence Knoll Ebonized Oak Mini Desk
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in London, GB
Originally designed by Florence Knoll in 1954, the Mini Desk is part of the High Table range
Category

2010s Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Knoll by Florence Knoll Ebonized Oak Mini Desk
Knoll by Florence Knoll Ebonized Oak Mini Desk
H 28.75 in W 48.04 in D 25.99 in
Knoll International Executive Desk S 872 Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Köln, NRW
Writing desk by Florence Knoll model 872 Steel frame chromed, top wood lacquered white with two
Category

Mid-20th Century European Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Florence Knoll Model 17 Desk
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Saint Paul, MN
Alongside the model 75 stool, this desk was part of Florence Knoll's first collection of designs
Category

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

Materials

Maple

Florence Knoll Model 17 Desk
Florence Knoll Model 17 Desk
H 29 in W 48 in D 24 in
Classic Midcentury Walnut and Chrome Florence Knoll Desk Knoll
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic midcentury walnut and chrome Florence Knoll desk features richly grained walnut top chromed
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

1960s Sophisticated Knoll Executive Partners Desk
By Knoll
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Classic Knoll Desk sophisticated large executive partners desk with chrome steel four-star
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Early production Florence Knoll Desk, Classic Modernist design, Knoll New York
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early production walnut and rosewood desk designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll ,features richly
Category

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

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mid-Century Modern Desk by Florence Knoll for Knoll international, 1970s
By Florence Knoll
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Desk by Florence Knoll for Knoll international Biography : Born to a baker
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble

1950s Knoll & Drake Formica and Walnut Desk
By Knoll & Drake
Located in London, GB
Designed and manufactured by Knoll & Drake, this 1950s desk is both practical and timeless
Category

Vintage 1950s American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Formica, Walnut

1950s Knoll & Drake Formica and Walnut Desk
1950s Knoll & Drake Formica and Walnut Desk
H 28.75 in W 48.04 in D 23.63 in
Mid-Century Modern Florence Knoll, Model 2480 Oval Table Desk, 1960s
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Eindhoven, Noord Brabant
This particular Florence Knoll oval table desk is designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll in 1961
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Knoll Walnut Mid Century Modern Double Pedestal Desk with White Laminate Top
By Knoll
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A Knoll walnut double pedestal desk. This is a gorgeous office desk, perfect for a mid century home
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Restored Rare Early Florence Knoll Model 17 Louvered Maple Desk Signed Madison
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This rare desk was designed in the 1950s by Florence Knoll with a simplistic profile that has
Category

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

Materials

Maple

Franco Albini Desk for Knoll International, USA 1960
By Franco Albini, Knoll
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A wonderful desk designed by Franco Albini and manufactured by Knoll International in the USA
Category

Vintage 1960s European Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Early Franco Albini for Knoll Model '80' Desk
By Knoll, Franco Albini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Franco Albini for Knoll, model 80, glass, lacquered wood, lacquered steel, Italy, 1949 Franco
Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Early Franco Albini for Knoll Model '80' Desk
Early Franco Albini for Knoll Model '80' Desk
H 27.37 in W 43.31 in D 26.38 in
Vintage Cini Boeri for Knoll Lunario Cantilevered Table/Desk
By Cini Boeri, Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This elegant Mid-Century Modern desk features a polished stainless steel base with a 1/2 inch thick
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

1970s Executive Office Desk by Warren Platner for Knoll
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An inset leather top executive desk over cantilevered chrome plate steel legs with accompanying six
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather

Warren Platner for Knoll Executive Desk with Black Leather Top
By Warren Platner, Knoll
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Warren Platner for Knoll, desk, leather, steel, oak, United States, 1973 This heavy, sturdy desk
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Franco Albini for Knoll Desk Model '1928' in Glass and Metal
By Knoll, Franco Albini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Franco Albini for Knoll, desk model '1928', glass, wood, chromed steel, Italy, design 1949
Category

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

Materials

Steel

MCM Danish Walnut and chrome executive desk
By Florence Knoll
Located in Sayreville, NJ
Gorgeous walnut and chrome executive office desk. In the manner of a Florence knoll design this
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Franco Albini Desk for Knoll International, USA 1960
By Franco Albini
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A wonderful desk designed by Franco Albini and manufactured by Knoll International in the USA
Category

Vintage 1960s American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Table "Urn" by Robert Venturi, Knoll International, USA, 1984
By Knoll, Roberto Ventura
Located in Berlin, DE
Table "Urn" by Robert Venturi, Knoll International, USA, 1984.´ made of laminate over plywood with
Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Knoll International Complete Office Warren Platner Desk and Sideboards
By Warren Platner
Located in Köln, NRW
Knoll International complete office by Warren Platner desk + sideboards Desk: frame steel
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century European Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Franco Albini Italian Midcentury Desk for Knoll 70's
By Franco Albini
Located in bari, IT
Stickers.Stunning Franco Albini '1928' desk for Knoll international, this example 1958. A pebbled
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Desk "1928" by Franco Albini for Knoll International, Italy, 1950s
By Franco Albini
Located in Greding, DE
Desk "1928" designed by Franco Albini for Knoll International, Italy, 1950s. This glass and metal
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Vintage Herman Miller Table or Desk with Knoll Walnut Top
By Herman Miller
Located in Pasadena, TX
A vintage dining or conference table or a desk. Beautiful Knoll top made of American Walnut on a
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-Century Modern Desk / Writing Table, Paul McCobb, Walnut, American, 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern Desk / Writing Table, Paul McCobb, Walnut, American, 1950s Having a Large
Category

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

Materials

Laminate, Walnut

Large Varnished Wood Executive Desk, in the style of Florence Knoll
Located in Miami, FL
Large Varnished wood executive desk, in the style of Florence Knoll.
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Ladislav Rado White Enameled Steel Modern Desk, Vanity, 1955, Knoll and Drake
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ladislav Rado white enameled steel modern desk, Vanity, 1955, Knoll and Drake. Knoll and Drake
Category

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

Materials

Stainless Steel

Pace Collection Mid Century Italian Modern Thick Black Marble Granite Top Desk
By Pace Collection, Knoll
Located in Rockaway, NJ
High quality mid century modern black granite desk with shelf or bookcase in the back.
Category

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

Materials

Granite, Aluminum

Leather and Oak Executive Desk by Warren Platner for Knoll, USA, circa 1965
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Single drawer executive Platner desk with a top in natural stained, bullnose oak and cream colored
Category

Vintage 1960s Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

1970s Modernist Table by Knoll
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rectangular stainless steel framed dining table/ desk with a white marble top. Two tables could
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Chrome, Steel

1970s Modernist Table by Knoll
1970s Modernist Table by Knoll
H 28 in W 60 in D 42 in
Scrivania di Florence Knoll Anni 60
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
Grande scrivania con base in alluminio, piano con piccoli cassetti, legno impiallacciato legno esotico.
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Scrivania di Florence Knoll  Anni 60
Scrivania di Florence Knoll  Anni 60
H 28.55 in W 72.05 in D 38 in
Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Style Partners / Executive Desk, Rosewood
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Style Partners / Executive Desk, Rosewood/Walnut Fully Refinished
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Handsome Mid-Century Modern Walnut Jens Risom Desk Table Mid-Century Modern
By Jens Risom
Located in Pemberton, NJ
. And if you are wanting a beautiful and functional desk for your home or office, look no further. This
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Patrice Maffei Desk for Kappa, 70s, Brushed Stainless Steel, Smoked Glass, 1970
By Patrice Maffei
Located in Paris, FR
Superb desk, design Patrice Maffei for Kappa, 1970s. . Blue box, two lockable drawers, a gray
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Gaetano" desk by Gae Aulenti for Zanotta
By Gae Aulenti, Zanotta
Located in Conversano, IT
diventati iconici. Alcuni dei suoi pezzi più celebri includono il tavolo "Jumbo" per Knoll e la lampada
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Crystal, Steel

Gaetano" desk by Gae Aulenti for Zanotta
Gaetano" desk by Gae Aulenti for Zanotta
H 27.96 in W 59.06 in D 29.53 in
MCM Desk by Robert John Co. Walnut & White Painted Steel Frame & Laminate Top
By Knoll
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome Mid-Century Modern smaller writing desk by the Robert John Co. of Philadelphia
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Rare Harvey Probber Brass and Mahogany Desk
By Harvey Probber
Located in Hanover, MA
Harvey Probber mahogany writing desk with white laminate top with solid brass tubular legs and
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

Florence Knoll Executive Desk for Knoll International
By Wohnbedarf, Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Zurich, CH
Beautiful teak desk designed by Florence Knoll.
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Modernist Corner Desk Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll
Located in Antwerpen, BE
An L-shaped working space from the series model 1500. The executive desk (190 x 90 x 74) has a
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Modernist Corner Desk Florence Knoll
Modernist Corner Desk Florence Knoll
H 29.14 in W 74.81 in D 35.44 in
Florence Knoll Walnut Executive Desk for Knoll Associates, 1960
By Florence Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modern Executive desk, designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll, circa 1960s. Large-scale with a clean
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century 1970s Knoll Lunario Table Desk by Cini Boeri, Desk to Impress
By Cini Boeri, Knoll
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A Mid-Century Modern table or desk designed by Cini Boeri and made by Knoll. A chrome elliptical
Category

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

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Large 'Executive Desk' by Warren Platner
By Knoll
Located in London, GB
An ‘Executive Desk’ designed by Warren Platner for Knoll International, the luxurious black-leather
Category

Vintage 1970s British Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Oak

Large 'Executive Desk' by Warren Platner
Large 'Executive Desk' by Warren Platner
H 29.53 in W 42.92 in D 77.96 in
Knoll Writing Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful Knoll Desk Made of Tubular Steal and Wood Top great writing or reception desk.
Category

20th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Knoll Writing Desk
Knoll Writing Desk
H 30.5 in W 64 in D 32 in
Knoll International Executive / Partner's Writing Desk, by F. Knoll, 1961
By Florence Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
Executive Desk or Partner's Desk, designed 1961 by Florence Knoll for Knoll International. The
Category

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

Materials

Stainless Steel

Franco Albini Writing Desk Knoll International, 1949
By Franco Albini, Knoll
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare and early writing desk model 1928 designed by Franco Albini and manufactured by Knoll
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Partners Desk Florence Knoll
By Knoll
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a partners desk in walnut wood. Partial label from Knoll in one of the
Category

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

Materials

Stainless Steel, Chrome

Partners Desk Florence Knoll
Partners Desk Florence Knoll
H 29.75 in W 72 in D 37.5 in
Florence Knoll Partners Desk
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Partners desk by Florence Knoll for Knoll. This oak desk consist of four drawers, two on each side
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Florence Knoll Partners Desk
Florence Knoll Partners Desk
H 28.5 in W 72 in D 38 in
Franco Albini Glass & Metal Writing Desk for Knoll International, 1949
By Knoll, Franco Albini
Located in The Hague, NL
Rare and early age writing desk designed by Franco Albini and manufactured by Knoll International
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Desk by Florence Knoll for Knoll 1950S
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Lasne, BE
Desk composed of 2 pedestals with 3 drawers per pedestal. Foot in chrome metal. Wear due to time
Category

Vintage 1950s Central American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Desk by Florence Knoll for Knoll 1950S
Desk by Florence Knoll for Knoll 1950S
H 29.53 in W 83.86 in D 63.59 in
Florence Knoll Desk
By Florence Knoll
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rare and Beautiful L Shaped Desk Designed by Florence Knoll L 167 cm x D 191 cm x H 74 cm USA
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Florence Knoll Desk
Florence Knoll Desk
H 29.14 in W 65.75 in D 75.2 in
Florence Knoll Desk
By Florence Knoll
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rare and Beautiful L Shaped Desk Designed by Florence Knoll L 167 cm x D 191 cm x H 74 cm USA
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Florence Knoll Desk
Florence Knoll Desk
H 29.14 in W 65.75 in D 75.2 in
FLORENCE KNOLL Desk
By Florence Knoll
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rare and Beautiful L Shaped Desk Designed by Florence Knoll L 167 cm x D 191 cm x H 74 cm USA
Category

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

Materials

Wood

FLORENCE KNOLL Desk
FLORENCE KNOLL Desk
H 29.14 in W 65.75 in D 75.2 in
Florence Knoll Walnut Executive Desk for Knoll, 1961
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Milan, IT
Extraordinary executive desk designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll in 1961. Chrome-plated steel base
Category

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

Materials

Steel

1960s Writing Desk Warren Platner for Knoll Luxurious Walnut & Chrome
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Desk 1960s Modern Desk designed by Warren Platner for Knoll. Chrome plated legs in a cantilever
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Florence Knoll Rosewood Executive Table Desk for Knoll
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Hudson, NY
Partner's desk in rosewood, purchased in early 1970s. Box top with two small drawers on each side
Category

Vintage 1960s American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Florence Knoll Desk and Return
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Epperstone, Nottinghamshire
Wonderful and rare desk with return in walnut and black metal designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll
Category

Mid-20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Florence Knoll Desk and Return
Florence Knoll Desk and Return
H 29.14 in W 63 in D 51.19 in
Large Knoll Walnut Executive Desk
By Knoll
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice large walnut executive desk.
Category

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

Large Knoll Walnut Executive Desk
Large Knoll Walnut Executive Desk
H 29 in W 72 in D 34 in
Florence Knoll for Knoll Walnut and Chrome Executive Desk
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Florence knoll walnut desk with square tube frame. Newly refinished and ready to go! Ample work
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

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Knoll Writing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the knoll writing desk you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, metal and chrome, every knoll writing desk was constructed with great care. Your living room may not be complete without a knoll writing desk — find older editions for sale from the 20th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. A knoll writing desk, designed in the Mid-Century Modern or Modern style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. Many designers have produced at least one well-made knoll writing desk over the years, but those crafted by Knoll, Florence Knoll and Warren Platner are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Knoll Writing Desk?

Prices for a knoll writing desk start at $1,750 and top out at $27,500 with the average selling for $4,800.

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 Knoll 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.