Writing Desk Table
Price
Shipping Options
Sort By
Desk in Leather and Wood
By Cipriani Homood
Located in Milan, IT
A highly functional and clean design characterize this desk featuring soft leather, an exotic style wood top and a sturdy metal base. Perfect for sitting down at to tend to your writ...
Category
2010s Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
H 31.89 in. W 57.88 in. D 23.63 in.
Antique Drafting Desk or Store Fixture
Located in Atlanta, GA
Antique drafting desk or store fixture, The adjustable tilt-top with dark grey inset fabric. Possibly could have been in a mercantile store, used for fabric sales or the like. One si...
Category
Early 20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
H 29.75 in. W 59 in. D 31.5 in.
W25 Wishbone Drawer Desk by Skram
Located in Boston, MA
The W25 version of the wishbone drawer desk is an asymmetrical design. Features include book-matched veneer work with mitered, ‘waterfall’ edges, edges and corners protected with sol...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stainless Steel
H 29.5 in. W 48 in. D 24 in.
Italian Edizioni Two-Drawer Mirrored and Brass Writing Desk, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Miami, FL
Handmade desk with two drawers with brake.
It´s also black mirrored behind.
The handles and the endless of the drawers are made in mirror.
The brass legs are very resistant’s.
...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass
H 33.5 in. W 48 in. D 19.25 in.
Nomos Style Chrome and Glass Dining Table or Desk after Norman Foster
By Sir Norman Foster
Located in San Francisco, CA
An Argentine licensed copy of the original iconic Norman Foster Nomos table. Chrome plated steel frame supporting a thick glass top. Works as a desk or dining table.
Will set eight ...
Category
20th Century Argentine Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stainless Steel, Chrome
H 28.52 in. W 73 in. D 35.5 in.
Desk by Hans J. Wegner
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Lejre, DK
Drop-leaf desk with teak top and oak frame. Designed by Maa. Hans J. Wegner for Andreas Tuck Cabinetmakers, Denmark. Great original condition.
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak, Teak
H 29.53 in. W 63 in. D 33.47 in.
1940s Mid-Century Modern Tanker Desk
By The Standard Furniture Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
American-made Mid-Century Modern tanker desk in good condition, constructed of oak with a Formica top and steel handles. Maker's mark inside center drawer. Standard Furniture Co., bu...
Category
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
H 31 in. W 66 in. D 39 in.
Fine Ebonized Louis XVI Style Desk
Located in London, GB
A fine French Louis XVI style desk in ebonized walnut with a leather top with Greek key border. The gilt bronze mounts and escutcheons of good quality and each drawer have a separate...
Category
Antique Early 1900s French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Kingwood
H 28.75 in. W 63 in. D 31.5 in.
Fine Ebonized Louis XVI Style Desk
Located in London, GB
A fine French Louis XVI style desk in ebonized walnut with a leather top with Greek key border. The gilt bronze mounts and escutcheons of good quality and each drawer have a separate...
Category
Antique Early 1900s French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Kingwood
H 28.75 in. W 63 in. D 31.5 in.
Large Executive Desk by Formanova, Milan
By Forma Nova
Located in London, GB
A large Italian executive desk by Formanova, designed by Gianni Moscatelli. In brushed steel and hardwood with an opaque glass top.
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
H 29.14 in. W 70.87 in. D 35.44 in.
Fine Ebonized Louis XVI Style Desk
Located in London, GB
A fine French Louis XVI style desk in ebonized walnut with a leather top with Greek key border. The gilt bronze mounts and escutcheons of good quality and each drawer have a separate...
Category
Antique Early 1900s French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Kingwood
H 28.75 in. W 63 in. D 31.5 in.
Fine Ebonized Louis XVI Style Desk
Located in London, GB
A fine French Louis XVI style desk in ebonized walnut, with a leather top with Greek key border. The gilt bronze mounts and escutcheons of good quality and each drawer have a separat...
Category
Antique Early 1900s French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Kingwood
H 28.75 in. W 63 in. D 31.5 in.
Large Executive Desk by Formanova, Milan
By Forma Nova
Located in London, GB
A large Italian executive desk by Formanova, designed by Gianni Moscatelli. In brushed steel and hardwood with an opaque glass top.
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
H 29.14 in. W 70.87 in. D 35.44 in.
Fine Ebonized Louis XVI Style Desk
Located in London, GB
A fine French Louis XVI style desk in ebonized walnut with a leather top with Greek key border. The gilt bronze mounts and escutcheons of good quality and each drawer have a separate...
Category
Antique Early 1900s French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Kingwood
H 28.75 in. W 63 in. D 31.5 in.
Large Executive Desk by Formanova, Milan
By Forma Nova
Located in London, GB
A large Italian executive desk by Formanova, designed by Gianni Moscatelli. In brushed steel and hardwood with an opaque glass top.
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
H 29.14 in. W 70.87 in. D 35.44 in.
Fine Ebonized Louis XVI Style Desk
Located in London, GB
A fine French Louis XVI style desk in ebonized walnut, with a leather top with Greek key border. The gilt bronze mounts and escutcheons of good quality and each drawer have a separat...
Category
Antique Early 1900s French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Kingwood
H 28.75 in. W 63 in. D 31.5 in.
Fine Louis XVI Style Ebonized Desk
Located in London, GB
A fine French Louis XVI style desk in ebonized walnut, with a leather top with Greek key border. The gilt bronze mounts and escutcheons of good quality and each drawer has a separate...
Category
Antique Early 1900s French Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
H 31.11 in. W 63 in. D 31.5 in.
Large Executive Desk by Formanova, Milan
By Forma Nova
Located in London, GB
A large Italian executive desk by Formanova, designed by Gianni Moscatelli. In brushed steel and hardwood with an opaque glass top.
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
H 29.14 in. W 70.87 in. D 35.44 in.
Large Executive Desk by Formanova, Milan
By Forma Nova
Located in London, GB
A large Italian executive desk by Formanova, designed by Gianni Moscatelli. In brushed steel and hardwood with an opaque glass top.
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
H 29.14 in. W 70.87 in. D 35.44 in.
Fine Ebonized Louis XVI Style Desk
Located in London, GB
A fine French Louis XVI style desk in ebonized walnut with a leather top with Greek key border. The gilt bronze mounts and escutcheons of good quality and each drawer have a separate...
Category
Antique Early 1900s French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Kingwood
H 28.75 in. W 63 in. D 31.5 in.
Fine Ebonized Louis XVI Style Desk
Located in London, GB
A fine French Louis XVI style desk in ebonized walnut with a leather top with Greek key border. The gilt bronze mounts and escutcheons of good quality and each drawer have a separate...
Category
Antique Early 1900s French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Kingwood
H 28.75 in. W 63 in. D 31.5 in.
Large Executive Desk by Formanova, Milan
By Forma Nova
Located in London, GB
A large Italian executive desk by Formanova, designed by Gianni Moscatelli. In brushed steel and hardwood with an opaque glass top.
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
H 29.14 in. W 70.87 in. D 35.44 in.
Large Executive Desk by Formanova, Milan
By Forma Nova
Located in London, GB
A large Italian executive desk by Formanova, designed by Gianni Moscatelli. In brushed steel and hardwood with an opaque glass top.
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
H 29.14 in. W 70.87 in. D 35.44 in.
Fine Ebonized Louis XVI Style Desk
Located in London, GB
A fine French Louis XVI style desk in ebonized walnut, with a leather top with Greek key border. The gilt bronze mounts and escutcheons of good quality and each drawer have a separat...
Category
Antique Early 1900s French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Kingwood
H 28.75 in. W 63 in. D 31.5 in.
Fine Ebonized Louis XVI Style Desk
Located in London, GB
A fine French Louis XVI style desk in ebonized walnut, with a leather top with Greek key border. The gilt bronze mounts and escutcheons of good quality and each drawer have a separat...
Category
Antique Early 1900s French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables
H 28.75 in. W 63 in. D 31.5 in.
Fine Ebonized Louis XVI Style Desk
Located in London, GB
A fine French Louis XVI style desk in ebonized walnut, with a leather top with Greek key border. The gilt bronze mounts and escutcheons of good quality and each drawer have a separat...
Category
Antique Early 1900s French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Kingwood
H 28.75 in. W 63 in. D 31.5 in.
Fine Louis XVI Style Ebonized Desk
Located in London, GB
A fine French Louis XVI style desk in ebonized walnut, with a leather top with Greek key border. The gilt bronze mounts and escutcheons of good quality and each drawer have a separat...
Category
Antique Early 1900s French Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
H 31.11 in. W 63 in. D 31.5 in.
Fine Louis XVI Style Ebonized Desk
Located in London, GB
A fine French Louis XVI style desk in ebonized walnut, with a leather top with Greek key border. The gilt bronze mounts and escutcheons of good quality and each drawer has a separate...
Category
Antique Early 1900s French Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
H 31.11 in. W 63 in. D 31.5 in.
Large Executive Desk by Formanova, Milan
By Forma Nova
Located in London, GB
A large Italian executive desk by Formanova, designed by Gianni Moscatelli. In brushed steel and hardwood with an opaque glass top.
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
H 29.14 in. W 70.87 in. D 35.44 in.
Fine Louis XVI Style Ebonized Desk
Located in London, GB
A fine French Louis XVI style desk in ebonized walnut, with a leather top with Greek key border. The gilt bronze mounts and escutcheons of good quality and each drawer have a separat...
Category
Antique Early 1900s French Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
H 31.11 in. W 63 in. D 31.5 in.
Paul McCobb Mahogany Desk, Calvin Collection, circa 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Stamford, CT
Classic desk in mahogany designed by Paul McCobb, Calvin collection, circa 1950s. Fully restored. Signature brass stretcher newly polished. Nickel-plated pulls retain some patina.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
H 29 in. W 54 in. D 26 in.
Architect's Desk, France, First Half of the 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
French Architect's desk on baluster legs with brass details and a writing surface, adjustable in height. The compartment underneath is covered with a green fabric; a lateral drawer i...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Restauration Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
H 32.29 in. W 29.93 in. D 24.41 in.
George Nelson Wood and Leather Office Desk for Herman Miller, USA 1948
By George Nelson
Located in New York, NY
From George Nelson's ground breaking 1948 group of designs for Herman Miller that put the company firmly in the ranks of post war modernism. Nelson's desk was decidedly futuristic, w...
Category
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
H 40.25 in. W 54 in. D 28 in.
Midcentury Danish Design Desk in Teak by Svend Aage Madsen, 1950s
By Svend Åge Madsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Great looking desk in teak with cane details on the frame and the handles. Designed by Svend Aage Madsen. Made in Denmark in the 1950s. Nice original condition.
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Cane, Teak
H 29.14 in. W 29.53 in. D 59.06 in.
Steam Bent Ash desk by Jonathan Field with Secret Compartment, Unique
By Jonathan Field
Located in London, GB
Steam bent solid ash, the finish is an ebony-stained grain and oil tint darker shade and finish. The drawers have traditional runners and a secret compartment.
The underside of the...
Category
2010s English Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ash
H 29.93 in. W 63.78 in. D 22.64 in.
Executive Desk & Storage Cabinet by JL Bertet for Mobilier Intl., France 1982
By Mobilier International
Located in Jersey City, NJ
1982 "Delta" series executive desk and rolling storage cabinet designed by Jean Louis Berthet in the 1960s, later re-issued by Berthet at the request of Mobilier International. The d...
Category
Vintage 1980s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
H 28.5 in. W 97 in. D 56 in.
Cees Braakman Mid Century Modern Wood Netherlands EB04 Birch Desk, circa 1950
By Cees Braakman
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
EB04 birch desk designed by Cees Braakman, circa 1950.
It's in excellent original condition, preserving a beautiful patina.
Cees Braakman (1917-1995) at the age of 17 he went t...
Category
Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
H 29.53 in. W 55.12 in. D 27.56 in.
19th Century French Restauration Table
Located in Belmont, MA
Exquisite kidney shaped table, cherrywood, mahogany and elmwood veneer, the top with lozenge-shaped marquetry and an oval shaped flower medallion. The table is raised by two pierced ...
Category
Antique 1820s French Restauration Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Cherry, Mahogany
H 29.13 in. W 34.25 in. D 18.89 in.
Ben Storms Table "in Vein", 2017
By Ben Storms
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
In Vein is a marble trestle table with a plus. Once you turn the tabletop around, it doubles as a mirror and decorative object. The Classic trestle table represents simplicity, mobil...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Stainless Steel
H 29 in. W 79 in. D 39 in.
Gaetano Table by Gae Aulenti for Zanotta, 1970
By Gae Aulenti, Zanotta
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gaetano working table by Gae Aulenti for Zanotta with original glass top, supported by two black and red enameled metal folding working horses alike base. Documented: see Repertorio ...
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
H 28 in. W 59 in. D 29 in.
19th Century Italian Poplar Table Letter Holder or Magazine Holder
Located in Bosco Marengo, IT
Particular letter or magazine holder in antique poplar wood in the upper and lower letterbox compartment with many compartments. On the front a comfortable drawer.
The antique table...
Category
Antique 1890s Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Poplar
H 85.04 in. W 27.56 in. D 17.72 in.
Contemporary Writing Desk by Johannes Hock
Located in Frankfurt, Hessen, DE
Stunning writing desk by contemporary German Artist Johannes Hock.
A well proportioned body situated on a metal base. The surface of rhombs, joined in different veneers, apparently...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
H 28.75 in. W 47.25 in. D 23.63 in.
Stacked Writing Desk in Cream Shagreen by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The stacked writing desk is a statement piece for any living space with its irregular stacked drawers in cream shagreen. The mixture of geometry within the Classic silhouette is the ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Shagreen Stingray
H 29.53 in. W 19.69 in. D 51.19 in.
Moon Desk, Elegantly Styled 21st Century Mahogany and Brass Writing Desk
By Privatiselectionem
Located in Paris, FR
The hand varnished mahogany surface of this piece carries subtle yet stunning tonal variances that create a masterful realization of the concept of beauty from imperfection. The left...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass, Brass
H 29.53 in. W 68.9 in. D 25.6 in.
Contemporary Vittoriale Writing Desk in Aluminium by Altreforme
By Valentina Fontana
Located in Calolziocorte (Lecco) Italy, IT
Refined desk paying tribute to the famous author Gabriele D'Annunzio and his luxury residence on Garda lake.
Pricing excludes VAT.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
H 28.75 in. W 63 in. D 19.69 in.
Royal Desk, Silver Plated Solid Brass Leg and Varnished Wood Writing Desk
By Privatiselectionem
Located in Paris, FR
Invite the Royal Desk into your space to create a regal yet functional home office environment. Its silver plated solid brass legs, hand varnished wood body and polished brass top co...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass, Brass
H 30.71 in. W 51.97 in. D 23.63 in.
Writing Table by Deborah Ehrlich
By Deborah Ehrlich
Located in Accord, NY
Deborah Ehrlich's simple writing table is handmade with traditional joinery by an incredibly talented master craftsman in RI.
The delicate proportions are a nod to the elegance of...
Category
2010s American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ash, Hickory, Oak
H 28 in. W 56.5 in. D 24.25 in.
Chrome and Glass Dinning Table or Desk
Located in New York, NY
A simple piece, much like the little black dress. Chrome is in excellent condition and glass is flawless. It can either be used as a dining table or it would make an excellent desk.
...
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
H 29.25 in. W 80 in. D 36 in.
Minimalist Nathan Lindberg Design Teak and Metal Writing Table Mod. NL40 White
By Bodil Kjaer, Nanna Ditzel, Nathan Lindberg
Located in Hamminkeln, DE
The Nathan Lindberg desk. Model NL40 in beautiful teak wood and metal base, white edition, with white HPL drawers. Super high quality writing table, freestanding, maple wood inside t...
Category
2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Stainless Steel
H 29.93 in. W 70.87 in. D 31.5 in.
Minimalist Nathan Lindberg Design Teak and Metal Writing Table Mod. NL40 Black
By Nathan Lindberg
Located in Hamminkeln, DE
The Nathan Lindberg desk. Model NL40 in beautiful teak wood and metal base, black edition, with black HPL drawers. Super high quality writing table, freestanding, maple wood inside t...
Category
2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Stainless Steel
H 29.93 in. W 70.87 in. D 31.5 in.
Compact Study Desk with Natural Linoleum Table Top - Customisable
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
The &New study desk is made with a powder coated steel frame and a colour matched linoleum tabletop. The linoleum for our desks is selected for the ecological properties of the linse...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
H 28.35 in. W 45.28 in. D 20.48 in.
Green Study Desk with Drawer and Reclaimed Parquet Wood Table Top
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
The Study desk is made with a green powder coated steel frame and a beautiful parquet wood table top. This minimal desk has a steel drawer suspended underneath the table top with a l...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
H 31.5 in. W 59.06 in. D 20.48 in.
Kai Kristiansen Desk in Oak
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lejre, DK
Great looking freestanding desk in oak designed by Kai Kristiansen, Denmark in 1950s. Great original condition.
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
H 28.35 in. W 61.03 in. D 29.53 in.
Ivanhoe Desk by Lawson-Fenning
By Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Ivanhoe desk features a cantilevered base with open display shelves. Available in American walnut or white oak and drawers are available upon request.
Available to order in va...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
H 29 in. W 55 in. D 31.5 in.
Kai Kristiansen Desk in Rosewood
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lejre, DK
Great looking freestanding desk in rosewood designed by Kai Kristiansen, Denmark in 1950s. Very nice original condition.
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
H 28.35 in. W 61.03 in. D 29.53 in.
Kai Kristiansen Desk in Rosewood
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lejre, DK
Great looking freestanding desk in rosewood designed by Kai Kristiansen, Denmark in 1950s. Very nice original condition.
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
H 28.75 in. W 60.24 in. D 31.5 in.
Oman Jun Desk in Rosewood
By Gunni Omann
Located in Lejre, DK
Great looking freestanding desk in rosewood designed by Gunni Oman for Oman Jun, Denmark in 1957. Great original condition.
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
H 28.75 in. W 60.24 in. D 31.5 in.
Elegant Desk Designed by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Lejre, DK
Elegant freestanding Danish design desk in mahogany with three drawers designed by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen in the late 1950s. Made in Denmark, great original condition.
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
H 29.14 in. W 59.06 in. D 29.53 in.
Ghost Altuglas Desk by Charly Bounan
Located in Geneve, CH
Ghost Altuglas Des by Charly Bounan
Hand-sculpted Altuglas and sculpted design artwork
Dimensions Altuglas part: 150 x 75 x 75 cm
Sculpted bloc: 100 x 65 x 71.5 cm
Material: Plex...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Altuglas
H 29.53 in. W 66.93 in. D 29.53 in.
Original Ocean Travertine Desk by Clement Brazille
By Clément Brazille
Located in Geneve, CH
Original Ocean travertine desk by Clement Brazille
Material : Ocean travertine stone
Dimensions : 160 x 75 x 74 cm
Signed and numbered by Clément Brazille
Other dimensions or s...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Travertine
H 29.14 in. W 29.53 in. D 63 in.
- 1
- ...
Writing Desk Table For Sale on 1stDibs
With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the writing desk table you’re looking for. A writing desk table — often made from wood, metal and hardwood — can elevate any home. If you’re shopping for a writing desk table, we have 3475 options in-stock, while there are 668 modern editions to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer writing desk table, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. Each writing desk table bearing Mid-Century Modern, Modern or Louis XV hallmarks is very popular. Zieta, R & Y Augousti and Gio Ponti each produced at least one beautiful writing desk table that is worth considering.
How Much is a Writing Desk Table?
Prices for a writing desk table can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $211 and can go as high as $1,841,084, while the average can fetch as much as $6,007.
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 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 vintage 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.
Read More
35 Wondrous Outdoor Dining Spaces
Eating meals alfresco is one of the great pleasures of warm weather, and a beautifully appointed space only heightens the experience. Get inspired by these delectable dining areas as you think about creating your own outdoor oasis.
The Process: Scagliola Is the Swirly Faux Marble You Never Knew You Loved
The ancient decorative plaster still captivates as it did in the 17th century.
More Ways To Browse
Antique 18th Century Spanish Table Or Desk
18th Century George Ii Mahogany Side Or Writing Table Attributed To Wilson
Early 20th Century French Louis Xvi Style Walnut Secretary Writing Table Or Desk
Early 20th Century French Louis Xvistyle Walnut Secretary Writing Table Or Desk
A Regency Or George Iv Circular Rosewood And Banded Table
9th Century English Gilt Chinoisoire Bookcase Secretary Or Desk
Oak Art Deco Haagse School Desk Or Writing Table By Henk Wouda For Pander 1924
Pair Of Italian 1990s Memphis Style White Metal Bedside Wall Or Desk Lamps
Quaderna Desk Or Dining Table By Superstudio For Zanotta Italy 1970s
Art Nouveau Table Or Desk Lamp
Minimalist Dining Table Or Desk
Desks Or Dining Tables