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 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 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 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.

Writing Desk Teak

Peter Lovig Nielsen Teak

Louis Xv Office Chairs And Desk Chairs

Danish Mid Century Desk

Boomerang Desk

Desks From 1960s

Midcentury Modern Danish Desk

Modern Teak Side Table With Drawer

Teak Boomerang

Danish Teak Writing Desk

$2,200

Danish Teak Writing Desk

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Danish made mid-century modern desk in teak wood grain. Four drawers and finished back. Please

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Inlaid Teak Writing Desk from India

$2,520Sale Price|28% Off

Inlaid Teak Writing Desk from India

Located in New York, NY

A beautiful writing desk, handcrafted in India out of aged teak wood and responsibly sourced animal

Category

1990s Indian Anglo-Indian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bone, Teak

Mid-Century Danish Freestanding Teak Writing Desk

$944

Mid-Century Danish Freestanding Teak Writing Desk

Located in Praha, CZ

This refined mid-century modern writing desk was produced in Denmark during the 1960s. Constructed

Category

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

Materials

Wood, Teak

Table, Desk, Writing, Dressing, Vanity, Teak, Vintage

$6,265

Table, Desk, Writing, Dressing, Vanity, Teak, Vintage

Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK

A large vintage teak table desk, writing table, dressing table or side table. Measures: 6 feet 2

Category

Vintage 1950s British Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Danish Teak and Oak Wood Writing Desk

$2,906

Danish Teak and Oak Wood Writing Desk

Located in Madrid, ES

Desk in veneered teak and solid oak. Four drawers on the left side, lockable drawer in the middle

Category

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

Materials

Brass

1960s Danish Modern Angular Danish Writing Desk in Teak

$4,740

1960s Danish Modern Angular Danish Writing Desk in Teak

Located in Berkeley, CA

Origin: Denmark Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: Unknown Era: 1960s Materials: Teak Measurements

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Model 75 Writing Desk in Teak by Gunni Omann

$7,050

Model 75 Writing Desk in Teak by Gunni Omann

By Omann Jun Møbelfabrik, Gunni Omann

Located in Berkeley, CA

Origin: Denmark Designer: Gunni Omann Manufacturer: Omann Jun Møbelfabrik Era: 1957 Materials: Teak

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Danish Teak Writing Desk with Brass Details, 1960s

$1,440

Mid-Century Danish Teak Writing Desk with Brass Details, 1960s

Located in Praha, CZ

This refined mid-century writing desk was produced in Denmark during the 1960s and exemplifies the

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Vintage Teak Writing Desk By Peter Hvidt for John Stuart

$2,400

Vintage Teak Writing Desk By Peter Hvidt for John Stuart

By Peter Hvidt

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

A vintage writing desk crafted in teak with metal legs featuring a single bay with 4 pull out

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Jules Wabbes Early Versatile Free-Standing Corner Desk in Wengé

$16,700

Jules Wabbes Early Versatile Free-Standing Corner Desk in Wengé

By Jules Wabbes

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Jules Wabbes, two-part corner writing desk, teak, coated steel, wengé, chrome, Belgium, 1960s This

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Andreas Hansen Danish Teak Roll Top Writing Desk Ca. 1980s

$3,400

Andreas Hansen Danish Teak Roll Top Writing Desk Ca. 1980s

By Hadsten Traeindustri, Andreas Hansen

Located in Peabody, MA

Roll top writing desk by Andreas Hansen for Hadsten Træindustri, made in Denmark, circa 1980s

Category

Vintage 1980s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Teak

Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Executive Desk or Writing Table

$1,900

Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Executive Desk or Writing Table

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A wonderful and simply designed teak desk from Scandinavia circa 1970's. It features teak

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

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

$3,500

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

By Bodafors, Bertil Fridhagen

Located in Manhasset, NY

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

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Danish Modern Teak Executive Writing Desk Henning Jorgensen for Fredericia

$7,265

Danish Modern Teak Executive Writing Desk Henning Jorgensen for Fredericia

By Fredericia

Located in Munich, Bavaria

Rare Danish Modern desk by Henning Jorgensen for Fredericia Mobelfabrik, 1960.Not confuse with

Category

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

Materials

Wood, Teak

Peter Løvig Nielsen boomerang writing desk in teak Løvig Denmark 1960

$5,449

Peter Løvig Nielsen boomerang writing desk in teak Løvig Denmark 1960

By Peter Løvig Nielsen, Løvig Design

Located in Etten-Leur, NL

This striking boomerang-shaped writing desk was designed by Peter Løvig Nielsen and produced by

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Teak Desk

$3,272

Teak Desk

Located in London, GB

This vintage teak desk combines form and function with effortless style. Crafted from richly

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Teak Desk

$3,272

Teak Desk

Located in London, GB

This mid-century teak desk exemplifies classic Scandinavian design, offering a harmonious blend of

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Gio Ponti Style Teak Writing Desk for Dassi, Mid-Century, Italy, 1950s

$4,250

Gio Ponti Style Teak Writing Desk for Dassi, Mid-Century, Italy, 1950s

By Dassi, Gio Ponti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Italian writing desk attributed to Gio Ponti for Vittorio Dassi exemplifies the designer's refined

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Steel

Teak & Chrome Base Mid Century Danish Modern Petit Desk Console Writing Table

$3,400

Teak & Chrome Base Mid Century Danish Modern Petit Desk Console Writing Table

By Fritz Hansen

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Teak & Chrome Base Mid Century Danish Modern Petit desk Console writing table.

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Danish Mid Century Teak Box Wooton Folding Desk Writing Table File Cabinet MINT!

$6,400

Danish Mid Century Teak Box Wooton Folding Desk Writing Table File Cabinet MINT!

By Skovby Møbelfabrik A/S 1

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Danish Mid Century Teak Box Wooton Folding Desk Writing Table File Cabinet MINT!

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Midcentury Danish Modern Teak Writing Desk w/ Woven Wicker Front by Sligh Lowry

$1,552Sale Price|30% Off

Midcentury Danish Modern Teak Writing Desk w/ Woven Wicker Front by Sligh Lowry

Located in Van Nuys, CA

Original 1960s Danish modern style teak writing desk with woven wicker front and dark stained

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard for John Stuart Larger Teak Writing Desk, 1950's

$4,000

Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard for John Stuart Larger Teak Writing Desk, 1950's

By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, John Stuart Inc., Hvidt & Mølgaard, Peter Hvidt

Located in Bainbridge, NY

Danish Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen Larger Teak Desk for Soborg Møbelfabrik Denmark, 1960's

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Enamel, Iron

Mid Century teak desk

$3,306

Mid Century teak desk

Located in Malton, GB

This is a neat designed mid 20th century teak desk. The colour is fabulous and the simplicity of

Category

Mid-20th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Teak Desk

$1,800

Mid-Century Teak Desk

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-century modern writing desk in teak wood. Simple design with a two drawer bank and tapered legs

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Writing Table Desk in Teak PP 305 by Hans J. Wegner for PP Møbler, Denmark 1960s

$9,566

Writing Table Desk in Teak PP 305 by Hans J. Wegner for PP Møbler, Denmark 1960s

By Hans J. Wegner, PP Møbler

Located in Berlin, DE

Hans J. Wegner – Writing Desk, produced by PP Møbler, Denmark, Teak Exceptional writing desk

Category

Vintage 1960s Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Borge Mogensen Teak Desk

$3,759

Borge Mogensen Teak Desk

By Søborg Møbelfabrik, Børge Mogensen

Located in London, GB

wonderful teak desk is the perfect addition to any office space. In true midcentury fashion, this piece is

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Rare French Art Deco Writing Table / Desk in Teak c. 1925, style of Andre Groult

$19,870

Rare French Art Deco Writing Table / Desk in Teak c. 1925, style of Andre Groult

By Andre Groult

Located in New York, NY

Elegant and Timeless French Art Deco Writing Table / Desk in Teak Wood circa 1925. This rare and

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Danish Teak Rolltop Desk

$1,500

Danish Teak Rolltop Desk

Located in Brooklyn, NY

With an interesting compact shape and plenty of storage, this Mid-Century Modern rolltop desk is

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Onde Desk in Solid Teak

$2,300 / item

Onde Desk in Solid Teak

Located in Singapore, SG

The Onde desk, designed by Studio Kallang in 2022, is a playful take on classic midcentury forms

Category

2010s Asian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Danish Teak Desk

$1,995

Mid-Century Danish Teak Desk

Located in Baltimore, MD

Beautiful remarkable statement in design and craftsmanship. This mid-century teak Danish desk

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Danish Teak Desk

$2,500

Mid-Century Danish Teak Desk

Located in Baltimore, MD

Beautiful remarkable statement in design and craftsmanship. This mid-century teak Danish desk

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Maurice Villency Extending Teak Desk

$1,800 / set

Maurice Villency Extending Teak Desk

By Maurice Villency

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-century modern teak desk by Maurice Villency. Features movable drawers and a 19" extension leaf

Category

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

Materials

Teak

1960s Danish Modern Teak Executive Desk

$3,250

1960s Danish Modern Teak Executive Desk

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Danish Modern Teak Writing Desk Bring refined Scandinavian craftsmanship into your home with this

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Danish Teak Desk

$1,295

Mid-Century Danish Teak Desk

By Nordisk Andels-Eksport

Located in Baltimore, MD

A beautiful Danish modern mid century teak desk, crafted by Nordisk Andels-Eksport in Denmark

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Midcentury Writing Board in Solid Teak, Danish Design, 1960s

$1,500

Midcentury Writing Board in Solid Teak, Danish Design, 1960s

Located in Lejre, DK

This adjustable writing desk is a perfect example of Danish craftsmanship and design. The solid

Category

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

Materials

Teak

An Elegant 2 Drawer Writing Table or Reception Desk

$1,434

An Elegant 2 Drawer Writing Table or Reception Desk

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

An Elegant 2 Drawer Writing Table or Reception Desk The Desk stands on elegant reeded legs and

Category

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Desk in teak by Arne Jacobsen

$7,415

Desk in teak by Arne Jacobsen

By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen

Located in Copenhagen, DK

'Munkegaard' desk/lectern in laminated teak with two drawers and steel frame. Designed in 1955 for

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Kai Kristiansen Teak Desk Model FM60

$3,150

Kai Kristiansen Teak Desk Model FM60

By Feldballes Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Kai Christiansen Teak Desk Model FM60 for Feldballes with front open bookcases. Beautiful Desk

Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Freestanding Teak Desk by Kai Kristiansen

$4,419

Freestanding Teak Desk by Kai Kristiansen

By Kai Kristiansen

Located in Handewitt, DE

Mid century danish freestanding teak desk. Designed by Kai Kristiansen. Manufactured by FM. Model

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Anglo Indian Colonial Teak Desk, 1890s

$3,027

Anglo Indian Colonial Teak Desk, 1890s

Located in Montelabbate, PU

Large and sturdy desk from the late 1800s. Generously thick teak material. Below the full carved

Category

Antique 1890s British Colonial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Desk Made In Teak From 1960s

$1,083

Desk Made In Teak From 1960s

Located in Lejre, DK

This desk is a beautiful example of Danish design from the 1960s. Made of teak wood, it exudes a

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Danish Modern Teak Desk with Bookcase

$3,875

Danish Modern Teak Desk with Bookcase

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Stunning Danish modern teak desk designed in Denmark, circa 1960s. This desk features four dovetail

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Danish Midcentury Desk in Teak, 1960s

$1,800

Danish Midcentury Desk in Teak, 1960s

Located in Lejre, DK

Freestanding desk in teak designed and made in the 1960s. Made in Denmark, great original condition.

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Antique Correspondence Desk, English, Library, Writing Table, Cotswold School

$6,794

Antique Correspondence Desk, English, Library, Writing Table, Cotswold School

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is a vintage correspondence desk. An English, solid teak library or writing table in the

Category

Mid-20th Century British Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Wonderful Vintage Teak Desk design Scandinavian 1960s

$1,634

Wonderful Vintage Teak Desk design Scandinavian 1960s

Located in Den Haag, NL

Very nice Teak Desk .4 drawers 1 door with shelve 2 pull out leafs , 2 original keys

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Maurice Villency Danish Teak Drop Down Desk

$2,000

Maurice Villency Danish Teak Drop Down Desk

By Maurice Villency

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Danish Teak Drop-Down Desk. A refined example of mid-century craftsmanship, this piece combines clean

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Beautiful Angelo Mangiarotti Teak Desk, 1952

$33,300

Beautiful Angelo Mangiarotti Teak Desk, 1952

By Angelo Mangiarotti

Located in Berlin, DE

Beautiful, unique desk, and sculptural desk designed by Angelo Mangiarotti. Angelo Mangiarotti

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Teak Desk by Maurice Villency

$2,300

Mid-Century Teak Desk by Maurice Villency

By Maurice Villency

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-century modern Danish style teak desk with finished back. Featuring five drawers with sculpted

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Danish Teak Large Executive Desk

$3,995

Mid-Century Danish Teak Large Executive Desk

Located in Baltimore, MD

executive size desk, is precisely crafted in exceptional teak grain wood, with a fully finished back the

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Vintage Maurice Villency Mid-Century Teak Desk

$2,400

Vintage Maurice Villency Mid-Century Teak Desk

By Maurice Villency

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Terrific Maurice Villency mid-century teak desk. Large work surface and 5 drawers for ample storage

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Mid Century Teak Desk with Formica Top

$1,183

Mid Century Teak Desk with Formica Top

By Remploy

Located in Leicester, GB

A fabulous Mid Century modern sideboard / desk with drawers unit in Teak. This sideboard has five

Category

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

Materials

Formica, Teak

Danish Modern Atomic Teak + Oak Desk

$6,800

Danish Modern Atomic Teak + Oak Desk

Located in Berkeley, CA

Origin: Denmark Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: Unknown Era: 1960s Materials: Teak, Oak

Category

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

Materials

Teak, Oak

1960s Atomic Danish Secretary Desk in Teak

$2,940

1960s Atomic Danish Secretary Desk in Teak

Located in Berkeley, CA

Origin: Denmark Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: Unknown Era: 1960s Materials: Teak Measurements

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Danish teak desk model Executive Desk by Ib Kofod Larsen , 1960s

$5,085

Danish teak desk model Executive Desk by Ib Kofod Larsen , 1960s

By Ib Kofod-Larsen

Located in Gaggenau, DE

Danish teak desk model Executive Desk by Ib Kofod Larsen , 1960s Design year: 1960s Designer: Ib

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Varnished teak desk, Pierre Jeanneret (1896-1967)

$61,152

Varnished teak desk, Pierre Jeanneret (1896-1967)

By Pierre Jeanneret

Located in Paris, FR

teak desk - Circa 1956 – 1966 - In its original state, no restaurations (see pictures) - Provenance

Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Presidential Executive teak desk by Arne Vodder

$9,080

Presidential Executive teak desk by Arne Vodder

By Arne Vodder

Located in Brussels, BE

Elevate your workspace with this iconic presidential executive desk designed by Arne Vodder

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Teak Desk by Ilmari Tapiovaara, around 1960

$11,503

Teak Desk by Ilmari Tapiovaara, around 1960

By Ilmari Tapiovaara, La Permanente Mobili Cantù

Located in Berlin, DE

1960 for ‘La Permanente di Cantú’. Made from solid teak with brass details. The desk has two drawers.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Tables Under $2,000

Antique and Vintage Tables

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Writing Desk Teak For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal piece of writing desk teak for your home. Was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, hardwood and teak. If you’re shopping for an item from our selection of writing desk teak, we have 1152 options in-stock, while there are 8 modern editions to choose from as well. There are many kinds of the choice in our collection of writing desk teak you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. When you’re browsing for the right object in our assortment of writing desk teak, those designed in Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern and Modern styles are of considerable interest. Peter Løvig Nielsen, Svend Åge Madsen and Pierre Jeanneret each produced at least one beautiful option in this array of writing desk teak that is worth considering.

How Much is a Writing Desk Teak?

A piece of writing desk teak can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $3,501, while the lowest priced sells for $429 and the highest can go for as much as $138,000.

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 Writing Desk Teak

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 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 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 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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