Writing Desk
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Direttorio Writing Desk
By Morelato
Located in Milan, IT
Strict and classic lines for the small and large Direttorio Writing desks. Pieces, which combine
Category
2010s Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Leather
Ebony Writing Desk
By Provasi
Located in Milan, IT
Ebony writing desk with brass details and Calacatta marble top.
Category
2010s Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Domino Writing Desk
By Modo10
Located in Milan, IT
Curved version writing desk with four drawers in Canaletto Origine wood and leather top.
Category
2010s Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Wood Writing Desk
By CPRN HOMOOD
Located in Milan, IT
Writing desk with glossy lacquered legs, top in leather and metal details brushed steel.
Category
2010s Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Modernist Writing Desk
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A writing desk finely crafted in solid teak having a floating bank of drawers and turned dowel legs.
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Boulle Writing Desk
Located in New York, NY
Well-proportioned French black lacquer and Boulle writing desk with metal gallery raised back
Category
Antique 19th Century French Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Tortoise Shell
Solid Walnut Writing Desk with Brass Inlay "Library Writing Desk"
By Anton Maka
Located in Shelby Twp, MI
The library writing desk is made of solid walnut with brass inlays. The desk drawer is split into
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Organic Modern Desks and Writing ...
Materials
Brass
Leather Top Writing Desk
Located in Pomona, CA
A leather top writing desk with brass accent on the edge and three drawers
Category
Vintage 1970s American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Argentinian Writing Desk, 1950s
Located in Milano, IT
Writing desk with column of drawers and open compartment under the top; solid beech wood stained
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Beech, Mahogany
Domino Wall Writing Desk
By Modo10
Located in Milan, IT
Wall writing desk with 1 drawer and ribbed slat. It is curated with anthracite and plaster finish
Category
2010s Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Oscar Writing Desk
By Guerra Vanni
Located in Milan, IT
A remarkable piece of refined taste, this splendid writing desk with 3 drawers and push pull
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Silver Leaf
Mahogany Writing Desk
Located in Cheshire, GB
Mahogany and fruitwood inlaid ladies writing desk. The superstructure with central shelf flanked by
Category
Early 20th Century British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Leather Top Writing Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage writing desk includes a protective cover for part of the top surface, multiple drawers
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Truman Writing Desk
By Pregno
Located in Milan, IT
Stylish and functional, this writing desk will make a bold addition to a contemporary home study or
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Galvanized Writing Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unique writing desk is a rare find. The galvanized metal surface adds an industrial edge to a
Category
Antique 19th Century American Classical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
French Tulipwood Writing Desk
Located in Cheltenham, GB
"Hutton-Clarke Antiques is delighted to present a stunning French Tulipwood Writing Desk, dating
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century French Rococo Revival Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Tulipwood
Child Rosewood Writing Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage writing desk on rolling wheels, in an incredible rich rosewood color. This compact desk is
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Secretary Writing Desk
By Garbarino Collections
Located in Milan, IT
This stunning classic-inspired writing desk is a timeless piece of functional decor that will
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
19thC English Pine Writing Desk
Located in Staffordshire, GB
circa 1890
19thC English pine writing desk
Measures: W119 x D73 x H68cm.
Category
Antique 19th Century Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Writing Desk by George Nelson
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A single pedestal writing desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller with a built-in pivoting lamp
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Chinoiserie Ebonized Council Writing Desk
Located in New York, NY
Chinoiserie Ebonized Council Writing Desk, circa 20th century, mahogany, label to inside "Solid
Category
20th Century Chinoiserie Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Venezia Laguna Writing Desk
By Morici
Located in Milan, IT
wooden shape, this writing desk boasts a handmade inlay work painted by hand in a delicate palette
Category
2010s Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Mahogany lady’s writing desk
Located in Cheshire, GB
Mahogany and boxwood strung lady`s writing desk, the raised three quarter gallery above three
Category
Early 20th Century British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Raily Dark Writing Desk
By Enrico Pellizzoni
Located in Milan, IT
This sophisticated writing desk will transform simple office tasks into a luxurious occasion with
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Ico Parisi writing desk
By Ico Parisi
Located in Milano, IT
COD-2444
Ico Parisi (1916-1996)
One or a pair of bedroom writing desk in oak with compartment for
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
1970’s French Elm Writing Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
Postmodern French writing desk. Made of Elm.
Category
Vintage 1970s French Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Elm
Cherry Wood Writing Desk
By Marie Maison
Located in Milan, IT
Defined by a classic silhouette, this exclusive writing desk is a unique piece of timeless elegance
Category
2010s Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Writing Desk by Henry Kjærnulf
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Striking writing desk in oak with drawers. By Henry Kjærnulf.
Refreshing design with bold
Category
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Venezia Mestre Writing Desk
By Morici
Located in Milan, IT
writing desk is an icon of contemporary design. Showcasing natural grains through the polished and mirror
Category
2010s Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
French Empire Style Writing Desk
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Large French burr elm empire style writing desk. 1900.
Kneehole is 23.5" wide x 27" high
Category
Early 20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Elm
Italian Walnut Library Writing Desk
Located in Cheltenham, GB
Hutton-Clarke Antiques takes great pleasure in presenting this exquisite Italian writing desk
Category
Antique 19th Century Italian Rococo Revival Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Elegant French Style Writing Desk
Located in Riverdale, NY
Elegant French style writing desk with Louis XV lines in blond wood with silver leaf-painted table
Category
Vintage 1950s American Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Bamboo Writing Desk with Drawers, 1980s
Located in Roma, RM
BAMBOO WRITING DESK WITH DRAWERS 1980
Product details
Dimensions: 90L x 80H x 61D cm.
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bamboo
Leather and Walnut Writing Desk
By Provasi
Located in Milan, IT
Clean and modern sophistication define this marvelous writing desk, best arranged near or under a
Category
2010s Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Writing Desk Mahogany Veneer, Italy, 1950s
Located in Milano, IT
Drop-leaf writing desk with drawers in the lower part; mahogany veneered wood with inlaid thread
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Linley Brown Wooden Executive Writing Desk
Located in London, GB
Beautifully constructed, the Linley Writing Desk is the perfect choice for any contemporary home
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
Antique Carved Wood Writing Desk
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Spectacular Antique Carved Wood Writing Desk. In good condition. This table has so many carved
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Unknown Renaissance Revival Desks and Writing...
Materials
Wood
Carlton House Writing Desk
Located in Greenwich, CT
A Carlton House writing desk in wonderful fiddlegrain mahogany with a D shaped platform surrounded
Category
Antique 1880s English Regency Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Bauhaus tubular steel writing desk
By Bauhaus Deutschland
Located in PRAHA 4, CZ
The offered tubular steel Bauhaus writing desk impresses with its hight class design. It has been
Category
Vintage 1930s German Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Midcentury Inspired Writing Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
This midcentury inspired writing desk is perfect for those looking for a blend of elegance and
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Desks and Wr...
Materials
Wood
Finn Juhl Teak Writing Desk
By Bovirke, Finn Juhl
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
This a wonderful example of a Finn Juhl freestanding teak writing desk with detachable 20.25 inch
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Silas Writing Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Silas writing desk is crafted in solid hardwood with steel and brass accents. Inspired by the
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writ...
Materials
Stainless Steel
Modern Fluted Walnut Writing Desk
Located in North York, ON
This modern fluted walnut writing desk is a beautiful piece of furniture made of walnut wood
Category
2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Dante Writing Desk by Daytona
By Daytona
Located in Milan, IT
Refined elegance and a classic design characterize the Dante Writing Desk. With a structure in
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Louis XV Style Ebonized Writing Desk
Located in Locust Valley, NY
An ebonized writing desk in Louis XV style with cabriole legs and ormolu mounts to the feet, two
Category
20th Century Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu
“Molto” bamboo writing desk (limited edition)
Located in Roma, RM
Limited edition “Molto” bamboo writing desk with glass shelf, made from vintage bamboo by our
Category
2010s Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bamboo
English Decorative Chinoiserie Bureau Writing Desk
Located in Staffordshire, GB
Circa 1900
English decorative chinoiserie bureau writing desk - Bonheur Du Jour. Great colour
Category
Antique Early 1900s English Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Aimo Writing Desk by Daytona
By Daytona
Located in Milan, IT
Clean lines and a unique shape are the characterizing aspects of the Aimo writing desk. With a
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Italian Walnut, Formica and Brass Writing Desk, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian walnut, Formica and brass writing desk, 1960s. Beautiful writing desk, with top in white
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Adam Style Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Jack Writing Desk by Daytona
By Daytona
Located in Milan, IT
A magnificent addition to your contemporary or more Classic style home, the Jack Writing Desk
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
1950s John Widdicomb Ladies Writing Desk
By John Widdicomb
Located in Naples, FL
Excellent vintage condition! Formal French Country style ladies writing desk; signature John
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
British Colonial Elephant Head Writing Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
British colonial style one drawer writing desk or table crafted in walnut with a chic pecan finish
Category
20th Century American British Colonial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Lous XVI-Style Writing Desk
By CG capelletti
Located in Milan, IT
An exclusive Louis XVI-style design of extraordinary refinement, this writing desk will imbue a
Category
2010s Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Vintage Coastal Wrapped Rattan Writing Desk
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fabulous vintage Coastal writing desk. Chic wrapped rattan on a clean Parsons style frame. Glass
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rattan, Glass
Niguel Writing Desk by Lawson-Fenning
By Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Niguel writing desk features solid turned legs, brass cap feet and lacquered interior drawers
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Rare Italian Antique Walnut Writing Desk
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A rare and beautifully shaped antique walnut writing desk having carved curlicue stretchers and
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Elegant French Deco Style Writing Desk
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Sophisticated French Deco style rosewood veneer writing desk having gorgeous silhouette and unusual
Category
Vintage 1970s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Niguel Writing Desk by Lawson-Fenning
By Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Niguel writing desk features solid turned legs, brass cap feet and lacquered interior drawers
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Tessellated Stone Writing Desk by Maitland Smith
By Maitland Smith
Located in Fraser, MI
Maitland Smith Writing Desk. Mahogany Drawers. Stone rectangular tiles assembled in a surface
Category
Vintage 1980s Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stone
Antique French Writing Desk
Located in London, GB
A beautifully designed and extremely well made antique French writing desk. This was made in France
Category
Vintage 1930s British Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
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Writing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs
With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the writing desk you’re looking for. A writing desk — often made from wood, metal and hardwood — can elevate any home. Find 16545 options for an antique or vintage writing desk now, or shop our selection of 864 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect writing desk — we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. A writing desk is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern and Modern styles are sought with frequency. Paul McCobb, Herman Miller and George Nelson each produced at least one beautiful writing desk that is worth considering.
How Much is a Writing Desk?
Prices for a writing desk start at $1 and top out at $1,844,713 with the average selling for $4,500.
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
- What is a writing desk?1 Answer1stDibs 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 19, 2021A 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 ExpertOctober 12, 2021A 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 ExpertJune 15, 2023What 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, 2023In 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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