John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables

American

Grand Rapids, Michigan, was once known as “Furniture City” for its local mass-production industry that flourished from the mid-19th century into the early 20th century, led by furniture manufacturers like John Stuart. Stuart’s eponymous company, which would build showrooms in New York and Philadelphia, designed and sold elegant reproductions of various furniture styles, including 18th-century French and English furniture as well as what we now call mid-century modern home furnishings built by European craftsmen in the entrepreneur’s Grand Rapids factory.

In 1845, a British cabinetmaker named George Widdicomb arrived in New York before moving to Grand Rapids. There he set up a small cabinet shop in 1857 with a dozen craftsmen, including his son John Widdicomb. The store quickly found success due to Widdicomb’s English training and the dearth of other quality furniture makers in the region. Toward the end of the 19th century, Grand Rapids had earned an international reputation as a leader of American furniture manufacturing, and while the Widdicomb family would navigate some difficulty after the Civil War, they emerged anew as Widdicomb Brothers and Richards, and then the Widdicomb Furniture Company. Widdicomb’s son started his own company in 1897, the John Widdicomb Company, and in 1929, the Grand Rapids–born John Stuart joined the company as a director.

Stuart, who had been in the furniture industry since 1913, was named president of John Widdicomb Company in the early 1940s and by then had formed John Stuart, Inc., with partner Herbert M. Rothschild. John Stuart, Inc.’s offerings included oak buffets and other dining-room furnishings crafted in the Tudor and Elizabethan styles, with cabinet doors and drawer fronts characterized by meticulously carved natural-world motifs and other decorative flourishes. Stuart also oversaw the design of reproductions of sophisticated walnut and mahogany Queen Anne side tables and dining chairs, with the latter marked by pronounced, vase-shaped curves in the back splats and cabriole legs. In 1952, the manufacturer and distributor’s founder sold the business, including the right to trade under his name, to the John Widdicomb Company.

Find a wide variety of vintage John Stuart furniture on 1stDibs.

Creator: John Stuart

John Stuart Mid Century Modern Hairpin Leg Maple Writing Desk Table Drawers MCM

$770Sale Price|30% Off

John Stuart Mid Century Modern Hairpin Leg Maple Writing Desk Table Drawers MCM

By John Stuart

Located in Dayton, OH

John Stuart Hairpin Desk, circa 1960s. Features a minimalist open form with plank top set between three dovetailed oak drawers set on turned and tapered legs with brass feet and a h...

Category

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

Materials

Maple

1960s John Stuart French Provincial Style Console Sofa Table or Desk

$720Sale Price|20% Off

1960s John Stuart French Provincial Style Console Sofa Table or Desk

By John Stuart

Located in Lambertville, NJ

Midcentury French Provincial style console sofa table by John Stuart. Base features a white painted finish with curved cabriole legs and one single drawer. Top is stained wood. Table could also be used as a long desk.

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Chest/Desk, John Stuart, Paul Frankl Design

$5,500

Mid-Century Modern Chest/Desk, John Stuart, Paul Frankl Design

By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company, John Stuart

Located in Manhasset, NY

Mid Century Modern Chest/Desk, John Stuart, Paul Frankl Design A recently white lacquered seven graduating drawer dresser or chest having an interior desk that folds down to reveal a 13 1/2 inch deep by 37 1/2 inch wide writing surface desk...

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Modern Lacquered Writing Desk with Brass Accents by John Stuart

$12,000

Modern Lacquered Writing Desk with Brass Accents by John Stuart

By John Stuart

Located in Dallas, TX

A timeless vintage piece, this midcentury writing desk feels glamourous, manufactured for John Stuart Inc. Adorning its exterior of glossy black lacquer, paired with bright brass acc...

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Magnificent Rare Modern Commode by John Stuart, circa 1940 - Pair Available

$22,000

H 32.5 in W 48 in D 20 in

Magnificent Rare Modern Commode by John Stuart, circa 1940 - Pair Available

By John Stuart

Located in Atlanta, GA

This majestic commode has undergone a meticulous complete restoration. The chest may be re-lacquered in another Ben Moore color in advance of shipment, if so desired. A stellar ex...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Italian Modern White Marble & Brass Floating Console Table or Desk

$1,900

H 30 in W 40 in D 13 in

Mid-Century Italian Modern White Marble & Brass Floating Console Table or Desk

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A stunning and simple modern console table from Italy circa 1960's. Beautiful pure white marble with curvy brass legs.

Category

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

Materials

Marble, Brass

Rare Antique circa 1860 Library Writing Table Desk with Twin Writing Slopes

$4,079

H 31.11 in W 55.12 in D 31.5 in

Rare Antique circa 1860 Library Writing Table Desk with Twin Writing Slopes

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare original circa 1860 Mahogany library table with built in twin writing slopes This is a very r...

Category

1860s English High Victorian Antique John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Custom 1950s Wall Mounted Modernist Writing Desk

$3,200

H 18 in W 27.5 in D 23 in

Custom 1950s Wall Mounted Modernist Writing Desk

Located in San Diego, CA

Unique handmade custom wall-mounted writing desk made in the 1950s. Solid birch construction with patinated brass accents and a smooth black laminate desk surface that folds up when ...

Category

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

Seven Drawers Burl Wood Chrome Metal Bezel High Chest Dresser by John Stuart

$6,000

H 56 in W 36 in D 19 in

Seven Drawers Burl Wood Chrome Metal Bezel High Chest Dresser by John Stuart

By John Stuart

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Mid-Century Modern burlwood chrome bezel and pulls high chest seven drawers dresser by John Stuart.

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

1960s Italian Art Deco Midcentury Walnut Brass Small Desk Writing Table

$2,770

H 27.56 in W 35.44 in D 16.54 in

1960s Italian Art Deco Midcentury Walnut Brass Small Desk Writing Table

Located in Carimate, Como

Very elegant Italian Art Deco Mid-Century Modern small desk or writing table secretaire, in beautiful decorated and veneer wood with three drawers and covered sides. This beautiful p...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Five Drawers Black Lacquer Mahogany High Chest Dresser by John Stuart

$3,800

H 45 in W 37.5 in D 19 in

Five Drawers Black Lacquer Mahogany High Chest Dresser by John Stuart

By Knoll, John Stuart

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Mid-Century Modern five drawers black lacquer high chest dresser by John Stuart.

Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

Queen Anne Style Console or Desk Speckled by Ira Yeager

$4,800

H 31.75 in W 48 in D 20.5 in

Queen Anne Style Console or Desk Speckled by Ira Yeager

By Ira Yeager

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Simply stunning console table or petite writing table desk lacquer speckled by artist Ira Yeager (American 1938-2022). Beautifully crafted in the...

Category

19th Century English Queen Anne Antique John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

19th Century Oak Partners Desk, Leather Writing Surface, Brass Hardware

$5,500

H 31.5 in W 42 in D 60 in

19th Century Oak Partners Desk, Leather Writing Surface, Brass Hardware

Located in Toronto, CA

A wonderful probably, 19th century oak partners desk, with a leather writing surface. Each side has a bank of drawers and a cupboard door for serious storage, or you can put both ban...

Category

1890s English Georgian Antique John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Catalan Spanish Lady Desk or Console Table in Carved Walnut and Iron Stretcher

$3,980Sale Price|20% Off

H 35.44 in W 43.31 in D 15.75 in

Catalan Spanish Lady Desk or Console Table in Carved Walnut and Iron Stretcher

Located in Miami, FL

19th century Catalan Spanish lady desk or console table in carved walnut & iron stretcher with five up drawers and two in the base table. Very heavy and resis...

Category

Early 19th Century Spanish Baroque Antique John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Pen Shell Desk or Writing Table by Maitland-Smith

$8,900

H 30 in W 52 in D 29.5 in

Mid-Century Pen Shell Desk or Writing Table by Maitland-Smith

By Maitland Smith

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Chic sleek Mid-Century Modern desk crafted in a pen shell mosaic with three drawers in the case having brass highlights on elegant legs with ball feet. Signed Maitland-Smith in drawer.

Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Mid-Century Modern John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Shell

Paul Frankl "Station Wagon" Three-Drawer Chest for Johnson Furniture

$3,750

H 21.25 in W 24 in D 22 in

Paul Frankl "Station Wagon" Three-Drawer Chest for Johnson Furniture

By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Co.

Located in Hanover, MA

Gorgeous three-drawer nightstand chest by Paul Frankl from his highly coveted "Station Wagon Group" created in 1945 for Johnson Furniture Company of Grand Rapids. Branded mark in top...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Previously Available Items

Antique John Stuart Georgian Banded Mahogany Leather Top Kidney Shaped Desk

Sold

H 30 in W 52 in D 25 in

Antique John Stuart Georgian Banded Mahogany Leather Top Kidney Shaped Desk

By John Stuart

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique John Stuart Georgian Style Banded Mahogany Leather Top Kidney Shaped Desk. Item features 9 dovetailed drawers, brown leather top, banded inlay all the way around, original la...

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Georgian John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Mt Airy Walnut Desk and Chair for John Stuart

Sold

H 28.5 in W 54 in D 26 in

Mt Airy Walnut Desk and Chair for John Stuart

By John Stuart, Mount Airy Furniture Company

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Mt Airy Walnut Desk with Brass pulls and Walnut Armchair. Chair fits nicely under skirt of the desk. Sold through John Stuart. Elegant design, finished ...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard-Nielsen Single Bay Teak Desk for John Stuart

Sold

H 28.5 in W 43 in D 25.5 in

Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard-Nielsen Single Bay Teak Desk for John Stuart

By John Stuart, Hvidt & Mølgaard

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard-Nielsen Teak Single Bay Teak Desk. Solid Teak with a Locking Drawer. Iron legs with Teak Caps. Top shows a shadow from a Desk Pad, but over-all very ...

Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Original Eliel Saarinen for John Stuart, Black

Sold

H 30.25 in W 48 in D 21 in

Original Eliel Saarinen for John Stuart, Black

By John Stuart, Eliel Saarinen

Located in Miami, FL

Original Eliel Saarinen for John Stuart. Original condition, desk has some chips, scratches and spots. We can help with refinishing.

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Midcentury Desk by John Stuart

Sold

H 30 in W 30 in D 60 in

Midcentury Desk by John Stuart

By Herman Miller, Knoll, John Stuart

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

For your consideration in this georgous and amazingly crafted walnut desk by John Stuart featuring unique fluted legs with polished chrome pulls and feet. In wonderful original condi...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Early 1950's Paul Frankl Desk Vanity for John Stuart Johnson Furniture

Sold

H 28.5 in W 48 in D 21 in

Early 1950's Paul Frankl Desk Vanity for John Stuart Johnson Furniture

By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company, John Stuart

Located in Dallas, TX

This fine example of early 1950's streamlined furniture designed by Paul T. Frankl and made by Johnson Furniture Company. Two-tone black satin lacquer and bleached wood finish make t...

Category

1950s American Art Deco Vintage John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Desk by John Stuart

Sold

H 30 in W 30 in D 60 in

Mid-Century Desk by John Stuart

By John Stuart

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Amazingly crafted walnut desk by John Stuart. Unique fluted legs and metal hardware.

Category

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

Materials

Metal

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Executive Desk in Birch

Sold

H 29.25 in W 72 in D 27 in

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Executive Desk in Birch

By John Widdicomb, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, John Stuart

Located in Astoria, NY

This wonderfully modern executive desk by designer T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, comes in vibrant birch, with three graduated drawers and pull-out writing surface, supporting...

Category

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

Materials

Birch

Mid-Century Modernist Desk or Vanity in Ebonized Walnut by Paul Frankl

Sold

H 28 in W 48 in D 21 in

Mid-Century Modernist Desk or Vanity in Ebonized Walnut by Paul Frankl

By Paul Frankl, John Stuart

Located in New York, NY

Chic Mid-Century Modernist desk or vanity in ebonized walnut by Paul Frankl for John Stuart Inc. Tapered legs support a three-drawer desk portion adorned with Frankl's signature bras...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Desk by John Stuart

Sold

H 31 in W 48 in D 29 in

Desk by John Stuart

By John Stuart

Located in Norwalk, CT

Modernist desk by John Stuart with three side drawers and interesting sculptural form. Totally restored with deep coffee stain and polished brass details.

Category

1960s Vintage John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables

Johnson Furniture Curved-Top Blonde Desk

Sold

H 30 in W 48 in D 20 in

Johnson Furniture Curved-Top Blonde Desk

By John Stuart, Johnson Furniture Co.

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Nice design by Johnson Furniture curved top single pedestal desk.

Category

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

T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Ebonized Desk

Sold

H 30.25 in W 48 in D 23 in

T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Ebonized Desk

By John Stuart, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings

Located in New York, NY

Seven drawer desk by TH Robsjohn Gibbings. Newly refinished in a deep espresso with newly polished original hardware on drawers.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

John Stuart desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.

John Stuart desks and writing tables are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of John Stuart desks and writing tables, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original desks and writing tables by John Stuart were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider desks and writing tables by Milo Baughman, John Van Koert, and T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings. Prices for John Stuart desks and writing tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $900 and can go as high as $12,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,950.