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

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

$450

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 John Stuart, Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Company

Located in Stamford, CT

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

1950s Paul Frankl Moroccan Red Lacquered Double Dresser / Chest of Drawers

$9,200

H 32 in W 72 in D 20 in

1950s Paul Frankl Moroccan Red Lacquered Double Dresser / Chest of Drawers

By Paul Frankl

Located in Saint Louis, MO

Iconic Paul Frankl 10-drawer chest with freshly polished brass X pulls, refinished and shown in Moroccan Red Lacquer from Frankl's Debonair Collection for Johnson Furniture. Pair Available. Please note buyer has the option to select any color for professional refinishing to match the desired interior. Certainly one of Paul Frankl's most celebrated designs, the chest is timeless and pairs well with contemporary, eclectic and mid century decor. Paul Frankl was known in the Art Deco period for his architectural skyscraper...

Category

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

Materials

Lacquer

Paul Frankl Glamorous Modern Chest in Your Choice of Color Mid Century Art Deco

$4,250

H 34.25 in W 40 in D 22.5 in

Paul Frankl Glamorous Modern Chest in Your Choice of Color Mid Century Art Deco

By Paul Frankl

Located in Atlanta, GA

Glamorous Chest, designed by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture, circa 1950's. It is a versatile size and can be used as a chest or dresser in a bedroom, or as storage in a living are...

Category

1950s 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

Restored Mid-century Paul Frankl Combed Wood Chest of Drawers for Brown Saltman

$4,200

H 32.5 in W 60 in D 16 in

Restored Mid-century Paul Frankl Combed Wood Chest of Drawers for Brown Saltman

By Brown Saltman, Paul Frankl

Located in Van Nuys, CA

Early Mid-century Low Boy dresser with 6 drawers by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman company features his trademark combed wood sides with curled brass pulls. The chest of drawers inclu...

Category

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

Materials

Oak

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

John Stuart Mid Century Walnut Desk

$3,347

H 29.5 in W 60 in D 30 in

John Stuart Mid Century Walnut Desk

By John Stuart

Located in Franklin Park, IL

John Stuart Mid Century Walnut Desk This desk measures: 60 wide x 30 deep x 29.5 high, with a chair clearance of 28 inches We take our photos in a...

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Restored 'Station Wagon' Ten-Drawer Dresser by Paul Frankl, c. 1945, Signed

$28,000

H 32 in W 66 in D 22.25 in

Restored 'Station Wagon' Ten-Drawer Dresser by Paul Frankl, c. 1945, Signed

By John Stuart Inc., Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This rare collectors ten-drawer dresser is by Paul T. Frankl for Johnson Furniture, circa 1945, from the 'Station Wagon' series of bedroom furniture. Beautifully contrasting Mahogany...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Rare Paul Frankl Tall Dresser High Chest Drawers X-Pulls From Johnson Furniture

$2,200

H 45.5 in W 40 in D 21 in

Rare Paul Frankl Tall Dresser High Chest Drawers X-Pulls From Johnson Furniture

By Johnson Furniture Company, Paul Frankl

Located in West Hartford, CT

A rare, sophisticated high chest designed by Paul Frankl for the Johnson Furniture Company, circa late 1940s-early 1950s. The coveted Johnson hallmark is incised inside. It is a prim...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

John Stuart Campaign Mini Chest ca' 1960's Burl

$1,500

H 20.25 in W 17 in D 11 in

John Stuart Campaign Mini Chest ca' 1960's Burl

By John Stuart

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

A beautifully crafted mini two drawer chest, campaign style-with handles on the sides. Burl wood, finished on the back. Made in Spain for John Stuart, ca' 1960's.

Category

1960s Spanish Campaign Vintage John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Burl

John Stuart French Regency Pink Lacquered Dresser Chest, Newly Refinished

$3,295

H 34.25 in W 46 in D 21 in

John Stuart French Regency Pink Lacquered Dresser Chest, Newly Refinished

By John Stuart

Located in South Bend, IN

An outstanding French Regency Louis XV style dresser or chest of drawers By John Stuart USA, Circa 1940s Pink lacquered mahogany, with original brass hardware. Measures: 46"W x 2...

Category

1940s American Regency Vintage John Stuart Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

French Mid-century Modern Neoclassical Rattan Console or Desk, Jean-Michel Frank

$9,500

H 31 in W 41 in D 23 in

French Mid-century Modern Neoclassical Rattan Console or Desk, Jean-Michel Frank

Located in New York, NY

A Rare and Elegant French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Desk / Writing table or Console in the style of the trend setting Parisian designer of the 1930 period, Jean-Michel Frank.. ...

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Rattan, Bamboo

Elegant Restored Pair of Modern Maple Chests by John Stuart, circa 1950

$16,000 / set

H 32 in W 36 in D 17.75 in

Elegant Restored Pair of Modern Maple Chests by John Stuart, circa 1950

By John Stuart

Located in Atlanta, GA

A stunning restored pair of modern chests by John Stuart, circa 1950. The sleek clean design is clearly influenced by the Florence Knoll case production of the same period. Expertly ...

Category

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

Materials

Maple

Previously Available Items

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

Sold

H 30.5 in W 48 in D 19 in

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

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 Eliel Saarinen, John Stuart

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 Knoll, Herman Miller, 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

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.