Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Italian
Entrepreneur Aurelio Zanotta founded Zanotta in 1954 in Nova Milanese, Italy. Originally called Zanotta Poltrona, it specialized in traditional furniture. By the early 1960s, however, Zanotta had established a reputation for edgy mid-century modern design. Today’s vintage furniture collectors know the brand well for its innovative and wholly sculptural chairs, coffee tables and more.
One of Zanotta’s earliest successes was the Mezzadro stool — better known as the Tractor stool — designed by Pier Giacomo Castiglioni and his brother Achille in the late 1950s. In 1965, Zanotta was among the first furniture companies to work with expanded polyurethane foam and frameless construction, such as for the Throw-Away sofas and armchairs designed by Willie Landels. Another popular design was the Blow chair — designed by Jonathan De Pas, Donato D’Urbino, Paolo Lomazzi and Carla Scolari — viewed by many as a physical expression of late '60s carefree culture.
In 1969, amid the provocative movement we now call Italian Radical Design, Zanotta’s Sacco chair garnered major attention. The boundary-pushing beanbag chair was the brainchild of designers Piero Gatti, Cesare Paolini and Franco Teodoro who presented it to Aurelio Zanotta as a transparent vinyl sack loosely filled with small polystyrene balls. He suggested its signature brightly colored leather.
The Sacco chair won the 1970 ADI Design Museum’s Compasso d’Oro award. In 1972, the Museum of Modern Art in New York included it in the landmark exhibition “Italy: The New Domestic Landscape” curated by designer Emilio Ambasz. In 2020, it received a Compasso d’Oro ADI Lifetime Achievement Award for 50 years of enduring popularity. It is now in museum collections around the world including the Triennale Design Museum of Milan, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, and London’s Victoria & Albert Museum.
After Aurelio Zanotta died in 1991, the company remained in his family and has been run by his three children since 2002. Zanotta continues to set the bar high for furniture design with trend-setting pieces.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Zanotta seating, tables and other furniture.
to
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
21
4
17
8
5
8
17
1
7
1
4
2
1
13
6
6
6
5
12
12
25
9
9
592
107
62
54
37
Creator: Zanotta
Gae Aulenti for Zanotta "Gaetano" Writing Table, Italy 1970s
By Gae Aulenti, Zanotta
Located in Naples, IT
Gaetano work table by Gae Aulenti for Zanotta with original glass top supported by two folding trestles in black and red enamelled metal.
Timeless object. With its dry and essential ...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Zanotta Cavour CM Writing Desk in Smoky Glass Top with Black Varnished Oak Frame
By Carlo Mollino, Zanotta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Cavour CM Writing Desk in Smoky Glass Top with Black Varnished Oak Frame by Carlo Mollino
Legs in solid natural or black varnished oak, or in...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Zanotta Quaderna 2750Table/Writing Desk in White Plastic Laminate by Superstudio
By Superstudio, Zanotta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Quaderna Table/Writing Desk in White Plastic Laminate by Superstudio
Honeycomb core structure coated with white plastic laminate, digitally p...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Plastic
Zanotta Tucano Writing Desk in 0814 Cowhide Pigmentato Top with Matt Black Frame
By Monica Förster, Zanotta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Tucano Writing Desk in 0814 Cowhide Pigmentato Top with Matt Black Frame
Matt black varnished steel frame. Top covered with cowhide pigmentato 90.
A discreet, elegant, ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Cowhide
Zanotta Cavour CM Writing Desk in Clear Glass Top with Natural Oak Frame
By Zanotta, Carlo Mollino
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Cavour CM Writing Desk in Clear Glass Top with Natural Oak Frame by Carlo Mollino
Legs in solid natural or black varnished oak, or in solid C...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Zanotta Black or White Comacina Desk by Piero Bottoni
By Zanotta
Located in New York, NY
Writing desk. 18/8 stainless steel tubular frame. Top and storage unit in medium density fiberboard finished with scratch resistant embossing in the colours talc or black. The top ca...
Category
2010s Italian Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stainless Steel
Zanotta Calamo Desk in Black Top with Steel Frame by Gabriele Rosa
By Gabriele Rosa, Zanotta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Calamo Desk in Black Top with Steel Frame by Gabriele Rosa
Varnished steel frame and top in black, white or graphite. Top and storage space in cowhide pigmentato 90. The storage space is accessed by a drop-leaf opening.
Calamo is not an old-style desk with drawers overflowing with paper, but an essential element of furniture, both in function and appearance, something that could fit anywhere in the home. The collection includes a new furnishing accessory designed by young designer Gabriele Rosa: the Calamo desk-console table. With a white, black or graphite steel structure with cowhide pigmentato cover for the surface and storage space under the folding lid. Undoubtedly the writing desk still...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
“Leonardo” height adjustable wooden table by A. Castiglioni for Zanotta , 1970
By Zanotta, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Padova, IT
Achille Castiglioni, son of the sculptor Giannino and Livia Bolla, he graduated from the Milan Polytechnic in 1944; after graduating he worked in the studio of the older brothers Liv...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Zanotta Cavour CM Writing Desk in Clear Glass Top with Canaletto Walnut Frame
By Zanotta, Carlo Mollino
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Cavour CM Writing Desk in Clear Glass Top with Canaletto Walnut Frame by Carlo Mollino
Legs in solid natural or black varnished oak, or in soli...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Italian Bauhaus White Desk Comacina by Piero Bottoni for Zanotta, 1980s
By Zanotta
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Bauhaus White Desk Comacina by Piero Bottoni for Zanotta, 1980s
Desk mod. Comacina with rectangular wooden top and rectangular insert in whi...
Category
1980s Italian Bauhaus Vintage Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stainless Steel
Zanotta Tucano Writing Desk by Monica Förster
By Zanotta, Monica Förster
Located in New York, NY
Writing desk. Matt black varnished steel frame. Top covered with cowhide pigmentato 90.
Essential and authentic, almost "primitive"
A discreet, elegant, sculptural desk, an express...
Category
2010s Italian Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
$3,927 / item
Zanotta Tucano Writing Desk by Monica Förster
By Zanotta, Monica Förster
Located in New York, NY
Writing desk. Matt black varnished steel frame. Top covered with cowhide pigmentato 90.
Essential and authentic, almost "primitive"
A discreet, elegant, sculptural desk, an express...
Category
2010s Italian Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
$3,927 / item
Scrivania Gaetano per Zanotta di Gae Aulenti
By Gae Aulenti, Zanotta
Located in Ghedi, IT
The Gaetano desk, designed by Gae Aulenti for Zanotta in 1973, is a minimalist masterpiece embodying Italian design innovation. Its sleek, functional form features a transparent glas...
Category
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass
Zanotta Comacina Writing Desk in White Top & Stainless Steel Frame
By Zanotta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Comacina Writing Desk in White Top & Stainless Steel Frame by Piero Bottoni
18/8 stainless steel tubular frame. Top and storage unit in medium...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stainless Steel
Zanotta Large Quaderna Table/Writing Desk in White Plastic Laminate, Superstudio
By Zanotta, Superstudio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Large Quaderna Table/Writing Desk in White Plastic Laminate, Superstudio
Honeycomb core structure coated with white plastic laminate, digital...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Plastic
Gae Aulenti's "Gaetano" desk for Zanotta, Italy 1973
By Zanotta
Located in modena, Emilia-Romagna
Gaetano work table by Gae Aulenti for Zanotta. The original beveled crystal top edged in red, supported by two folding black enameled aluminum trestles with rubber shelf supports. A ...
Category
1970s Italian Minimalist Vintage Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Crystal, Aluminum
Gae Aulenti worktable / desk, Gaetano-series for Zanotta, Italy Post-Modern
By Gae Aulenti, Zanotta
Located in Stockholm, SE
Worktable / desk with original glass top with two black and red colored metal folding saw horse legs. Model Cardine, apart of the Geatano-series designed in the 1970s by Gae Aulenti ...
Category
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Zanotta Medium Quaderna Table/Writing Desk in White Plastic by Superstudio
By Zanotta, Superstudio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Medium Quaderna Table/Writing Desk in White Plastic by Superstudio
Honeycomb core structure coated with white plastic laminate, digitally pri...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Plastic
Zanotta Small Quaderna Table/Writing Desk in White Plastic Laminate, Superstudio
By Zanotta, Superstudio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Small Quaderna Table/Writing Desk in White Plastic Laminate, Superstudio
Honeycomb core structure coated with white plastic laminate, digital...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Plastic
Zanotta Comacina Writing Desk in Black Top & Stainless Steel Frame
By Zanotta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Comacina Writing Desk in Black Top & Stainless Steel Frame by Piero Bottoni
18/8 stainless steel tubular frame. Top and storage unit in medium d...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stainless Steel
Zanotta Calamo Desk in White Top with Steel Frame by Gabriele Rosa
By Zanotta, Gabriele Rosa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Calamo Desk in White Top with Steel Frame by Gabriele Rosa
Varnished steel frame and top in black, white or graphite. Top and storage space in cowhide pigmentato 90. The storage space is accessed by a drop-leaf opening.
Calamo is not an old-style desk with drawers overflowing with paper, but an essential element of furniture, both in function and appearance, something that could fit anywhere in the home. The collection includes a new furnishing accessory designed by young designer Gabriele Rosa: the Calamo desk-console table. With a white, black or graphite steel structure with cowhide pigmentato cover for the surface and storage space under the folding lid. Undoubtedly the writing desk still...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Zanotta Tucano Writing Desk in 0801 Cowhide Pigmentato Top with Matt Black Frame
By Zanotta, Monica Förster
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Tucano Writing Desk in 0801 Cowhide Pigmentato Top with Matt Black Frame
Matt black varnished steel frame. Top covered with cowhide pigmentato 90.
A discreet, elegant, ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Cowhide
Zanotta Black or White Comacina Desk by Piero Bottoni
By Zanotta
Located in New York, NY
Writing desk. 18/8 stainless steel tubular frame. Top and storage unit in medium density fiberboard finished with scratch resistant embossing in the colours talc or black. The top ca...
Category
2010s Italian Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stainless Steel
Mid-Century Modern Desk By Zanotta, Italy
By Zanotta
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Desk By Zanotta, Italy
When Aurelio Zanotta opened the doors to his eponymous label in 1954, its initial focus was on the production of sofas and armchairs which,...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
‘Acanto’ Dining Table by Enzo Mari for Zanotta
By Zanotta, Enzo Mari
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
Sculptural dining table model 'Acanto' by Enzo Mari (Novara 1932 - Milan 2020) for Zanotta, Italy 1990. The design immediately catches the eye due to the asymmetrical sculptural base...
Category
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Related Items
Bronze Desk with Black or Brown Leather Wrapped Top
By Alberto and Diego Giacometti
Located in Ballard, CA
A hand-sculpted and forged bronze desk with brown or black leather wrapped top and drawer, fastened by bronze nails. Custom sizes, finishes and glass top available. Interior of drawe...
Category
2010s American Organic Modern Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Walnut Writing Desk with Drawers, Made in Italy
By Riva 1920
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Writing desk made completely of solid walnut. The drawers are assembled with dovetail joints (includes 2 top drawers and 3 drawers under the desk). This writing desk is characterized by an “X” joint...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Walnut
1970s Writing Desk, Italy
Located in Praha, CZ
- Item was carefully refurbished
- sturdy and stable
- mahogany veneer
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Antique Slant-Front Drafting Desk Writing Table
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and exceptionally inlaid antique slant-front drafting desk. circa 1900
Hand-crafted in the early 20th century, likely French, one piece desk on frame form, having a sloped fr...
Category
Early 20th Century Louis XVI Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ebony, Kingwood, Mahogany, Maple, Palisander, Rosewood, Burl, Felt
Walnut Black MiMi Console or Tiny Desk by Miduny, Made in Italy
By Miduny, Ale Preda
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Merging clean lines with warm materials, the faceted geometry of the MiMi console table creates a slender, elegant profile punctuated with painted surface...
Category
2010s Italian Minimalist Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Birch, Walnut, Plywood
1980s Style Black and White Desk
By Carlton House Fine Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Interesting 1980s era writing desk. Black lacquer and white laminent tops by Carlton House Furniture.
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Laminate, Wood, Lacquer
Gae Aulenti for Kartell 4894 Coffee Table 1970s
By Gae Aulenti, Kartell
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
A low, square coffee table with smooth, rounded edges, creating a sense of minimalism and modernity. Its monolithic appearance is accentuated by the clean lines and uniform surface. ...
Category
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Plastic
Superb 1920s Oak Roll Top Desk
Located in Dublin, IE
A superb 1920s beautifully patinated oak roll top desk of neat proportions, finely carved and of gorgeous quality. The moulded top of rectangular fo...
Category
1920s English Vintage Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Vintage Modern Walnut Writing Desk by Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern writing desk by Harvey Probber. This desk features walnut construction, ample leg room, and three drawers for storage of files and odds and ends. A beautiful vinta...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Elegant Black Stained French Style Bureau Plat or Desk by Kittinger
By Kittinger
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Black Stained French Style Bureau Plat or Desk by Kittinger, American, circa 1960s. It has recently been refinished in a black stain that still allows you to see the beautifu...
Category
1960s American Regency Vintage Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
Italian Midcentury Desk with Glass Top from the 70s
Located in bari, IT
Typical 70's desk with chromed steel trestles and smoked glass top.
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Crystal, Steel
$1,690 Sale Price
20% Off
H 28.75 in W 55.12 in D 29.93 in
1950s English Mahogany Writing Desk with Drawers
Located in Marbella, ES
English 1950s mahogany writing table with drawers and legs with bronze lions claws.
Dimensions open table: 74 x 165 x 66cm.
Category
Mid-20th Century English Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Previously Available Items
White Desk 'Quaderna 2830' by Zanotta, Italy 1970s
By Zanotta
Located in Greding, DE
Desk with laminated white surface with check pattern. The lines are 3 cm apart and merge seamlessly at the edges and smooth sides. The digital print has been painstakingly transferre...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Gaetano" desk by Gae Aulenti for Zanotta
By Zanotta, Gae Aulenti
Located in Conversano, IT
The "Gateano" table/desk is a unique design piece created by the famous designer Gae Aulenti and produced by Zanotta in the 1970s.
This elegant piece of furniture combines form and f...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Crystal, Steel
Achille Castiglioni for Zanotta Adjustable Table ‘Leonardo’ in Blond Wood
By Achille Castiglioni, Zanotta
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Achille Castiglioni for Zanotta, adjustable desk ‘Leonardo’, beech, laminated wood, Italy, design 1969.
Italian architect and designer Achille Castiglioni (1918-2002) designed the ‘...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Beech
H 30.71 in W 78.75 in D 39.18 in
Zanotta Cavour CM Homage to Carlo Mollino
By Zanotta
Located in New York, NY
Writing desk. Legs in solid natural oak, Extractable open tray and drawer element both covered with 8 mm thick extra-clear tempered plate glass, back-painted in black. 12mm thick ext...
Category
2010s Italian Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass, Oak
Carlo Mollino Cavour Desk by Zanotta
By Carlo Mollino, Zanotta
Located in Dronten, NL
An elegant and streamlined writing desk featuring a glass top and bleached oak frame.
Bleached oak drawers and compartment with glossy black lacqu...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass, Oak
Quaderna Desk or Dining Table by Superstudio for Zanotta, Italy, 1970s
By Superstudio, Zanotta
Located in Berlin, DE
Clean desk or dining table with four legs, called Quaderna. Designed 1970 by Superstudio and manufactured by Zanotto in Italy.
Honeycomb core structure coated with white plastic lam...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Laminate, Wood
H 30.71 in W 70.87 in D 30.71 in
Modern Zanotta "Leonardo" Table by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Zanotta
Located in Houston, TX
The height can be adjusted in 2" increments from 24 to 32" in height so that it can be used as a work, dining, or center table. The tabletop is 3/4" White Laminate. Designed and manu...
Category
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Birch
Iconic Italian "Litta" Desk by Ettore Sottsass for Zanotta, 1989
By Ettore Sottsass, Zanotta
Located in Madrid, ES
An iconic table desk model "Litta" designed by Ettore Sottsass (Austria, 1917- Italy, 2007) edited by Zanotta.
Composed by 2 drawers and made of plywood, lacquered wood, blue suede...
Category
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Quaderna Desk or Dining Table by Superstudio for Zanotta, Italy, 1970s
By Zanotta, Superstudio
Located in Berlin, DE
Clean desk or dining table with four legs, called Quaderna. Designed 1970 by Superstudio and manufactured by Zanotto in Italy.
Honeycomb core structure coated with white plastic lam...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Laminate, Wood
H 30.71 in W 70.87 in D 30.71 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 Italian design...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Cavour Desk by Zanotta, Homage to Carlo Mollino
By Carlo Mollino, Zanotta
Located in Dronten, NL
An elegant and streamlined writing desk featuring a glass top and bleached oak frame.
Bleached oak drawers and compartment with glossy black lac...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass, Oak
Superstudio Quaderna 2830 Table
By Zanotta, Superstudio
Located in London, GB
A silk screen printed white plastic laminate coats an ingenious honey-combed core, allowing the piece to be both relatively light and strong. Superstudio were a group of Florence bas...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Zanotta Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Formica
Zanotta desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.
Zanotta desks and writing tables are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Zanotta desks and writing tables, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 5 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 13 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original desks and writing tables by Zanotta were created in the mid-century modern style in italy during the 21st century and contemporary. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider desks and writing tables by Franco Albini, Tobia Scarpa, and Morelato. Prices for Zanotta desks and writing tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,950 and can go as high as $20,580, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,053.