Art Deco Desk Sets
ART DECO STYLE
Art Deco furniture is characterized by its celebration of modern life. More than its emphasis on natural wood grains and focus on traditional craftsmanship, vintage Art Deco dining chairs, tables, desks, cabinets and other furniture — which typically refers to pieces produced during the 1920s and 1930s — is an ode to the glamour of the “Roaring Twenties.”
ORIGINS OF ART DECO FURNITURE DESIGN
- Emerged in the 1920s
- Flourished while the popularity of Art Nouveau declined
- Term derives from 1925’s Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes (International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts) in Paris, France
- Informed by Ancient Egypt, Cubism, Futurism, Louis XVI, De Stijl, modernism and the Vienna Secession; influenced Streamline Moderne and mid-century modernism
CHARACTERISTICS OF ART DECO FURNITURE DESIGN
- Bold geometric lines and forms, floral motifs
- Use of expensive materials such as shagreen or marble as well as exotic woods such as mahogany, ebony and zebra wood
- Metal accents, shimmering mirrored finishes
- Embellishments made from exotic animal hides, inlays of mother-of-pearl or ivory
ART DECO FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
VINTAGE ART DECO FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
Few design styles are as universally recognized and appreciated as Art Deco. The term alone conjures visions of the Roaring Twenties, Machine Age metropolises, vast ocean liners, sleek typography and Prohibition-era hedonism. The iconic movement made an indelible mark on all fields of design throughout the 1920s and ’30s, celebrating society’s growing industrialization with refined elegance and stunning craftsmanship.
Widely known designers associated with the Art Deco style include Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Eileen Gray, Maurice Dufrêne, Paul Follot and Jules Leleu.
The term Art Deco derives from the name of a large decorative arts exhibition held in Paris in 1925. “Art Deco design” is often used broadly, to describe the work of creators in associated or ancillary styles. This is particularly true of American Art Deco, which is also called Streamline Moderne or Machine Age design. (Streamline Moderne, sometimes known as Art Moderne, was a phenomenon largely of the 1930s, post–Art Nouveau.)
Art Deco textile designers employed dazzling floral motifs and vivid colors, and while Art Deco furniture makers respected the dark woods and modern metals with which they worked, they frequently incorporated decorative embellishments such as exotic animal hides as well as veneers in their seating, case pieces, living room sets and bedroom furniture.
From mother-of-pearl inlaid vitrines to chrome aviator chairs, bold and inventive works in the Art Deco style include chaise longues (also known as chaise lounges) and curved armchairs. Today, the style is still favored by interior designers looking to infuse a home with an air of luxury and sophistication.
The vintage Art Deco furniture for sale on 1stDibs includes dressers, coffee tables, decorative objects and more.
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Style: Art Deco
A 1930s High Quality Art Deco Wood and Chromed Metal French Desk Set
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Stylish desk set made in France, it's in wood and metal, composed by an inkstand and a mail holder.
Inkwell dimensions cm 30 x 13, height cm 19.
Category
1930s French Vintage Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Steel
Smith Metal Arts Radius One Buffalo NY William Sklaroff Bronze Desk Ink Set of 3
Located in Miami, FL
This is a Decorative desk set consisting of an Ink Holder and 2 Crystal & Brass Vessels.
The holder is made of solid metal, lined with a black vinyl.
The Crystal vessels are decorated with Bronze and have some Patina.
Underside of the holder is lined in velvet with rubber bumpers and with metal tag Design: William Sklaroff/radius one...
Category
Late 20th Century American Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Crystal, Metal, Brass
Fountain Pen in Sterling Silver fired Enamel Guilloche Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Fountain pen in 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent fired enamel on guilloche. With 14 carats gold nib and ink cartridge. Diameter mm. 10.5 Total length cm. 14. Weight gr. 45. ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel, Gold
Art Deco Desktop Calendar & Chrome Weather Station With Barometer
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Art Deco Unigraph Desktop Weather Station.
Featuring a Barometer, Thermometer & Calendar In A Chrome Frame With Black Painted Base Reg. No 843105
Art Deco 'Unigraph' desk weather station...
Category
1930s British Vintage Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Chrome
Art Deco Marble Desk Perpetual calendar by Jakob Maul, Germany, 1920s
Located in Oxford, GB
Art Deco
Perpetual calendar made of black Belgian marble and made by the well known german company Jakob Maul founded in 1912 very rare to find one of this ...
Category
1910s German Vintage Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Chrome
Large & Impressive Hand-Carved Wooden Pair of Fighting Ram Sculpture Bookends
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and good quality carved ram bookends.
Anyone who has ever witnessed two rams taking each other on in a battle for dominance, knows the amount of force that goes into these f...
Category
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Wood
Portable Typewriter Corona Junior, U.S.A. circa 1395
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Syracuse, N.Y., U.S.A.
Made of metal, steel, chrome,
Polished.
Good original condition, functional.
producer LC Smith & Bros. Typewriter Company.
Category
1930s American Vintage Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Metal
Tiffany Studios New York Adam Bronze Doré Rocker Blotter
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique gilt bronze Neoclassical or Adam style rocker blotter
By Tiffany Studios (signed on the side)
New York, USA, Early 20th Century
Measures: 5.5"W x 2.75"D x 2"H
...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Bronze
Art Deco Chrome & Onyx Novelty Letter Rack, England, c1930
Located in Devon, England
For your consideration is this charming 1930's Art Deco letter rack, the perfect desk piece for your home office or even perhaps telephone table i...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Onyx, Chrome
Tiffany Studios New York "Adam" Bronze Doré Blotter Ends With Leather Blotter
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Art Deco period bronze blotter ends featuring Adam style or Neoclassical style swags, with a custom blue leather desk blotter.
By Tiffany Studios (blotter ends si...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Bronze
Art Deco Superbly Stylish Streamline 'British Made' Calendar, c1930
Located in Devon, England
This is a true gem of design, an Art Deco calendar with the most wonderful streamline, automotive style body shape. The black crackle effect finish c...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Tiffany Studios New York "Zodiac" Patinated Bronze Pen Tray Desk Accessory
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Deco period patinated bronze pen tray featuring symbols of the Zodiac.
By Tiffany Studios
New York, USA, Early 20th century
Mea...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Bronze
Three-Piece Green Art Glass Desk Set by Fontana Arte, 1950s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Chicago, IL
Green art glass desk set by Fontana Arte, 1950s production. Three pieces: pen holder, ashtray/dish or vide poche, and paper holder.
Penholder: 3" H x 9" W x 9" D
Dish/vide poche...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Art Glass
Art Deco Pen Holders in Disko Metal by Just Andersen, 1930s. Set of 2.
Located in Asaa, DK
Art Deco Pen Holders in Disko Metal by Just Andersen, 1930s. Set of 2.
Wonderful pair of small pen holders designed by Danish sculptor Just Anders...
Category
1930s Danish Vintage Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Metal
German Designer, Complete Writing Set, 1930s/40s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
German designer, complete writing set with inkwell, letter holder, wax seal and a letter knife.
Approx. 1930/40s.
In excellent condition.
Letter knife with small chip.
A glass in...
Category
1930s German Vintage Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Marble
Tiffany Studios New York Adam Bronze Doré Match Box Holder
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique gilt bronze Neoclassical or Adam style match box holder
By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside)
New York, USA, Early 20th Century
Measures: 6"W x 2.75"D x ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Bronze
Executive Desk Set Shagreen, Macassar – Desk Pad, Document Tray & lid, Pen Box
By Boucher & Co
Located in Queensland, AU
A very beautiful Desk Set from the Boucher & Co Collection created with meticulous attention to detail in the Toowoomba workrooms in Australia.
Imagine writing your most influenti...
Category
2010s Australian Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Leather, Wood, Macassar, Plywood, Shagreen Stingray
Art Deco Lacquered Calendar Desk Set, Two Inkwells With Retractable Lids 1930's
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Elegant Art Deco 1930's Monochrome Desk Set.
Befit With Two Engine Turned Inkwells with one Glass Lining and Lids That Retract. Fixed Pen Tidy and A Central Calendar.
With A Green ...
Category
1930s British Vintage Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Chrome
GAB Sweden, a writing set in bronze. Art Deco, approx. 1930
Located in Copenhagen, DK
GAB Sweden, a writing set in bronze consisting of an inkwell, letter knife, letter holder, seal and inkwell.
Art Deco approx. 1930.
In excellent condition with good patina.
Seal w...
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York "Zodiac" Bronze Doré Blotter Ends
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Art Deco or Arts & Crafts period bronze blotter ends featuring symbols of the Zodiac
By Tiffany Studios
New York, USA, Early 20th C...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Bronze
Ballpoint Pen Sterling Silver with Translucent Fired Enamel Guilloche Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Ballpoint pen in 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent fired enamel on guilloche. With Sheaffer refil or similar. Diameter mm. 10.5. Total length cm. 14. Weight gr. 52. Designed ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Three-Piece Art Deco Machine Age Cobalt Mirror and Chrome Desk Set by Victor
By Victor
Located in New York, NY
This sophisticated Art Deco Machine Age desk set was realized by the celebrated American maker, Victor, circa 1930. It features a inkwell/pen holder, a blotter and a clock. The inkwell offers a square body composed of translucent Lucite with a cylindrical depression in the centre intended for storing ink and a cobalt mirrored...
Category
1930s American Vintage Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Chrome
Tiffany Studios New York 'Zodiac' Bronze Doré Letter Rack
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Deco period gilt bronze desk letter holder rack featuring Zodiac designs
By Tiffany Studios
New York, USA, Early 20th Century
Measures: 9.5"W x 2.5"D x 6.25"H
Very...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Doré Pen Tray
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Art Deco period gilt bronze pen tray featuring Zodiac designs
By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside)
New York, USA, Early 20th Century
Measures: 10"W x 3....
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Bronze Doré and Abalone Pen Tray
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Deco period bronze doré and inlaid abalone pen tray
By Tiffany Studios
New York, USA, early 20th century
Measures: 8.75"W x 2.5"D x 0.75"H.
Good original v...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York "Zodiac" Bronze Doré Rocker Blotter, Circa 1910
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Deco period bronze rocker ink blotter featuring Zodiac designs
By Tiffany Studios
New York, USA, Early 20th Century
Measures: 5.63"W x 2.75"D x 2"H.
Good original ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Bronze
Maqueta de avión Art Decó
Located in VALÈNCIA, ES
Maqueta de avión Art Decó, realizado en madera de estilo Palisandro.
Category
1930s Spanish Vintage Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Wood
Tiffany Studios New York Art Deco 'Greek Key' Bronze Doré Letter Rack
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Deco period gilt bronze desk letter rack featuring a Greek key design
By Tiffany Studios
New York, USA, Early 20th Century
Measures: 12.25"W x 3.75"D x 8.38"H...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Bronze
Art Deco Desk Set, By George Betjemann for Aspreys, London 1921
Located in Richmond, Surrey
Art Deco Onyx, Lapis & Silver Desk Set, By George Betjemann for Aspreys, London, 1921
This beautiful and rare Onyx and Lapis Lazuli desk set is a luxurious ensemble by George Betjem...
Category
1920s English Vintage Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Onyx
Vintage Model Car Bookends
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Vintage Model Car Bookends
A very attractive set, the ends are heavy and made in metal they are well balanced to hold books securely, the ideal desk pi...
Category
1970s Vintage Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Metal
WMF 'Württembergische METALLWARENFABRIK', Germany, Art Deco Pen Tray with Box
Located in Copenhagen, DK
WMF (Württembergische METALLWARENFABRIK), Germany. Art Deco pen tray with a box in silver plated metal, 1940s.
Stamped.
In very go...
Category
1940s German Vintage Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Silver Plate
Fighter Jet Desktop Model FJ-2 FURY
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, AR
Original North American Aviation, Inc. desktop display model from the 1950s, in good condition with some paint detail, marble base, and articulated.
Category
1950s American Vintage Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Marble, Metal
Art Deco marble and bronze bookends
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Art Deco marble and bronze bookends
Beautiful bookends in black marble with bronze patinated in Pompeian green, with representation of men in a carrying position showing how they car...
Category
20th Century French Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Marble desk set
Located in Nivelles, BE
Marble desk set including two inkwells, 2 pen holders, a letter tray and a blotting pad.
Beautifully veined black marble.
Category
Mid-20th Century European Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Marble
Art Deco / Folk aRT Candy Store, National Cash Register, stenciled and painted
Located in Buffalo, NY
Charming and Unusual Art Deco / Folk aRT Candy Store National Cash Register, stenciled and painted.. Great little decorative item.. Fully functional.. Retains original stenciled and ...
Category
1930s American Vintage Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Metal, Steel, Chrome
1980s Postmodern Abstract Acrylic Lacquer Wall Art by Empire Art Miami
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Incredible multicolored rectangular wall art by empire art Miami.
Category
1980s American Vintage Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Wood
Classic Cartier 18ct Gold Plated Vendome Trinity Rollerball Pen & Box
By Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Elegant Vintage Cartier 18ct Gold Plated Vendome Trinity Oval Rollerball Pen Complete With Cartier Box & Guarantee Card.
Made in Paris, France
Cartier pens are designed by Cartier,...
Category
Late 20th Century French Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Gold Plate
Antique Art Deco Black Marble Five Piece Desk Set with Chrome & Brass Accents
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique desk set is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from the United States and date to approximately 1920 and done in the period Art De...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Marble, Chrome
Amazing, Art Deco Desk Set with Perpetual Calendar, Brass, Glass and Leather
Located in Catania, IT
Art Deco desk set in black leather, brass and glass.
The leather with contrast saddle stitching is handcrafted and exquisitely done using brass elements that give the set a luxuriou...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Brass
Pair of antique cut glass perfume bottles with silver & tortoiseshell covers
By Corke Brothers & Co. 1
Located in London, GB
A pair of early-20th-century antique perfume or scent bottles with hand-cut glass bodies decorated with lattice and fanned flute panels, as well as sections of diamond pattern. There...
Category
1910s British Vintage Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Sterling Silver
1930 Art Deco Macassar Wood & Bone Detail Handmade 5 Piece Desk Ink Set France
Located in Miami, FL
Circa 1930s Art Deco elegant 5 pieces ink desk set, desk accessories, made out of Macassar Wood and edged with off white Bone details.
Made in France, circa 1...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Brass
Pair of Bronze and Marble Bookends, Signed H.M. White, England, circa 1920
By Mabel White
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of bronze and marble bookends, signed H.M. White. England, circa 1920.
With Chinese children studying.
Category
1920s English Vintage Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Marble, Bronze
French Art Déco Metal Desk Tidy with Woman Horseriding and a pair of Inkwells
Located in North Miami, FL
Early 20th century french Art Déco metal desk tidy with woman horseriding, pen holder and a pair of inkwells
By: uknown
Material: metal, silver plate
Technique: cast, molded, polish...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Metal, Silver Plate
Blue Shagreen Leather Desk Set - Galucharme Collection
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
Add a touch of elegance to your desk with this exclusive accessory set made of blue shagreen leather, a fine material known for its unique texture composed of tiny bead-like grains.
...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Brass
Art Deco Bronze Seal and Ink Tray by Sadoux
Located in New York, NY
A Bronze desk set with "Antico" patina and gold-plated flower decoration from 1925 period:
seal, pocket emptier.
The signature of "A. Sadoux" appears on the
A. Sadoux items. 1925, sc...
Category
1920s French Vintage Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Cast Stone
Vintage Model Car a pair of Brass Bookends A very attractive set
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Vintage Model Car a pair of Brass Bookends
A very attractive set, the ends are heavy and made in brass they are well balanced to hold books securely, the ideal Christmas present f...
Category
1960s Vintage Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Brass
A pair of metal and copper Art Deco bookends by Walter Von Nessen circa 1930s
Located in Houston, TX
A pair of Art Deco bookends by Walter Von Nessen feature two concentric rings of metal and copper with three sphere accents on each.
5.25” H x 5” W x 2.5” D
$450
Category
1930s Unknown Vintage Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Metal
'Remember yourself' brass and wood memo, Italy 1930s
Located in Firenze, IT
Rare 'Remember' brass and wood memo /reminder
Italy 1930s
Reminder paper roll. Brass 'Remember' label meaning "Remember"
H 10 cm - 28 x 10 cm
Paper roll included
Conditions: ex...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Brass
Four Bronzes: a Piggy Bank, Calendar, Matchbox Holder and a Place Card Holder
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Danish design. Four bronzes consisting of a piggy bank, calendar, matchbox holder and a place card holder.
Art Deco - In style of Just Andersen.
Approximate 1930s.
In good conditi...
Category
1930s Danish Vintage Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Bronze
English Art Deco Period Blue Shagreen Desk Set of a Folder and Inkwell
Located in Montreal, QC
English Art Deco Period Blue Shagreen Desk Set of a Folder and Inkwell.
Silver Hallmark George Betjemann & Sons dated 1928.
Category
1920s English Vintage Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Shagreen, Shagreen Stingray
Art Deco Silver Table Center 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
ART DECO SILVER TABLE CENTER
In silver with relief and pierced decoration with central body with two removable baskets and two bases with mirror...
Category
Early 20th Century Portuguese Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Silver
Oak and Leather Magazine Rack by Casa Comte
By Comte S.A.
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Oak magazine rack, lined with red leather, made by Casa COMTE (1932-1960).
Bibliography Mo Amelia Teitelbaum (2010), “Los Creadores de un Estilo, Minimal...
Category
1940s South American Vintage Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Leather, Oak
Art Deco desk sets for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Art Deco desk sets for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage desk sets created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Art Deco desk sets made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original desk sets, popular names associated with this style include Tiffany Studios, Hermès, Alfred Dunhill, and Just Andersen. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for desk sets differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $84 and tops out at $21,000 while the average work can sell for $995.