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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Petite Writing Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An ingenious leather-topped mahogany writing desk with hidden extensions on each side to add occasional surface area. The leaves on the sides are a matcha green leather framed by gol...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Small Burgundy Study Desk with Natural Linoleum Table Top & Drawer, Customizable
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
This small study desk is made with a beetroot powder-coated steel frame and a burgundy coloured natural linoleum tabletop. The linoleum for our desks is selected for the ecological p...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Art Deco Modernist Desk or Writing Table by Jan Brunott, 1920s
By Jan Brunott
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Art Deco Modernist desk or writing table.
Design by Jan Brunott.
Striking Dutch design from the 1920s.
Original black lacquered oak base with original oak veneer...
Category
1920s Dutch Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Faux Leather, Oak
Pair of Small Customizable Study Desks / Console Table with Drawer
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
This pair of small study desks are made with a beetroot powder-coated steel frame and a burgundy coloured natural linoleum tabletop. The linoleum for our desks is selected for the ec...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Swedish Erik Chambert art deco desk, 1940
Located in Uccle, BE
A mid 20th century birch art deco desk with 7 drawers and key included.
Date of manufacture stamped: 20 12 1940
Designed by Erik Chambert (1902-1988) who was a pioneering interior d...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Birch
Mid-Century Teak & Steel Executive Desk by Friso Kramer & Coen de Vries for EEKA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking example of Dutch mid-century modern design, this executive desk was designed by Friso Kramer and Coen de Vries for EEKA (Eindhovense Eisen- en Kantoorartikelenfabriek) in ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Antique British Folding Desk with Bobbin Legs, Early 20th Century
Located in Odense, DK
This charming British desk/side table showcases a refined simplicity and craftsmanship rooted in early 20th-century Edwardian design. Made from oak and birch, the table features beau...
Category
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Birch
Handcrafted 1960s Danish Oak Desk, Deep Patina, Sculptural Mid-Century design
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A cabinetmaker-built Danish small desk with the most stunning and deep patina. Its light brown tone carries a walnut-like glow. Horizontal carvings on the cabinet doors lend the piec...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Gio Ponti double-sided desk in American walnut and parchment, Italy, 1930s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
An unique and elegant Gio design by Gio Ponti, Italian manufacture, 1930s
Gracefully elevated on geometric and extremely slender legs, this desk designed by Gio Ponti stands out for...
Category
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut, Parchment Paper
Vintage Kittinger Directoire Style Writing Desk
Located in Houston, TX
1960s Vintage Kittinger Directoire style writing desk composed of satinwood and features ebony inlay and brass hardware. Maker's mark located inside the center drawer.
Category
Late 20th Century North American Directoire Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Antique George IV Goncalo Alves Writing Table Desk Early 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This monumental early George IV antique library writing table is crafted from beautiful Gonçalo Alves and dates from Circa 1820.
The rectangular top features a moulded edge with th...
Category
1820s English George IV Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather
Swedish Modern Guldheden desk by Carl Malmsten, 1960's
Located in Uccle, BE
This 'Nya Guldheden' desk was created by one of Sweden's best known furniture designers : Carl Malmsten. Born in Stockholm in 1888 and died in 1972, the artist spent his life creatin...
Category
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Paolo buffa cherrywood writing desk, Italy, 1940s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
An elegant cherrywood writing desk with fabric-covered drawers, design by Paolo Buffa, Italian manufacture, 1940s
This refined piece deserves to be observed from every angle to full...
Category
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Fabric, Cherry
Baker Furniture Style William & Mary Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Bureau Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional William & Mary or Georgian Chinoiserie style drop front secretary desk
In the manner of Baker Furniture
USA, Circa 1980s
Black lacquered walnut, with hand-painted A...
Category
1980s American William and Mary Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Late 19th Century French Louis XIII Style Walnut Side Table or Writing Table
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This small scale French Louis XIII style walnut writing table or desk from the late nineteenth century is of hand pegged construction and features a beveled top. The top is supported...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XIII Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Original Otto Wagner for Thonet 1905 Writing Desk Postal Saving Bank Vienna
Located in Vienna, AT
Otto Wagner writing desk from the Postal Saving Bank in Vienna. Made by Thonet, Vienna.
Otto Wagner Writing Desk, Postal Saving Bank, Vienna - Lit.: Asenbaum/Haiko, Otto Wagner, Möbe...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Jugendstil Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Wim Rietveld + Friso Kramer "Reply" Drafting Table for Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wim Rietveld "Reply" drafting table. The hinging mechanism was a collaborative design with Wim Rietveld and Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel in 1958. Adjustable on two points. Woode...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Industrial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Peter Løvig Nielsen Rosewood Partners Desk
Located in New York, NY
Amazing 1970's Peter Løvig Nielsen rosewood partners desk, lightly restored with some wear and patina due to age and use, there is some we...
Category
1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Antique Swedish Rococo Desk with Light Blue Paint, Drawer and Curved Rococo Legs
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish rococo desk from the late 1700s. The desk is a country house furniture in rococo style with a large drawer. Heavily curved rococo legs and also a curved table top and...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Rococo Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Piano desk black lacqued wood
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
A sleek, black-polished, sculptural piece conjuring the presence of a grand piano.
Piano Desk evokes an intricate fusion of the grace in artistic expressi...
Category
2010s Mexican Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Solace No23 Console Table – Sculpted Organic Forms, Design by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Solace No23 Console Table – Sculpted Organic Forms, Design by Joel Escalona
—————————————————————
Solace Console Table Series
Design by Joel Escalona
The Solace console table serie...
Category
2010s Mexican Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
French 18th Century Louis XV Style Painted Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This archetypal 18th century Louis XV-style desk was given a distinguishing update in the 20th century: washing the pine construction in white paint and black pinstriping to accentua...
Category
18th Century French Directoire Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine, Paint
Six Dots Design Unique desk
Located in London, GB
Joseph Ellwood is a British artist and designer working under the studio name: Six Dots Design. Joseph has been named one of 10 'Future Icons' in design by Wallpaper* magazine, collaborated with the luxury brand Rimowa and has exhibited globally..
The aesthetic of the work aims to challenge and disrupt the mid-century norms of furniture today. I have taken inspiration from the likes of Perriand and Prouvé and distorted their pieces to create a body of work that relates to our current generation. The lives we live today are fluid in gender, identity, expression and thought. This collection represents this confusion, indecision and anxiety in a whimsical and endearing way.
This work aims to question what it means to reflect your identity though the objects surrounding you.
This desk is a one off piece designed and fabricated by Joe Ellwood...
Category
2010s British Futurist Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Midcentury Giancarlo Piretti Red "Platone" Folding Desk for Castelli, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful and incredibly rare midcentury red "Platone" folding desk designed by Giancarlo Piretti and produced by Anonima Castelly in Italy during the 1970s. The desk is in amazing v...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Aluminum, Steel
Italian Antique Solid Walnut Rustic Table Desk Writing Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Very charming and elegant Italian antique dining table or desk writing table in solid walnut wood with stylish carved legs and central drawer. Ideal in any room as a small stand alon...
Category
20th Century Italian Rustic Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
18th Large Spanish Dining or Desk Table with Carved Legs and Iron Stretcher
Located in Miami, FL
19th Spanish refectory desk table with solomonic legs and iron stretcher
Original perfect condition
Top table in perfect shape.
Very heavy piece
Between legs 81.10 in
Category
1790s Spanish Renaissance Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
Pair of Midcentury Chromed Steel Italian Trestles After Milo Baughman, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous pair of midcentury trestles fully made in chromed steel. These incredibly stylish trestles were designed in Italy after Milo Baughman during the 1970s.
These versatile tres...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Early American Solid Maple and Birch Drop Front Secretary Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful American Colonial or Chippendale style bureau with drop front secretary desk
USA, Circa 1970s
Gorgeous carved solid maple and birch, with original brass hardware.
Meas...
Category
1970s American American Colonial Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Japanese Vintage Writing Table, Showa Period black lacquer, Solid Wood
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This vintage desk was crafted in the Early Showa Period '1926-'.
Crafted entirely from solid kihada (Japanese Amur cork tree) wood.
Featuring a sleek black finish and a minimalist ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Midcentury Bamboo, Rattan and Wicker Desk Console Table, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful Italian writing table or desk in bamboo, rattan and wicker with two drawers.
Made in Italy in the 1970s.
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Wood
20th Century Italian Rosewood Writing Table - Desk by Osvaldo Borsani & Tecno
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A large vintage Mid-Century modern Italian writing table made of hand crafted polished Rosewood designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, in good condition. The sculptural desk is compo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Antique French Desk Writing Table Renaissance w Drawer Oak Barley Twist c. 1920s
Located in Tyler, TX
GORGEOUS 19th Century Antique French Oak Louis XIII Renaissance Revival Desk or Writing Table with Full Length Drawer, Barley Twist Legs, Stretcher, Lunette Carved Beveled Edge Top a...
Category
1920s French Renaissance Revival Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Crystal LC6 Table by Le Corbusier, Jeanneret and Perriand for Cassina
Located in Dronten, NL
LC6 table designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand.
Marked, signed and numbered on the frame, this table has the most desirable crystal textured top.
The tab...
Category
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Crystal, Aluminum
Pine Farm table with Turned Legs by Alabama Sawyer
Located in Birmingham, AL
Made from sustainable urban wood, this (sort of) traditional farm table features turned legs and touches of white and blue color. Perfect for adding fun and delight to your dining or...
Category
2010s American American Craftsman Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Pine
Mid-Century Asian Modern Ming Style Burl Wood Executive Desk By Lane
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a mid-century burl wood Asian modern desk by Lane Furniture. It has dovetail construction and is marked in the drawer. The drawers include one file drawer. The opening for a ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Ming Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Macassar Writing Desk with Bronze-Patina Brass Deatils by R&Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Sonia writing desk is the perfect piece for your room. A more subtle version to her sister the iconic writing desk, the Sonia has elegant legs inlaid in Macassar wood and bronze-...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Vintage Italian Oyster Burl Wood Writing Desk
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Discover the charm of vintage elegance with this exquisite Italian writing desk, a stunning piece that combines functionality with timeless design. Crafted from rich oyster olive bur...
Category
20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Antique Derby Oak Raised Panel S-Roll Top Desk with Carved Pulls c1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote***
Antique Derby Oak Raised Panel S-Roll Top Desk with Carved Pulls c1920.
50 3/8" x 55 1/8" x 35 5/8...
Category
Early 20th Century Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Midcentury Italian Trestle Desk or Table in Bamboo, Rattan by Vivai Del Sud, 70s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful pair of mid-century organic trestles in a beautiful combination of bamboo, curved rattan and hand-woven wicker. These stunning and unique trestles were designed by Vivai del Sud and produced in Italy during the 1970s.
In fabulous condition and with an amazing honey-like color. These sturdy trestles are made in bamboo canes enriched on the bottom with curved rattan and perfect hand-woven wicker work.
Ideal to make a charming desk or also for dining table or a console table in a modern organic entryway. A must have for all the French Riviera style lovers.
These versatile trestles are ideal as a charming modern organic desk...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan, Wicker
Mid-Century Italian Walnut Sliding Glass Top Secretary Tall Desk Writing Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant and classic Mid-Century Modern Italian walnut wood desk console, writing table, secretary with sliding top with black glass for a seated position when extended, a top sh...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Glass
Jean Prouvé Compass Direction Desk Limited RAW Steel and Natural Oak by Vitra
By Vitra, Jean Prouvé
Located in Dronten, NL
Jean Prouvé Compass direction desk in natural oak and clear lacquered steel for Vitra. Originally designed in 1953, Prouvé's iconic desk is based the de...
Category
1930s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Arts & Crafts Solid Oak Roll Top Desk
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Solid Oak English hand crafted roll-top desk with good proportions. Stately, yet not too large. Original patina with English lever lock mark and dovetailed joinery. Pigeon hole compa...
Category
1890s English Arts and Crafts Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Melting Vanity Table in Blue Shagreen and Bronze-Patina Brass by R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Baker Furniture French Regency Louis XVI Cherry and Gilt Wood Petite Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Regency Louis XVI style petite writing desk, console table, or tea table
By Baker Furniture
USA, Circa 1960s
Carved cherry wood, with gold gilt accents, and orig...
Category
1960s American Louis XVI Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Anthroposophical Desk Designed By Felix Kayser, Hand Crafted Ash Wood, ca. 1930
By Schiller Möbel, Felix Kayser
Located in Berlin, DE
Anthroposophical desk model K 1290 ('ladies' desk), designed by Felix Kayser and probably manufactured by Schiller-Möbel, ca. 1930
Category
1930s German Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Ash
Vintage Scandinavian Modern Rosewood Desk by Ganddal Møbelfabrikk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An iconic Scandinavian Modern rosewood desk crafted by Ganddal Møbelfabrikk in the 1960s. This exceptional vintage rosewood desk showcases all of the hallmarks of Mid-Century Modern ...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
"Zeno" Asymmetrical Beech and Ebony Desk by Massimo Scolari for Giorgetti, 1990s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A well crafted asymmetric 90's desk designed by Massimo Scolari for Giorgetti S.p.A. The desk is made of a beech frame with Macassar Ebony inset top and aluminum hardware. The leg ha...
Category
1990s Italian Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Limbert Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Desk or Library Table, Circa 1910
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period library table or writing desk
By Charles P. Limbert Co.
USA, Circa 1910
Measures: 44"W x 30"D x 29.5"H.
Recently refinished...
Category
1910s American Mission Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Small English Victorian Inlaid Mahogany Writing Table / Desk c.1900
Located in Leicester, GB
A beautiful small English Victorian mahogany writing table. An elegant fitted desk from the earlier part of 1900's. The desk comprises of two drawers, in an asymmetric format with th...
Category
Early 1900s British Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Midcentury Alvar Aalto Desk or Dining Table in Black Laminated and Beech, 1970s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning mid-century desk or dining table in curved beech wood with black laminated top. This incredibly elegant table was designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek and produced during the 1...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Formica, Wood, Laminate, Beech
Nº113 Vein-cut Romano Travertine Console Table by Amee Allsop
By Ameé Allsop
Located in East Hampton, NY
Meticulously and simply crafted with solid 3cm thick travertine slabs, the proportions create a lightness of form juxtaposing the materiality.
A continuation of Coffee Table Nº 106,...
Category
2010s American Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Travertine
Antique French Writing Desk Secretary Louis XV Carved Oak Renaissance c1890
Located in Shreveport, LA
Antique French Writing Desk Secretary Black Forest Carved Oak Renaissance c1890.
Direct from France and part of superb collection of fine antiques we recently acquired, this is trul...
Category
1890s French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Desk, Walnut, Vienna circa 1820
Located in Greven, DE
Biedermeier or Empire desk, circa 1820
Vienna
Walnut
Biedermeier circa 1820
Dimensions: H x W x D: 80 x 134 x 68 cm
Description:
Desk standing on solid, high square legs with an e...
Category
1820s Austrian Biedermeier Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Jules Wabbes
By Jules Wabbes
Located in Ghent, BE
This refined and poised desk-table, designed by Belgian architect and furniture designer Jules Wabbes, is crafted from solid padauk wood slats and rests on adjustable disc-shaped fee...
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Padouk
Midcentury "Platone" White Folding Desk by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Lovely white "Platone" folding desk. Designed by the visionary Giancarlo Piretti and produced by Anonima Castelli in Italy during the 1970s. The desk is signed on the bottom.
In brand new condition, this desk has never been used and is a new old stock.
The Platone desk was designed to be presented as a set with the Plia chair. It is also held in the permanent collection of the MoMa in NYC. Its ingenious three-disc mechanism, a signature feature of Piretti’s bestsellers, reaches its boldest expression in the Platone.
The white top is a perfect match with the bold design of this little table, with the metal structure sustaining the table on one side. Platone is built to last and integrates seamlessly into any modern or vintage interior.
This stylish desk could function perfectly in a modern or midcentury style children's room or office.
Dimension (cm):
Width - 82
Depth - 64
Height - 69
Italian interior and industrial designer Giancarlo Piretti was born in 1940 in Bologna. He obtained his teaching degree in drawing at the Art Institute of Bologna (dates unknown), and continued his studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna in 1960. From 1963 until 1970, he taught interior design at the Art Institute of Bologna.
Sometime in the 1960s, Piretti also joined Italian design company Castelli as an interior designer, creating home furniture and office furnishings. During his twelve years at Castelli, Piretti obtained numerous industrial patents for his designs, which were mostly chairs. Piretti’s work for Castelli garnered the company an international reputation in furniture design. His most well-known design is the plastic folding Plia Chair (1968), which has sold over seven million copies since 1969 and is still in production. It won the BIO 5 distinction and the SMAU prize at the Ljubljana Biennial in 1971, Germany’s Gute Form prize in 1973, and can be found in permanent collections in various museums world-wide, including Austria, Czech Republic, Slovenia and the United States. In 1969 the complementary Plia Table...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Aluminum, Steel
Inlaid Teak Writing Desk from India
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful writing desk, handcrafted in India out of aged teak wood and responsibly sourced animal bone inlay. Late 20th Century (1990-1995). Split front apron, two drawers with br...
Category
1990s Indian Anglo-Indian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bone, Teak
Nancy Corzine Neoclassical Laurel Desk Writing Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Opulent writing table or desk in the neoclassical style designed by Nancy Corzine. The Laurel desk features a thick, solid-wood top with an ogee edge. The top is supported by a trest...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Silver Leaf
Antique Carved Fruitwood Leather Top Desk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine and large antique Desk with great form. The very well made rectangular desk with a slightly overhanging top with a foliate scrolled tooled green-black leather insert. The thre...
Category
19th Century Georgian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Antique and Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
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.
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