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Desks and Writing Tables

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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Creator: Dunbar
Creator: Gianfranco Frattini
Large Desk by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, Italy, 1956
Located in Barcelona, ES
Large desk designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1956 for Bernini, Italy. Walnut wood with two drawers and two spaces in the front side and other four spaces in the back side.
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Rosewood Rolltop Desk/Cabinet, Model 804, by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini
Located in Argelato, BO
Gianfranco Frattini designed this gorgeous rosewood rolltop desk, model 804, for Bernini in the early 1960s. What appears to be a compact chest of ten...
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Gianfranco Frattini, wood desk for Bernini, Italian design 1960 circa
Located in Milan, IT
Elegant desk mod. 530 created by Gianfranco Frattini with structure, supports and top in wood. The compartments on the top are concealed by a wood shutter that allows you to hide you...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Scrivania '530' Gianfranco Frattini per Bernini, anni 60 in noce
Located in Milano, IT
Scrittoio anni '60 della serie '530' disegnato da Gianfranco Frattini per una produzione Bernini in legno impiallacciato noce. Condizioni molto buone. Restaurato.
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Walnut Desk by Gianfranco Frattini 1956
Located in Berlin, DE
Very elegant writing desk with four drawers and open compartments on both sides. Made of solid walnut wood, handles are made of blackened metal. Height of writing surface 70 cm Gianf...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Executive Walnut Desk by Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful mid-century executive walnut desk designed by Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar in the United States, circa 1950s. This desk is made with a timeless design that has been profess...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Gianfranco Frattini desk for Cantieri Carugati in cherry wood, Italy 1958
Located in Argelato, BO
Gianfranco Frattini, rare desk with wooden structure and supports and nickel-plated metal handles. It is a sophisticated desk, the work of the Milanese architect and designer Gianfra...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Gianfranco Frattini for Cantieri Carugati Desk in Cherry
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini for Cantieri Carugati, writing desk, cherry, metal, Italy, 1958 This piece of furniture is based on a solid construction featuring straight lines and right-angle...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Midcentury Modern Wooden Desk by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini
Located in Madrid, ES
Hardwood writing desk designed by Gianfranco Frattini and produced by Bernini, Italy. The desk features a removable top part with extra drawers and storage compartments. This desk ca...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood

804 rosewood rolltop desk by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini 1960s
Located in Stavenisse, NL
Rare roll-top desk model 804 designed by Gianfranco Frattini and manufactured by Bernini, Italy 1960s. The desk is made of rosewood veneer and has a remarkable design. The piece can...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Gianfranco Frattini Wood table or desk for Bernini Italian Design 1950s
Located in Milan, IT
The desk is designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1950's for Bernini , a perfect example of Italian midcentury elegance and modern style of living. Frattini's works range from industria...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Rosewood Desk by Gianfranco Frattini, Italy, 1950's
Located in Austin, TX
Gianfranco Frattini rosewood desk model 530, designed and manufactured by Bernini, Italy 1957. This desk is made of nicely grained rosewood and ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry, Rosewood

Model 53 Mid Century Italian Desk By Gianfranco Frattini For Bernini
Located in Portlaoise, IE
Stunning design and real quality make this desk one of the stand out pieces for sale in our collection. Originally designed in 1957 by iconic Italian designer Gianfranco Frattini, th...
Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

Mid-Century Modern Desk Table by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, Italy, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Desk Table by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, Italy, 1960s
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Rosewood Roll top Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 452. All Original
Located in Kansas City, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 452 Rosewood Tambour Door Executive Desk in very good completely original condition. Two rolltops, one on each side and three drawers. Large work se...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Secretary by Gianfranco Frattini, Cantieri Carugati, 1954
Located in Berlin, DE
This beautiful secretary by Gianfranco Frattini from 1954 was made out of rosewood. Frattini was an italien architect and designer.
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Steel

Mid-Century Modern Desk Table by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, Italy, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Desk Table by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, Italy, 1960s.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Wonderful, Amazing and Exclusive Frattini Desk
Located in Munich, DE
Very rare and elegant small desk by gianfranco frattini for bernini by opening the drawer the jalousie cover at the back opens. very special piece.
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Small Folding Desk Cantieri Carugati Gianfranco Frattini 1959 in Italian Walnut
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Small folding desk Cantieri Carugati Gianfranco Frattini 1959 in Italian Walnut, open depth 83 cm, completely restored with natural paints as in the past.
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Gianfranco Frattini Desk Model 530 Bernini Italy 1957
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Stunning medium sized writing desk model 530 designed by Gianfranco Frattini and manufactured by Bernini, Italy 1957. This desk is made of nicely grained rosewood and cherrywood vene...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar MCM Model 452 Rosewood Tambour Door Executive Desk
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar mid century Model 452 Rosewood Tambour door executive desk This desk measures: 74.5 wide x 28 deep x 35 high, with a chair clearance of 24 inches All ...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Petite Vanity/Writing Table with Stool Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage mahogany vanity/writing table with corresponding naugahyde stool designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar (ca. 1950s, Indiana, USA). Angu...
Category

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

Materials

Naugahyde, Laminate, Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Walnut Writing Desk, Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern writing desk By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, 1950s Patchwork bleached walnut top, with solid walnut legs and brass-capped feet....
Category

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

Materials

Brass

English Oak and Chrome Desk by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed for Dunbar by Roger Sprunger, this modern, clean-lined desk places a top of now rare English oak on two slab supports in chrome. Three shallow drawers each have a well for p...
Category

1970s American Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Gianfranco Frattini Mod. 804 Rolltop Desk
Located in Munich, DE
Walnut writing desk model 804 designed in 1961 by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, Italy. Tambour top that hides small drawers and a pull out leather writing surface. Front side with...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Italian Desk by Gianfranco Frattini, 1950s
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very nice writing desk, designed by Giancarlo Frattini. It is fabricated in Italy in the 50's. This desk has three drawers and is in good vintage condition (see the pictures).  
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Dunbar Large Walnut Executive Desk with Return
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Solid chrome legs walnut Dunbar desk with return.
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Writing Table or Desk in Teak Veneer Wood, Italy
Located in Vienna, AT
Writing desk, teak and veneer with many drawers, Italy, circa 1970 Dimensions are: 41.3" x 23.62 x 37.8". Perfectly sized desk with 2 large and 4 small drawers. It’s in style or mi...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Dunbar Contract Division Mid Century Executive Desk
Located in Countryside, IL
Dunbar contract division Mid Century executive desk Desk measures: 72 wide x 36 deep x 28.5 inches high All pieces of furniture ca...
Category

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

Materials

Plexiglass, Wood

Edward Wormley Executive Tambour-Door Rosewood Desk for Dunbar
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rosewood executive desk by Edward Wormley c.1950s, USA, for Dunbar. The desk has three shallow drawers that run the length of the desk. The top of the desk features two roll top tamb...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Partners Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Dallas, TX
A mahogany partners desk with original leather top and base and brass hardware. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1950s Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

American Walnut Ed Wormley for Dunbar Double Pedestal Desk w/ Folding Return
Located in Rockaway, NJ
American walnut Ed Wormley for Dunbar double pedestal desk w/ folding return. Uniquer folding return desk feature, nice architectural design back, beautiful amber honey tone finish.
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Italian Writing Desk Model 530 by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, 1957
Located in Brussels , BE
Mid-Century Modern desk, by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini in wood, Italy 1957, in good condition.
Category

1950s Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

No. 804 Rolltop Desk
Located in Munich, DE
Rare and unusual desk designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini. By pulling the desk top out you open the rolltop. This desk cabinet has a lot of storage space, 10 drawers at the f...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Floating Edward Wormley for Dunbar Executive Extending Desks, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
A rare and sleek Mid-Century Modern executive desks by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. The desks features stunning solid walnut grain and sleek midcentury design. The desk is fi...
Category

1970s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Nutwood

Rosewood and Mahogany Receptionist Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This spectacular fully restored and sought-after model #452 'Roll Top' desk was designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar and features beautifully grained Rosewood and Ebonized Mahogany, designed and made in the 1960s. Most examples of this design are regular desk height however this example was custom made to be a receptionist desk...
Category

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

Materials

Mahogany, Rosewood

Clean Lined Console Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean lined console table, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American, circa 1960s. This table is a versatile size and can be used as a console or so...
Category

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

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

Roll Top Writing Desk by Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A stately and elegant rosewood and mahogany campaign desk having three drawers and two rosewood roll-top compartments flanking a central writing surface with a flip-down back splash,...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

1950s Demilune Vanity or Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A solid wood double pedestal desk or vanity with demilune curve to accommodate seating and vertically stacked dowel drawer pulls.
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Italy 1967 Gianfranco Frattini Walnut Freestanding Desk with Drawers
Located in Brescia, IT
This is a masterpiece of craftsman Italian work. By extracting the top desk, the shutter slides without effort and the front and the back will totally open. This beautiful desk has t...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Wonderful and Extremely Rare Frattini Secretary for Bernini
Located in Munich, DE
By pulling the drawer the tambour roll top opens automatic. Then you can double the size of the writing surface.
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Stunning Rare Rosewood and Brass Platform Desk by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar
Located in Pemberton, NJ
A stunning sleek rosewood desk with three minimal drawers that disappear into the apron. This wonderful desk has the very rare brass pedestal legs. Dunbar metal tag is inside the lef...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mahogany Writing Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An octagonal mahogany writing desk designed by Edward Wormley with a single drawer. Made by Dunbar in the USA, circa 1957.
Category

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

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

Gianfranco Frattini Rosewood Writing Desk
Located in Washington, DC
A beautiful Midcentury rosewood writing desk by an Italian design icon, Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini was made in Italy in 1957. This sleek proportioned desk is model 530 and featu...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Walnut Lectern by Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A unique and elegant lectern in walnut with a roll top cover and a single drawer.
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Scrivania 804 di Gianfranco Frattini per Bernini Anni 60-70
Located in Milano, IT
Scrivania da centro con serranda e piano estraibile, presenta dei cassetti interni e un contenitore per cancelleria in materiale plastico. Il materiale è il legno massello (frontali ...
Category

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

Materials

Leather, Glass, Nutwood

Scrittoio Anni 50 Gianfranco Frattini e Franco Bettonica in noce
Located in Milano, IT
Scrittoio in legno di noce impiallacciato disegnato da Gianfranco Frattini e Franco Bettonica per Cantieri Carugati, fine anni '50. Condizioni molto buone. Restaurato.
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

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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