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Desks and Writing Tables

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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Creator: Kai Kristiansen
Creator: Gianfranco Frattini
Danish Modern Floating Top Teak Desk by Kai Kristiansen
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning Danish modern teak desk designed by the famous cabinet maker Kai Kristiansen for Feldballes Møbelfrabrik in Denmark, circa 1960s. The FM60 desk is a highly sought-after Scan...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Vintage Danish Mid Century Modern Rosewood Floating Desk Fm50 by Kai Kristiansen
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is a sought after Scandinavian Modern executive floating desk Model FM60 in rosewood designed by Kai Kristiansen and manufactured by Feldballe's Møbelfabrik in Denmark in the 19...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Vintage Mid Century Danish Teak Desk by Kai Kristiansen
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is an extremely rare desk by Kai Kristiansen for FM Mobler Denmark. This is a smaller version of his famous FM60 desk. Desk features 1 large drawer on the left side with a pullo...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

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

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

Danish Vintage Walnut Desk by Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, GB
An absolutely spectacular Danish vintage walnut desk by Kai Kristiansen. This is the model 54 desk, it was made in Denmark in the 1950’s. It is of amazi...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Kai Kristiansen Sled Leg Rosewood Desk c1960s
Located in London, GB
Kai Kristiansen Model 30 Desk This iconic desk from Danish master Kai Kristiansen features elegant sled legs with 2 drawer units hung on either side. The units have drawers to the f...
Category

1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

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

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

Teak Desk Model70 by Kai Kristiansen for Feldballe Mobelfabrik
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
An excellent example of this desk from Kai Kristiansen, produced by Feldballes Møbelfabrik in the 1960's
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Desk in Teak wood model 54 by Kai Kristiansen and Feldballes furniture from 1954
Located in Lejre, DK
Desk, Model 54, designed by Kai Kristiansen in teak wood with 4 drawers and swivel bar manufactured at Feldballes Møbelfabrik. A classic piece of furniture with a beautiful shape and...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

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

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

Scandinavian Modern Teak Desk by Kai Kristiansen by Fm Møbler, 1960s
Located in Asaa, DK
Scandinavian Modern Teak desk by Kai Kristiansen by FM Møbler 1960s Freestanding Danish Mid-Century Modern writing desk Model FM60 in teak designed by Danish architect Kai Kristians...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian 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

Desk by Kai Kristiansen for Feldballes Møbelfabrik
Located in Dallas, TX
A large teak desk model no 70 designed by Kai Kristiansen for Feldballes Møbelfabrik.
Category

1960s Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

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

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

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

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

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

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

1960s Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Executive Desk Model EP 401, Denmark
Located in Praha, CZ
- Item has been carefully refurbished
Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

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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