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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Creator: Herman Miller
Creator: Gio Ponti
Gio Ponti vanity desk console table with a adjustable Fontana arte mirror, 1950
Located in Rome, IT
rare Gio Ponti toilette, vanity table dressing table
one drawer with an adjustable brass mirror by Fontana Arte
produced by Giordano Chiesa for Das...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
1950s George Nelson Swag Leg Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Original Swag leg desk, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Colorful cubbyholes and molded drawers allow for a tidy and streamlined workspace. O...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Gio Ponti for Singer & Sons #2135 Extendable Dining Table, c 1950, Refinished
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This restored Model 2135 extendable dining table with four leaves by Gio Ponti for Singer & Sons features gorgeously veined Italian Walnut with sculpted legs to Gio Ponti's signature...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
U-Shape Burdick Desk for Herman Miller with Floating Table
Located in Pasadena, TX
A vintage U-shaped desk designed by Bruce Burdick for Herman Miller. This enormous desk has three separate surface tops: 84"x 44" glass top, a round onyx top, and a dark granite Geig...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Onyx, Granite, Aluminum
Gio Ponti, Walnut Writing Table, from the Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, 1950s
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Gio Ponti desk in light walnut on shaped tapering legs united by stretchers. The wood is in excellent condition with beautiful graining to the planked top, and the two drawers to th...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Gio Ponti, Small Walnut Desk, from the Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, 1950s
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Gio Ponti small desk in light walnut on shaped tapering legs united by stretchers. The wood is in excellent condition with beautiful graining to the planked top, and the three friez...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Action Desk by George Nelson & Robert Propst for Herman Miller
Located in Madrid, ES
Action Office desk, model 64 902, designed by George Nelson & Robert Propst for Herman Miller from the 1960s. Base made of chrome-plated aluminum with white plastic protectors. Locka...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson for Herman Miller Action Office Table or Desk
Located in Skokie, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Vintage Action Office Table or Desk
The Action Office desk or conference table was designed by American designer and architect George Nelson (1908-1986) for Herman Miller. A substantial piece, It features a beautifully grained walnut top mounted on a streamlined, polished stainless steel base. The desk top edge is trimmed in black rubber. to protect it against bumps and bruises. Two small desk drawers slide out from beneath the table top. The drawers can be removed if desired. The desk top has been recently restored and is in excellent condition. Action Office was originally designed as a set of components that could be combined in multiple ways and changed as needed to evolve with the office over time.
George Nelson was one of the founders of American Modernism. From 1946 until 1972, Nelson was director of design at Herman Miller. While there, Nelson introduced several important innovations in office furniture design, such as the Swagged Leg Group, which included the DAF and MAA chairs...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stainless Steel
George Nelson X-Leg Table for Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
George Nelson X-Leg Table for Herman Miller. Originally designed and produced in the 1950s this was made as a work table for an office but equally intended for a dining space as well...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
George Nelson Home Office Desk Model 4658 for Herman Miller
Located in Dallas, TX
George Nelson & Associates
Home Office desk, model 4658
Manufactured by Herman Miller
USA, 1946
This example is constructed of combed oak, chrome-plated...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Desk by Gio Ponti and Alberto Rosselli, Rima Padova, Italy, circa 1955
Located in Berlin, DE
Desk by Gio Ponti & Alberto Rosselli, Rima Padova, Italy, circa 1955
Originally designed for the Pirelli Tower in Milano.
In 1950, Alberto Pirelli, president and owner of the giant...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Black Onyx Glass & Walnut Italian Mid-Century Modern Executive Desk by Gio Ponti
Located in New York, NY
A Rare and Elegant Italian MId-Century Modern Neoclassical Desk / Writing Table by Gio Ponti in solid walnut with an inset top of black onyx glass and brass details. Ponti's design a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Onyx, Brass
Gio Ponti Writing desk Vetrocoke furnitures, tempered glass wood, 1939
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milan, IT
This elegant small desk is made of toughened glass panes joined by brass and metal junctions and with a wood chest of drawers, just as the two bases are made of wood.
The design of...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Molteni&C D.847.1 Ash Wood Desk by Gio Ponti
By Molteni & C, Gio Ponti
Located in Boston, MA
A Molteni&C exclusive has given new life to Gio Ponti's table which was originally designed 70 years ago. Thanks to dedicated craftsmanship, this signature piece has been reproduced ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Gio Ponti Desk for RIMA Made in Walnut, Chromed Steel and Plastic. Italy, 1950s
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
This writing desk, designed by renowned architect Gio Ponti in 1956, was specifically created for the Pirelli tower offices. The desk's dimensions are H. 75.5 x 170 x 75.5 cm, offering a spacious and functional work surface.
Manufactured by Rima, Padova during the 1960s, this desk boasts a sturdy construction. Its frame is meticulously crafted from tubular chromed steel, providing excellent stability and structural integrity.
The desk features drawers made from painted grey plastic, offering storage for essential office supplies and documents. The use of plastic ensures durability and ease of maintenance. The table top is elegantly crafted from walnut, showcasing the natural beauty of the wood while providing a smooth and comfortable writing surface.
Notably, the desk is marked with "Rima Padova Italy" on its feet, signifying its authentic origin and manufacturer.
Having undergone a comprehensive restoration process, including refinishing with oil, the desk is in excellent vintage condition, retaining its original charm while showcasing a refreshed appearance.
Gio Ponti's writing desk stands as a testament to his design prowess, combining practicality, quality materials, and timeless aesthetics to create a truly remarkable piece of mid-century furniture.
About the designer:
Gio Ponti, born in Milan, Italy in 1891, was a prolific architect, designer, and writer who became one of the most influential figures of the mid-century modern movement. With a career spanning over six decades, Ponti's contributions to the fields of architecture and design are profound and enduring.
In the 1920s, Ponti co-founded the influential design magazine Domus, through which he championed modernist principles and advocated for the integration of architecture, design, and art. His architectural projects ranged from residential and commercial buildings to cultural and religious institutions, each showcasing his signature blend of rationalism, craftsmanship, and elegance.
Ponti's furniture designs reflect his belief in creating harmonious living environments. He collaborated with renowned manufacturers such as Cassina, producing iconic pieces like the Superleggera chair and the Distex armchair...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Gio Ponti Desk from " Banca Nazionale del Lavoro , Italy, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful walnut executive desk designed by Gio Ponti and produced by Schirolli for Banca Nazionale del Lavoro in the mid-1950s.
Giovanni "Gio" Ponti was an Italian architect, indus...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Herman Miller Office Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modern office desk by Herman Miller. Made in 1993 while retaining the mid-century modern style. Large wood top with metal hardware.
Please confirm location NY or NJ.
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
George Nelson for Herman Miller Side Table, Work Table or Small Desk, Signed
Located in Doylestown, PA
George Nelson for Herman Miller side table, work table or small console desk.
Great as a side/work table in a home office for printer, files, etc as a useful auxiliary piece to your...
Category
1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson Action Office Architect's Roll-Top Desk for Herman Miller
Located in Dallas, TX
Striking black and walnut roll-top architect's desk with three drawers and hidden file storage.
Produced in 1964 by the Herman Miller company for the Action Office Series...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson for Herman Miller Drop-Leaf Desk Model 4754, ca. 1955
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
George Nelson for Herman Miller Drop-Leaf Desk Model 4754, ca. 1955. Professionally restored in showroom condition, this beautiful desk has a drop leaf on the left side with all orig...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut Corner Executive Desk
Located in Countryside, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut Corner Executive Desk
This desk measures: 60 wide x 30 deep x 29.75 high, with a chair cleara...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Chrome
George Nelson by Herman Miller Laminated Aluminum Design 1950s Rare Desk
Located in Brescia, IT
George Nelson by Hermann Miller
1950s
Laminated wood, aluminum base
Rare model.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Gio Ponti Teak and Brass Desk Designed for the BNL Offices, ISA Bergamo, 1950s
By ISA Bergamo, Gio Ponti
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
This Gio Ponti Desk, designed for BNL offices and manufactured by Isa Bergamo during the 1950s, is a beautiful piece of furniture that showcases the designer's signature style.
Made of solid teak wood, the desk features a sleek and elegant design with clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic. The piece also features brass feet and details, which add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall design. The desk top - with a dimension of 161x80.5cm (WxD) - has ample surface space for writing and working and the three drawers provide ample storage for documents and office supplies...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
1950's George Nelson X-Leg Extension Dining Table Model 5062
Located in Hanover, MA
Early George Nelson model 5062 X-Leg extension dining table for Herman Miller, 1952.
Table has two 12 inch extension leaves and pull-out metal extension tracks.
Table is 29 inches...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
Desk Action Office 1, George Nelson, Herman Miller, Large Version
Located in Bern, CH
Design classic desk Action Office 1, George Nelson, Herman Miller, large version.
Offered is a rare original design classic rarity, the desk Action Office 1. Model 64 902. Designe...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Vintage Herman Miller Table or Desk with Knoll Walnut Top
Located in Pasadena, TX
A vintage dining or conference table or a desk. Beautiful Knoll top made of American Walnut on a Herman Miller aluminum segmented base. We have 8 available.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson Walnut Executive and Typewriter Desk Set
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, Executive Office Group desk model 9959 and typewriter return desk model 4751 by George Nelson for Herman Miller features a dark walnut finish with steel legs, alu...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Giò Ponti's Desk in Blond Wood with Original Wood Top
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
Giò Ponti (1891-1979)
Desk in blond wood with two drawers and original top designed and produced for the University of Padua and a few years later for the BNL of Milan.
Product...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Early George Nelson Desk / Return, Child's Desk, Modernist, Herman Miller
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early George Nelson desk / return, child's desk, Modernist, Herman Miller, Retains original Herman Miller foil label, 4 drawers, pencil dividers, steel frame, minor pitting (lower right side bottom). Original designed for larger desk, return, typewriter desk...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Rare Gio Ponti Desk
By Gio Ponti
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A Gio Ponti desk manufactured in Italy by Giordano Chiesa.
An early example with 2 tone drawer fronts.
Purchased at the Singer Showroom in NYC.
Purchased from the original family ...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Elegant Modern Desk, Designed by Bertha Schaefer for Singer and Sons, circa 1950
Located in San Francisco, CA
This is a rare and elegant modern desk, designed by Bertha Schaefer for Singer and Sons, circa 1950s. Beautiful graining to the Italian walnut, especially to the top. Schaefer was on...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
George Nelson Desk for Herman Miller, 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
George Nelson Desk for Herman Miller, 1960s
The Top has a very floating appearance.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
George Nelson for Herman Miller 'Action Office 1' Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early George Nelson Action Office 1 desk in original condition with minor wear.
George Nelson for Herman Miller, polished aluminum, plastic laminate, w...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Petite Italian Modern Stained Mahogany Writing Desk by Gio Ponti for Schirolli
By Gio Ponti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Diminutive Italian student desk in stained mahogany designed by Gio Ponti for Schirolli, ca. 1950s, Italy. Sculptural form with angular leg details, presenting a sharp profile.
There are three drawers and an additional open storage section created by the space between the top drawer and surface apron.
Surface is a gray laminate, which can appear light blue depending on the light.
Moderate wear present (scuffs to the laminate along with some scratches and old fills/repairs to the front and back concealing minor veneer losses and screw/drill holes). Drawers slide smoothly, and desk presents well.
Lock is branded "Schirolli Mantova...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Gio Ponti Writing Desk in Walnut and Brass for the BNL Offices, Italy 1940s
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A rare and collectable walnut desk with brass ferrules designed by Gio Ponti and produced by Schirolli (Mantova - Italy) in the 1940s for the Banca Nazionale del Lavoro (BNL - Nation...
Category
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Gio Ponti for BNL Walnut and Brass Writing Table / Desk
By Gio Ponti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iconic writing table designed in the 1940s by Gio Ponti for Schirolli to furnish BNL (Banca Nazionale del Lavoro) offices across Italy.
This early 1950s model was acquired directly f...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Yellow & Black Steel Frame Desk Model 4111 by George Nelson Herman Miller Mint
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Yellow & black steel frame desk Model 4111 by George Nelson Herman Miller Mint.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
1960s Action Office Standing Desk by George Nelson, Herman Miler production
Located in Renens, CH
1960s Action Office Standing Desk by George Nelson, Herman Miler production
George Nelson, architect, designer and author is famous for several ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Gio Ponti Original 1950's Desk
By Gio Ponti
Located in London, GB
An architect, furniture and industrial designer and editor, Giò Ponti was arguably the most influential figure in 20th-century Italian Modernism. Ponti designed thousands of furnishi...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
1960s Walnut and Leather Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller
Located in Glendale, CA
1960s walnut and leather desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Executed in walnut with leather lift top (with key) covering center filing compartment, which illuminates and contai...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Gio Ponti Desk
By Gio Ponti
Located in New York, NY
Gio Ponti custom eight-drawer desk. From a small edition created for administrative offices in Forli, Italy. Blonde wood desk with red linoleum top,...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
20th Century Italian Small Mahogany Schirolli Mantova Writing Table by Gio Ponti
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century modern Italian writing table made of hand carved Mahogany, designed by Gio Ponti and produced by Schirolli Mantova in good cond...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Laminate, Formica, Mahogany
Gio Ponti Small Desk Mid-Century Italian Design Laminate Brass Walnut
By Gio Ponti
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Gio Ponti small desk mid-century Italian design laminate brass walnut.
including Certificate of exspertire Gio Ponti Archive.
Category
1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Elusive Modernist Action Office Desk or Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rarely seen modernist action office desk or conference table by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Purchased from prominent Buffalo NY architect. Beautiful figured walnut wood top mino...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
20th Century Italian Walnut Writing Table, Desk Set with a Chair by Gio Ponti
By Gio Ponti
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century modern Italian freestanding writing table, desk set with two drawers and a stripped chair made of hand crafted Walnut, in good condition. The large table is com...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
Italian Gio Ponti Mahogany Table Desk
By Gio Ponti
Located in New York, NY
Italian 1930s mahogany table desk with geometric form legs with brass sabot feet and a single drawer with a stretcher (GIO PONTI - for the University of Padua)
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Writing Desk by George Nelson
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A single pedestal writing desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller with a built-in pivoting lamp. Lamp is 18" H.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Rare Gio Ponti Administrative Desk
By Gio Ponti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gio Ponti desk designed in limited edition for city offices of Forlì, Italy. Original red Formica writing surface on European beechwood with 8 floating drawers. Brass base on legs.
...
Category
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Formica, Beech
George Nelson Herman Miller Drop Leaf Gate Leg Dining Table or Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
A rarer find in original black finish. Clever design by George Nelson for Herman Miller
Measures: 40" depth
29.75" height.
64.75" long unfolded
41.5" half folded
18.5" folded.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
1970s Peter Protzman Zebrawood executive desk for Herman Miller
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Peter Protzman’s zebra wood executive desk for Herman Miller. These were manufactured in 1970 and 1971. This desk was only produced for a short period of time because of issues with ...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Gio Ponti + Schirolli oak writing Desk mid-century modern Italian design
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gio Ponti (1891-1979).
Important desk Made for the University of Mantova manufactured by Schirolli in Italy, 1950.
Walnut mid-century modern writing desk
Measurements:
160 cm x ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern 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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