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Desks and Writing Tables

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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Creator: Gio Ponti
Creator: Jules Wabbes
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

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

Executive Desk by Jules Wabbes for Mobilier Universel, Belgium, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Executive desk designed by Jules Wabbes and manufactured by Mobilier Universel in the 1960s. This exclusive desk bears the hallmark of Jules Wabbes, a celebrated Belgian furniture de...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Executive Desk by Jules Wabbes for Mobilier Universel, Belgium, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Executive desk designed by Jules Wabbes and manufactured by Mobilier Universel in the 1960s. This exclusive desk bears the hallmark of Jules Wabbes, a celebrated Belgian furniture de...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

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

Desk table called “Gerard Philipe” by Jules Wabbes
Located in Brussels, BE
Desk table called “Gerard Philipe” by Jules Wabbes. Solid laminated Padouk desk resting on 4 steel legs with “gun barrel” finish. 3 storage under the top. The model takes its name fr...
Category

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

Materials

Padouk

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

Executive Desk by Jules Wabbes for Mobilier Universel, Belgium, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Executive desk designed by Jules Wabbes and manufactured by Mobilier Universel in the 1960s. This exclusive desk bears the hallmark of Jules Wabbes, a celebrated Belgian furniture de...
Category

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

Materials

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
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

Jules Wabbes Corner Desk with Drawers in Mutenyé
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jules Wabbes, corner writing desk, mutenyé, nickel-plated metal, aluminum, Belgium, 1957 Beautifully designed desk by one of Belgium's most renowned designers Jules Wabbes. This pie...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Aluminum, Nickel

Molteni&C D.847.1 Ash Wood Desk by 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

Rare Jules Wabbes Executive Corner Desk in Wengé
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jules Wabbes, writing desk with drawer compartments, wengé, metal, lacquered wood, Belgium, 1960s. This corner desk is designed by Jules Wabbes. The table is executed with a solid w...
Category

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

Materials

Steel, Metal

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
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

Jules Wabbes Early Versatile Free-Standing Corner Desk in Wengé
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jules Wabbes, two-part corner writing desk, teak, coated steel, wengé, chrome, Belgium, 1960s This exceptional free-standing corner desk was crafted by the renowned designer Jules W...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Gio Ponti Teak and Brass Desk Designed for the BNL Offices, ISA Bergamo, 1950s
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

Giò Ponti's Desk in Blond Wood with Original Wood Top
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

Rare Gio Ponti Desk
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

Petite Italian Modern Stained Mahogany Writing Desk by Gio Ponti for Schirolli
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 for BNL Walnut and Brass Writing Table / Desk
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

Jules Wabbes Corner Desk with Drawers in Mutenyé
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jules Wabbes, corner writing desk, mutenyé, nickel-plated metal, aluminum, Belgium, 1957 Beautifully designed desk by one of Belgium's most renown...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Aluminum, Chrome, Nickel

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

Desk
Located in New York, NY
T-shaped nickel-plated steel structure, originally created for the Foncolin Building, Brussels. Literature: Marie Ferran-Wabbes’ Jules Wabbes 1919-1974, ...
Category

1950s Belgian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Gio Ponti Original 1950's Desk
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

Gio Ponti Desk
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

Palisander Desk with a Three Drawers Unit by Jules Wabbes, Belgium, 1960
Located in Brussels, BE
Black Lacquered and chromed metal parts. Palisander and multiplex. Designed by Jules Wabbes for Mobilier International. Three drawers unit. Each handle are stamped "WABBES". Belgium, 1960. Litt.: Het fifties -meubel in Belgïe ( Mil De Koning...
Category

1960s Belgian Industrial Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Writing Table
Located in New York, NY
Rectangular rosewood top with a stainless steel base. Literature: Jules Wabbes Furniture's designer, A+ Edition, Bozar Books, illustrated on page 39.  
Category

1950s Belgian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

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

Small Child’s Desk by Jules Wabbes Edited by Bulo
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Small desk for a classroom presented at the 12th Milan Triennale in 1960 by Jules Wabbes for the Belgium. Laminated and molded African black walnut (mansonia),vinyl top,black alumin...
Category

Early 2000s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Desk by Jules Wabbes for Mobilier Universel, Belgium, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Desk by Jules Wabbes for Mobilier universel - Belgium 1960s.
Category

1960s Belgian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Gio Ponti Small Desk Mid-Century Italian Design Laminate Brass Walnut
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

Jules Wabbes 'Tonneau' Writing or Dining Table in Solid Wengé and Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jules Wabbes, 'Tonneau' dining or writing table, wengé, chrome-plated steel, Belgium, 1960s The 'Tonneau' model, named after the French word for 'barrel,' embraces a wengé wooden t...
Category

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

Materials

Steel, Chrome

20th Century Italian Walnut Writing Table, Desk Set with a Chair 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
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

Rare Gio Ponti Administrative Desk
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

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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