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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Creator: Herman Miller
Creator: Jules Wabbes
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Jules Wabbes Corner Desk with Drawers in Mutenyé
By Jules Wabbes
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
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
Rare Jules Wabbes Executive Corner Desk in Wengé
By Jules Wabbes
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
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
Jules Wabbes Early Versatile Free-Standing Corner Desk in Wengé
By Jules Wabbes
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
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 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
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
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 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
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
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 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
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 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
Jules Wabbes Corner Desk with Drawers in Mutenyé
By Jules Wabbes
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
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
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
Desk
By Jules Wabbes
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
Palisander Desk with a Three Drawers Unit by Jules Wabbes, Belgium, 1960
By Jules Wabbes
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
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
Writing Table
By Jules Wabbes
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
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
Small Child’s Desk by Jules Wabbes Edited by Bulo
By Jules Wabbes
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
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
Jules Wabbes 'Tonneau' Writing or Dining Table in Solid Wengé and Steel
By Jules Wabbes
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
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
Desk by Jules Wabbes for Mobilier Universel, Belgium, 1960s
By Jules Wabbes
Located in Brussels, BE
Desk by Jules Wabbes for Mobilier universel - Belgium 1960s.
Category
1960s Belgian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
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
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
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
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
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
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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