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Desks and Writing Tables

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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Price: $1 to $2,500
Mid-Century Solid Beech & Veneer Desk & Chair Set, Germany c.1960's
Located in London, GB
An unusual style Mid-Century Modern, solid Beech & veneer desk, crafted by Ekawerk Horn-Lippe in East Germany in the 1960's. This inventive design piece features sleek lines and a b...
Category

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

Materials

Beech

Mid-Century Danish Oak Desk attributed to Henning Kjaernulf
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Solid oak writing desk complete with drawers, attributed to the Danish furniture designer Henning Henry Kjærnulf, a compelling piece. This creation harmoniously blends bold Baroque e...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mt Airy Walnut Desk and Chair for John Stuart
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Mt Airy Walnut Desk with Brass pulls and Walnut Armchair. Chair fits nicely under skirt of the desk. Sold through John Stuart. Elegant design, finished on back as well for many op...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Norr11 JFK Home Desk by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl
Located in New York, NY
The ideal companion for the design-oriented office or home office. With its pure and simplistic design, the JFK Desk, inspired by the '60s, is ideal for design-oriented offices and h...
Category

2010s Slovenian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ash

Antique Military Campaign Style Desk
Located in London, GB
A top quality antique military campaign style desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1930’s. It is very well made, with...
Category

1930s British Campaign Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Charlotte Perriand Style Desk, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Wooden Desk; working desk; writing table; office furniture; Charlotte Perriand; French design; Mid-Century Modern; 1960s; Desk in the style of French designer Charlotte Perriand, ...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Small Writing Table, France around 1800
Located in Greding, DE
Small desk on high square legs with rectangular black table top and one drawer. The painting of the table is new and was then given an antique patina.
Category

Early 1800s French Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Regency Style Faux Bamboo Writing Deak / Console Table By Chelsea House
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a late 20th century regency style fax bamboo writing desk / console table by Chelsea House. It has a painted distressed ivory finish. It is marked and in very good condition....
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

William IV Rosewood Writing / Games Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
William IV rosewood writing / games table, circa 1830. With a rectangular rosewood top with rounded corners, a beech wood and rosewood inlaid checker board that lifts up to a leather...
Category

1830s English William IV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique Chippendale Style Leather Top Desk
Located in London, GB
A fantastic antique Chippendale style leather top desk in the Chippendale style. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1890-1910 period. It is very well made, sitting o...
Category

1890s British Chippendale Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Antique Tambour Steel Fronted Typists Workstation Desk by Toledo
Located in STOKE ON TRENT, GB
Toledo Typist Desk A rare compact typist table/desk manufactured by Toledo, circa 1910. It has a Tambour rolling steel front and fold-down sides for extra space. The whole unit can ...
Category

20th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Mid Century MODERN WALNUT DESK by Founders Furniture Co., c. 1960's
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Mid Century Modern Walnut Desk by Founders Furniture Co., c. 1960's. Featuring a total of five dovetailed drawers with sculpted hand pulls and a laminate woodgrain tabletop, perfect ...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Large Victorian Shaped Ornamental Bevelled Mirror Scotland 1890, H607A
Located in Vancouver, BC
Antique Large Victorian Shaped Ornamental Bevelled Mirror, Scotland 1890, H607A Solid Oak Original finish Carved pediment on top Moulded cornice below Bevelled edge mirror to the ce...
Category

1890s Scottish Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

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

Small Mid Century Italian Desk in Metal, Walnut and Formica, around 1950
Located in Berlin, DE
A charming relic from the mid-20th century, this Small Italian Desk embodies the essence of mid-century design with a perfect blend of metal, walnut, and formica. Crafted around 1950...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Swedish Modern Pine Desk, Axel Einar Hjorth Style, Made in the 1940s
Located in Odense, DK
A charming pine desk, crafted by a Swedish cabinetmaker in the 1940s. The natural grain of the pine adds warmth and character to the desk, highlighting its authentic, time-worn appea...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Vintage Anco Bilt Cast Iron and Wood Drafting Table/Desk c.1950
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT A fully adjustable industrial wooden drafting table with a cast iron ledge, cast iron knobs and brackets. The table can be used as a tall dining table, standing desk or drafti...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Iron

Pine Writing Desk with Five Drawers, Denmark circa 1890
Located in Round Top, TX
This delightful antique desk is known as a "Hans Christian Andersen" desk. One similar to this can be viewed in the Hans Christian Andersen Museum in Odense, Denmark which was home t...
Category

Late 19th Century Danish Country Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

60s Desk Cabinet
Located in Milano, IT
Cabinet with drop-down desk and storage compartment with hinged doors. Teak veneer wood and brass. Good conditions.
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Early 19th Century Folk Art Side Table or Desk, Scandinavia
Located in Miami, FL
Spanish Rectangular Folk Art Table or Desk. The table has tonnes of charm, wear and tear to the finish that gives us table an unbeatable patina. Most of the original paint to the si...
Category

Late 19th Century Spanish Country Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

ANTIQUE HUGE DISTRESSED PARTNERS DESK WITH NAVY BLUE LEATHER TOP j1
Located in Pulborough, GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this Huge Partners Desk With Navy Blue Desk. An antique huge distressed partners desk with a navy blue leather top...
Category

20th Century British Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Oak

Chinese Hand Painted/Black Lacquered and Brass Secretary Desk
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Immerse yourself in the beauty of traditional Chinese craftsmanship with this Hand Painted/Black Lacquered and Brass Secretary Desk. Featuring intricate hand-painted scenes on a rich...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Satinwood writing table
Located in Cheshire, GB
Satinwood writing table having a blue inset leather top enclosed by satinwood border. Above and arrangement of drawers with brass knob handles. All are raised up on four square suppo...
Category

Early 20th Century British Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Satinwood

Swedish Mid-Century Modern Roll Top Desk, circa 1960s
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Swedish mid century modern roll top desk, circa 1960s. Designed by Egon Ostergaard, for SMI Sweden. Stamped underneath "Made in Sweden...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Antique American Empire Style Mahogany Library Writing Table Office Desk Vanity
Located in Dayton, OH
An antique American Empire style dressing table, circa 1930s. Originally featured a mirror along the back which was eventually removed to use as an office desk. Made from mahogany ...
Category

Early 20th Century American American Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

French Louis XVI-Style Secretary Desk with Marble Top
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original Vintage Condition Materials: Mahogany, Marble Top, Brass Handles & Gallery
Category

1930s French Louis XVI Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

Antique Victorian Oak Leather Top Writing Table / Desk
Located in London, GB
An impressive antique Victorian oak leather top writing table / desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1870-1890 period. It is of superb quality, solid oak through...
Category

1890s British Late Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage 1960s Danish design desk
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage teak office table. This Scandinavian desk produced in the 1960s, with its clean design and fine lines, exemplifies functionality and elegance. Consisting of a wide work sur...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

White Platone Folding Desk by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli, 1970s
Located in Ixelles, Bruxelles
White Platone Folding Desk by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli, 1970s Designer - Giancarlo Piretti Producer - Anonima Castelli Model - Platone Folding Desk Design Period - Sev...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

19th Spanish Side Table with Cared Turned Legs and Iron Stretcher
Located in Miami, FL
19th Spanish side table with cared Solomonic turned legs and iron stretcher. The top has a carved edges and a beautiful grain and patina.
Category

Mid-19th Century Spanish Baroque Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Mid Century Modern Danish Teak Desk Skovby Møbelfabrik 55" Wide Signed 1970
Located in Portland, OR
A good Mid Century Modern Danish teak desk, Skovby Møbelfabrik, 1970. The desk is made from well figured teak, on the left side is a bank of three drawers, the desk is joined with a ...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Vintage Writing Desk 1960s Mahogany Veneered Enameled Metal
Located in Milano, IT
Desk with double column side drawers in enamelled metal and mahogany veneered wood with Formica-covered top.
Category

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

Materials

Metal

French Louis XV Style Kidney Shaped Leather Top Bronze Mounted 3 Drawer Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Louis XV Style Kidney Shaped Leather Top Bronze Mounted 3 Drawer Desk. Item features finished back with bronze accents, beautiful wood grain, very pretty desk. Circa L...
Category

Late 20th Century Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Postmodern Architect-Designed Plywood & Steel Desk
Located in New York, NY
Postmodern Large Architect-Designed Plywood and Steel Custom-Made Desk, the heavy mirrored steel-framed top and supporting legs cut from flat panel steel, with recessed chipboard inset, the right return supported by a cut veneered plywood side cabinet with three long drawers with steel pulls, three sides veneered in Brazilian rosewood patterned Corian veneer, the back in untreated chipboard, the clean lines reminiscent of Christian Liaigre (French, 1943-2020). Provenance: Property from an Ai Wei...
Category

Late 20th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Desk Made in Teak of Danish Design From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This desk is a beautiful example of Danish design from the 1960s. Made of teak wood, it exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere that fits perfectly with any decor. The desk's simple y...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Postmodern Salmon Lacquer Laminate Waterfall Desk With Gold Base
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Transform your workspace with this Salmon Lacquer Waterfall Desk. Featuring a bold salmon lacquer finish and a gold base, this desk is a blend o...
Category

20th Century American Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Desk Made In Teak Designed With A Floating TableTop From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This desk is a nice example of Danish design from the 1960s, made of teak wood. One of the most notable features of this desk is the floating tabletop, which creates an airy and ligh...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

19th Century English Queen Anne Writing Desk Red Lacquered Chinoiserie Japanned
Located in Hyattsville, MD
19th Century English Queen Anne Red Lacquered Chinoiserie Desk, No key. Draw is working smoothly. Produced in England or North America, but the exact origin is unknown to us. W 35.5...
Category

Early 19th Century English Queen Anne Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Paint

Centre desk table in parchment, eclecticism
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Elegant desk table, with arched legs and finished baccellate silver leaf patinated, the body is covered in parchment. Italy, '90s. Packaging with bubble wrap and cardboard boxes is i...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Silver Leaf

Mid 20th Century Vintage Boho Burl Wood Flip Down Writing Desk
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fantastic vintage Boho writing desk. A gorgeous Burl wood flip down design. Beautiful hand carved detail and cabriolet legs. Lots of great storage inside. Acquired from a Palm Beac...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Wooden Brutalist Desk in Solid Oak, Made in France, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
This desk is a classic representation of mid-century design, crafted in France during the 1950s. Made from solid oak, it exudes strength and durability. Its minimalist yet impactful design incorporates elements of brutalism, featuring clean lines and geometric shapes. The natural grain of the oak wood adds warmth and character to the piece, while its compact size makes it suitable for smaller spaces. This desk is not only a functional workspace but also a timeless piece of furniture that adds a touch of vintage charm to any room. Honorable designers from this French era is: Charlotte Perriand...
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Small Desk by Ben Thompson for Design Research
By Design Research, Ben Thompson
Located in Belmont, MA
Mid-Century Modern walnut small desk by Design Research, circa 1970s.
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Drafting Table / Desk
Located in Oakville, CT
Drafting Table Overall Dimensions: 72" x 44 1/2" x 38" - 64 1/2" high Inner Drawer Dimensions: Larger - 36 1/2" x 25" x 2" Smaller - 25" x 10 1/2" x 3 3/4" Materials: Oak & Pine
Category

Mid-20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Pine

19th Century Laptop
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 19th century laptop is also known as a writing slope, or a lap desk! It became wildly popular in the 19th century because a "laptop" provided an expansive flat writing surface t...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Industrial Brushed Steel Desk By Library Bureau Makers
By Library Bureau Makers
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Handsome, industrial, brushed steek desk by Library Bureau Makers circa 1940's features a single drawer with a 17.5 inch wide opening for a desk chair. The desk is finished on all si...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

French Louis XV Style Desk or Writing Table by Baker
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A fabulous Louis XV style desk which boasts elegant cabriole legs, four drawers, the left being a double height drawer, with wonderful oak grain and charming carved details. The desk...
Category

1980s American Louis XV Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage Bombay Company Faux Bamboo Campaign Desk With Black Lacquer
Located in Centennial, CO
This stunning vintage Bombay Company campaign style writing desk sits on a beautifully carved faux bamboo base. It has been professionally refinished with stunning black lacquer. Original campaign style brass hardware accents contrast beautifully with the black lacquer. Construction is solid and the drawers work well. Ready for many years of use and enjoyment! Wood construction is strong and stable...
Category

Late 20th Century Taiwanese Campaign Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Newly Refinished - Danish Modern Teak & Steel Adjustable Table / Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs that can seamlessly be incorpo...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Classic Bamboo & Lacquer Campaign Desk With Chair By E. Murio
Located in Austin, TX
East meets West, Bamboo meets Lacquer. Add a generous helping of mid-century charm to your surroundings with this Bamboo & Lacquer Campaign Desk by Murio. Serve your workspace needs ...
Category

1970s Philippine Campaign Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Upholstery, Bamboo

mirror top arched writing desk, vanity, or console table with gray upholstery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
arched writing desk with mirror top clad in faux leather with matching mirror top pedestal I'm told this is an Adrian Pearsall table originally designed to hug the back of a serpentine sectional. Height is perfectly matched to the Adrian Pearsall mirrored...
Category

Late 20th Century North American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Faux Leather, Mirror

Boho Chic Wicker Rattan Glass Top Writing Desk by Henry Link
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Elevate your workspace with the Boho Chic Wicker Rattan Writing Desk by Henry Link. Crafted with intricate weaves, it's a blend of rustic charm and modern elegance. Minor wear around...
Category

20th Century American Bohemian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass

Chinese Red Lacquered Secretary Desk
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Experience the allure of the Red Lacquered Chinese Secretary Desk. Meticulously crafted with vibrant red lacquer, this desk showcases intricate gold de...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Antique quality C1900 mahogany marble writing side dressing table desk washstand
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique quality C1900 mahogany marble writing side dressing table desk washstand. Lovely age colour and patina. No loose joints or woodworm. Full ...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Chinoiserie Ebonized Council Writing Desk
Located in New York, NY
Chinoiserie Ebonized Council Writing Desk, circa 20th century, mahogany, label to inside "Solid Mahogany Colonial MFG Co.". 32.75" H x 19.25" W x 22" D.
Category

20th Century Chinoiserie Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Small Desk, 1970.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Small 1970s desk. Small desk in light wood with chrome-plated metal legs. h: 76cm, w: 60cm, d: 40cm
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Henredon Mid-Century Modern Campaign Oak Double Pedestal Kneehole Desk, 1970s
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern Campaign style double pedestal kneehole desk By Henredon, "Artefacts" Collection USA, Circa 1970s Oak, with original brass hardware. Measures: 48"W ...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Leather Top Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Deco style desk on aluminum metal base with single drawer. Glass top protector over the leather writing surface. Drawer has an attractive acrylic handle. Please confirm location NY o...
Category

20th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Minimal Danish modern desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
W59 D26.5 H30 Knee clearance 21.75 Danish modern desk in teak. Item has been fully restored. Desk is structurally sound and fully functional. Item ...
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

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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