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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
This Week's Listings Only
Large Turquoise Study Desk with Linoleum Top and Two Drawers, Customizable
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
This large turquoise study desk is made with a powder coated steel frame and a beautiful natural linoleum top made out of linseed oil. This modern minimal desk...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
100% Solid Teak Mid-Century Dining Table in Smooth Anthracite
Located in Buffalo, WY
Vintage mid-century design is the inspiration behind this table. The natural solid hardwood top is handcrafted with a chamfered edge to compliment the angles of the solid hardwood ba...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood, Teak
Italian Rococo Revival Writing Desk, Late 19th Century
Located in Southampton, NY
Italian Rococo Revival Writing Desk, Late 19th Century
This charming Italian Rococo Style painted writing desk, likely dating back to the late-19th century, showcases a delicate flor...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Rococo Revival Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Paint
Mid 20th century carved mahogany Swedish desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 20th century carved mahogany Swedish desk circa 1947.
We are pleased to offer this superb quality desk, which is stamped proving that it was part of the swedish royal family's i...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
"Volpi" writing desk with drawer in natural Brazilian wood, office table
Located in Alto da Lapa, SP
Alfredo Volpi is a Brazilian painter who, throughout his career, experimented with geometric shapes, especially variations on flag shapes. The Volpi desk is inspired by the geometric...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak, Walnut
Lifetime Furniture Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Desk or Library Table
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table
By Lifetime Furniture
USA, Circa 1900
Beautiful quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper hardw...
Category
Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Copper
18th Century Italian Walnut Writing Table
Located in Carmine, TX
Writing desk Hand-crafted in Italy in the late 1700s using walnut. The table follows the typical Italian neoclassical style canons, with long, tapered legs and flat-fronted inset dra...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Soriana Armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Soriana armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina.
Manufactured in Italy.
The idea of comfort itself becomes a sofa. Soriana came into being in 1969, thanks to an intuitive vision...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Desk by Nanna Ditzel by cabinetmaker Søren Willadsen, Denmark, 1950s
Located in Hägersten, SE
Iconic desk designed by Nanna Ditzel. Produced in Denmark by cabinetmaker Søren Willadsen. Made from warm teak wood with contrasting solid oak on the inside of the drawers. Nice wood...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak, Teak
Italian Midcentury Bamboo and Rattan Desk or Vanity with two Drawers, 1970s
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Beautiful desk, or can also be used as a vanity - dressing table.
Made from bamboo wood and rattan, in Italy in the 1970s.
The desk is beautiful to look at from all sides and can als...
Category
1970s Italian French Provincial Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan
Restored Rare Early Florence Knoll Model 17 Louvered Maple Desk Signed Madison
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This rare desk was designed in the 1950s by Florence Knoll with a simplistic profile that has proven to be timeless! Of solid maple construction, it features tapered dowel legs and a...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Maple
Antique Swedish Grace Desk by Otto Wretling in Pine with Hand Carved Decor
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish Grace desk by Otto Wretling made in northern Sweden around 1915. The desk has a frame in pine with a hand carved decor which makes the surface animated and unique. Tw...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Peter Lovig Nielsen Flip Top Executive Desk in Rosewood
By Lovig Dansk
Located in Seattle, WA
Extremely rare Flip top partner's desk by Peter Lovig Nielsen in rosewood with brass fittings The top shelf of the desk flips down to extend the work surface allowing it to be used a...
Category
1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Rio Table, by Charlotte Perriand for Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Table designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1937. Relaunched in 2020.
Manufactured by Cassina in Italy.
The historic Rio design low table combines uncommon beauty and utmost function...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble
George Nelson by Herman Miller Laminated Aluminum Design 1950s Rare Desk
Located in Brescia, IT
Modernist Desk
George Nelson by Hermann Miller
1950
Laminated wood, aluminum base
Rare model.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Vintage Italian Walnut Burl Louis XV Bombay Style Serpentine Writing Desk VGC
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Hand-made in Italy, circa 1950s or 60s, this gorgeous 5-drawer Louis XV or Bombay style desk in Italian walnut burl with antiqued brass hardware. This desk has been in my collections...
Category
1960s Italian Louis XV Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
19th C Style Michael Taylor Ebony & Mahogany Dafne Writing Table Desk
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
19th C Style Michael Taylor Ebony & Mahogany Dafne Writing Table Desk
Category
1990s American Regency Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Fine Baker Furniture Burl Walnut Regency Style Writing Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
C. 1980’s. A Vintage Baker Writing Table with handsome chosen Burl Walnut Wood. Suitable also as a Console, the Writing Table has two drawers, a Line-Inlaid top surface, Wreath form ...
Category
20th Century Regency Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
"Brenne" Bean-shaped Burl Wood Desk by Christiane Lemieux
Located in New York, NY
The design continuum continues to evolve in this artistic luxury piece. The iconic kidney shape first appeared as a writing desk or dressing table during the Louis XV period of 16th ...
Category
2010s Vietnamese Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Burl
Danish Mid Century writing desk by Randers Møbelfabrik
Located in Ranst, VAN
This stunning vintage writing desk, designed by Harry Østergaard for Randers Møbelfabrik in 1960s Denmark. Crafted from teak wood, it features beautifully designed legs and details. ...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Svend Aage Madsen desk with drawers produced by Sigurd Hansen, Denmark, 1958
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A small desk with two drawers in ash wood and Formica, Danish production, designed by Svend Aage Madsen and produced by Sigurd Hansen, 1958.
Despite its compact size, this desk refl...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Formica, Ash
Refurbished Vintage Drafting Table
Located in Alhambra, CA
Awesome vintage drafting table base with 12 storage compartments, and a new table top reclaimed from a 1970's SteelCase desk. Standing height for u...
Category
Mid-20th Century Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Rockefeller Center* Circular Reception Desk / Bar, Attrib. Donald Deskey
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Rockefeller Center* Circular Reception Desk / Bar, Attrib. Donald Deskey
USA, Circa 1930s
Attributed to Donald Deskey for Rockefeller Center
A masterwork example of American Art...
Category
1930s American Machine Age Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Antique Architect's Drafting Table Keuffel & Esser Company
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage Architect's Drafting Table Keuffel & Esser Company
Unmarked attributed to German company Keuffel Esser New York
Adjustable. One drawer.
42.5 h x 47.25 w x 35.5 d height adjus...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Poul Kjærholm 'PK52A' Student Desk with Drawer in Black for Carl Hansen & Son
Located in Glendale, CA
Poul Kjærholm 'PK52A' Student Desk with Drawer in Black for Carl Hansen & Son
The story of Danish Modern begins in 1908 when Carl Hansen opened his first workshop. His firm commitme...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Osvaldo Borsani wall-mounted wood and brass desk model E22 by Tecno Italy, 1950s
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A wall-mounted desk in wood, metal, and brass, part of the E22 series, produced by Tecno, designed by Osvaldo Borsani, 1950s
A wall-mounted piece of furniture, free from floor suppo...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
1970 Table Console Waxed Black Lacquer "Palace Le Lotti"
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Console, Writing table of Louis XV inspiration in black waxed lacquer coming from "Palace le lotti" 77001 Paris, the stamp is inside the drawer, (see photo).
This piece of furniture ...
Category
1970s French Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ash
Ebonized and Gilded Chinoiserie Karges Leather Top Writing Executuve Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a superb French Louis XV style Chinoiserie desk by the country's finest furniture manufacturer Karges. Karges of Evansville, Indiana has always made the best furniture our co...
Category
1960s American Louis XV Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Boomerang Desk by Maurice Calka
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Iconic fiberglass Boomerang desk designed by Maurice Calka for EDITION LELEU DESHAYS
Published in Xavier De Jarcy's book "Maurice Calka Le Sculpteur Du Design"
page 222.
Category
1960s French Futurist Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Fiberglass
Early Eames ESU-D-10-C Desk - 1st generation, Herman Miller, 1950s, Original
Located in Brooklyn, NY
First-generation ESU-D-10-C desk, designed by Charles and Ray Eames, produced by Herman Miller. A rare early production example, distinguished by lacquered Masonite panels in vivid p...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Trestle Library Table or Writing Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission oak Arts & Crafts trestle library table or writing desk
By Gustav Stickley
USA, Circa 1900
Measures: 48"W x 30"D x 29"H.
Professionally res...
Category
Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Antique Louis XVI -Style desk with leather top
Located in Houston, TX
Handsome louis XVI style desk with original leather top.
It has a drawer that glides easily and has a lock.
It has a reeded leg ending in a gilt capped foot.
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Executive Burl Wood and Chrome Desk
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This stunning mid-century executive desk, designed in the United States and dating back to the 1970s, showcases an exceptional design that truly stands out. Its spacious working surf...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Fine Antique American Chippendale Slant Front Desk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A beautifully crafted late 18th Century Slant Front Desk with dovetailed top and drawers, fine graining, great color and solid traditiona...
Category
Late 18th Century American Chippendale Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Danish floating writing desk in rosewood and chrome Denmark 1960
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Very nice and elegant Danish executive desk by unknown designer, Denmark 1960. This desk expertly combines luxurious rosewood with sleek metal to create a striking piece of mid-centu...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Small Mahogany secretary .Georgian style .England
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice attractive small secretary . Georgian style .Mahogany .
Green Leather inlay . Good quality piece . nice interior.
Ideal working space ,Because its size . fits every room...
Category
1960s English Georgian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Adjustable Desk in Beech Produced by Seltz, France 1980s
Located in Hellouw, NL
A striking piece of 1980s French design, this desk by Seltz embodies a unique approach to construction and form. Designed with precision and a clear sense of innovation, it plays wit...
Category
1980s French Post-Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Beech
Handcrafted English Oak Desk
Located in London, GB
Our new prime English oak 2 drawer dovetailed desk. Designed and handmade in England using skilled traditional furniture making techniques. Completely handcrafted from the finest ful...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Gallotti and Radice Glass President Desk Italy suits Hollywood Recency interior
Located in Dronten, NL
President Desk made of safety glass with a stainless steel frame.
Originally designed by Gallotti & Radice in 1971, this piece is made circa 1988.
Marked with label.
Gallotti & Rad...
Category
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stainless Steel
Antique French Marquetry, Ormolu and Jasperware Bureau du Roi by Beurdeley
Located in London, GB
Antique French marquetry, ormolu and jasperware Bureau du Roi by Beurdeley
French, c. 1890
Height 151cm, width 190cm, depth 100cm
The Bureau du Roi, also known as the secrétaire à cylindre, is among the most celebrated masterpieces of 18th century furniture design—an unparalleled example of French craftsmanship and regal opulence. Originally commissioned by King Louis XV in 1760, the project was entrusted to ébéniste du roi Jean-François Oeben (1721–1763). However, Oeben passed away before its completion and his successor, Jean-Henri Riesener (1734-1806), finalised the desk in 1769.
During the 19th century, several master cabinetmakers sought to replicate this extraordinary creation, including the esteemed Emmanuel Alfred Beurdeley (1847–1919). The present example, produced circa 1890, was exhibited at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, where it garnered admiration for its exceptional artistry. Following the exhibition, it was acquired by financier George Jay Gould I (1864–1923) and later photographed in the Lakewood, New Jersey residence of his wife, actress Edith Kingdon Gould (1864–1921).
This magnificent desk is crowned with a decorative clock, draped in festoons and accompanied by two playful putti and a finely sculpted dog. Twin ormolu urns rest atop an openwork gallery, leading to additional flower-filled ormolu vases. Flanking the central roll-top panel are finely cast ormolu figures of Apollo and Calliope, each supporting a twin-light scrolling acanthus candelabrum.
With a turn of a key, the roll-top slides open to reveal an exquisite arrangement of three pull-out shelves and three drawers, each front panel adorned with delicate ormolu banding and intricate floral trellis parquetry. A gilt-tooled leather writing surface unfolds, featuring a pop-up central panel that lifts to reveal a folding folio stand alongside three additional storage compartments. Below, a central kneehole drawer, embellished with an ormolu bow, is flanked by twin-divided drawers, all decorated with finely detailed floral marquetry.
Every aspect of this Bureau du Roi is a testament to superior craftsmanship, featuring elaborate marquetry and parquetry designs. The upper section consists of three panels, with the tambour roll-top inlaid with intricate mythological motifs. Two side medallions bear Latin inscriptions drawn from Cesare Ripa’s Iconologia (1555–1622): NON. NISI. GRANDIA. CANTO. / IRRIDENS. CUSPIDE. FIGO. and BREVI. COMPLECTOR. SINGULA. CANO / PASTORUM. CARMINA. LUDO. These decorative elements, along with the marquetry on the roll-top and upper surfaces, celebrate the arts, literature, and architecture.
The bombé sides of the desk are richly decorated with marquetry panels depicting symbols of both naval and terrestrial warfare, framed by elegant ormolu laurel swags. These ornamental details complement a series of exquisite blue and white Wedgwood Jasperware medallions...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu
Coen de Vries Petite Writing Desk, 1954
By Devo, Coen de Vries
Located in Dronten, NL
Beautiful designed, original Mid-Century Modern petite writing desk with black dye birch X-base, red dye birch drawer and a formica top. Coen de Vries is among the Dutch pioneers of ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Formica, Birch
20th Century French Maison Jansen Bamboo Writing Desk and Chair, Louis Sognot
By Louis Sognot
Located in Fayetteville, AR
Attributed to Louis Sognot (1892-1970), designer for Maison Jansen, this mid twentieth century French desk or writing table, is constructed of bamboo and features a red leather top. The corners around the top and legs are all detailed in brass. Its two drawers open using brass drop ring drawer pulls. Its four legs gently taper outward and are joined by an H stretcher that provides stability. This set includes its original accompanying bamboo desk chair...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Modern Contemporary Italian Dining Table "METRA" by Makio Hasuike for Seccose
By Seccose
Located in Philadelphia, PA
For your consideration a beautiful sculptural dining table designed by Makio Hasuike for Seccose, Italy, circa 1980s. The name is METRA and is built with a super light yet super-stro...
Category
Late 20th Century European Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Early 19th Century Goncalo Alves partners desk
Located in Martlesham, GB
A superb quality large early 19th Century Goncalo Alves (also known as tigerwood) partners desk, the moulded edge top having a olive green coloured leather writing surface decorated ...
Category
1840s British William IV Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Antique Aesthetic Period Davenport, English, Walnut, Writing Desk, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique Aesthetic Period Davenport. An English, walnut and bird's eye maple writing desk, dating to the Victorian era, circa 1880.
A delightful example, with exquisite cr...
Category
1880s British Aesthetic Movement Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Birdseye Maple, Walnut
Biedermeier Writing Desk in Walnut, circa 1830
Located in Greding, DE
Biedermeier writing desk in walnut, crafted around 1830. Featuring five drawers framed with fine thread inlays and adorned with escutcheons. The gracefully curved S-shaped legs are j...
Category
1830s Biedermeier Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
20th Century Spanish Baroque Style Cabinet on Stand, Bargueno or Varqueno
Located in Miami, FL
This Bargueno is embellished with a carving of Don Quixote de la Mancha bordered with branches of leaves. The desk is supported by a pedestal joined by a bridge of turned columns. The front legs contain a carving of two wind god...
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
1960s John Stuart French Provincial Style Console Sofa Table or Desk
By John Stuart
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Midcentury French Provincial style console sofa table by John Stuart. Base features a white painted finish with curved cabriole legs and one single drawer. Top is stained wood. Table could also be used as a long desk.
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Antique Walnut Slant Front Queen Anne Style Secretary Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Late 19th century English Queen Anne style slant front desk with three drawers & inner compartments.
Category
19th Century English Queen Anne Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Mid Century Modern Compact Drop Down Secretary Desk . Circa 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid Century Modern Compact Drop Down Secretary Desk . Circa 1960s
Features a sleek Mid Century Modern Design, the perfect compact size to fit in any small area or room, a dro...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Early 19th Century French Empire Period Bureau a Cylindre Gentleman's Desk
Located in Forney, TX
A exceptionally rare Period French Empire (1804-1814) walnut bureau a cylindre.
Exquisitely hand-crafted in France, most likely Parisian work, dating to the early 19th century, the large antique cylinder desk...
Category
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Italian Desk from the 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed in the 1960s the desk also features chrome tubular legs.
Italian desk from the late 1960s characterize by the sleek and modern aesthetic. Second height 24.7 from the floor ...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Midcentury Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk Blonde Maple Finish T pulls
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1560 double drawer desk blonde maple finish with steel T pull knobs solid maple. Desk has been professional refinished. Very beautiful designed d...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Bernhardt Pedersen Danish Mid Century Modern Rosewood Roll Top Desk
Located in Plainview, NY
A rare Bernhardt Pedersen & Son Danish Mid Century Modern roll top writing desk crafted from beautifully grained rosewood, the desk emanates a warm and inviting aura, drawing attenti...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
1950s Mid-Century Modern Italian Free Standing Sculptural Desk in Oak and Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Free-standing desk, oak, brass, linoleum, Italy, 1950s
This mid-century modern freestanding desk from 1950s Italy exemplifies a sculptural approach to furniture design. It speaks t...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Petite Sunset Writing Desk, in Canyon Oak, by August Abode
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The latest addition to our Sunset Collection - a writing desk with a vintage feel. It features a solid wood top paired with lathe-turned legs and two pencil drawers.
Dimensions:
P...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak, Walnut
Pierre Paulin Maple "Model 250" Executive Desk with Cabinets for Dassas, France
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very rare "Model 250" executive desk with detached rolling filing cabinets designed by Pierre Paulin for Dassas, France, 1975. Constructed of gorgeous Birdseye Maple. Drawers and cab...
Category
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Danish Art Nouveau, Dining / Desk Table made in Oak, Early 20th Century
Located in Odense, DK
Introducing a striking rectangular dining or desk table that summarizes the essence of Danish Art Nouveau craftsmanship, hailing from the early 20th century. Crafted with meticulous ...
Category
Early 20th Century Danish Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
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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