Desks and Writing Tables
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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Period: 1960s
Period: 1950s
Midcentury Desk in Teak & Beech with Organizer, 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Elegant freestanding desk in teak and beech with organizer. Designed and made in Denmark, great original condition.
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Beech, Teak
20th Century Ico Parisi Wooden Writing Desk with Two Drawers, 50s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Turin, Turin
Ico Parisi was born in Palermo, Italy, in 1916, but as early as 1925 with his family he moved to Como, where in 1936 he graduated as a building surveyor and served an apprenticeship at the Terragni studio. Discharged from the front in 1943, he returned to Como and resumed his design activity, dealing with the creation of individual furnishings, exhibition layouts and interior architecture. He collaborated with Luisa Aiani, whom he married in 1947 and with whom he opened the studio La Ruota. In the 50s he designed furniture, first in one-piece and later for Industrial Production with companies such as Cassina. In the 60s, with the "Contenitoriumani" he began a new path aimed at defining a utopian-existential IDEA of living. The culmination of his research is between 1974 and 1976 with "Operation Arcevia," aimed at designing an entire Community.
Here we have a wooden desk designed...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Studio BBPR for Olivetti 'Spazio' Corner Desk with Original Lamp
By Studio BBPR, Olivetti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Studio BBPR for Olivetti, 'Spazio' corner/writing desk, coated steel, plastic, vinyl, Italy, design 1959/60, production 1960s.
In 1954, Olivetti, the Italian office equipment manufacturer, hired BBPR to design their New York showroom on Fifth Avenue and to create their first series of office furniture, called Spazio (1959/60). This line included chairs, shelving, cabinet systems, and desks, just like the one shown here. This ingenious design embraces a dynamic system, affording the ability to adjust the cabinet's positioning. Beneath the desk lies a compartment housing three drawers, while the mobile cabinet itself features three drawers alongside an extra compartment, providing both utility and versatility. The original lamp is affixed to the top that can be moved sideways. The tops are furnished with a burgundy red vinyl which adds a fresh touch the overall industrial appearance. The design won the Compasso d'Oro Award in 1962.
Studio B.B.P.R. was an Italian architectural partnership founded in Milan in 1932 by Gianluigi Banfi (1910-1945), Lodovico Barbiano di Belgiojoso (1909-2004), Enrico Peressutti (1908-1976) and Ernesto Nathan Rogers (1909-1969) who had studied at the Politecnico di Milano. B.B.P.R. was thus an acronym formed from the first letters of their family names. The architects found each other in their opposition to fascism in Italy in the 1930s and 1940s during Mussolini's autocratic regime. The architects therefore believed in developing a style that would have no references to contemporary politics. During the Second World War, they all joined the resistance. However, Rogers, a Jew, fled to Switzerland and both Belgiojoso and Banfi were deported to the Mauthausen concentration camp in Austria, where Banfi died in 1945. Despite the immense loss of Banfi, their architectural practice continued in the same name as before after...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Wood and Aluminum Desk Table 1960s
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Wood and aluminium desk table, 1960s
Macassar wood from Indonesia.
Category
1960s Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Vintage Midcentury Scandinavian Modern Teak Desk with Hand Painted Pattern
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This classic desk was produced in Denmark during the 1960s. It is made of teak in a warm shade of brown. Teak wood is very durable. The high oil content means that virtually no water...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Teak
Midcentury Italian Small Desk 1960s Gio Ponti Style
By Gio Ponti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Italian midcentury small desk in style of Gio Ponti.
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Danish Teak Drop Leaf Writing Desk By Arne Vodder, 1960s
By Arne Vodder
Located in Den Haag, NL
This writing desk was designed by Arne Vodder and was produced in Denmark in the 1960s. It is made from teak and features a drop leaf . It is in very good vintage condition.
extent 1...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Italian large Desk by Vittorio Dassi solid wood and glass 60s - G725
Located in Lyon, FR
Imposing desk from the 50's and 60's attributed to the Italian designer Vittorio Dassi. Structure in solid wood and veneer, top in red glass. It is composed of two boxes with 4 drawers on each side. Very nice desk...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass, Wood
Danish Modern Teak Executive Desk by Ib Kofod Larsen
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Amazing Danish teak executive desk designed by Ib Kofod Larsen for Faarup Møbelfabrik in Denmark, circa 1960s. This desk has a versatile and functional design. fine attention to deta...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Italian Midcentury Desk/Dressing Table Attributed Carlo de Carli, Italy 1950
Located in London, GB
An Italian designed small writing desk in walnut,. Fantastic proportions on sculptural legs tapering to brass final on the feet. Two drawers with brass hardware with strawberry red g...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Landstrom Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency Black Lacquered Writing Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie writing desk
By Landstrom Furniture.
USA, 1950s
Black lacquered mahog...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Danish Cabinetmaker Teak and Oak Desk with Drawers, Denmark, circa 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Firm believers in Functionalism, Danish designers and cabinetmakers avoided short-lived aesthetic trends alike, concentrating on crafting with quality materials instead. This desk is...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Børge Mogensen Teak 'Partner's' Desk for AB Karl Andersson, 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful Børge Mogensen teak "partner's" desk from the second half of the 20th century, a two part desk that can be used as console tables, label marked, partially worn, marks, stai...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Argentinian Writing Desk, 1950s
Located in Milano, IT
Writing desk with column of drawers and open compartment under the top; solid beech wood stained and mahogany veneer.
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Beech, Mahogany
Arne Vodder Rosewood Desk
By Arne Vodder
Located in Toledo, OH
Arne Vodder rosewood desk. circa 1960s. Rosewood writing desk with a hinged fliptop to convert the desk into a partner's desk. Dovetailed drawers ...
Category
1960s Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Alvar Aalto 60's Beech Desk and White Drawer
By Alvar Aalto
Located in 東御市, JP
Alvar aalto design beachtop desk and drawer set in white paint.
You can expect yellowing to amber in the future, and it has a beautiful aging feeling.
Category
1960s Finnish Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Beech, Birch
Mid Century Arne Vodder L-Shaped Rosewood Desk for Sibast, 1960
By Sibast, Arne Vodder
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Mid Century Rosewood desk designed by Arne Vodder, showcasing the elegance and functionalism that are hallmarks of his work. The desk is a substantial piece, featuring a spacious tab...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Italian Mahogany Desk, 1960s
Located in Palermo, PA
Italian mahogany desk, 1960s.
Dimensions: H= 78 cm; W= 105 cm; D= 51 cm.
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Very Rare Reiger Drafting Table Friso Kramer Ahrend de Cirkel, 1963
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Very rare drafting table "Reiger" designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel in 1963.
The tabletop is original and has a minor chip as you can see on the close-up.
Overall in v...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Desk Table by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, Italy, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Desk Table by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, Italy, 1960s.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Danish Teak Secretaire w/ Tapered Legs, Pull Out Desk, and Storage
By Trekanten
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Little Mid-Century Danish teak vanity, desk or dresser with tapered legs. Lightly refinished with pull-out desk and little drawers and compartments on top with lower stacked dresser...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Teak Desk Model "Øresund" by Børge Mogensen for Karl Andersson & Söner, 1960s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare teak desk or occassional side table ”Øresund” by Børge Mogensen for Karl Andersson & Söner in Sweden, 1960s.
Original makers label to the unde...
Category
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
French Writing Desk in Solid Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Writing desk, pine, France, 1960s
This writing desk of French origin has a splendid construction that epitomizes a simplistic, natural and timeless aesthetic. The design is charact...
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Studio BBPR for Olivetti 'Spazio' Desks in Grey Coated Steel
By Olivetti, Studio BBPR
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Studio BBPR for Olivetti, 'Spazio' writing desks, coated steel, plastic, vinyl, Italy, design 1959/60, production 1960s
In 1954, Olivetti, the Italian office equipment manufactur...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Very Rare and Original Writing Table PK53 by Poul Kjaerholm for Rud Rasmussen
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
This stunning example is in museum condition, all completely original, not perfect, but very nicely used, the Oregon Pie top has a wonderful patine, with no real digs or scratches. T...
Category
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Scandinavian Modern Desk by Kurt Olsen, Denmark, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant rosewood desk by Kurt Olsen, in a neat size. Sleek, sophisticated lines with rounded angles. Two drawers.
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Mid Century Gunnar Falsig Rosewood Desk for Falsigs Mobelfabrik
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Midcentury rosewood desk, expertly crafted by Gunnar Falsig for Falsigs Møbelfabrik. The desk is a testament to the finesse of Scandinavian design, blending functionality with a stri...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Bodil Kjaer Executive Free Standing Desk for E. Pedersen & Son Denmark
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
Bodil Kjaer large freestanding rosewood executive desk, model 901 with chrome-plated metal frame, cassette top with four recessed drawers. Produced by E. Pedersen & Søn, Denmark. Manufacturer’s label to the underside. Key included.
The rosewood is Santos rosewood, no CITES export document is applicable.
The desk featured in the 1960s in the New York Times and The Sunday Times. It became even more famous when it was in some of the first James Bond films: ‘From Russia with love’ & ‘You only live twice’. The desk also appeared prominently in BBC election broadcasts.
Literature: Mobilia, June 1961.
Young executives that Bodil Kjær encountered in her work in architecture and design in the late 1950es were open, creative and flexible in their way of working. So, she reasoned that it would be counter-productive for them to be offered traditional office furniture, and set out to design a system of office units...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Nanna & Jørgen Ditzel for Poul Kold Savvaerk Desk Model ‘135’ in Wenge
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Nanna & Jørgen Ditzel for Poul Kold Savvaerk, desk model ‘135’, wenge, Denmark, design 1958
Freestanding desk designed by Nanna & Jørgen Ditzel in 1958. The symmetric arrangement ...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wenge
Arne Jacobsen Rosewood and Steel Writing Desk FH3605, Danish, Designed 1955
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Arne Jacobsen, FH 3605 writing desk, designed 1955 and made by Fritz Hansen, Denmark, in rosewood with detachable aluminium legs with oval rosewood caps. Fitted two drawers to one si...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Vintage Desk in Cherrywood by Paolo Buffa, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Extraordinary Cherrywood desk/writing table with crossing legs by Paolo Buffa. This table has approximately 70 years and has been restored as you can s...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Cherry
Pierre Jeanneret Student Desk and Library Chair
Located in New York, NY
Excellent example of a student desk and library chair from Chandigarh India circa late 1950s.
Exceptional patina on the wood including various name inscriptions from young studen...
Category
1950s Indian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Jacques Quinet Desk
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Incredible Jacques Quinet Executive desk, circa 1950s
Rich caramel leather with contrast open stitching and fully swiveling drawers on both sides including a filing cabinet with lea...
Category
1950s French Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Baker Furniture Georgian Flame Mahogany Leather Top Slant Front Architect's Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding Georgian style slant front architect's desk. The desk features shallow drawers and shelved cabinets on one side and open bookcases with adjustable shelving on the othe...
Category
1960s American Georgian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Vintage Classic Midcentury Danish Scandinavian Modern Teak Bilateral Desk
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This large, bilateral desk was made in Denmark during the 1960s. It is finished in teak wood in a warm shade of brown. It has a balanced design, where style and functionality go hand...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Arne Vodder Boomerang Desk Teak & Brass 1956 Bovirke Denmark Mid Century Modern
By Arne Vodder, Bovirke
Located in Munster, NRW
Arne Vodder 1956 for Bovirke, Denmark
rare Boomerang desk ’Model BO85’ in teak with brass handles
This desk was designed by Arne Vodder for Bovirke. The desk has an organically shaped table...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Paul Mccobb Desk for Calvin
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Rare architectural walnut and stone desk designed by Paul Mccobb for Calvin Furniture in the early 1950's.
The left hand pedestal features a slide out work surface, a small drawer...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stone, Brass
scrivania in radica design - 1950 - mid century - desk - design
Located in Milano, MI
scrivania in radica design - 1950 - mid century - desk - design
Caratteristiche Produzione: italiana
Periodo: 1950 - 1959
Paese produzione: Italia
Essenza principale: radi...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Vintage Midcentury Danish Modern Teak Wood Desk from Avalon, 1960s
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This classic desk or dressing table was probably manufacturer by English maker Avalon, which produced Danish design furniture. This piece was created during the 1960s. The desk has a...
Category
1960s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Arne Jacobsen Danish Modern Drop-Leaf Table Model "AJ-3601", Fritz Hansen, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
Wonderful small drop-leaf table in teak plywood and steel. Danish designer Arne Jacobsen’s masterpiece "AJ3601" made to accompany his famous "ant" chairs also manufactured by Fritz H...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Maison-Jansen Attributed French Leather, Top Bureau Plat Desk
Located in New York, NY
Vintage French leather top bureau plat desk with pull-out slides.
The table extends 12.5" on each side for a total of overall W 72.25" when slides are fully open.
Category
1950s French Louis XVI Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Elegant Desk in Blackened Wood and Leather circa 1950 Patina to Be Redone, Leath
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Elegant desk in blackened wood and leather, circa 1950
Patina to be redone, leather to be changed.
Category
1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
1960s Mid-Century Modern Walnut Executive Desk with Chrome Accents
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Experience the timeless elegance of our 1960s Mid-Century Modern Executive Desk, masterfully constructed from select walnut wood. This vintage writing table, restored to impeccable c...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
20th Century Big Desk in Wood with Cloth-Covered Top Attributed. Ico Parisi, 60s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Turin, Turin
Ico Parisi was born in Palermo, Italy, in 1916, but as early as 1925 with his family he moved to Como, where in 1936 he graduated as a building surveyor and served an apprenticeship ...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Lane Vintage Mid-Century Modern Walnut Desk
Located in Doylestown, PA
Beautiful vintage Lane Mid-Century Modern walnut desk. This piece features atomic tapered legs, laminate top and large dovetail drawers with ample storage. A classic and elegant addi...
Category
1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Laminate, Walnut
Pierre Chapo B19 Desk in Solid Elm, France 1960s
By Pierre Chapo
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Stunning solid elmwood desk by the French designer Pierre Chapo. With characteristic wood-joints, which are Chapo's trademark. The B19 desk is a desk that ca...
Category
1950s Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Elm
A.R.P. Writing Desk Edition Minvielle France, 1955
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare and collectible desk designed by A.R.P. (Atelier de Recherches Plastiques) and manufactured by Minvielle, France 1955. Studio A.R.P. was an association between three talented de...
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Walnut "Mainline" Desk by Hooker
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Fabulous Mid-Century Modern walnut “Mainline” desk by Hooker Furniture in the United States, circa 1960s. This desk has been built from the highest quality walnut wood. It has a desi...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Bertha Schaefer for Singer and Sons Italian Walnut Asymmetrical Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Diminutive midcentury angled student desk in Italian walnut designed by Bertha Schaefer for M. Singer & Sons (Model 2162 - USA, ca. 1955).
Often co-attributed to Gio Ponti, who also...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Scandinavian Modern Teak and Veneer Writing Table by Arne Vodder, Denmark, 1960
By Arne Vodder
Located in Madrid, ES
Scandinavian desk made of solid teak wood and veneer, designed by Arne Vodder.
It consists of conical legs, two drawers with a lock and a storage unit on one side, and two built-in...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Borge Mogensen Drop-Leaf Office or Dining Table in Teak and Steel Denmark
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
Danish Modernism free-standing office desk or dining table, model 206 by Borge Morgensen, made of fined teak top and matte chrome-plated steel fra...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Italian Small Writing Desk in Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Small writing desk, mahogany, brass, Italy, 1950s.
Sculptural Italian desk with beautiful curved top. This writing table is both refined and elega...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Helmut Magg Desk for WK Möbel, Germany, 1950s
By Helmut Magg
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This desk was designed by Helmut Magg in 1950s and produced by Neue Gemeinschaft für Wohnkultur, WK Möbel and still has the original label in one of the drawers. The design is simple...
Category
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Cherry, Maple
French Desk by Marc Berthier for D.A.N Parigi, 1960s
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Oozoo Marc Berthier desk for D.A.N. Paris, France, 1960s. Glass fibre and hazelnut lacquered resin.
Piece attributed to the above designer/maker. It has no hallmark or proof of authenticity, but is documented in design history...
Category
1960s Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Resin, Fiberglass, Lacquer
Elegant Italian Desk Convertible into Sewing Machine
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant Italian desk convertible into sewing machine from the 1950s. The desk through its shapes and lines is very reminiscent of Gio Ponti's design line. The desk is made by the Vigorelli ( of Pavia) manufactory. The small desk has in the left side five pull-out drawers and the top one has a key. In the right leg we have a door that can be opened by knob with the sewing machine mechanism inside. At the base we find a cast-iron riser...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Iron
Italian Mid Century Secretary, Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian Mid century secretary in Brazilian Rosewood. Four drawers when open the desk height is 30 inches perfect for the chair.
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Vintage Industrial Jean Prouvé Style One Seat School Desk
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Wonderful Vintage Industrial school desk.
In the style of Jean Prouvé
Striking French design from the 1950s /60s.
Green lacquered met...
Category
1950s French Industrial Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Italian Modern Single-Pedestal Rosewood Desk by Stildomus
By Stildomus
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Single-pedestal rosewood desk with ebonized legs and chrome-plated brass recessed pulls by Stildomus (ca. 1950s, Italy).
Features three dove-tailed drawers with interior dimensions...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass, 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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