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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Period: Late 20th Century
Period: Early 1900s
Minimalist Steel and Glass Trestle Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Minimalist steel and glass trestle table.
Category
Late 20th Century French Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Inlaid Parquetry Desk or Writing Table
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Elegant French Louis XV style parquetry writing desk with fitted interior and gilt mounts. Leather writing surface; standi...
Category
Early 1900s French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Antique Victorian Inlaid Satin Walnut Twin Pedestal Desk Writing Table
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique quality Victorian mahogany twin pedestal desk writing table C1890.
This is a lovely piece, that is full of age, charm and character. Lovely line inlays.
Later quality t...
Category
Early 1900s Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Louis XVI Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Kingwood Writing Table by Francois Linke
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
A Louis XVI style gilt-bronze mounted Kingwood veneered writing table with original inset green leather top. Signed F.Linke to front gilt bronze panelled drawer. Excellent original c...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Charlotte Perriand Wall Table for Les Arcs
Located in Berlin, DE
Excellent condition Charlotte Perriand wall table in pinewood. Very rare!
Category
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Vintage Italian Regency Burlwood Laminate Saber Leg Tall Secretary Desk Display
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Italian Regency burlwood laminate saber leg tall secretary desk display curio bookcase. Item features tall shapely cabriole/saber legs, broke...
Category
Late 20th Century North American Regency Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass, Laminate, Burl
Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Sofa Console Table or Desk Return by Design Research
Located in Belmont, MA
Mid-Century Modern rosewood sofa console table or desk return by Design Research.
Category
1980s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Sculptural Cast Iron Pedestal and Glass Industrial Dining / Work Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sculptural cast iron pedestal base and glass Industrial dining / work table.
Beautiful patina on the base. Heavy custom made glass top with cable opening in the middle.
Impress...
Category
Early 1900s North American Industrial Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
Hans Von Klier Desk for Skipper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning executive chrome and walnut desk by Hans Von Klier for Skipper. Made in Italy. Massive desktop surface. Circa 1970s. Walnut top with three hidden drawers. Two polished chrom...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Laminated Writing Table Attributed to Arco, Germany, 1970s
By Arco
Located in Den Haag, NL
very nice and stylish writing table. Chrome on steel base, comes with a curved
Laminated top. White in color.
Category
1970s German Bauhaus Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Laminate
1970s Jacobean Mahogany Writing Table with Engraved Leather Top & Gilt Accents
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Step into the 1970s with our exquisitely crafted Jacobean writing table, a beautiful representation of the era's rich artistry. Expertly constructed from premium mahogany wood, this table has been meticulously restored to its original splendor by our team of skilled craftsmen. At the heart of this piece is its stunning, newly dyed dark green leather top, elegantly engraved to create a focal point of luxury and sophistication. The leather's polished and waxed surface not only offers a captivating patina finish but also ensures durability and resilience against everyday use. The desk's ebonized finish provides a striking aesthetic contrast, enhanced further by gilt accent moldings. These embellishments reflect the traditional craftsmanship of the Jacobean era, adding a touch of historical charm to the modern-day. Functionality is key in this timeless piece. The desk stands on two intricately carved stretched pedestal legs, ensuring robust stability. Added to this are brass caster wheels in perfect working condition, combining ease of movement with classic style. This vintage Jacobean...
Category
1970s European Jacobean Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Lacquer, Giltwood, Mahogany, Wood, Leather
One of a Kind Industrial Studio Work Table / Desk
By Bolander
Located in Los Angeles, CA
One of a Kind Industrial Studio Work Table / Desk
Category
Late 20th Century American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Sleek Custom-Made Faux Birdseye Maple Console or Writing Desk, circa 1975
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent console or writing desk is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing: meticulously professionally restored and completely installation read...
Category
1970s American Organic Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Laminate, Hardwood
Black Lacquered Steel Curule Base Writing Table with Brass Appointments
Located in Chicago, IL
Matte black lacquered steel curule form writing table, with lower back stretcher and multiple brass ball details. Triple beveled ogee edge glass top is one-half inch thick. With a na...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass, Steel
"Kroma" Desk by Antonia Astori for Driade, Italy, 1980s
Located in Brussels, BE
Architect, designer, and entrepreneur, Antonia Astori began her own design activity within the Driade company, founded with her brother Enrico and Adelaide Acerbi, to whom she offers highly professional and creative achievements.
For Driade organizes the exhibition space for trade shows and promote their corporate visibility.
Also plans stores Marithè and Francois...
Category
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Reproduction English Chippendale Style Mahogany Ball Claw Executive Writing Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Reproduction English chippendale style mahogany ball & claw carved executive writing desk. Item features nice large size, rope carved edge, solid wood construction, beautiful wood gr...
Category
Late 20th Century Chippendale Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Mcm White Lacquer Jamestown Trapezoid Desk With Upholstered Chair
Located in Medina, OH
Vintage Jamestown white lacquer and black metal accents with upholstered chair. Perfect to add to your home office! This desk has a unique trapezoid...
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Italian Midcentury Desk with Glass Top from the 70s
Located in bari, IT
Typical 70's desk with chromed steel trestles and smoked glass top.
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Crystal, Steel
Exquisite mid-century modern desk by Arne Wahl Iversen, 1970´s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A desk in rosewood veneer designed by Arne W. Iversen and edited by Vinde Mobelfabrik in the 1970s.Top with drawer; compartiment and letter sortens, front with two drawers.
Category
1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Monumental Inlaid French Bronze Mounted Louis XVI Cylinder Desk Circa 1900
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Let me make this very clear, this desk is a BEAST to move. The desk has a grand piano-like presence to it and is absolutely magnificent in terms of the quality of teh bronze ormolu w...
Category
Early 1900s French Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Large Desk Table Guy Lefevre Maison Jansen Black Lacquer Brass 1970s
Located in Paris, IDF
A unique Maison Jansen black lacquered desk table designed by Guy Lefevre for Maison Jansen in the mid-1970s. It features a black lacquer top with neoclassical inspired brass inlays,...
Category
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Robert Propst For Herman Miller Action Office Stand-Up Desk
Located in Pasadena, TX
An Action Office desk designed by Robert Propst for Herman Miller in 1968. This mid century modern classic is wall mounted (mounting brackets included) ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Mid Century Italian Post Modern Dining Table or Desk in Grey Tone Granite Marble
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A simple form design dining table that would also make a fabulous desk. It features solid slab speckled granite construction. In very good ready to use condition.
Category
1990s Italian Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Granite
Compás Desk / Bureau by Pedro Miralles Claver for Punt Mobels, 1990s
Located in Chesham, GB
A cherry wood Bureau by Pedro Miralles Claver For Punt Mobels.
Designer - Pedro Miralles Claver
Manufacturer - Punt Mobels
Design period - 1990...
Category
1990s Spanish Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Cherry
Vintage Mahogany Ladies Desk from Up Zavody, Czechoslovakia, 1980's
By Up Závody
Located in Prague 8, CZ
Vintage ladies desk made by UP Zavody company in the former Czechoslovakia in the 1980´s. Features a simple design, mahogany veneer. Overall in ver...
Category
Late 20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
Vintage Fret Gampel & Stoll Kidney Elephant Desk Lacquered in Choice of Color
By Gampel-Stoll
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Gampel & Stoll kidney shaped elephant desk with drawer. This will be newly lacquered in color of your choice. Please allow 3-6 weeks to ship from time of color choice. Dimens...
Category
1970s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Style Partners / Executive Desk, Rosewood
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Style Partners / Executive Desk, Rosewood/Walnut Fully Refinished.
Fully refinshed American designer partners desk in a gorgeous walnut or rosewoo...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Rosewood Chrome Table Desk by Tim Bates for Pieff Furniture
Located in Pasadena, TX
Pieff Furniture was a range of avant-garde furniture designed and produced in Cradley Heath near Birmingham from 1970 until 1983. The company was formed as Production Facilities Limited in 1953 by Frederick Bates and son David, and produced contract furniture...
Category
1970s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Zebra Wood and Chrome Writing Desk, ca. 1970’s
Located in New York, NY
High style 1970’s writing desk, of stunning zebra wood veneer, on an architectural bright chrome frame.
The rectangular wood element features three pull out drawers, it is 5 in. H.
T...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
1970s, Paul Evans Studio for Directional Cityscape Executive Desk
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1970s Paul Evans Studio for Directional, Cityscape executive desk in maple burl veneer, chrome plated steel and a rare bullno...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Fine Palermo Inlaid Burled Walnut Secretary Desk with Bookcase Top
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Walnut. Inlaid. 2 piece. Top piece has 2 doors containing two shelves. Bottom piece has a pull down door containing 6 drawers and slots. 3 drawers. Metal hardware. Bottom piece measu...
Category
1970s Italian Neoclassical Revival Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Original circa 1900 Graves & Sons Naval Military Campaign Parter Desk Map Drawer
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer this very rare original Graves & Son’s stamped Naval Military Campaign officers desk
Graves and Sons were listed at Fore Stree...
Category
Early 1900s English Campaign Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
C.E.O. Cube Leather Desk Designed by Lella & Massimo Vignelli for Poltrona Frau
Located in Zagreb, HR
Highly exclusive CEO cube desk in leather, designed by Lella & Massimo Vignelli for Poltrona Frau, Italy late 90s/00s
The price of the new desk was around 12000 Euros
Poltrona Fr...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
Hans Andersen Mid Century Danish Rosewood Desk
Located in Countryside, IL
Hans Andersen Mid Century Danish Rosewood Desk
The desk measures: 49.25 wide x 25.5 deep x 28.25 high, with a chair clearance of 27 inches
All pieces of furniture can be had i...
Category
1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Mid-Century Pen Shell Desk or Writing Table by Maitland-Smith
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chic sleek Mid-Century Modern desk crafted in a pen shell mosaic with three drawers in the case having brass highlights on elegant legs with ball feet. Signed Maitland-Smith in drawer.
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Shell
Michele de Lucchi Burgundy Writing Dining Table For Memphis Milano Italy, 1985
Located in Vienna, AT
Iconic dining table, laminated wood and steel, Michele de Lucchi 'Burgundy' table Memphis Italy, 1985.
Dimensions are: 61" x 41.3" x 28.74" (height).
Rare dining- or office table d...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Warren Platner for Knoll Executive Desk with Black Leather Top
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Warren Platner for Knoll, desk, leather, steel, oak, United States, 1973
This heavy, sturdy desk is designed by the American modernist Warren Platner. He is most known for his airy ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Scrivania Desk by Willy Rizzo circa 1972
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Great desk designed by Willy Rizzo and made in 1972, made of chromed steel feet, walnut drawers, brushed steel and smoked glass top.
Signed on the side and dated on the bottom.
“2...
Category
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Antique Edwardian Quality Rosewood Inlaid Bow Fronted Writing Table
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Edwardian quality rosewood inlaid bow fronted writing table having the original brass gallery above a lift up lid opening to reveal a fitted interior, original leather writin...
Category
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Maurice Villency Style Mid Century Teak Desk with Bookcase Front
Located in Countryside, IL
Maurice Villency style mid century teak desk with bookcase front
The desk measures: 52.5 wide x 26.25 deep x 28.75 high, with a chair clear...
Category
1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Gaetano Pesce Desk for the Chiat\Day Offices, 1994
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Rare Gaetano Pesce desk from his design of the Manhattan office for the advertising agency Chiat\Day, 1994. Together with Jay Chiat they designed and built t...
Category
Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Modern Karl Springer Style Three-Drawer Faux Shagreen Desk/Writing Table, Chrome
Located in Stamford, CT
Modern Karl Springer style three-drawer faux Shagreen desk on a chrome plated x form base.
Sleek desk or writing table in a Springer style finish w...
Category
1980s Unknown Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Writing Table or Desk in Teak Veneer Wood, Italy
Located in Vienna, AT
Writing desk, teak and veneer with many drawers, Italy, circa 1970
Dimensions are: 41.3" x 23.62 x 37.8".
Perfectly sized desk with 2 large and 4 small drawers. It’s in style or mi...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Scrivania Brass & Lacquer Signed Writing Desk by Willy Rizzo, Italy, ca. 1972
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Geneva, CH
Beautiful elegant brass and dark brown lacquered wood desk "Scrivania" signed on the bottom of the base and on the side of the lacquer Willy Rizzo Italy ca. 1972
Good vintage conditi...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Hekman Furniture Mid Century Desk with Cylinder Roll
Located in Countryside, IL
Hekman Furniture mid century desk with cylinder roll
The desk measures: 53 wide x 28 deep x 33 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintage c...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Bent Silberg Mobler Mid Century Danish Teak Desk
Located in Countryside, IL
Bent Silberg Mobler mid century Danish teak desk
The desk measures: 51.25 wide x 23.75 deep x 29 high, with a chair clearance of 26 inches
All pieces of furniture can be had in...
Category
1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Desk Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty - Attributed Louis Majorelle - 1900
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Desk Attributed Louis Majorelle
Style: Art Nouveau or Modernism or Jugendstil
Year: 1900
Materials : Furniture glass paste, bronze and wood.
Painted flowers
We have specialized in t...
Category
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Vivai del Sud Rattan and Bamboo Desk / Vanity Table Italy, C.1970
Located in London, GB
A Vivai del Sud pedestal table Rome, Italy, C.1970.
Constructed in in rattan, bamboo and cane.
Ideal as a small desk or vanity.
The Knee hole width measures 39cm.
In excellent c...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Meeting Table by Bisanzio Hyroyuki Toyoda for Simon Gavina, 1980
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Byzantium Hyroyuki Toyoda meeting table for Simon Gavina 1980.
Consisting of 9 pairs of legs at the edges and 3 central steel legs with brass ends.
The 3.5 cm thick plywood top ove...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass, Steel
Kittenger Wood Lawyer's Desk
By Kittinger
Located in Dallas, TX
A Kittinger solid wood lawyer's desk. The desk is made of solid mahogany wood. The desk has a long thin drawer in the center flanked by four drawers to the sides. The desk has ornate...
Category
1980s American Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Eugenio Quarti desk, Chair and Trah in Style Liberty or Art Nouveau, Jugestails
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Eugenio Quarti (Desk , chair and Trash )
Style: Liberty or Art Nouveau or Modernism or Jugendstil
Furniture realized mainly in inlays of nacre and metallic applications, parchament
bronze ferrules.
We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles since 1982.If you have any questions we are at your disposal
Pushing the button that reads 'View All From Seller'. And you can see more objects to the style for sale.
Eugenio Quarti was born in Villa d'Almè, a small village in the province of Bergamo, from an artisan family of woodworkers. In 1881, at the age of 14 years old he goes to Paris, where he will learn new techniques and broaden his horizons. In 1886, he returned to Italy and settled in Milan where he worked, for a short period, with Carlo Bugatti and then open his own workshop in via Donizetti 3.
His early works are strongly marked by Bugatti Moorish’s style, but already the exhibition of Turin of 1898 you can see the first signs of Art Nouveau and his personal style. He was always attentive to the quality and originality of his accomplishments, always attentive to every art form. Furniture realized mainly in walnut with inlays of nacre and metallic applications. Develop over time a harmonic elegance of the decor, with thread-like grounds, valuable wood species and inlays and high quality bezels with fine materials (nacre, silver, copper, bronze, pewter, etc.), this characteristic was called "the goldsmith of furniture makers."
In 1900 he participates at the Paris International exposition where he received the "Grand Prix" of the jury. Will participate in a number of other exposures as that of Turin in 1902 and Milan in 1906 where he will receive the "Grand Royal Award" and the "Diploma of gold medal".
Eugenio Quarti worked with the most prestigious architects of his time (Giuseppe Sommaruga, Luigi Broggi, Alfredo Campanini, etc.) well as with the great artists/craftsmen of his time as Alessandro Mazzucotelli. He also worked as a decorator, designing entire furniture for both public and private buildings. It was he who designed the furniture for Palazzo Castiglioni in Milan, Villa Carosio in Baveno, Grand Hotel and Casino in San Pellegrino Terme, Hungaria Palace Hotel in Venice Lido. One of his most significant works were the vessels of the "Bar Camparino", at the entrance site of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan. however not disdain also committed less important such as the furniture for Villa Mariani to Bordighera residence of the painter Pompeo Mariani...
Category
Early 1900s Italian Art Nouveau Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Antique Victorian Carved Oak Writing Desk or Library Table, Circa 1890s
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Late Victorian or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table
USA, Late 19th Century
Carved oak, with brass hardware.
Measures: 39"W x 27"D x 30"H.
Goo...
Category
Late 20th Century American Late Victorian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Antique Bentwood Desk by Jacob and Josef Kohn Austria c.1910
Located in London, GB
A beautiful and extremely rare desk made by the high end manufacturers Jacob and Josef Kohn. This was most likely designed by Josef Frank, it was made in Austria and dates from around 1900-1910 period.
The original Jacob and Josef Kohn label is seen below the top, and this has all the hallmarks of their quality pieces. It is beautifully made with a bentwood frame, solid beach desk...
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Edwardian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Beech, Bentwood, Leather
Rare Solid Mexican Cocobolo Wood Desk Don Shoemaker
Located in Atlanta, GA
A bespoken and rare desk by celebrated Mexican designer and woodworker Don Shoemaker, model no F46. Designed in 1970s and executed in 1981, the desk is constructed with patchwork of ...
Category
1980s Mexican Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Cocobolo
Single Minimalistic Heavy Polished Aluminum Table or Desk Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Single minimalistic heavy polished aluminum table or desk base. Add your own wood or marble top to specification. The base dimensions are shown below. They are ideal to create a 96" ...
Category
1970s American International Style Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Vintage Cini Boeri for Knoll Lunario Cantilevered Table/Desk
By Knoll, Cini Boeri
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This elegant Mid-Century Modern desk features a polished stainless steel base with a 1/2 inch thick cantilever glass top. By Cini Boeri for Knoll ...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stainless Steel
Fine French 1970s Desk-Console-Commode
Located in Long Island City, NY
A fine French 1970s desk in palisander with seven drawers and one door.
As all sides of the piece are veneered, it may be placed in the middle of a room.
It may also be used as a con...
Category
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Palisander
Mid-Century Modern Romeo Rega Chrome, Brass and Glass Dining Table
By Romeo Rega
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Sculptural Art Deco style dining table attributed to Romeo Rega. Curved arch tubular base features brass and chrome striped design with .5 inch thick glass top. A stunning oversized desk...
Category
1970s 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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