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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
English Walnut & Mahogany Games Table
Located in Staffordshire, GB
circa 1940
English Walnut & Mahogany Games table
Measures: W 76 x D 42 x H 76 cm.
Category
20th Century Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
C.1950s French Limed Oak Desk
Located in London, GB
A limed oak desk from France.
Unusual form with original brass hardware.
Nicely patinated with light signs of wear.
Recently sympathetically restored...
Category
1950s French Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Antique Art Deco Industrial Simmons Small Metal Desk 1930s
Located in Detroit, MI
This antique Art Deco machine age metal desk was produced by Simmons circa 1930. Possibly a Norman Bel Geddes design, this small desk features the modernist, streamline furniture des...
Category
1930s American Industrial Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
English 19th Century Mahogany Table with Compartment, Drawer and Reeded Legs
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English mahogany table from the 19th century, with single drawer, small compartment and reeded legs. Created in England during the 19th century, this mahogany table features a rectangular top with rounded corners and small compartment, sitting above a single drawer fitted with round beaded pulls. Raised on four reeded legs mounted on casters, this 19th century English mahogany table...
Category
19th Century English Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
"Melting" Writing Desk in Cream Shagreen and Bronze-Patina Brass by R&Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines.
The melting writing desk...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Vintage 1950's Oak Combined school Desk and Chair "George M Hammer & Co London"
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
Vintage 1950's Oak Combined school Desk and Chair "George M Hammer & Co London." It will transform your workspace featuring sturdy black steel legs that combine durability with moder...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Strada Desk
Located in Paris, FR
Desk Strada with structure in solid wood covered with
bronze plates in brush finish with 2 different shades of
brushed bronze finish. Desk pad covered with high quality
genuine s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
$19,979 / item
Victorian Davenport Desk Lift Top Pop Up Mechanism Concealed File Compartment
Located in Rockaway, NJ
English Victorian Davenport Desk Lift Top Pop Up Mechanism Concealed File Compartment.
Beautiful burl wood cabinet.
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Maple, Oak, Burl
Regency Mahogany Library Table
Located in Woodbury, CT
Regency mahogany library table features twin hinged, solid mahogany leaves that can either extend the top as writing surfaces or be used as book supports for reading. Underneath the...
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Danish Modern Floating-Top Teak Desk with Bookcase by Dyrlund
By Dyrlund
Located in Miami, FL
A stylish and modern teak executive desk with floating top designed and made in Denmark by Dyrlund. The Scandinavian writing table features three drawers on the left, an open filing ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
French 19th Century Louis XV Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Marquetry Center Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Very Fine French 19th century Louis XV Style gilt-bronze mounted fruitwood floral marquetry center table or desk with drawer, by Ébéniste Louis Gradé, Gr...
Category
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
$24,980 Sale Price
41% Off
Important Vintage Pierre Chapo Desk, Model B40, in Solid Elm, 1980
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Really large desk design by Pierre Chapo and produced in 1980. This desk B40 is made in solid Elm and is the largest version of the model. In situ picture and more details regarding ...
Category
1980s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Elm
Vintage Wood Island With Drawers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning vintage wood island with a naturally weathered finish, featuring six drawers for storage and a lower shelf for open display. Its generous length and rustic charm make it a...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
French Napoleon III Period Ebonized Desk, 1870s
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An imposing Napoleon III center table (or 'Table de Milieu') in ebonized fruit wood, rectangular in shape, with rounded sides.
Its ornate top, which is bordered all around with a gilt bronze frieze and two further inner bands, features at its centre an intricate marquetry inlaid design of a foliage cartouche framing a vase of flowers.
The smoothly curving belt of the table encloses a frieze drawer on one long side, with a repeat, inlaid design that echoes that of the top.
The table rests on four turned, tapered and fluted legs, ending in toupie feet, and these are connected by two half-moon spacers...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass, Bronze
$3,328 Sale Price
55% Off
Unique Red Lacquer and Brass Maison Jansen Dining Table or Desk, 1970s
Located in Paris, IDF
A rare piece from Maison Jansen, this large dining table was a commission by a private client. With its impeccable design, perfect proportions, and high-end materials like mother of ...
Category
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Bespoke Executive Metal Desk, Lacquered Steel, Walnut Veneer, Industrial Design
By GMD Berlin
Located in Berlin, DE
Industrial design executive metal desk, customizable.
The desk is made of lacquered steel, aluminum, walnut veneer.
Category
2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Stickley Brothers Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Drop Front Secretary Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts slant front writing desk
By Stickley Brothers
USA, Early 20th Century
Quarter sawn oak, with hammered copper hardware. Desk locks, and ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Copper
The Chiquita Desk. Brazilian Solid Wood and Natural Straws.
Located in São Paulo, SP
The Chiquita writing desk features smooth and delicate lines, with 4 drawers featuring fronts made of natural wicker and brass handles that impart a nostalgic and romantic feel to th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Straw, Wood
Lady’s Desk or Vanity in Mahogany, Czechoslovakia, 1970s
By Up Závody
Located in Zohor, SK
Beautiful midcentury desk, originally used as a desk for a lady, or vanity in the bedroom. The table is elegant combination of lighter birch wood on the sides and mahogany wood on to...
Category
1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Birch, Mahogany
$461 Sale Price
50% Off
Mid-Century Danish Teak Large Executive Desk
Located in Baltimore, MD
Beautiful remarkable statement in design and craftsmanship. This large mid-century teak Danish executive size desk, is precisely crafted in exceptional teak grain wood, with a fully ...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
The Burl Wood Parson Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Modern burl wood dining table, with Parsons style legs, one drawer, a 'rustic' warm brown finish with subtle distressing and a hand-rubbed finish.
Dimensions: 72" W x 36" D x 30" H.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Burl
$5,360 / item
19th Century Country French Provincial Walnut Writing Table Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome 19th century country French provincial diminutive writing table or desk carved from walnut. The top and frieze have a gracefully curved serpentine shape with a small storage...
Category
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Hans Wegner Danish Oak AT-305 Desk, 1953
Located in London, England
Hans Wegner - Model 305 desk, 1953
Oak desk from Danish icon Hans Wegner produced by master-cabinetmaker Ejner Pedersen for his company PP Mobler c1970s. The whole desk including le...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Live Edge French Burl Elm Slab Dining Table, Desk or Work Table
Located in Chicago, IL
This thick 2” slab of 40 year old French Burled Elm was found in the backyard of a famous French furniture maker, who unfortunately closed his doors after 60 years in business. The beauty of the slab speaks for itself, for I cannot think of any words that could accurately describe what Mother Nature created. Whether you use it for a desk, like I have for many years, or a dining table, or ever a kitchen island work table...
Category
1970s French Country Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Elm, Burl
The Square Desk. Brazilian Solid Wood Writing Table Design by Amilcar Oliveira
Located in São Paulo, SP
The Square Desk was inspired by the design of Brazilian modern furniture from the 1950s and 1960s, featuring straight lines and Indian straw weaving. It's delicate and highly comfort...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Straw, Wood
$2,000 Sale Price / item
37% Off
Early American Solid Maple and Birch Drop Front Secretary Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful American Colonial or Chippendale style bureau with drop front secretary desk
USA, Circa 1970s
Gorgeous carved solid maple and birch, with original brass hardware.
Meas...
Category
1970s American American Colonial Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Niguel Writing Desk by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Niguel writing desk features solid turned legs, brass cap feet and lacquered interior drawers.
The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handmade in Los Angeles, California....
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
$6,475 / item
Freestanding Desk in Mahogany and Brass by Josef Frank, 1937
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Freestanding Desk in Mahogany and Brass by Josef Frank, 1937
Additional Information:
Material: Mahogany and brass
Style: Mid century, Scandinavian
Rare freestanding desk model 770
P...
Category
20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Danish Teak Desk
Located in Baltimore, MD
Beautiful remarkable statement in design and craftsmanship. This mid-century teak Danish desk, precisely crafted in exceptional teak grain wood, with a fully finished back the finish...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Pierre Jeanneret Desk and Office Chair from Chandigarh
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
One of the most desirables and hard to find desk model from Pierre Jeannette, presented with a floating back office chair (Ca 1960) also by the known designer.
Desk features three ...
Category
1950s Indian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
1963 Danish Writing Desk and Mirrored Vanity, Wood, Oestergaard
Located in Arosio, IT
A Mid-Century Modern small desk that can also be used as mirrored vanity. It has one tilt mirror (still bearing the original label) and one drawer. Legs are in hardwood and the top i...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
1968 Executive Desk
Located in Hanover, MA
Executive desk formerly belonging to noted architect George M. Notter, (1933–2007) of the Boston firm Anderson Notter Finegold (now known as Finegold Alexander Architects).
Current institutional memory at the firm suggests it was a special order from Herman Miller for the then new New York offices of MGM, however Herman Miller's archivist was unable to confirm.
Styling, particularly the distinctive slim milled aluminum tracks through which the entire drawer carriage glides is clearly similar to Warren Platner's designs for Lehigh-Leopold which were then among the most costly of executive office furnishings.
The bent flat bar chromed steel base with its distinctive pigeon toe splay is somewhat similar to a table base in Stow Davis' Electa Series, designed by Alexis Yermakov circa 1971.
Walnut laminate top is very clean with no issues. One corner edge shows a small separation.
The only identifying markings are within the milled aluminum channel:
G.P.
F.I.
2
And the date Dec. 20, 1968.
See image 18.
Between the rectangular laminate top and the chrome base is a heavy blackened steel plate. Underneath the bent chrome pigeon toe feet are bars of a thick phenolic material which act as floor protector.
We can have keys made to fit the two locking drawers.
Tim Anderson...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
$6,500
1950s Oak Bureau in JM Frank Style from Cartier Paris – Exquisite Craftsmanship
Located in IT
This stunning 1950s oak bureau, crafted in the style of renowned designer Jean-Michel Frank, comes from the prestigious Cartier store in Paris. Taller than a standard desk, its elega...
Category
19th Century French Mid-Century Modern Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
French Massive Pine Desk circa 1950
Located in Labrit, Landes
French massive pine desk made circa 1950.
Four drawers and a cabinet with a shelf.
The cabinet can be locked . The locker is fixed upside down, so the key must also be turned upside...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Regency Rosewood Library Table Attributed To Gillows
Located in Sherborne, GB
English rosewood library table, attributed to Gillows of Lancaster and London. With elaborate holly wood inlay/marquetry cross banding using Thomas Wilkinson’s tracings who was a dra...
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
James de Wulf Concrete Leaning Table
Located in Paia, HI
A play on balance, this table is constructed entirely of two concrete pieces. The tabletop is singly supported by the leg, while the two merge with gravity to lock into place. Their balance is a sight to behold.
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Color shown in Natural Tone
A perfect complement to the James de Wulf Concrete...
Category
2010s American Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Concrete, Cement
$28,024 / item
Louis XVI writing desk in walnut. 18th century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A refined Louis XVI period writing desk from the 18th century, crafted in warm walnut with understated brass trim. This elegant secrétaire features a clean, architectural silhouette ...
Category
18th Century Italian Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Monique Writing Desk by Dom Edizioni
By Dom Edizioni
Located in Milan, IT
Masterfully handcrafted by expert artisans, this desk combines luxurious materials with a minimalist design aesthetic that will add timeless elegance to any home or office. Evoking a...
Category
2010s Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
$15,130 / item
Executive Waterfall Metal Desk With Roll Container, Plated Metal, Glossy Lacquer
By GMD Berlin
Located in Berlin, DE
Modernist executive waterfall metal desk. High-quality metal construction finisher in glossy metallic painting. Available in different finishes and dimensions on request. Production ...
Category
2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Chrome
20th Century Swedish Teakwood Writing Table - Vintage Office Desk by David Rosén
By David Rosén
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A rectangular, vintage Mid-Century modern Swedish writing table, desk made of hand crafted polished Teakwood, designed by David Rosen for Nordiska Kompaniet, in good condition. The S...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
$5,950 Sale Price
30% Off
Artona desk designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto 1979.
Located in Athens, Attiki
The Artona executive desk by Afra and Tobia Scarpa was the first line ever produced by Maxalto.
Maxalto was set up in 1975 as a high-end division of B&B Italia to focus exclusively ...
Category
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Walnut, Burl
Modern Arco da Augusta Console Calacatta Marble Handmade Portugal Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Arco da Augusta Console, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Inspired by Lisbon's historical arch and as a homage to the Portuguese architecture...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Onyx, Travertine, Marble, Carrara Marble, Brass, Steel
Antique Keuffel & Esser Drafting Table With Iron Base
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Antique Keuffel & Esser Drafting Table with Iron Base.. this table goes from 30 inches tall to 38 inches tall maybe a little bit more if you push it 24 inches wide original oak top. ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
Severin Hansen Model 36 Teak Desk for Haslev, Denmark, Circa 1950s
Located in Peabody, MA
A teak desk, Model 36, designed by Severin Hansen for Haslev Mobelsnedkeri, circa late 1950s. Hansen's furniture designs are distinctively recognizable for their sleek profiles with ...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Oak Roll Top Secretary Desk with Drawers
Located in Madrid, ES
Oak secretary / writing desk from circa 1900's. Featuring a roll-up flap with underlying writing board, shelf interior and two drawers. Below the writing desk there are two pull-out ...
Category
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
$3,215 Sale Price
20% Off
Fine Regency Mahogany Writing Table
Located in Essex, MA
With rectangular inset green leather with tooled border and banded edge. The frieze with three drawers on each side with lions head brass pulls. Turned reeded tapered legs ending on ...
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Pierre Jeanneret Desk, 1950s Chandigargh
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Spectacular pigeonhole desk by Pierre Jeanneret. Made for the Chandigarh project. Used in the administrative buildings in Chindigargh, Sector 1. Angular leg and bookcase back. The word - OFFICE - stenciled on years ago designating it to one of the buildings. One of the most iconic pieces of modern design. Dark green leather top. Single pull out drawer on front left. Looks stunning from every angle. Great piece to float in a room. Desk in excellent vintage condition. Last 5 images are the original photos - pre-restoration.
Armrest clearance is 26".
Jeanneret Chandigargh Book - Jacques Dworczak...
Category
1950s Indian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Teak
Mid-Century Teak Desk with Stacked Drawers by Herbert Hirche for Holzapfel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Teak desk by Herbert Hirche for Holzapfel. Handsome writing desk with attractive teak grain and a set of stacked drawers. Its grey enameled metal legs, matching drawer pu...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Bodil Kjær Office Desk Table, Wood and Steel by Karakter
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Table designed by Bodil Kjær in 1959.
We are proud to present our first design from a Danish designer. In this case, Danish architect, professor, and designer, Bodil Kjær. The ic...
Category
2010s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
$9,655 Sale Price / item
25% Off
Antique French Louis XV Style Marquetry Inlay Petite Demilune Writing Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Louis XV Style Marquetry Inlay Petite Demilune Writing Desk. Item features marble top, green leather pull out writing surface, inlaid al...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Charlotte Perriand Desk "Petit Bureau en forme libre" for Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the chosen material. Available in Mahogany or American walnut or a lacquered version (different colors available).
A design table crafted by Charlotte Perr...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Original Italian Art Deco Desk in Walnut and Briar Root, 1930s
Located in Milan, IT
Amazing Italian Art Deco desk in walnut and briar root original, 1930.
In very excellent condition.
Category
1930s European Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Arne Jacobsen 'AJ52' Desk in Oiled Oak and Leather for Carl Hansen & Son
Located in Glendale, CA
Arne Jacobsen 'AJ52' Desk in Oiled Oak and Leather for Carl Hansen & Son
The story of Danish Modern begins in 1908 when Carl Hansen opened his first workshop. His firm commitment to...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Leather, Oak
Severin Hansen Model 36 Oak Desk - New Edition
Located in London, England
The iconic Model 36 desk from Danish designer Severin Hansen was designed in 1958 and exhibited at the annual Cabinetmaker’s Guild Exhibition in Copenhagen in...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
$11,377 / item
Mid-Century Modern Executive Desk 207 by Arne Vodder for Sibast, 1960s
By Sibast, Arne Vodder
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Mid-Century Modern executive desk 207.
Design by Arne Vodder for Sibast Denmark.
Striking Danish design from the 1960s.
Solid teak base with three original drawe...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Desk or Library Table, Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table
By L. & J.G. Stickley
USA, Circa 1900
Gorgeous quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper hardwa...
Category
Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Copper
18th Century English Painted Bureau
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Small 19th century English painted oak bureau with brass swan neck handles. 1820.
Code: 9064
Dimensions:
W: 31" (78.7 cm)
H: 36" (91.4 cm)
D: 17.5" (44.5 cm)
Category
18th Century English George III Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Antique Oak Child’s Roll Top Desk C1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Oak Child’s Roll Top Desk Unsigned C1920
Measures - 32 5/8" x 20 1/8" x 15 3/4"
This charming antique oak roll top desk, dating from arou...
Category
Early 20th Century Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
$600 Sale Price
20% Off
1940s Writing Desk by Ico Parisi for Brugnoli Mobili, Cantu, Wax-Polished
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Elegant writing desk with legs and frame in solid walnut, veneer teak wood the tops and partridge eye wood for the front drawer. Restored and wax-polished
Measures cm: H 74, W 102, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut, Teak
Antique Fine Quality Victorian 19th Century Walnut Duchess Dressing Table
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique Victorian Walnut Duchess Dressing Table (19th Century) – a fine quality piece showcasing exquisite age, color, and patina. This r...
Category
19th Century Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
$1,869 Sale Price
30% Off
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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