Desks and Writing Tables
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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Period: 1950s
Period: 18th Century and Earlier
Fine French Mid-Century Lacquered Desk by Raphael
Located in Long Island City, NY
Raphael (Raphael Raffel, 1912-2000) Rare Beka lacquer pedestal desk with three drawers, a black lacquered base and bronze details.
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
George III Brass-Mounted Satinwood Writing-Table
Located in London, GB
A FINE GEORGE III BRASS-MOUNTED SATINWOOD WRITING-TABLE, CIRCA 1790.
The frieze crossbanded in kingwood fitted with a cedar-lined drawer to each side.
Category
18th Century Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Oak Writing Desk in the Style of Guillerme Et Chambron, France 1950s
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1950s French writing desk in the style of French design duo Guillerme et Chambron. This desk was beautifully constructed using oak with gorgeous wood graining and carved detailing....
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Late 18th Century French Walnut Writing Table/Work Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
Late 18th Century French Walnut Writing Table/Work Table with Fluted Legs, Drawer, & Stretcher. Finished on All Sides.
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Late 18th Century Tuscany Walnut Writing Table
Located in Firenze, FI
Beautiful writing table veneered in walnut with top partially covered in red-purple leather and highlighted in gold.
Five drawers, four of which are smaller on the sides and one in ...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Scrivania Anni 50-60
Located in Milano, IT
Scrivania con cassetti laterali e sotto piano in legno impiallacciato ciliegio e piano in vetro retro trattato.
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stained Glass, Cherry
Bernt Petersen Danish Mahogany Writing Desk, circa 1950s
Located in London, GB
Bernt Petersen
Mahogany Writing Desk, circa 1950s
Four drawer executive desk produced in Denmark by master cabinetmakers Rud. Rasmussen, Denmark. Solid mahogany legs and drawer...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Fine French 1950s Leather Covered Desk and Chairs by Jacques Adnet
Located in Long Island City, NY
Jacques Adnet (1900 - 1984) - A fine French mid-century leather-covered curved desk with patinated metal details, a compass style cherry frame with tapered legs finished with silver-...
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Cherry
Restored Modern Original Desk by Widdicomb, c. 1950
Located in Wilton, CT
Offering a beautifully restored Art Deco desk by Widdicomb, USA, one of America's great names in mid-century furniture making. This rare desk fr...
Category
1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
18th Century Italian Walnut Writing Desk / Console Table
Located in Carmine, TX
Simple and elegant table hand-crafted in Italy in the early 1700s using walnut and dovetailed construction. This is a beautiful specimen of early tables built to last centuries. Don'...
Category
Early 18th Century Italian Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Swedish Rococo Period Slant Front Desk Painted in Black with Distressed Finish
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Rococo period two-part slant-front desk from the 18th century, repainted in black with a blue interior and later iron hardware. Created in Sweden during the Rococo period, ...
Category
18th Century Swedish Rococo Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
Tecno Executive Desk in Walnut and Cast Aluminum by Osvaldo Borsani, Italy 1950s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Hellouw, NL
This Italian 1950s desk, which can also serve as a table, exudes an unprecedented class and elegance. The very solid boat-shaped top is made of walnut wood and shows a beautiful draw...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Central Italian Baroque Period Dark Walnut Refectory Table, Mid-17th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
Having a thick rectangular top supported by two urn-shaped trestle-form legs joined by a square shaped stretcher, the supports raised on plinth form bases.
Category
Mid-17th Century Italian Baroque Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Italian Desk by Vittorio Dassi, 1950s
By Dassi
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Italian desk by Vittorio Dassi, 1950s.
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Midcentury Desk with Roll-Top, Walnut Veneer, 1950s, Fully Restored
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This is a legendary and mysterious project that was probably commissioned for a chain of exclusive Polish Fashion salons in Poland, circa 1950s. It is not known to this day who is be...
Category
1950s Polish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
French 1790s Walnut and Cherry Slant Front Desk with Marquetry Geometric Decor
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Louis XVI period walnut and cherry slant front desk from the late 18th century, with marquetry décor, drawers and fine details. Create...
Category
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Cherry, Walnut
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquer Double Pedestal Desk and Chair
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern double pedestal executive writing desk and spindle back chair
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Solid bla...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Hans J. Wegner - rare PP571 Architect's Desk in soaped oak, 1953 for PP Møbler
Located in Munster, NRW
Hans J. Wegner designed the extraordinary pp571 Architect´s Desk in 1953 as a match to the Round Chair (The Chair).
Later in 1955 he designed the Swivel Chair hence completing a line of exclusive, functional and exquisitely crafted masterpieces for the CEO office.
(This table was purchased circa 2000 from the first owner!)
The desk marks the beginning of Wegner's work on combining sharp steel and sculptural solid wood in most elegant and well-balanced solutions.
In this respect the desk precedes such unique classics as the Swivel Chair, the Cross Legged Table and the pp75 table...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Hungarian Mid-Century Desk
Located in Houston, TX
Desk is made out of beautiful walnut wood, displaying mesmerizing wood grain on the table top. There are 2 keyed spacious drawers on the left side and 3 smaller drawers on the right ...
Category
1950s Hungarian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Rare and Early White Oak Mid-Century Modern Desk Labeled Risom Design circa 19
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rare and early white oak Mid-Century Modern five drawer desk labeled Risom Design circa 1950. Possibly from the early Risom NYC workshop.
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
1950s Floating Modern Executive Desk Style of Vittorio Dassi from Italy
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Modern Vintage Floating Italian Desk
Ample storage. Finished backside.
Unmarked attributed style Vittorio Dassi
Measures: 51.13 W x 23.63 D x 29.88 tall Knee hole 19.5 wide ...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
18th C. French Carved-Wood Table with Leather Writing Pad Top
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French carved-wood desk with leather writing pad top from the 18th century. This antique table from France features a rectangular-shaped top with...
Category
18th Century French Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
Fratelli Proserpio Vintage Roller Desk
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful rolling desk made of wood by Fratelli Proserpio in the 1950s, fine Italian manufacture.
The desk has a dark solid wood base with 4 very stiff square legs. Underneath are s...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Brazilian Desk 1950ies Pigeon Hole
Located in Untersiggenthal, AG
Wonderfull shaped desk in the style of brazilian furniture.
Category
1950s Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Mid-Century Modern Oak Desk, Guillerme et Chambron, France, 1950's
Located in Austin, TX
Mid-century oak desk with organic shaped top with inlaid glass and leather. Single stack of drawers and triangle legs. From same period, region and st...
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Glass, Oak
Italian Midcentury Executive Rosewood Desk and Chair by Dassi, 1950s
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Excellent Italian Executive desk designed by Vittorio and Plinio Dassi in 1950. glass top, eight drawers, solid brass tipped feet, high executive quality. It features an exquisite de...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Severin Hansen 1950s Danish Rosewood Writing Desk
Located in London, GB
Severin Hansen Jnr.
Writing Desk, circa 1950s.
Produced by Haslev Mobelsnedkeri, Denmark. Rosewood veneer construction and brass fittings with 4 integral drawers. Original keys...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Arne Vodder Desk & Sideboard Rio Rosewood, 1955 by Sibast Møbelfrabrik, Denmark
By Arne Vodder, Sibast
Located in Munster, NRW
Arne Vodder office desk & sideboard, model 209 in Rio rosewood, made in 1955 by Sibast Møbelfrabrik, Denmark (for this property we have a valid cites certificate.)
Stunning and huge desk...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Important Queen Anne Walnut Architect's Chest, circa 1710
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Important and very unique Queen Anne walnut architect's chest with padouk lined drawers with original handles, circa 1710.
Exceptional and very fine craftsmanship with a plentitude of details, fully functional and in very good condition.
The chest was purchased in the 1970s from De Havilland Antiques, Sloane Street...
Category
18th Century English Queen Anne Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Barley Twist Walnut Side Table, Late 17th Century
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a superb example of a late 17th century Franco-Flemish period Louis XIV side table or writing table. The table is in original condition with an old multi-layer waxed surface....
Category
1680s French Louis XIV Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Japan Series Writing Desk EU02 in Teak by Cees Braakman for Pastoe, Netherlands
By Cees Braakman, Pastoe
Located in Halle, DE
Teak desk from the 1950s, designed by Cees Braakman manufactured by Pastoe, Netherlands.
Blackend steelframe with suspended teakchests. 5 drawers, 1-drawer for hanging files.
Category
1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Severin Hansen 1950s Danish Rosewood Writing Desk
Located in London, GB
Severin Hansen Jnr.
Writing Desk, circa 1950s.
Produced by Haslev Mobelsnedkeri, Denmark. Rosewood veneer construction and brass fittings with 4 integral drawers. Original keys...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Severin Hansen 1950s Danish Rosewood Writing Desk
Located in London, GB
Severin Hansen Jnr.
Writing desk, circa 1950s.
This iconic piece of Danish design was produced by Haslev Mobelsnedkeri in Denmark in the late 1950s. The desk is made from solid...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
18th Century Italian Console Table or Desk with Trestle Legs & Single Board Top
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian console table, or desk, with single board top and trestle legs from the 18th century. This antique chestnut wood farm table from Italy...
Category
Early 18th Century Italian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Tile Top Dining Table or Desk in the Style of Gordon Jane Martz, Walnut, Mosaic
Located in Miami, FL
Tile top table with walnut frame and legs.
The tabletop is heavy and the walnut legs are skinny, the table will hold your dinner or homework but no dancing on this table ;)
The Tab...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
An 18th Century Walnut Wood Trestle Table with Arched Iron Stretcher from Italy
Located in Atlanta, GA
A late 18th century Italian trestle table with iron stretcher. This antique table from Italy features a rectangular-shaped top from a single piece of walnut wood, which is raised upo...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
Rare Jean Prouve "Bureau Surveillant" Desk, France, circa 1950
Located in Nashville, TN
Jean Prouve "Bureau Surveillant" desk, France, circa 1950. Tubular metal frame with oak sides and top. Presumably manufactured by Lycée Jean Prouve,...
Category
1950s French Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
18th Century Spanish Table or Desk
Located in Houston, TX
18th century Spanish table, in the San Antonio style, with iron straps has been modified to function as a desk with two drawers. Beautiful ...
Category
18th Century Spanish Antique Desks and Writing Tables
A Fine French Art Deco Walnut Extendable Dining Table by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Long Island City, NY
Fine French 1950s walnut dining / writing table with two ends pull-out leaves and bronze details (sabots).
Width is 110" when fully extended.
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
English Mahogany Inlaid Red Leather Top Rent Table with Original Casters, C 1790
Located in Hollywood, SC
English mahogany four drawer red leather top rent table with circular swivel top, diamond bone escutcheons, checkered inlays, and terminating on a tripod base with original brass cas...
Category
1790s English George III Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Mahogany, Satinwood
Nanna Ditzel Writing Desk
By Nanna Ditzel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nanna Ditzel Writing Desk Designed in 1958 and Produced by Soren Willadsen Mobelfabrik.
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
English Mahogany Leather Top Writing Desk, Circa 1780
Located in Hollywood, SC
English mahogany two-drawer leather top writing desk with carved molded edge, original brasses and terminating on chamfered tapered legs, Late 18th century. Desk is finished on all ...
Category
1790s English George III Antique Desks and Writing Tables
leather trestle desk Madame Vanacky
By Madame Vanacky
Located in Westport, CT
creme Leather trestle designed Desk, made,by Madame Vanacky circa 1950
Category
1950s American Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
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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