Skip to main content

Desks and Writing Tables

to
996
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
3,532
3,391
5,671
1,763
93
6,418
3,135
1,183
5,167
1,400
1,193
7,527
6,014
6,248
Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Mid-Century Italian Walnut Sliding Glass Top Secretary Tall Desk Writing Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant and classic Mid-Century Modern Italian walnut wood desk console, writing table, secretary with sliding top with black glass for a seated position when extended, a top sh...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Glass

Military Campaign Style Writing Table / Desk
Located in Southampton, NJ
Handsome antique military style campaign desk / writing table with three drawers, gorgeous wood grains & brass inlay top. Versatile mid size dimensions at 50" Wide x 28" Deep x 30.75...
Category

Mid-20th Century Canadian Campaign Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Original Otto Wagner for Thonet 1905 Writing Desk Postal Saving Bank Vienna
Located in Vienna, AT
Otto Wagner writing desk from the Postal Saving Bank in Vienna. Made by Thonet, Vienna. Otto Wagner Writing Desk, Postal Saving Bank, Vienna - Lit.: Asenbaum/Haiko, Otto Wagner, Möbe...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Jugendstil Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Svend Åge Madsen Sled Legs Teak Desk 1960s
Located in Handewitt, DE
Freestanding teak desk by Svend Åge Madsen for HP Hansen Denmark 1960s. With 3 drawers each site, sled legs and front with book compartment. Key incl.
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Versatile Mid Century Walnut Writing Desk Dining Table 1960s
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A versatile Mid century walnut kitchen, dining table or writing desk. Book matched top with solid legs. The top and legs are in superb condition and almost look new. The underside an...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Nº113 Vein-cut Romano Travertine Console Table by Amee Allsop
Located in East Hampton, NY
Meticulously and simply crafted with solid 3cm thick travertine slabs, the proportions create a lightness of form juxtaposing the materiality. A continuation of Coffee Table Nº 106,...
Category

2010s American Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Travertine

French Louis XIV Style Ebonized Mahogany Writing Desk, C. 1940
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A stately French writing desk in the Louis XIV style with a rectangular top inset with a rich, tooled leather writing surface, framed by a molded edge, and flanked on either side by ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XIV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Widdicomb Kneehole Executive Desk Cherry Brass Mid Century 1950s
Located in Forest Grove, PA
An unmarked Widdicomb kneehole executive desk. Excellent wood choice, book matched throughout. Cherry veneer with solid cherry feet. Original patina to the brass handles. Professiona...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

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

1960s Danish Cabinetmaker's Freestanding Classical Director's Desk in Hardwood
Located in London, GB
1960s Danish Cabinetmaker's Freestanding Classical Director's Desk in Rosewood. Front with eight profiled drawers and two pull-out writing leaves. Reverse side with shelf, two drawer...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood

French Carved Wood Partners Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredible wood partners desk from France, 1940's. Large rectangular top with four thick carved wood legs and ball feet. Two drawers with brass knobs on each side. Original finish sh...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Solace No10 Console Table – Soft-Edged Wood Sculpture, Design by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Solace No10 Console Table – Soft-Edged Wood Sculpture, Design by Joel Escalona ————————————————————— Solace Console Table Series Design by Joel Escalona The Solace console table se...
Category

2010s Mexican Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood

"Zeno" Asymmetrical Beech and Ebony Desk by Massimo Scolari for Giorgetti, 1990s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A well crafted asymmetric 90's desk designed by Massimo Scolari for Giorgetti S.p.A. The desk is made of a beech frame with Macassar Ebony inset top and aluminum hardware. The leg ha...
Category

1990s Italian Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Danish Modern Desk by Ernst Kühn, Lysberg, Hansen & Therp, Danmark, 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Danish Modern desk by Ernst Kühn, made from mahogany with unusual lines and proportions. Hidden handles for the drawers make them easy to pull out, the key is missing.
Category

1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Jacques Pine Green Console Table in Bird's Eye Maple by Fred&Juul
Located in Fiesole, Florence
Designed with the aim to find the perfect balance between clean lines and warm texture. Consisting of 5 rounded, 50 mm thick slats with bird’s eye maple veneer, the console table is ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Birdseye Maple, Maple

Warren Platner for Knoll Writing Desk in Oak and Black Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Warren Platner for Knoll, writing desk, oak, chrome-plated metal, black leather, United States, 1970s. This writing table with two drawers and an extendable panel was designed by W...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Steel

Midcentury "Platone" White Folding Desk by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Lovely white "Platone" folding desk. Designed by the visionary Giancarlo Piretti and produced by Anonima Castelli in Italy during the 1970s. The desk is signed on the bottom. In brand new condition, this desk has never been used and is a new old stock. The Platone desk was designed to be presented as a set with the Plia chair. It is also held in the permanent collection of the MoMa in NYC. Its ingenious three-disc mechanism, a signature feature of Piretti’s bestsellers, reaches its boldest expression in the Platone. The white top is a perfect match with the bold design of this little table, with the metal structure sustaining the table on one side. Platone is built to last and integrates seamlessly into any modern or vintage interior. This stylish desk could function perfectly in a modern or midcentury style children's room or office. Dimension (cm): Width - 82 Depth - 64 Height - 69 Italian interior and industrial designer Giancarlo Piretti was born in 1940 in Bologna. He obtained his teaching degree in drawing at the Art Institute of Bologna (dates unknown), and continued his studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna in 1960. From 1963 until 1970, he taught interior design at the Art Institute of Bologna. Sometime in the 1960s, Piretti also joined Italian design company Castelli as an interior designer, creating home furniture and office furnishings. During his twelve years at Castelli, Piretti obtained numerous industrial patents for his designs, which were mostly chairs. Piretti’s work for Castelli garnered the company an international reputation in furniture design. His most well-known design is the plastic folding Plia Chair (1968), which has sold over seven million copies since 1969 and is still in production. It won the BIO 5 distinction and the SMAU prize at the Ljubljana Biennial in 1971, Germany’s Gute Form prize in 1973, and can be found in permanent collections in various museums world-wide, including Austria, Czech Republic, Slovenia and the United States. In 1969 the complementary Plia Table...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Aluminum, Steel

Vintage Campaign Style Mahogany Library Executive Writing Desk 60"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage writing desk in the style of Michael Vanderbyl for Decca / Bolier & Co. Made from rich mahogany veneers, having a rectangular form with three fitted drawers and raised on mo...
Category

Late 20th Century Campaign Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Derby Oak Raised Panel S-Roll Top Desk with Carved Pulls c1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote*** Antique Derby Oak Raised Panel S-Roll Top Desk with Carved Pulls c1920. 50 3/8" x 55 1/8" x 35 5/8...
Category

Early 20th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Paolo buffa cherrywood writing desk, Italy, 1940s
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
An elegant cherrywood writing desk with fabric-covered drawers, design by Paolo Buffa, Italian manufacture, 1940s This refined piece deserves to be observed from every angle to full...
Category

1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Fabric, Cherry

Fine Quality Coromandel and Marquetry Inlaid Victorian Period Kidney Lady Desk
Located in Miami, FL
A fine quality Coromandel Victorian style kidney shaped writing table. The kidney shaped top having a fine quality velum green leather writing surface with gilt and blind tooled deta...
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Louis XVI Table Writing Desk In Walnut - Italy 19th
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant Louis XVI-style writing desk, crafted in solid walnut, dates to the early 19th century and originates from Italy’s Emilia Romagna region. With its restrained lines and r...
Category

19th Century Italian Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Rattan Wicker And Bamboo Desk Attributed To Dal Vera 1960s
Located in Palermo, IT
Mid-Century rattan wicker and bamboo desk attributed to Dal Vera 1960s Complete and in good condition, it has four very spacious drawers. Dal Vera Antonio e Figli (1884 – 1984) The ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan

Shape 2-Drawer Leather & Eucalyptus Desk
Located in Milan, IT
A sculptural silhouette defined by dynamic slanted cuts and enveloping curves marks this eye-catching desk from the Shape Collection. Offered in a luminous beige tone, the precious eucalyptus structure features two wide drawers sealed by a smooth top...
Category

2010s Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Very Rare Convertible Desk, Partnerdesk, Dressing Table, Early 19th Century
Located in Greven, DE
Make-up table and desk as transformable furniture England Mahogany early 19th century Dimensions: H x W x D: 80 x 120 x 75 cm Description: Extremely rare and refined multifunction...
Category

Early 19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Kugge 52 Flower Pot from Ringvide, Pine, Natural or Pigmented Oil, Scandinavian
Located in Visby, SE
Kugge flower pot We are all a cog in the machinery of life, let us strive to be a force that lifts and does not lower. The top of the pot resembles the shape of a gear wheel...
Category

2010s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

20th Century Vintage Traditional French Writing Desk in Wood
Located in Barcelona, ES
Vintage traditional French writing desk. By unknown manufacturer from France, circa 20th century. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Vintage Scandinavian Modern Rosewood Desk by Ganddal Møbelfabrikk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An iconic Scandinavian Modern rosewood desk crafted by Ganddal Møbelfabrikk in the 1960s. This exceptional vintage rosewood desk showcases all of the hallmarks of Mid-Century Modern ...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Antique 19th Century British Campaign Desk in Mahogany
Located in Peabody, MA
Antique British campaign desk in mahogany, ca. 1890s, fitted with solid brass hardware. The sawhorse legs are fully collapsible.
Category

1890s British Campaign Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Maple Parallel Desk by Juntos Projects
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Parallel desk is built around two suspended horizontal slabs that create an expansive workspace. The structure is anchored by cross-shaped legs that pierce through the top and fr...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple

Early Bodil Kjær Executive Desk, Model 901 — E. Pedersen & Søn, Denmark, 1959
Located in Oakland, CA
Iconic freestanding executive desk designed by architect and professor Bodil Kjær. Model 901, manufactured by E. Pedersen & Søn in Denmark in 1959. Constructed of Brazilian rosewood,...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Vintage Florence Knoll Teak and Chromed-Steel Partner's Desk / Executive Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Executive Table/Partners Desk Model 2485D originally designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates in 1961 (this example was executed in 1980) successfully marries form and fu...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Møbelfabrik Writing Desk in Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Møbelfabrik, desk, model 65, teak, brass, Denmark, 1961. The refined model 65 desk by esteemed Danish designer Arne Wahl Iversen. This elegant writing ta...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Friso Kramer Style "Werzalit" Industrial Desks
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Small industrial work desks with teak toned formica top and dark gray frame by Werzalit, Austria. In original condition with visible wear consistent with its age and use. Sold indivi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Art Deco Robin's Egg Blue Lacquer & Brushed Aluminum Desk by Donald Deskey
Located in New York, NY
Introduce a piece of design history into your office or home with this stunning Art Deco Streamlined Desk, designed by the famed American designer Donald Deskey circa 1930. This rema...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Jean Prouvé Compass Direction Desk Limited RAW Steel and Natural Oak by Vitra
Located in Dronten, NL
Jean Prouvé Compass direction desk in natural oak and clear lacquered steel for Vitra. Originally designed in 1953, Prouvé's iconic desk is based the de...
Category

1930s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Mid Century Danish Modern Arne Hovmand Olsen MK Teak Drop Front Secretary Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Mid Century Danish Modern Arne Hovmand Olsen MK Teak Drop Front Secretary Desk. Item features a sculpted wood floating base, drop front lid with fitted interior, beautiful wo...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Elegant French Style Writing Desk
Located in Riverdale, NY
Elegant French style writing desk with Louis XV lines in blond wood with silver leaf-painted table edge and feet. 3 drawers. Fitted g...
Category

1950s American Louis XV Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Italian Desk, 1950s, Fully Restored with Shellac Finish
Located in Rome, IT
This mid-century desk, designed and produced in Italy in the 1950s, features a fully restored finish that highlights its refined craftsmanship. The ebonized frame and angular legs ar...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Baker Louis XV Style Black Ebonized Brass Mounted Leather Top Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 29 in W: 54 in D: 25 in Elevate your interior with this exceptional Louis XV style writing desk by Baker Furniture, a piece that seamlessly combines classic French elegance with the renowned craftsmanship of one of America’s most distinguished furniture makers. Finished in a rich black ebonized lacquer, this desk exudes sophistication, while its ornate brass mounts and cabochon-style hardware pay homage to the refined detailing of 18th-century Parisian design. The embossed leather writing surface offers both visual richness and a practical work area, delicately aged to evoke an authentic antique look. Ideal for writing, working, or showcasing décor, the top is not only functional but luxurious in both material and execution. The front of the desk houses three spacious drawers, adorned with Louis XV style hardware and framed by graceful curves and shapely moldings. The reverse side of the desk features faux drawers, allowing the piece to float beautifully in the center of a room. This makes it an ideal choice for those designing a centerpiece home office, library, or formal sitting room. Set on classic cabriole legs, the desk strikes a balance between decorative charm and refined utility. It embodies the hallmarks of French Rococo design, including ornate carving, symmetry, and a sense of lightness that brings elegance to any space. Whether you're a collector of fine reproduction antiques, a fan of luxury vintage furnishings, or someone looking to add a sense of Gilded Age romance to your décor, this Baker Louis XV...
Category

20th Century Unknown Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Bamboo and Rattan Desk Writing Table Vivai Del Sud Style, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing desk writing table in bamboo, rattan and wood with one drawer in the style of Vivai Del Sud. Made in Italy in the 1970s. Vivai del sud, Gabriella Crespi and Arpe...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Restored Midcentury Writing Desk or Console Table from Up Zavody, 1960s
Located in Żory, PL
Mid-century writing desk which can also be used as a console table. Manufactured by UP Zavody Bučovice in former Czechoslovakia during the 1960s. Features two drawers and white glass...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Solid Walnut Writing Desk with Brass Inlay "Library Writing Desk"
Located in Shelby Twp, MI
The library writing desk is made of solid walnut with brass inlays. The desk drawer is split into two separate sections with a convenient divider ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Organic Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Desk by General Fireproofing GoodForm, Industrial
Located in Miami, FL
Desk by General Fireproofing with eight drawers. Comes with glass top. Good condition with some normal wear.
Category

1950s American Industrial Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Modern Raymond Loewy for Mengel Floating Top Desk
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This a large, modern floating top desk designed by Raymond Loewy for Mengel. It is in very good condition. The work surface is excellent ! It has been re-finished. Knee clearance is ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple

Weave Desk from Ringvide, Birch Wood, natural oil, Scandinavian
Located in Visby, SE
Weave Desk Birch desk, made of solid birchwood and birchveneér. Modern yet classic, bold yet modest the desk serves as a great example of Scandinavian cont...
Category

2010s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birch, Oak

Lovely Desk by Herbert Hirche for Holzäpfel, Germany, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Lovely Desk by Herbert Hirche for Holzäpfel, Germany, 1960s Slight signs of use due to age, patina due to age, there is a small repair on the top, see pictures. Furniture wax was p...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Rosewood Executive Desk
By Gayeski Furniture Coordinates
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This exquisite mid-century rosewood desk, crafted by Gayeski Furniture Coordinates, Inc. in Panama City, Florida during the 1970s, is a true testament to timeless design and craftsma...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

French 18th Century Louis XV Style Painted Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This archetypal 18th century Louis XV-style desk was given a distinguishing update in the 20th century: washing the pine construction in white paint and black pinstriping to accentua...
Category

18th Century French Directoire Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine, Paint

Paul Goldman, Desk, Wood, USA, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden desk designed by Paul Goldman and produced by Plymodern Furniture, USA, c. 1940s. Dimensions: 30” x 45” W x 23” D
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Solid Oak and Walnut Jameson Desk by Lynnea Jean
Located in Aitkin, MN
This custom wood desk is hand-made in the United States with all hardwood construction. This modern design is characterized by its solid white oak body, minimalist walnut inlay detail, and unique split leg detail. Convenient and accessible storage drawers feature integrated hardware and a soft-closing mechanism. This contemporary design can look beautiful floating in a room as an executive desk or anchored against a wall or other furniture piece. The natural finish brings out the beautiful golden tones of white oak. This piece can be ordered in 4 finishes: Oak, Walnut, Ash and Matte Black. Jameson Collection by Lynnea Jean...
Category

2010s American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Hardwood

Crystal LC6 Table by Le Corbusier, Jeanneret and Perriand for Cassina
Located in Dronten, NL
LC6 table designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand. Marked, signed and numbered on the frame, this table has the most desirable crystal textured top. The tab...
Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Crystal, Aluminum

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

Vintage Traditional Spanish Writing Desk in Oak Wood, circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, ES
Vintage traditional Spanish American writing desk. By unknown manufacturer from Spain, circa 1940. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preservin...
Category

1940s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique French Desk Table with Drawer Oak Leather Top Barley Twist Entry Table
Located in Tyler, TX
GORGEOUS Antique French Carved Oak Desk or Writing Table with Two Drawers~~ Leather Writing Surface with Warm Patina~~Double Barley Twist Legs and Stretcher~~ Versatile size~~28" ...
Category

1880s French Renaissance Revival Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Leather

Walnut Orange MiMi Table by Miduny, Made in Italy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Merging clean lines with warm materials, the faceted geometry of the MiMi table creates a slender, graceful profile punctuated with painted surfaces that ca...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birch, Oak, Plywood

20th Century Inlaid Wood Gold Bronze Italian Writing Desk Napoleon III Style
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
Italian writing desk from 20th century. Napoleon III style furniture inlaid and veneered in walnut, mahogany, maple and fruitwood enriched by fake inlay with hand-painted floral deco...
Category

1960s Italian Napoleon III Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Walnut Desk by Stanley Young for Glenn of California
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Introducing a stunning mid-century modern walnut desk, expertly designed by Stanley Young for Glenn of California in the 1950s. This exquisite piece showcases four functional pull-ou...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Flagg Desk Classic Writing Desk or Home Office Computer Desk by Alabama Sawyer
Located in Birmingham, AL
We handcrafted this classic writing desk with hardwoods from Birmingham's urban forest. For your home office, computer desk or a place to work from home,...
Category

2010s American American Craftsman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood, Oak

Joaquim Tenreiro, Desk, Jacaranda, Brazil, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A jacaranda desk designed by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1960s. Designed and produced for Bloch Editores S.A. Building, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Jacaranda

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.

Recently Viewed

View All