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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Italian Louis XVI Style Desk
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Louis XVI Style Desk.
This handsome Italian desk or writing table has 2 side drawers and 1 center drawer and bronze pulls. Our desk is finished on all sides so it's the perfe...
Category
1940s Italian Louis XVI Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Midcentury Chromed Steel Italian Trestles After Milo Baughman, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous pair of midcentury trestles fully made in chromed steel. These incredibly stylish trestles were designed in Italy after Milo Baughman during the 1970s.
These versatile tres...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Antique George IV Goncalo Alves Writing Table Desk Early 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This monumental early George IV antique library writing table is crafted from beautiful Gonçalo Alves and dates from Circa 1820.
The rectangular top features a moulded edge with th...
Category
1820s English George IV Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather
Jacques Pine Green Console Table in Bird's Eye Maple by Fred&Juul
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
Nº113 Vein-cut Romano Travertine Console Table by Amee Allsop
By Ameé 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
Danish Baroque-Inspired Oak Desk / Dining Table with Barley Twist Legs, 1900s
By Philip Arctander, Pierre Chapo
Located in Odense, DK
This charming table blends rustic craftsmanship with decorative elegance. Made from solid oak, it features beautifully turned barley twist legs – a detail that became popular during ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Solace No23 Console Table – Sculpted Organic Forms, Design by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Solace No23 Console Table – Sculpted Organic Forms, Design by Joel Escalona
—————————————————————
Solace Console Table Series
Design by Joel Escalona
The Solace console table serie...
Category
2010s Mexican Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Midcentury Italian Trestle Desk or Table in Bamboo, Rattan by Vivai Del Sud, 70s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful pair of mid-century organic trestles in a beautiful combination of bamboo, curved rattan and hand-woven wicker. These stunning and unique trestles were designed by Vivai del Sud and produced in Italy during the 1970s.
In fabulous condition and with an amazing honey-like color. These sturdy trestles are made in bamboo canes enriched on the bottom with curved rattan and perfect hand-woven wicker work.
Ideal to make a charming desk or also for dining table or a console table in a modern organic entryway. A must have for all the French Riviera style lovers.
These versatile trestles are ideal as a charming modern organic desk...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan, Wicker
Enso Desk in Wood by Neal Aronowitz
Located in Portland, OR
Enso Desk
Designed and made in Portland, Oregon
The Enso Desk draws inspiration from the disciplined creative practice of Japanese ink painting. Conceived in a single, fluid, and spo...
Category
2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
French Carved Wood Brutalist Table by Charles Dudouyt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredible wood table by Charles Dudouyt, made in France, 1940's. Large rectangular parquet top with thick intricately carved wood legs on pedestal base. Original finish shows nice a...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Limbert Style Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Drop Front Secretary Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period drop front writing desk
In the manner of Charles P. Limbert Co.
By The Cron-Kills Co.
USA, Circa 1900
Measures: 28.75"W x 13.88...
Category
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Macassar Writing Desk with Bronze-Patina Brass Deatils by R&Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Sonia writing desk is the perfect piece for your room. A more subtle version to her sister the iconic writing desk, the Sonia has elegant legs inlaid in Macassar wood and bronze-...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
20th Century Wood Louis XVI Style French Writing Desk, 1950s
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
French writing desk from the mid-20th century. Louis XVI style furniture veneered in mahogany and walnut, rich in gilded and chiseled metal decorations. Finished desk for the center ...
Category
1950s French Louis XVI Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
$7,209 Sale Price
20% Off
Eugenio Quarti Liberty Desk Suite w/ Chair & Paperbasket, Italy, Early 20th c.
Located in BARCELONA, ES
A rare complete writing desk suite by Eugenio Quarti, a leading figure of Milan’s Liberty style in the early 20th century. The slant-front secrétaire, matching side chair and wasteba...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Danish Art Nouveau, Handcrafted Dressing Table / Desk in Pine, Early 20th C
Located in Odense, DK
This elegant Danish Art Nouveau dressing table or writing desk, handcrafted in the early 20th century, showcases the refined craftsmanship of a Danish cabinetmaker. Constructed from ...
Category
Early 20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Antique Swedish Rococo Desk with Light Blue Paint, Drawer and Curved Rococo Legs
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish rococo desk from the late 1700s. The desk is a country house furniture in rococo style with a large drawer. Heavily curved rococo legs and also a curved table top and...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Rococo Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Pine Farm table with Turned Legs by Alabama Sawyer
Located in Birmingham, AL
Made from sustainable urban wood, this (sort of) traditional farm table features turned legs and touches of white and blue color. Perfect for adding fun and delight to your dining or...
Category
2010s American American Craftsman Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Pine
$4,500 / item
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
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
Italian 1950s Desk
Located in London, GB
A walnut and fruit wood glass top desk, with an optional glass top
Italy, Circa 1950
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass, Fruitwood, Walnut
$9,408
Transitional Petit Desk With French Influences
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transitional French inspired writing desk in a petit scale. Beautiful combination of materials with metal legs and wood top and drawers. Add some French style to your home or design ...
Category
1990s American French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
19th C Style Michael Taylor Ebony & Mahogany Dafne Writing Table Desk
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
19th C Style Michael Taylor Ebony & Mahogany Dafne Writing Table Desk
Category
1990s American Regency Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Solid Oak and Walnut Jameson Desk by Lynnea Jean
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
$7,315 / item
Mastercraft Brass 'Trilobi' Triangular Dining Table or Desk Bases, circa 1970
By Mastercraft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
One of the hottest items currently with interior designers are these gleaming brass 'Trilobi' Mastercraft dining table bases, which also work excellent for a desk or work table, feat...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
$4,400 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Jacques Adnet - A French 1950s Desk with Lamp by Jacques Adnet
Located in Long Island City, NY
Jacques Adnet - A fine French Mid-Century rectangular desk and lamp, with a black lacquered metal base, pivoting leather covered drawer,
saddle-stitched leather mail holder...
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Red Lacquer Desk
Located in Greenwich, CT
Red lacquer desk with three drawers with straight legs
Category
20th Century Chinese Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Lacquer
$3,250
Fratelli Reguitti Mid-Century Italian Adjustable Bed Tray
Located in Prato, Tuscany
Rare and refined adjustable bed tray produced in the 1950s by Fratelli Reguitti, a renowned Italian manufacturer celebrated for its fine wood craftsmanship and for creating elegant, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Formica, Beech
Michael Boyer, Directeur, Minimalist Modern Desk, France, C. 1970
By Michel Boyer
Located in New York, NY
A seam of aluminum traverses the continuous surface of rich mahogany which contrasts with the white laminate underneath. With manufacturer's label DESSIN Michel BOYER mobilier nation...
Category
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
20th Century Regency Style Black Lacquered Desk
Located in Houston, TX
20th Century Regency style black lacquered desk featuring brass ormolu and hardware with gilt embossed white leather top.
Category
20th Century Regency Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Kugge 52 Flower Pot from Ringvide, Pine, Natural or Pigmented Oil, Scandinavian
By Lukas Dahlén
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
Baker Furniture Style Georgian Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Secretary Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Georgian Chinoiserie style bureau with drop front secretary desk
In the manner of Baker Furniture
USA, Circa 1980s
Black lacquered walnut, with hand-painted Asian ...
Category
1960s American Georgian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Antonio Citterio Folding top Desk Sideboard By B&B Italia
Located in Norwich, GB
A neat cherry wood folding top writing desk with six drawers by Italian designer-architect Antonio Citterio (b.1950) for B&B Italia. Circa 1990.
The desk having six finger-grip draw...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Louis XVI Ebonized Writing Desk
Located in Austin, TX
French Louis XVI style desk made of solid wood construction, primarily mahogany. It has been ebonized and finished with a lustrous French polish of museum quality. The table is cover...
Category
1920s French Louis XVI Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Restored Midcentury Writing Desk or Console Table from Up Zavody, 1960s
By Up Závody
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
1950's Italian Teak Desk With Black Iron and Brass Frame
Located in Rome, IT
Restored vintage writing desk, originating from Italy in the 1950s, presents a striking example of midcentury design ethos. Crafted from rich teak wood and featuring a sleek frame of...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass, Iron
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
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
Shape 2-Drawer Leather & Eucalyptus Desk
By Carpanelli
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
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
Vintage Industrial Adjustable Height Metal School Writing Desk With Laminate Top
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote.
Vintage Industrial Modern Adjustable Height Metal School Writing Desk With Laminate T...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Industrial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Mid-20th Century Desk, Attributed to Silvio Cavatorta, Italy
Located in New York, NY
Asymmetrically designed mid-century desk crafted from walnut, featuring four drawers, an open storage compartment, and an inlaid blue glass writing surface. The design is complemente...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Japanese Vintage Writing Table, Showa Period black lacquer, Solid Wood
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This vintage desk was crafted in the Early Showa Period '1926-'.
Crafted entirely from solid kihada (Japanese Amur cork tree) wood.
Featuring a sleek black finish and a minimalist ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Solid Walnut Writing Desk with Brass Inlay "Library Writing Desk"
By Anton Maka
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
Serving Table in Birch, Danish Cabinetmaker, Twisted Legs, Early 20th Century
Located in Odense, DK
This stunning serving table in oak with twisted legs is a beautiful example of early 20th-century Danish craftsmanship. Made of birch, it features two trays that rest atop gracefully...
Category
Early 20th Century Danish Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
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
Walnut Black MiMi Console or Tiny Desk by Miduny, Made in Italy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Merging clean lines with warm materials, the faceted geometry of the MiMi console table creates a slender, elegant profile punctuated with painted surface...
Category
2010s Italian Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Birch, Walnut, Plywood
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
Weave Desk from Ringvide, Birch Wood, natural oil, Scandinavian
By Lukas Dahlén
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
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
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
$1,849 / item
Piano desk black lacqued wood
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
A sleek, black-polished, sculptural piece conjuring the presence of a grand piano.
Piano Desk evokes an intricate fusion of the grace in artistic expression and the discipline of w...
Category
2010s Mexican Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
$8,400 / item
Antique Edwardian Satin wood & Floral Painted Carlton House Writing Desk
Located in London, GB
This is a truly exceptional antique Edwardian Sheraton Revival hand painted and inlaid satin wood Carlton House Desk, circa 1900 in date.
This exquisite desk is made from the finest...
Category
Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Satinwood
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
$3,160 Sale Price
20% Off
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
19th Century Wood and Gold Bronze French Napoleon III Era Writing Desk, 1880
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
French writing desk from the late 19th century. Napoleon III furniture, wavy and rounded, carved and veneered in mahogany wood. Finished for the center desk enriched with gilded and ...
Category
1880s French Napoleon III Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Mid-Century Rattan Wicker And Bamboo Desk Attributed To Dal Vera 1960s
By Dal Vera
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
Superb Highly Figured Rosewood Leather Top Brass Campaign Style Executive Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This superb campaign style executive desk is crafted from richly figured rosewood, showcasing the natural beauty and depth of the grain. The desk features a rectangular top with inse...
Category
1970s English Campaign Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
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
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
Art Deco Amsterdamse School Oak Pedestal Desk, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Art Deco Amsterdamse School pedestal desk.
Striking Dutch design from the 1920s.
Solid oak and original oak veneered base with re-upholstered black leather writi...
Category
1920s Dutch Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Macassar, Oak
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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