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Desks and Writing Tables

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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Period: Early 20th Century
Period: 1950s
Stickley Brothers Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Desk or Library Table
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By Stickley Brothers USA, Circa 1900 Quarter sawn oak, with original copper hardware. Measures: 60"W...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Copper

Faux Bamboo Campaign Style Burlwood Desk or Writing Table
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Ernest Hemingway style beautifully made desk or writing table with chinoiserie faux bamboo, burl wood inlay, finished back, and drawers (one opens for a keyboard) The desk features ...
Category

1950s American Campaign Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Faux Bamboo, Burl

Original Jugendstil Herrenschreibtisch+Armlehnstuhl, J. W. Müller (Wien um 1905)
By J.W. Müller
Located in Wien, AT
Objekt: Jugendstil Herrenschreibtisch (freistehend, 9 Schubladen) + Armlehnstuhl Entwurf: J. W. Müller (K.u.K. Hoftischlerei, Wien um 1905) Modell-Nummer: - Ausführung: J. W. Müller ...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Trestle Library Table or Writing Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission oak Arts & Crafts trestle library table or writing desk By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Measures: 48"W x 30"D x 29"H. Very good original...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

French Louis XV Bureau Plat Desk or Writing Table with Embossed Leather
Located in Hopewell, NJ
An outstanding French Louis XV desk having embossed leather top and a faux front on its back so will look lovely in the center of any room. The writing desk has three spacious drawer...
Category

Early 1900s French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Elm Desk by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful desk by Josef Frank, made from elm with striking woodgrain. Clean lines and subtly rounded forms, a timeless piece.
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Elm

Antique Edwardian Quality Freestanding Mahogany Inlaid Pedestal Desk
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Edwardian quality freestanding mahogany inlaid pedestal desk having a quality attractive mahogany inlaid satinwood crossbanded top with a green leather writing surface above ...
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Other

Early 20th Century Brushed Steel And Marble Writing Desk Vanity
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Early 20th century, industrial, brushed steel desk features a contrasting white marble top with beveled edge and five drawers with brass trim underneath them. This petite piece works...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass, Steel

Mid-Century Modern Teak Desk or Writing Table by Louis van Teeffelen for WéBé
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Mid-Century Modern desk or writing table. Design by Louis Van Teeffelen for WéBé. Striking Dutch design from the 1950s. Minimalistic design in solid teak and ori...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Antique Fine Quality C1900 Inlaid Mahogany Ladies Writing Table Desk Dressing
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique Fine Quality circa 1900 Inlaid Mahogany Ladies Writing Table, versatile as a desk, dressing, or side table, boasting a simple yet elegant classical design. This remarkable p...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

Antique French Walnut Bureau Plat Desk
Located in London, GB
A stunning antique French walnut bureau plat desk, dating from around the 1900-1910 period. It is of outstanding quality, this has fantastic gilt metal ormolu mounts all over, inclu...
Category

Early 1900s French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Early 20thC Louis XVth Style Kingwood Bureau Plat
Located in Altrincham, GB
Early 20thC Louis XVth Style Kingwood Bureau Plat with fine gilt bronze mounts applied to cabriole legs by - Lysberg & Hansen – Copenhagen - 56"w x 30"h x 30"d - The Copenhagen firm ...
Category

1910s Danish Louis XV Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Art Deco Amsterdamse School Corner Desk by Daniel van Dorp for Reens, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare Art Deco Amsterdamse School desk. Design by Daniel van Dorp for Gebroeders Reens Amsterdam. Striking Dutch design from the 1920s. Solid macassar ebony with...
Category

1920s Dutch Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Faux Leather, Macassar

Joseph Heusgens Unique Double-Sided Desk, Belgium
Located in Brussels, BE
Joseph Heusgens Architect (1916 - ) unique double-sided desk with patented system, with plans, patent papers and correspondence.
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Writing desk, Italian manufacture. C1950s.
Located in Baranzate, IT
Beautiful Vintage desk with two drawers and front storage rack bordered by iron wire mesh. Italian manufacture. C1950s.
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Finn Juhl Rare Desk for Bovirke in Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Finn Juhl for Bovirke, desk, model ‘BO 69’, teak, metal, brass, Denmark, design ca. 1953, made late 1950s Finn Juhl conceived this rare version of the desk model ‘BO 69’ in the late...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

bbpr ultrarare writing desk early
Located in Medesano, IT
Every aspect of this Italian design captures the meticulous craftsmanship and the innovation that the BBPR Studio is celebrated for. The design also incorporates a distinctive Japane...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Modern Italian Teak Desk: Expertly Restored to Original Beauty
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

Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Desk
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Gustavian style 3 drawer desk. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1920s Swedish Gustavian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Trestle Library Table or Writing Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission oak Arts & Crafts trestle library table or writing desk By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Measures: 48"W x 30"D x 29"H. Professionally res...
Category

Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Empire Mahogany Desk With Hunter Green Leather Top, Circa 1930
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Empire mahogany desk with tooled hunter green leather top. The desk with bronze banding and trim, bronze finely fluted corner medallions, fluted and tapering legs with bronze caps an...
Category

Early 20th Century American Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

STUNNING REGENCY STYLE NEOCLASSICAL BRASS & WALNUT WRiTING TABLE DESK CIRCA 1920
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning, Regency Neoclassical style Walnut & Satinwood writing table with X framed solid br...
Category

1920s Regency Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique oak partner desk
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Beautiful antique oak partner desk with 9 drawers on both sides, 1 of which is a double archive drawer. Dark green gold-edged leather top. Desk is in perfect condition. Nice warm col...
Category

1910s British Edwardian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

1950s Desk Corner
Located in Milano, IT
Writing corner, with planked wall with up-and-down lamp, worktop with day compartments and drawers, mahogany veneer wood and skai upholstery.
Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

20th Century Lacquered and Painted Wood French Louis XV Style Writing Desk, 1950
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
Elegant French desk from the mid-20th century. Louis XVI style furniture finely sculpted, lacquered and painted, enriched with gilded and chiselled bronze. Desk finished for the cent...
Category

1950s French Louis XV Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique Tiger Oak Secretary Desk by Danner
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Discover the timeless elegance of the Antique Tiger Oak Secretary Desk by Danner, featuring exquisite craftsmanship, functionality, and historic ch...
Category

Early 20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique American Empire Style Mahogany Library Writing Table Office Desk Vanity
Located in Dayton, OH
An antique American Empire style dressing table, circa 1930s. Originally featured a mirror along the back which was eventually removed to use as an office desk. Made from mahogany ...
Category

Early 20th Century American American Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Executive Desk by Jules Wabbes for Mobilier Universel, Belgium, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Executive desk designed by Jules Wabbes and manufactured by Mobilier Universel in the 1960s. This exclusive desk bears the hallmark of Jules Wabbes, a celebrated Belgian furniture de...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Executive Desk by Jules Wabbes for Mobilier Universel, Belgium, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Executive desk designed by Jules Wabbes and manufactured by Mobilier Universel in the 1960s. This exclusive desk bears the hallmark of Jules Wabbes, a celebrated Belgian furniture de...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

George Nelson X-Leg Table for Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
George Nelson X-Leg Table for Herman Miller. Originally designed and produced in the 1950s this was made as a work table for an office but equally intended for a dining space as well...
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Scrivania vintage anni '50
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
Questa scrivania prodotta in Italia risale agli anni '50 del secolo scorso. E' stata realizzata con una struttura in ferro tubolare quadrato e legno impiallicciato teak. Il piano e i...
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Iron

Gothic Revival Hand-Carved Oak Pedestal Desk, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare Gothic Revival pedestal desk. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s The craftsmanship of this impressive piece of furniture is outstanding! Executed in so...
Category

Early 1900s Dutch Gothic Revival Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by Robert Slezak, Beech, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
Located in Horomerice, CZ
Dimensions of the table: Height: 74 cm (29.1 in) Width: 145 cm (57.1 in) Depth: 72 cm (28.3 in) Leg space: Height: 69 cm (27.2 in) Width: 72.5 cm (28.5 in) This table was designed ...
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome, Steel

Spanish Antique Small Wooden Desk w/Unique Carved "Trunk" Appearance from Front
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Spanish smaller-sized wood desk, with a trunk-like appearance from front, from the early 20th century. This antique desk from Spain features ...
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Jean Prouve Style La Residence Universitaire Jean Zay Student Desk
Located in West Hollywood, CA
In the style of Jean Prouve a patinated eggshell blue student desk with single drawer and in inset white laminate top from the dormitories of the La Residence Universitaire Jean Zay,...
Category

1950s French Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Beech

Vintage Curved Walnut Art Deco Executive Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stop asking "who's the boss?" and place yourself at the helm of this stunning Art Deco executive desk. Featuring an eye-catching rounded writing surface atop a unique, yet sturdy, T-...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Boomerang Shaped Desk, Shop Counter, 1950s by Alfred Hendrickx
Located in Antwerp, BE
Custom made handcrafted shop counter or desk in a boomerang line with vertical slats at the front which emphasizes the curve of the arch even more, on the inside one side with 3 slid...
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Gio Ponti, Walnut Writing Table, from the Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, 1950s
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Gio Ponti desk in light walnut on shaped tapering legs united by stretchers. The wood is in excellent condition with beautiful graining to the planked top, and the two drawers to th...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

American Oak And Birch Desk. 50's
Located in Madrid, ES
American oak and birch desk composed of two bodies with four drawers each. Portuguese pink marble on top. Conical legs with brass details. Every item LA Studio offers is checked by ...
Category

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

Materials

Marble

Executive Desk by Jules Wabbes for Mobilier Universel, Belgium, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Executive desk designed by Jules Wabbes and manufactured by Mobilier Universel in the 1960s. This exclusive desk bears the hallmark of Jules Wabbes, a celebrated Belgian furniture de...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Desk or Library Table, Newly Restored
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Solid quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper hardware. M...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Copper

Stickley Brothers Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Desk or Library Table, Restored
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By Stickley Brothers USA, Circa 1900 Solid quarter sawn oak, with hammered copper hardware. Measures...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Copper

Mahogany inlaid writing desk
Located in Cheshire, GB
Mahogany inlaid desk. The top with inset green leather surrounded by a mahogany inlaid border. Above an arrangement of drawers with similar inlaid decoration and brass handles. Raise...
Category

Early 20th Century British Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

PK 55 - Desk/dining table in ash by Poul Kjærholm
Located in Copenhagen, DK
PK 55 - Desk/dining table with top in ash and steel frame. Marked from the manufacturer. Designed by Poul Kjærholm ,made by E. Kold Christensen.
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Rare desk in mahogany with two drawers by Vilhelm Wohlert
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Rare desk in mahogany with two drawers and feet. Designed in 1958 by Vilhelm Wohlert for cabinetmaker Arne Poulsen. NOTE: Restoration of the desk is included within the price.
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Gio Ponti, Small Walnut Desk, from the Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, 1950s
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Gio Ponti small desk in light walnut on shaped tapering legs united by stretchers. The wood is in excellent condition with beautiful graining to the planked top, and the three friez...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern “Planner Group” Desk by Paul McCobb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs that can seamlessly be incorpo...
Category

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

Materials

Maple

Diminutive Leather Top Desk with Pull-Out Sides and Bronze Mounts Stamped Jansen
Located in Stamford, CT
An early Louis XVI style leather top desk with pull-out sides and bronze mounts with a single centre drawer stamped Jansen. Pull outs measure 15.5 x 9 inches each.
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Antik Reneszánsz íróasztal , 20 század
Located in Kerepes, HU
Bemutatjuk Önnek ezt a különleges íróasztal , Reneszánsz stílusban duóst faragássakkal díszítve A bemutatott darab korának megfelelő állapotban van. (A hozza illó könyves vitrin...
Category

Early 20th Century Hungarian Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Minister's Desk, Regence Style, Late 19th Century or Early 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Minister's desk, Regence style, late 19th century or early 20th century. Large Minister's desk with gilt bronze and gold embossed leather decoration, Regency style, late 19th centur...
Category

Early 20th Century French Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Jacobean Oak Desk / Library Table Early 20th Century
Located in Fulton, CA
Early 20th century oak library table / desk / refectory table with fanned inlay detail. Bold, over-sized turned oak baluster legs. Three drawers. Measures 60.88 inches wide. Presents...
Category

Early 20th Century English Jacobean Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Victorian Style Library Table with Black Writing Surface
Located in Toronto, CA
This Victorian Style Library Table with a Black Writing Surface is surely to be a focal point to your library, office or great room. This truly is a stately and elegant piece crafte...
Category

Early 20th Century Canadian Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Small Mid Century Italian Desk in Metal, Walnut and Formica, around 1950
Located in Berlin, DE
A charming relic from the mid-20th century, this Small Italian Desk embodies the essence of mid-century design with a perfect blend of metal, walnut, and formica. Crafted around 1950...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Antique 1900's Rosewood Empire Secretary Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
28” x 15.5” x 38.5”H; desk height 28” Gorgeous Empire-style rosewood secretary desk from the turn of the century with Biedermeier influences. • four-way matched rosewood veneer •...
Category

Early 1900s American American Empire Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Elegant Italian Small Desk in Cherry
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Writing desk, cherry, brass, beech, formica, Italy, 1950s Very elegant desk made in Italy in the 1950s. The framework is executed in cherry. The upper part of this piece is made fro...
Category

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

Materials

Cherry, Beech

Art Deco Burr Walnut Leather Top Partners Desk
Located in London, GB
An absolutely magnificent Art Deco burr walnut leather top partners desk. This was made in England, it dates from the 1920-30’s. The quality is outstanding, this has an extremely im...
Category

1920s British Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Satinwood writing table
Located in Cheshire, GB
Satinwood writing table having a blue inset leather top enclosed by satinwood border. Above and arrangement of drawers with brass knob handles. All are raised up on four square suppo...
Category

Early 20th Century British Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Satinwood

Mid modern danish standing desk in teak Hans Wegner style
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid modern danish standing desk in teak attriduted to Hans Wegner. 3 drawers in the apron and two flip-down leaves
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

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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