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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Kroma' Desk by Antonia Astori for Driade, Italy 1980s
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1980s ‘Kroma’ desk designed by Antonia Astori for Driade. This modern desk embodies a minimalist aesthetic, featuring a rectangular white surface composed of wood with fine black l...
Category
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
USM Haller Desk Designed by Fritz Haller and Paul Scharer, Switzerland
By Usm Haller
Located in Athens, Attiki
USM Haller table designed by Swiss architect Fritz Haller and Paul Schaerer in 1964
A great modern, significant design piece that can be used as a dining table or an executive desk...
Category
1960s Swiss Minimalist Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Stainless Steel
Late 18th Century Mahogany Veneered Architect's Table, Stamped
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
Late 18th Century Mahogany Veneered Architect's Table, Stamped
France, 1790-1800
A late 18th century Directoire mahogany architect's table also called as table Tronchin...
Category
1790s French Directoire Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Victorian Writing Table / Desk
Located in London, GB
A smart and very well made antique Victorian writing table / desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1860-1880 period.
This is of wonderful quality and is a very us...
Category
1860s British High Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
Flagg Side Table Bedside Table Storage by Alabama Sawyer
Located in Birmingham, AL
We handcrafted this classic bedside table with hardwoods from Birmingham's urban forest. For your bedroom, it can hold books, reading glasses, a lamp or glass of water. A single drawer allows some items to stay discreet or keep your phone of sight, out of mind. Use this small table in a library, living room or guest room. A simple steel pulls has a black patina. The finished back allows the bedside table to be used in any floor plan as a single item between two twin size beds, or two flanking the sides of a queen or king size bed.
We can customize the dimensions or add additional drawers to fit your bedroom design and create the perfect space for comfort and aesthetic appeal.
Urban hardwood...
Category
2010s American American Craftsman Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood, Oak
Danish Mid Century Modern Oak Secretary Desk by Borge Mogensen for Søborg Møbler
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Discover a timeless gem of mid-century design with this exquisite Danish Mid Century Modern Secretary Desk by the renowned Borge Mogensen for Soborg Mobler, crafted in the 1950s. Thi...
Category
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Boulle Writing Desk
Located in New York, NY
Well-proportioned French black lacquer and Boulle writing desk with metal gallery raised back. Writing surface covered in leather, and drawers with...
Category
19th Century French Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Tortoise Shell
Classic Midcentury Walnut and Chrome Florence Knoll Desk Knoll
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic midcentury walnut and chrome Florence Knoll desk features richly grained walnut top chromed steel frame, pencil drawer and file drawer. Retains early Knoll label.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Early 19th Century Folk Art Side Table or Desk, Scandinavia
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Danish or Swedish Rectangular Folk Art Table or Desk.
The table has tonnes of charm, wear and tear to the finish that gives thus table an unbeatable patina. Most of the original pai...
Category
Early 19th Century Scandinavian Folk Art Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Black Desk Mod. Platone design Anonima Castelli & Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Munster, NRW
The Platone Desk is an iconic desk designed by Gian Carlo Piretti & Anonima Castelli
in the 1960s. It impresses with its elegant and functional design, which takes both aesthetics a...
Category
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Walnut Drafting Table Adjustable Lift and Tilt Steel Base
Located in Baltimore, MD
Handcrafted in Baltimore. This Marabu inspired, custom-crafted drafting table is a fully functional piece. It boasts an adjustable height and tilt feature that effortlessly adjusts v...
Category
2010s American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Outstanding Industrial Iron Desk
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Extraordinary iron desk, vinyl top, nice shaped legs.
Six drawers and very nice sculptural back.
Category
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
Double Pedestal Glass and Wood Desk with Chrome Mounts C 1960
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Mid-Century Modern Double pedestal glass and wood Desk with chrome mounts C 1960. Three drawers on each side.
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass, Wood
Art Deco Leather Desk In Marlin Blue
Located in Westwood, NJ
A French Art Deco style shagreen embossed leather desk in a rich cobalt marlin blue. With gilded highlight trim, three frieze drawers with modern round pulls, and raised on square ta...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather
Italian Mid Century Secretary, Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian Mid century secretary in Brazilian Rosewood. Four drawers when open the desk height is 30 inches perfect for the chair.
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
French Mahogany Art Nouveau Writing Desk Signed Louis Majorelle
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Signed ‘Louis Majorelle’ Art Nouveau desk with the sinuous lines and curves typical of the style. Four curved-front drawers retaining their original ormolu Art Nouveau pulls...
Category
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu
Venezia Laguna Writing Desk
By Morici
Located in Milan, IT
Showcasing natural grains through the polished and mirror-brushed finishes of the rectangular wooden shape, this writing desk boasts a handmade inlay work painted by hand in a delica...
Category
2010s Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Arts and Crafts Pitch Pine Writing Table
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Arts and Crafts Pitch Pine Writing Table
A good Heavy quality Pitch pine side table or writing table in the Arts and Crafts style
There are 2 drawers along the front and a wide str...
Category
1910s Arts and Crafts Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Milo Baughman Style Burl Wood and Macassar Ebony Executive Desk by Henredon
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern or Art Deco style executive writing desk
In the manner of Milo Baughman
By Henredon, "Scene Two" Collection
USA, Circa 1970s
Stunning bo...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Macassar, Burl
Antique Chippendale Style Walnut Drop Front Secretary Ladies Writing Desk
Located in Miami, FL
An antique early 20th century ladies' secretary desk. Made from walnut with a maple writing surface. Features a drop front with neoclassical brass hardware over large central drawer ...
Category
Early 20th Century European Chippendale Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Executive Abbondi Desk, 1970s Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning Italian executive desk in a dark Rosewood. Three pull-out drawers flank each side. Lockable drawers with original locks. Solid aluminum frame with unusual, rounded corners o...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Louis XVI Mahogany Tric Trac Table
Located in Essex, MA
Rectangular removable green leather top with reversible felt playing surface , exposing a backgammon playing surface. Opposing chip drawers and raised on square tapered fluted legs e...
Category
1790s French Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Oak Art Deco Modernist Writing Table or Dining Table by Architect Caspers, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare Art Deco Modernist writing table or dining room table.
Design by architect Caspers.
Striking Dutch design from the...
Category
1920s Dutch Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Organic Modern Armona Desk, Walnut, Brass, Onyx, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Armona Desk, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
The Armona stone desk draws inspiration from the serene landscape of Armona Island, embodying a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Organic Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Onyx, Quartz, Marble, Brass, Stainless Steel
Desk Swedish Gustavian Style
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique 2 door 3 drawer desk Swedish Gustavian Desk. the left cabinet has 3 drawers inside and the right cabinet has 1 drawer inside.
its been restored and repainted with Mi...
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Gustavian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Small Antique Kneehole Desk, English, Writing Table, Georgian Revival, Edwardian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a small antique kneehole desk. An English, mahogany writing table with Georgian revival taste, dating to the Edwardian period, circ...
Category
Early 20th Century British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Warren McArthur Art Deco Desk and Chair
Located in Atlanta, GA
Art Deco aluminum desk and chair designed by Warren McArthur, American, circa 1930s. The chair measures 31"H x 15.75"W x 17"D x 18" seat height.
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Art Deco Teak Writing Desk
Located in West Hollywood, CA
An elegant Art Deco teak writing desk of fine quality, with a solid teak top. The desk displays a stunning grain pattern and incorporates stylish design elements characteristic of th...
Category
20th Century Indian Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Desk in Black and white marquetry by Ginger Brown
By Ginger Brown
Located in Bourguebus, FR
This desk is made of black and white polished marquetry with brass trims.
It has 2 drawers with brass handles.
The legs are in black polished marquetry.
It can be used as a writing d...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Italy Late 18th Century Regency Walnut Console or Wall Desk Hand Carved
Located in Brescia, IT
This an elegant piece with an untimeless beauty. The dimensions, the proportions, the wavy edge and the slender legs are elements of value.
It can be useful as console or desk; in...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Art Deco Chest of Drawers
Located in Kraków, Małopolska
Art deco chest of drawers after renovation , simple and nice art deco chest of drawers :)
Category
1930s Czech Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Rare Gio Ponti Desk
By Gio Ponti
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A Gio Ponti desk manufactured in Italy by Giordano Chiesa.
An early example with 2 tone drawer fronts.
Purchased at the Singer Showroom in NYC.
Purchased from the original family ...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Early 19th Century Mahogany Writing Table
Located in Martlesham, GB
A lovely quality early 19th century mahogany writing table, having a shaped gallery with a shelf, fret cut out carrying handles at ...
Category
1810s British Georgian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Baker Furniture Neoclassic Fruitwood & Leather Bureau Plat Desk, Circa 1950s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Baker Furniture Neoclassic Fruitwood & Leather Bureau Plat Desk, Circa 1950s
Three-Drawer Configuration: Elegant Mid-Century Design
This stunning Neoclassic bureau plat by Baker Fu...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Revival Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Roll Top Writing Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1960s
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A stately and elegant rosewood and mahogany campaign desk having three drawers and two rosewood roll-top compartments flanking a central writing surface with a flip-down back splash,...
Category
20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
USM Haller Custom Desk Unit 'DU2' by Fritz Haller and Paul Schaerer
Located in New York, NY
A Customizable desk unit designed to your specifications. Available in 14 standard surface colors.
Dimensions
H 30in / 76.2cm
W 60in / 152.4cm
D 15in / 39.1cm
Weight
41.9 kgs...
Category
2010s Swiss Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel, Chrome
'005' Palm Wood and Metal Desk in the Manner of Pierre Chareau
Located in Glendale, CA
'005' Palm Wood and Metal Desk in the Manner of Pierre Chareau
Handcrafted in the Los Angeles and French workshops of noted French designer a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
art deco desk in ceruse oak from the 40s
By André Arbus
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
French art deco desk from the 1930s in the style of André Arbus. Solid oak structure with white ceruse finish throughout. It features a column of 3 drawers on the left and a hinged d...
Category
1940s French Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Swedish Folk Art Desk from Dalarna
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Swedish folk art desk from the area of Dalarna, scraped to original paint. This would make a wonderful decorators piece.
Category
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Monastery Trestle Table One Plank Walnut Biscione Milan Armorial 14-16 seat 10ft
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
A massive, 14-16 seater, antiquarian, milanese, renaissance-revival, monastery, trestle table with 10ft long, 4 ¼” thick, single plank walnut top & oak trestl...
Category
18th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak, Walnut
Rare 'Kono' Dining Table / Desk by Lella & Massimo Vignelli for Casigliani, 1984
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exceptionally rare and large 'Kono' table, which works excellent as either a dining table or a desk, by Lella Vignelli and Massimo Vignelli was designed in 1984 and this example created in the mid-to-late 1980s by Casigliani in Pisa, Italy. This rare example of the 'Kono' design features a monumental Black Granite slab for the top, two thick slabs of Imperial Red Granite which connect together to form one of the bases, and the Vignellis signature Patinated Copper cone which forms the other base.
The 'Kono' design was normally made as coffee tables so it is quite rare to find examples made scaled up in dining table size. In addition, typical Kono tables were made with glass tops and a single slab granite base. This example however, the Vignellis selected Black Granite instead of the typical glass tops. Also, rather than using a rectangular single-slab base, this example features an L-shaped base constructed with two slabs that connect together along one angled edge. It still employs the cone-shaped patinated copper base typical of Kono tables, however this example is much larger of course than cocktail table versions.
The Vignelli Center for Design Studies, which houses the artists’ archive, confirmed this table to be one of two known drawings by the Vignellis (a copy of the Vignelli sketch, which they provided, is included in the photo gallery) though it is unknown if the other table was ever produced, making this table potentially an important one-of-a-kind.
The Black Granite top in lower light settings is dark, deep and mysterious. With direct sunlight its luminosity is intense - see the photo gallery for images of the table in direct sunlight from our skylight above. It glows, shines and shimmers with incredible vibrancy, similar to diamonds - to see it in person is quite exquisite and remarkable. While we only had it set up under our skylight for a couple hours, I would describe the experience as recharging - I felt like I had just spent a couple hours meditating, this would be incredible to wake up to every day before leaving to work.
The Vignellis described the 'Kono' table as: “This design exploits the relationship between geometrical figures and material finishes." Over the course of their four-decade-long design practice, Lella and Massimo Vignelli collaborated on projects that ranged from product design and brand identity to interior and furniture design. Whether designing New York City’s subway map...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Granite, Copper
Antique French Louis XVI Neoclassical Double Faced Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Louis XVI Neoclassical Double Faced desk has captured the essence of the architecture and embellishment of ancient Greece and Rome! Han...
Category
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Walnut Butch Block Tilt Drafting Desk Standing Height table
Located in Baltimore, MD
Crafted in the heart of Baltimore, Maryland, this modest yet impressive piece is a blend of traditional craftsmanship and practicality.
The table features a solid 1.5" walnut butche...
Category
2010s American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Modern by Giuseppe Carpanelli Desyo Writing Desk Walnut Wood with Leather
By Carpanelli
Located in Desio, IT
Writing desk in Canaletto walnut. Pen-holder and predisposition for electrical outlets. Upholstery of drawers and basement available in leather, Nabu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Walnut
1970s Brutalist Desk Mccarroll & Gillespe Forms+Surfaces Santa Barbara
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
1970s Stunning Executive Desk by Billy Joe Mccarroll & David Gillespie
Forms + Surfaces Inc Santa Barbara, California.
Fabulous Black Formica Top Brutalist Steel co...
Category
1970s American Brutalist Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Vanity Table in Dark Brown Veneer, Hidden Mirror Compartment
Located in Sofia, BG
This midcentury vanity table is made in dark brown veneer with a metal front line.
The middle part of the top opens to reveal a hidden compar...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
English Walnut Burl Three-Drawer Writing Table
Located in Woodbury, CT
Created for us by an English cabinetmaker with whom we have been associated for over 30 years, this walnut writing desk has Classic lines that would blend well in a modern setting. I...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Georgian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Walnut, Burl
Hollywood Regency Faux Marble Desk
Located in Pasadena, CA
A faux marble Hollywood Regency desk with a single drawer and horned legs.
Playing off Hellenic design, this heavy solid wood desk will add a...
Category
20th Century American Hollywood Regency Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
1800s Antique French Empire Style, Mahogany, Gilt, Desk, Secretaire a Abattant!!
Located in Austin, TX
Gorgeous antique secretaire a abattant, desk, French Empire style, mahogany, gilt, 1800s, 19th century!
This stunning French Empire style marble-top mahogany fall-front desk, 19th century, projecting frieze drawer, with gilt metal crossed sword pulls, turned column supports flanking the fall-front panel, opening to gilt embossed leather writing surface, mirrored interior gallery, over dual cabinet doors, opening to reveal three drawers, above lower apron drawer, approximately 56.5" height 37.25" width, 17" depth.
Dominated by Greco-Roman models, the Empire style - spare, noble, massive - had a studied dignity consistent with Napoleonic majesty. The characteristic furniture types were a bit stiff but imposing: their flat surfaces and sharp corners, together with their lack of moldings, produced an effect of grandeur that was not without beauty as per Timothy Corrigan
The Empire style was deliberately propagandistic, and embraced what was most monumental in ancient art as suitable analogies to the new French Empire. Napoleon imposed a tyrannical centralization on artistic production, decreeing that it would be subject to control from Paris and overseen by the architects Percier and Fontaine...
Category
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble
19th Century French Renaissance Hand Carved Desk or Writing Table with Carved St
Located in Miami, FL
We are delighted with this four-sided carved desk with five dark oak drawers.
This is a collectible desk.
It has five front drawers and another five false drawers at the back, maki...
Category
Late 19th Century Spanish Baroque Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Cees Braakman Pastoe Desk 60's
By Cees Braakman, Pastoe
Located in Bunnik, NL
A neat desk designed by Cees Braakman for the Pastoe label. An extremely rare model with two cabinets on metal legs. The desk is veneered, the internal drawers have been renovated. A...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bentwood
Mahogany Davenport Attributed to Gillows
Located in Folkestone, GB
Attributed to Gillows
A superior quality late 18th/early 19th century mahogany Davenport Desk The leather-lined top with brass gallery, lifting to ...
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Limited Edition Bureau Plat De La Fayette for Grange
By Grange
Located in Bridgeport, CT
French Desk by Grange with fine proportions and presentation. A very well made and faithful likeness to the original at Chateau de Chavanaic in France. Numbered B7 of 999 on mounted ...
Category
20th Century French French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
1750 Venezia Italy Baroque Carved and Inlaid Walnut Desk with Drawers
Located in Brescia, IT
This extraordinary desk showcases the excellent taste in form and material use, featuring solid walnut wood with beautiful grain and a warm tone that give it an elegant appearance. The carved and gilded trim of the base give a sense of movement and fluidity, lending the piece a captivating decorative charm. On the he top there is an elegant inlaid walnut rim, instead the drawers are beatifully underlined by a gilded one. Under the top there are two removable shelves opening on the front. The main feature of this magnificent desk is the possibility of being used in the center of the room, showing its best even in the back, having it perfectly finished, something that was not obvious for furniture of the same era.
Resting on tapered legs, this statuary desk attains an airly, elegant quality.
This masterpiece hails from the Mid-18th Century and was created by the Master Venetian cabinetmakers.
Referring bibliography:
This piece is featured in the book: Il mobile Veneziano del Settecento, G.Morazzoni, Gorlich Editore Milano, 1958 translated "The 18th Century Venetian Furniture", tav. 312 b...
Category
Mid-18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Confidence of Cloud Writing Desk by Thomas Dariel
Located in Geneve, CH
Confidence of a cloud writing desk by Thomas Dariel
Dimensions: D 43 x W 120 x H 147 cm
Materials: Structure in MDF with color-painted ash veneer. Fronts and back in the matte or ...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Mid-century Desk Brass Wood and Laminate Crystal Top Gio Ponti style
Located in Palermo, Sicily
particular desk from the 1950s, made of walnut wood with crystal shelf , brass legs, and drawers with light blue laminate is very reminiscent of Gio Ponti's style.
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Crystal, Brass
M_016 Desk / Lava Stone by Monolith Studio
By Monolith
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Carved from a single block of lava stone, the M_016 Desk's minimalist form and powerful silhouette bring a bold, brutalist style to any room.
Numbered and Signed
*Given the unique...
Category
2010s Mexican Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stone
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 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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