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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Frank Gehry "Easy Edges" Dining Set, 1970s
By Frank Gehry
Located in Dronten, NL
Rare experimental corrugated cardboard dining table with 4 matching side chairs from the "Easy Edges" series, designed by Frank Gehry for Vitra, c. 1970s.
Gehry's experimentation...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Masonite
$22,500 / set
Oval Desk in Natural Shagreen and Brass by Ginger Brown
By Ginger Brown
Located in Bourguebus, FR
This desk is made of original shagreen in a natural colour, with brass caps on the legs.
It has three drawers with brass handles.
It can be used as a writing desk or as a vanity tab...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
$11,676 / item
George Nelson for Herman Miller Action Office Table or Desk
Located in Skokie, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Vintage Action Office Table or Desk
The Action Office desk or conference table was designed by American designer and architect George Nelson (1908-1986) for Herman Miller. A substantial piece, It features a beautifully grained walnut top mounted on a streamlined, polished stainless steel base. The desk top edge is trimmed in black rubber. to protect it against bumps and bruises. Two small desk drawers slide out from beneath the table top. The drawers can be removed if desired. The desk top has been recently restored and is in excellent condition. Action Office was originally designed as a set of components that could be combined in multiple ways and changed as needed to evolve with the office over time.
George Nelson was one of the founders of American Modernism. From 1946 until 1972, Nelson was director of design at Herman Miller. While there, Nelson introduced several important innovations in office furniture design, such as the Swagged Leg Group, which included the DAF and MAA chairs...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stainless Steel
$4,000 Sale Price
20% Off
French 19th Century Louis XV Style Ormolu-Mounted Lady's Secretary Desk, Millet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Very fine French 19th century Louis XV Style Ormolu-Mounted Kingwood, Satinwood and Fruitwood Parquetry Kidney-Shaped secrétaire de dame (Lady's Desk) with an enamel dial clock and...
Category
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Antique French Empire Revival Cylinder Bureau 19th Century
Located in London, GB
An Empire Revival mahogany and parcel gilt cylinder bureau, Circa 1880 in date.
The panelled roll top enclosing a green inset leather writing surface and an arrangement of drawers a...
Category
1880s French Empire Revival Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Italian Antique Walnut Rustic Small Console Table Desk Writing Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Very charming and elegant Italian small antique console table or desk writing table with stylish carved legs in solid wood. Ideal in any room as a small stand alone corner desk as we...
Category
20th Century Italian Rustic Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Sculptural Brass "X" Base Desk by Jonathan Adler
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural Brass "X" Base "Channing" Model Desk, designed by Jonathan Adler after a Milo Baughman design, American, circa 2000s.
Category
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
21st Century Two-Drawer Mirrored Glass and Brass Writing Desk or Console
Located in Miami, FL
This is one of five exclusive pieces.
Two-drawer mirrored glass and brass writing desk
Beautiful and elegant design
Perfect finished.
Overall dimensions: 127 cm W x 51 cm D x 8...
Category
2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Art Deco Leather Desk, Dark Grey
Located in Westwood, NJ
A French Art Deco style shagreen embossed leather desk in a dark antiqued grey. With gilded highlight trim, three frieze drawers with modern round pulls, and raised on square tapered...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather
$3,235 / item
Pine Farm table with Turned Legs by Alabama Sawyer 8' Long In Stock
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
Antique French Writing Table
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Large antique French chestnut writing desk with 2 drawers. Beautiful weathered patina. In perfect condition.
Unique table and practical due to the legroom.
Origin: France
Period: ca....
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chestnut
Exectutive Desk by Osvado Borsani for Tecno, Italy, 1950s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Almelo, NL
Executive desk by Osvado Borsani for Tecno, Italy, 1950s
This exceptional desk was designed by the renowned Italian architect and designer Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno in 1954, showcas...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
A Blue Rococo 18th Century Writing Table With Drawer, Finland
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful 18th Rococo writing table in absolutely original condition. The table features a single drawer and a beautiful vintage patina with the original...
Category
18th Century Finnish Rococo Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
$4,959 Sale Price
20% Off
18th Century Provencal Hand Carved Walnut Wood Antique Writing Desk Side Table
Located in West Hollywood, CA
18th Century Provencal Hand Carved Walnut Wood Antique Writing Desk Side Table. Beautiful Hand Carved Circa 1700’s Provençal Continental table in walnut and Fruitwood with center dra...
Category
18th Century French Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
19th Century Hand Carved Walnut Spanish Revival Table
Located in Houston, TX
19th Century Hand Carved Walnut Spanish Revival Table. Heavily carved Table with iron scroll stretcher and Lion's paws feet.
Has a piece cut out ...
Category
19th Century Spanish Baroque Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Børge Mogensen Teak 'Partner's' Desk for AB Karl Andersson, 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful Børge Mogensen teak "partner's" desk from the second half of the 20th century, a two part desk that can be used as console tables, label marked, partially worn, marks, stai...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Aksel Boll Jensen Designed Danish Extending Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern desk from Denmark in teak wood. Space saving feature with a sliding top to extend the desk 46" to 61.6".
Please confirm location.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Wood & Hogan English Bench-Made Chippendale Style Mahogany Writing Table
Located in North Salem, NY
Fine Wood & Hogan English bench-made mahogany Chippendale style three drawer writing table with tooled leather shaped top and pull out slides on each end. Old World Hand Colored Oliv...
Category
18th Century English Chippendale Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
$9,884 Sale Price
30% Off
Early 20th Spanish Mobila Country Farm Desk Table or Butcher Block
Located in Miami, FL
A charming early 20th century Spanish pine farm table with six legs and a wonderfully well-worn finish from a century of use. Table works well for ...
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Spanish Colonial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
$4,392 Sale Price
20% Off
20th Century Imperial French Bureau Plat or Desk by Charles Boulle
Located in Berlin, DE
Imperial French bureau plat or desk by Charles Boulle
This model was built by the most important and history-writing court carpenter Louis IV, Charl...
Category
20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Jacques Adnet Leather Desk and Chair, 1950s France
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Exceptional Art Deco era desk with matching chair by French modernist designer Jacques Adnet. Entire desk is wrapped in leather. Iron frame with 4 po...
Category
1950s French Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass, Iron
$75,000 / set
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
Custom Italian Drawing Table or Writing Desk in Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Unique desk or drawing table, oak, brass, metal, Italy, 1950s
An Italian architect or furniture designer with a great eye for proportions planned this free-standing, functional desk...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
Bavero Breccia Imperiale Marble-Effect & Oak Writing Desk
Located in Milan, IT
Brimming with exclusivity, this writing/vanity desk is an exercise in superb finishes also borrowed from nature. Distinguishing detail is the Breccia Imperiale marble effect the back...
Category
2010s Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass, Wood, Oak
Mid Century Modern Walnut Desk by Paul McCobb, c1960s
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Step back in time with this show-stopping vintage mid century walnut desk, artfully designed by the renowned Paul McCobb. This pi...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
$2,100 Sale Price
25% Off
French Empire style leather top mahogany writing desk, C 1890
Located in Philadelphia, PA
French Empire style leather top mahogany writing desk having bronze mounts, claw feet and resting on slabs of green marble (optional) C 1890.
Category
Late 19th Century French Empire Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Cast Brass, Glass and Walnut Timber Big Crocco Desk by Egg Designs
By Egg Designs
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
The Big Crocco desk belongs to the Big Crocco collection designed by Egg Designs and manufactured in South Africa.
This high end, contemporary and bespoke desk...
Category
2010s South African Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Louis XV Style Chinoiserie Desk By Baker
Located in Houston, TX
Louis XV Style chinoiserie desk by Baker.
Outstanding and unusual 20th century Baker Furniture Company French Louis XV style chinoiserie desk, writing table or bureau plat. This larg...
Category
20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
Nerone e Patuzzi Desk, Gruppo NP2, Italy Mid-20th century.
Located in New York, NY
Large metal executive desk with side shelf and wooden relief by Nerone Ceccarelli and Giovanni Patuzzi.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Mid Century Wooden Brutalist Desk in Solid Oak, Made in France, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
This desk is a classic representation of mid-century design, crafted in France during the 1950s. Made from solid oak, it exudes strength and durability. Its minimalist yet impactful design incorporates elements of brutalism, featuring clean lines and geometric shapes. The natural grain of the oak wood adds warmth and character to the piece, while its compact size makes it suitable for smaller spaces. This desk is not only a functional workspace but also a timeless piece of furniture that adds a touch of vintage charm to any room.
Honorable designers from this French era is: Charlotte Perriand...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Industrial Design Metal Desk in Painted and Chromed Metal and Aluminium, Bespoke
By GMD Berlin
Located in Berlin, DE
Industrial design metal desk, lacquered and chromed metal and aluminium, made to measure.
Category
2010s German Industrial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum, Metal
Alexandra Von Furstenberg Blacksmith Acrylic Desk Sawhorse Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic opaque black acrylic sawhorse blacksmith desk or writing table designed by Alexandra Von Furstenberg. The bold desk features two A framed acrylic saw horse style supports to...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass, Acrylic, Lucite
$3,750 Sale Price
50% Off
Contemporary 'JULIUS' Secretary by Eichkorn, Black Bronze, Customizable
By Eichkorn
Located in Paris, IDF
JULIUS Console Table by German contemporary design studio Eichkorn.
Material: Cast Bronze with Black Patina
Standard size: H.75 x 163 x 70 cm - Customizations are possible
Our „JUL...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Desk or Writing Table Geometric Glass Crystal Collectible Design Handmade Italy
Located in Ancona, Marche
The executive desk 'Origami' is made of extra-clear crystal glass. Each sheet of extra-clear crystal glass is cut and ground with extreme precision, then the sheets are assembled by ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass
Oak French Industrial Drafting Table Desk Tilt Steel Base
Located in Baltimore, MD
The Oak Top French Industrial Drafting Table is a thoughtfully designed and expertly crafted piece of furniture. Made in the USA with a commitment to using mostly domestic materials,...
Category
2010s American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Louis XV-Style Gilt Bronze Cylinder Desk by François Linke
Located in New York, NY
A stunning cylinder desk with roller shutter in the style of Louis XV, plum pudding mahogany, modeled by Jean-Henri Riesener, signed François Linke. The upper structure fitted with t...
Category
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Aldo Tura Italian Brown Parchment Veneer Desk
By Aldo Tura
Located in Queens, NY
Italian 1940/1950s brown parchment veneer desk with brass trimmed edge and 4 drawers supported on 2 rectangular pedestals with a vanity panel. (ALDO TU...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Penrose Glass Desk, Designed by Studio Isao Hosoe, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Penrose desk, designer home office desk, was created by Isao Hosoe together with Lucia Fontana and Masaya Hashimoto. It represents the aesthetic and func...
Category
2010s Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass
Cotswold School Writing Table c. 1930's
Located in Long Island City, NY
Cotswold School Writing Table C. 1930's. Can also be used as a side table, pedestal, or console.
Category
1930s English Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Guillerme & Chambron Corner Desk in Dark Oak and Black Stone
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, corner writing desk, oak, stone, France, 1960s
A design by Guillerme et Chambron, featuring a corner desk crafted primarily from dark stained...
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stone
Solid 2" Teak Mid-Century Modern Dining Table in Smooth Natural Finish
Located in Buffalo, WY
This table celebrates the natural beauty of solid wood with straightforward Mid-Century Modern styling. The simplicity of the design and subtle details make this a stunning addition ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood, Teak
$2,280 Sale Price
40% Off
Vintage Boho Nautical for Lexington Campaign Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage boho nautical campaign desk by Lexington is a perfect blend of classic functionality and coastal-inspired charm. Crafted with a sturdy wood frame, the desk features a ri...
Category
Late 20th Century American Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Light Danish Desk, Denmark 1950's
Located in New York, NY
A bleached Teak desk with exposed joinery finished on all sides. Clearance under apron 24”.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
"Etudient" Oak Desk by Guillerme et Chambron, France, c. 1970
Located in New York City, NY
"Etudient" Oak Desk by Guillerme et Chambron, France, c. 1970.
This spectacular desk consists of a solid oak construction, faux leather top, three drawers with cut-out handles, and...
Category
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Teak and Leather Desk by Finn Hansen, c. 1980
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An executive sized teak desk by Danish designer Finn Hansen. This piece features a high quality chocolate leather top and pull out trays for maximum tabletop surfaces. Both cabinets ...
Category
Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Teak
Art Deco Walnut Desk by Waring and Gillows
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
Art Deco Walnut Desk
This exceptional Art Deco walnut desk, a stunning centre piece that seamlessly combines functionality and elegance. Crafted by the renowned Waring and Gillow in...
Category
1930s English Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Large Deep Walnut 9 Drawers Partners Style Antique Desk Brass Pulls Table Mint
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Large Deep Walnut 9 Drawers Partners Style antique desk brass pulls table mint.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Exceptional Napoleon III Bronze Mounted And Ebonized Writing Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine Antique French Bronze mounted writing table with particularly fine form dating to the late 19th Century. The table features all over Bronze mounts including Caryatid figures o...
Category
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
The Square Desk, Square Armchair, Carbonized Finish with Shou Sugi Ban, Japanese
Located in São Paulo, SP
The Square Desk was inspired by the design of Brazilian modern furniture from the 1950s and 1960s, featuring straight lines and Indian straw weaving. It's delicate and highly comfortable for everyday use, seamlessly blending functionality and elegance. The wood's ebonization is achieved through the Japanese technique of charred wood known as shou sugi ban. Crafted from solid freijó wood and adorned with a drawer featuring natural Indian straw.
* As they are natural materials, wood, straw and leather may have different tones and textures than those shown in the photos.
About the designer:
Amilcar Oliveira hails from São Paulo, the capital city. He studied Radio and TV at ECA-USP and worked as a director at production companies like Sentimental Filmes and Your Mamma. Currently, he's part of the directorial roster at Mixer. In parallel, he studied carpentry at the Cosi de Legno school under Piero Calò, carrying on the teachings he received from his father and grandfather, who were both carpenters deeply passionate about this craft. Amidst the pandemic, he created his debut piece, the Square Armchair...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Straw, Wood
Space Age Yellow Chapter One Desk by Broyhill Premier, 1970's
By Broyhill
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Space Age Yellow Chapter One desk by Broyhill Premier, 1970's. In good vintage condition.
Category
1970s American Space Age Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Fusion Desk by Daniele Lo Scalzo Moscheri
Located in Milan, IT
Designed for presidential offices, this desk's large scale conveys a sense of importance. The soft lines of its rope-colored leather desktop contrast the sharp edges of its dark canaletto-walnut legs, making it extremely modern, sophisticated and visually striking. Central drawer. Front modesty panel...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
$11,109 / item
Modern Scandinavian Wooden Work Desk and Side Table
By Interior architects FYRA
Located in Halikko, Finland
FEM work desk with Interior Architects Fyra
FEM is a compact piece of home office furniture, created in collaboration with Interior Architects Fyra.
FEM is a multifunctional desk that is easy to adjust, functions perfectly for working both sitting and standing, looks beautiful and has a purpose – even if not used as a work desk.
Made by Choice’s Fem desk is a multifunctional work-from-home station designed to respond to the demands of modern remote work, even in smaller spaces. Created by interior architect agency Fyra, specialised in office interiors, the desk is inspired by the designers’ own experiences of working from home – for lack of a better alternative, they have had to set up work stations on drying racks or highchairs and even in a home sauna. The Fem home office desk is easy to assemble without any screws, and just as quick and easy to disassemble and store when no longer needed.
Whether studying or working from home, it is important to change your posture throughout the day. The Fem desk is therefore designed so that you can work sitting or standing: the desk’s back panel can be used as an upper shelf on which you can place your laptop to create an ergonomic standing desk. Due to the simple yet adjustable structure, the Fem desk can also be used as a practical sideboard in the kitchen or a minimalist...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ash
English 19th Century Oak Desk with Ebonized Accents and Gilded Greek Key Frieze
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English oak desk from the 19th century with ebonized accents, carved floral motifs and Greek Key frieze. This 19th-century English oak desk masterfully combines the warmth of oak ...
Category
19th Century English Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Desk Made In Teak Model 54 By Kai Kristiansen For Feldballes Furniture From 1950
Located in Lejre, DK
The desk, known as Model 54, is a brilliant example of mid-20th century Danish design. Designed by the renowned furniture designer Kai Kristiansen in 1954 and produced by Feldballes ...
Category
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Howard & Sons London Leather Topped Faux Bamboo Writing Table, circa 1875
Located in Kinderhook, NY
English circa 1875 Aesthetic Movement writing table or desk by London cabinetmakers Howard & Sons having original green leather top; the oval form case with single drawer and origina...
Category
Late 19th Century English Aesthetic Movement Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
George Nakashima Turned Wood Dowel Shape Leg Single Pedestal Small Desk Mint
Located in Rockaway, NJ
George Nakashima turned wood dowel shape leg single pedestal small desk mint with documents.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Franco Albini Cavalletto Desk Table For Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Franco Albini Cavalletto Desk Table For Cassina
The geometric lines of the Cavalletto desk elicit a pleasant feeling of lightness through its ‘by the ...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
$6,576 Sale Price / item
25% Off
ANTIQUE 1684 DATED HAND CARVED 17TH CENTURY LIFT TOP WRITiNG TABLE DESK BIBLE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning, late 17th century, hand caved 1684 lift top writing work table traditionally used for bible s...
Category
1680s English Charles II Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
French Early 19th Century Birch Writing Table with Marble Top
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A breathtaking birch writing table, made at the beginning if the 19th century in France. The marble top is a rich cinnamon color, with vibrant flashed of white throughout, and a wond...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble
Large and Impressive Early 20th Century Mahogany Desk
Located in Martlesham, GB
A large and impressive early 20th century mahogany desk, the moulded edge top having a green leather writing surface divided into three shaped sections, the front of the desk having ...
Category
Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
$6,443 Sale Price
31% Off
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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