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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Le Corbusier LC16 Writing Wood Desk and Shelve by Cassina
By Le Corbusier, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Writing desk designed by Le Corbusier in 1957. Relaunched in 2010.
Manufactured by Cassina in Italy.
Defying the laws of physics, going beyond what we normally understand by the conditions of equilibrium, this bookcase is nothing short of a manifesto for Cassina’s design and construction capabilities. After a lengthy period of research and development, ably assisted by state-of-the-art technology, the company’s designers created a production prototype of the original 1940 piece that architect Franco Albini made as a one-off for his Milan home. Respecting the authentic underlying concept of the design, with its compelling experimental feel, as well as its surprisingly spare, linear looks, today’s model preserves the minimal ideal of the original: a feeling of air and light so that the books and objects seem to float free. Thus does Cassina restore to the contemporary world of design one of its most emblematic artefacts, a piece that has acquired the status of a work of art, as magical now as it was when it was first seen.
Important information regarding images of products:
Please note that some of the images show other colors and variations of the model, these images are only to present interior design proposals. The item that is selling is on the first image.
Important information regarding color(s) of products:
Actual colors may vary. This is due to the fact that every computer monitor, laptop, tablet and phone screen has a different capability to display colors and that everyone sees these colors differently. We try to edit our photos to show all of our products as life-like as possible, but please understand the actual color may vary slightly from your monitor
About the designer:
Charles-Edouard Jeanneret, known as Le Corbusier, was born in La Chauxde-Fonds, in the Swiss Canton of Jura, in 1887; and died in France, in Roquebrune-CAP-Martin, on the French Côte d'Azur, in 1965.
At the beginning of his career, his work was greeted with some reluctance due to its supposed "revolutionary" character and the radical aspect it acquired through his "purist" experiments; In any case, already at that time, he received the recognition he deserved and the admiration of the majority. His message is still being assimilated by an increasing number of people in the profession, but his eccentric avant-garde attitude should be properly taken into account for the use of rational systems in his planning method, as reflected in extremely simple modules and forms based on functional logic.
"A functionalism that does not tend to exalt the mechanical function to the detriment of the symbolic but rather to the rejection of the symbol, which he now considers obsolete and insignificant, and the recovery of the practical function as a symbol of new values" (¹)
In his activities as an urban planner, architect and designer, his method of study continued to develop, sometimes going from one extreme to another in a complex plastic language. Some examples of this are:
Unité d'Habitation, Marseille (1946-52);
the Chapel in Ronchamp (1950-55);
the Dominican Monastery «La Tourette» (1951-56);
the Zurich Center (1964-65)
the Hospital in Venice (1965).
The same dedication will be found in the design of diverse furniture, such as: the furniture of "Equipement intérieur de la maison" (tables, chairs, sofas and armchairs) designed for the Salon d'Automne in 1928 with Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand and “Casiers Standard...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Antique French Louis Revival Ormolu Bureau Plat Desk, 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a gorgeous antique French Louis Revival gilt bronze mounted amaranth bureau plat, Circa 1880 in date.
The rectangular top has a decorative...
Category
1880s French Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu
Bureau moderniste vintage en bois de chêne et métal noir des années 60
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Bureau vintage des années 60, style moderniste dans le goût de Pierre Guariche ou Minvielle, plateau en bois de chêne, piétement métallique noir et caisson en bois de chêne avec 3 ti...
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
19th Century Spanish Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Desk
Located in Miami, FL
Handsome oak library piece that can be used as a desk or Work table. Made of oak having carved gadrooned edges. Carved on all sides and five drawers ox bow ends, 19th century.
Worka...
Category
Early 19th Century Spanish Renaissance Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Midcentury Sideboard in Teak by Omann Jun, 1950s
By Gunni Omann
Located in Lejre, DK
Great looking sideboard in teak designed by Gunni Oman for Oman Jun, Denmark in 1960s. Great original condition.
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
French Elm Burl Brass & Coated Fabric Desk Kidney Shape Louis XV Style c. 1960
Located in Labrit, Landes
Desk in the kidney style. This shape of tops on the furnitures is typical of the 18th century. It is found in the Louis XV style with curved legs and in the Louis XVI style with stra...
Category
1960s French Louis XV Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Elm
Mid-Century Modern United Diamond Walnut Writing Desk
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Mid-Century Modern United Diamond Walnut Writing Desk. Featuring a straight line design, geometrical diamond drawers on the left, single drawer on the right, mo...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Antique Fine Quality Mahogany Writing Dressing Table 19th Century Desk Side X-Fr
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique Fine Quality Mahogany Writing Dressing Table, 19th Century – also ideal as a desk or side table. A highly desirable piece featuring a sought-after X-frame stretcher base.
Th...
Category
19th Century Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
"Rivoluzione" Limited Edition Table with Stainless Steel and Bronze, Istanbul
Located in Istanbul, 34
"Rivoluzione" Limited Edition Table with Stainless Steel and Bronze, Istanbul.
3 pieces Worldwide. Each of the products has a special "Bizimyer Furniture" certificate.
Designed by ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze, Stainless Steel
Beautiful Military Campaign Writing Table
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to ofer for sale this amazing military campaign writing table with brass corners and leather top made by R.E.H Kennedy of Ipswich and retailed by Harrods London .
Don't he...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Hans Wegner Desk Model JH-563 by Cabinetmaker Johannes Hansen in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare freestanding desk model JH-563 designed by Hans Wegner. Produced by cabinetmaker Johannes Hansen in Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
20th Century Italian Rustic Kitchen Table or Writing Table in Fir Wood, Restored
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We present to you this rustic Italian table of considerable size, crafted in the 20th century from solid fir wood. Its simple and linear design features a useful drawer on the front,...
Category
20th Century Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Fir
Gispen Desk with Gray Enameled Metal Frame, Chartreuse Drawers, & Privacy Screen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century chartreuse enameled industrial desk designed by designer A.R. Cordemeijer for famed Dutch manufacturer Gispen. This stylish 1960s desk has a single cabinet with two chart...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Soriana Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
A design armchair with soft, generous contours, designed to bring home casual, sophisticated comfort that opens the door to new, freer lifestyles.
The idea for this armchair that...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Desk, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1950/1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Desk, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, 1950/1960s. Teak table top with painted wood drawers. Good vintage condition, patina and wear con...
Category
1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Teak
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
Bruce Talbert for Gillows Attributed Gothic Revival Two-Tier Library Table
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert, Attributed, a Gothic Revival walnut library or serving table with turned gallery below the upper serving area, on turned legs with ebonized details united by a full si...
Category
Late 19th Century English Gothic Revival Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
English Charles II Olivewood Oyster Veneer Side Table, circa 1780
Located in Miami, FL
A fine English pre-William-and-Mary, circa 1680 Charles II period side table of rectangular form, the moulded-edge parquetry top inlaid with olivewood 'oystering' within geometric st...
Category
Late 18th Century English Charles II Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Jordi Vilanova Desk and Stool Set in Wood, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of desk and stool designed by Jordi Vilanova, circa 1960.
In original condition, with some visible signs of previous use and age, preserving a beautiful patina.
Materials:
...
Category
1960s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
circa 1880 George III Style Carved Solid Oak Chest, Green Man Writing Desk
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this 19th century heavily carved dark oak kneehole desk. An impressive green man desk with flowers and scrolls, the s...
Category
1880s English George III Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Antique Victorian Amboyna Inlaid Bonheur Du Jour 19th Century
Located in London, GB
Believed by our experts to date from around 1860, this antique Victorian Bonheur Du Jour is an imposing and functional item of furniture that is so typical of the Victorian era.
We ...
Category
1860s English Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu, Brass
Spanish Desk and Stool in Oak with Green Blue Patina
Located in Barcelona, ES
Industrial Desk and Stool, Oak, Spain, 1930s
A lovely set composed by an industrial desk with Art Deco accents patinated in Jade green-blue color with the top in oakwood.
The small s...
Category
20th Century Spanish Industrial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak, Pine, Wood
19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Desk. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Hello,
This exceptional walnut Biedermeier desk is the best example of top-quality Viennese piece from circa 1825.
Viennese Biedermeier is distinguished by their sophisticated propo...
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Lovely George III circa 1780 Double Sided Walnut Partner Desk Original Handles
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning very rare original George III circa 1780 walnut twin pedestal double sided partner desk with period handles and green leather surface...
Category
1780s English George III Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ostrich Leather, Walnut
Postmodern Memphis Design Interlubke Writing Desk, Home Office, Germany 1980s
By Interlübke
Located in Zagreb, HR
Stunning Memphis design style postmodern desk manufactured in the 1980s in Germany by a high-end furniture company Interlubke
The desk is a pure example of Memphis's design.
It'...
Category
1980s German Post-Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Antique Early American Country Farmhouse Slant Top School Student Writing Desk
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique early American schoolhouse / country / farmhouse writing desk. Made of poplar featuring a slanted top and dovetailed joinery.
Dimension...
Category
Late 19th Century American Classical Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Poplar
French 19th Century Empire St. Mahogany and Ormolu Executive Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An extremely handsome and impressive French 19th century Empire st. mahogany and ormolu executive desk. At the frieze is a central wider drawer flanked by smaller drawers at each sid...
Category
19th Century French Empire Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu
Leather and Oak Executive Desk by Warren Platner for Knoll, USA, circa 1965
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Single drawer executive Platner desk with a top in natural stained, bullnose oak and cream colored leather, supported on two legs in polished steel.
Category
1960s Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Dutch Industrial Design Desk by Wim Rietveld for Ahrend De Cirkel, 1960's
By Wim Rietveld
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Midcentury Dutch Industrial Design Desk by Wim Rietveld and Friso Kramer for Ahrend De Cirkel. Made in the Netherlands, late 1950's, early 1960's. A RARE and hard to find des...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Steel
Antique Desk With Small Cabinet Made In Walnut From 1860s
Located in Lejre, DK
Antique desk with a small side cabinet for storage, made in walnut from the 1860s.
In very nice condition.
Dimensions: H:74.5cm W:104cm D:53cm
Category
1860s Danish Mid-Century Modern Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Original rosewood desk by Angelo MANGIAROTTI
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Magnificent and atypical rosewood desk by Angelo MANGIAROTTI
Dimension: Length 200 cm x width 80 cm x Heigth 72
Good condition
fully restored
Angelo MANGIAROTTI was a leading Ital...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
21st Century American Walnut Veneer Vanity Desk with Mirror
Located in Istanbul, TR
"La Nouvelle Vanité" is a make up desk made of American walnut veneer with an arc shaped mirror behind, designed by Merve Kahraman design studio.
This work/makeup desk...
Category
2010s Turkish Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Documented Ico and Luisa Parisi Mid-Century Modern Italian Executive Desk
By Ico Parisi
Located in New York, NY
This iconic Mid-Century Modern executive desk was the result of a collaboration between the masterful Italian architect and designer, Ico Parisi and his wife, Luisa, a student of Gio...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Large Victorian Partner Desk, England, 19th Century, Mahogany with Leather
Located in Berlin, DE
Large Victorian Partner Desk, England, 19th Century, Mahogany with Leather
England, 19th century. Mahogany. Rectangular writing tablet with rounded corners and embossed leather cove...
Category
1870s Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Dickens Pedestal Desk 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a truly superb antique Victorian Period burr walnut Dickens pedestal desk, circa 1880 in date.
The sunken central superstructure is flanked on either side by columns of five...
Category
1880s English Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Desk or Library Table, Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table
By L. & J.G. Stickley
USA, Circa 1900
Gorgeous quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper hardwa...
Category
Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Copper
Medium Dark Walnut Architect Adjustable Desk with Black or Brown Leather Insets
Located in Ballard, CA
The Iconic Jean Pierre desk named after the famous actor Jean Pierre Aumont is an handcrafted desk in solid walnut with black or brown leather insets,...
Category
2010s North American Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood, Walnut
English Red Lacquer Faux Bamboo 19th Century Desk with Gilded Chinoiserie Décor
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English faux bamboo red lacquer desk from the 19th century with gilt Chinoiserie décor and two drawers. Born in England during the 19th century, this exquisite faux bamboo desk fe...
Category
19th Century English Chinoiserie Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Faux Bamboo
Italian Midcentury Wood Glass Desk Office Table 1950s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury modern design desk with wooden frame with two drawers on which rests the thick glass top shaped with rounded corners, Italy 1950s
Please note that the item is ori...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass, Wood
Stamped 1961 Danish Teak Peter Lovig Nielsen for Hedensted Mobelfabrik Desk
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely original Mid-Century Modern circa 1961 Peter Lovig Danish Teak bookcase back desk designed for Hedens...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Regency Burr Elm and Ebonized Writing Table
Located in Essex, MA
With a rectangular with an inset green leather top and banded edge. The frieze with two drawers and two opposing false drawers all with Gillow style star form brass knobs. Trestle su...
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
19th Century French Louis XV Brown Leather Carved Cherry Writing Table Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a study, home office or library with this antique writing table. Crafted in the Poitou region of France circa 1850 and built of cherry wood, the desk stands on elegant cabri...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Cherry
Men's Dressing Table, French, 19 th
Located in Nice, FR
Dressing table for men, 19th period, origin France, in beech wood, with lots of drawers, a mirror, this table can make a writing table, a lot of charm. Needs a makeover if you feel l...
Category
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Beech
Italian Mid-century Desk in Walnut with Floating Glass Top
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Desk in the manner of Melchiorre Bega, glass, walnut, Italy, 1950s
This elegant piece of furniture is made in Italy in the 1950s. The stylistic elements and overall design distinct...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass, Walnut
Melting Vanity Table in Blue Shagreen and Bronze-Patina Brass by R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines.
The melting vanity table...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Italian Iron Demilune Hunt Table or Wine Tasting Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic Italian demilune table having a newer steel top. Originally constructed as a hunt table or wine tasting table with a wood or marble top. The iron base is made of four pairs...
Category
20th Century Italian Regency Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass, Steel, Iron
MCM Rosewood Executive Desk by Kai Kristiansen
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
The “FM60” Rosewood executive desk, by Danish designer Kai Kristiansen for FM Møbler, having a “floating” desktop over two banks of drawers with three drawers each, and sculpted rose...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Action Office Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Action Office Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960s
Category
1960s Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Italian Desk With Metal Structure And Custom Leather & Wood Colors
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This office desk is perfect for both home offices and commercial workspaces. Sleek and geometric, the cylinder-shaped top features a drawer and two open compartments on each side. B...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Italian Vintage Desk in Style of Anonima Castelli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian mid century desk in style of Anonima Castelli. Top is Formica, Oak veneer total of nine drawers with the brass hardware.
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
French Painted Wood Skai & Brass Side Table Writing Table One Drawer, circa 1910
Located in Labrit, Landes
French antique side or writing table, circa 1910.
Louis 16 style
One large drawer
The top is recovered with skai.
Good antique condition
Shipping:
45 / 85 / 75 cm 12 kg
Category
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Unusual Antique American Sheraton Clerk's Desk with Gallery
Located in Morristown, NJ
An unusual 19th c., American Sheraton Clerk's Desk. A shaped gallery with a larger rectangular pigeon hole flanked by three square pigeon holes to each side. The slant writing surfac...
Category
Early 19th Century American Sheraton Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
Mid Century Arne Vodder L-Shaped Rosewood Desk for Sibast, 1960
By Sibast, Arne Vodder
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Mid Century Rosewood desk designed by Arne Vodder, showcasing the elegance and functionalism that are hallmarks of his work. The desk is a substantial piece, featuring a spacious tab...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Doris Double Pedestal Dining Table in White Carrara Marble and Cast Aluminum
By Fred&Juul
Located in Fiesole, Florence
Dining tables with marble tops and multifaceted pedestals in cast bronze, blackened bronze or aluminum.
Inspired by Doric columns in archaic architecture, the extruded multi-point ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Siena Marble, Marble, Breccia Marble, Carrara Marble, Aluminum, Bronze
Contemporary Rectangular Cooperage Dining Table in Striped Oak by Fort Standard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This table is a part of the new Cooperage dining collection. Each piece features large faceted round elements that with its namesake reference the traditional cooper's trade of makin...
Category
2010s American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ash, Maple, Oak, Walnut
Large Writing Desk Made In Light Mahogany From 1920s
Located in Lejre, DK
This large writing desk, crafted from light mahogany, hails from the 1920s and stands as a testament to timeless elegance and functional design. Wi...
Category
1920s Danish Other Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Louis XV Style Bureau Plate, 19th Century
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality 19th century Louis XV style bureau plat, having an inset leather top, gilded ormolu mounts, three frieze drawers to one side, d...
Category
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu
Ernest H. Igl for Bayer AG 'Hadi' Desk
By Ernest Igl
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ernest Igl for Bayer AG, 'Hadi' desk, polyurethane, Germany, 1970s
This design by Ernest Igl truly resembles the ethos of the seventies, featuring the commonly used material of that time: polyurethane. Ernest Igl strived for the creation of a desk that focused on functionality combined with an aesthetically pleasing design for daily use. This is discernible in the playful composition of curved lines and round shapes executed in the whole construction. On the left side, three drawers are situated hidden perfectly in the column of the design. At the right side there is a storage compartment placed. Taking every stylistic realization into account, this writing desk feels retro, without clashing with contemporary interiors.
Ernest Hofmann...
Category
1970s German Post-Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Plastic
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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