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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
George I Walnut Secretaire Kneehole Desk
Located in Lymington, GB
An early-18th century English walnut secrétaire kneehole desk. George I-period (1714-1727), circa 1720. Of exceptional waxed honey colour and lovely old patina, with well-matched veneers. With a quarter-veneered top. Six short drawers below a hinged fall revealing a writing section, all surrounding a central recessed cupboard. There is a small, shaped pull-out drawer fitted in the apron. All finely inlaid with herringbone lines. Raised on its original bracket feet. Swan-neck handles probably fitted later in the 18th century. Locks and keys are mostly original. Walnut veneered and crossbanded sides. Nb. Having a fitted secrétaire (secretaire) drawer distinguishes this antique walnut kneehole desk...
Category

Early 18th Century English George I Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

French Louis XV Style Black Lacquered Desk with Red Tooled Leather Top
Located in Dallas, TX
French Louis XV style black lacquered desk with a red tooled leather top and bronze hardware.
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

20th Century Swedish Writing Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 20th-century Swedish writing desk exudes the timeless simplicity and elegance of Scandinavian design. Crafted from pine, the desk features clean, minimalist lines and a lightly ...
Category

20th Century Swedish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine, Paint

Contemporary Desk 'JFK' by Norr11, Black Ash
Located in Paris, IDF
'JFK' Home Desk Signed by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for NORR11 Dimensions: H. 76 cm x W. 130 cm x D. 65 cm Model shown: Black Ash Wood Aluminium legs in matte black finish _________________ With its pure and simplistic design, the 60s inspired JFK Desk...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

18th Century Tyrolean Farmhouse Dining/ Kitchen Table in Fruitwood from Austria
Located in Miami, FL
An exceptionally beautiful farm house table from the Tyrolean region of Austria in fruitwood with the rich patina of age acquired from its 250 year history! A multipurpose table, it would have served as a dining table as well as a table used in the preparation of food. Utensils and bread would have been stored in its deep and long drawers, which are decorated with small etched field flowers on the fronts. The box stretcher would have provided a footrest in addition to rendering the table stronger. Offers pegged construction, dovetailed drawers and original wooden pulls. This Alpine table...
Category

Late 18th Century Austrian Country Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Fruitwood

English Regency 1820s Table with Red Lacquered, Gold and Black Chinoiserie Decor
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English Regency period writing table from the early 19th century, with red lacquered, black and gilt chinoiserie decor and cabriole leg...
Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

1960's Danish Modern Rosewood Desk
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage 1960's Mid-century Modern rosewood desk for sale. It has been professionally refinished, and looks stunning. The chrome base has been polished and is also in excellent top shape. It has a clean design with three drawers and chrome knobs...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Freestanding Desk in Solid Oak, by a Danish Cabinetmaker, Mid-Century, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
A refined mid-century freestanding desk in solid oak and with brass handles. Made by a Danish cabinetmaker in 1950s. Nice lines for this perfect office desk. Overall a great impression...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Ole Wanscher Freestanding Desk in Rosewood Made by A.J. Iversen, Copenhagen 1959
Located in Odense, DK
Rare and important desk designed by Ole Wanscher and manufactured at master cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen in 1959. Exhibited at the Danish Cabinetmakers Guild exhibition the same year. T...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Antique 20th Century Single Pedestal Desk In Walnut ( REF AF-3348 )
Located in Ledbury, GB
Indulge in the timeless sophistication of this antique 20th-century single pedestal desk, meticulously crafted from luxurious walnut and boasting exceptional quality. This stunning p...
Category

20th Century British Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Chinese Ornately Carved Mahogany Oriental Chinoiserie Office Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinese Ornately Carved Mahogany Oriental Chinoiserie Office Desk. Item is ornately carved throughout with flowers, birds, and leafy scrollwork, carved faces to feet/base, 1 ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Fine Regency Mahogany Davenport Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fine regency mahogany davenport desk with brass mounts and leather inset top. Circa 1815. Dimensions: Height 36 x width 14 1/2 x depth 18 5/8 inc...
Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Vintage Neoclassical Dressing Table
Located in Sheffield, MA
The vintage neoclassical dressing table, vanity, desk or night table has gilt detailing, fluted legs, brass pulls and curved stretchers. Dr...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Large Italian Rosewood and Leather Conference Table/Desk By Hans Von Klier
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning, large conference table/executive desk designed by Hans Von Klier for Skipper (ca. 1970, Italy). Composed of a wrapped black leather middle section flanked by resin-coated...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Epoxy Resin, Wood, Rosewood, Lacquer

Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk with Bookcase by Fratelli Rizzi, Italy, 1950s
Located in Vigonza, Padua
This exceptional writing desk with integrated bookcase is a fine example of Italian mid-century modern design, crafted by the renowned Fratelli Rizzi workshop in Cantù during the 195...
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Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple

Teak Desk
Located in London, GB
This vintage teak desk combines form and function with effortless style. Crafted from richly grained teak, the desk features a balanced and symmetrical silhouette with six drawers—th...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Teak Desk
Teak Desk
$3,231
1950s Italian Executive Desk Style Vittorio Dassi Italy
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Floating Italian Executive Desk Style of Vittorio Dassi Ample storage. Finished backside. Made in Italy Unmarked attributed Vittorio Dassi 30 x 51.25 w x 23.75 Kneehole 24 h x ...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Impressive Louis XV Desk/Reception Table, After F. Linke, Paris
Located in Berlin, DE
Impressive Louis XV desk/reception table, after F. Linke, Paris Solid beech wood and veneered. Multiple curved and cambered body with fine inlay wo...
Category

20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Executive Desk, Italy, 1980s Maple Wood
Located in Sacile, PN
Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, executive desk, bird’s-eye maple, Italy, 1980s. This postmodern pieces is sculptural and holds various striking elements. Firstly the execution of the...
Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birdseye Maple

A Napoleon III Parquetry Pedestal Desk By Guillaume Grohé
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
An Important Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze Mounted Parquetry Pedestal Desk, By Guillaume Grohé. France, Circa 1860. Stamped to the top edge of one door 'GROHE FRERES...
Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Georgian Style Wood & Hogan Burr Walnut Partners Desk Bench-Made in England
Located in North Salem, NY
For the person who appreciates high quality in all details. This desk will make the impressive statement needed. NEW English Bench-Made Wood & Hogan Walnut Early Georgian Style Partners Desk with Three Panel Gilt and Blind Tooled Leather Top on Plinth Base. End Panels, Drawer Fronts and Cabinet Doors with Walnut Crossband and Herringbone Inlay. Solid Brass Decorative Back Plate Handles on all Drawers and Solid Brass Lifting Handles on Ends. Top with Recessed Break on User's Side, Matching Tooled Leather Dictation Slide on Visitor's Side, as well as, Sliding Writing Tablets in Each Top Side Drawers on User's Side. User's Side with 6 Fitted Box Drawer...
Category

20th Century English Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Petit Bureau en forme de libre PRO, by Charlotte Perriand for Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Devoid of sharp angles, the rounded asymmetrical shape of the Petit Bureau En Forme Libre designer desk adapts perfectly to executive offices, as well as the typically smaller space...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Guillerme & Chambron design desk, " votre Maison " edition, France circa 1960's
Located in leucate, FR
Design solid Oak desk by Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chambron, " Votre Maison " edition. Free-moving top, on the left side a box composed of a niche and 3 drawers with black cerami...
Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ceramic, Wood, Oak

Charlotte Perriand Mid-Century Modern Black and Grey Cansado Table, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Table designed by Charlotte Perriand, circa 1950. Wood with formica, metal frame legs. Provenance: Cansado, Mauritania (Africa). In good original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Charlotte Perriand (1903-1999) she was born in Paris in 1903 and attended the E´cole de l'Union centrale des Arts de´coratifs from 1920-1925. Charlotte Perriand designed furniture made of anodized aluminium and chromium-plated steel, showing it at the 1927 "Salon d'Automne" in Paris. After meeting Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand worked with him and Pierre Jeanneret until 1937. The revolutionary tubular steel furnishings and system furniture designed by the three were presented as "E´quipement de l'habitation" (home equipment) at the 1929 "Salon d'Automne," where they were widely acclaimed. In 1930 the Union Des Artistes Modernes (UAM) was founded in Paris, a group that viewed itself as a countermovement challenging such establishment organizations as the "Salon d'Automne" and also advocated Art Deco and Modernism. From 1931 Charlotte Perriand showed her own work solo there. In 1937 Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret collaborated on designing a mountain chalet of sheet aluminium, which they showed at the "Exposition Internationale des Arts et Techniques dans la Vie Moderne" and later they came up with plans for prefab houses...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Tolix Flap Desk Indoor Painted in Graphite
Located in Shakopee, MN
- The tolix flap desk, imagined by Sebastian Bergne, is the ideal size for small spaces. Store documents and pens out of sight beneath its two flaps. T...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Jules Wabbes Writing or Dining Table in Solid Wengé and Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jules Wabbes, dining or writing table, wengé, chrome-plated steel, Belgium, 1960s The model embraces a wengé wooden top crafted from rectangular-shaped sawn slats, resulting in a me...
Category

1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Industrial Equestrian Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
The Industrial Equestrian desk of walnut and reclaimed wood with an iron base. The parquetry inlaid top with five drawers is flanked by two horse heads...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

20th Century Swedish Art Deco Jacarandawood Writing Table - Vintage Bronze Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A freestanding, vintage Art Deco Swedish writing table made of hand crafted polished Jacarandawood, in good condition. The rectangular Scandinavian desk has one large drawer in the c...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass, Bronze

Cognac Leather Desk by Guido Faleschini for Mariani, Italy, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
This desk is a stunning creation by the visionary Italian designer Guido Faleschini for I4 Mariani. Embracing the vibrant spirit and vivid hues of the seventies, this desk encapsulat...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Mid Century George Nakashima Walnut Coffee Table/Vanity Desk, Origins Series
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
Very rare coffee table/vanity desk by George Nakashima for Widdicomb, Origins Series, 1963. Beautiful condition, professionally restored by master artist Mark Mendelson. George Nak...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

19th Century English Writing Desk, Partner Style, Leather Top, Wood Grain Veneer
Located in Madrid, ES
This mid-19th century English writing desk features handsomely inlaid rich-grained mahogany veneer. It is "partner" or "center" in de...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desk with Marble Imitaition Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish Gustavian desk from Sundsvall Medelpad, Northern Sweden. A stunning desk with fantastic patina. Scraped and washed to its well Preserved Originalpaint. Lovely...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Antique English Mahogany Carved Library Table with Lopers for Expanding Surface
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique English carved mahogany library table, or since it has built in steel-lopers that pull-out from each end, one could use this antique English library table...
Category

1880s English Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Deco Tubular Console Table or Small Desk by Royal Chrome
Located in Chicago, IL
A nice period chrome tubular table by quality company. Makes for a nice writing desk, console or sofa table. Of the manner of The Bauhaus Marcel Breuer...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

1970s Glass Wood Chrome Dining Table
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Wonderfully simplistic parsons style 1970s rectangular dining table. Made of glass, wood and chromed steel legs. Would make for an amazing executive desk or conference table.
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

English Oak X-Framed Farmhouse Refectory Table
Located in Staffordshire, GB
circa late 20th century English Oak X-Framed Farmhouse Refectory table Measures: W201 x D101 x H77 cm
Category

Late 20th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique George III Quality Mahogany Freestanding Leather Top Writing Desk
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique George III quality mahogany freestanding leather top writing desk having a leather writing surface with a quality mahogany crossbanded edge above two mahogany cockbeeded oak...
Category

19th Century English George III Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Other

Solid Walnut Mid-Century Modern Floating Top All Restored Desk Table Mint!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Solid Walnut Mid-Century Modern pullout Key Board Floating Top Tray All Restored Desk Table MINT!
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

19th Spanish Carved Gargoyles Walnut Renaissance Library / Writing or Desk Table
Located in Miami, FL
In grand, gothic style, this Spanish library / writing table has a deeply carved edge and this is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg, as the carving never really stops. It goes o...
Category

Late 19th Century Spanish Gothic Revival Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Thick Glass Top Glass Base Writing Table Compact Desk
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Slick Mid-Century Modern all thick 3/4" glass design writing table or small desk.
Category

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Writing Desk by Mainline
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elegant, functional, and full of mid-century quality, this vintage writing desk by Mainline stands out with its rich walnut woodgrain and stylish design. Spacious compartments allow ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Oak Desk by Hans Wegner for Andreas Tuck, Denmark 1950s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
An elegant and slim desk designed by the legendary Hans Wegner and expertly crafted by Andreas Tuck in the 1950s. Made from stunningly fresh and beautiful oak wood, this desk exudes ...
Category

1950s Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique English Inlaid Rosewood Writing Desk, Circa 1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English inlaid rosewood writing desk on casters with leather and galleried top, Circa 1890.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

California Art Deco Fletcher Aviation Executive Desk by Frank Fletcher
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This large American Art Deco desk was designed by Frank Fletcher and manufactured by Fletcher Aviation in Pasadena, California. A design patent number 140,501 was issued to Fletcher ...
Category

1940s Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique 19th Century Danish Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Desk
Located in Round Top, TX
This stunning Biedermeier secretary was crafted in Denmark during a peak era known for high quality furniture craftsmanship. Enlarge photos to appreciate the beauty of the wood, note...
Category

Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

Early 19th Century Louis XVI Style Gentleman's Bureau Dressing Table Vanity Desk
By Jean-Henri Riesener
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and exceptional large French speckled plum pudding mahogany rosewood marble ormolu flip-top mirrored gentleman's bureau dressing table / writing desk (poudreuse coiffeuse de t...
Category

Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass, Bronze

Fa. Drilling Art Deco Amsterdamse School Ladies Desk, 1924
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Art Deco Amsterdamse School ladies desk. Design by Fa. Drilling Amsterdam. Striking Dutch design from the 1920s. Solid American walnut base with original lacquer...
Category

1920s Dutch Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Macassar, Walnut

Guillerme & Chambron Floating Desk, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Oak desk for Votre Maison with three drawers and a double top. The very elegant joinery sits on tapered legs. 55x24x30 24 armrest space
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Tulare Desk
Located in New Hampton, NY
Shown in oiled walnut and gunmetal steel with burnished bronze hardware, the Tulare desk features three solid wood drawers, custom-made hardware and hand a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze, Steel

Tulare Desk
Tulare Desk
$12,300 / item
Secrétaire Desk in Shagreen and Palmwood 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 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Shagreen Stingray, Palmwood

1900's Vintage / Antique Adam Style, Paint Decorated, Writing Desk!
Located in Austin, TX
Charming 1900's Vintage / Antique Adam Style, Paint Decorated, Writing Desk! Desk, Writing, Adam Style, Paint Decorated, Vintage / Antique, 1900's, 20th Century! Crafted with the ...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Adam Style Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Paint

NONO Desk 3 Collaborative Space Enhancer, Asymmetrical
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO — Introduction: Crafting Elegance with a Modernist Touch NONO, renowned for its decade-long journey in redefining eve...
Category

2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Hardwood, Oak

Vintage Teak Writing Desk By Peter Hvidt for John Stuart
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A vintage writing desk crafted in teak with metal legs featuring a single bay with 4 pull out drawers and an additional pull-out writing surface with glass top. Designer: Peter Hvi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

19th Century Chinoiserie Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th century chinoiserie table, probably Chinese export, circa late 19th century. This was probably originally intended as a sewing table, but it i...
Category

19th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

1950's George Nelson X-Leg Extension Dining Table Model 5062
Located in Hanover, MA
Early George Nelson model 5062 X-Leg extension dining table for Herman Miller, 1952. Table has two 12 inch extension leaves and pull-out metal extension tracks. Table is 29 inches...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Regency Burr Elm Davenport Desk
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
An Exceptional Quality And Extremely Rare Early 18th Century Regency Period Burr Elm Davenport Having Hinged Swivel Top With Inset Leather, Retaining Elegant Original Ormolu Gallery With Pierced Handle, Over Rare Mechanical Slide And Four Ash Lined Drawers With Bobbin Moulded Decoration, Raised On Original Turned Bun Feet. The term Davenport is owed to Captain Davenport...
Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Elm

Regency Burr Elm Davenport Desk
Regency Burr Elm Davenport Desk
$9,681 Sale Price
28% Off
English George III Mahogany & Leather Pedestal “Rent” Writing Desk ca. 1800
Located in Shippensburg, PA
GEORGE III MAHOGANY & TOOLED LEATHER PEDESTAL DESK WITH "RENT" COMPARTMENTS England, ca. 1800 with numerous hidden compartments Item # 311EFP30W A rather special find, this positiv...
Category

19th Century English George III Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Slate Grey Drawers Gaston Floating Writing Desk 80 cm Natural Oak by HARTO
Located in Geneve, CH
Slate Grey Drawers Gaston Floating Writing Desk 80 cm Natural Oak by HARTO Dimensions: W 80 x D 32 x H 72 cm. Materials: MDF wood veneer, Lacquered MDF, Leather. Weight: 27.5 kg Ga...
Category

2010s Portuguese Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

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

Concrete table/ desk designed by Sergio and Giorgio Saporiti. Italy, 1972
Located in Berlin, Berlin
The SAPO table, designed with a concrete base and hardened Glass top, attached by two chromed bolts. The concrete base shows a beautiful imprint of the wooden mould it was made from....
Category

1970s Italian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Concrete

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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