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Desks and Writing Tables

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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Style: Baroque
Rosewood Desk by Joaquim Tenreiro, Bloch Editors, 1960s, Brazilian Midcentury
Located in New York, NY
This exquisitely crafted Rosewood Desk designed by Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992) belonged to BLOCH EDITORES S.A. BUILDING, a Brazilian publisher founded in 1952 and closed in 2000, wh...
Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

1960s Rattan and Iron Writing Table Desk
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Lightly used, with very light scratches, or minor cosmetic wear, but has no structural issues. Most antique and vintage items fit this condition.
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Arch Desk by BBPR for Olivetti 60s-70s
Located in Milano, IT
Desk made of enameled metal and top made of laminated material.
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Díaz Infante Desk for DM Nacional
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
For your consideration, desk sadly attributed to Clara Porset, Diaz Infante is the real and original designer, I have the documents that support it, manufactured by DM Nacional.
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Mid - Century, Solid Teak & Veneer Surface Desk, Denmark c.1960's
Located in London, GB
This stunning Mid Century Solid Teak & Veneer Surface Desk. Danish in Design, Boomerang shape model, slightly curved top to front and back edges with a large niche at the back for st...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

G. Plan Teak Writing Desk, England, circa 1970
Located in New York, NY
A mid-century modern teak writing table with two ample drawers an an ample writing surface; with wonderful lines. Designed by R. Bennet for G. Plan, England, circa 1970 Size: 29 1...
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1970s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Scrivania Arco di BBPR per Olivetti Anni 60-70
Located in Milano, IT
Scrivania in metallo smaltato e piano in materiale laminato.
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Desk table called “Gerard Philipe” by Jules Wabbes
Located in Brussels, BE
Desk table called “Gerard Philipe” by Jules Wabbes. Solid laminated Padouk desk resting on 4 steel legs with “gun barrel” finish. 3 storage under the top. The model takes its name fr...
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Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Padouk

Elegant Italian Small Desk in Cherry
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Writing desk, cherry, brass, beech, formica, Italy, 1950s Very elegant desk made in Italy in the 1950s. The framework is executed in cherry. The upper part of this piece is made fro...
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1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry, Beech

Mid-Century Danish Oak Desk attributed to Henning Kjaernulf
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Solid oak writing desk complete with drawers, attributed to the Danish furniture designer Henning Henry Kjærnulf, a compelling piece. This creation harmoniously blends bold Baroque e...
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1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

1960s Danish Modern Rosewood Desk by Ganddal Mobelfabrikk
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Danish modern rosewood writing desk designed and manufactured by Ganddal Mobelfabrikk in Denmark circa 1960s. This beautiful desk w...
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1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

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

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

Materials

Brass

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

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

Materials

Marble

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

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

Materials

Walnut

Oak Writing Desk with Aluminum Details Attributed to Kai Kristiansen
Located in Madrid, ES
Freestanding desk, model EP 401, with veneered oak frame and table top. Front with six drawers with aluminum handles, back with three open compartments, legs with aluminum shoes. Man...
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Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Marcel Gascoin, TC Office, France 1950
Located in Catonvielle, FR
Marcel Gascoin (1907-1986), “TC” table in light oak, ARHEC edition, France 1950. Father of Rationalism and major player in French Reconstruction, Marcel Gascoin designs quality furni...
Category

1940s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

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

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

Materials

Steel

Fully restored midcentury writing Desk, 1960's, Czechoslovakia
Located in Prague 8, CZ
This ladies writing desk was made in the former Czechoslovakia in the 1960´s. It's made of beech wood. Plastic drawers inside. Very simple design. In excellent condition, fully ren...
Category

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

Materials

Plastic, Wood, Beech

Mid Century Modern Danish Teak Desk Skovby Møbelfabrik 55" Wide Signed 1970
Located in Portland, OR
A good Mid Century Modern Danish teak desk, Skovby Møbelfabrik, 1970. The desk is made from well figured teak, on the left side is a bank of three drawers, the desk is joined with a ...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

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

Mid-Century Modern Small Walnut Desk with Round Pulls
Located in Belmont, MA
Mid-Century Modern small walnut desk with round pulls, circa 1970s.
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Architect's work, Lacquered system table, circa 1970
Located in Paris, FR
System table Unique piece, special order, Circa 1970 White and orange lacquered wood Height 77 x Width 100 x Length 81 (162 cm open) Condition report: good original condition, so...
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1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

20th Century Marcel Breuer for Gavina Desk mod. Canaan
Located in Turin, Turin
Marcel Breuer was a Hungarian-German modernist architect and furniture designer. He became one of the first and youngest students at the Bauhaus – a radical arts and crafts school th...
Category

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

Materials

Faux Leather, Wood

Action Desk by George Nelson & Robert Propst for Herman Miller
Located in Madrid, ES
Action Office desk, model 64 902, designed by George Nelson & Robert Propst for Herman Miller from the 1960s. Base made of chrome-plated aluminum with white plastic protectors. Locka...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-Century Post Modern Black & Brass Desk after Gilbert Rohde in Art Deco Form
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A simple modern nod to the art deco period. This desk features glossy black laminate with brass accents. Probably Italian circa 1980's. Nice clean original condition.
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1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Walnut 1960s Table by Silvio Coppola for Bernini
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Table in solid walnut and veneer produced in the 60s by Bernini based on a design by Silvio Coppola. The table remains in general rather good condition: having not undergone any rest...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Maple Desk By Paul McCobb For Planner Group
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern, model #1567, natural maple desk by Paul McCobb for Planner Group, Winchendon features 4 drawers with aluminum ring pulls. The chair opening measures 21.5 inches w...
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Franco Albini Table 840 Stadera Wood and Steel by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Table designed by Franco Albini in 1954. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. This table/writing desk, designed by Franco Albini consists of two trapezoidal planes, one smaller than th...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Florence Knoll Model 17 Desk
Located in Saint Paul, MN
Alongside the model 75 stool, this desk was part of Florence Knoll's first collection of designs. The louvre drawers follows the same design language used in a variety of casegoods s...
Category

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

Materials

Maple

Late 17th Century Catalan Oak Console Table or Writing Desk
Located in Houston, TX
Late 17th century Catalan oak console table, or writing desk, from Spain. Hand-carved in oak circa 1680-1709. Constructed with mortise and tenon joints. Thick plank top resting upon ...
Category

Late 17th Century Spanish Baroque Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

John Van Koert Walnut Leather Top Desk for Drexel, c.1965
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
John Van Koert Walnut Leather Top Desk for Drexel, c.1965. This piece has been professionally restored.
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Italian modern round coffee table with decorative bacterio pattern top, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern round coffee table with decorative bacterio pattern top, 1980s Round coffee table composed of a top covered in laminate with "Bacterio" pattern, orange-red painted met...
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1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

60s Desk Cabinet
Located in Milano, IT
Cabinet with drop-down desk and storage compartment with hinged doors. Teak veneer wood and brass. Good conditions.
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Italian Baroque Carved Walnut Writing Desk with Lyre Base
Located in Hopewell, NJ
An Italian Baroque style walnut writing desk table with drawers and lyre shaped base legs and beautiful hand crafted wrought-iron stretchers. Created in Italy during the early years ...
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Early 1800s Italian Baroque Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

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

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

Materials

Chrome

Desk by Herbert Hirche, circa 1967
Located in Brussels, BE
Wonderfull minimalist desk By Herbert Hirche, manufactured by Christian Holzäpfel in 1967. Original condition. Born in Görlitz Herbert Hirche moved to Berlin to study at the renowne...
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1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Dark Walnut Executive Desk by Monteverdi Young
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Spectacular 1970’s Dark walnut with black lacquer outline executive desk by Monteverdi-Young. Custom ordered by renowned interior designer Gary Jon In beautiful vintage condition. ...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Danish Vintage Desk by Bodil Kjaer
Located in London, GB
A stunning and iconic Danish vintage desk by Bodil Kjaer. This was made in Denmark by E. Pedersen & Søn, originally designed in 1959, this dates from the 1960’s. It is an extremely ...
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century MODERN WALNUT DESK by Founders Furniture Co., c. 1960's
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Mid Century Modern Walnut Desk by Founders Furniture Co., c. 1960's. Featuring a total of five dovetailed drawers with sculpted hand pulls and a laminate woodgrain tabletop, perfect ...
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1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Desk Model 75 Made In Teak By Omann Junior Møbelfabrik From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This desk, known as Model 75, is an excellent representation of Danish furniture craftsmanship from the 1960s. Produced by Omann Junior Møbelfabrik, a renowned company with a history...
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1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

19th Spanish Side Table with Cared Turned Legs and Iron Stretcher
Located in Miami, FL
19th Spanish side table with cared Solomonic turned legs and iron stretcher. The top has a carved edges and a beautiful grain and patina.
Category

Mid-19th Century Spanish Baroque Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Early Bauhaus "B21" Side Table Desk by Marcel Breuer Produced by Thonet, 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare and early Bauhaus "B21" desk / side table in black stained wood with chromed tubular steel base by Marcel Breuer produced by Thonet in Germany, 1930s. In good original cond...
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1930s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Rare Ammedabad Console/Desk by Balkrisna Doshi & Le Corbusier.
Located in Long Island City, NY
Rare Ammedabad Console/Desk by Le Corbusier. This item was originally designed by Indian Architect, B.V Doshi under the supervision of Le Corbusier for Mills Owners Association build...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Achille Castiglioni and Luigi Caccia Desk for Palini Italy 1960s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Achille Castiglioni Desk for Palini Italy 1960s
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Desk Made In Teak Designed With A Floating TableTop From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This desk is a nice example of Danish design from the 1960s, made of teak wood. One of the most notable features of this desk is the floating tabletop, which creates an airy and ligh...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Large Jacaranda Desk by Jorge Zalszupin by L'Atelier San Paulo, 1960
Located in Dronten, NL
Beautiful large desk designed by Jorge Zalszupin, manufactured by L’Atelier San Paulo, circa 1960. Made of high quality jacaranda wood. The desk has four drawers with very well craf...
Category

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

Materials

Jacaranda

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

Italian Desk by Hans Von Klier for Skipper, 1970s
Located in Lasne, BE
3-drawer desk with leather and wood top and chromed metal legs designed by Hans Von Klier in the 70s. Wear due to age and time of the desk.
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Folding Desk Magic Box Desk
Located in Baltimore, MD
A desk with incredible form and presence. This attractive original magic box desk, cabinet/desk made in Denmark, features a brass hinged double door cab...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Desk Made in Teak of Danish Design From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This desk is a beautiful example of Danish design from the 1960s. Made of teak wood, it exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere that fits perfectly with any decor. The desk's simple y...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

60s-70s Desk
Located in Milano, IT
Large size desk with side drawer columns, wood veneer exotic wood stained, chrome-plated aluminum. Good conditions.
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

MCM Danish Walnut and chrome executive desk
Located in Sayreville, NJ
Gorgeous walnut and chrome executive office desk. In the manner of a Florence knoll design this piece is in great condition with a refinished top.
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Karl Springer Zebra Wood Writing Table w/ Steel and Brass, USA c 1970s
Located in Norwalk, CT
Karl Springer, rose to world acclaim in the 1970s. He created custom furniture sought by the glitterati, famously utilizing exotic and unusual materials, and superior craftsmanship. ...
Category

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

Materials

Zebra Wood

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

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

Materials

Maple

Minimal Danish modern desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
W59 D26.5 H30 Knee clearance 21.75 Danish modern desk in teak. Item has been fully restored. Desk is structurally sound and fully functional. Item ...
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Black Desk with Drawer, Wood and Metal Legs, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Style
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Marajoara desk with drawers is a study on Mid-Century Modern utilitarian furniture, minimalist in its details, with Brazilian Native Arte Reference. By Atelier BAM Design. The moder...
Category

2010s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Small Desk, 1970.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Small 1970s desk. Small desk in light wood with chrome-plated metal legs. h: 76cm, w: 60cm, d: 40cm
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Chrome

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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