Skip to main content

Desks and Writing Tables

14
1,618
170
13
to
185
894
861
1,801
1,662
1,677
781
386
358
320
219
217
205
157
108
103
89
69
55
51
36
26
11
5
21
1,592
183
11
1,182
288
4
8
46
365
411
216
29
8
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
1,536
828
380
297
277
1,130
527
449
412
218
58
35
29
24
23
Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Style: Louis XIII
Danish Modern Teak Peter Lovig Nielsen Flip-Top Writing Desk, 1975
Located in Shippensburg, PA
DANISH MODERN PETER LØVIG NIELSEN TEAKWOOD FLIP-TOP WRITING DESK With Lovig Dansk brand to underside Denmark, manufactured in 1975 (marked to two drawer undersides) Item # 306OPB21A This brilliant desk was designed by Peter Løvig Nielsen and originally was offered finished in teak, oak and rosewood. The present example is the soothing teak veneer. We love with this design how Lovig utilizes a hinged shelf on the desk top that flips down, allowing the profile and working space to be flexible - flipping down the shelf allows a much larger desk space, while still allowing all of the shelves to be used for storage and organization. The flipping shelf is comfortably divided with open paper compartments, two with a removable dovetailed box...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Teak Mid-Century Modern Executive Desk 207 by Arne Vodder for Sibast, 1960s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Mid-Century Modern executive desk 207. Design by Arne Vodder for Sibast Denmark. Striking Danish design from the 1960s. Solid teak base with three original drawe...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Rosewood Rolltop Desk/Cabinet, Model 804, by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini
Located in Argelato, BO
Gianfranco Frattini designed this gorgeous rosewood rolltop desk, model 804, for Bernini in the early 1960s. What appears to be a compact chest of ten...
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-Century Executive Desk in Pecan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome, Mid-Century, most likely custom made Executive desk with flat faced drawers and uniquely angled top. One side has aluminum legs in a similar design to Poul Kjaerholm's styl...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

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

Solid Elm B 40 Desk By Pierre Chapo, 1970, Gordes, France
Located in Le Grand-Saconnex, CH
Emblematic B40 elm desk by French designer and carpenter Pierre CHAPO. Made in Gordes in the 70s. Thick, angular solid top, resting on two legs on one side, and on a 4-drawer cabin...
Category

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

Materials

Elm

ANCO BILT Mid 20th Century Oak & Pine Drafting Table
Located in Charlotte, NC
A Mid 20 Century MCM drafting table by Anco Bilt. Oak & pine woods, metal mechanisms, adjustable tilt-top, adjustable height, and "A" shaped legs with str...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

1970s desk George Nelson for ICF De Padova
Located in Genova, IT
Desk designed by George Nelson in the 1970s produced under license in italy by ICF de padova. Original condition, preserved. High-thickness black laminate top, front panel covered in...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Aluminum, Chrome

Vintage Mid Century Danish Teak Desk by Kai Kristiansen
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is an extremely rare desk by Kai Kristiansen for FM Mobler Denmark. This is a smaller version of his famous FM60 desk. Desk features 1 large drawer on the left side with a pullo...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Corner Desk
Located in Countryside, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Corner Desk The desk measures: 62 wide x 28 deep x 28.5 high, with a chair clearance of 27.25 inches The retur...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Olivier Mourgue Textured Crystal Glass Desk
Located in Dronten, NL
Graceful compact desk designed by French designer Olivier Mourgue. Unique example executed with a shortened textured crystal top manufactured by Cassina for the Le Corbusier LC6 table...
Category

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

Materials

Crystal, Steel, Chrome

Writing Desk Mahogany Veneer, Italy, 1950s
Located in Milano, IT
Drop-leaf writing desk with drawers in the lower part; mahogany veneered wood with inlaid thread decorations.
Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

Ebonized mahogany leather top desk in the manner of Andre Arbus C 1950.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Ebonized mahogany leather top desk in the manner of Andre Arbus C 1950. The case trimmed in bronze having two drawers and a new leather top with gilt embossed border resting on taper...
Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

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

Elm, Steel, and Laminate Desk by Marcel Gascoin for Universitaire d'Antony
Located in New York City, NY
This modernist desk/table was designed by Marcel Gascoin for the Cité Universitaire Jean Zay d'Antony in 1955; the dorm rooms and public spaces encapsulate post-war French design and...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Laminated boomerang desk made in Italy 1950s
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Step back into the iconic Italian style of the 1950s with this Ponti-inspired asymmetrical boomerang desk. The desk’s plywood top features a high gloss laminated finish with coloured abstract shapes in shades of red, gold, anthracite and light blue, it adds a vibrant pop of personality to your workspace. The top is supported by slim metal legs with brass feet creating a light and airy feel in any space. The desk has a timeless elegance and will give any room a playful appearance. A great representation of Italy in the fifties. The desk is in original and in very good condition. The Gio Ponti Super...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Two tone mid century desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
W52.5 D23.25 H30 KNEE CLEARANCE 24 KNEE WIDTH 19.5 Fully restored walnut and oak desk circa 1960s. Item shows well with no major areas of wear. Item features exceptional grain throu...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Swedish Desk by Karl Erik Ekselius
Located in London, GB
A large and extremely impressive vintage Swedish desk by Karl Erik Ekselius. It was made in Sweden by JOC Mobel, it dates from the 1960’s. It is of outstanding quality, the grain pa...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Italian Carved Hoof Feet Light Blond Burl Wood One Drawer Desk Gallery Inlaid
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Italian Biedermeier Style Carved Hoof Feet Light Blond Burl Wood One Drawer Desk Gallery Pencil Inlaid MINT!
Category

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

Materials

Burl

Desk by Gio Ponti and Alberto Rosselli, Rima Padova, Italy, circa 1955
Located in Berlin, DE
Desk by Gio Ponti & Alberto Rosselli, Rima Padova, Italy, circa 1955 Originally designed for the Pirelli Tower in Milano. In 1950, Alberto Pirelli, president and owner of the giant...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Refined Mid Century Modern Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
The desk is elegant in scale with precise details that bring the piece together. Brushed gold hardware and a thin reveal in Rouge accentuate its tall tapered legs and the linear grai...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Architectural Desk in Iron and Wood, by Unilabor, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Unilabor was an important Brazilian furniture manufacturer during the mid-20th century, particularly known for its modernist designs and social business model. Founded in São Paulo b...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Steel

1960s Mid Century Modern Walnut Writing Desk
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century walnut executive desk designed and manufactured in the United States circa 1960s. The desk is amazing and boasts a beautiful walnut frame with a sleek formica top. The de...
Category

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

Materials

Laminate, Walnut

Teak Executive Desk designer Ico Parisi for MIM 1950s
Located in Milano, MI
This large Terni executive desk was designed by Ico Parisi in 1958 for MIM (Mobili Italiani Moderni) Rome, Italy, with a rectangular top with a curved shape in front of the seat to m...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

French Wooden Modernist Desk, France 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Probably one-of-a-kind, this desk has been crafted with precision and care. It features clean lines and impeccable craftsmanship. Its sleek silhouette exudes an air of understated lu...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Limited Edition Soriana Denim Armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Soriana limited edition Denim armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina. A design armchair with soft, generous contours, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa in the 1960s to bring ...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

1960s Danish Teak Writing Desk
Located in Praha, CZ
- Item has been carefully refurbished
Category

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

Materials

Wood, Teak

Modernist Desk By Luigi Bartolini - Teak - Ca 1960
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Modernist office by Luigi Bartolini. Crafted in teak, this desk is composed of a beautiful teak wood top and a suspended box in the same wood with stylized chrome metal handles. It i...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Vintage Burl Wood and Brass Campaign Desk by John Widdicomb
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage burl wood campaign desk designed by John Widdicomb for Widdicomb Furniture in the United States, circa 1960. This exceptional executive desk from Widdicomb is a stunning exam...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Revolving Folding Mid-Century Modern Desk Writing Table Cabinet Hide Away MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Revolving Folding Mid-Century Modern Desk Writing Table Cabinet Hide Away MINT.
Category

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

Materials

Birch

Cees Braakman Pastoe Desk 60's
Located in Bunnik, NL
A neat desk designed by Cees Braakman for the Pastoe label. An extremely rare model with two cabinets on metal legs. The desk is veneered, the internal drawers have been renovated. A...
Category

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

Materials

Bentwood

Mid Century Modern Table Black Wood and Marble by Charlotte Perriand for Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mid Century Modern Table Black Wood and Marble by Charlotte Perriand for Cassina Table designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1937. Relaunched in 2019. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. ...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble

1950s T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Desk
Located in Boston, MA
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb desk, circa 1950s. Three drawers with organizers open with woven cane wrapped brass pull. Laminate veneer wraps around all corners of the desk. S...
Category

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

Materials

Laminate

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

Danish Modern Executive Desk by Arne Vodder for Sibast, 1960s
Located in Zagreb, HR
Model 207 desk by Arne Vodder is a well known classic of Danish Modern furniture and highly sought after. Manufactured by Sibast in the 1960’s. The desk is made out of solid wood, m...
Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

Mid Century Modern Writing Table Desk, American, c.1960s
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Mid Century Modern walnut writing table desk, American, c.1960s. Surfboard top & floating cabinet concealing a paper drawer & shelf. Estate of a UNC-Chapel Hill professor. Bronze fin...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Rare Arne Jacobsen 'Djob' Writing Desk, 1971
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Writing desk designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1971. Part of the 'DJOB' system for Denmark's National Bank. The desk has stacking drawers on both sides and is made of beech wood with an a...
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage Danish Desk by Svend Aage Madsen for HP Hansen
Located in London, GB
A stunning vintage Danish desk by Svend Aage Madsen for HP Hansen. This was recently imported from Denmark, it dates from the 1960’s. It is of superb quality and has an incredibly s...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Pagoda Mid Century Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
With a distinctive pagoda shape, the desk strikes a balance between form and an elegant use of negative space. Effortlessly modern, its clean lines are emphasized by open-grain oak v...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

directors desk Igl Jet Top by Ernest Igl for Wilhelm Werndl - 1970s
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
Igl Jet Top directors desk made out of molded Baydur (Fiberglas) Strong shapes and practical inlays as well as the hidden storage space combines design & fun...
Category

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

Materials

Fiberglass, Polystyrene

Desk in Solid Hardwood, by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This side desk is a mid-20th century Brazilian furniture piece designed by Sergio Rodrigues, made with Freijó wood. Freijó is a type of timber that is often used in Brazilian furnitu...
Category

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

Materials

Hardwood

1950s Television table/desk from Televise
By Teleavia
Located in London, Lambeth
Super Stylist table originally used for vintage TV easily re used as a desk angled black legs with polished oak surface sitting on castors make it easy for mobility. Cc Italian
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Rare Mid-Century vintage German Desk in walnut, 1950s
Located in Gaggenau, DE
Rare Mid century vintage German Desk in walnut, 1950s Design year: 1960s Dimensions: 70 D 140 W x 78 H cm It is in good vintage condition, ho...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Italian Desk by Hans Von Klier for Skipper, 1970s
Located in Lasne, BE
Desk with 3 drawers and leather and wood top and chromed metal legs by Hans Von Klier in the 70s. Compartment with 2 cubes for storing pens. Wear due to age and time of the desk.
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Danish modern drop leaf desk in teak by arne vodder
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Arne Vodder Manufacturer: H Sigh + Søns Era: 1960s Materials: Teak Measurements: 47.75 (closed) 63.5 (leaf up)″ wide x 28″ deep x 29.5″ tall Condition: In ...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Segmented Base Conference Table by Charles Eames for Vitra
Located in Dronten, NL
Large Charles & Ray Eames Segmented Base conference table made by Vitra in 2001. Beautiful beech book matched veneer one piece tabletop, marked with production date label. The base m...
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

Danish Mid-Century Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage writing desk made in Denmark features three drawers and plenty of small storage compartments. This desk is normally in a rosewood, so this item is a rare find. Please co...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Cosmopolitan Mid Century Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
A welcoming and sophisticated work surface, A three-drawer writing table that warmly blends brushed stainless steel accents with maple veneer and layered oak. Dimensions: 72" W x 34...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Danish Rosewood Writing Desk in the Manner of Ole Wanscher
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: Unknown Era: 1960s Materials: Rosewood Measurements: 49" wide x 29.5" deep x 28.5" tall Condition: In excellent original condition wi...
Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

Danish Domino Møbler Oak Double Pedestal Writing Desk Mid Century 1960s
Located in London, GB
A beautiful Danish oak pedestal writing desk by Domino Møbler, this would make a stylish addition to any work area. A striking piece of classically designed Scandinavian furniture. ...
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Scrittoio Anni 40 in noce e radica
Located in Milano, IT
Scrittoio con cassetti laterali in legno impiallacciato noce e con il piano in legno impiallacciato radica. Buone condizioni.
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Asymmetrical Italian Mid-Century Desk in Walnut
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century desk in walnut with an open pore satin finish. The asymmetrical design offers a statement in any room. One side curves down with two compartment doors. The rectangular si...
Category

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

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Doge Large Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Doge Large Dining Table designed by Carlo Scarpa. Manufactured by Cassina (Italy) ULTRARATIONAL EMBLEM A sculptural structure that has become an emblem of Italian design, a trademar...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Nanna Ditzel Teak Danish Desk Circa 1955
Located in Norwich, GB
A super sleek iconic Danish mid century teak four drawer desk designed by Nanna Ditzel. Circa late 1950's. Affectionately known later as the cassette-shape desk, it has been re-fini...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Doge Large Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Doge Large Dining Table designed by Carlo Scarpa. Manufactured by Cassina (Italy) ULTRARATIONAL EMBLEM A sculptural structure that has become an emblem of Italian design, a trademar...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Drop Leaf Extending Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Teak mid-century desk with extra leaf that lifts and slides to extend the desk to 5.5 feet wide. Two drawers, including file size, with inset wood handles. Please confirm location NY...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Scrivania di Florence Knoll Anni 60
Located in Milano, IT
Grande scrivania con base in alluminio, piano con piccoli cassetti, legno impiallacciato legno esotico.
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

A John Von Koert for Drexel mid century modern walnut tambour Profile Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A John Von Koert for Drexel mid century modern walnut tambour Profile Desk and matching chair.
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

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.

Recently Viewed

View All