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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Xitle Desk
By ADN Studio
Located in Mexico City, MX
The "Xitle" desk is part of ADN Studio´s Volcan Collection. This collection seeks to go back to basics. It is a subtle and refined interpretation of the archetypical modern furniture...
Category
2010s Mexican Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
$4,900 / item
19th Century Louis XV Monumental Solid Carved Gilt Wood Marble Desk
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Indulge in the timeless elegance of this exquisite Louis style desk, dating back to the 19th Century. Hand crafted and carved with meticulous attention to detail, this piece showcas...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble
Rare and Unusual Regency Period Metamorphic Leather top Desk and Games Table
Located in Richmond, VA
Rare and Unusual Regency Period Metamorphic Leather Top Architects Desk and Games Table made of Rosewood. The top lifts to display plans or folios with a removable clip. The top als...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Limited Edition Desk by Charles Hollis Jones, Signed, Dated and Numbered
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This desk is in stock and ready to ship.
Signed, dated and numbered 2/11.
Beautiful desk in Lucite and solid brass with a bronze finish designed and manufactured by Charles Hol...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Italian mid-century modern blue formica and black metal desk, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern blue formica and black metal desk, 1960s.
Small desk, coming from a hotel room, with a matt black tubular metal structure and a rectangular top in light bl...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
ARC Desk in Bleached Maple Veneer and Black Stained Interior by Estudio Persona
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Arc desk made from wood with a bleached maple veneer finish and black stained interior.
Can also be used as a small dining table or wide console.
Designed and handmade in Los Angel...
Category
2010s American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Plywood
Antique Petite French Ormolu Mounted Bureau Plat 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is an fine and beautiful petite French Louis XV Revival goncalo alves and ormolu mounted bureau plat, circa 1850 in date.
This fantastic bureau plat features an ornate serpentin...
Category
1850s French Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Bauhaus Desk by Erich Dieckmann, Rosewood, Lacquer, Maple, Germany circa 1925
Located in Regensburg, DE
Original, fully restored Bauhaus Desk, attributed to Erich Dieckmann, Germany, 1923-1925 at the Bauhaus in Weimar.
Wonderful rosewood / Palisander veneer with excellent piano lacquer finish.
Inside in bright maple in satin finish and high-gloss inside the doors.
Polished stainless steel trims around the top and bottom. Nickel-plated metal fittings and details, galvanized and polished.
Original locks repaired and galvanized. On the backside there are two book compartments...
Category
1920s German Bauhaus Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stainless Steel, Nickel
NONO Elefante Console Table 57, Solid Wood, Contemporary Flair
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
NONO Elefante Console Table 57, Solid Wood, Contemporary Flair
—————————————————————
Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO
Crafting Elegance with a Moderni...
Category
2010s Mexican Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
1800's Antique French Empire, Bronze MTD, Leather Slides, Mahogany, Desk, Bureau
Located in Austin, TX
Gorgeous 800's Antique French Empire, Bronze MTD, Leather Slides, Mahogany. Desk, Bureau!!
Antique Bureau Desk, French Empire, Bronze MTD, Leathe...
Category
19th Century French Empire Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
1930s Antique White Neoclassical Writing Table or Vanity
Located in Stamford, CT
1930s neoclassical writing table or vanity table. Newly painted in an antique white finish. New vintage brass ring pulls have overall unpolish...
Category
1930s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Midcentury Modern MIM Roma Walnut Desk, Italy 1970s
By MIM Roma
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Midcentury Modern Solid Walnut Desk from the 1970s, MIM Rome Italy
This Mid-Century Modern solid wood desk, produced by the renowned Italian company MIM Rome in the 1970s, is a stun...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
$2,398 Sale Price
28% Off
18th C. Italian Walnut Trestle Leg & Iron Stretcher Table 'or Desk'
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian wood trestle-leg table with forged-iron stretcher bars, from the 18th century. This antique table from Italy has clean, simple lines, and features a rectangular-shaped top, raised upon a pair of trestle sawhorse-style legs, with a wood brace supporting them just above the feet. The underside of the table is braced by a pair of hand-forged and twisted iron stretchers, which meet at the underside center of the top, creating visual interest and further embellishment to this piece. The walnut wood has has a warm patina with some cracks and prior repairs (see additional images) ; a reflection of it's history and age. The iron stretcher pieces unhook from beneath and allowing the legs to fold down- making the table collapsible and easy for transport. Leg clearance is approximately 28" between skirt and floor. This 18th century Italian trestle table...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
Antique Victorian Leather Top Pedestal Desk
Located in London, GB
A superb antique Victorian period pedestal desk. This was made in England, it dates from around 1860-1880.
It is of fantastic quality and has a lovely design. The top has an inverte...
Category
1860s British Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
Orange Acrylic Top Desk/ Game Table
Located in North Miami, FL
This waterfall design all acrylic desk or game table has perfect lines and scale, heavy and perfect for any space. The top is a VIVID orange and the side panels are 2 inches thick cl...
Category
2010s American Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Acrylic
French Leather Top Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
A French neoclassic style mahogany, cerejeira veneered and crossbanded writing desk, the rectangular burnished leather inlaid top above one long and one short frieze drawers, and an ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
$5,235 / item
Midcentury Style Brass Base Walnut Writing Table Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic mid-century modern space age designed desk featuring a spider leg polished brass base. Contemporary desk produced by Restoration Hardware after a 1960's Italian design. The ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Baker Furniture French Provincial Louis XV Walnut Writing Desk, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Provincial Louis XV style writing desk
By Baker Furniture
USA, Circa 1960s
Gorgeous book-matched figured walnut, with original brass hardware and mount...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Fine Quality Paint Decorated English Adams Satinwood Carlton House Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous Adams style desk with beautiful wood quality and incredibly paint decoration of sprays of flowers and is in good condition with a minor crack on one cubby drawer t...
Category
1910s English Adam Style Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Satinwood
English 1870s Wood and Green Leather Partner's Desk with Multiple Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English oversized wooden partner's desk from the late 19th century, with green leather top, gilt scrolling accents, multiple drawers and pull-outs. Created in England during the t...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
19th Spanish Carved Walnut Renaissance Center or Coffee 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
French Napoleon III Period Ebonized Desk, 1870s
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An imposing Napoleon III center table (or 'Table de Milieu') in ebonized fruit wood, rectangular in shape, with rounded sides.
Its ornate top, which is bordered all around with a gilt bronze frieze and two further inner bands, features at its centre an intricate marquetry inlaid design of a foliage cartouche framing a vase of flowers.
The smoothly curving belt of the table encloses a frieze drawer on one long side, with a repeat, inlaid design that echoes that of the top.
The table rests on four turned, tapered and fluted legs, ending in toupie feet, and these are connected by two half-moon spacers...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Regency Rosewood Writing Table
Located in Hudson, NY
Ebonized and Parcel-Gilt with black leather top and gilded greek key design trim. 2 drawers on front and 2 false drawers on backside. With original castors and hardware.
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
$21,500 / 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
Little Shanghai Desk in Olive Wood and Black Sycamore Silver Painted Leg
Located in SENLIS, OISE
Little Shanghai desk in olive wood and black sycamore silver painted leg. There are two drawers on each side.
The and sides are in olive and black...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Antique Calligrapher's Extending Table, English, Cantilever, Chairside, Regency
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique calligrapher's extending table. An English, mahogany cantilever chairside or wine table, dating to the Regency period, circa 1820.
Fascinating metamorphic table w...
Category
1820s British Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Elefante Desk 4 Versatile, Serves as Dining Table, Organic Shape
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Elefante Desk 4 Versatile, Serves as Dining Table, Organic Shape
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Introduction: Crafting Elegance with a Modernist Touch
NONO, renowned for its decade-long journey in redefining ...
Category
2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Hardwood, Oak
Studio Walnut Desk by Phillip Lloyd Powell
Located in Atlanta, GA
Stunning desk with drawers and compartment in walnut by Phillip Lloyd Powell (1919-2008). The freeform surface is made of thick walnut plank with a patched joined design with two ros...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Gillow Walnut 19th Century Kidney Writing Table
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Stunning Quality 19th Century, Victorian, Burr Walnut Kidney Shaped Writing Table, Having Attractive Old Leather, With Blind Tooled Decoration, Inset To Crossbanded Top, Over Highl...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass, Ormolu
$5,868 Sale Price
20% Off
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
Elegant Italian Desk Convertible into Sewing Machine
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant Italian desk convertible into sewing machine from the 1950s. The desk through its shapes and lines is very reminiscent of Gio Ponti's design line. The desk is made by the Vigorelli ( of Pavia) manufactory. The small desk has in the left side five pull-out drawers and the top one has a key. In the right leg we have a door that can be opened by knob with the sewing machine mechanism inside. At the base we find a cast-iron riser...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Iron
$2,686 Sale Price
20% Off
Executive partner desk in rosewood by Florence Knoll, 1970s
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Florence Knoll’s Executive Partner Desk, designed in 1961, is a hallmark of mid-century modern office furniture, combining functionality with minimalist elegance. This iconic desk fe...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
$9,113 Sale Price
20% Off
Trestle Leg table desk with two-tiered glass top, 1970s
Located in Delft, NL
Trestle Leg table desk with two-tiered glass top, 1970s
Chrome and glass desk, 1970s
Trestle leg table, desk with two tiered glass top
The measur...
Category
20th Century Unknown Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Important writing desk by Christophe Gevers, 1971
Located in Sittard, LI
The unique and rare wall-hanging desk designed by famous Belgian architect and designer Christophe Gevers. Designed exclusively for a residential project in the Netherlands, 1971.
...
Category
1970s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Style Oak Writing Table or Side Table
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This early nineteenth century Louis XVI style oak side table features hand carvings on all four sides. Its beveled top rests above a fluted apron. The hand pegged apron is detailed with a rosette on each end. A carved gadrooned garland appointed with a ribbon at the top details the back and a man...
Category
Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
1960s Excecutive Brazilian Rosewood Desk by Finn Juhl in Excellent Condition
Located in Knebel, DK
1960s excecutive Brazilian rosewood desk by Finn Juhl in excellent condition
Impressive "Technocrat" executive desk designed by Finn Juhl for Frances and Son...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
$6,340 Sale Price
25% Off
Guglielmo Ulrich elegant walnut writing desk
Located in Milano, IT
COD-z85
Guglielmo Ulrich
Elegant walnut writing desk with beautiful floor cross and 4 shaped drawers, bronze handles.
Manufacturing ca. 1940.
132x55xh75
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Fine French Blackened Wood Desk with an Off White Lacquered Top with Inlays
Located in Long Island City, NY
A fine French blackened wood desk with 3 drawers, an off white & black lacquered top with metal Inlays, and bronze handles and wheels.
Category
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Mid-Century Modern Teak Console Table or Writing Table, 1960s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Mid-Century Modern console table or writing table.
Striking Danish design from the 1960s.
Black lacquered metal and chrome plated base with teak veneered top.
...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Chrome
$2,638 Sale Price
20% Off
Jequitiba, Blue Gambito Writing Desk by Andreas Anwander
Located in Geneve, CH
Jequitiba, Blue Gambito Writing Desk by Andreas Anwander
Dimensions: W 146 x D 60 x H 75 cm
Materials: Solid Jequitibá wood, Carbon, Steel, Brass.
Weight: 25 kg.
A writing desk wit...
Category
2010s Brazilian Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Rustic Solid Teak Desk / Table, France 1960s
Located in Echt, NL
Rustic desk / table in very good original condition.
This desk / Table is made from rustic solid teak wood which has a stunning woodgrain and patina.
The sides are connected to the top with beautiful joints.
Its reduced shape creates a raw simplicity. It is minimalist and pure, avoiding any non-sense and almost has Japanese design character.
We offer a variety of insured shipping services, ask us for the possibilities and competitive pricing.
If you have any questions about our shipping options or this item please feel free to contact us.
The style reminds of the French designers Pierre Chapo...
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Teak
Writing Desk by Silvio Cavatorta in Solid Walnut and Glass, Italy, 1950's
Located in Uithoorn, NL
A large symmetrical desk by Silvio Cavatorta in solid walnut with on both sides 3 drawers and in the middle a larger drawer with key and lock. For whom this lock is not safe enough...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass, Walnut
Danish Teak Writing Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish made mid-century modern desk in teak wood grain. Four drawers and finished back.
Please confirm location NY or NJ
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
$2,200
Varnished teak desk, Pierre Jeanneret (1896-1967)
Located in Paris, FR
Pierre Jeanneret (1896 – 1967) was a Swiss architect and designer. He studied at the École des beaux-arts in Geneva before joining his cousin, Le Corbusier, in 1925 for numerous proj...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Desk RG302 by René Gabriel, France, 1949
By Rene Gabriel
Located in Catonvielle, FR
Designed in 1944 by René Gabriel, this "RG 302" desk was produced by Lieuvin in 1949, at the heart of the French Reconstruction. Made of waxed light oak, equipped with a side unit wi...
Category
1940s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Antique English Victorian Double Sided Oak Twin Pedestal 18 Drawer Kneehole Desk
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning circa 1880 Victorian English oak antique knee hole 18 drawer desk
A wonderful desk, ...
Category
1880s English Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Oak
$3,791 Sale Price
30% Off
Antique Fine Quality Mahogany Writing Dressing Table 19th Century Desk Side
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique Fine Quality Georgian Mahogany Writing Dressing Table, 19th Century – also ideal as a desk or side table.
This exceptional piece features solid construction with tight joint...
Category
19th Century Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
$1,914 Sale Price
30% Off
Antique Country French Double-Faced Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique Country French Double-Faced Desk was crafted by master artisans creating a superlative choice for any office! Finished on all four sides, it can be placed anywhere in the ro...
Category
Early 20th Century French Louis XIV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Oscar Writing Desk
By Guerra Vanni
Located in Milan, IT
A remarkable piece of refined taste, this splendid writing desk with 3 drawers and push pull blumotion expertly combines tradition with modernity. The fabulous design of the new Osca...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Silver Leaf
$7,245 / item
French Palatial Louis XV Gilt Bronze Bureau-Plat Cartonnier '19th Century'
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Palatial French Louis XV Gilt Bronze Inlaid Bureau-Plat Cartonnier with signed clock by Le Roy Paris (19th Century)
Dimensions:
53 ½" x 62"W x 35"D.
Category
1870s French Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Rosewood, Tulipwood
Antique French Louis XVI Style Knee Hole Desk
Located in London, GB
An absolutely stunning antique French knee hole desk. This was made in France, it dates from around the 1930’s.
It is a lovely petite size, and...
Category
1930s French Louis XVI Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass, Ormolu
Dressing table in White Rock Crystal and Brass by Ginger Brown
By Ginger Brown
Located in Bourguebus, FR
This dressing table has 4 drawers and it is made of white rock crystal marquetry with brass trims.
The 4 feet are in brass.
2 drawers on the right side, 1 drawer in the center and 1...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stone, Rock Crystal, Brass
Fine French 1950s Table by Henri Lancel
Located in Long Island City, NY
A fine French Mid-Century black lacquered metal base table with a blue formica top.
Designed by Henri Lancel, manufactured by Atelier d'art Primavera for Printemps.
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Onda Medusa Iridescente Desk by Carlo Rampazzi
By Sergio Villa
Located in Milan, IT
Eye-catching since its asymmetrical design, this desk is an artful piece celebrating waves even when far away, in urban private studies. A special iridescent finish - named "Medusa" ...
Category
2010s Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
$12,478 / item
French Walnut Louis Philippe Desk Leather Top Writing Table, 19th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
French 19th century Louis Philippe pine desk, the top is recovered of coated fabric.
Ten drawers of different size.
Table height: 31.50 in. (80 cm)
Height between the floor and the ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Fine Quality Antique Mahogany Writing Table 19th Century Desk Side Dressing
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Introducing an antique quality late 19th Century inlaid Mahogany Writing Table, versatile as a desk or dressing table, featuring a classical Georgian design.
This high-quality prese...
Category
19th Century Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
$1,434 Sale Price
30% Off
Charlotte Perriand Marble Center Table à Plateau Interchangeable by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Table designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1937. Relaunched in 2020.
Manufactured by Cassina in Italy.
The first model of this historic design table was crafted in 1937 for Charlotte Perriand’s studio in Montparnasse. The Table à Plateau...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
$2,923 Sale Price / item
25% Off
Early 20th Century Louis XV Style Italian Writing Desk or Dressing Table
Located in London, Park Royal
A charming, hand-painted, Louis XV style, Italian writing desk or dressing table from the early 20th century depicting floral motifs with Rococo flourishes and gilded highlighting.
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Paint
Antique L. & J. G. Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Writing Desk, 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
Solid quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper hardware....
Category
Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Copper
Structured Roda writing table made of wood and iron anchors with a drawer
Located in Bosques de las Lomas, MX
The mix of primavera wood and metal give the Roda writing table a structured appearance. Its table top is supported by iron anchors that feed into a rectangular wooden base and it ha...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
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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Midcentury Modern Kidney Shaped Desk
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Steel Tanker Desk
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Table A Ecrire
Tiger Oak Antique Writing Desk
Vernis Martin Desk
Walnut Parsons Desk
White Wicker Desk
Williamsburg Desk