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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Brass Base Modernist Kneehole Writing Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Brass Base Modernist Kneehole Writing Desk. Item fe...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Large Spanish Dining or Desk Table with Carved Legs and Iron Stretcher
Located in Miami, FL
Spanish refectory desk table with solomonic legs and iron stretcher Original perfect condition Top table in perfect shape. Very heavy piece Between legs 81.10 in
Category

20th Century Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Milo Baughman, Rare Desk, Walnut, Brass, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A rare walnut and brass desk designed by Milo Baughman and produced by Glenn of California, USA, 1950s.
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Regency Mahogany Partners Writing Table In The Manner Of George Smith
Located in Benington, Herts
An Important Regency period mahogany, ebonised and parcel gilt partners writing table on monopodia legs of exceptional quality and design, in the manner of George Smith, stamped Chas...
Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Early American Solid Maple and Birch Drop Front Secretary Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful American Colonial or Chippendale style bureau with drop front secretary desk USA, Circa 1970s Gorgeous carved solid maple and birch, with original brass hardware. Meas...
Category

1970s American American Colonial Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Pierre Chapo, desk and chair for Regain, 1960
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
Signed desk mod. B02 and chair S24 by Pierre Chapo in ash. Functional design and traditional craftsmanship in a contemporary style. Desk W 120 D 60 H 76 Chair W 50 D 40 H 82 Sh...
Category

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

Materials

Leather, Ash

Antique Chippendale Style Walnut Drop Front Secretary Ladies Writing Desk
Located in Miami, FL
An antique early 20th century ladies' secretary desk. Made from walnut with a maple writing surface. Features a drop front with neoclassical brass hardware over large central drawer ...
Category

Early 20th Century European Chippendale Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Shagreen Desk with Bronze-Patina Brass Details 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

Brass

Organic Modern Armona Desk, Walnut, Brass, Onyx, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Armona Desk, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Armona stone desk draws inspiration from the serene landscape of Armona Island, embodying a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Organic Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Onyx, Quartz, Marble, Brass, Stainless Steel

Jean Prouvé Compass Direction Desk Limited RAW Steel and Natural Oak by Vitra
Located in Dronten, NL
Jean Prouvé Compass direction desk in natural oak and clear lacquered steel for Vitra. Originally designed in 1953, Prouvé's iconic desk is based the de...
Category

1930s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

"Melting" Writing Desk in Cream Shagreen and Bronze-Patina Brass by R&Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The melting writing desk...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Antique Walnut Slant Front Queen Anne Style Secretary Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Late 19th century English Queen Anne style slant front desk with three drawers & inner compartments.
Category

19th Century English Queen Anne Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Art Deco Heals Limed Oak Octagonal Writing Desk Double Sided Bookcase 1930
Located in Norwich, GB
Art Deco Heal's octagonal limed oak writing desk/double sided open bookcase with leather inset top. Labelled. Circa 1930. The desk comes with the 2006 receipt from Heal's, along wit...
Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Oak

Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen Desk, Denmark 1950s
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen Desk, Model 310 for Søborg Møbler Denmark 1950s
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Drop Front Secretary Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mission or Arts & Crafts drop front secretary desk By Gustav Stickley (signed with paper label) USA, Circa 1900 Quarter sawn oak, with original hammered cop...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Copper

Vintage Industrial Adjustable Height Metal School Writing Desk With Laminate Top
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Industrial Modern Adjustable Height Metal School Writing Desk With Laminate T...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Antique White Wicker Dressing Table / Desk & Chair Set
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Charming antique wicker vanity / desk with matching chair. Chair seat cushion has been reupholstered in a pink & white plaid cotton fabric. A ver...
Category

19th Century American Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wicker

Osvaldo Borsani Executive Desk in Exotic Wood with Sculptural Pedestals, Italy
Located in Miami, FL
An exceptional executive desk designed by Osvaldo Borsani, Italy, circa 1970s. Crafted in richly figured exotic wood veneer, the desk features a striking asymmetrical composition. T...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

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

"Armand" Angular Burl Wood Desk by Christiane Lemieux
Located in New York, NY
The Armand Desk reflects the heritage of French Art Moderne in a form wrapped entirely in hand-matched exotic burl veneer. Continuous grain flows seamlessly across the top, legs, and...
Category

2010s Vietnamese Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Burl

1930s Art Deco Black Ebonised Desk
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
Art Deco Desk An exceptionally handsome 1930s Art Deco desk, finished in a luxurious ebonised black piano polish that accentuates its sleek geometric silhouette. The design balances ...
Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Midcentury Bamboo and Rattan Desk Writing Table with Drawers, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful desk writing table with three drawers in bamboo, rattan and wicker in the style of Dal Vera. Made in Italy in the 1970s.
Category

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

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Wood

Mid-Century Writing Desk by Stanley
Located in Trenton, NJ
Presented here is a mid-century writing desk by Stanley Furniture, crafted in walnut veneer with a practical faux wood laminate top. Dating from the 1960s, this piece exemplifies the...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Paolo Buffa, elegant wooden desk with five drawers and turned wooden
Located in Milano, IT
COD-2855 Paolo Buffa (1903-1970) Elegant wooden desk with five drawers and turned wooden legs. Certificate from the Paolo Buffa archive. Manufactured by Galdino Maspero in 1940's.
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Italian Table Desk Design I.S.A. Bergamo Style
Located in taranto, IT
Original 60s curved desk, probable production I.S.A. Bergamo. Structure in fir wood with veneers and top in beige formica, feet in metal structure with brass terminals. Front w...
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Iron

Small Black Bamboo Desk Vivai del Sud Italia 1970s Black Crystal Top
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Small black bamboo Ddesk Vivai del Sud Italia 1970s Black crystal top.
Category

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

Materials

Crystal

Rare Antique Asprey & Co. London Oak & Tooled Green Leather Writing Desk 1920s
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Rare Luxurious, Asprey & Co. London (Royal Warrant) Oak & Tooled Racing Green Leather Pop-Up Writing Table Made in England in the 1920s. Item is sold complete with a Burgundy tooled red leather desk set also from Aspreys. It's a very attractive item befit with an aluminium desk calendar, letter opener and two vertical pen rests. The rectangular and hinged two panel top encloses a green leather writing surface which reveals itself when opened from the top, item is raised on square tapering legs...
Category

1920s English Edwardian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany, Oak

19th century Tuscan library desk
Located in Jesteburg, DE
A beautiful desk, library table or console table possibly having been used as a writing desk. Great sculptural presence, works wonderfully in a contemporary or classic interior. We a...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Baroque Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Aesthetic Period Bur Maple Edward & Roberts Writing Table 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is an elegant antique aesthetic period burr maple and ebonized writing table, stamped 'EDWARDS & ROBERTS'  Circa 1870 in date.   This elegant desk is crafted from the most beaut...
Category

19th Century English Aesthetic Movement Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Modular Desk Set with White Glass Top by Mojmir Pozar, 1960s, Set of 3
Located in Żory, PL
This vintage furniture set was designed by Mojmir Pozar and produced in the 1960s in the Czech Republic. The set consists of three elements: - smaller cabinet: 40x42x60cm - larger ca...
Category

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

Materials

Glass, Wood

Stickley Brothers Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Drop Front Secretary Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts slant front writing desk By Stickley Brothers USA, Early 20th Century Quarter sawn oak, with hammered copper hardware. Desk locks, and ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Copper

Pine Farm table with Turned Legs by Alabama Sawyer
Located in Birmingham, AL
Made from sustainable urban wood, this (sort of) traditional farm table features turned legs and touches of white and blue color. Perfect for adding fun and delight to your dining or...
Category

2010s American American Craftsman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Pine

French Carved Wood Partners Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredible wood partners desk from France, 1940's. Large rectangular top with four thick carved wood legs and ball feet. Two drawers with brass knobs on each side. Original finish sh...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Writing Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacquered solid maple, with original brass hard...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Baker Furniture French Louis XV Pink Lacquered Writing Desk, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Provincial Louis XV style writing desk By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Pink lacquered cherry wood, with original brass hardware. Measures: 50.5"W x 23.5...
Category

1960s American French Provincial Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Danish Modern Teak Drop Leaf Desk Ingenius Design with Sliding Drawer Box
Located in Atlanta, GA
Danish Modern Teak Drop Leaf Desk, attributed to Arne Vodder, Denmark, circa 1960s. It has an ingenius design that allows the drawer box to slide to the right or the left underneath ...
Category

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

Materials

Teak, Wood

Antique Faux Bamboo Writing Desk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine Aesthetic Movement example of a charming writing desk fashioned with elaborate galleries and simulated bamboo accents, including root feet. The desk with a single drawer with ...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Faux Bamboo, Wood

Paolo Buffa 'Dattilo' Writing Desk, Italy circa 1940
Located in New York, NY
A 'Datillo' petite writing desk / table by Paolo Buffa and produced by Galdino Maspero in stained beech wood and walnut. With two drawers on the left hand side underneath a rectangul...
Category

1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Beech, Walnut

1750 Venezia Italy Baroque Carved and Inlaid Walnut Desk with Drawers
Located in Brescia, IT
This extraordinary desk showcases the excellent taste in form and material use, featuring solid walnut wood with beautiful grain and a warm tone that give it an elegant appearance. The carved and gilded trim of the base give a sense of movement and fluidity, lending the piece a captivating decorative charm. On the he top there is an elegant inlaid walnut rim, instead the drawers are beatifully underlined by a gilded one. Under the top there are two removable shelves opening on the front. The main feature of this magnificent desk is the possibility of being used in the center of the room, showing its best even in the back, having it perfectly finished, something that was not obvious for furniture of the same era. Resting on tapered legs, this statuary desk attains an airly, elegant quality. This masterpiece hails from the Mid-18th Century and was created by the Master Venetian cabinetmakers. Referring bibliography: This piece is featured in the book: Il mobile Veneziano del Settecento, G.Morazzoni, Gorlich Editore Milano, 1958 translated "The 18th Century Venetian Furniture", tav. 312 b...
Category

Mid-18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

R. J. Horner Style Antique Victorian Carved Oak Slant Front Secretary Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Victorian or Arts & Crafts slant front writing desk In the manner of R.J. Horner & Co. USA, Circa 1890s Carved quarter sawn oak, with original brass hardware. D...
Category

Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Spindle Writing Desk or Library Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts spindle writing desk or library table By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1905 Gorgeous quarter sawn oak, with original hammered ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Copper

Antique Italian Carved Walnut Wood Table Console Desk
Located in Carimate, Como
A magnificent and impressive Italian antique walnut table with three full width shelves that can be opened from both sides with greatly carved and beveled top and beautiful carved tu...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Italian Desk from the 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed in the 1960s the desk also features chrome tubular legs. Italian desk from the late 1960s characterize by the sleek and modern aesthetic. Second height 24.7 from the floor ...
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Italian Desk from the 1960s
Italian Desk from the 1960s
$2,750 Sale Price
42% Off
Alexandre Chevrie, Museum French Ormolu Mounted Mahogany Royal Executive Desk
Located in Queens, NY
Alexandre Chevrie, a museum quality French ormolu mounted mahogany Royal Executive "Empire" Desk, circa 1875. Double sided desk with six solid bronze lions paw feet, framed ormolu lions on both sized, jewel quality ormolu medusa heads concealing the drawer locks, and exquisite ormolu frieze designs throughout. With original red leather top. Truly the best quality desk with the most sophisticated design for this Napoleon III period. There was a similar bedroom set in this style that was made for King...
Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Inlaid Teak Writing Desk from India
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful writing desk, handcrafted in India out of aged teak wood and responsibly sourced animal bone inlay. Late 20th Century (1990-1995). Split front apron, two drawers with br...
Category

1990s Indian Anglo-Indian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bone, Teak

Inlaid Teak Writing Desk from India
Inlaid Teak Writing Desk from India
$2,520 Sale Price
28% Off
Nanna Ditzel ND93 Vintage Danish Rosewood Desk 1950s
Located in London, England
This iconic writing desk was designed by Nanna Ditzel and produced by master cabinetmaker Søren Willadsen in Vejen, Denmark in 1955. It remains one of Ditzel's most sought after and ...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

EPIC Bronze and Steel Desk by Soraya Osorio
Located in Vero Beach, FL
EPIC Semi-Circle Metal Desk — Aged Bronze & Black Bronze Steel The EPIC semi-circle desk commands presence with its sculptural form, embodying a sense of power and confidence in any interior. The front center leg and all three drawer fronts are finished in a hand-crafted, textured aged bronze, offering warmth and artisanal depth. The black bronze steel top and outer legs create a striking contrast, balancing bold geometry with refined materiality. Designed for collectors, creatives, and luxurious workspaces, this desk stands as both a functional centerpiece and a modern statement piece. Customization available upon request. Featured in Elle Decor...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Steel, Bronze

Mid-Century Danish Modern Roll Top Desk, Dresser or Cabinet in Teak
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine looking roll top Scandinavian desk made in the 1970s. It features beautiful teak wood and plenty of storage space. In the style of: Finn Juhl or Arne Vodder.
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Lane Mid-Century Modern Walnut Desk
Located in Doylestown, PA
Vintage classic midcentury Lane walnut desk. This piece features atomic tapered legs, veneered wood grain laminate top and large dovetail drawers with ample storage. A lovely desk p...
Category

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

Materials

Laminate, Walnut

Richard Artschwager 3 drawer walnut Pedestal Desk New York 1950s
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Walnut custom narrow desk by renowned painter and sculptor, Richard Artschwager, who in 1953 designed a small collection of furniture in New York City. These pieces are sca...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Antique 19th Century Mahogany Octagonal Counting Table – Fine Quality Table
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique 19th Century Mahogany Octagonal Drum Counting Table – Fine Quality Games Table An early 19th-century octagonal drum counting table crafted from mahogany with softwood carcas...
Category

Early 19th Century British Georgian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

18th Century Spanish Walnut Writing Table
Located in Houston, TX
18th century Spanish walnut writing table with substantial solid single plank top over three drawers on splayed supports. Suitable for use as console or desk.
Category

Late 18th Century Spanish French Provincial Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Table, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Table, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s. Birch frame, linoleum table top. Good vintage condition, patina and minor wear consisten...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birch

1963 Danish Writing Desk and Mirrored Vanity, Wood, Oestergaard
Located in Arosio, IT
A Mid-Century Modern small desk that can also be used as mirrored vanity. It has one tilt mirror (still bearing the original label) and one drawer. Legs are in hardwood and the top i...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Elefante Console Table 39 by NONO, Stacked Design, Joel Escalona's Touch
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Elefante Console Table 39 by NONO, Stacked Design, Joel Escalona's Touch ————————————————————— Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO Crafting Elegance with ...
Category

2010s Mexican Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Danish mid 20th century burr walnut desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Danish mid 20th century burr walnut desk circa 1950. We are please to offer this desk which is of the highest quality. Stunning top with a single veneer covering the whole writing ...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Antique L. & J.G. Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Desk, Newly Restored
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts quarter sawn oak writing desk, library table, or center table. By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Measures: 40" W x 26" D ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Portuguese Baroque Style Library Table by Alfonso Marina
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Amazing walnut library center table or writing table hand-crafted, labeled, signed, and dated by Alfonso Marina. For over 50 years Marina has created the highest quality timeless pie...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Handsome English Vintage Fruitwood Writing Desk with Leather Blotter
Located in Hopewell, NJ
English style beautiful fruitwood writing desk having black leather blotter on top. Distressed marks intentional to add character to the piece. Tapered reeded legs terminating in b...
Category

1980s British Regency Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Fruitwood

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

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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