Desks and Writing Tables
15
1,637
172
13
to
191
886
882
1,822
1,681
1,697
1,771
781
386
358
320
219
217
205
157
108
102
89
69
55
51
36
26
11
1
10
1,626
185
42
1,179
289
13
6
6
9
47
364
408
216
29
8
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
1,556
843
384
308
270
1,147
534
451
415
220
58
35
29
24
23
Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Style: Art Nouveau
Doge Large Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina
By Cassina, Carlo Scarpa
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
By Nanna Ditzel
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
By Cassina, Carlo Scarpa
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
A John Von Koert for Drexel mid century modern walnut tambour Profile Desk
By John Van Koert, Drexel
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
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
Atomic reverse boomerang executive desk with bar
By Arne Vodder
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark
Designer: Arne Vodder
Manufacturer: Unknown
Era: 1960s
Materials: Teak
Measurements: 61.5″ wide x 43.25″ deep x 29.5″ tall
Condition: In excellent original condition...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Danish Oak Desk attributed to Henning Kjaernulf, mid-century
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...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Doge Large Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina
By Cassina, Carlo Scarpa
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
Rosewood desk by Torbjørn Afda
Located in PARIS, FR
A unique and typical design by Torbjorn Afdal, considered one of the most important Scandinavian designers of the 50s and 60s. With a clean and pure form this desk has two drawers wi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Palisander
1950s Mid Century Modern Drexel Declaration Kipp Stewart Walnut Writing Desk
By Kipp Stewart
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Look at this beautiful wood grained Mid century modern writing desk designed by Kipp Stewart for Drexel. Beautiful walnut grain with 2 drawers. Simple lines, sculpted legs, curved ed...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Doge Large Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina
By Carlo Scarpa, 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
Thomasville "Tamerlane" Writing Desk
By Thomasville
Located in Dallas, TX
An exceptionally made and extremely rare Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie desk from the "Tamerlane" collection by Thomasville Furniture, circa 1950's. THOMASVILLE TIMELESS TAMERLANE -- ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Doge Large Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina
By Carlo Scarpa, 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
Rare Desk H-55 by Åke Hassbjer in teak and steel base, 1950s
By Oscar Edv. Ekelund
Located in Göteborg, SE
Very rare desk of Åke Hassbjer!
During his career, Åke Hassbjer would create models and environments for several different manufacturers. He has designed several pieces of furniture...
Category
1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Midcentury Bamboo, Rattan & Wicker Writing Desk Table by Dal Vera, Italy 1960s
By Dal Vera
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful Italian writing table or desk in bamboo and wicker rattan with 2 side drawers with typical brass handles from renowned Dal Vera manufacturer.
Made in Italy in t...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Wood
Desk by Gianni Moschatelli for Formanova, 1960s
By Formanova
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Formanova dattilo table design Gianni Moschatelli, cherry wood top, dark steel base marked inside Formanova.
Packaging with bubble wrap and cardboard boxes is included. If the wooden...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Modernist Architectural Walnut Desk designed by Merton Gershun for Dillingham
Located in Buffalo, NY
Merton Gershun was an American furniture designer of the early 20th century, known for designing some of the earliest modern furniture lines available in the U.S. and striving to bri...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Doge Large Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina
By Carlo Scarpa, 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
Bernhardt Pedersen Danish Mid Century Modern Rosewood Roll Top Desk
Located in Plainview, NY
A rare Bernhardt Pedersen & Son Danish Mid Century Modern roll top writing desk crafted from beautifully grained rosewood, the desk emanates a warm and inviting aura, drawing attenti...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Paul Frankl Cork Top Desk
Located in Denton, TX
Rare six-drawer desk designed by Paul Frankl featuring a curved cork top, adorned with brass drawer pulls and partial brass covered legs. Can also be used as a vanity.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany, Oak, Cork
Rare Small Desk for Bloch, by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This writing table by Joaquim Tenreiro is a paragon of Brazilian mid-century modernism, distinguished by its sleek geometry, graceful proportions, and a seamless blend of time-honore...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Scrivania / Scrittoio Platone G.Piretti, Anonima Castelli 60's con sedia Plia
Located in Milano, MI
Set Sedia Plia con Scrivania Pieghevole Platone disegnati alla fine degli anni 60 da Giancarlo Piretti per Anonima Castelli. Lo scrittoio, per le sue Dimensioni compatte e la possibi...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Danish Oak Desk attributed to Henning Kjaernulf, mid-century
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...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Exquisite Restyled Vintage 1950s Desk by RETRO4M
Located in Rome, IT
Presenting a masterpiece of timeless elegance: the meticulously restored and restyled vintage desk from the 1950s, crafted with meticulous care by RETRO4M. This exceptional piece sea...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass, Iron
Pilastro Style Dutch Industrial Desk, 1950's
By Pilastro
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Colorful and wonderfully designed, 1950s Mid-Century industrial writing desk. A stunning example of Dutch post-war design with slightly angled black enameled legs and a gray metal fr...
Category
1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Rosewood Executive Desk for Nipu
By Nipu, Marius Byrialsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning rosewood executive desk by Marius Byrialsen for Nipu, c.1960s, Denmark. The desk features an aluminum frame with a rosewood desk top, six drawers and two narrow pencil dra...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Mid Century Glamour Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
Glamorous storage comes to life in this elegant creation. With a touch of femininity, its graceful design creates a place for everything and somewhere to keep everything in its place...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Acrylic, Wood
Black Onyx Glass & Walnut Italian Mid-Century Modern Executive Desk by Gio Ponti
Located in New York, NY
A Rare and Elegant Italian MId-Century Modern Neoclassical Desk / Writing Table by Gio Ponti in solid walnut with an inset top of black onyx glass and brass details. Ponti's design a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Onyx, Brass
Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Desk by Valdemar Mortensen, 1960s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak desk by Valdemar Mortensen, 1960s.
High-end freestanding executive teak writing table by Danish master carpenter Valdemar Mortensen from Odense, Denmar...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Large Executive Walnut Writing Desk by Jens Risom, 1960s
By Jens Risom
Located in Chesham, GB
A walnut executive Danish designed desk by Jens Risom and manufactured in the U.S.A by by Jens Risom Design.
Designer - Jens Risom
Manufacturer - Jens Risom Design
Design Period -...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Vintage Solid Walnut Studio Craft Partners Desk
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This beautiful Studio Craft partners desk is incredible. NO detail was overlooked in the making of this stunning piece, sculpted entirely of heavily grained, solid walnut, finished e...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Birdseye Maple, Walnut
Paolo Buffa grissinato wood desk with four drawers, Italy 1940s
By Paolo Buffa, Galdino Maspero
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid and essential Paolo Buffa Desk in grissinato wood with four drawers and saber legs.
Iconic Paolo Buffa design manufactured by Galdino Maspero, Italy 1940s
Category
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
A Mid-Century Writing Desk Attributed to Gio Ponti
By Gio Ponti
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
A Mid-Century writing desk. Mahogany and beech wood with three draws and lift up hinged top. Attributed to Gio Ponti.
Dimension: H 78cm W 120cm D 69cm
Origin: Italian
Date: 1950
...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Fratelli Proserpio Writing Table Teak Desk by, Italy, Mid-Century
By Fratelli Prosperio
Located in Vienna, AT
Teak rollup secretary desk by Fratelli Proserpio, Italy 1960's.
Modernist compact writing desk, perfectly sized and in good vintage condition. It shows a unique mechanism that opens as you pull out the writing surface. The interior cabinet has a small shelf for Laptop, Ipad and paper and 2 small drawers (solid wood) for pens and small stuff.
It's fully comprised of solid wood (teak). Overall in good condition with no major flaws, cracks or losses, the mechanic...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak, Hardwood
Soriana Armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Cassina, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Soriana armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina.
Manufactured in Italy.
The idea of comfort itself becomes a sofa. Soriana came into being in 1969, thanks to an intuitive vision...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Italian-made executive desk from the 1950s
Located in Genova, IT
Large Italian-made executive desk from the early 1950s.
Dark blue formica(original) covered worktop in excellent condition, resting on two walnut wood 'towers' with black metal legs...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
Large Desk by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, Italy, 1956
Located in Barcelona, ES
Large desk designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1956 for Bernini, Italy. Walnut wood with two drawers and two spaces in the front side and other four spaces in the back side.
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Early variant Osvaldo Borsani desk with two drawers for Tecno, Italy 1950s
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Milan, IT
Minimal Osvaldo Borsani 1950s desk for Tecno, Italy
Carries all the original Tecno transfer labels
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
Vintage Seven Drawer Desk by Beithcraft, 1960s
By Beithcraft
Located in Ely, GB
A Lovely Compact Vintage Desk with 7 Drawers by Renowned British Maker; Beithcraft. circa 1960s.
The desk, designed in traditional manner, is finished in walnut veneer, which is in ...
Category
1960s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Executive Desk by Luigi Caccia Dominioni for Azucena, Italy 1960s
Located in Greding, DE
Large desk, designed by Luigi Caccia Dominioni for Azucena in the 1960s. The desk stands on brass legs that are set back under the drawer elements, giving it an elegant, floating cha...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Scandinavian solid wood Danish desk danish
By Arne Vodder
Located in Lyon, FR
Scandinavian solid wood desk from the 60s in the style of Arne vodder's work. Beautiful woodwork, sober and elegant design typical of Scandinavian furniture of the period. Very fine ...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Pierre Jeanneret PJ-BU-02 Clark Table / Authentic Mid-Century Modern, Chandigarh
Located in Zürich, CH
This simple appearing "Office Desk" from 1957 to 1958 with its integrated shelf is an absolute masterpiece. It is a smart object that’s surprising us with its bookcase on the front s...
Category
1950s Indian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Faux Leather, Teak
Mid-Century Danish 8 Drawer Teak Desk with Bookcase Back, 1960s
Located in Chesham, GB
Design Period - 1960 to 1969
Country of Manufacture - Denmark
Style - Mid-Century
Detailed Condition - Good with minimal defects.
Restoration and Damage Details - Light wear cons...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Soriana Armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Soriana armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina.
Manufactured in Italy.
The idea of comfort itself becomes a sofa. Soriana came into being in 1969, thanks to an intuitive vision...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Gianni Moscatelli desk for Formanova 70’s.
Located in bari, IT
Desk design by Gianni Moscatelli for Formanova 1970s. Palisander desk surface rests on flat stainless steel legs with floating drawers on either side. Original locks without keys.
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stainless Steel
ILA (Industria Lombarda Arredamenti) teak and metal desk model Ss34, Italy, 1959
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A beautiful Italian desk made of teak and metal, produced by ILA (Industria Lombarda Arredi), model "Ss34" from 1959, equipped with ample workspace.
ILA was an Italian company that,...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Soriana Armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Soriana armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina.
Manufactured in Italy.
The idea of comfort itself becomes a sofa. Soriana came into being in 1969, thanks to an intuitive vision...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Mastercraft Brass 'Trilobi' Triangular Dining Table or Desk Bases, circa 1970
By Mastercraft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
One of the hottest items currently with interior designers are these gleaming brass 'Trilobi' Mastercraft dining table bases, which also work excellent for a desk or work table, feature a hefty triangular design with sculpted ends. The gorgeous brass displays subtle signs of an admirable patina, which can be highly desirable, bringing more vibrancy to this set of 1970s brass table bases by Mastercraft.
And most importantly - these are authentic vintage examples... there is now an inferior (but still pricey) knock-off by RH and many dealers do not know how to spot the difference and will sell the fakes as authentic. We have owned and sold over 30 of these over the course of the last 10 years and can guarantee the ones we offer are authentic 'originals' of the design by Mastercraft.
*Please note, the table bases in this listing are priced individually.
**In addition, the Trilobi bases in the photos have already sold, however we two more in similar condition that are en route to us now and are available for pre-sale. Please message us with any questions.
You can use a single base for a round or square top. Looks excellent with glass or marble tops - we can assist in the production of a new glass or stone top - contact us for more details. Or you can pair 2, 3 or even all 4 bases together to form a larger dining table, conference table or desk with a large rectangular or oval top.
These Mastercraft brass 'Trilobi' dining table bases would be great as part of a classic or contemporary dining room, living room, family room, sunroom or kitchen. These Triboli tables would also be an apt choice in a corporate, retail or hospitality location such as a boutique restaurant...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Paul Frankl Kidney Desk for Johnson Furniture
By Paul Frankl
Located in Zürich, CH
Paul Frankl
Kidney Desk produced by Johnson Furniture Co., Grand Rapids, Michigan
Overall in very good condition. The wooden tabletop with light surface scratches, indentations and...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Desk with Painted Glass Top, Joaquim Tenreiro for Bloch Editors, Mid-Century
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Elevate your space with this exquisitely crafted rosewood desk, a masterpiece designed by the legendary Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992). This splendid piece once graced the interior of ...
Category
Late 20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass, Hardwood
Niguel Writing Desk by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Niguel writing desk features solid turned legs, brass cap feet and lacquered interior drawers.
The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handmade in Los Angeles, California....
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Mid Century Modern Double-Sided Desk by Lane Furniture. Circa. 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid Century Modern Double-Sided Desk by Lane Furniture. Circa. 1960s
Features a beautiful walnut wood grain, a quintessential Mid Century Modern Design, a faux woodgrain lam...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
An Italian Desk attributed to Osvaldo Borsani, circa 1940
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
An Italian desk dating back to the 1940s and attributed to Osvaldo Borsani.
The entire structure, crafted from walnut-stained beech, elegantly rests on a curved base. It boasts five...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Göran Strand for Lelångs Möbelfabrik Model A10 MCM Swedish Desk
By Göran Strand
Located in Plainview, NY
A Mid-Century Modern desk Model A10 l masterfully crafted by Göran Strand for Lelångs Möbelfabrik in Sweden during the 1960s.
The allure of the Desk Model A10 lies in its thoughtfu...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Desk by Ico Parisi for Mim Roma, Italy, 1950s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Desk by Ico Parisi for Mim Roma, Italy, 1950s
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Teak FD-951 Diplomat Desk by Finn Juhl for France & Søn
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and large Mid-Century Modern executive Diplomat FD-951 desk.
Design by Finn Juhl for France & Søn.
Striking Danish design from the 1960s.
Solid teak and original teak ven...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Table Monta in Black Wood and Marble by Charlotte Perriand for Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Table designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1970. Relaunched in 2023.
Manufactured by Cassina in Italy.
An ode to fine artisanal craftsmanship in the form of a table. Table Monta is the...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass
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 AllMore Ways To Browse
Writing Desk With Fluted Legs
Wooden Desk Italian
Wood Desk With Metal Legs
Cabriole Bureau
Writing Slope Desk
Writing Desk Sloping
18th Century Style Desk
Bureau Plat Bronze
Black Glass Top Desk
Xvi Bureau
Wood Partners Desk
Vintage Bank Desk
Writing Table Mahogany Regency
Writing Table Brass Mount
Carved Walnut Desk French
Blue Painted Desk
American Desk 19th Century
Mid Century Black Writing Desk With Drawers