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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
20th Century Spanish Baroque Style Cabinet on Stand, Bargueno or Varqueno
Located in Miami, FL
This Bargueno is embellished with a carving of Don Quixote de la Mancha bordered with branches of leaves. The desk is supported by a pedestal joined by a bridge of turned columns. The front legs contain a carving of two wind god...
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
Roll Top Desk from the collection of Thierry Despont
Located in New York, NY
While Thierry Despont (1948 - 2023) was best-known for his architectural practice—for his integral role in the restoration of the Statue of Liberty, his re-imagining of the Ritz in P...
Category
20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Fine Antique American Chippendale Slant Front Desk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A beautifully crafted late 18th Century Slant Front Desk with dovetailed top and drawers, fine graining, great color and solid traditiona...
Category
Late 18th Century American Chippendale Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Trestle Library Table or Writing Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission oak Arts & Crafts trestle library table or writing desk
By Gustav Stickley
USA, Circa 1900
Measures: 48"W x 30"D x 29"H.
Professionally res...
Category
Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Piano desk black lacqued wood
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
A sleek, black-polished, sculptural piece conjuring the presence of a grand piano.
Piano Desk evokes an intricate fusion of the grace in artistic expressi...
Category
2010s Mexican Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Exquisite 1920s French Art Deco Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann Style Rosewood Desk
Located in Reading, Berkshire
1920s Art Deco Solid Rosewood Rectangular Desk With Original Fittings.
The Central Drawer is housed between two sets of drawers with Chrome finished feet, and handles.
This exquisite Streamline Moderne desk...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stainless Steel
Early 19th Century Folk Art Side Table or Desk, Scandinavia
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Danish or Swedish Rectangular Folk Art Table or Desk.
The table has tonnes of charm, wear and tear to the finish that gives thus table an unbeatable patina. Most of the original pai...
Category
Early 19th Century Scandinavian Folk Art Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
French Louis XVI Style 19th Century Walnut Desk with Cross-Banding and Marquetry
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian Louis XVI style walnut desk from the 19th century with five drawers, cross-banded inlay, floral marquetry and tapered legs. This exquisite 19th-century Italian Louis XVI s...
Category
19th Century Italian Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
1950s Fabulous Floating Desk Mexican Mahogany
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Mexico 1950s Refined Floating Desk in Mahogany Wood
Quality build in Mahogany with Plywood on Tabletop. Solid Mahogany Drawer Pulls and Solid Legs.
Manner and era of Eugenio Escuder...
Category
1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany, Plywood
1960s John Stuart French Provincial Style Console Sofa Table or Desk
By John Stuart
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Midcentury French Provincial style console sofa table by John Stuart. Base features a white painted finish with curved cabriole legs and one single drawer. Top is stained wood. Table could also be used as a long desk.
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Georgian 18th Century Mahogany Bureau
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
An 18th Century Georgian Mahogany Bureau Having
Well Figured Fall Flap Above Four Long Drawers With
Original Water Gilt Handles Raised On Original Bracket
Feet
(Typical of the lat...
Category
Mid-18th Century English Georgian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Contemporary Sitting Standing "Work" Desk in Solid White Oak by Casey Lurie, USA
By Casey Lurie
Located in Chicago, IL
Work desk is the smaller sibling of our WORK table, a contemporary take on the traditional working tables used by artists and designers for centuries. The choice of materials combine...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Oak
Coen de Vries Petite Writing Desk, 1954
By Coen de Vries, Devo
Located in Dronten, NL
Beautiful designed, original Mid-Century Modern petite writing desk with black dye birch X-base, red dye birch drawer and a formica top. Coen de Vries is among the Dutch pioneers of ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Formica, Birch
"Armand" Angular Burl Wood Desk by Christiane Lemieux
Located in New York, NY
The first ready-to-assemble desk from Lemieux et Cie features angular cut corners and ample surface space for use as a table, console or vanity. A singl...
Category
2010s Vietnamese Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Burl
Paolo Buffa grissinato wood desk with four drawers, Italy 1940s
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
Italian Renaissance Savonarola Leather Top Desk
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details Below.
Shipping Quote Information
The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Category
1990s Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather
Charlotte Perriand Ventaglio Sculptural Desk or Dining Table for Cassina, new
Located in Berlin, DE
Price is dependent on the chosen material. Available in black stained oak or natural oak. A multifunctional table with a revolutionary design, whose shape and use are uniquely differ...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Antique English Georgian Table Small Desk Nightstand Lowboy 3 Drawers Tiger Oak
Located in Tyler, TX
BEAUTIFUL Antique English Tiger Oak Georgian Writing Desk, Table, Lowboy, or Nightstand with Drawers~~c. early 19th Century
So versatile~~coul...
Category
Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Antique French Marquetry, Ormolu and Jasperware Bureau du Roi by Beurdeley
Located in London, GB
Antique French marquetry, ormolu and jasperware Bureau du Roi by Beurdeley
French, c. 1890
Height 151cm, width 190cm, depth 100cm
The Bureau du Roi, also known as the secrétaire à cylindre, is among the most celebrated masterpieces of 18th century furniture design—an unparalleled example of French craftsmanship and regal opulence. Originally commissioned by King Louis XV in 1760, the project was entrusted to ébéniste du roi Jean-François Oeben (1721–1763). However, Oeben passed away before its completion and his successor, Jean-Henri Riesener (1734-1806), finalised the desk in 1769.
During the 19th century, several master cabinetmakers sought to replicate this extraordinary creation, including the esteemed Emmanuel Alfred Beurdeley (1847–1919). The present example, produced circa 1890, was exhibited at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, where it garnered admiration for its exceptional artistry. Following the exhibition, it was acquired by financier George Jay Gould I (1864–1923) and later photographed in the Lakewood, New Jersey residence of his wife, actress Edith Kingdon Gould (1864–1921).
This magnificent desk is crowned with a decorative clock, draped in festoons and accompanied by two playful putti and a finely sculpted dog. Twin ormolu urns rest atop an openwork gallery, leading to additional flower-filled ormolu vases. Flanking the central roll-top panel are finely cast ormolu figures of Apollo and Calliope, each supporting a twin-light scrolling acanthus candelabrum.
With a turn of a key, the roll-top slides open to reveal an exquisite arrangement of three pull-out shelves and three drawers, each front panel adorned with delicate ormolu banding and intricate floral trellis parquetry. A gilt-tooled leather writing surface unfolds, featuring a pop-up central panel that lifts to reveal a folding folio stand alongside three additional storage compartments. Below, a central kneehole drawer, embellished with an ormolu bow, is flanked by twin-divided drawers, all decorated with finely detailed floral marquetry.
Every aspect of this Bureau du Roi is a testament to superior craftsmanship, featuring elaborate marquetry and parquetry designs. The upper section consists of three panels, with the tambour roll-top inlaid with intricate mythological motifs. Two side medallions bear Latin inscriptions drawn from Cesare Ripa’s Iconologia (1555–1622): NON. NISI. GRANDIA. CANTO. / IRRIDENS. CUSPIDE. FIGO. and BREVI. COMPLECTOR. SINGULA. CANO / PASTORUM. CARMINA. LUDO. These decorative elements, along with the marquetry on the roll-top and upper surfaces, celebrate the arts, literature, and architecture.
The bombé sides of the desk are richly decorated with marquetry panels depicting symbols of both naval and terrestrial warfare, framed by elegant ormolu laurel swags. These ornamental details complement a series of exquisite blue and white Wedgwood Jasperware medallions...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu
Jacques Adnet, Art Deco Modernist Desk and Chair, Lacquered Wood, Opaline Glass
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Exceptional semi-circular Art Deco desk by Jacques Adnet.
Made of black lacquered wood, featuring a rounded-cut top with an inset black opaline desktop. It rests on two cabinets wit...
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Opaline Glass, Wood, Lacquer, Rosewood
Chippendale Style Slant Top Desk in Black Lacquered Wood, circa 1900
Located in Miami, FL
Chippendale style slant top desk in black lacquered wood. Red brilliant lacquered inferior part opening by three drawers with a crossb...
Category
Early 20th Century European Chinese Chippendale Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
USM Haller Custom Desk Unit 'A' by Fritz Haller and Paul Schaerer
Located in New York, NY
Quick ship desk unit (A) is designed with a work surface and one storage compartment with a drop down door. Available in 14 standard surface colors. Our ful...
Category
2010s Swiss Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Antique Victorian Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk, 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful antique late Victorian mahogany partners pedestal desk, circa 1880 in date.
The rectanglular top features a stunning inset green and gold tooled leather writing surface. This stunning desk is the same on each side.
Each side is fitted with three frieze drawers, three further drawers in one pedestal and a cupboard to the other pedestal, all fitted with the original brass drop handles.
The drawers are all oak lined and the pedestals are raised on plinth bases with brass castors underneath.
Complete with original brass locks and keys.
Instill the elegance of a bygone era to a special place in your home with this fabulous antique partners pedestal desk.
THE BOTANICAL NAME FOR THE MAHOGANY THIS ITEM IS MADE OF IS SWIETENIA MACROPHYLLA AND THIS TYPE OF MAHOGANY IS NOT SUBJECT TO CITES REGULATION.
Condition:
In excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned, polished, waxed and releathered in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 76 x Width 151 x Depth 106
Dimensions in inches:
Height 29.9 x Width 59.4 x Depth 41.7
Mahogany
is probably one of the largest ‘families’ of hardwood, having many different varieties within its own species.
Mahogany has been used for centuries in ship building...
Category
1880s English Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Gio Ponti for Singer & Sons #2135 Extendable Dining Table, c 1950, Refinished
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This restored Model 2135 extendable dining table with four leaves by Gio Ponti for Singer & Sons features gorgeously veined Italian Walnut with sculpted legs to Gio Ponti's signature...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Contemporary 'JULIUS' Secretary by Eichkorn, Black Bronze, Customizable
By Eichkorn
Located in Paris, IDF
JULIUS Console Table by German contemporary design studio Eichkorn.
Material: Cast Bronze with Black Patina
Standard size: H.75 x 163 x 70 cm - Customizations are possible
Our „JUL...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
English 19th c. Generous Partners' Desk
Located in Greenwich, CT
A handsome and generously sized partners' desk with glowing color, the two sides made so that business partners could collaborate over the same writing surface, now suitable for cent...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Art Deco Buffet Credenza Two Doors Cabinet, Walnut and Brass, France, circa 1930
Located in Labrit, Landes
Cabinet Art Deco, French, circa 1930.
Credenza buffet burr walnut.
Two doors and one shelf.
The varnish was redone.
Good condition.
Shipping:
L 160, P 52, H 91 46 Kg.
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Contemporary Desk Table 'Ms Bean', Smoked Oak
Located in Paris, IDF
Desk table MS BEAN
Designed by IDA L. HILDEBRAND
Dimensions : L. 150 cm / D. 70 cm / H. 75 cm
Top thickness : 5 cm
Model shown in the picture : Smoke oak - Veneered tabletop
...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Organic Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Expandable Desk by Roberto Pamio, Renato Toso & Noti Massari for Stilwood/Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Expandable Desk by Roberto Pamio, Renato Toso & Noti Massari for Stilwood / Italy, 1970's. Desk top slides open, cabinets swing out on rollers and one ...
Category
1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Early 19th Century Goncalo Alves partners desk
Located in Martlesham, GB
A superb quality large early 19th Century Goncalo Alves (also known as tigerwood) partners desk, the moulded edge top having a olive green coloured leather writing surface decorated ...
Category
1840s British William IV Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Vintage Campaign Style Mahogany Library Executive Writing Desk 60"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage writing desk in the style of Michael Vanderbyl for Decca / Bolier & Co. Made from rich mahogany veneers, having a rectangular form with three fitted drawers and raised on mo...
Category
Late 20th Century Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
1960s Finn Juhl Diplomat Series Desk with 6 drawers in Rosewood
Located in Seattle, WA
An original rosewood desk designed by Finn Juhl for Cado ( Originally France & Sons, the company was purchased by Poul Cadovius in the 1960s and renamed to Cado), in a rarer configur...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Danish Modern Teak Desk by Gunnar Tibergaard Nielsen
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Danish Modern Teak Desk, designed by Gunnar Tibergaard Nielsen, Denmark, circa 1960s. It packs a lot of storage space in a small ...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Teak
Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Saga Walnut Desk
By Broyhill
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Saga Walnut Writing Desk. Featuring a straight line design, three drawers on the left, center drawer, two drawers on the right side,...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Fontana Arte Free-Standing Writing Desk in Walnut Burl and Brass
By Fontana Arte
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Fontana Arte, desk, walnut burl veneer, walnut veneer, brass, Italy, circa 1935
Fontana Arte, one of Italy’s most prestigious design firms, known for its pioneering contributions t...
Category
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
USM Haller Custom Desk Unit 'A' by Fritz Haller and Paul Schaerer
Located in New York, NY
Quick ship desk unit (A) is designed with a work surface and one storage compartment with a drop down door. Available in 14 standard surface colors. Our ful...
Category
2010s Swiss Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Lovely Yew Wood Campaign Style Pedestal Desk
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer fir sale this lovely campaign style green leather topped pedestal desk with one long central drawer and five short drawers either sides , lovely condition .
Don't...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Contemporary Round Cooperage Dining Table in Striped Oak by Fort Standard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This table is a part of the new Cooperage Dining collection. Each piece features large faceted round elements that with its namesake reference the traditional cooper's trade of makin...
Category
2010s American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ash, Maple, Oak, Walnut
Large Bespoke Study Desk with Linoleum Top and Drawer, Customizable
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
This large beetroot color study desk is made with a powder coated steel frame and a beautiful natural linoleum top made out of linseed oil. This modern minimal desk...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Antique 19th Century Campaign Metamorphic Desk, Ca. 1850-1875
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Antique metamorphic table to desk, circa 1850-1875. Beautifully constructed in Campaign style in honeyed light brown wood, the table features a hinged flip top that opens to a desk w...
Category
19th Century Campaign Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
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 Vald...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Dining Table Desk Conference Table, Leather, Chrome
Located in Miami, FL
Great leather top table with chrome base. Leather has a green brown color with a rich patina. Please see pictures. High-quality. Ready for a new home.
Category
1970s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Antique French Louis XV Tulipwood Marquetry Ormolu Bureau Plat Writing Table
Located in Portland, OR
A fine antique 19th century French Louis XV tulipwood and marquetry, ormolu mounted bureau plat, serpentine shaped writing table, circa 1880.
The table having an inset brown & red hu...
Category
1880s French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Vintage Campaign Style Leather Top Sawhorse Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome mid century British colonial style desk crafted in hardwood with a tooled leather top on a case with three drawers and brass hardware. The sawhorse style base has multiple s...
Category
20th Century English Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
'Orix' Desk by Molteni. Italy c1968
Located in London, GB
Original 'Orix' desk by Vittorio Parigi & Nani Prina, Molteni & Co
Light has been rewired.
Fully functional and in great condition.
Height of desk when closed 75cm (29.5 inches)
Category
1960s Italian Space Age Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Stickley Mission Arts and Crafts Oak Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Stickley desk, originally designed in the 1910s by Gustav Stickley, this example is part of the authorized line produced by Stickley in the 2...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mission Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Joel Escalona's NONO Elefante Table 40, Wood Spheres, Elegant Lines
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Joel Escalona's NONO Elefante Table 40, Wood Spheres, Elegant Lines
—————————————————————
Elefante Collection: A Harmony of Design and Heritage by NONO...
Category
2010s Mexican Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Spanish 17th Century Desk
Located in Round Top, TX
A very handsome 17th century desk - writing table from the Catalan region of Spain. Soundly constructed from beautiful walnut and chestnut with a solid board top, 2 drawers and hand...
Category
17th Century Spanish Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chestnut, Walnut
Minimalist Solid Desk in Oak France 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Minimalist dark stained oak desk with dovetail construction connecting the top to the side panels in solid oak with a floating part for 2 drawers. A beautiful piece of craftsmanship ...
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Bernt Petersen Danish 1950s Mahogany Desk
Located in London, England
Bernt Petersen Mahogany Writing Desk, circa 1950s
An exceptional 4-drawer desk from Danish designer Bernt Petersen and made by master cabinetmakers Rud Rasmussen. The legs, drawer f...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Art Deco Modernist Desk or Writing Table by Hendrik Wouda for Pander, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare Art Deco Modernist desk or writing table.
Design by Hendrik Wouda for H. Pander & Zonen Den Haag.
Striking Dutch design from the 1920s.
Solid oak base with...
Category
1920s Dutch Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Gallotti & Radice, President model desk, Italy, 1970s.
Located in Palermo, PA
President desk model by Gallotti & Radice, Italian production from 1971.
Iconic, charming and essential design, perfect for a modern setting.
Transparent tempered glass and chrome-pl...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Crystal, Metal
Georgian Stepped Front Writing Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
A Georgian mahogany writing table with burgundy leather inset top over three-drawered apron with central drawer stepped above two side drawers, standing on four bold square section l...
Category
1770s English Georgian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Antique Directoire Table Writing Desk In Walnut - Italy 19th
Located in Atlanta, GA
This refined Italian Directoire writing desk, dating to the early 19th century, showcases the minimalist elegance and architectural precision associated with the Directoire period.
...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Directoire Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Midcentury Danish Modern Drop Front Desk in Teak
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek modern desk from Denmark, circa 1960s. It features all teak wood construction with drop Front Design. Very good vintage condition.
Category
1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Antique Slant-Front Drafting Desk Writing Table
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and exceptionally inlaid antique slant-front drafting desk. circa 1900
Hand-crafted in the early 20th century, likely French, one piece desk on frame form, having a sloped fr...
Category
Early 20th Century Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ebony, Kingwood, Mahogany, Maple, Palisander, Rosewood, Burl, Felt
Midcentury Modern Mahogany Desk by Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen, Denmark, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Striking desk by Ole Wanscher, made in mahogany with table top dressed in black leather. Very elegant lines and sophisticated details. Brass hoops for pulling out extensions on the s...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Alexandre Chevrie, Museum French Ormolu Mounted Mahogany Royal Executive Desk
Located in New York, 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
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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