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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Period: 18th Century and Earlier
Period: 1940s
Italy 18th Century Baroque Walnut Organic Shape Table Desk
Located in Brescia, IT
This walnut rectangular Tuscany table, has been hand made in Lucca (Tuscany, Italy) in 1760 circa.
Its elegant shape, with the black border, makes this ...
Category
Mid-18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Charming Georgian Elm Childs Desk
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
A super early 18th-century childs writing desk, the slope top lifts to reveal a fitted drawer; of lovely colour and patina.
Category
Early 18th Century Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Elm
Huge Gilded Ebonized Period French Louis XV Marble Top Butlers Desk Commode
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delivery needs! They offer a reasonable flat-rate fee for delivery and set up to the ground floor of your home. They deliver to the vast majority of the lower 48 states. They offer a flat rate for most of our items with exclusions for the largest or most complex items such as breakfronts or crystal chandeliers or other items of greater complexity. For those items please ask for a shipping quote prior to purchase as these rates are different from our stated pricing. For those items please ask for a shipping quote prior to purchase. Most deliveries to the East Coast will be 295.00, to the mid-west and Southern mid-west 395.00. To the areas west of Kansas 495.00 and the farthest points to the West coast will be 595.00. Again, some areas we can't cover, however we can deliver to most of the lower 48 states so please inquire to be sure! Delivery times range from as fast as 1-4 weeks for the east coast to 5-9 weeks to the farthest areas of the west coast, sometimes longer and sometimes even shorter. If it is a time sensitive purchase, we may be able to accommodate you for a higher price. It is our goal to please each and every one of our customers with the highest standard of service possible. You must realize and accept that we are shipping antique, vintage and quality used furnishings to your home. We cannot control traffic, weather, and acts of God. There will be times when additional patience will be necessary.
Please see video below.
This is a very rare, monumental butlers desk or large scale commode in solid oak with incredible hand polished and hand-hewn quarried marble. The piece has been painstakingly gilded and ebonized in a French-polished shellac finish and has a red interior. The piece features two side doors which at one time had adjustable shelves. Take a look at the incredible chunky antique locks...
Category
1770s French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Antique Gustavian Pine Table, Sweden, Late 18th Century
Located in Copenhagen K, DK
Sweden, late 18th century.
Gustavian pine table with tones of white and green.
Measures: H 76 x W 108 x D 69 cm.
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
18th Century Continental Walnut Table with Lyre-Form Legs & Iron Stretcher
Located in Atlanta, GA
18th Century Continental Walnut table with Lyre-Form Legs & Iron stretcher.
Category
18th Century European Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Jacobean Style Oak Desk w/ Two Drawers
Located in San Francisco, CA
C. late 18th century - early 19th century
Jacobean style oak desk w/ two drawers
Drawer Size: 16.50 W / 26.25 D / 3.25 H.
Category
Late 18th Century Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Oak
Large Group incl. Walnut Desk and Sideboards Made by Ove Lander in 1947
By Ove Larsen
Located in London, GB
Group of furniture made to order in 1947 by Ove Lander, Bredgade, Palae, Copenhagen Denmark and a third piece made in 1957 to match the originals pieces. For the avoidance of doubt, ...
Category
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Desk and Chair, Germany, 1945
Located in Catonvielle, FR
Desk and chair in solid beech, Germany 1945. This furniture was intended for French officers stationed in Germany immediately after the war. Folk Art style, this set is one of the fe...
Category
1940s German Country Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Beech
Mahogany Kneehole Desk
Located in Folkestone, GB
A good quality George III period mahogany kneehole desk with moulded edge top above a long drawer and arrangement of three graduated small drawe...
Category
Late 18th Century English Georgian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Table, Centre, Dining, Writing, Walnut, Octagonal, French, Renaissance
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
- This table is a rare and attractive octagonal form with characteristic Renaissance legs.
- It can serve as centre, dining or writing table.
- The...
Category
1620s French Renaissance Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Antique Georgian 18th Century Satin Walnut Bureau Desk Writing Table
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique Georgian 18th century satin walnut bureau desk writing table. Veneer on oak and elm construction. Early satin walnut bureaux are very rare.
This is a lovely bureau, that ...
Category
18th Century Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Louis XVI Mahogany And Ormolu Mounted Bureau Plat By Martin Carlin
Located in Essex, MA
This desk is by one of the finest makers in France during the fourth quarter of the 18th century under the reign of Louis XVI.
Stamped M.CARLIN and JME on underside. Two commodes...
Category
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu
18th C. English Architect's Table w/Unique Legs, Expanding Top, & Candle Shelves
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English expandable architect's table with candle stands from the 18th century. This antique table from England would have originally been used as an architects work desk, complete with a pair of small shelves that pull out from either side of that table, that would have supported candles for lighting. The rectangular-shaped top rests atop an apron that houses a faux-drawer with single brass handle, that when pulled, reveals an extension to the table. This slide out wood top is lined with leather, creating an additional writing pad surface. The leather top an also be slid back under the main top, keep legs out, granting access to storage within (see images for more details on this). Carved bracket accents adorn the underside of the skirt against each of the squared outer legs, which partially wrap the outer edges of the nicely-turned inner legs (which are slightly longer and terminate into petite caster feet). Needless to say, this piece has very interesting legs! A curvy x-style stretcher bar braces the legs under the bottom center for additional support. Note that the pull out leather top adds an additional 28" x 13" table top work space, with a floor clearance underneath of 24". This 18th century English architect's table, with expanding leather writing top...
Category
18th Century English Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Rare 18th Century Georgian Period Mahogany Architect Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
This rare and elegant Georgian Architect’s desk has a ratchet top, extending drawer front, as well as storage compartments. Architect desks, m...
Category
18th Century English Georgian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
18thC George II Irish Mahogany Card Table
Located in Staffordshire, GB
circa 1750
18thC George II Irish Mahogany card table
Having a folding fold over inverted breakfront top raised on shaped legs.
The back leg extending out to support the table to...
Category
18th Century Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Charming Old English Pine Desk with Great Details
Located in Bronx, NY
Charming old English pine desk with great details the desk has nine drawers, many of which lock (key included). The finish has been left natural so it has a lot of character.
Category
1940s English Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
George III Mahogany Rent Desk by Gillows of Lancaster
Located in Essex, MA
With rectangular top with inset red leather and banded edge, over a long drawer opening to A-Z lidded compartments. The pedestals below each with three drawers. All with classic Gill...
Category
1770s George III Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
17th Century Italian Single Drawer Desk or Side Table, Italy, 17th Century
Located in New York, NY
17th century Italian Florentine single drawer desk.
Decorative finial legs and stretcher.
Polished mahogany with a beautiful patina.
Can also be ...
Category
17th Century Italian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Louis XVI Style Tulipwood and Purpleheart Bureau Plat
Located in Essex, MA
Louis XVI Style Tulipwood and Purpleheart bureau plat. An original furnishing from the Waldorf Towers in New York City. Newly replaced tooled brown leather set...
Category
1770s French Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Slant Top Desk On Stand
Located in Wilson, NC
The leather writing surfaces on this desk have been newly restored with blind and gold tooling. The inside prospect door has a working lock and key.
Category
1760s English Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
George III Period Mahogany Fitted Desk Attributed to Gillows of Lancaster
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
An 18th century mahogany desk or sometimes called architects desk, with fitted top drawer containing a baize lined wiring surface below which is a fitted section contains alphabet inlaid letter boxes The double top drawer slides out on hidden rollers and the baize section then slides back.
Original swan neck brass handles and fine flame mahogany. finished with dummy drawers to the back making this a free standing desk.
A model is in the Gillow design...
Category
18th Century English Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Gio Ponti Writing Desk in Walnut and Brass for the BNL Offices, Italy 1940s
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A rare and collectable walnut desk with brass ferrules designed by Gio Ponti and produced by Schirolli (Mantova - Italy) in the 1940s for the Banca Nazionale del Lavoro (BNL - Nation...
Category
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Vintage Art Deco "Fletcher Aviation" Executive Desk by Frank Fletcher
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Beautiful vintage Art Deco “Fletcher Aviation” designed by Frank Fletcher for Fletcher Aviation in the United States, circa 1940s. Due to its design and...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Walnut Two Drawer, Rounded Corner Desk, Italy, 17th Century
Located in New York, NY
17th century Italian walnut two drawer desk.
Square column shaped legs.
Subtly rounded corners.
Finished on both sides, so can float in a room.
ARRIVING NOVEMBER.
Category
17th Century Italian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Industrial Portuguese Oak-wood Tambour Door Desk, 1940's
Located in Lisboa, PT
This Industrial Portuguese Oak-wood Tambour Door Desk was designed and produced in Portugal during the 1940's. It is made of oak and it features a ta...
Category
1940s Portuguese Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
George I Walnut Bureau
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a good quality early 18th century George I walnut bureau, having a fall front opening to reveal a fully fitted interior comprising of drawe...
Category
Early 18th Century Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
English Queen Anne Lowboy
Located in Wilson, NC
This oak and mahogany lowboy has a 1/16 inch shrinkage separation in the top. The top has an applied ogee molding and is crossbanded with 3/4 inch mahogany crossbanding. The drawer f...
Category
1740s English Queen Anne Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
18th Century French Walnut Library Table
Located in High Point, NC
18th century walnut library table from France. The top is made from two planks and is banded with a beveled edge, following down to a simple apron, which contains a single drawer in the front. The table is supported on hand turned barley and vine twist...
Category
18th Century French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
18th century Louis XV ITALIAN Writing Table with Drawers
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant desk perfect for the center of the room, with drawers in solid walnut and walnut feather veneer on the sides, interiors in poplar. The drawers are all equipped with locks. Tu...
Category
Mid-18th Century Italian Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
High Quality Wood & Hogan William & Mary Style Walnut Writing/Library Table
Located in North Salem, NY
If you are looking for an impressive and unique statement piece of furniture this table is for you! This Wood & Hogan bench-made late 17th century William & Mary style Walnut writing...
Category
Early 18th Century English William and Mary Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
18th Century Venetian Table, Console
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning 18th century table - Console from Venice, Italy. Beautifully constructed from wonderful walnut with very minimalist lines. The table has 2 drawers - one at each end and el...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
18th Century Country French Writing Table ~ End Table
Located in Dallas, TX
18th Century Country French Writing Table ~ End Table was beautifully hand-crafted from solid indigenous walnut, and features amazing style rendered by capable rural artisans with wh...
Category
1790s French Louis XIV Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Console Table, XVIII Century, France
Located in Girona, Spain
Console table,
Made with cherry wood.
Lacquered in black.
Central drawer, with brass handle.
Carved hoof legs.
Very decorative.
XVIII Century, Fra...
Category
18th Century French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Cherry, Lacquer
18th Century Spanish Walnut Table with Turned Legs
Located in Marbella, ES
18th century Spanish walnut table with turned legs
Category
18th Century Spanish Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
California Art Deco Fletcher Aviation Executive Desk by Frank Fletcher
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This large American Art Deco desk was designed by Frank Fletcher and manufactured by Fletcher Aviation in Pasadena, California. A design patent number 1...
Category
1940s Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
1940s Mid Century Italian Leather Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Italian Mid century modern leather desk with two drawers. The desk had ben polished in the best possible way to get it back as good as ne...
Category
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
18th Century Black Swedish Gustavian Oak Bureau - Antique Drop Front Secretaire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Swedish Gustavian bureau made of hand crafted painted Oakwood, in good condition. The Scandinavian writing table, desk features man...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
Art Deco / Neoclassical Revival Walnut Desk, France, circa 1940
By Jean Pascaud
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Elegant desk / writing table / secretaire in walnut, divided into 2 parts:
- office part with 5 drawers including 1 with lock
Dimensions : height 75 cm, width 111 cm, depth 65 cm
...
Category
1940s French Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Period French Directior Leather Topped Writing Table.
Located in Hudson, NY
This beautiful period writing table was constructed in France circa 1790 to 1800 of rich imported mahogany and the woods have been carefully selected to create an overall pattern of ...
Category
Late 18th Century French Directoire Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Antique George III Mahogany Library Writing Table Desk, 18th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a fine antique George III mahogany and marquetry library table, circa 1780 in date.
The table features beautiful floral and scrolling foliate marquetry throughout, with flame mahogany marquetry panels and gonçalo alves crossbanding.
The rectangular top is fitted with the original emerald green gold tooled inset leather writing surface above a pair of crossbanded frieze drawers, raised on square tapered legs.
It is freestanding, finished on all sides, so that it can stand freely in the middle of a room, making it extremely suitable for a large home or office.
Complete with original brass handles, working locks and keys.
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 and waxed in our workshops, and only shows minor signs of wear commensurate with age and use.
Please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 76 x width 144 x depth 84
Dimensions in inches:
Height 29.9 x width 56.7 x depth 33.1
Marquetry
is decorative artistry where pieces of material (such as wood, pewter or brass silver) of different colours are inserted into surface wood veneer to form intricate patterns such as scrolls or flowers.
The technique of veneered marquetry had its inspiration in 16th century Florence. Marquetry elaborated upon Florentine techniques of inlaying solid marble slabs with designs formed of fitted marbles, jaspers and semi-precious stones. This work, called opere di commessi, has medieval parallels in Central Italian "Cosmati"-work of inlaid marble floors, altars and columns. The technique is known in English as pietra dura, for the "hardstones" used: onyx, jasper, cornelian, lapis lazuli and colored marbles. In Florence, the Chapel of the Medici at San Lorenzo is completely covered in a colored marble facing using this demanding jig-sawn technique.
Techniques of wood marquetry were developed in Antwerp and other Flemish centers of luxury cabinet-making during the early 16th century. The craft was imported full-blown to France after the mid-seventeenth century, to create furniture of unprecedented luxury being made at the royal manufactory of the Gobelins, charged with providing furnishings to decorate Versailles and the other royal residences of Louis XIV. Early masters of French marquetry were the Fleming Pierre Golle and his son-in-law, André-Charles Boulle, who founded a dynasty of royal and Parisian cabinet-makers (ébénistes) and gave his name to a technique of marquetry employing brass with pewter in arabesque or intricately foliate designs.
Flame mahogany
Thomas Sheraton - 18th century furniture designer, once characterized mahogany as "best suited to furniture where strength is demanded as well as a wood that works...
Category
1780s English George III Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
18th Century English Mahogany Leather Top Partners Desk with Carved Birds
Located in Milford, NH
A fine proportion mahogany rectangular partners desk with brown leather top with a crossbanded border with delicate carving, surmounting a frieze with two fitted and cockbeaded document drawers...
Category
18th Century English Georgian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Late 17th Century Italian Walnut Wood Library Table
Located in Dallas, TX
This majestic library table was hand-carved in Italy during the late 1600’s. Three planks of rich walnut wood comprise the top that has been carved with a thin recessed molding along...
Category
Late 17th Century Italian Baroque Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
18th Century French Marquetry Louis XV Dressing Table or So-Called Coiffeuse
Located in Berlin, DE
18th century French Louis XV marquetry dressing table or so-called Coiffeuse
18th century Louis XV vanity dressing table or coiffeuse...
Category
Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
17th Century Spanish Writing Desk with Drawer and Original Iron Lock
Located in Marbella, ES
17th Century Spanish writing desk with drawer and original iron lock.
Category
18th Century Spanish Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
18th Century Spanish Walnut Table
Located in San Francisco, CA
An 18th century walnut table. Soundly constructed from walnut, with original hand forged wrought iron braces and classical lyre shaped legs.
Wonderfully worn and aged patina, some ...
Category
18th Century Spanish Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wrought Iron
English Period 18th Century Queen Anne Walnut Lowboy
Located in Vero Beach, FL
English Period 18th century Queen Anne walnut lowboy.
Refined walnut Lowboy with elegant scalloped apron from the Queen Anne period, about ...
Category
18th Century English Queen Anne Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
18th Century Italian Side Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning 18th century side table - console from the Tuscan region of Italy. Beautifully constructed from beautiful walnut with wonderful turned legs and stretchers. Fabulous patina...
Category
Mid-18th Century European Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Franco Albini for Knoll Desk Model '1928' in Glass and Metal
By Knoll, Franco Albini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Franco Albini for Knoll, desk model '1928', glass, wood, chromed steel, Italy, design 1949
Franco Albini’s '1928' desk combines glass, steel...
Category
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
18th Century French Louis XV Walnut Desk Secretary from Provence
Located in Dallas, TX
Carved in southern France, circa 1760, the fold out secretary is both stylish and functional; the elegant writing desk crafted from solid walnut, stands on cabriole legs over a scalloped apron and dressed with bombe drawer across the front embellished with the original patinated bronze handles. The top folds down to reveal a large writing surface, a theater with four smaller drawers on the sides, and a double compartment niche in the center. When sliding out the drawers and niche, the cabinet reveals different secret storage compartments underneath (see pictures). Both sides with scalloped apron are decorated with recessed panels. Flaunting beautiful lines, a rich patina, and complete functionality, this "Secretaire a Abattant" is in excellent condition and includes all the original keys; put a sophisticated spin on your study or bedroom with this antique slant front desk commode, or "commode scriban...
Category
Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
18th C. Italian Console Raised on Urn-Carved Trestle Legs 'or a Great Desk!'
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian carved wood trestle table from the 18th century. This antique table from Italy features a single board top, rectangular in shape, which is raised on a pair of urn-shaped l...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
French Directoire Period Writing Desk of Walnut and Mahogany with Leather Top
Located in Austin, TX
A fine French Directoire period writing table or desk of walnut and mahogany from the late 18th century, featuring an embossed leather top with brass accents, with two brushing slide...
Category
Late 18th Century French Directoire Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
18th Century Neoclassical Italian Marquetry Cherry Table
Located in San Francisco, CA
A 18th century Italian marquetry Cherry table with a single drawer.
Exquisitely handcrafted writing or gaming table, inlaid from it's top down it's legs that are slender and tapered...
Category
Mid-18th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Cherry
18th Century Inlaid French Walnut Hoof Foot Single Drawer Table or Desk
Located in Charleston, SC
18th century inlaid French walnut hoof foot single drawer table or desk. Great color. Shaped molded top on slender legs with hoof feet.
Category
18th Century French Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
18th Century Mahogany Cylinder Desk
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A very good quality late 18th century Georgian mahogany cylinder desk having well figured roll top, enclosing baize sliding writing surface with...
Category
Mid-18th Century English Georgian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
18thC Writing Table or Dressing Table, George III Sheraton Period circa 1790
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very well made writing or dressing table, dating to the English George III period of the late 18th century, circa 1790.
This is a lovely piece of English furniture with cl...
Category
Late 18th Century British Sheraton Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Rare Rundform Series Berlin Writing Desk by Mauser Werke 1940s
By Mauser Werke
Located in Aachen, NW
This rare and impressive Berlin executive desk from the Rundform series was designed in the 40s and produced by Mauser Werke in the late 40s. The impressive piece features 2 elements...
Category
1940s German Bauhaus Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Antique 18th Century Federal Sheraton Mahogany Fall Front Secretary Writing Desk
Located in Dayton, OH
An exquisite and rare late 18th century American Federal Sheraton library secretary desk. Made of mahogany featuring velvet drop front writin...
Category
Late 18th Century Sheraton Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
French Marquetry Slant Top Ladies Writing Desk, Circa 1780
Located in Hollywood, SC
French marquetry ladies slant top three-drawer writing desk with floral motif inlay, flanking step back interior drawers, leather writing surface, carved scalloped skirt, original or...
Category
1780s French Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Gold, 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.
Read More
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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