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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Period: Late 20th Century
Period: 1920s
Oak Art Deco Modernist Writing Table by Hendrik Wouda for Pander, 1924
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare Art Deco Modernist writing table. Design by Hendrik Wouda for H. Pander & Zonen Den Haag. Striking Dutch design from 1924.Solid oak and original oak veneer...
Category

1920s Dutch Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

1970s Burl Wood Executive Desk With Lacquer Finish
Located in Elkton, MD
This executive desk from the 1970s is a stunning piece of furniture, boasting a gorgeous burl veneer with a lacquered finish. The beautiful and spacial top of the desk features three...
Category

1970s North American Post-Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Mid-Century Modern Oak Campaign Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With four large drawers, sculpted legs, and a black-stained writing surface, this vintage campaign desk is perfect for any home office or study. ...
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Set of 4 stacking stools by Isamu Kenmochi for Akita Mokko, 1970's
Located in Venezia, VENETO
The stacking stool designed by Isamu Kenmochi for Akita Mokko was exhibited in “Appartment Life” exhibition in Matsuya Department store in 1958. Targeting an urban life, the functio...
Category

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

Materials

Faux Leather, Beech

Jet Desk / Igl-Jet by Ernest Igl aka Ernest Hoffmann for Wilhelm Werndl, 1970s
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
ernest “igl” hoffmann was on an artistic mission: in 1970, for example, he designed the legendary „igl jet desk” as a rebellion against „a style of furnit...
Category

1970s Czech Space Age Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Boho Chic Wicker Rattan Bamboo Vanity Dressing Table Writing Desk & Chair
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage wicker desk and side chair featuring bamboo frames with woven green accents and one drawer flanked by two cubbies. Dimensions: desk 40.5" ...
Category

Late 20th Century Bohemian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

B40 Desk by Pierre Chapo for Seltz
Located in AMSTERDAM, NH
Rare B40 desk by Pierre Chapo for Seltz in ash wood.
Category

1980s French Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ash

1970s National Mt. Airy Military Campaign Style Executive Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
Another good looking campaign style piece for your collection! We are delighted to offer for sale this vintage executive desk hand crafted in the Military Campaign style by Mt. Airy, which is one of the higher quality campaign manufacturers. This well-made desk executed out of oakwood which has a lovely warm patina to it, the cuts of timber are lovely with great proportions from any angle. Supporting a rectangular top with a central drawer flanked on either side by a column cabinet with four drawers each having a top and bottom drawer, two of which are double as a filing drawer in the middle offering plenty of storage space. Solid finished back all standing on a plinth base to make it more stable. The brass inset military handles & brass corner brackets are all original and in brass. Signed "National Mt...
Category

Late 20th Century American Campaign Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Rare Smaller Version of the Oak Desk by Lou Hodges California Design Group
Located in Pasadena, CA
Lou Hodges was an American designer whose way to work could be compared to American craftsman by its clean lines, sturdy construction, it's lack of nonfunctionality adornment and the...
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Danish Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk with Dovetail Drawers. Finished Back
Located in Seattle, WA
Danish Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk with Dovetail Drawers. Finished Back Dimensions. 49 W ; 23 D ; 28 1/2 H Knee Clearance. 17 W ; 25 1/2 H.
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

1970s Renato Zevi Vintage Chrome Brass Glass Console Table Desk Romeo Rega Sofa
Located in London, GB
This is an amazing console table in large proportions that came from a grant residence in Hyde Park London and used to decorate one of their entrance rooms. The table ordered on this...
Category

1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Karl Springer Ming Writing Desk/Console in Embossed Crocodile 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully crafted Ming Writing Desk/Console in lacquered embossed crocodile leather with 3 drawers by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This was originally designed as a console whi...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Ernest 'Igl' Hofmann 'Jet' Corner Desk in Brown & Orange Fiberglass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ernest 'Igl' Hofmann for Wilhelm Werndl, corner desk, model 'Jet', fiberglass, Germany, design 1970 This design truly fits within the ethos of the seventies – a bright and bold era...
Category

1970s German Post-Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Fiberglass

Hand-Crafted Early American Style Solid Pine Slant Front Writing Desk
Located in Germantown, MD
A beautifully hand-crafted early American Style Solid Pine Writing Desk in good vintage condition. Measures 28" in width, 28" in depth and stands 32.25" tall. Knee clearance is is ...
Category

Late 20th Century American American Colonial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Early Franco Albini for Knoll Model '80' Desk
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Franco Albini for Knoll, model 80, glass, lacquered wood, lacquered steel, Italy, 1949 Franco Albini’s model 80 desk combines glass, steel and wood which resu...
Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

French Art Deco Desk in Pommelle Sapelle
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
An exceptional quality French Art Deco desk, produced around 1925 using solid Pomelle Sapele the desk has five drawers with bronze handles and crisply carved detail, the desk is free...
Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Other

Scrivania Anni 80
Located in Milano, IT
Scrivania con cassetti laterali in legno rivestito in formica, metallo smaltato. Una simpatica scrivania che ricorda le linee del Gruppo Memphis degli anni 80, con i suoi colori acce...
Category

1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Oak Art Deco Modernist Partner Desk by Hendrik Wouda for Pander, 1924
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare Art Deco Modernist partner desk. Design by Hendrik Wouda for H. Pander & Zonen Den Haag. Striking Dutch design from ...
Category

1920s Dutch Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

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

Tessellated Stone Writing Desk by Maitland Smith
Located in Fraser, MI
Maitland Smith Writing Desk. Mahogany Drawers. Stone rectangular tiles assembled in a surface covering described as tessellated.
Category

1980s Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stone

1970s Rare Royal Blue Floating Lucite Executive Desk
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, Lucite wood desk you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the ...
Category

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

Materials

Laminate, Lucite, Wood

Mid Century Modern Model T333 desk by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno
Located in London, GB
Model T333 desk produced in 1975 from a design by Osvaldo Borsani and Eugenio Geri and manufctured by Tecno. The top is black lacquered walnut with an inset area of black leather. There are two minimal slim drawers, perfect for storage of pens etc and polished cast aluminium legs. with black trim. Manufacturer's label to side. This large and impressive desk with its minimal, sophisticated design would work well in both a modern or contemporary home. Literature: Giam Piero Bosoni, T Tecno L'eleganza discreta della tecnico, was established in 1953 the twin brothers Osvaldo and Fulgenzio Borsani with the goal of developing their father’s furniture company, Arredamenti Borsani, using the industrial process for the manufacturing of modern furniture. The history of the company goes back to the early 1920s, when woodworker and upholsterer Gaetano Borsani founded Atelier Borsani Varedo (later called Arredamenti Borsani Varedo) in Varedo, Italy. In spite of Arredamenti Borsani’s traditional approach, Osvaldo, designed the modernist Casa Minima furniture collection, while still attending architecture school at Accademia di Brera, and he won the silver medal at the V Triennale di Milano in 1933. Osvaldo’s ongoing involvement at the atelier continued to grow as he designed and built modernist furniture for the wealthy Milanese society. In 1954, a year after Tecno’s founding, the company unveiled its first factory-produced collection of sofas, chairs and tables and received accolades at the X Triennale di Milano. That same year, Osvaldo created the adjustable D70 sofa bed, which became an instant commercial success, and in 1956 he launched the P40 lounge chair, an adjustable reclining chair...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Antique French Carved Oak Secretary Desk Bureau Drop Front Louis XV Style
Located in Shreveport, LA
Antique French carved oak secretary desk bureau drop front Louis XV Style. Direct from France, a lovely antique French carved “drop front” secretary/desk with quintessential French ...
Category

1920s French Louis XV Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Mid-Century Modern Wooden Desk, Bergwood, 1970s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Desk, Bergwood, 1970s
Category

1970s Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Angelo Mangiarotti Rare desk with single cast iron foot - Italian Design 1970s
Located in Milan, IT
Rare desk designed by Angelo Mangiarotti. This elegant and material piece recalls the designer's style by infusing into a new concept elements already used for other furniture create...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Antique 6ft/184cm Ormolu Mounted French Empire Revival Pedestal Desk 1920s
Located in London, GB
This is an exquisite antique French Empire Revival pedestal desk, Circa 1920 in date. This desk has been beautifully crafted from flame mahogany. The top has a decorative ormolu bod...
Category

1920s French Empire Revival Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

French Louis XV Style Leather Top and Brass Mounted Desk in the Manner of Baker
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions- H: 30in W: 49in D: 24 1/2in This French Louis XV Style Leather Top Desk In The Manner of Baker is a lovely piece of furniture that is a great example of quality furnitu...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Gerald McCabe Shedua Executive Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
American made desk, c.1970s, by Gerald McCabe is beautifully crafted from Shedua, also known as African Walnut. This piece features a desk and return with natural wood grain variance...
Category

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

Materials

Steel, Chrome

MidCentury Black and Creme Glass Desk, 1970
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant and refined desk in black lacquer and glass. Particular its design which provides for a slight curvature. The writing desk is in lacquered wood in black shellac, the lacquer...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

MCM Danish Teak Desk by Nordisk Andels Eksport 1970s
Located in Carmel, NY
A remarkable desk that exudes elegance and sophistication. This exceptional Danish Modern desk, crafted by Nordisk Andels-Eksport in Denmark, boasts a s...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

1970s Italian Drop Leaf Dining Table or Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
Italian drop leaf dining table or desk, Italy, circa 1970s. Interesting drop leaf joinery on either side. This would be the perfect size for an NYC apartment...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Ghianda & Regondi "Talete" desk for Rosenthal, 1980s
Located in Neuss, NW
Talete desk/dining table from the 1980s by Pierluigi Ghianda and Gabriele Regondi for Rosenthal. Solid frame in black stained ash with embedded wire glass plate and a drawer for writ...
Category

1980s German Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wire

Postmodern Design in Style of Milo Baughman Burl Wood Desk, 1970's
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Postmodern design burl wood desk in the style of Milo Baughman, 1970's / 80's. Made in Italy. Architectural in design. Burl wood top and drawers on brushed metal and brass co...
Category

1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Michelle Pigneres 1970s Desk Chrome Smoked Mirrored Table Art Deco Style office
Located in London, GB
An extremely rare desk by designer Michele Pigneres made in the 1970s. This desk is having all the characteristics from his designs such as the drawer pullers, the chrome framing and...
Category

1970s French Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Danish Modern Floating Vanity by Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Mobelfabrik
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Incredible Danish Modern floating vanity by Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Mobelfabrik. Features brass insiders which keep it suspended. Table by op opens...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Large Scandinavian Desk from 1970's
Located in Barcelona, ES
Large Scandinavian desk from 1970's in rosewood and bocote wood with three drawers and brass fittings.
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Superb 1920s Oak Roll Top Desk
Located in Dublin, IE
A superb 1920s beautifully patinated oak roll top desk of neat proportions, finely carved and of gorgeous quality. The moulded top of rectangular fo...
Category

1920s English Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

White Orix Desk by Vittorio Parigi and Nani Prina for Molteni
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
1970s desk made of a single sheet of molded plastic creating the shape for various holders and storage spaces. There is also an integrated glass panel than can be lifted up and a ret...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Post Modern Campaign Style Table or Desk.
Located in Chicago, IL
1/2" Glass top with, with polished aluminum "X" base with stretcher. Could be used as a dining table or desk.
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Patrice Maffei Desk for Kappa, 70s, Brushed Stainless Steel, Smoked Glass, 1970
Located in Paris, FR
Superb desk, design Patrice Maffei for Kappa, 1970s. . Blue box, two lockable drawers, a gray smoked glass top. . Following the stainless steel trend of the 1970s, inspired by Maria Pergay, this desk features a steel frame, drawers covered in stainless steel. The combination of steel and smoked glass is superb, and gives an architectural touch to this desk. . A very decorative piece, with only a few traces of wear and very slightly oxidized in a few places. . Slight stain on the top of the blue box and some micro rust pitting on the steel. . In godd vintage condition. . Dimensions : Width: 120 cm Depth: 60 cm Height: 77 cm . Marries Willy Rizzo Perriand Guariche Artemide Mortier Le Corbusier Prouvé Reggiani Paulin Ico Parisi Knoll Guermonprez Eames Gascoin Charles Ray Guzzini Magisttreti Interform Bertoia Hans Wagner Osvaldo Borsani Motte Minvieille Vintage Lighting Castelli Reggiani Magnani Paolozzi Herman Miller Minvielle Minimalist Brutalism 1950s 1960s 1970s Mid Century 1930s Architecture Prouvé Roche Bobois 1980s Adnet Ceramic sandstone and Mategot or Ron Arad design...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mid-Century Modern Oval Dining Table or Desk by Florence Knoll in Carrara Marble
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An elegant executive table designed by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll. It features a beautiful polished white & gray Carrara marble top and a chrome-plated star base. This was ...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Chrome

Rosenthal Writing Table 'Talete' by Regondi & Ghianda
Located in Dronten, NL
Rare Talete dining table designed by Gabriele Regondi & Pierluigi Ghianda for Rosenthal. Steel wire reinforced black safety glass top on solid dark stained ash frame. Exceptional and...
Category

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

Materials

Stained Glass, Ash

L-Shaped Desk by Guido Faleschini for Mariani, 1970
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A beautiful executive desk designed by Guido Faleschini, manufactured by Mariani in Italy around 1970. This eye-catching desk has an L-shaped design and a very impressive appearance because of it’s large size and leather upholstery. One side is the main desk part, the other side holds an additional integrated desk...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Luciano Frigerio Presidential Writing Desk in Walnut, Italy 1970s
Located in Almelo, NL
Luciano Frigerio Presidential Writing Desk in Walnut, Italy 1960s This is a rare presidential mid-century desk designed by Luciano Frigerio for the "Norman" series, manufactured i...
Category

1970s Italian Brutalist Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Granite

Antique French Country Louis XV Walnut Writing Desk Table, Circa 1920
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a fantastic antique French desk. The desk is in good condition and measures 19 inches deep x 31 wide x 30 inches tall. The desk dates to teh 1920s.
Category

1920s French Louis XV Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Maple + Aluminum Desk by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, Italy, 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare Italian desk unit designed by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti in the 1970s. This desk has one main section with an additional table top attachment, creating an L-shape. It was constructed with wood and has a maple wood veneer with an exquisite birdseye grain. This piece features brushed aluminum connectors and has an additional rolling modular cabinet with three drawers, which can be placed below or beside the desk. The top drawer has a cream acrylic insert organizer with five compartments. Unmarked. Sourced in Italy, 1970s. Dimensions: 61"W x 28.75"D x 28"H; extended piece 47"W x 17.75"D x 28"H Giovanni Offredi (1927-2007) was a prominent Italian furniture and product designer recognized for his use of angular lines and exposed wood or metal frames. He began making furniture for the wealthy elite of Milan...
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage American Mahogany Escritoire Writing Desk
Located in Plainview, NY
A beautiful and timeless 1970's American escritoire desk. The writing desk is made of solid mahogany and is sturdy. The desk shows fine carving details and offers 5 regular drawers a...
Category

Late 20th Century American Classical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Original Vintage Karl Springer Executive Black Lacquered Desk
Located in East Hampton, NY
This large scale executive desk belonged to the late fashion designer, Geoffrey Beene. Sourced from his Estate in Oyster Bay, NY, it is in good vintage condition, 4 invisible drawer...
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Dining Table/Desk, Chrome and Glass, Italy, 1970s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Dining Table/Desk, Chrome and Glass, Italy, 1970s.
Category

1970s Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Faux Bamboo Brass & Wood Weiman Console Table or Desk with Drawers
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage wood, faux bamboo & brass console table or desk with 2 drawers. Brass has been polished. Marked in drawer and underneath Weiman. Original wood finish has a few minor scratche...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Vanity Desk Postmodern 1980s Including Chair
Located in Untersiggenthal, AG
Unique sculptural postmodern vanity desk in cherry wood with chair included. Beautifull handcrafted details with sliding doors.
Category

1980s Post-Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry

Large Vintage Oak Desk, Double Sided with Display End
Located in Ely, GB
A beautifully large vintage partner desk or possible retail counter desk. The desk is in good vintage condition with age related marks and scuf...
Category

1920s British Industrial Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Vintage '80s Maple Writing Desk by Thomasville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fantastic blonde writing desk from the master craftsmen of North Carolina's Thomasville Furniture Company. Beautiful light wood grain along with chrome legs and accents allow this de...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Chrome

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Desk: Timeless Elegance & Quality
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the timeless elegance of our 1970s Mid-Century Modern Desk, a vintage gem meticulously restored to its original glory by our dedicated team. Crafted from quality mahogany wo...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Late 20th Century Vintage Coastal Wrapped Rattan Writing Desk
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fabulous vintage Coastal writing desk. Chic wrapped rattan frame with inset woven rattan panels. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate.
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rattan

White Distressed Painted French Louis XV Style Ladies Vanity Writing Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a beautifully done shallow depth French Louis XV style American made ladies vanity or writing desk. The piece can be used as a desk because the...
Category

1980s American Louis XV Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

1970s Executive Desk Billy Joe McCarroll-David Gillespie Surfaces Santa Barbara
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Executive Desk by Billy Joe McCarroll and David Gillespie Forms Surfaces Inc Santa Barbara, California. Very elegant desk brutalist pattern gray...
Category

1970s American Brutalist Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Rare 'Kono' Dining Table / Desk by Lella & Massimo Vignelli for Casigliani, 1984
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exceptionally rare and large 'Kono' table, which works excellent as either a dining table or a desk, by Lella Vignelli and Massimo Vignelli was designed in 1984 and this example...
Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Granite, Copper

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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