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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Period: 1970s
Period: Early 1900s
Louis Majorelle Rare Writing Desk with Botanical Inlays ca. 1900 (Signed)
Located in New York, NY
Rare Art Nouveau artisan writing desk with incredible botanical motif inlays on top and gently twisting legs by Louis Majorelle, France ca. 1900 (signed on top “L. Majorelle, Nancy” ...
Category
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Quaderna Desk by Superstudio 1970’s
Located in London, England
Quaderna writing desk designed Superstudio Zanotta.
1970s original.
Category
1970s Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Laminate
Robert Propst For Herman Miller Action Office Stand-Up Desk
Located in Pasadena, TX
An Action Office desk designed by Robert Propst for Herman Miller in 1968. This mid century modern classic is wall mounted (mounting brackets included) ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
French Burl Elm Slab Dining Table, or Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
This thick 2” slab of 40 year old French elm was found in the backyard of a famous French furniture maker, who unfortunately closed his doors after 60 years in business. The beauty of the slab speaks for itself, for I cannot think of any words that could accurately describe what Mother Nature created. Whether you use it for a desk, like I have for many years, or a dining table, or ever a kitchen island work table...
Category
1970s French Country Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Elm, Burl
Mid-Century Modern Faux Painted Burl 3 Drawer Solid Oak Desk
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Mid-Century Modern faux painted burl 3 drawer solid oak desk. Beautiful 3 drawer desk all solid oak drawers. Great Design - Style of Milo Baughman circa 1...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak, Burl
Monumental Leon Rosen Pace Collection Burl Walnut Steel Desk Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Monumental executive desk by Leon Rosen for Pace Collection. Crisply framed in polished stainless steel, the vintage desk oozes success in rich walnut burl. Three hidden drawers on one side and two pull out shelves on the other. We do have the matching credenza...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Franco Albini Italian Midcentury Desk for Knoll 70's
Located in bari, IT
Stickers.Stunning Franco Albini '1928' desk for Knoll international, this example 1958. A pebbled glass top and stunning patina really take this piece...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Paolo Piva Style Metal and Glass Desk, Italy, 1970s
By Paolo Piva
Located in Naples, IT
Rectangular dining table with geometric black lacquered metal frame and transparent glass top, in the style of Paolo Piva 1970.
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
1970s Jacobean Mahogany Writing Table with Engraved Leather Top & Gilt Accents
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Step into the 1970s with our exquisitely crafted Jacobean writing table, a beautiful representation of the era's rich artistry. Expertly constructed from premium mahogany wood, this table has been meticulously restored to its original splendor by our team of skilled craftsmen. At the heart of this piece is its stunning, newly dyed dark green leather top, elegantly engraved to create a focal point of luxury and sophistication. The leather's polished and waxed surface not only offers a captivating patina finish but also ensures durability and resilience against everyday use. The desk's ebonized finish provides a striking aesthetic contrast, enhanced further by gilt accent moldings. These embellishments reflect the traditional craftsmanship of the Jacobean era, adding a touch of historical charm to the modern-day. Functionality is key in this timeless piece. The desk stands on two intricately carved stretched pedestal legs, ensuring robust stability. Added to this are brass caster wheels in perfect working condition, combining ease of movement with classic style. This vintage Jacobean...
Category
1970s European Jacobean Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Lacquer, Giltwood, Mahogany, Wood, Leather
Desk Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty , 1900, France, Wood
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Desk
Style: Art Nouveau or Modernism or Jugendstil
Year: 1900
Materials :wood.
We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles since 1982.If you have any question...
Category
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Chic Work Table with Sawhorse-Style Lucite and Chrome Bases and Glass Top 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Work table with 2 saw horse style lucite and chrome bases and thick glass top, American 1970's. Glass top pictured is 68” x 36” inches, but a new top can be made to accommodate any s...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Italian modern Wooden desk mod. Canaas by Marcel Breuer for Gavina, 1970s
By Marcel Breuer, Gavina
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Wooden desk mod. Canaas by Marcel Breuer for Gavina, 1970s
Desk mod. Canaas with rectangular wooden top. On one side there are 2 drawers and on the other 4. It has a ...
Category
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Rare Shabby Chic Desk in Light Wood
Located in Milano, IT
Gorgeous wooden desk in the Shabby Chic style, belonging to the early 1900s. French manufacture.
The desk is entirely made of ivory painted wood.
The frame is supported by 4 very e...
Category
Early 1900s French Rustic Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Inlaid Parquetry Desk or Writing Table
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Elegant French Louis XV style parquetry writing desk with fitted interior and gilt mounts. Leather writing surface; standi...
Category
Early 1900s French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Italian Midcentury Desk with Glass Top from the 70s
Located in bari, IT
Typical 70's desk with chromed steel trestles and smoked glass top.
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Crystal, Steel
Louis XVI Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Kingwood Writing Table by Francois Linke
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
A Louis XVI style gilt-bronze mounted Kingwood veneered writing table with original inset green leather top. Signed F.Linke to front gilt bronze panelled drawer. Excellent original c...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Executive Abbondi Desk, 1970s Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning Italian executive desk in a dark Rosewood. Three pull-out drawers flank each side. Lockable drawers with original locks. Solid aluminum frame with unusual, rounded corners o...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Sculptural Cast Iron Pedestal and Glass Industrial Dining / Work Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sculptural cast iron pedestal base and glass Industrial dining / work table.
Beautiful patina on the base. Heavy custom made glass top with cable opening in the middle.
Impress...
Category
Early 1900s North American Industrial Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
Hans Andersen Mid Century Danish Rosewood Desk
Located in Countryside, IL
Hans Andersen Mid Century Danish Rosewood Desk
The desk measures: 49.25 wide x 25.5 deep x 28.25 high, with a chair clearance of 27 inches
All pieces of furniture can be had i...
Category
1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Original circa 1900 Graves & Sons Naval Military Campaign Parter Desk Map Drawer
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer this very rare original Graves & Son’s stamped Naval Military Campaign officers desk
Graves and Sons were listed at Fore Stree...
Category
Early 1900s English Campaign Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Monumental Inlaid French Bronze Mounted Louis XVI Cylinder Desk Circa 1900
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Let me make this very clear, this desk is a BEAST to move. The desk has a grand piano-like presence to it and is absolutely magnificent in terms of the quality of teh bronze ormolu w...
Category
Early 1900s French Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Writing Table or Desk in Teak Veneer Wood, Italy
Located in Vienna, AT
Writing desk, teak and veneer with many drawers, Italy, circa 1970
Dimensions are: 41.3" x 23.62 x 37.8".
Perfectly sized desk with 2 large and 4 small drawers. It’s in style or mi...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Paul McCobb Style Mid Century Whitney Birch Desk
By Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb style mid century whitney birch desk
The desk measures: 52 wide x 25 deep x 30 high, with a chair clearance of 24 inches
All pieces of ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Birch
Laminated Writing Table Attributed to Arco, Germany, 1970s
By Arco
Located in Den Haag, NL
very nice and stylish writing table. Chrome on steel base, comes with a curved
Laminated top. White in color.
Category
1970s German Bauhaus Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Laminate
Exquisite mid-century modern desk by Arne Wahl Iversen, 1970´s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A desk in rosewood veneer designed by Arne W. Iversen and edited by Vinde Mobelfabrik in the 1970s.Top with drawer; compartiment and letter sortens, front with two drawers.
Category
1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Vintage Fret Gampel & Stoll Kidney Elephant Desk Lacquered in Choice of Color
By Gampel-Stoll
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Gampel & Stoll kidney shaped elephant desk with drawer. This will be newly lacquered in color of your choice. Please allow 3-6 weeks to ship from time of color choice. Dimens...
Category
1970s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Large Desk Table Guy Lefevre Maison Jansen Black Lacquer Brass 1970s
Located in Paris, IDF
A unique Maison Jansen black lacquered desk table designed by Guy Lefevre for Maison Jansen in the mid-1970s. It features a black lacquer top with neoclassical inspired brass inlays,...
Category
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Hans Von Klier Desk for Skipper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning executive chrome and walnut desk by Hans Von Klier for Skipper. Made in Italy. Massive desktop surface. Circa 1970s. Walnut top with three hidden drawers. Two polished chrom...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Desk
Located in New York, NY
Brushed steel frame enclosing two mahogany drawers, faced with aluminum and inset with a dark-green tinted glass work surface. The top drawer locks.
Category
1970s French Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stainless Steel
Bent Silberg Mobler Mid Century Danish Teak Desk
Located in Countryside, IL
Bent Silberg Mobler mid century Danish teak desk
The desk measures: 51.25 wide x 23.75 deep x 29 high, with a chair clearance of 26 inches
All pieces of furniture can be had in...
Category
1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Hekman Furniture Mid Century Desk with Cylinder Roll
Located in Countryside, IL
Hekman Furniture mid century desk with cylinder roll
The desk measures: 53 wide x 28 deep x 33 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintage c...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Antique Victorian Inlaid Satin Walnut Twin Pedestal Desk Writing Table
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique quality Victorian mahogany twin pedestal desk writing table C1890.
This is a lovely piece, that is full of age, charm and character. Lovely line inlays.
Later quality t...
Category
Early 1900s Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Zebra Wood and Chrome Writing Desk, ca. 1970’s
Located in New York, NY
High style 1970’s writing desk, of stunning zebra wood veneer, on an architectural bright chrome frame.
The rectangular wood element features three pull out drawers, it is 5 in. H.
T...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Warren Platner for Knoll Executive Desk with Black Leather Top
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Warren Platner for Knoll, desk, leather, steel, oak, United States, 1973
This heavy, sturdy desk is designed by the American modernist Warren Platner. He is most known for his airy ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
1970s, Paul Evans Studio for Directional Cityscape Executive Desk
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1970s Paul Evans Studio for Directional, Cityscape executive desk in maple burl veneer, chrome plated steel and a rare bullno...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Maurice Villency Style Mid Century Teak Desk with Bookcase Front
Located in Countryside, IL
Maurice Villency style mid century teak desk with bookcase front
The desk measures: 52.5 wide x 26.25 deep x 28.75 high, with a chair clear...
Category
1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Vivai del Sud Rattan and Bamboo Desk / Vanity Table Italy, C.1970
Located in London, GB
A Vivai del Sud pedestal table Rome, Italy, C.1970.
Constructed in in rattan, bamboo and cane.
Ideal as a small desk or vanity.
The Knee hole width measures 39cm.
In excellent c...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Antique Edwardian Quality Rosewood Inlaid Bow Fronted Writing Table
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Edwardian quality rosewood inlaid bow fronted writing table having the original brass gallery above a lift up lid opening to reveal a fitted interior, original leather writin...
Category
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Fine Palermo Inlaid Burled Walnut Secretary Desk with Bookcase Top
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Walnut. Inlaid. 2 piece. Top piece has 2 doors containing two shelves. Bottom piece has a pull down door containing 6 drawers and slots. 3 drawers. Metal hardware. Bottom piece measu...
Category
1970s Italian Neoclassical Revival Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Charlotte Perriand Wall Table for Les Arcs
Located in Berlin, DE
Excellent condition Charlotte Perriand wall table in pinewood. Very rare!
Category
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Kipp Stewart American Design Foundation MCM Solid Cherry Corner Desk
By Kipp Stewart
Located in Countryside, IL
Kipp Stewart American Design Foundation Mid Century solid cherry corner desk
This desk measures: 47.5 wide x 36.25 deep x 22.25 inches high...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Cherry
Scrivania Brass & Lacquer Signed Writing Desk by Willy Rizzo, Italy, ca. 1972
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Geneva, CH
Beautiful elegant brass and dark brown lacquered wood desk "Scrivania" signed on the bottom of the base and on the side of the lacquer Willy Rizzo Italy ca. 1972
Good vintage conditi...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Sleek Custom-Made Faux Birdseye Maple Console or Writing Desk, circa 1975
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent console or writing desk is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing: meticulously professionally restored and completely installation read...
Category
1970s American Organic Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Laminate, Hardwood
Vintage Cini Boeri for Knoll Lunario Cantilevered Table/Desk
By Knoll, Cini Boeri
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This elegant Mid-Century Modern desk features a polished stainless steel base with a 1/2 inch thick cantilever glass top. By Cini Boeri for Knoll ...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stainless Steel
Desk Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty - Attributed Louis Majorelle - 1900
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Desk Attributed Louis Majorelle
Style: Art Nouveau or Modernism or Jugendstil
Year: 1900
Materials : Furniture glass paste, bronze and wood.
Painted flowers
We have specialized in t...
Category
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Scrivania Desk by Willy Rizzo circa 1972
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Great desk designed by Willy Rizzo and made in 1972, made of chromed steel feet, walnut drawers, brushed steel and smoked glass top.
Signed on the side and dated on the bottom.
“2...
Category
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Rosewood Chrome Table Desk by Tim Bates for Pieff Furniture
Located in Pasadena, TX
Pieff Furniture was a range of avant-garde furniture designed and produced in Cradley Heath near Birmingham from 1970 until 1983. The company was formed as Production Facilities Limited in 1953 by Frederick Bates and son David, and produced contract furniture...
Category
1970s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Postmodern Industrial Dining Table Designed by Robert Josten
Located in Culver City, CA
This dining table is equal parts post modern and industrial modern and just oozes California modernism. This dining table or writing desk was designed by Robert Josten in the 1970's. Made of aluminum, this metal grille / grid style is a staple of Robert Josten's work.
This dining table is a great transitional piece that could easily flex into any contemporary environment. The table has an almost Allsaints, industrial modern feel with a slight steampunk vibe as well. The table could also be used in an ultra modern environment and would look great in a new modern designed home. This piece could also be used as a retail display table...
Category
1970s Post-Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Mainline by Hooker Mid Century Walnut Double Pedestal Floating Top Desk
Located in Countryside, IL
Mainline by Hooker Mid Century Walnut Double Pedestal Floating Top Desk
Desk measures: 50 wide x 26 deep x 30.5 inches high, with a chair clearance of 24.5 inches
?All pieces of f...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
1970's "Boomerang" Desk in Walnut, Chrome Plated Steel and Glass - Italy
Located in Girona, ES
"Boomerang" desk, large top in varnished walnut covered with a thick glass. Two chrome plated steel columns.
Italy c. 1970
Measure: Width top: 77 cm.
Category
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel, Chrome
De Sede executive desk leather top and chromed metal legs, marked, 1970 circa
By De Sede
Located in Milan, IT
This unique piece was created for the interiors of a jewellery shop in Lugano. It features an elegant black leather top that matches perfectly with the stylish stainless steel legs.
...
Category
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Karl Springer Crocodile Leather 2 Drawer Console Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An Alligator leather console by Karl Springer
2 drawers make this a useful form.
Karl Springer leather label below
Category
1970s American Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather
Fine French 1970s Desk-Console-Commode
Located in Long Island City, NY
A fine French 1970s desk in palisander with seven drawers and one door.
As all sides of the piece are veneered, it may be placed in the middle of a room.
It may also be used as a con...
Category
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Palisander
English Oak and Chrome Desk by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed for Dunbar by Roger Sprunger, this modern, clean-lined desk places a top of now rare English oak on two slab supports in chrome. Three shallow drawers each have a well for p...
Category
1970s American Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Desk marquetry with Ormolu Bronze by F.Linke
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Magnificent desk in marquetry and ormolu bronze bear the mark of F.Linke
transitional style XV, XVI.
Category
Early 1900s Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Eugenio Quarti desk, Chair and Trah in Style Liberty or Art Nouveau, Jugestails
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Eugenio Quarti (Desk , chair and Trash )
Style: Liberty or Art Nouveau or Modernism or Jugendstil
Furniture realized mainly in inlays of nacre and metallic applications, parchament
bronze ferrules.
We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles since 1982.If you have any questions we are at your disposal
Pushing the button that reads 'View All From Seller'. And you can see more objects to the style for sale.
Eugenio Quarti was born in Villa d'Almè, a small village in the province of Bergamo, from an artisan family of woodworkers. In 1881, at the age of 14 years old he goes to Paris, where he will learn new techniques and broaden his horizons. In 1886, he returned to Italy and settled in Milan where he worked, for a short period, with Carlo Bugatti and then open his own workshop in via Donizetti 3.
His early works are strongly marked by Bugatti Moorish’s style, but already the exhibition of Turin of 1898 you can see the first signs of Art Nouveau and his personal style. He was always attentive to the quality and originality of his accomplishments, always attentive to every art form. Furniture realized mainly in walnut with inlays of nacre and metallic applications. Develop over time a harmonic elegance of the decor, with thread-like grounds, valuable wood species and inlays and high quality bezels with fine materials (nacre, silver, copper, bronze, pewter, etc.), this characteristic was called "the goldsmith of furniture makers."
In 1900 he participates at the Paris International exposition where he received the "Grand Prix" of the jury. Will participate in a number of other exposures as that of Turin in 1902 and Milan in 1906 where he will receive the "Grand Royal Award" and the "Diploma of gold medal".
Eugenio Quarti worked with the most prestigious architects of his time (Giuseppe Sommaruga, Luigi Broggi, Alfredo Campanini, etc.) well as with the great artists/craftsmen of his time as Alessandro Mazzucotelli. He also worked as a decorator, designing entire furniture for both public and private buildings. It was he who designed the furniture for Palazzo Castiglioni in Milan, Villa Carosio in Baveno, Grand Hotel and Casino in San Pellegrino Terme, Hungaria Palace Hotel in Venice Lido. One of his most significant works were the vessels of the "Bar Camparino", at the entrance site of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan. however not disdain also committed less important such as the furniture for Villa Mariani to Bordighera residence of the painter Pompeo Mariani...
Category
Early 1900s Italian Art Nouveau Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Magnificent Rare Kidney Shaped Vladimir Kagan Burl Desk Credenza Mid-Century
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent Vladimir Kagan Burl and Lucite kidney shaped desk credenza. Very few of these unusual desk/ credenzas were ever made and all were custom made for private collectors. This...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Lucite, Burl
Splendid Reed Bamboo Desk Chair Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Splendid split reed bamboo desk with its original rattan chair. We just adore the unusual pill shape and hidden central drawer. The Asian style r...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Upholstery, Rattan
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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Mid Century Black Writing Desk With Drawers