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Desks and Writing Tables

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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Period: Mid-20th Century
Period: Late 19th Century
Danish Teak Writing Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish made mid-century modern desk in teak wood grain. Four drawers and finished back. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Bevan Funnell English Reprodux Campaign Desk
Located in New York, NY
Bevan Funnell English Reprodux Campaign Desk, labeled inside drawer "Made by Bevan Funnell Ltd. Newhaven, England. / The Queens Award to Industry, 1967". 31" H x 60" W x 29.25" D.
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Vintage Walnut Desk
Located in London, GB
A stylish and very practical vintage walnut desk, made in England and dating from the 1960’s. The quality is superb, this is beautifully designed with lovely round sculptural handle...
Category

1960s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid century 1960’s desk/dressing table by Uniflex
Located in London, GB
An unusual and rare combination desk and dressing table from English manufacturer Uniflex. With flap down it is a work desk, lift the flap to reveal a mirror and it changes to a dre...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Formica, Teak

Louis XVI style ebonised writing desk
Located in Budleigh Salterton, GB
Quality early 20th Century French Louis XVI style writing desk. Dating to around the 1930’s with original brass mounts and leather inserts and two pull out slides with original leath...
Category

1930s French Louis XVI Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage Danish Mid Century Modern Rosewood Floating Desk Fm50 by Kai Kristiansen
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is a sought after Scandinavian Modern executive floating desk Model FM60 in rosewood designed by Kai Kristiansen and manufactured by Feldballe's Møbelfabrik in Denmark in the 19...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Poul Nørreklit for Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik selectform desk model 'GP 160'
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
A vintage mid-century desk designed by Poul Nørreklit for Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik. Original label is present The desk is part of the selectform range model 'GP 160'. The desk ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Gustavian Style 9 Drawer Desk
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Gustavian Style 9 Drawer Desk. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1940s Swedish Gustavian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Faux Bamboo Campaign Style Burlwood Desk or Writing Table
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Ernest Hemingway style beautifully made desk or writing table with chinoiserie faux bamboo, burl wood inlay, finished back, and drawers (one opens for a keyboard) The desk features ...
Category

1950s American Campaign Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Faux Bamboo, Burl

19th Century Oak Lawyer's Secretary Step Back Flat Top Desk
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is a great looking antique desk with plenty of organizing space and storage but there is enough room to work on a laptop. The top is a separate piece and can be removed leaving ...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Pierre Jeanneret: X Leg Chandigarh Desk, France/ India c. 1960
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Jeanneret (1896-1967) A rare and spectacular original four-drawer desk, in solid teak, by Pierre Jeanneret for the civic buildings in Chandigarh, India, designed by Le Corbus...
Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

1950s Desk Corner
Located in Milano, IT
Writing corner, with planked wall with up-and-down lamp, worktop with day compartments and drawers, mahogany veneer wood and skai upholstery.
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Mid-Century Spanish Catalan Table Sofa Hall Entry Console Table Oak Iron 82.5" W
Located in Tyler, TX
HARD-TO-FIND Mid-Century Spanish Catalan WIDE Console, Sofa Table, Entry, Hall or Foyer Table ~~82.5" Wide~~c. Mid-20th Century Beautiful distressed oak ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Spanish Colonial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Midcentury Desk in Rosewood Designed by Frits Heningsen, 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Freestanding desk in rosewood with three drawers, designed and made by cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen. Made in Denmark, great original condition.
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage Danish architectural firm by Svend & Madsen from the 1960s
Located in Oostrum-Venray, NL
Vintage Danish architectural firm by Svend & Madsen from the 1960s Discover the elegance and functionality of the Vintage Danish Architectural Office, designed by Svend Aage Madsen ...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Chinese Export Bamboo Fretwork Library Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th Century Chinese bamboo library table. Amazing Chinese export center or library table featuring intricate bamboo open fretwork on the aprons. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bamboo

Antique French Louis XV Style Bureau
Located in London, GB
A stunning antique French bureau, dating from around the 1890-1910 period. It is of extremely fine quality, standing on slender yet sturdy cabriole legs and with gorgeous inlaid flo...
Category

1890s French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Antique French Louis XV Oak Partner's Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Louis XV Oak Partner's Desk is perfect for two working simultaneously, or for one with two businesses! One side is four drawers, while the other is a drawer and two c...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Writing desk, Italian manufacture. C1950s.
Located in Baranzate, IT
Beautiful Vintage desk with two drawers and front storage rack bordered by iron wire mesh. Italian manufacture. C1950s.
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Sculpted Legs Kneehole Desk & Chair - 2 Pc Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Sculpted Legs Kneehole Desk & Chair - 2 Pc Set. Item features a brown laminated top, 6 dovetailed drawers, sculpted wood drawer pulls and legs, ladd...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Formica, Walnut

Jacques Adnet, Leather-topped Mahogany Desk with Bronze Details, France, 1955
Located in New York, NY
Provenance: Palais des Consuls de Rouen. Bibliography: For an illustration of these pieces, see: Rouen, le Palais des Consuls. Presentation booklet. 26. For an illustration of these...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Pine Standing Desk with Slant Top, Denmark, 1890s
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Antique Danish slant top desk, circa 1890s. Made for a rural schoolmaster, this pine desk retains its original character with minor mars and stains, protected by a smooth finish. Fea...
Category

1890s Danish Country Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Black Polished Mahogany Writing Desk by Ole Wanscher
Located in Kastrup, DK
Ole Wanscher, Danish 1903-1985. Mid-century desk in black polished mahogany by Danish cabinetmaker and designer Ole Wanscher. Six drawers (2x3) with original brass handles and locks...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage “Djinn” desk by Olivier Mourgue for Airborne
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
Desk from the "Djinn" series designed by Olivier Mourgue and published by Airborne in the 1970s. Smoked glass top placed on a pair of trestles with polished brushed metal legs. Dimen...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Rare Ilmari Tapiovaara Desk, 1940s, Finland
Located in Helsinki, FI
Rare Ilmari Tapiovaara desk, Domus Academica student house, 1940s. Birch with painted table top. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use. Beautiful minimalistic de...
Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birch, Paint

Desk Made In Rosewood By Omann Jun. Furniture Factory From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This desk is a nice example of Danish design from the 1960s, created by Omann Junior Møbelfabrik. Made from high-quality rosewood, it exudes a timeless elegance and artisan finesse. ...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Antique mahogany campaign desk
Located in Salisbury, GB
Military campaign desk This large Military campaign desk was made in the last quarter of the 19th century. It is made of mahogany with brass inset corners and flush brass handles. Th...
Category

1890s English Campaign Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century mahogany inlaid writing desk
Located in Martlesham, GB
A superb quality 19th Century mahogany inlaid writing desk, the super structure comprising of three mahogany lined drawers either side with the original turned brass knob handles and...
Category

1890s British Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Louis XV Style Small Writing Table, 19th C
Located in New York, NY
Louis XV / XVI transitional style leather topped mahogany veneered small writing table or "Table a ecrire" late 19th century, and with rectangular leather inset top with three-sided ...
Category

Late 19th Century Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

bbpr ultrarare writing desk early
Located in Medesano, IT
Every aspect of this Italian design captures the meticulous craftsmanship and the innovation that the BBPR Studio is celebrated for. The design also incorporates a distinctive Japane...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage Anco Bilt Cast Iron and Wood Drafting Table/Desk c.1950
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT A fully adjustable industrial wooden drafting table with a cast iron ledge, cast iron knobs and brackets. The table can be used as a tall dining table, standing desk or drafti...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Iron

1940s Art Deco Mid-Century Italian Slat Carved Wood Writing Desk Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant Italian Art Deco Mid-Century Modern desk writing table, with beautiful side and front carved slats and side pair of drawers on each side, front and back, completed with ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Mid - Century, Solid Teak & Veneer Surface Desk, Denmark c.1960's
Located in London, GB
This stunning Mid Century Solid Teak & Veneer Surface Desk. Danish in Design, Boomerang shape model, slightly curved top to front and back edges with a large niche at the back for st...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

20th Century Lacquered and Painted Wood French Louis XV Style Writing Desk, 1950
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
Elegant French desk from the mid-20th century. Louis XVI style furniture finely sculpted, lacquered and painted, enriched with gilded and chiselled bronze. Desk finished for the cent...
Category

1950s French Louis XV Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

English Mahogany Regency Style Partners Desk, circa 1930
Located in Chicago, IL
English Regency style mahogany partners desk, circa 1930. The top curves inward on each side for two to comfortably share the top. Each side features two drawers and a cabinet, with ...
Category

1930s English Regency Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Frits Henningsen Mahogany Writing Table and Chair Set
Located in Kastrup, DK
Frits Henningsen, Danish furniture designer and cabinet maker (1889-1965). Solid Cuba mahogany writing table and chair. The writing desk displays a rectangular top with molded edge ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Freestanding Diplomat Desk Made In Mahogany By Fritz Henningsen From 1930s
Located in Lejre, DK
This freestanding desk is a magnificent piece of furniture art, created by the renowned designer Fritz Henningsen back in the 1930s. Crafted from mahogany wood and equipped with bras...
Category

1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Díaz Infante Desk for DM Nacional
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
For your consideration, desk sadly attributed to Clara Porset, Diaz Infante is the real and original designer, I have the documents that support it, manufactured by DM Nacional.
Category

1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Midcentury Modern Italian Teak Desk: Expertly Restored to Original Beauty
Located in Rome, IT
Restored vintage writing desk, originating from Italy in the 1950s, presents a striking example of midcentury design ethos. Crafted from rich teak wood and featuring a sleek frame of...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Iron

French Mid-20th Century Writing Table
Located in Stockbridge, GA
This beautiful table is made of lemon wood and inlay. It is very much quality.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Fruitwood

Vintage Louis XV style desk 1950s
Located in Catania, IT
Vintage desk in the Louis XV style with decorations and inlays lacquered wood and gilt bronzes, with 3 capacious drawers. In good condition, writing surface to be re-done.
Category

1940s Louis XV Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Mt Airy Walnut Desk and Chair for John Stuart
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Mt Airy Walnut Desk with Brass pulls and Walnut Armchair. Chair fits nicely under skirt of the desk. Sold through John Stuart. Elegant design, finished on back as well for many op...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

1960s Rattan and Iron Writing Table Desk
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Lightly used, with very light scratches, or minor cosmetic wear, but has no structural issues. Most antique and vintage items fit this condition.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Executive Desk by Jules Wabbes for Mobilier Universel, Belgium, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Executive desk designed by Jules Wabbes and manufactured by Mobilier Universel in the 1960s. This exclusive desk bears the hallmark of Jules Wabbes, a celebrated Belgian furniture de...
Category

1950s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Vintage Danish Mid Century Modern Rosewood Floating Desk by Gunnar Falsig
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is a beautiful scandinavian modern rosewood desk by Gunnar Falsig Mobelfabrik, Denmark, 1960's. This exquisite desk, recently imported from Denmark to California before its rest...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

20th Century Wood French Louis XV Style Writing Desk, 1960s
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
French writing desk from the second half of the 20th century. Louis XV style furniture veneered and carved in walnut and palisander, with beautiful lines and pleasant decor. Finished...
Category

1960s French Louis XV Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Executive Desk by Jules Wabbes for Mobilier Universel, Belgium, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Executive desk designed by Jules Wabbes and manufactured by Mobilier Universel in the 1960s. This exclusive desk bears the hallmark of Jules Wabbes, a celebrated Belgian furniture de...
Category

1950s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Small Mid Century Italian Desk in Metal, Walnut and Formica, around 1950
Located in Berlin, DE
A charming relic from the mid-20th century, this Small Italian Desk embodies the essence of mid-century design with a perfect blend of metal, walnut, and formica. Crafted around 1950...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Jorge Zalszupin Directors desk, Brazil 1960s
By Jorge Zalszupin, L’Atelier
Located in Brussels, BE
In 1960, Jorge Zalszupin designed and manufactured this large desk as part of the Componivel Series at his own company, L’ Atelier, located in Brazil. Its outer framing runs along th...
Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Rosewood Desk by Joaquim Tenreiro, Bloch Editors, 1960s, Brazilian Midcentury
Located in New York, NY
This exquisitely crafted Rosewood Desk designed by Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992) belonged to BLOCH EDITORES S.A. BUILDING, a Brazilian publisher founded in 1952 and closed in 2000, wh...
Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Swedish Mid-Century Modern Roll Top Desk, circa 1960s
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Swedish mid century modern roll top desk, circa 1960s. Designed by Egon Ostergaard, for SMI Sweden. Stamped underneath "Made in Sweden...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Italian rationalist wood and aluminium metal desk
Located in Milano, IT
Here is a desk of timeless elegance, an exquisite creation of the Rationalist period in Italy. Crafted with meticulous precision, this Italian desk perfectly combines the warmth of w...
Category

1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

French Louis XV Style Bureau Plat Leather Top Writing Desk
Located in Hopewell, NJ
An outstanding French Louis XV style writing desk or bureau plat desk with bronze trim and ornate ormolu mounts and embossed leather top. The desk is finished on all sides and could ...
Category

1940s French Louis XV Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Díaz Infante Desk for DM Nacional
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
For your consideration, desk sadly attributed to Clara Porset, Diaz Infante is the real and original designer, I have the documents that support it, manufactured by DM Nacional.
Category

1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Arch Desk by BBPR for Olivetti 60s-70s
Located in Milano, IT
Desk made of enameled metal and top made of laminated material.
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Antique Edwardian Desk / Writing Table
Located in London, GB
A lovely antique Edwardian desk / writing table, made in England and dating from around the 1890-1910 period. It is of superb quality, with a beautiful and elegant design. The top h...
Category

1890s British Edwardian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Jean Prouve Style La Residence Universitaire Jean Zay Student Desk
Located in West Hollywood, CA
In the style of Jean Prouve a patinated eggshell blue student desk with single drawer and in inset white laminate top from the dormitories of the La Residence Universitaire Jean Zay,...
Category

1950s French Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Beech

Scrivania Arco di BBPR per Olivetti Anni 60-70
Located in Milano, IT
Scrivania in metallo smaltato e piano in materiale laminato.
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

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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