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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Period: 1960s
Period: 1950s
Baker Furniture French Louis XV Pink Lacquered Writing Desk, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Provincial Louis XV style writing desk
By Baker Furniture
USA, Circa 1960s
Pink lacquered cherry wood, with original brass hardware.
Measures: 50.5"W x 23.5...
Category
1960s American French Provincial Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Stadera Desk Model 840 by Franco Albini for Poggi, Italy, 1950s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Stadera Desk Model 840 by Franco Albini for Poggi, Italy, 1950s
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Hans J. Wegner Rare Desk in Oak and Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen, desk JH571, teak, oak, metal, Denmark, design 1953
Out of all the desks that Wegner designed, the ‘JH571‘ is the most 'Wegnerian'. This is mostly...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Illuminated Adjustable Drafting Table, 1950s USA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredible industrial grade light box drafting table. Extremely heavy and well made in the US, circa 1950s. Glass tabletop allows the light of two enclosed fluorescent tube lights to...
Category
1950s American Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
1960s Desk by Maison Leleu
By Maison Leleu
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Green lacquered desk with stainless steel
France circa 1960
L : 250 cm x W : 110 cm x H : 75,5 cm
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stainless Steel
Elegant vintage Italian desk with green glass
Located in Milano, IT
Transport yourself to the enchanting world of 1950s Italian design, where elegance and craftsmanship merged seamlessly. In the heart of this era's creative fervor, you'll discover a vintage Italian...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Dutch Industrial Design Desk by Wim Rietveld for Ahrend De Cirkel, 1960's
By Wim Rietveld
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Midcentury Dutch Industrial Design Desk by Wim Rietveld and Friso Kramer for Ahrend De Cirkel. Made in the Netherlands, late 1950's, early 1960's. A RARE and hard to find des...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Steel
Unique Italian Sculptural Free Standing Writing Desk in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Executive desk, walnut, brass, glass, Italy, 1950s
Made in Italy, this writing desk is designed according to the midcentury design principles that were in vogue in the fifties. The ...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Rosewood "Diplomat" Desk by Finn Juhl
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Rosewood Danish desk by Finn Juhl for France & Son, circa 1960's. The "Diplomat" desk provides an inviting and spacious surface for productivity. Beautiful grain patterns and sleek t...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Gio Ponti Desk for RIMA Made in Walnut, Chromed Steel and Plastic. Italy, 1950s
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
This writing desk, designed by renowned architect Gio Ponti in 1956, was specifically created for the Pirelli tower offices. The desk's dimensions are H. 75.5 x 170 x 75.5 cm, offering a spacious and functional work surface.
Manufactured by Rima, Padova during the 1960s, this desk boasts a sturdy construction. Its frame is meticulously crafted from tubular chromed steel, providing excellent stability and structural integrity.
The desk features drawers made from painted grey plastic, offering storage for essential office supplies and documents. The use of plastic ensures durability and ease of maintenance. The table top is elegantly crafted from walnut, showcasing the natural beauty of the wood while providing a smooth and comfortable writing surface.
Notably, the desk is marked with "Rima Padova Italy" on its feet, signifying its authentic origin and manufacturer.
Having undergone a comprehensive restoration process, including refinishing with oil, the desk is in excellent vintage condition, retaining its original charm while showcasing a refreshed appearance.
Gio Ponti's writing desk stands as a testament to his design prowess, combining practicality, quality materials, and timeless aesthetics to create a truly remarkable piece of mid-century furniture.
About the designer:
Gio Ponti, born in Milan, Italy in 1891, was a prolific architect, designer, and writer who became one of the most influential figures of the mid-century modern movement. With a career spanning over six decades, Ponti's contributions to the fields of architecture and design are profound and enduring.
In the 1920s, Ponti co-founded the influential design magazine Domus, through which he championed modernist principles and advocated for the integration of architecture, design, and art. His architectural projects ranged from residential and commercial buildings to cultural and religious institutions, each showcasing his signature blend of rationalism, craftsmanship, and elegance.
Ponti's furniture designs reflect his belief in creating harmonious living environments. He collaborated with renowned manufacturers such as Cassina, producing iconic pieces like the Superleggera chair and the Distex armchair...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
A NEO-CLASSICAL ART-DECO SHABBY-CHIC Desk and a Chair by DAL VERA, Italy 1960
By Dal Vera
Located in PARIS, FR
A beautiful set composed of a small rectangular desk with 2 drawers and a chair, Art-Deco, Modernist, desk with geometric bamboo structure and w...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Dutch Industrial Design Desk by Wim Rietveld for Ahrend De Cirkel, 1960's
By Wim Rietveld
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Midcentury Dutch Industrial Design Desk by Wim Rietveld and Friso Kramer for Ahrend De Cirkel. Made in the Netherlands, late 1950's, early 1960's. A RARE and hard to find des...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Steel
Vintage Vanity / Writing Desk With Chair by Morris of California. Circa 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Campaign Style Vanity / Writing Desk With Chair by Morris of California. Circa 1960s
Features a white body with contrasting bright yellow drawers...
Category
1960s American Campaign Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Hans Wegner RY-32 Desk, 1960
Located in London, GB
Hans Wegner RY-32 desk, circa 1960.
Oak desk from Danish icon Hans Wegner produced by Ry Mobler. The legs, drawers and frame are made from solid, patinated oak whilst the top is o...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Desk by Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The 1960s functionalist style desk represents a fascinating piece of furniture that embodies the elegant marriage of functionality and aesthetics. This design object, with its tubula...
Category
1960s Italian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Desk in Teak wood model 54 by Kai Kristiansen and Feldballes furniture from 1954
Located in Lejre, DK
Desk, Model 54, designed by Kai Kristiansen in teak wood with 4 drawers and swivel bar manufactured at Feldballes Møbelfabrik. A classic piece of furniture with a beautiful shape and...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Vintage Danish Mid Century Teak Bullet Desk in the Manner of Kai Kristiansen
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is a beautiful scandinavian modern desk in teak manufactured in Denmark in the 1960's which design is reminiscent of Kai Kristiansen.
This special desk, recently imported from E...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Pierre Jeanneret Desk and Stool from the city of Chandigarh, India 1950 - 1959
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Jeanneret Desk and Stool from the city of Chandigarh, India 1950 - 1959 Teak Holland and Sherry boiled wool.
Desk: 27 H x 31.5 W x 23 D inches
Stoo...
Category
1950s Indian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak, Wool
Studio BBPR for Olivetti 'Spazio' Set with Desk, Sideboard and Table
By Olivetti, Studio BBPR
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Studio BBPR for Olivetti, 'Spazio' set with desk with drawers sideboard and side table with drawers, steel, vinyl, plastic, Italy, ca. 1960
This olive green industrial office set w...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Tavolo pieghevole, rettangolare, in legno massello verniciato bianco, 1960 ca.
Located in MIlano, IT
Tavolo pieghevole con piano rettangolare ad angoli arrotondati, in legno massello verniciato bianco.
Adatto sia per uso interno che in un giardino o in una...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Minimalist Solid Desk in Oak France 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Minimalist dark stained oak desk with dovetail construction connecting the top to the side panels in solid oak with a floating part for 2 drawers. A beautiful piece of craftsmanship ...
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Mid-Century Desk in Teak by Nanna Ditzel, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Rare freestanding desk in teak and beech, designed Nanna Ditzel and produced by Poul Kolds Savværk. Great original condition.
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Beech, Teak
Gianfranco Frattini for Cantieri Carugati Desk in Cherry
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini for Cantieri Carugati, writing desk, cherry, metal, Italy, 1958
This piece of furniture is based on a solid construction featuring straight lines and right-angle...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Danish Modern Executive Brazilian Rosewood Desk
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful Danish modern executive rosewood desk designed and manufactured in Denmark, circa 1960s. This desk has a very particula...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Desk in Teak Model ND 93 by Nanna Ditzel
By Nanna Ditzel
Located in Berlin, BE
Desk in Teak Model ND 93 by Nanna Ditzel
Søren Willadsen Møbelfabrik
Additional information:
Material: Teak
Artist: Nanna Ditzel
Size: 175 W X 72 D X 75 H cm.
Category
1950s Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Vintage Danish Mid Century Modern Teak Desk by Gunaar Tibergaard
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is a beautiful Scandinavian modern writing desk in teak manufactured by Gunaar Tibergaard in Denmark in the 1960's.
This lovely desk, recently i...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Freestanding Desk Of Danish Design In Rosewood By Bjerringbro Furniture
By Bjerringbro Kontormøbler
Located in Lejre, DK
Freestanding desk of Danish design made of rosewood with drawers and shelves from around the 1960s. The desk is manufactured by Bjerringbro Sawværk Møbelfabrik.
Dimensions in cm: H:7...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
“Japanese Series” Desk by Cees Braakman for Pastoe, Netherlands 1960
By Cees Braakman, Pastoe
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A beautiful Dutch design desk from the highly wanted Japanese Series designed by Cees Braakman, manufactured by Pastoe in the Netherlands, circa 1960.
This stunning desk is made of ...
Category
1960s Dutch Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Rectangular Table or Desk in Solid Wengé
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining table or desk, solid wengé, Northern Europe, 1960s
This rectangular shaped table is completely executed in solid wengé. The corpus is structured in a horizontal manner, whic...
Category
1960s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wenge
1950s Italian Writing Desk with Sophisticated Design and Restyled by RETRO4M
Located in Rome, IT
Discover the timeless elegance of the 1950s with this fully restored and restyled teak writing desk by RETRO4M. Its ultra-sophisticated design captures the essence of a golden era of...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass, Iron
Mid Century wooden writing desk by Karel Vyčítal for Dřevotvar Jablonné
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
Designed by Czech architect Karel Vyčítal. Manufactured by Dřevotvar Jablonné nad Orlicí, former Czechoslovakia in 1960s. Beautiful desk made of solid oak and veneer. Suitable for an...
Category
1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
One-off Oval Wood and Metal Table by Adelmo Rascaroli, Italy, 1960s
Located in Milan, IT
Custom made Italian 60s oval wood dining table by Adelmo Rascaroli.
Black metal base with brass feet and wood top.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Industrial desk in a style of Jean Prouvé
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Nijlen, VAN
This nice desk is probably from the 1950s from France. This type of industrial furniture is typified by its industrial but elegant look. Someone who was very good at this was Jean Pr...
Category
1950s Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern TL2 Cavalletto desk/dining table by Franco Albini for Poggi
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern TL2 Cavalletto desk/dining table by Franco Albini for Poggi, 1950s
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Rosewood Desk by Joaquim Tenreiro, Bloch Editors, Brazilian Midcentury, 1965
Located in New York, NY
This bloch desk was designed by Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992), the “father” of Brazilian modernism, in 1965. The desk offers an interplay of rosewood tones and its elegance is complem...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Georg Petersens Cantilever Desk
Located in New York, NY
Danish Modern Cantilever Desk by Georg Petersens Molbelfabrik . Georg Petersens Cantilever desk in teak. The desk sits on two cantilever style legs...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Mid-Century Modern glass desk by Tosi, Italy 1960'
Located in Brussels, BE
Italian desk by Tosi, distinguished by its two glass panels adorned with elegant brass accents. The drawers give the impression of being suspended, contributing "airy design".
This...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass, Wood
Frank Lloyd Wright Taliesin Mahogany Double Pedestal Desk, Newly Restored
Located in South Bend, IN
A very rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern "Taliesin" writing desk
By Frank Lloyd Wright for Heritage Henredon
USA, 1950s
Mahogany, with iconic carved geometric Taliesin detai...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Jules Wabbes Early Versatile Free-Standing Corner Desk in Wengé
By Jules Wabbes
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jules Wabbes, two-part corner writing desk, teak, coated steel, wengé, chrome, Belgium, 1960s
This exceptional free-standing corner desk was crafted by the renowned designer Jules W...
Category
1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Elegant Black Stained French Style Bureau Plat or Desk by Kittinger
By Kittinger
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Black Stained French Style Bureau Plat or Desk by Kittinger, American, circa 1960s. It has recently been refinished in a black stain that still allows you to see the beautifu...
Category
1960s American Regency Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
Writing Desk by Silvio Cavatorta in Solid Walnut and Glass, Italy, 1950's
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A large symmetrical desk by Silvio Cavatorta in solid walnut with on both sides 3 drawers and in the middle a larger drawer with key and lock. For whom this lock is not safe enough...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass, Walnut
Sears Roebuck & co., Writing Desk, Oak, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A small solid oak writing desk from the "Harmony House Ranch-Mode"-series, designed and produced by Sears Roebuck & co, USA, 1950s.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Sexy Slim Rosewood and Chrome Desk by Ste. Marie and Laurent Mid-Century
Located in Pemberton, NJ
This sexy slim Ste-Marie and Laurent desk has beautiful rosewood grain and a black faux leather top. This Mid-Century desk floats on a modern chrome cantilever base and is finished o...
Category
1960s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
1960s Finn Juhl France & Son Technocrat Desk Model 963 in Teak Made in Denmark
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a 1960's Finn Juhl for France & Son Technocrat Desk Model 963 in Teak. Overall this item is in very good to excellent condition. The wood top is free from any major scratches, stains, or major imperfections. It has aged quite nicely and shows a gorgeous and very subtle patina. The drawers open easily and the metal finish on the legs are intact and clean. The bottom of the desk top from the ground is 26-1/2" but total clearance from the ground is 24-3/4" to the middle support beam. This piece came from a notable modern estate in Boston. It was purchased from Machine Age by the previous owner. The Eames aluminum chair...
Category
1960s Danish Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Writing Desk by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Exceptional Mid-Century Modern walnut writing desk by Jens Risom and manufactured in the United States, circa 1950s. This desk has a conserv...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Classic freestanding desk in teak by Tibergaard, 1960s
Located in Neuss, NW
Classic freestanding desk from the 1960s by Tibergaard. High-quality corpus in teak veneer with six drawers, one bookcases on the rear and solid wood legs.
Table bottom edge 70 cm
Q...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Action Office Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Action Office Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960s
Category
1960s Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Baker Furniture French Provincial Louis XV Cherry Writing Desk, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Provincial Louis XV style writing desk
By Baker Furniture
USA, Circa 1960s
Carved cherry wood, with original brass hardware.
Measures: 46"W x 23"D x 30"H.
...
Category
1960s American French Provincial Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Aluminium Desk with Laminate Top from Carlotti, 1950s
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Desk in painted aluminium with laminate top from Carlotti.
Packaging with bubble wrap and cardboard boxes is included. If the wooden packaging is needed (fumigated crates or boxes) f...
Category
1950s Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Vittorio Dassi Desk Minimal Geometric Mahogany and Laminate Midcentury
By Dassi
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Vittorio Dassi desk minimal geometric mahogany and laminate midcentury.
The parts in colored laminate have some defects, see photos.
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Laminate, Mahogany
Mid-Century Executive Desk by Mauser, Veneered Wood, Chromed Metal Germany, 1960
By Mauser Werke
Located in Berlin, DE
Mid-Century Executive Desk in walnut veneered wood and chrome plated metal. From the "Chefbüro Mauser-Programm" by Mauser-Werke Waldeck, Germany, c. 1960
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Chrome
804 rosewood rolltop desk by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini 1960s
Located in Stavenisse, NL
Rare roll-top desk model 804 designed by Gianfranco Frattini and manufactured by Bernini, Italy 1960s. The desk is made of rosewood veneer and has a remarkable design.
The piece can...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Vintage Danish Mid Century Modern Teak Floating Desk Attributed to Svend Madsen
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is a beautiful scandinavian modern desk in teak manufactured in Denmark in the 1960's and reminiscent of Svend Madsen's design.
This special desk, recently imported from Europe ...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Louis XV Style Provincial Fruit Wood Writing Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Louis XV provincial style fruit wood writing table, made from 19th century and later elements. With a 4 board rectangular fruit wood overhanging top, two frieze / desk drawers, a sca...
Category
1960s Louis XV Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Fruitwood
George Nelson for Herman Miller Side Table, Work Table or Small Desk, Signed
Located in Doylestown, PA
George Nelson for Herman Miller side table, work table or small console desk.
Great as a side/work table in a home office for printer, files, etc as a useful auxiliary piece to your...
Category
1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Ico Parisi Wood and Laminate toilette desk with mirror, Hotel Lorena, 1960
By Ico Parisi, Bernini
Located in Rome, IT
Ico and Luisa Parisi vanity desk from Hotel Lorena, Grosseto
manufacured by Ditta Bernini
Italy, 1959-60
wood, mirrored glass and laminate
Measures: H 75cm,110 x 45 cm ; total hei...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mirror, Laminate, Wood
Scandinavian Solid Teak Desk by Svend and Madsen Danish, 1960s
Located in Lyon, FR
Small Scandinavian desk from the 1960s by the Danish designer Svend Aage Madsen. Structure in solid teak and veneer, this desk is composed of ...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Vintage Imitation Wood Vinyl Desk by Mascagni for Harrods of London
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Leatherette desk with wood finish. Gilt metal hardware, profiles, handles and tips. Insignificant signs of time and wear.
Packaging with bubble wrap and cardboard boxes is included. ...
Category
1960s Italian 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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