Desks and Writing Tables
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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Style: Victorian
Silvio Berrone for Bialetti Headquarters Free Standing Writing Desk
By Silvio Berrone
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Silvio Berrone for Bialetti headquarters, writing desk, faux leather, brass, stained beech, Vitrex glass, Italy, 1955-56
This writing desk is designed by Silvio Berrone for the Bial...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Table Monta in Black Wood and Marble by Charlotte Perriand for Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Table designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1970. Relaunched in 2023.
Manufactured by Cassina in Italy.
An ode to fine artisanal craftsmanship in the form of a table. Table Monta is the...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass
40s-50s Desk
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant desk with pair of under-top drawers, beech wood, and mahogany veneer, top with recessed clear glass. Good conditions.
Category
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass, Beech, Mahogany
Mahogany Twin Pedestal Partner's Desk of Antique Quality from the 1920s
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique mahogany twin-pedestal partner's desk of exceptional quality.
The desk boasts fantastic proportions, a rich color, and a well-developed patina. Remarkably, there is no evide...
Category
Early 20th Century Victorian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Victorian center desk, six drawers, with double lectern. Nineteenth Century
Located in Torino, IT
Victorian Desk
from center, six drawers,
with double lectern,
wood and leather tops.
ORIGIN
England
PERIOD
Nineteenth Century
MODEL
Center desk
with six drawers
and double lectern...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Desk with Drawers, Italy, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Desk with Drawers, Italy, 1960s
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Ate van Apeldoorn Large Writing Desk and cabinet block . 1960s Holland
Located in Den Haag, NL
Minimalist Solid Pine Writing desk designed by Ate Van Apeldoorn and produced by Houtwerk Hattum in Holland in the 1960’s. Features a pinewood cabinet block with drawers that can be...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Antique Victorian Writing Desk
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer for sale this antique victorian oak library table, moulded top with gilt tooled leather, two drawers below with...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Oak
Mid Century Burl Top Writing Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
Slender lines form a light and airy design in this modern table. A graceful combination of burl wood in a warm brown polished finish atop an organic faux bois base in a satin bronze ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Metal
Minimalistic glass and metal desk, France 1970's
By Max Sauze
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Minimalistic glass and metal desk, France 1970's
Metal wired desk with two glass shelves. The design reminds us of the work of Max Sauze.
The met...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Mid Century Marble Top Writing Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
Slender lines form a light and airy design in this modern table. A graceful combination of white bianco marble atop an organic faux bois base in a satin bronze finish.
Dimensions: 7...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Metal
Mid Century Writing Table - Silent Black
Located in Westwood, NJ
Slender lines form a light and airy design in this modern table. A graceful combination of burl wood in a silent black polished finish atop an organic faux bois base in a silvered br...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Metal
Oiled Oak Ojai Desk by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Ojai desk has four drawers and features solid American walnut or white oak trestle legs. The drawer handles are made of solid carved wood.
The Lawson-Fenning Ccollection is des...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Limited Edition Table Monta in Wood and Blue Granite by Charlotte Perriand
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Limited Edition Table designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1970. Relaunched in 2023.
Manufactured by Cassina in Italy.
An ode to fine artisanal craftsmanship in the form of a table. Ta...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass
White Desk 'Quaderna 2830' by Zanotta, Italy 1970s
By Zanotta
Located in Greding, DE
Desk with laminated white surface with check pattern. The lines are 3 cm apart and merge seamlessly at the edges and smooth sides. The digital print has been painstakingly transferre...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Vintage office desk, Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Italy 1960s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Rare Osvaldo Borsani vintage desk manufactured by Tecno in the 1960s - early 1970s.
Steel black structure with wood top venereed in white /beige laminate. Two side adjustable drawe...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Victorian Mahogany Spinet Desk, 19th C
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Mahogany Spinet Desk, mid-19th Century.
Dealer: S138XX
Category
Mid-19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Franco Albini ash dining table Model TL2 Cavalletto, Poggi, (Very First Edition)
Located in Argelato, BO
Franco Albini ash dining table Model TL2 'Cavalletto' for Poggi, Italy (Very First Edition), Italy 1950s
This table is the very first edition (the one in ash) of Franco Albini's fam...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Elegant Italian Small Desk in Cherry and Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Writing desk, cherry, mahogany, brass, formica, Italy, 1950s
Very elegant desk made in Italy in the 1950s. The framework is executed in cherry. The...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Mastercraft Brass 'Trilobi' Triangular Dining Table or Desk Bases, circa 1970
By Mastercraft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
One of the hottest items currently with interior designers are these gleaming brass 'Trilobi' Mastercraft dining table bases, which also work excellent for a desk or work table, feature a hefty triangular design with sculpted ends. The gorgeous brass displays subtle signs of an admirable patina, which can be highly desirable, bringing more vibrancy to this set of 1970s brass table bases by Mastercraft.
And most importantly - these are authentic vintage examples... there is now an inferior (but still pricey) knock-off by RH and many dealers do not know how to spot the difference and will sell the fakes as authentic. We have owned and sold over 30 of these over the course of the last 10 years and can guarantee the ones we offer are authentic 'originals' of the design by Mastercraft.
*Please note, the table bases in this listing are priced individually.
**In addition, the Trilobi bases in the photos have already sold, however we two more in similar condition that are en route to us now and are available for pre-sale. Please message us with any questions.
You can use a single base for a round or square top. Looks excellent with glass or marble tops - we can assist in the production of a new glass or stone top - contact us for more details. Or you can pair 2, 3 or even all 4 bases together to form a larger dining table, conference table or desk with a large rectangular or oval top.
These Mastercraft brass 'Trilobi' dining table bases would be great as part of a classic or contemporary dining room, living room, family room, sunroom or kitchen. These Triboli tables would also be an apt choice in a corporate, retail or hospitality location such as a boutique restaurant...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Mid-century American Desk in Zebra Wood By Warren Platner
Located in Houston, TX
Desk is made out of zebra wood. Table top is reupholstered with brown cowhide. There is wide drawer for files on the left side and smaller drawer on the right. Desk is elevated by wi...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Teak Writing Desk or Console Table
Located in Nantucket, MA
A stunning Mid-Century Modern teak writing desk or could also be used as a console table or as a sofa table. Teak bars across the front as an architectural accent. A right hand sid...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Mid Century Modern Walnut Desk by Paul McCobb, c1960s
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Step back in time with this show-stopping vintage mid century walnut desk, artfully designed by the renowned Paul McCobb. This pi...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Scrittoio a Tapparella in Palissandro in Stile G. Frattini - Italia - Anni '60
Located in Milano, IT
Uno scrittoio apparentemente semplice, rivela invece una dovizia nella cura dei dettagli.
costruito in Palissandro, alcune parti massello, altre impiallacciate, ricorda i modelli dis...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Mid Century Modern Writing Desk with 4 Drawers
By Drexel
Located in Freehold, NJ
This mid century modern writing desk by Drexel features hardwood construction, original limed oak finish, four dovetailed drawers with brass accented hardware and unique stretcher base.
Matching pair of...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Desk "1928" by Franco Albini for Knoll International, Italy, 1950s
Located in Greding, DE
Desk "1928" designed by Franco Albini for Knoll International, Italy, 1950s. This glass and metal desk features a veneered white drawer element an...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Guillerme & Chambron Corner Desk in Oak and Granite
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme & Chambron, desk, oak, granite, France, 1960s
Corner desk by French designer duo Guillerme and Chambron. This beautiful desk holds the characteristic decorations and lines...
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Granite
Vintage Teak and Steel Desk by Robin Day for Hille
Located in London, GB
A stylish and extremely well made vintage teak and steel desk by Robin Day for Hille. This was part of the ‘Status’ range, designed in 1959 and made in England. This model dates from...
Category
1960s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Marble Top Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
With a grey and taupe color stone top and shelves, on a modern openwork iron frame in a silver antique finish.
Dimensions: 62" W x 26" D x 29" H
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Iron
A John Von Koert for Drexel mid century modern walnut tambour Profile Desk
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A John Von Koert for Drexel mid century modern walnut tambour Profile Desk and matching chair.
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Early Vladimir Kagan Custom Order Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
A early Vladimir Kagan custom order desk made by Grosfeld House. Incredibly well crafted. A fine important example of the designer's work.
Note: Cane Modesty Panel shown in some p...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Cane, Wood
American Designer, Desk, Rosewood, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A rosewood desk designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Mid-Century Modern Desk by Ico Parisi for Mim Roma, Italy, 1950s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Desk by Ico Parisi for Mim Roma, Italy, 1950s
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Knoll Walnut Mid Century Modern Double Pedestal Desk with White Laminate Top
By Knoll
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A Knoll walnut double pedestal desk. This is a gorgeous office desk, perfect for a mid century home or office. It features a classic, simple design, and a choice set of materials. Th...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid Century Modern Teak Wood Lovig Desk
Located in Phoenix, AZ
The iconic Løvig teak flip top desk designed by Peter Løvig Nielsen, 1960s, Denmark. It’s versatile in that the back shelf can flip down on its brass hinges to create a larger work s...
Category
1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Modern Burl Dining Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Modern burl wood dining table, with Parsons style legs, one drawer, a 'rustic' warm brown finish with subtle distressing and a hand-rubbed finish.
Dimensions: 72" W x 36" D x 30" H.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Jack Cartwright for Founders Mid Century Modern Desk in Walnut
Located in Boynton Beach, FL
Beautiful executive desk designed by Jack Cartwright for Founders.
Stunning walnut veneered desk top and drawer fronts encased in in solid walnut legs and sides. Finished back with...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Modern Black Lacquer Occasional Table
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Vintage modern occasional table and desk, in black lacquered wood, featuring a glass top shelf, lower wooden shelf, and brass fixtures. This piece showcases both straight and tapered...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Table À Plateau Interchangeable, by Charlotte Perriand for Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Table designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1937. Relaunched in 2019.
Manufactured by Cassina in Italy.
The first model of this historic design low table was crafted in 1937 for Charlot...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass
Large Varnished Wood Executive Desk, in the style of Florence Knoll
Located in Miami, FL
Large Varnished wood executive desk, in the style of Florence Knoll.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
1960s Mid Century Modern Walnut Writing Desk
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century walnut executive desk designed and manufactured in the United States circa 1960s. The desk is amazing and boasts a beautiful walnut frame with a sleek formica top. The de...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Laminate, Walnut
1960s Ole Wanscher Mahogany Desk
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Madrid, ES
Mahogany desk designed by Ole Wanscher in an excellent restored condition. Denmark, 1960s
This desk was designed following the mid century design rule and aesthetic, using noble wo...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Wim Den Boon Dining Table in Mahogany and Black Lacquered Steel
By Wim Den Boon
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wim den Boon, dining table, mahogany, lacquered steel, The Netherlands, designed in 1955 and manufactured in 1958.
Exclusive dining table designed by Wim den Boon for a Dutch famil...
Category
1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Jules Wabbes Corner Desk with Drawers in Mutenyé
By Jules Wabbes
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jules Wabbes, corner writing desk, mutenyé, nickel-plated metal, aluminum, Belgium, 1957
Beautifully designed desk by one of Belgium's most renowned designers Jules Wabbes. This pie...
Category
1950s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Aluminum, Nickel
The Burl Wood Parson Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Modern burl wood dining table, with Parsons style legs, one drawer, a 'rustic' warm brown finish with subtle distressing and a hand-rubbed finish.
Dimensions: 72" W x 36" D x 30" H.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Burl
English Partner Desk, Writing Desk 1870, Mahogany
Located in Berlin, DE
Massive mahogany teilweise furniert. Balusterförmige Tischbeine. Beidseitig profilierter 2 Schübiger Zargenkasten, gering überstehende Tischplatte. Schreibfläche mit außergewöhnliche...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
French 1970s Desk by Michel Mortier
Located in Long Island City, NY
Michel MORTIER (1925-2015)- A writing table with a beech base and a white laminated plywood top. Model MP2 (Mortier/ Perrigault), 1979.
Category
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Laminate, Beech
60s Desk
Located in Milano, IT
Desk with side drawers and one central under-top drawer. Exotic wood veneer, brass, original back-treated glass top. Good conditions.
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Tyrolean Style Ornate Pine Desk or Table with Locking Drawer from Austria
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful, almost folkloristic, Tyrolean style desk with pine wood frame and lower locking drawer. Organically carved, its traditional features in natural wood tone contrasted by an ...
Category
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Mid-Century Executive Desk by John Widdicomb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elegant mid-century vintage desk from skilled craftsmen of Grand Rapids' John Widdicomb Fine Furniture. An ample walnut desktop measuring over 10 square feet offers plenty of workspa...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
Farsø Stolefabrik Designed Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Farsø Stolefabrik for Maurice Villency rosewood mid-century desk. Beautiful deep grain throughout, aluminum handles, quality construction.
Please confirm location NY or NJ
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Italian desk, wood and colored glass, 1950s
Located in Palermo, PA
Italian desk, wood and colored glass, 1950s.
Dimensions: H= 77 cm; W= 136 cm; D= 68 cm.
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stained Glass, Wood
Antique Victorian Walnut Writing Table Desk Hindley & Sons 19th Century
Located in London, GB
Antique Victorian walnut writing table, circa 1850 in date.
One of the drawers is stamped by the maker:
C.Hindley & Sons, late Miles & Edwards, 134 Oxford Street, London.
It bears the inventory number 12451
The rectangular top features a moulded edge with a striking inset red leather writing surface over two cedar lined drawers to the frieze, fitted with Bramah locks. It is raised on four decorative barley twist legs terminating in brass castors.
It is finished on all sides so that it can stand freely in the middle of a room.
Complete with working Bramah locks and special key.
Condition:
In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 76 x Width 123 x Depth 69
Dimensions in inches:
Height 2 foot, 6 inches x Width 4 foot x Depth 2 foot, 3 inches
Hindley, Charles & Sons
Berners Street & Oxford Street, London; cabinet makers, upholsterers and retailers (fl.c.1820-1892)
Charles Hugh Hindley (b.1792- d.1871) was the son of Christopher, a merchant in Mere, Wiltshire. He moved to London with an elder brother to live with his uncle, who was possibly running the London branch of the Wiltshire business.
In 1817 Charles joined the upholstery firm of Benjamin Merriman Nias at 32 Berners Street. Within a few years he bought the Nias business with a £1,000 investment from his family. Despite his business being described as a 'carpet warehouse' in London directories from 1820-1841, by the mid-1830s upholstery and cabinet work had joined his repertoire and he had taken on more showroom space next door at 31 Berners Street. Family records of the 1840s showed that individual custom-order business expanded to also ‘supplying established furnishing houses with goods on wholesale terms’. Jobs ranged from supplying Pentonville Prison with 100 hair mattresses and pillows, to altering spring roller blinds, to fulfilling private commissions with suites of parlour furniture.
Hindley was the father of eleven children with three involved in the business: Charles Hugh (b. 1818), Frederick (b. 1820), and Albert Daniel (b.1822). Charles Hugh and Frederick joined the family firm about 1832, thus establishing the family partnership, Charles Hindley & Sons. Albert Daniel learned the carpet manufactory and trade in Kidderminster and eventually established a carpet manufactory in Liversedge, Yorkshire, supplying the family’s London store and others. In 1845 he patented an early tufted carpeting technique.
Charles Hindley & Sons acquired the firm, Miles & Edwards in September 1844, including their premises at 134 Oxford Street. Both companies operated from this address until 1845 when Miles & Edwards was closed.
The purchase of Miles & Edwards enabled Hindley & Co. to compete with other West End firms by offering everything from cabinet making and upholstery to painted decoration and interior design for the middle and upper class market. In a sample of 737 orders from October 1842-June 1845, six per cent of the clientele were upper and lower aristocracy with approximately seventy per cent gentry or middle class. The aristocratic clientele included the surnames of Hoare, Kirland, Drummond, Montefiore, Ashburton and Rothschild, and the Oriental Club at 18 Hanover Square (1824).
Bramah
is London's oldest security company. Established at 124 Piccadilly, London in 1784, and today based in Marylebone, London and Romford, Essex.
Bramah made their first lock in 1784 and the patent was awarded in 1787. The designer was Joseph Bramah. Joseph Bramah was a leading inventor of the industrial revolution, patenting over 18 new ideas, including a new valve for the water closet (toilet), the hydraulic pump, a fountain pen, and a fire engine.
Bramah also introduced a beer hand pump for use at the bar, to prevent fluid loss when barmen went downstairs to pour a new jug! Due to the quality of his manufacturing, his name became a by-word amongst British Engineers for engineering excellence and many of his inventions are on display in the Science Museum in London. You can find one of his original toilets still working in Osborne House, Queen Victoria's home on the Isle of Wight.
The Bramah lock was unique and advanced property and valuables protection enormously. Indeed it was 50 years ahead of any Chubb lock...
Category
1850s English Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern James Mont Style Birds Eye Maple Desk / Table / Vanity
Located in Kennesaw, GA
Extra handling time for this piece!
This is a mid-century modern James Mont style style desk or vanity by Johnson Brothers. It is marked and has the original brass hardware that has...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Charlotte Perriand Marble Center Table à Plateau Interchangeable by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Table designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1937. Relaunched in 2020.
Manufactured by Cassina in Italy.
The first model of this historic design table was crafted in 1937 for Charlotte P...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Antique Walnut Leather Top Pedestal Desk
Located in London, GB
A superb antique walnut leather top pedestal desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1890-1910 period.
It is of extremely fine quality, with a gorgeous cushion top ...
Category
1890s British Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Walnut
1940s Italian Writing Desk in Ash and Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Writing desk, ash, brass, Italy, 1940s
Made in Italy, this writing desk is a testament to the design ethos prevalent in the 1940s and 1950s. The office table bears witness to the de...
Category
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Studio BBPR for Olivetti Small 'Spazio' Desk with Drawers
By Studio BBPR, Olivetti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Studio BBPR for Olivetti, 'Spazio' desk with drawers, steel, vinyl, plastic, Italy, design 1959/60, production 1960s
In 1954, Olivetti, the Italian office equipment manufacturer, h...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
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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