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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Studio BBPR for Olivetti 'Spazio' Desk in Grey Coated Steel
By Olivetti, Studio BBPR
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Studio BBPR for Olivetti, 'Spazio' writing desk, coated steel, plastic, vinyl, Italy, design 1959/60, production 1960s
In 1954, Olivetti, the Italian office equipment manufacturer,...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Minimal Danish Designed Teak Desk By Peter Hvidt
Located in Oakland, CA
This Minimal Danish Teak Desk, designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard-Nielsen for Soborg Moblefabrik, circa 1960 Denmark, is constructed with a four-drawer design including pull-out...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Weave Desk from Ringvide, Birch Wood, natural oil, Scandinavian
By Lukas Dahlén
Located in Visby, SE
Weave Desk
Birch desk, made of solid birchwood and birchveneér. Modern yet classic, bold yet modest the desk serves as a great example of Scandinavian cont...
Category
2010s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Birch, Oak
Gio Ponti for Singer & Sons #2135 Extendable Dining Table, c 1950, Refinished
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This restored Model 2135 extendable dining table with four leaves by Gio Ponti for Singer & Sons features gorgeously veined Italian Walnut with sculpted legs to Gio Ponti's signature...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Midcentury French Style Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Secretary Desk / Cabinet
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a midcentury French style hand painted chinoiserie secretary with a unique bombe form base and glass top. It works so well for both display and functional desk. It is unmarke...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Glass, Lacquer
Georgian 18th Century Mahogany Bureau
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
An 18th Century Georgian Mahogany Bureau Having
Well Figured Fall Flap Above Four Long Drawers With
Original Water Gilt Handles Raised On Original Bracket
Feet
(Typical of the lat...
Category
Mid-18th Century English Georgian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Writing Desk by Bohumil Landsman, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
A warm beech wood desk, designed by Bohumil Landsman and produced in the 1970s in former Czechoslovakia. This piece showcases the distinctive modernist style typical of Eastern Europ...
Category
1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Beech
Niguel Writing Desk by Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Niguel writing desk features solid turned legs, brass cap feet and lacquered interior drawers.
The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handmade in Los Angeles, California....
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Italian Antique Walnut Rustic Small Console Table Desk Writing Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Very charming and elegant Italian small antique console table or desk writing table with stylish carved legs in solid wood. Ideal in any room as a small stand alone corner desk as we...
Category
20th Century Italian Rustic Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
1800s New England Pine Writing Desk
Located in Germantown, MD
Small writing desk from the 1800s in New England. Original patina. Good steady condition. Functional drawers with original pine knob pulls. Measure 28" in Width x 18" in Depth and 33...
Category
Mid-20th Century American American Colonial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Portuguese Baroque Style Library Table by Alfonso Marina
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Amazing walnut library center table or writing table hand-crafted, labeled, signed, and dated by Alfonso Marina. For over 50 years Marina has created the highest quality timeless pie...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Baroque Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Antique American Empire Tiger Oak Writing Desk or Library Table, Circa 1900
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique American Empire tiger oak writing desk or library table
In the manner of R.J. Horner & Co.
USA, Circa 1900
Measures: 42"W ...
Category
Early 20th Century American American Empire Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
An Ebonised Bureau Plat Attributed to Jansen
Located in London, GB
An mid-20th century ebonised bureau plat of small proportions with Morocco leather writing surface, gilt tooled. Below two drawers, all supported fluted, tapering feet, terminating i...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Cees Braakman Mid-Century Modern EB02 Writing Table for Pastoe, 1950s
By Cees Braakman, Pastoe
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Mid-Century Modern EB02 writing table.
Design by Cees Braakman for Pastoe.
Striking Dutch design from the 1950s.
Solid birch and original birch veneer base on fo...
Category
1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Birch
Ole Wanscher 1940s Danish Mahogany Desk
Located in London, England
Ole Wasncher - Rare Mahogany Desk
This beautifully elegant desk in a classical style was designed by Danish master Ole Wanscher in the 1950s and produced by his long-time collaborat...
Category
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany, Oak
Yellow large French Secretaire, design Eric Gizard in Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This large secretary desk is designed by the famous parisian Designer Eric Gizard and delivered fully mounted.
The overall dimensions of the b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Ash, Lacquer
Exceptional Teak Cantilever Executive Desk by Georg Petersens, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Deland, FL
This striking cantilever executive desk by Georg Petersens epitomizes the refined simplicity of Danish Modern design from the 1960s. Crafted from solid teak, the desk showcases the w...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Kugge 52 Flower Pot from Ringvide, Pine, Natural or Pigmented Oil, Scandinavian
By Lukas Dahlén
Located in Visby, SE
Kugge flower pot
We are all a cog in the machinery of life, let us strive to be a force that lifts and does not lower.
The top of the pot resembles the shape of a gear wheel...
Category
2010s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
18th Century Black Swedish Gustavian Oak Bureau - Antique Drop Front Secretaire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Swedish Gustavian bureau made of hand crafted painted Oakwood, in good condition. The Scandinavian writing table, desk features man...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
Vintage Modern Sled Leg Writing Desk
Located in Trenton, NJ
Step back into the elegance of mid-century design with this exquisite vintage writing desk, featuring six spacious drawers for all your storage needs. This piece, reminiscent of the ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Composition
splendid executive desk in the style of Ulrich with four drawers
Located in Milano, IT
In the style of Guglielmo Ulrich (1904-1977)
Splendid executive desk with four drawers in wavy wood, back with horizontal wavy pattern along the entire length, top in the shape of a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Franco Albini Cavalletto Desk Table For Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Franco Albini Cavalletto Desk Table For Cassina
The geometric lines of the Cavalletto desk elicit a pleasant feeling of lightness through its ‘by the ...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Antique Derby School Paneled Oak Roll Top Desk with Full Interior, C1900
By Derby Desk Company
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique roll top desk offers paneled quarter sawn oak construction with s-top opening to full interior over base with flanking drawer towers h...
Category
Early 20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Large Boomerang shaped Walnut Desk with Green Leather patinated top Italy 1950’s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Den Haag, NL
Large Boomerang shaped Walnut Desk with Green Leather patinated top, Italy 1950’s.
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Nutwood
Bauhaus Tubular Steel Desk, Chrome Plated Metal, Stained Wood, Germany, c. 1930
By Thonet, Bruno Weil
Located in Berlin, DE
Bauhaus tubular steel desk designed by Bruno Weil and manufactured by Thonet or under Thonet License, c. 1930. The desk is made of chrome-plated tubular steel and stained wood.
Category
1930s Bauhaus Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
19th Century Walnut Partners Desk
Located in Savannah, GA
This is a walnut and Kashmir walnut partners desk made in England, circa 1890. The top of the desk is Walnut with 3 shaped pieces of beautiful brown lea...
Category
1890s English George III Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
19th C Style Michael Taylor Ebony & Mahogany Dafne Writing Table Desk
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
19th C Style Michael Taylor Ebony & Mahogany Dafne Writing Table Desk
Category
1990s American Regency Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Small Bauhaus Tubular Steel Desk, Oak Veneer and Chromium Plated Metal c 1930
Located in Berlin, DE
Small Bauhaus tubular steel desk, so-called 'typewriter desk', with 4 drawers. The desk is made of chromed tubular steel and oak-veneered wood. Germany/ Czechoslovakia/ Austria, circ...
Category
1930s German Bauhaus Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Italian Midcentury Modern Design Wood and Glass Desk 1950s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury modern design desk with wooden frame with two drawers on which rests the thick glass top shaped with rounded corners, Italy 1950s
Please note that the desk is ori...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass, Wood
Italian Midcentury Bamboo and Rattan Desk or Vanity with two Drawers, 1970s
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Beautiful desk, or can also be used as a vanity - dressing table.
Made from bamboo wood and rattan, in Italy in the 1970s.
The desk is beautiful to look at from all sides and can als...
Category
1970s Italian French Provincial Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan
Contemporary Round Cooperage Dining Table in Striped Oak by Fort Standard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This table is a part of the new Cooperage Dining collection. Each piece features large faceted round elements that with its namesake reference the traditional cooper's trade of makin...
Category
2010s American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ash, Maple, Oak, Walnut
Original ArtDeco Writing Desk, J. Halabala, UP Zavody, Walnut, Czech, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Desk dimensions:
Height: 76 cm (29.9 in)
Width: 150 cm (59.1 in)
Depth: 76 cm (29.9 in)
Leg space
Height: 71 cm (28 in)
Width: 54 cm (21.3 in)
This Art Deco writing desk, designed ...
Category
1930s Czech Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Walnut, Lacquer
Xilte Desk Set with Xitle Armchair and Xitle Chair
By ADN Studio
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
This set includes.
Desk with 2 chairs (1 Armchair and 1 Chair)
The "Xitle" desk is part of ADN Studio´s Volcan Collection. This collection seeks to go back to basics. It is a subtle...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Small Teak "Varie" Writing Desk By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark
Designer: Arne Wahl Iversen
Manufacturer: IKEA
Era: 1960s
Materials: Teak
Measurements: 39.5 wide x 17.75 deep x 29.5 tall.
Condition: In excellent original c...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
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
Vintage Flame Mahogany & Crossbanded Pedestal Desk 20th Century
Located in London, GB
This is an exquisite Victorian Revival crossbanded flame mahogany desk dating from the late 20th Century.
This desk has been beautifully made from ...
Category
1980s Victorian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Charlotte Perriand Desk "Petit Bureau en forme libre" for Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the chosen material. Available in Mahogany or American walnut or a lacquered version (different colors available).
A design table crafted by Charlotte Perr...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Raily Dark Writing Desk
Located in Milan, IT
This sophisticated writing desk will transform simple office tasks into a luxurious occasion with its exclusive details. Prized leather covers the wooden top, featuring a practical s...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Antique French Regency Louis XV Ladies Writing Desk and Gold Gilt Desk Chair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique French Regency Louis XV style bureau de pente roll top ladies writing desk with petite Italian gold gilt desk chair
In the manner of Vernis Martin
France and Ita...
Category
1920s French Louis XV Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Danish Art Nouveau, Dining / Desk Table made in Oak, Early 20th Century
Located in Odense, DK
Introducing a striking rectangular dining or desk table that summarizes the essence of Danish Art Nouveau craftsmanship, hailing from the early 20th century. Crafted with meticulous ...
Category
Early 20th Century Danish Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Scandinavian Modern Gunni Omann Rosewood Desk
By Gunni Omann
Located in Uccle, BE
Measurements for the kneehold:
Height from floor is 67cm (26.4 inches), Width 63cm (24.8 inches), Depth 46cm (18 inches).
Gunni Omann (14th of May 1930 – 14th of March 2009) was the designer of the most renowned furniture from Omann Jun's Moebelfabrik A/S.
Desk model 77 made of Rosewood. CITES permit...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Amuneal’s Collector's Knife Edge Console with 4 Drawers
By Amuneal
Located in New York, NY
Amuneal’s wall hanging bleached oak console table uses our traditional Collector’s Shelving hardware to support this four-drawer unit with vintage bronze metal details and raised kni...
Category
2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Warren McArthur Art Deco Desk and Chair
Located in Atlanta, GA
Art Deco aluminum desk and chair designed by Warren McArthur, American, circa 1930s. The chair measures 31"H x 15.75"W x 17"D x 18" seat height.
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
19th C Regency English Mahogany Adjustable Reading Writing Table
Located in Savannah, GA
This handsome piece consists of two sections on a lifting ratchet, a fine mahogany Regency period reading/writing table featuring an adjustable top over a substantial base support. R...
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Drop Front Secretary Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts drop front secretary desk
By Gustav Stickley
USA, Circa 1900
Quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper hardware.
Mea...
Category
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Copper
Coast Table by Sun at Six, Sienna, Minimalist Dining Table or Desk in Wood
By Sun at Six
Located in San Jose, CA
Sun at Six is a contemporary furniture design studio that works with traditional Chinese joinery masters to handcraft our pieces using traditional joinery. The coast table can be use...
Category
2010s Chinese Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Asian Teak Hand Carved Drop Front Compartmentalized Desk Style of George Zee
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome Asian teak hand carved drop slant front desk with interior compartmentalized cubby storage in the style of George Zee and Co. of China. This amazing piece is in fabulous condition. Please see photos, circa mid-20th century.
This phenomenal drop front desk is made with superior craftsmanship and materials and is in exceptional original condition. Comprised of teak that has been carved on the drop front and the drawer faces with an incredible plum blossom and bird motif. The drop front is slanted above three rows of drawers. The top row having two drawers and the lower two a single full width drawer. All with recessed carved handles. Inside the drop front, besides the work surface, there is a removable cubby compartmentalized storage including a small drawer. This is made in the style of renowned Chinese furniture maker George Zee and Co. who made high quality teak and camphor wood furniture...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Antique Jewelers/Watchmakers Desk
By Rolex
Located in East Freetown, MA
Antique two tone watchmakers/jewelers desk with fifteen drawers, two shelves and canvas surfaced slide out work top. This desk also has a foot rest. The ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Late Victorian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Medea Desk matte
Located in Pesaro, IT
Bright colour of Medea desk with the coloured veneer stripes at the edge brings magic, energy and vivid accent.
Composite veneer for Medea desk, the play of shades, the play of inclined lines on the curved surface of the edge of top.
Desk with curved...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Mid Century Teak Writing Desk by Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Møbelfabrik
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage Danish writing desk in teak designed by Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Møbelfabrik, Denmark. This versatile piece features unique spla...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Artona desk designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto 1979.
Located in Athens, Attiki
The Artona executive desk by Afra and Tobia Scarpa was the first line ever produced by Maxalto.
Maxalto was set up in 1975 as a high-end division of B&B Italia to focus exclusively ...
Category
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Walnut, Burl
Very Rare Antique Biedermeier Walnut Architect's Drawing Table, Commode or Chest
Located in Lisse, NL
Extraordinary walnut veneered architects drawing table and chest of drawers into one.
This amazing quality and excellent condition chest and drawing table was handcrafted in the 19t...
Category
19th Century European Biedermeier Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Contemporary Organic Natural Plaster Desk 323cm by Isabelle Beaumont
Located in Ranst, BE
Contemporary Belgian design, handmade natural plaster desk with a textured and earthy character.
This unique first of its kind design is handcrafted with multiple layers Mortex® on ...
Category
2010s Belgian Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Concrete, Cement, Composition, Limestone, Stainless Steel
Large Marcel Breuer "Canaan" Desk for Gavina, Italy 1960s
By Gavina, Marcel Breuer
Located in Hellouw, NL
Marcel Breuer’s work often fused modernist clarity with architectural precision - very much along the Bauhaus principles. . This large “Canaan” desk, produ...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Partners Pedestal Desk 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a fine and very rare antique Victorian burr walnut twin pedestal partners desk, Circa 1860 in date.
It is made from fabulous burr walnut, the rectangular top with a fabulous inset gold tooled green leather writing surface.
One side has an arrangement of three drawers in the frieze over a pair of pedestals each with three graduated drawers, the other side has a central frieze drawer with a cupboard in each pedestal, each opens to a central shelf.
The desk is fitted with the original turned walnut handles and it stands on a plinth base raised on brass castors.
The desk has its original locks and keys and the locks are stamped H&C, By Royal Letters Patent.
Instil the elegance of a bygone era to a special place in your home with this fabulous decorative antique desk...
Category
1860s English Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
1940's Traditional style 9 Drawer Mahogany Writing Desk
Located in Opa Locka, FL
c1940's Traditional style 9 Drawer Mahogany Writing Desk. Finished all the way around and can be placed to show the whole.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Post Modern Marble Glass Dining Table Made in Italy by Artedi
By Artedi
Located in New York, NY
Chic, voguish, and sophisticated late 20th C large dining table by noted Italian furniture maker Artedi. The table features an impressive beveled plate glass top ( 78.25. x 39. 25 x ...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Brass
Derby School Paneled Oak Roll Top Desk with Full Interior, Circa 1900
Located in Savannah, GA
Derby School Paneled Oak Roll Top Desk with Full Interior, Circa 1900. Roll top desk has paneled quarter sawn oak construction with s-top opening to full...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Sculpted Dining Table in Solid Oakwood 'Custom Size S'
By Sóha
Located in Paris, IDF
Dining table of solid oak (+ linseed oil)
(Outdoor use OK)
SÓHA design studio conceives and produces furniture design and decorative objects in solid oak in an authentic style. Insp...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Russian Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Ilmari Tapiovaara Desk or Table for Laukaan Puu
Located in Miami, FL
Stained pine table by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu. Works also well as desk. The table is signed.
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Modern Eglomise Glass Byzantine Gold Vanity and Forged Metal Legs by Ercole Home
By Ercole Home
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Mystic Byzantine Gold Green vanity by Ercole Home has a 9-drawer, with ivory wood finish on oak. Hand painted eglomise glass panels are inset on the surface.
There are nine pulls in brushed brass finish.
The hand hammered metal base...
Category
2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Early 20th Century Spanish Desk or Work Table in Oak Wood with Lateral Wing, 192
Located in Miami, FL
Early 20Th Century Spanish Desk or Work Table in Oak Wood with Lateral Wing
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
USM Haller Custom Desk Unit 'DU2' by Fritz Haller and Paul Schaerer
Located in New York, NY
A Customizable desk unit designed to your specifications. Available in 14 standard surface colors.
Dimensions
H 30in / 76.2cm
W 60in / 152.4cm
D 15in / 39.1cm
Weight
41.9 kgs...
Category
2010s Swiss Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Antique French Desk Writing Table Renaissance Wide Drawer Oak Barley Twist
Located in Tyler, TX
GORGEOUS 19th century Antique French Oak Renaissance Revival Desk or Writing Table with Wide Drawer, 3" Barley Twist Legs, Stretcher and Up Finial
~~circa 1880s
With so many p...
Category
1880s French Renaissance Revival Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
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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