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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Kartell Earl of Wood Desk by Philippe Stark in Light Wood and Chrome Frame
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Earl of wood is a simple new desk with a curved wooden surface, offering the perfect solution to the Office and Habitat worlds on account of its myriad diffe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Regency Mahogany & Brass Partners Writing Table
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
An Exceptional Quality Regency Period Mahogany And Brass, Square, Partners Writing Table, Having Attractive Gilt Tooled Leather Top With Crossbanded Edge, Over Four Drawers And Four ...
Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Calista Console with White Marble and Solid Walnut
Located in Houston, TX
The modern Calista console elevates the Classic runway Silhouette. With your choice of exotic marble, it makes for an amazing statement piece. We have also used it as a desk, a buffe...
Category

2010s American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble

Modern Silhueta Console Table Carrara Marble Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Silhueta console, Modern Collection, handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. Inspired by the organic shapes and lean silhouettes, this console adds a modern touch to every li...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Belgian Black Marble, Brass

Midcentury Italian Trestle Desk or Table in Bamboo, Rattan by Vivai Del Sud, 70s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful pair of mid-century organic trestles in a beautiful combination of bamboo, curved rattan and hand-woven wicker. These stunning and unique trestles were designed by Vivai del Sud and produced in Italy during the 1970s. In fabulous condition and with an amazing honey-like color. These sturdy trestles are made in bamboo canes enriched on the bottom with curved rattan and perfect hand-woven wicker work. Ideal to make a charming desk or also for dining table or a console table in a modern organic entryway. A must have for all the French Riviera style lovers. These versatile trestles are ideal as a charming modern organic desk...
Category

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

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan, Wicker

Queen Anne, Mahogany, Brass, Writing Desk, England, 1900s
Located in Manhasset, NY
Queen Anne, Mahogany, Brass, Writing Table or Desk, England, 1900s A Queen Anne style mahogany and brass writing desk designed and produced in late 19th/early 20th century England. ...
Category

Early 1900s English Queen Anne Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage Industrial Anco Bilt Cast Iron and Oak Drafting Table with Steel Surface
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Industrial drafting table/desk in oak with steel surface, fully adjustable via cast iron hinges, knobs, and brackets manufactured by Anco Bilt of Glendale, New York (ca. 1940s). Surf...
Category

1940s American Industrial Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cut Steel, Iron

Henning Kjaernulf-Style Oak Two-Sided Desk
Located in Round Top, TX
Danish oak two-sided desk attributed to Henning Kjærnulf, circa 1970s. This beautifully crafted piece exemplifies the refined simplicity and enduring quality of mid-century Danish de...
Category

Late 20th Century Danish Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Limbert Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Desk or Library Table, Circa 1900
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts library table or writing desk By Charles P. Limbert Co. USA, Circa 1900 Solid quarter sawn oak, with original copper hardware. Mea...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Copper

Paul Bromberg for H. Pander & Zonen Free-Standing Desk in Solid Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Bromberg for H. Pander & Zonen, executive desk, oak, the Netherlands, 1927 This free-standing desk, designed by Paul Bromberg in 1927, stands as an example of early 20th-centur...
Category

1920s Dutch Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Set Square Walnut Desk
Located in Paris, FR
Desk Set Square Walnut with solid walnut wood structure. Desk with 3 drawers, with outside with pull-out shelf and open compartments and with inside pull-out shelf for pencils, wit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Fine Quality Coromandel and Marquetry Inlaid Victorian Period Kidney Lady Desk
Located in Miami, FL
A fine quality Coromandel Victorian style kidney shaped writing table. The kidney shaped top having a fine quality velum green leather writing surface with gilt and blind tooled deta...
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Coen de Vries Petite Writing Desk, 1954
Located in Dronten, NL
Beautiful designed, original Mid-Century Modern petite writing desk with black dye birch X-base, red dye birch drawer and a formica top. Coen de Vries is among the Dutch pioneers of ...
Category

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

Materials

Formica, Birch

French Sculptural Baroque Style Desk in Stained Pine, Early 20th Century
Located in Odense, DK
A fabolous french baroque style freestanding desk in solid stained pined. Finely handcrafted in the first half of the 20th century. Decorative decadent carvings. This fine desk w...
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XIII Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Organic Modern Armona Desk, Oak Root, Onyx, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Armona Desk, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Armona stone desk draws inspiration from the serene landscape of Armona Island, embodying a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Organic Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Onyx, Quartz, Marble, Brass, Stainless Steel

George Nelson Desk for Herman Miller, 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
George Nelson Desk for Herman Miller, 1960s The Top has a very floating appearance.
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Bespoke Modernist Tubular Steel Table in Chromed Metal and Glossy Lacquered Wood
Located in Berlin, DE
Bespoke modernist tubular writing table made of chrome plated tubular steel and lacquered wood.
Category

2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Antique Spanish Colonial Style Carved Writing Table with Drawer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A richly detailed Spanish Colonial style writing table, showcasing masterful hand-carved craftsmanship and a timeworn painted patina. The rectangular top features a beveled edge and ...
Category

19th Century Spanish Spanish Colonial Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Paint

Mid-Century Danish Teak Desk
Located in Baltimore, MD
Beautiful remarkable statement in design and craftsmanship. This mid-century teak Danish desk, precisely crafted in exceptional teak grain wood, with a fully finished back the finish...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

19th Century English William IV Fruitwood Writing Table or Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome 19th century English William IV writing table or desk crafted from mixed fruitwood and oak. The table has storage drawers on each end with patinated brass pulls. The top has...
Category

19th Century English William IV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Stickley Brothers Style Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Desk, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period writing desk or library table with built-in bookcases In the manner of Stickley Brothers USA, Circa 1900 Quarter sawn oak, w...
Category

19th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Gio Ponti Teak and Brass Desk Designed for the BNL Offices, ISA Bergamo, 1950s
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
This Gio Ponti Desk, designed for BNL offices and manufactured by Isa Bergamo during the 1950s, is a beautiful piece of furniture that showcases the designer's signature style. Made of solid teak wood, the desk features a sleek and elegant design with clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic. The piece also features brass feet and details, which add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall design. The desk top - with a dimension of 161x80.5cm (WxD) - has ample surface space for writing and working and the three drawers provide ample storage for documents and office supplies...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Bronze Desk with Black or Brown Leather Wrapped Top
By Alberto and Diego Giacometti
Located in Ballard, CA
A hand-sculpted and forged bronze desk with brown or black leather wrapped top and drawer, fastened by bronze nails. Custom sizes, finishes and glass top available. Interior of drawe...
Category

2010s American Organic Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

French 19th Century Mahogany Writing Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A petite mahogany and leather-top writing desk from France, circa 1840, ready to inspire you daily with its many unique features both decorative and functional. The writing surface i...
Category

19th Century French French Provincial Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

19th Century French Louis XV Style Boulle Desk
Located in Houston, TX
19th Century French Louis XV Style Boulle Desk. Our outstanding antique French Louis XV style Boulle inspired bureau plat, desk or writing table was expertly crafted in the mid 19th ...
Category

1860s French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Bronze

English Regency Mahogany Writing Desk with Pierced Sides and Casters
Located in Atlanta, GA
This early 19th-century English Regency writing desk exemplifies the refined elegance of the period through its restrained silhouette, balanced proportions, and decorative details. T...
Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

Organic Modern Armona Desk, Walnut, Brass, Onyx, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Armona Desk, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Armona stone desk draws inspiration from the serene landscape of Armona Island, embodying a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Organic Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Onyx, Quartz, Marble, Brass, Stainless Steel

Jorge Zalszupin, Large 'Diplomata' Desk for L'Atelier, 1960, Brazil, Rosewood
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Jorge Zalszupin / Rosewood 'Diplomata' Desk Manufactured by L'Atelier / Rosewood, Leather / 1960s, Brazil The Diplomata desk, produced by L’Atelier in the 1960s, is clad entirely in...
Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Sven Langkilde 1960s Danish Mahogany Desk
Located in London, England
Sven Langkilde - Rare Mahogany Desk This delightful and sophisticated desk was made in highly limited quantities by Danish designer Sven Langkilde and produced by his own company La...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Louis XVI Style Desk, circa 1900
Located in Greding, DE
Louis XVI style desk, crafted around 1900. The tabletop features burgundy leather with a surrounding brass trim. Three shallow drawers with refined brass fittings offer practical sto...
Category

Early 1900s Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Extraordinary Pierre Jeanneret Library Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
We are very pleased to present this exceptional and rare Pierre Jeanneret illuminated reading table with provenance from DAV (Dayanand Anglo-Vedic) College Chandigarh which was built...
Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Guillerme & Chambron Desk with Return in Blonde Solid Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, corner desk, solid oak, France, 1960s This executive desk shows the fine craftsmanship and aesthetic characteristics of designer duo Guillerm...
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Antique French Country Louis XV Walnut Writing Desk Table, Circa 1920
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This elegant antique French Louis XV writing desk table, dating to the early 20th century circa 1920, beautifully reflects the timeless grace of French Country design. Crafted from f...
Category

1920s French Louis XV Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique 19th Century Campaign Metamorphic Desk, Ca. 1850-1875
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Antique metamorphic table to desk, circa 1850-1875. Beautifully constructed in Campaign style in honeyed light brown wood, the table features a hinged flip top that opens to a desk w...
Category

19th Century Campaign Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Diminutive Gio Ponti for Schirolli Stained Mahogany and Laminate Writing Table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Small writing table/student desk in stained mahogany with attractive mint green laminate surface by Gio Ponti for Schirolli (ca. 1950, Italy). Stylish piece with modernist details in...
Category

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

Materials

Laminate, Mahogany

Heywood Wakefield Mid-Century Modern Solid Maple Desk With Built-in Bookcase
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern writing desk with built-in bookcase By Heywood Wakefield USA, 1950s Sculpted solid maple, in original "Champagne" finish. Measures: 44"W x ...
Category

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

Materials

Maple

c.1800 Antique Georgian Mahogany Writing Desk – Fine Quality, Dressing Table
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
c.1800 Antique Georgian Mahogany Writing Desk – Fine Quality, Versatile as Dressing or Side Table A fine quality Antique Georgian Mahogany Writing Desk, dating from around 1800, fea...
Category

19th Century Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Midcentury Modern Mahogany Desk by Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen, Denmark, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Striking desk by Ole Wanscher, made in mahogany with table top dressed in black leather. Very elegant lines and sophisticated details. Brass hoops for pulling out extensions on the s...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Biedermeier Writing Desk in Walnut, circa 1830
Located in Greding, DE
Biedermeier writing desk in walnut, crafted around 1830. Featuring five drawers framed with fine thread inlays and adorned with escutcheons. The gracefully curved S-shaped legs are j...
Category

1830s Biedermeier Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Louis XVI Style Flat Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
Louis XVI style mahogany flat desk, double-sided with two side pulls, it opens with three drawers, the central drawer with a lock and key in working order, the other two drawers open...
Category

20th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

19th Century French Walnut Louis XVI Desk
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Beautiful 19th Century French Walnut Louis XVI Desk with immaculate new embossed leather writing surface. French Louis XVI bureau plat table desk...
Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Modern Danish Teakwood Desk by Peter Lovig Nielsen ca. 1970s
Located in Shippensburg, PA
DANISH MODERN PETER LØVIG NIELSEN TEAKWOOD FLIP-TOP WRITING DESK Denmark, circa 1970s Item # 405XLG28A This brilliant desk was designed by Peter Løvig Nielsen and originally was off...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Rare 'Kono' Dining Table / Desk by Lella & Massimo Vignelli for Casigliani, 1984
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exceptionally rare and large 'Kono' table, which works excellent as either a dining table or a desk, by Lella Vignelli and Massimo Vignelli was designed in 1984 and this example created in the mid-to-late 1980s by Casigliani in Pisa, Italy. This rare example of the 'Kono' design features a monumental Black Granite slab for the top, two thick slabs of Imperial Red Granite which connect together to form one of the bases, and the Vignellis signature Patinated Copper cone which forms the other base. The 'Kono' design was normally made as coffee tables so it is quite rare to find examples made scaled up in dining table size. In addition, typical Kono tables were made with glass tops and a single slab granite base. This example however, the Vignellis selected Black Granite instead of the typical glass tops. Also, rather than using a rectangular single-slab base, this example features an L-shaped base constructed with two slabs that connect together along one angled edge. It still employs the cone-shaped patinated copper base typical of Kono tables, however this example is much larger of course than cocktail table versions. The Vignelli Center for Design Studies, which houses the artists’ archive, confirmed this table to be one of two known drawings by the Vignellis (a copy of the Vignelli sketch, which they provided, is included in the photo gallery) though it is unknown if the other table was ever produced, making this table potentially an important one-of-a-kind. The Black Granite top in lower light settings is dark, deep and mysterious. With direct sunlight its luminosity is intense - see the photo gallery for images of the table in direct sunlight from our skylight above. It glows, shines and shimmers with incredible vibrancy, similar to diamonds - to see it in person is quite exquisite and remarkable. While we only had it set up under our skylight for a couple hours, I would describe the experience as recharging - I felt like I had just spent a couple hours meditating, this would be incredible to wake up to every day before leaving to work. The Vignellis described the 'Kono' table as: “This design exploits the relationship between geometrical figures and material finishes." Over the course of their four-decade-long design practice, Lella and Massimo Vignelli collaborated on projects that ranged from product design and brand identity to interior and furniture design. Whether designing New York City’s subway map...
Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Granite, Copper

Bamboo & Rattan Wicker Desk with 5 Drawers by Dal Vera, Italy, 1970's
Located in Cork, IE
This mid-century modern bamboo and wicker bureau adds a touch Italian riviera to any working space! Handcrafted by the most sought-after Italian design house, Dal Vera, this writing...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Reed

20th Century Regency Style Black Lacquered Desk
Located in Houston, TX
20th Century Regency style black lacquered desk featuring brass ormolu and hardware with gilt embossed white leather top.
Category

20th Century Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Walnut Art Deco Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
Outlined in a sleek, stepped motif, this exquisite piece is finished in a rich figured walnut, exuding warmth and sophistication. The streamlined form, tapered legs, and metal-capped...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Swedish Grace Elmroot Table, Circa 1940s
Located in New York, NY
A Swedish Grace, elm, elm root and ebonized table or desk by Erik Chambert, with a rectangular top raised on rectangular supports with leaf-tip carving and carved scrolled feet.
Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Elm

Danish Modern Floating Top Teak Desk by G.V. Møbler
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful Danish modern floating top teak desk manufactured by G.V. Møbler in Denmark, circa 1960s. This desk has an innovative design where you can appreciate the fine attention to ...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Süe & Mare rosewood and amboyna burl desk 1921
Located in Paris, IDF
This walnut, rosewood, and amboyna burl veneer desk dates from the early 1920s and was created by Louis Süe and André Mare. It takes us straight to the height of the Art Deco period....
Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Amboyna

Cabinet with writing desk 'Bauletto' production Saporiti, design by Giovanni Offredi
Located in Milano, IT
Chest of drawers with sliding door top for rolling up, pull-out top that can be used as a writing desk, one drawer and internal storage compartments, four drawers. Metal handles and ...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

French Wood Table by Charles Dudouyt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredible wood table by Charles Dudouyt, made in France, 1940's. Rectangular top with four thick carved wood legs and ball feet. Newly refinished in light stain showing nice grain ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Wood

18th Century Walnut Writing Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
A Queen Anne era Walnut writing table, with bordered edge and book matched burl walnut veneer with mixed wood inlays to the top with rounded corners to the front, shaped inlay apron,...
Category

Mid-18th Century Unknown Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Boomerang Desk by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno Milano, 1950s Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Architectural black boomerang executive desk by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno Milano. Finished with leather desktop inclusion. Floating pedestal on right side and longer return on the le...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Gae Aulenti for Zanotta "Gaetano" Writing Table, Italy 1970s
Located in Naples, IT
Gaetano work table by Gae Aulenti for Zanotta with original glass top supported by two folding trestles in black and red enamelled metal. Timeless object. With its dry and essential ...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Mid-20th Century Executive Desk by Luigi Caccia Dominioni for Azucena, Italy
Located in New York, NY
Large desk, designed by Luigi Caccia Dominioni for Azucena in the 1960s. The desk stands on brass legs that are set back under the drawer elements, giving it an elegant, floating cha...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Vittorio Dassi Italy 50s
Located in Staffanstorp, SE
An exceptionally rare and sculptural executive desk by Vittorio Dassi for La Permanente Mobili Cantù, 1950s. This piece is more than a desk – it is an architectural statement with a...
Category

1950s Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

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

Scandinavian Modern Gunni Omann Rosewood Desk
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). There are 2 niches in the back that measures 11 inches wide...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Magnificent Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Leather Top Bureau Plat Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This antique 19th century French Louis XV bureau plat desk is a magnificent example of fine craftsmanship, luxury materials, and timeless design. Featuring a beautifully tooled black...
Category

1880s French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

"Volpi" writing desk with drawer in natural Brazilian wood, office table
Located in Alto da Lapa, SP
Alfredo Volpi is a Brazilian painter who, throughout his career, experimented with geometric shapes, especially variations on flag shapes. The Volpi desk is inspired by the geometric...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut

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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