Desks and Writing Tables
5
590
to
100
302
241
590
590
590
78
40
34
32
29
18
11
9
9
8
8
7
5
2
2
1
489
1,806
3,993
1,754
590
2,245
718
90
31
93
196
164
601
647
397
138
31
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
561
249
142
97
96
430
170
94
91
84
11
10
7
6
5
Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Period: Early 20th Century
Period: 1910s
Rare Flame Mahogany Bronze Mounted Leather Top Francois Linke Desk Bureau Plat
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delive...
Category
1910s French Directoire Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
20th Century Swedish Art Deco Jacarandawood Writing Table - Vintage Bronze Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A freestanding, vintage Art Deco Swedish writing table made of hand crafted polished Jacarandawood, in good condition. The rectangular Scandinavian desk has one large drawer in the c...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze, Brass, Metal
Chinese Red Lacquer Painting Table, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant elmwood painting table was crafted over a century ago by artisans in northern China. The broad tabletop provided an ideal surface for unfurling a scroll to compose poetr...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Elm
Early 20th Century Viennese Secession oak writing desk
Located in Prague 8, CZ
This luxurious-looking Art Nouveau writing desk was made in about 1910 in the former Austria-Hungary. It is made of oak wood. The table top is covered with green plush in the front. ...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Desk Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty - Attributed Louis Majorelle - 1900
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Desk Attributed Louis Majorelle
Style: Art Nouveau or Modernism or Jugendstil
Year: 1900
Materials : Furniture glass paste, bronze and wood.
Painted flowers
We have specialized in t...
Category
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Macassar Ebony French Art Deco Dining Table in the style of Dominique, c. 1940
By Dominique
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous French Art Deco dining table in exotic Macassar Ebony wood, which would also work beautifully as a desk, was just restored in a French Polish lacquer. From circa 1930s ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Macassar
Boulle Work Bureau Plat
Located in Cheshire, GB
A fine Régence style Bureau plat in the Manner of André-Charles Boulle, inlaid all over with intricate brass embellishments on a red tortoiseshell ground and having ornate gilt metal...
Category
Early 20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Superb Turn of the Century Pedestal Desk
Located in Whaley Bridge, GB
Sn5229 Outstanding turn of the century mahogany pedestals desk, having black tooled leather to the top and two side sliders also with the same leather all showing minor signs of usag...
Category
Early 20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Desk Art Deco in Wood from France 1920 " Free Shipping in Florida "
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
"Free shipping in florida" It was exhibited at Palm beach "American International Fine Art Fair (AIFAF)"
Desk
Year 1920
French
Wood and chrome
Finish: polyurethanic lacquer
It is an...
Category
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Eugenio Quarti desk, Chair and Trah in Style Liberty or Art Nouveau, Jugestails
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Eugenio Quarti (Desk , chair and Trash )
Style: Liberty or Art Nouveau or Modernism or Jugendstil
Furniture realized mainly in inlays of nacre and metallic applications, parchament
bronze ferrules.
We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles since 1982.If you have any questions we are at your disposal
Pushing the button that reads 'View All From Seller'. And you can see more objects to the style for sale.
Eugenio Quarti was born in Villa d'Almè, a small village in the province of Bergamo, from an artisan family of woodworkers. In 1881, at the age of 14 years old he goes to Paris, where he will learn new techniques and broaden his horizons. In 1886, he returned to Italy and settled in Milan where he worked, for a short period, with Carlo Bugatti and then open his own workshop in via Donizetti 3.
His early works are strongly marked by Bugatti Moorish’s style, but already the exhibition of Turin of 1898 you can see the first signs of Art Nouveau and his personal style. He was always attentive to the quality and originality of his accomplishments, always attentive to every art form. Furniture realized mainly in walnut with inlays of nacre and metallic applications. Develop over time a harmonic elegance of the decor, with thread-like grounds, valuable wood species and inlays and high quality bezels with fine materials (nacre, silver, copper, bronze, pewter, etc.), this characteristic was called "the goldsmith of furniture makers."
In 1900 he participates at the Paris International exposition where he received the "Grand Prix" of the jury. Will participate in a number of other exposures as that of Turin in 1902 and Milan in 1906 where he will receive the "Grand Royal Award" and the "Diploma of gold medal".
Eugenio Quarti worked with the most prestigious architects of his time (Giuseppe Sommaruga, Luigi Broggi, Alfredo Campanini, etc.) well as with the great artists/craftsmen of his time as Alessandro Mazzucotelli. He also worked as a decorator, designing entire furniture for both public and private buildings. It was he who designed the furniture for Palazzo Castiglioni in Milan, Villa Carosio in Baveno, Grand Hotel and Casino in San Pellegrino Terme, Hungaria Palace Hotel in Venice Lido. One of his most significant works were the vessels of the "Bar Camparino", at the entrance site of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan. however not disdain also committed less important such as the furniture for Villa Mariani to Bordighera residence of the painter Pompeo Mariani...
Category
Early 1900s Italian Art Nouveau Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Red Lacquer Early 20th Century Two Drawer Desk with Brass Hardware
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese red lacquer desk from the early 20th century, with two drawers and brass hardware. Created in China during the early years of the 20th century, this red lacquer desk featur...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Vintage Writing Desk in Wood and Glass with Armchair
Located in Milano, IT
Gorgeous vintage wooden and glass desk of fine Italian manufacture from the rationalist period of the 1920s/30s.
The vintage writing desk is very rare and distinctive.
The top is made entirely of clear glass, elegant and fine, rectangular shape, with some brass elements to give more stability. The top fits perfectly into the wooden frame.
The base is the centerpiece, with its sinuous shapes worthy of such a rare piece. The base is made totally of light blue wood, beautiful and rare. The shapes are asymmetrical and resemble those of a Greek capital...
Category
1920s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Antique Bentwood Desk by Jacob and Josef Kohn Austria c.1910
Located in London, GB
A beautiful and extremely rare desk made by the high end manufacturers Jacob and Josef Kohn. This was most likely designed by Josef Frank, it was made in Austria and dates from around 1900-1910 period.
The original Jacob and Josef Kohn label is seen below the top, and this has all the hallmarks of their quality pieces. It is beautifully made with a bentwood frame, solid beach desk...
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Edwardian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Beech, Bentwood, Leather
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Mahogany Leather Top Bureau Plat
Located in Forney, TX
An antique Louis XVI style writing desk with beautiful patina. Hand crafted in France in the early 20th century, featuring a rich mahogany finish adorned with gilt bronze ormolu moun...
Category
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Early 20th Spanish Mobila Country Farm Desk Table or Butcher Block
Located in Miami, FL
A charming early 20th century Spanish pine farm table with six legs and a wonderfully well-worn finish from a century of use. Table works well for ...
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Spanish Colonial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Unusual Transition Style Marquetry and Gilt Bronze Double Sided Writing Desk
Located in London, GB
Unusual Transition style marquetry and gilt bronze double sided writing desk
French, early 20th Century
Height 98cm, width 130cm, depth 94cm
This rare doubled-sided writing desk...
Category
Early 20th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu
Secession Side Table Attributed Otto Prutscher
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Secession side table Otto Prutscher. Professionally stained and repolished.
Category
1910s Austrian Vienna Secession Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Early American Raise Top School Desk
Located in Sheffield, MA
An American raise top school desk with great aged wear. Make a wonderful stand for an entry hallway, kitchen or mud room stand to hold miscellaneous keys an...
Category
Early 20th Century North American American Classical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
French Design, Louis XVI, Small Desk, Vanity, Brown Parquetry, Marquetry, 1900s
Located in Stamford, CT
French 19th or early 20th century Louis XVI style gilt bronze mounted parquetry & marquetry dressing table, desk or vanity with interior flip up mirror. This stunning ladies desk or ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Axel-Einar Hjorth, 'Lovö' Table, Nordiska Kompaniet, 1932
Located in Berlin, DE
Pine 'Lovö' table by Swedish Modernist Axel-Einar Hjorth, manufactured by Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden, circa 1932.
Best known for his modern reduced design, this table by Axel-Eina...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Desk marquetry with Ormolu Bronze by F.Linke
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Magnificent desk in marquetry and ormolu bronze bear the mark of F.Linke
transitional style XV, XVI.
Category
Early 1900s Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Very Fine Edwardian Satinwood Writing Desk or Dressing Table
Located in Dublin, IE
A very fine Edwardian satinwood writing desk or dressing table, the moulded cross banded top raised over shaped frieze with reeded ebonised deta...
Category
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Early Gustav Stickley Ebonized Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Writing Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission oak Arts & Crafts writing desk
By Gustav Stickley (original label present)
USA, Circa 1900
Solid quarter sawn oak in original ebonized...
Category
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Copper
Early 20th Carved Walnut Desk or Dining Table with Three Drawers
Located in Miami, FL
The 19th century Spanish Renaissance walnut desk is a splendid example of the breed, with classical architecture enhanced by hand-carved reliefs in an abstract expression of the Rena...
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Renaissance Revival Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Hepplewhite Sheraton Style Inlaid Mahogany Tambour Writing Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This American made 1920s era mahogany piece is made in the quality level of New York makers. With the leather top removed, the metal tray makes a convenient wine tasting tray or table.
Category
1920s American Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Signed Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Desk, Circa 1900
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission oak Arts & Crafts writing desk
By Gustav Stickley (original label present)
USA, Circa 1900
Solid quarter sawn oak, with original hamme...
Category
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Copper
Very Fine Edwardian Pedestal Desk
Located in Dublin, IE
A very fine Edwardian mahogany and satinwood line inlaid pedestal desk, the moulded top inset with gilt embossed red tooled leather writing skiver surface raised over frieze with two...
Category
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Set of Modernist Chair and Writing Table, Circa Early 20th Century
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of chair and writing table by unknown manufacturer from Spain, circa early 20th century.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beaut...
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Mahogany Writing Table
Located in Cheshire, GB
Mahogany writing table, the rectangular top with a raised three-quarter gallery. Above an arrangement of drawers with brass handles. All raised ...
Category
Early 20th Century British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
20th Century French Art Deco Walnut Writing Table - Vintage Office Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage French Art Deco writing table with rounded sides, made of hand crafted polished, partly veneered Walnut with a tubular steel footrest, in good condition. The freestanding d...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Chrome, Steel
English Kidney Shaped Kneehole Writing Desk of Mahogany with Leather Top
Located in Austin, TX
A fine English kidney shaped kneehole writing desk from the Edwardian era, featuring a demi-lune top with original leather writing surface decorated with gold tooling in a Greek Key ...
Category
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
French Louis XV Style Kingwood Parquetry Bonheur du jour
Located in Forney, TX
Sophisticated French elegance at its finest, we offer this rare Belle Époque period light and graceful bonheur du jour (writing table - petite / lady's desk) with beautifully aged patina.
Finely hand crafted in France in the early 20th century, finished in luxurious Louis XV taste, this exceptionally executed Parisian work features exotic Kingwood parquetry inlays, an exquisitely shaped cartonnier (an ornamental box...
Category
Early 20th Century Belle Époque Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Louis XVI Style Tulipwood Writing Table
Located in Essex, MA
With new black tooled leather top and cross banded edge and brass edge over a frieze with three drawers and raised on square tapered legs. Provenance ; Waldorf Towers NYC. L. Supplie...
Category
1920s French Louis XVI Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Unusual Art Deco Writing Desk, Oak and Walnut Veneer, Czechia 'Bohemia', 1930s
Located in Horomerice, CZ
Restored Art Deco writing desk.
Unusual combination of oak and walnut veneer.
Chrome-plated steel handles.
Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia)
Period: 1930-1939.
Category
Early 20th Century Czech Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Early 20th Century Writing Desk in Walnut with Inlay by Meroni & Fossati
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Italian elegant early 20th century Directoire writing desk in walnut massive and veneered with inlay on the top by Meroni & Fossati. Wax polished
Useful height under central drawer 60 cm.
To better understand the Directoire style of this desk
Directoire style was a period in the decorative arts, fashion, and especially furniture design in France concurrent with the Directory (November 2, 1795–November 10, 1799), the later part of the French Revolution. The style uses Neoclassical architectural forms, minimal carving, planar expanses of highly grained veneers, and applied decorative painting. It is a style transitional between Louis XVI and Empire.
The Directoire style was primarily established by the architects and designers Charles Percier (1764–1838) and Pier François Léonard Fontaine (1762–1853). In its use of Neoclassical architectural form and decorative motifs the style anticipates the slightly later and more elaborate Empire style, which was introduced after Napoleon established the First French Empire.
The Directoire style reflected the Revolutionary belief in the values of republican Rome:
"The stoic virtues of Republican Rome were upheld as standards not merely for the arts but also for political behaviour and private morality. Conventionels saw themselves as antique...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Directoire Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Fine Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Side/Writing Table by François Linke
Located in New York, NY
Fine early 20th century gilt bronze mounted Louis XV style side/writing table by François Linke
François Linke – Index Number 49
The shaped rectangular fleur de pecher marble t...
Category
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Bronze
19th Century Adjustable Drafting Table in Cast Iron with Rare Skull Painting
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this 19th century adjustable drafting table in cast iron with amazing skull painting on top. The table supported by a finely cast iron base. T...
Category
1920s American Industrial Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
Antique Gothic Desk w. Hand Carved Church Windows, Holy Men, Chimeras & Drawers
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique early 1900s, solid nutwood, Gothic Revival writing table.
If you are a collector of unique, great looking and practical to use Gothic antiques then this striking desk could be flying your way soon. This antique writing table has the most beautiful top that we have ever seen on a Gothic desk. The top is actually inlaid with a stunning burl nutwood and to make it even more special, the extra 'slides' on the sides (the ones that can make this desk more than 8.5 feet wide) have been inlaid with the exact same burl 'star pattern'. We feel this desk must have always been used with a glass top, because we have also never seen an unrestored desk of this age with a mint desk...
Category
Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron, Wrought Iron
Fine French 19th-20th Century Louis XV Style Giltwood Carved Center Hall Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine French 19th-20th century Louis XV style giltwood carved center gall table with marble top. The rectangular shaped frame intricately carved frame with an "X" stretcher centered...
Category
Early 1900s French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble
Antique Kittinger Spanish Colonial Walnut Fall Front Secretary Desk Barley Twist
Located in Dayton, OH
"Extremely rare 1 of a kind early Kittinger Spanish Colonial fall front secretary or library desk. A Rectangular form made from solid walnut with tra...
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Colonial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Very Fine Edwardian Mahogany Ladies Desk or Vanity Cabinet
Located in Dublin, IE
A very fine Edwardian mahogany ladies desk or vanity cabinet, the broken swan neck pediment inlaid with shell and scrolling foliate motif raised over a pair of astragal glazed cabinet...
Category
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Louis XIII Style French Walnut Side Table
Located in Winter Park, FL
A Louis XIII style French side table made of solid hand-carved walnut. Elaborately detailed in a Neo Renaissance style with fine turned legs forming an arched colonnade over the cent...
Category
Early 20th Century French Louis XIII Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Louis XVl Style Mahogany and Marquetry Bonheur du Jour
Located in Montreal, QC
A writing table with a fitted superstructure, this beautifully crafted and elegant piece has all the positive attributes. The upper section is enclosed by a pair of doors each with o...
Category
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Outstanding Quality Antique Edwardian Inlaid Mahogany Reading Table
Located in Suffolk, GB
Outstanding quality antique Edwardian inlaid mahogany reading table having a quality lift up ratchet top with charming satinwood inlaid urns, bows and swags above three frieze drawer...
Category
Early 1900s European Edwardian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Other
Antique Liegoise Writing Table with 2 Drawers
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique Liegoise writing table with 2 drawers is a splendid example of the time-honored traditions of quality craftsmanship for which the region is so well known for the past centuri...
Category
Early 20th Century Belgian Louis XIV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
White German Bauhaus Chrome Plated Steel Writing Desk, Made in the 1930s
Located in Horomerice, CZ
Desk with a tubular chromed steel frame
Manufactured in the 1930s.
Wood is completely restored. The original veneer is preserved.
Tubular steel with original chrome plating and p...
Category
Early 20th Century German Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Directoire Style Small Bureau Plat
Located in Sheffield, MA
Directoire Maison Jansen style desk. Label inside drawer inscribed "A. Alavoine and Co., NY and Paris." Leather inset writing surface, drawer ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Louis XVI Style 19th-20th Century Bronze Mounted Desk Manner Linke
Located in Stamford, CT
Louis XVI style 19th-20th century bronze mounted desk manner Linke. This spectacular French desk can sit center room as it is finished on all sides with its stunning parquetry inlays...
Category
Early 20th Century Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Red Lacquer Desk
Located in Greenwich, CT
Red lacquer desk with three drawers with pierce carvings motif.
Category
1920s Chinese Ming Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Lacquer
Spanish Colonial Desk or Console Table with Two Drawers Signed by Valentí
By Valenti
Located in Miami, FL
Spanish colonial desk or console table with two drawers signed by Valentí
This piece has a two-pedestal legs with an awesome carved. The top has a red leather.
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Spanish Colonial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Ebonized Antique French Marble Top Writing Desk
Located in Locust Valley, NY
Ebonized antique French writing desk with coral marble top, a single drawer, and cabriole legs ending in brass hoof caps.
Category
Early 20th Century Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble
Antique Liberty Chinoiserie Hardwood Writing Side Occasional Table
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique fine quality carved Chinoiserie hardwood writing side or occasional table. Believed to have originally come from Liberty C1900. Decorated with Foo dogs, trees and plants.
...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Early 20th Century French Empire Style Roll-Top Desk
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century French Empire style roll-top desk
French, early 20th century
Dimensions: Height 113cm, width 84cm, depth 62cm
This charming roll-top desk is crafted from ormo...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Early 20th Century French Hand Carved Oak Kidney Shaped Console Table or Desk
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A very elegant hand carved oak console table, writing desk or dressing table, France, circa 1910-1920. A very good quality piece with molded edges and carved detailing on cariole leg...
Category
Early 20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Beautiful English Desk, Light Mahogany , Early 20th Century
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful English desk, light mahogany 19th century
Classic English desk with real leather top. 3 parts - writing surface + 2 drawer containers. Solid wood made of light mahogany ...
Category
Early 20th Century English Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Unique Czech Art Deco Secretary/Writing Desk, Rosewood 1920-1929
Located in Horomerice, CZ
Art Deco sideboard and secretary made out of rosewood
Material: Rosewood
Completely restored, Shellac polish.
Period: 1920-1929
Source: Czechia.
Category
1920s Czech Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Rosewood, Lacquer
Antique Japanese Meiji Export Hardwood Mt. Fuji Dragon Carved Desk and Chair Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Japanese Meiji period export hardwood Mt. Fuji dragon carved desk and chair set. Set includes (1) chair, (1) desk, Mt. Fuji and dragon carvings, ball and claw feet, scale car...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Art Deco Secretaire by Jacques Adnet
Located in Miami, FL
This secretaire desk was designed by Jacques Adnet, and was made in Tamo Ash Wood. The style of this secretaire features sleek lines, geometric shapes and a ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Ash
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.
Read More
This 19th-Century Gilded Desk Displays a Fanciful Kingdom in Marquetry
The stately piece brings both gravitas and whimsy to any work space.
Ask an Interior Designer: Work-from-Home Edition
Leaping into a design project, whether it's refreshing the bedroom or redoing the whole house, can be overwhelming. Luckily, we know more than a few interior designers. You asked questions on Instagram, and now they're answering.
18 Home Offices for Workaholic Design-Lovers
Proof that working from home is a perk.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Writing Desk With Fluted Legs
Wooden Desk Italian
Wood Desk With Metal Legs
Cabriole Bureau
Writing Slope Desk
Writing Desk Sloping
18th Century Style Desk
Bureau Plat Bronze
Black Glass Top Desk
Xvi Bureau
Wood Partners Desk
Vintage Bank Desk
Writing Table Mahogany Regency
Writing Table Brass Mount
Carved Walnut Desk French
Blue Painted Desk
American Desk 19th Century
Mid Century Black Writing Desk With Drawers