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Desks and Writing Tables

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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Period: Mid-20th Century
Period: Late 19th Century
Vintage Swedish Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Teak Wood Desk with Drawers
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This classic desk was made in Sweden during the 1960s. It is made of brown-gold teak with black elements. Teak wood is very durable, it comes from four types of teak trees. The high ...
Category

1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

20th Century Inlaid Wood Gold Bronze French Louis XV Style Writing Desk, 1960s
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
Italian writing desk from the mid-20th century. Wavy and rounded furniture, in Louis XV style, pleasantly inlaid in walnut, palisander, mahogany, rosewood and fruitwood. Desk finishe...
Category

1960s French Louis XV Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Napoleon Brass Ormolu Mounted 3 Drawer Writing Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Napoleon Brass Ormolu Mounted 3 Drawer Writing Desk Antique French Napoleon III writing desk, made of mahogany wood, covered with remarkable marquetry veneers and fin...
Category

1930s French Napoleon III Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Teak desk with mirror
Located in Brescia, IT
Nordic-made dressing table/desk from the 1960s with drop-down top. Scandinavian teak furniture that combines aesthetics and functionality. This small dressing table is distinguished...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

19th Century Spanish Renaissance Style Walnut Writing Table with Iron Stretcher
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This small scale late nineteenth century Spanish Renaissance style table features a 29-inch wide oak top joined to its elegantly curved legs by means of two splines that run the enti...
Category

Late 19th Century French Renaissance Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Scrittoio Anni 40 in noce e radica
Located in Milano, IT
Scrittoio con cassetti laterali in legno impiallacciato noce e con il piano in legno impiallacciato radica. Buone condizioni.
Category

1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Danish Desk by Svend Aage Madsen for HP Hansen
Located in London, GB
A stunning vintage Danish desk by Svend Aage Madsen for HP Hansen. This was recently imported from Denmark, it dates from the 1960’s. It is of superb quality and has an incredibly s...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Vittorio Dassi Desk Minimal Geometric Mahogany and Laminate Midcentury
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Vittorio Dassi desk minimal geometric mahogany and laminate midcentury. The parts in colored laminate have some defects, see photos.
Category

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

Materials

Laminate, Mahogany

Danish Oak Desk attributed to Henning Kjaernulf, mid-century
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Solid oak writing desk complete with drawers, attributed to the Danish furniture designer Henning Henry Kjærnulf, a compelling piece. This creation harmoniously blends bold Baroque e...
Category

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

Materials

Oak

American Mid Century Modern Paul McCobb Planner Group Maple # 1560 Desk 1950's
Located in Portland, OR
A good American Mid Century Modern, "Planner Group" maple desk designed by Paul McCobb, 1950's. This iconic and elegant desk by P:aul McCobb having a pair of graduated drawers to the...
Category

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

Materials

Maple

Vintage Swedish Desk by Karl Erik Ekselius
Located in London, GB
A large and extremely impressive vintage Swedish desk by Karl Erik Ekselius. It was made in Sweden by JOC Mobel, it dates from the 1960’s. It is of outstanding quality, the grain pa...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Antique French Carved Oak Writing Desk Secretary AND Chair Breton Brittany SET
Located in Shreveport, LA
Antique French Carved Oak Writing Desk Secretary AND Chair Breton Brittany SET. Direct from France, a wonderful antique French writing desk AN...
Category

Late 19th Century French French Provincial Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Oak

1940s Art Deco Italian Walnut Burl Black Glass Waterfall Writing Desk Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful Italian Art Deco Mid-Century Modern desk writing table, in veneer burl wood and precious black opaline glass top, with elegant carved frame and curved sides highlighted by ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Opaline Glass, Wood

Drop Leaf Extending Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Teak mid-century desk with extra leaf that lifts and slides to extend the desk to 5.5 feet wide. Two drawers, including file size, with inset wood handles. Please confirm location NY...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Desk by Valdemar Mortensen, 1960s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak desk by Valdemar Mortensen, 1960s. High-end freestanding executive teak writing table by Danish master carpenter Valdemar Mortensen from Odense, Denmar...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Atomic reverse boomerang executive desk with bar
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Arne Vodder Manufacturer: Unknown Era: 1960s Materials: Teak Measurements: 61.5″ wide x 43.25″ deep x 29.5″ tall Condition: In excellent original condition...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Desk by Gianni Moschatelli for Formanova, 1960s
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Formanova dattilo table design Gianni Moschatelli, cherry wood top, dark steel base marked inside Formanova. Packaging with bubble wrap and cardboard boxes is included. If the wooden...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

A John Von Koert for Drexel mid century modern walnut tambour Profile Desk
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

Nanna Ditzel Teak Danish Desk Circa 1955
Located in Norwich, GB
A super sleek iconic Danish mid century teak four drawer desk designed by Nanna Ditzel. Circa late 1950's. Affectionately known later as the cassette-shape desk, it has been re-fini...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Scrivania di Florence Knoll Anni 60
Located in Milano, IT
Grande scrivania con base in alluminio, piano con piccoli cassetti, legno impiallacciato legno esotico.
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Danish Modern Executive Desk by Arne Vodder for Sibast, 1960s
Located in Zagreb, HR
Model 207 desk by Arne Vodder is a well known classic of Danish Modern furniture and highly sought after. Manufactured by Sibast in the 1960’s. The desk is made out of solid wood, m...
Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

Thomasville "Tamerlane" Writing Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
An exceptionally made and extremely rare Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie desk from the "Tamerlane" collection by Thomasville Furniture, circa 1950's. THOMASVILLE TIMELESS TAMERLANE -- ...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Torben Strandgaard Desk by Møbelfabriken Falster
Located in Highland, IN
This beautiful Danish modern writing desk by Torben Strandgaard is finely crafted by Møbelfabriken Falster and beautifully detailed with an architectural aluminum frame, floating cab...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Restored Rattan and Formica Desk with Drawers and Hourglass Rattan Sides
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This restored mid-century desk showcases blonde Formica with drawers, enclosed in an hourglass-shaped rattan frame. It's unique design flaunts curved rattan drawer pulls, exuding a t...
Category

1950s Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rattan, Formica

Bernhardt Pedersen Danish Mid Century Modern Rosewood Roll Top Desk
Located in Plainview, NY
A rare Bernhardt Pedersen & Son Danish Mid Century Modern roll top writing desk crafted from beautifully grained rosewood, the desk emanates a warm and inviting aura, drawing attenti...
Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

Rosewood desk by Torbjørn Afda
Located in PARIS, FR
A unique and typical design by Torbjorn Afdal, considered one of the most important Scandinavian designers of the 50s and 60s. With a clean and pure form this desk has two drawers wi...
Category

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

Materials

Palisander

Cees Braakman Pastoe Desk 60's
Located in Bunnik, NL
A neat desk designed by Cees Braakman for the Pastoe label. An extremely rare model with two cabinets on metal legs. The desk is veneered, the internal drawers have been renovated. A...
Category

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

Materials

Bentwood

Large Executive Walnut Writing Desk by Jens Risom, 1960s
Located in Chesham, GB
A walnut executive Danish designed desk by Jens Risom and manufactured in the U.S.A by by Jens Risom Design. Designer - Jens Risom Manufacturer - Jens Risom Design Design Period -...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Teak Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern writing desk in teak wood. Simple design with a two drawer bank and tapered legs. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Large Desk by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, Italy, 1956
Located in Barcelona, ES
Large desk designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1956 for Bernini, Italy. Walnut wood with two drawers and two spaces in the front side and other four spaces in the back side.
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Desk Fryklund in pine by Carl Malmsten
Located in Göteborg, SE
The desk "Fryklund" by Carl Malmsten in pine is a classic and timeless high-quality piece of furniture, designed to suit both modern and traditional home interiors. Made from solid p...
Category

1930s Swedish Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Classic Mid-Century Three Drawer Oak Desk
Located in San Francisco, CA
Classic Mid-Century Three Drawer Oak Desk Beautiful grain top and brass feet 48 x 20 3.75 x 29
Category

1940s Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Exquisite Restyled Vintage 1950s Desk by RETRO4M
Located in Rome, IT
Presenting a masterpiece of timeless elegance: the meticulously restored and restyled vintage desk from the 1950s, crafted with meticulous care by RETRO4M. This exceptional piece sea...
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Iron

Danish Cabinetmaker Rosewood Desk, c1950s
Located in London, GB
Danish Cabinetmaker - Writing Desk, c1940s A beautifully made cabinetmaker desk, produced in Denmark c1950s. This exquisite, classical desk is in immaculate refinished condition and...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Art Deco Table J. Halabala
Located in Kraków, Małopolska
Art Deco table by J. Halabala from 1960s. Art Deco table by the famous Czech designer J. Halabala, 1940. Jindrich Halabala, (a Czech designer ranked among the most outstanding creat...
Category

1950s Czech Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Bert England Walnut Desk for John Widdicomb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Bert England for John Widdicomb faux-Tourtise shell finish body with a black vinyl work surface and drawer fronts. Asian inspired brass handles. Desk is finished on all sides! Fin...
Category

1960s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Faux Leather, Walnut

Rare Desk H-55 by Åke Hassbjer in teak and steel base, 1950s
By Oscar Edv. Ekelund
Located in Göteborg, SE
Very rare desk of Åke Hassbjer! During his career, Åke Hassbjer would create models and environments for several different manufacturers. He has designed several pieces of furniture...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Rare Small Desk for Bloch, by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This writing table by Joaquim Tenreiro is a paragon of Brazilian mid-century modernism, distinguished by its sleek geometry, graceful proportions, and a seamless blend of time-honore...
Category

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

Materials

Hardwood

Danish Oak Desk attributed to Henning Kjaernulf, mid-century
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Solid oak writing desk complete with drawers, attributed to the Danish furniture designer Henning Henry Kjærnulf, a compelling piece. This creation harmoniously blends bold Baroque e...
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Art Deco German Curved Desk in Walnut
Located in Houston, TX
Elegant German Art Deco Desk is made out of walnut wood. Has slightly curved top with leather insert in the middle. There is thin keyed drawer. Desk is supported by 2 wide rectangula...
Category

1940s German Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Black Onyx Glass & Walnut Italian Mid-Century Modern Executive Desk by Gio Ponti
Located in New York, NY
A Rare and Elegant Italian MId-Century Modern Neoclassical Desk / Writing Table by Gio Ponti in solid walnut with an inset top of black onyx glass and brass details. Ponti's design a...
Category

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

Materials

Onyx, Brass

Pilastro Style Dutch Industrial Desk, 1950's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Colorful and wonderfully designed, 1950s Mid-Century industrial writing desk. A stunning example of Dutch post-war design with slightly angled black enameled legs and a gray metal fr...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

19th Century English Pine Desk
Located in Nashville, TN
This is a great little English pine Desk/Side Table with a single drawer. The warm color of the English pine makes for a great transitional piece. #689
Category

1880s English Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Mid-century teak desk, The Netherlands 1960's
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Teak veneer desk with drawers which can be locked. The top has been sand and laquered
Category

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

Materials

Teak

A Mid-Century Writing Desk Attributed to Gio Ponti
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
A Mid-Century writing desk. Mahogany and beech wood with three draws and lift up hinged top. Attributed to Gio Ponti. Dimension: H 78cm W 120cm D 69cm Origin: Italian Date: 1950 ...
Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

1950s Television table/desk from Televise
By Teleavia
Located in London, Lambeth
Super Stylist table originally used for vintage TV easily re used as a desk angled black legs with polished oak surface sitting on castors make it easy for mobility. Cc Italian
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Boomerang Desk by Maurice Calka
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Iconic fiberglass Boomerang desk designed by Maurice Calka for EDITION LELEU DESHAYS Published in Xavier De Jarcy's book "Maurice Calka Le Sculpteur Du Design" page 222.
Category

1960s French Futurist Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Fiberglass

Paolo Buffa grissinato wood desk with four drawers, Italy 1940s
By Paolo Buffa, Galdino Maspero
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid and essential Paolo Buffa Desk in grissinato wood with four drawers and saber legs. Iconic Paolo Buffa design manufactured by Galdino Maspero, Italy 1940s
Category

1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

France Desk Art Deco, 1950, France, Material: Wood Attributed to Jean Souvrain
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
French Desk Style: Art Deco Year 1940 Wood and bronze Finish: polyurethanic lacquer. It is an elegant and sophisticated dream desk. The quality of the furniture and the exotic wood...
Category

1940s French Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Bauhaus tubular steel writing desk
Located in PRAHA 4, CZ
The offered tubular steel Bauhaus writing desk impresses with its hight class design. It has been professionally refurbished and is free of any defects and ready for a daily use. An ...
Category

1930s German Bauhaus Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Art Deco Table J.Halabala from 1960
Located in Kraków, Małopolska
Art Deco table by J. Halabala from 1960s. The piece of furniture was made of walnut tree. Art Deco table by the famous Czech designer J. Halabala, 1950. Jindrich Halabala - (a Czech ...
Category

1950s Czech Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Danish 8 Drawer Teak Desk with Bookcase Back, 1960s
Located in Chesham, GB
Design Period - 1960 to 1969 Country of Manufacture - Denmark Style - Mid-Century Detailed Condition - Good with minimal defects. Restoration and Damage Details - Light wear cons...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Art Deco Table J.Halabala from 1960
Located in Kraków, Małopolska
Art Deco table by J. Halabala from 1960s. The piece of furniture was made of walnut tree. Art Deco table by the famous Czech designer J. Halabala, 1950. Jindrich Halabala - (a Czech ...
Category

1950s Czech Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Art Deco Table J.Halabala from 1960
Located in Kraków, Małopolska
Art Deco table by J. Halabala from 1960s. The piece of furniture was made of walnut tree. Art Deco table by the famous Czech designer J. Halabala, 1950. Jindrich Halabala - (a Czech ...
Category

1950s Czech Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Italian-made executive desk from the 1950s
Located in Genova, IT
Large Italian-made executive desk from the early 1950s. Dark blue formica(original) covered worktop in excellent condition, resting on two walnut wood 'towers' with black metal legs...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

1930s "Record" desk by Axel Einar Hjorth, NK, Sweden, 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Luxurious “Record” desk by Axel Einar Hjorth, with birch root top and sides and framed with contrasting zebrano. Asymmetric design with drawers on the right and elegantly curved left...
Category

1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birch, Zebra Wood

Military Campaign Style Desk Table in Wood, Brass and Leather, Italy 1960s
Located in Rome, IT
Amazing desk table in the antique military campaign style in wood, brass and leather top with three drawers by Sea Line Orvieto. Made in Italy in the 1960s. It has three good size...
Category

1960s Italian Campaign Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Eclectic 19th century carved walnut desk and chair
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century carved walnut desk and chair circa 1880. Superb quality desk with original chair made by anders svensson of malmo.  Svensson was a ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Aesthetic Movement Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

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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