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Desks and Writing Tables

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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Period: Early 20th Century
Period: Early 1900s
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

American Drafting Table
Located in New York, NY
Adjustable wood top, cast iron base drafting table. This table adjusts in height from tallest position (42") to lowest (30.5") and the to...
Category

Early 20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

French, Oak Child's School Desk c. 1900's
Located in London, GB
This French 1900's Oak child's school desk is a rare find that exudes immense character. The desk bears the markings of many children who have used it over the years, adding to its c...
Category

Early 1900s French French Provincial Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Louis XVI Style Writing Desk
Located in Austin, TX
Writing desk from France in the Louis XVI style. This piece has been ebonized and finished with a lustrous French polish. There are five dovetailed drawers all with brass original ha...
Category

1920s French Louis XVI Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

American Aesthetic Oak Partners Desk manner Louis Comfort Tiffany
Located in Buffalo, NY
American Aesthetic Oak Partners Desk manner Louis Comfort Tiffany.. Large and handsome antique oak partner's desk, Gorgeous grain, brass hardware.carving to the massive feet.Drawers ...
Category

1920s American Aesthetic Movement Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique Spanish Trestle-Leg & Iron Stretcher Desk, Elaborately Carved
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Spanish elaborately carved wood desk, with trestle-legs and forged-iron stretchers, from the turn of the 19th and 20th century. This antique table from Spain has a rectangular-shap...
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique Burr Walnut Kneehole Desk
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a good quality antique burr walnut kneehole desk, having a cross banded and quarter veneered top, with cross grain mouldings to the edge, above an arrangement of seven dr...
Category

Early 20th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, Oak, Chrome-Plated Steel, Germany, 1930s
Located in Horomerice, CZ
Desk dimensions: Height: 79 cm (31.1 in) Width: 110 cm (43.3 in) Depth: 63 cm (24.8 in) Leg space: Height: 74 cm (29.1 in) Width: 68 cm (26.8 in) Made according to the design of Ma...
Category

Early 20th Century German Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, Steel, Glass, Germany, 1940s
Located in Horomerice, CZ
Dimensions of the desk: Height: 70 cm (27.6 in) Width: 100 cm (39.4 in) Depth: 55 cm (21.7 in) Leg space: Height: 67.5 cm (26.6 in) Width: 45 cm (17.7 in) Our professional refurbis...
Category

Early 20th Century German Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome, Metal

Stunning Art Deco Writing Desk in Book Matched Burl Veneer 1930s
Located in Tilburg, NL
Stunning Art Deco Writing Desk in Book Matched Burl Veneer, Europe, 1930s. This is a wonderful and very stylish art deco desk or writing table in beautiful book matched burl veneer....
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Burl

Jacques Adnet President Oak Desk, France 1940's
Located in New York, NY
“President” Oak Desk on drawer pedestals and brass plinth, copper handles with original British green leather top, details abound in this piece such as the guest facing end with its ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Early 20th century Spanish writing table
Located in Malton, GB
This is a great designed early 20th century Spanish writing table. Made from solid walnut with a single slab top with an incredible patina. The carved drawer fronts give this a great...
Category

Early 20th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

French Maison Jansen Attributed Louis XVI Style Ebonized Desk
Located in Houston, TX
French Maison Jansen Attributed Louis XVI Style Ebonized Desk. We offer a gorgeous antique French Louis XVI style ebonized desk or bureau plat with a red leather top embossed with g...
Category

1920s French Louis XVI Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Antique Hardwood Pedestal Desk
Located in Dorchester, GB
A superb quality English early to mid 20th century pedestal desk. The build quality of this desk is second to none. Fine hand cut dovetailed joints, drawers made from a finely figu...
Category

Early 20th Century British Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique Wooden Glass and Brass Top Wash Stand
By Al Black
Located in Weymouth, MA
Antique authentic wooden wash stand. Top has three sided ledge and glass insert with brass corners. Original wood has a fine patina.
Category

Early 20th Century American American Colonial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Art Deco Desk in the style of Jacques-Emile Ruhlmann (1879-1933), France, 1920s
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Art Deco desk on curved tapered legs. The desk has a corresponding design on the front and back and offers plenty of storage space with four drawers. The left-hand drawer is ...
Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Palisander, Rosewood

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

Set of Art Nouveau Desk and Chair from "Seaweed" Collection by Louis Majorelle
Located in Dubai, AE
Original Art Nouveau home office furniture set (a desk and a chair) from "Algae" (Seaweed) collection by Louis Majorelle (1859-1926). The open-knee mahogany desk includes three drawe...
Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique Watchmaker’s or Jeweler’s Workbench or Desk, 1920s
Located in Brussels , BE
A wonderful 1920s watchmaker’s or jeweler’s multi-drawer wood workbench that’s a good height and size to serve as a standing desk when not seated on a tall stool or chair. We can als...
Category

1920s Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique Burr Walnut Leather Top Desk
Located in London, GB
An impressive and extremely well made antique burr walnut leather top desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1900-20 period. The quality is outstanding, this has s...
Category

Early 1900s British Queen Anne Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Stickley Brothers Style Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Desk With Bookcases
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table with built-in bookcases In the manner of Stickley Brothers USA, Circa 1900 Solid quarter sawn oak, wi...
Category

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

Materials

Copper

20th Century Inlaid Wood French Napoleon III Style Writing Desk, 1920
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
Elegant French writing desk from the first half of the 20th century in Napoleon III style. Finished for the centre piece of furniture with rich floral inlays in walnut, maple, mahoga...
Category

1920s French Napoleon III Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Grange French Regency Louis XVI Cherry Wood Leather Top Writing Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Regency Louis XVI style bureau plat desk or writing desk By Grange France, Circa Late 20th Century Solid cher...
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

A Stunning Edwardian Leather Top Desk after Edward and Roberts
Located in Dublin, IE
A stunning Edwardian richly patinated and beautifully figured mahogany desk in the manner of Edward and Roberts, London. This fabulous piece is of exceptional quality, stunningly ca...
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Early 20th C. Louis XVI Petite Desk/ Writing Table
Located in East Hampton, NY
A wonderful early 20th Century French Louis XVI style writing desk in ebonized black finish. Dating to around the 1940’s with original brass mounts and leather top. This is the epi...
Category

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Early 20th century satinwood sheraton revival desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century satinwood sheraton revival desk circa 1910. Fine quality petit sheraton revival pedestal desk, comprising of 3 sections, top surface and 2 pedestals. Shaped top ...
Category

Early 20th Century English Sheraton Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Satinwood

Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by Robert Slezák, Walnut, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
Located in Horomerice, CZ
Dimensions of the table: Height: 76 cm (29.9 in) Width: 150 cm (59.1 in) Depth: 75 cm (29.5 in) Leg space: Height: 71 cm (28 in) Width: 57 cm (22.4 in) Luxurious desk design in Cau...
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Desk or Library Table, Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Gorgeous quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper hardwa...
Category

Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Copper

Stickley Brothers Style Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Drop Front Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mission or Arts & Crafts slant front writing desk or secretary desk In the manner of Stickley Brothers USA, Circa 1900 Quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper h...
Category

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

Materials

Copper

English Edwardian Fully Fitted Oak Serpentine Roll Top Desk - Twin Pedestal
Located in Leicester, GB
Beautiful English Edwardian double pedestal, roll top oak desk. Handsomely made by ‘HLL’ Harris Lebus, London ‘Entirely English Make’. Classic English solid oak desk from the early 1...
Category

1910s British Edwardian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

English Edwardian Writing Table Bureaux
Located in Leicester, GB
Stunning English Edwardian slim cabinet bureaux in Mahogany. Beautiful inlay decoration. The writing table can be opened and closed with a key and a lock. Inside the writing table th...
Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Antique French Regence Stripped Oak Desk ~ Writing Table
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Regence Stripped Oak Desk ~ Writing Table is a delightful little desk that is ideal for efficient floor plans, home offices, or just as a convenient table for any room...
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XIV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Swedish Art Nouveau Style Oak Writing Desk
Located in Madrid, ES
Kidney-shaped oak writing desk with double chest of drawers with 8 drawers on each side. Wrought iron handles. Sides with magazine racks.
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Stickley Brothers Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Desk or Library Table
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By Stickley Brothers USA, Circa 1900 Quarter sawn oak, with original copper hardware. Measures: 60"W...
Category

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

Materials

Copper

Original Jugendstil Herrenschreibtisch+Armlehnstuhl, J. W. Müller (Wien um 1905)
By J.W. Müller
Located in Wien, AT
Objekt: Jugendstil Herrenschreibtisch (freistehend, 9 Schubladen) + Armlehnstuhl Entwurf: J. W. Müller (K.u.K. Hoftischlerei, Wien um 1905) Modell-Nummer: - Ausführung: J. W. Müller ...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Trestle Library Table or Writing Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission oak Arts & Crafts trestle library table or writing desk By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Measures: 48"W x 30"D x 29"H. Very good original...
Category

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

Materials

Oak

French Louis XV Bureau Plat Desk or Writing Table with Embossed Leather
Located in Hopewell, NJ
An outstanding French Louis XV desk having embossed leather top and a faux front on its back so will look lovely in the center of any room. The writing desk has three spacious drawer...
Category

Early 1900s French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique Edwardian Quality Freestanding Mahogany Inlaid Pedestal Desk
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Edwardian quality freestanding mahogany inlaid pedestal desk having a quality attractive mahogany inlaid satinwood crossbanded top with a green leather writing surface above ...
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Other

Early 20th Century Brushed Steel And Marble Writing Desk Vanity
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Early 20th century, industrial, brushed steel desk features a contrasting white marble top with beveled edge and five drawers with brass trim underneath them. This petite piece works...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass, Steel

Antique Fine Quality C1900 Inlaid Mahogany Ladies Writing Table Desk Dressing
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique Fine Quality circa 1900 Inlaid Mahogany Ladies Writing Table, versatile as a desk, dressing, or side table, boasting a simple yet elegant classical design. This remarkable p...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

Antique French Walnut Bureau Plat Desk
Located in London, GB
A stunning antique French walnut bureau plat desk, dating from around the 1900-1910 period. It is of outstanding quality, this has fantastic gilt metal ormolu mounts all over, inclu...
Category

Early 1900s French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Early 20thC Louis XVth Style Kingwood Bureau Plat
Located in Altrincham, GB
Early 20thC Louis XVth Style Kingwood Bureau Plat with fine gilt bronze mounts applied to cabriole legs by - Lysberg & Hansen – Copenhagen - 56"w x 30"h x 30"d - The Copenhagen firm ...
Category

1910s Danish Louis XV Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Art Deco Amsterdamse School Corner Desk by Daniel van Dorp for Reens, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare Art Deco Amsterdamse School desk. Design by Daniel van Dorp for Gebroeders Reens Amsterdam. Striking Dutch design from the 1920s. Solid macassar ebony with...
Category

1920s Dutch Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Faux Leather, Macassar

Joseph Heusgens Unique Double-Sided Desk, Belgium
Located in Brussels, BE
Joseph Heusgens Architect (1916 - ) unique double-sided desk with patented system, with plans, patent papers and correspondence.
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Desk
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Gustavian style 3 drawer desk. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1920s Swedish Gustavian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Trestle Library Table or Writing Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission oak Arts & Crafts trestle library table or writing desk By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Measures: 48"W x 30"D x 29"H. Professionally res...
Category

Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Empire Mahogany Desk With Hunter Green Leather Top, Circa 1930
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Empire mahogany desk with tooled hunter green leather top. The desk with bronze banding and trim, bronze finely fluted corner medallions, fluted and tapering legs with bronze caps an...
Category

Early 20th Century American Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

STUNNING REGENCY STYLE NEOCLASSICAL BRASS & WALNUT WRiTING TABLE DESK CIRCA 1920
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning, Regency Neoclassical style Walnut & Satinwood writing table with X framed solid br...
Category

1920s Regency Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique oak partner desk
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Beautiful antique oak partner desk with 9 drawers on both sides, 1 of which is a double archive drawer. Dark green gold-edged leather top. Desk is in perfect condition. Nice warm col...
Category

1910s British Edwardian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique Tiger Oak Secretary Desk by Danner
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Discover the timeless elegance of the Antique Tiger Oak Secretary Desk by Danner, featuring exquisite craftsmanship, functionality, and historic ch...
Category

Early 20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique American Empire Style Mahogany Library Writing Table Office Desk Vanity
Located in Dayton, OH
An antique American Empire style dressing table, circa 1930s. Originally featured a mirror along the back which was eventually removed to use as an office desk. Made from mahogany ...
Category

Early 20th Century American American Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Gothic Revival Hand-Carved Oak Pedestal Desk, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare Gothic Revival pedestal desk. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s The craftsmanship of this impressive piece of furniture is outstanding! Executed in so...
Category

Early 1900s Dutch Gothic Revival Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by Robert Slezak, Beech, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
Located in Horomerice, CZ
Dimensions of the table: Height: 74 cm (29.1 in) Width: 145 cm (57.1 in) Depth: 72 cm (28.3 in) Leg space: Height: 69 cm (27.2 in) Width: 72.5 cm (28.5 in) This table was designed ...
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome, Steel

Spanish Antique Small Wooden Desk w/Unique Carved "Trunk" Appearance from Front
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Spanish smaller-sized wood desk, with a trunk-like appearance from front, from the early 20th century. This antique desk from Spain features ...
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Vintage Curved Walnut Art Deco Executive Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stop asking "who's the boss?" and place yourself at the helm of this stunning Art Deco executive desk. Featuring an eye-catching rounded writing surface atop a unique, yet sturdy, T-...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Desk or Library Table, Newly Restored
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Solid quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper hardware. M...
Category

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

Materials

Copper

Stickley Brothers Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Desk or Library Table, Restored
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By Stickley Brothers USA, Circa 1900 Solid quarter sawn oak, with hammered copper hardware. Measures...
Category

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

Materials

Copper

Mahogany inlaid writing desk
Located in Cheshire, GB
Mahogany inlaid desk. The top with inset green leather surrounded by a mahogany inlaid border. Above an arrangement of drawers with similar inlaid decoration and brass handles. Raise...
Category

Early 20th Century British Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

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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