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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Style: Art Nouveau
Style: Rococo
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

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

19th Century Rococo Soft Blue Desk
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Period Rococo desk from Dalarna Sweden. With decorative curved legs and one single drawer. Repainted in soft light blue.
Category

19th Century Swedish Rococo Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

French Art Nouveau Oak Side Table Writing Table Vegetal Ornementation, c 1900
Located in Labrit, Landes
French antique oak side or writing table, circa 1900. Made in the art Nouveau period : the carving of the drawer and of the table belt is typical of the lines of this artistic moveme...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Women's eclectic desk, Northern Europe, circa 1860. After renovation.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Women's desk, Northern Europe, circa 1860. Very good condition, after professional renovation. Wood: walnut dimensions height 110 cm width 86 cm depth 52 cm
Category

1860s Swedish Art Nouveau Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Swedish Rococo Desk
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Fine and rather unusual 18th century Swedish rococo desk in it's original finish with one lid to the interior compartment. Ca 1760 Sweden
Category

18th Century Swedish Rococo Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Black Art Nouveau Writing Desk with 11 Drawers, around 1910
Located in Wien, AT
Instagram: traudes.kinder Website: www . traudeskinder . com Objekt: Herrenschreibtisch mit Aufsatz Entwurf: - Modell-Nummer: - Ausführung: unbekannte Kunstmöbeltischlerei (verm. Wi...
Category

1910s Austrian Jugendstil Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Desk in Wood, 1940, Made in France
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
It is an elegant and sophisticated dream desk. The quality of the furniture and the exotic wood used make it unique. It is an icon of distinction. You want to live in the golden yea...
Category

1940s Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Freestanding Desk, 1950s
Located in ŚWINOUJŚCIE, 32
Beautiful antique desk in the style of Louis XV. Rich decorations, ribbed rivets. The corner decorated with plant motifs. Two-sided desk, which...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Rococo Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Small Art Nouveau Writing Desk with 6 Dawers (Vienna 1910)
Located in Wien, AT
Objekt: Schreibtisch Entwurf: - Modell-Nummer: - Ausführung: unbekannter Kunstmöbelhersteller, Wien um 1910 Maße in cm (H x B x T): 70,5 x 101 x 51 Material: Buche massiv (ebonisiert...
Category

1910s Austrian Jugendstil Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Venetian Painted Italian Louis XV Style Writing Table
Located in Forney, TX
A most charming vintage, circa 1960, Italian Venetian writing table (desk - vanity - console) with beautifully aged heavily worn distressed pati...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Rococo Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Gesso, Wood, Paint

Zierlicher Jugendstil Schreibtisch, Vogelaugenahorn, Wien um 1910
Located in Wien, AT
Objekt: Schreibtisch Entwurf: unbekannt, Wien um 1910 Modell-Nummer: - Ausführung: unbekannte Kunstmöbeltischlerei, Wien um 1910 Maße in cm (H x B x T): 76 x 90 x 55 Material: Vogela...
Category

1910s Austrian Jugendstil Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

French Rococo Style Bureau Plat
Located in Kastrup, DK
An elegant French rococo style bureau plat writing desk made in walnut with ormolu accents. Features a top with a tooled leather writing-surface w...
Category

Late 19th Century French Rococo Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Ebonized Wood Writing Table Designed by the Keno Brothers
Located in Houston, TX
The Art Nouveau-inspired Writing Table designed by the Keno Brothers is a captivating fusion of nature and craftsmanship. Crafted from ebonized wood, its sinuous lines and curvaceous...
Category

Late 20th Century American Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

French Mahogany Art Nouveau Writing Desk Signed Louis Majorelle
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Signed ‘Louis Majorelle’ Art Nouveau desk with the sinuous lines and curves typical of the style. Four curved-front drawers retaining their original ormol...
Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Antique Rococo Style Venetian Hand Painted Vanity Desk & Side Tables, Set of 3
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Rococo Style Venetian Hand Painted vanity desk with 2 Single-Drawer Side Tables - 3 Piece Set Rare & Unique Antique Venetian Hand-Craft...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Rococo Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Paint

Hendrix Allardyce Rococo Style Lacquered Library Table Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Sublime rococo style lacquered library table or writing table desk crafted by Hendrix Allardyce Hollywood, California. The desk is fronted by a large storage drawer with a round bras...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Rococo Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Tony Selmersheim French Art Nouveau Oak and Brass Architect's Desk
Located in New York, NY
French Art Nouveau mahogany architect\'s desk featuring an upper section of three small drawers with shaped brass pulls on either side of an open compartment, above a rectangular tab...
Category

20th Century French Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

18th C. Swedish Rococo Period Writing Desk in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
A period Rococo writing desk from the 18th century in original painted alder wood with period key hole fittings, circa 1760. There are two smaller drawers behind the writing surface ...
Category

18th Century Swedish Rococo Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Emile Galle "Ombelles" Floral and Pastoral Marquetry Writing Desk
Located in New York, NY
French Art Nouveau writing desk featuring an open upper section with a marquetry inlaid pasteral scene back panel under a carved floral...
Category

20th Century French Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

STUNNiNG ART NOUVEAU WRITING DESK ATTRIBUTED TO CARLO ZEN 1902 BIRDS EYE MAPLE
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely sublime writing desk which is attributed to / after the original by Carlo Zen 1902 Please ...
Category

20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Birdseye Maple

Art Nouveau Style Carved Faces Ball & Claw Feet Rounded Oak Desk Writing Table
By J. Horner
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Art Nouveau Style Carved Faces Ball & Claw Feet Rounded Oak Desk Writing Table.
Category

20th Century American Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Rare No.49 Art Nouveau Desk from Finland
Located in Munich, DE
wonderful light and elegant desk from finland by suomen tuoli-, kalusto- ja sorvaustehdas. from the area of jyväskylä & muurame. this small and rare desk will be an wonderful additio...
Category

1910s Finnish Art Nouveau Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Console Table in Gold Leaf
Located in New Orleans, LA
The custom regal gilded finish on this Tara Shaw Maison collection console table ensures it will stand out in any space. Pairs with Tara Shaw's gold leaf martini table. Handcrafted in New Orleans. Custom dimensions and finish available for additional fee. Due to the nature of handmade furniture, slight variations in overall dimensions may occur. All furniture is custom made to order and is final sale. All shipping is to be arranged and paid by the Buyer to a third-party shipper. Lead-time on most items varies 6-12 weeks. Price is exclusive of packing and shipping fees. White-glove shipping carrier required for all items. Warehouse pickup is available. The Rococo table is custom fabricated in hard wood and requires a two-person carry to ensure that the product is not damaged in transport of moving. The weight and artisan finish require white glove movers or purchasers use extreme caution to transport due to weight. Table cannot have items stacked on top for moving and uneven carpet surfaces will cause cracking in structure due to heavy wood construction. No representations or warranties, either express or implied, of merchantability, fitness for a specific purpose, the products to which the information mentions may be used without infringing the intellectual property rights of others, or of any other nature are made with respect to information or the product to which information mentions. In no case shall the information be considered a part of our terms and conditions of sale.
Category

2010s American Rococo Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf

Italian Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Wood Console Table or Writing Desk
Located in Firenze, IT
This Italian early 20th century cherrywood console table or writing desk is a fine Art Nouveau period piece of furniture. Its beautiful mellow honey colour and stylishly curved pilla...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Art Nouveau Freestanding Writing Table, 1920s
Located in Praha, CZ
Art Nouveau freestanding desk with 5 drawers. Very good condition according to age. Only minimal scratches, surface gently restored.
Category

1920s European Art Nouveau Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Randolph Executive Desk in French Walnut with Antiqued Brass by Chapter & Verse
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Our Randolph executive desk shown in quartered French walnut with hand rubbed lacquer. Antiqued brass bail pulls and escutcheons. Inset European hide blotter...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Oak Art Nouveau Pedestal Desk by J.J. Terburg & Zoon Arnhem, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Art Nouveau pedestal desk. Design by J.J. Terburg & Soon Arnhem. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid oak with hand-carved floral decorative elements a...
Category

Early 1900s Dutch Art Nouveau Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Italian Rococo Early 19th Century Oak Table with Carved Apron and Cabriole Legs
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian Rococo style walnut and oak table from the early 19th century, with serpentine top, carved apron, cabriole legs and petite casters. Created in Italy during the early years...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Rococo Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Original Otto Wagner for Thonet 1905 Writing Desk Postal Saving Bank Vienna
Located in Vienna, AT
Otto Wagner writing desk from the Postal Saving Bank in Vienna. Made by Thonet, Vienna.
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Jugendstil Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

French Art Nouveau Beech Writing Table, Desk or Side Table, circa 1900
Located in Labrit, Landes
French writing table, little desk or side table, circa 1900. Made in the art Nouveau period : the carving of the drawer and its handle is typical of the lines of this artistic movem...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Venetian Rococo Gilt Painted Faux Stone Console Entry Table Office Desk Antique
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Venetian Rococo gilt painted faux stone console entry table office desk antique. An exceptional large 18th century serpentine front and sides molded...
Category

18th Century Italian Rococo Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Giltwood, Paint

Desk Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty , 1900, France, Wood
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Desk Style: Art Nouveau or Modernism or Jugendstil Year: 1900 Materials :wood. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles since 1982.If you have any question...
Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Ormolu-Mounted Sevrés Style Travel Desk
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Travel desk made with Sevres style porcelain plates, with mercury gold plated bronze mount. The piece is in a late 19th century Napoleon III style. The...
Category

1890s French Art Nouveau Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Gold, Bronze

18th Century Swedish Antique Rustic Rococo Desk/ Table with Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
18th century Swedish Antique Rustic provincial rococo table/ desk from Boden Norrbotten, Northern Sweden. A very rustic rococo desk with incred...
Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Rococo Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Louis Majorelle Rare Writing Desk with Botanical Inlays ca. 1900 (Signed)
Located in New York, NY
Rare Art Nouveau artisan writing desk with incredible botanical motif inlays on top and gently twisting legs by Louis Majorelle, France ca. 1900 (signed on top “L. Majorelle, Nancy” ...
Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

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

Art Nouveau Standing Desk /Reception Table Around 1890, After Carlo Bugatti
Located in Berlin, DE
First class Art Nouveau standing desk /Reception table around 1890, mother-of-pearl and silver, after Carlo Bugatti Unique standing desk made of ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Silver, Brass

Italian Rococo Writing Table
By Guiseppe Biondo
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine Italian walnut rococo writing table, the lovely faded olive inset leather top with gilt tooled edge and thumb molded walnut banding over molded frieze with single drawer, the ap...
Category

1780s Italian Rococo Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Poplar, Walnut

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

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

Art Deco Luxury Vanity Console in Walnut, Ebony and Marble
Located in Antwerp, BE
High-end walnut and ebony vanity table This eclectic and exuberant piece shows a beautiful form with stunning details such as the hand carved claw feet and flower motives The sides have a red and white marble top very solid brass door hinges...
Category

1930s Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble

18th Century French Rococo Library Table
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Exceptional 18th century Rococo centre library table in it's original color with great finish. Incredibly rare piece due to the length and condition. Ca 1750 France.
Category

18th Century French Rococo Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Bonnin Ashley Custom Made Pine Writing Table or Desk in the Jugendstil Style
Located in Miami, FL
This table is a faithful reproduction of a Scandinavian Jugendstil antique writing table in our collection, circa 1900. Pine table with drawer fabricated from, reclaimed cheese boar...
Category

2010s American Jugendstil Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Antique Art Nouveau Carved Oak Northwind Face Desk Library Table with One Drawer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English Art Nouveau carved oak wood desk library table with one drawer. Item features carved Northwind faces to front and rear, brass corner mou...
Category

20th Century English Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Piero Zen Small Desk with Maple and Mather of Pearl Inlays, Italy Milan
Located in Sacile, PN
Piero Zen small desk with nickel silver feet and frezies, maple and mather of pearl inlays, circa 1905. The friezes around the top carry small ruby glass half-spheres. Signature ...
Category

Early 1900s Italian Art Nouveau Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Alpaca, Wood

Antique Japanese Art Nouveau Dragon Carved 4 Drawer Partners Desk and Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Japanese Art Nouveau Dragon carved 4 drawer partners desk and chair. Set includes (1) partner's desk with working drawers on both sides...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Art Nouveau Double Sided Walnut and Rosewood Desk by Lajos Kozma, 1930
Located in Rome, IT
This rare large double sided desk was designed by Lajos (Ludwig) Kozma, who had an unprecedented influence on the European design through his drawings, buildings and furniture. Th...
Category

1920s European Art Nouveau Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Italian Venetian Walnut Serpentine Desk
Located in New York, NY
Italian Venetian (18th Century) walnut serpentine shaped desk with 2 side doors and 2 narrow front doors above a drawer with a pull out front interior chair having a left arm.
Category

Mid-18th Century Italian Rococo Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Elegant Satinwood Art Nouveau Partners with Desk Blue Suede Top, ca 1915
Located in Charleston, SC
Elegant satinwood art nouveau partners desk with blue suede top, heart carved corners, and ball-and-claw feet, Circa 1915.
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Satinwood

French Mahogany Art Nouveau Writing Desk Signed Louis Majorelle
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Signed ‘Louis Majorelle’ Art Nouveau desk with the sinuous lines and curves typical of the style. Four curved-front drawers retaining their original ormolu Art Nouveau pulls...
Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Art Nouveau Vanity Desk with Mirror, Carved Cherry Wood, Marble-Top with Chair
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Early 20th century, Art Nouveau vanity desk with mirror, carved cherrywood, marble top, with chair Excellent condition, only polished to wax Measures cm: desk H 78 add 55 x W 83 x...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry

French 18th Century Louis XV Bureau Plat, Writing Desk
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
An imposing Louis XV ebonized writing table with finely chased gilt bronze mounts. The stepped moulded rectangular top inset with the original gilt-tooled leather above three frieze drawers with elaborate ormolu handles and escutcheons, the reverse conformingly organized with three simulated drawers, allowing this bureau plat to be freestanding, the cabriole legs with sabot feet headed by female masks. The iconic Coco chancel lived with a Rococo writing desk...
Category

Mid-18th Century French Rococo Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

1920s Desk Ernesto Basile 'Attributed'
Located in Catania, IT
1920s desk design by Ernesto Basile (attributed) for Ducrot (attributed). The desk has the original fabric top of the time, covered by glass and has bee...
Category

1910s Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Fabric, Glass, Wood

Late 19th Century Tyrolean Shabby Small Desk Table Art Nouveau, Pine Painted
Located in Vigonza, Padua
1980s-1990s Tyrol Austrian shabby small desk table country Art Nouveau, in solid pine with original painting, only wax polished. Measures cm: H 62, ...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Art Nouveau Double Sided Walnut and Rosewood Desk by Lajos Kozma, 1930
Located in Rome, IT
This rare large double sided desk was designed by Lajos (Ludwig) Kozma, who had an unprecedented influence on the European design through his drawings, buildings and furniture. Th...
Category

1920s European Art Nouveau Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Walnut-Veneer Desk
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Very nice desk from the time of Art Nouveau. The Desk can be centered. The desk was made around 1900 of walnut wood on a pinewood body. The desk can be split into 3 parts: 2 gondola...
Category

Late 19th Century German Art Nouveau Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

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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