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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Color:  Gray
Desk Smoked Glass President Gallotti e Radice Dattilo Model Midcentury Italy 70s
Desk Smoked Glass President Gallotti e Radice Dattilo Model Midcentury Italy 70s

Desk Smoked Glass President Gallotti e Radice Dattilo Model Midcentury Italy 70s

By Gallotti & Radice

Located in Palermo, IT

GALLOTTI E RADICE Produced by Gallotti e Radice, Italy, ca. 1971. President desk, "Dattilo" model, chromed brass frame, rectangular top and sides in smoked glass. Please note that th...

Category

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

Materials

Crystal, Chrome

'Desk' by Six Dots Design surrealist metal
'Desk' by Six Dots Design surrealist metal

'Desk' by Six Dots Design surrealist metal

Located in London, GB

A unique surrealist desk that is the perfect statement piece in your office or home. Each of these pieces is hand made by artist and designer Joseph Ellwood, along side his team of ...

Category

2010s British Futurist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Shagreen Desk with Bronze-Patina Brass Accents by R&Y Augousti
Shagreen Desk with Bronze-Patina Brass Accents by R&Y Augousti

Shagreen Desk with Bronze-Patina Brass Accents by R&Y Augousti

By R & Y Augousti

Located in New York, NY

The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The Victoria Desk inlaid in cream shagreen by R&Y Augousti is a sophisticated piece that is minimal, with intricate brass details creating an elegant and luxurious aesthetic. The three rounded drawers make it ergonomic to open a close. Add a mirror and this piece becomes a vanity. Pair it with matching Victoria chair...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Large L Shape Customizable Contemporary Corner Study Desk
Large L Shape Customizable Contemporary Corner Study Desk

Large L Shape Customizable Contemporary Corner Study Desk

By &New

Located in Leicester, GB

A beautiful large L Shaped Study desk made with a bright green powder-coated steel frame and a charcoal linoleum top made from all-natural ingredients, such as flax, wood flour, and ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

ClassiCon Jean Fold Out Table by Eileen Gray
ClassiCon Jean Fold Out Table by Eileen Gray

ClassiCon Jean Fold Out Table by Eileen Gray

By Eileen Gray

Located in New York, NY

Jean, named after Eileen Gray‘s intimate friend of many years, the architect Jean Badovici, stood in various modeis in their summer villa E 1027. "Every room has at its disposal one ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Secrétaire Desk in Cream Shagreen and Bronze-Patina Brass by R&Y Augousti
Secrétaire Desk in Cream Shagreen and Bronze-Patina Brass by R&Y Augousti

Secrétaire Desk in Cream Shagreen and Bronze-Patina Brass by R&Y Augousti

By R & Y Augousti

Located in New York, NY

The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Shagreen Desk with Bronze-Patina Brass Details by R&Y Augousti
Shagreen Desk with Bronze-Patina Brass Details by R&Y Augousti

Shagreen Desk with Bronze-Patina Brass Details by R&Y Augousti

By R & Y Augousti

Located in New York, NY

The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The Iconic Writing Desk...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Melting Vanity Table in Blue Shagreen and Bronze-Patina Brass by R & Y Augousti
Melting Vanity Table in Blue Shagreen and Bronze-Patina Brass by R & Y Augousti

Melting Vanity Table in Blue Shagreen and Bronze-Patina Brass by R & Y Augousti

By R & Y Augousti

Located in New York, NY

The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Oval Dining Table or Desk by Florence Knoll in Carrara Marble
Mid-Century Modern Oval Dining Table or Desk by Florence Knoll in Carrara Marble

Mid-Century Modern Oval Dining Table or Desk by Florence Knoll in Carrara Marble

By Knoll, Florence Knoll

Located in Philadelphia, PA

An elegant executive table designed by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll. It features a beautiful polished white & gray Carrara marble top and a chrome-plated star base. This ...

Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Chrome

James de Wulf Concrete Leaning Coffee Table
James de Wulf Concrete Leaning Coffee Table

James de Wulf Concrete Leaning Coffee Table

By James de Wulf

Located in Paia, HI

A play on balance, this table is constructed entirely of two concrete pieces. The tabletop is singly supported by the leg, while the two merge with gravity to lock into place. Their balance is a sight to behold. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Color shown in natural tone A perfect complement to the James de Wulf concrete...

Category

2010s American Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Concrete, Cement

Chrome trestles desk
Chrome trestles desk

Chrome trestles desk

Located in Vlimmeren, BE

This chrome trestles desk came together with the Tabacof chair, they are a matching pair. The trestles are well made with sense for detail, definit...

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Vittorio Introini for Saporiti Rare Sculptural Desk in White Fiberglass
Vittorio Introini for Saporiti Rare Sculptural Desk in White Fiberglass

Vittorio Introini for Saporiti Rare Sculptural Desk in White Fiberglass

By Vittorio Introini, Alberto Rosselli Saporiti

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Vittorio Introini for Saporiti, free-standing desk, fiberglass, Italy, 1969 This admirable free-standing corner desk was designed by the Italian designer Vittorio Introini. Due to i...

Category

1960s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Fiberglass

Mid-Century Italian Modern White Marble & Brass Floating Console Table or Desk
Mid-Century Italian Modern White Marble & Brass Floating Console Table or Desk

Mid-Century Italian Modern White Marble & Brass Floating Console Table or Desk

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A stunning and simple modern console table from Italy circa 1960's. Beautiful pure white marble with curvy brass legs.

Category

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

Materials

Marble, Brass

Desk in metal and grey vinyl designed by BBPR for Olivetti Synthesys , 1960s
Desk in metal and grey vinyl designed by BBPR for Olivetti Synthesys , 1960s

Desk in metal and grey vinyl designed by BBPR for Olivetti Synthesys , 1960s

By Studio BBPR, Olivetti

Located in Varese, Lombardia

Office or home desk, Arco model for Olivetti Synthesys in the rare small dimension (cm 140 lenght). Historic piece of Italian design from the 60s designed by the BBPR studio in diffe...

Category

1960s Italian Space Age Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Sheet Metal

Italian Desk from the 1960s
Italian Desk from the 1960s

Italian Desk from the 1960s

$2,800Sale Price|41% Off

Italian Desk from the 1960s

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Designed in the 1960s the desk also features chrome tubular legs. Italian desk from the late 1960s characterize by the sleek and modern aesthetic. Second height 24.7 from the floor ...

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Globe Wernicke Style Mid-Century Modern White Steel Tanker Desk w/ Formica Top
Globe Wernicke Style Mid-Century Modern White Steel Tanker Desk w/ Formica Top

Globe Wernicke Style Mid-Century Modern White Steel Tanker Desk w/ Formica Top

By Globe Wernicke

Located in Miami, FL

Globe Wernicke Style Mid-Century Modern White Steel Tanker Desk w/ Formica Top Offered for sale is a Globe Wernicke style mid-century modern white steel tanker desk with a white For...

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Sonia Vanity Set in Cream Shagreen and Bronze-Patina Brass by R&Y Augousti
Sonia Vanity Set in Cream Shagreen and Bronze-Patina Brass by R&Y Augousti

Sonia Vanity Set in Cream Shagreen and Bronze-Patina Brass by R&Y Augousti

By R & Y Augousti

Located in New York, NY

The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The Sonia vanity set...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

French Gray-Blue Rectangular Console Table in Solid Wood by Eric Gizard, Paris
French Gray-Blue Rectangular Console Table in Solid Wood by Eric Gizard, Paris

French Gray-Blue Rectangular Console Table in Solid Wood by Eric Gizard, Paris

By Éric Gizard

Located in Landivy, FR

This grey blue rectangular console table / desk is designed by Eric Gizard in Paris. It is 100% made of solid ash wood from sustainably managed and PEFC certified French forests. ...

Category

2010s French Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Ash, Lacquer

Refurbished 1960's General Fireproofing Tanker Desk
Refurbished 1960's General Fireproofing Tanker Desk

Refurbished 1960's General Fireproofing Tanker Desk

By General Fireproofing Company

Located in Alhambra, CA

1960s General Fireproofing "Modemaker" single-pedestal tanker desk, newly refurbished with a gloss white (WH 12) powder-coat. The desktop has a lowered section (which was originally ...

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Doge Large Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina
Doge Large Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina

Doge Large Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina

By Cassina, Carlo Scarpa

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Doge Large Dining Table designed by Carlo Scarpa. Manufactured by Cassina (Italy) ULTRARATIONAL EMBLEM A sculptural structure that has become an emblem of Italian design, a trademar...

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

French Steel Desk by Paul Le Geard for Maison Jansen Edition DOM
French Steel Desk by Paul Le Geard for Maison Jansen Edition DOM

French Steel Desk by Paul Le Geard for Maison Jansen Edition DOM

By Paul Legeard

Located in Chicago, IL

Wonderful French steel desk by Paul Le geard. Designed for Maison Jansen. Edition DOM. Measures: The glass is .75" thick and in perfect condition.

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Bronze Putti Di Mare and Glass Dining Table
Bronze Putti Di Mare and Glass Dining Table

Bronze Putti Di Mare and Glass Dining Table

Located in Chicago, IL

Elegant and unusual dining table of patinated bronze and glass. The bronze base depicts a pair of aquatic cherubs, or mermen, with outstretched arms supporting a 3/4" thick piece of ...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Clean Lined Chrome Mid Century Desk
Clean Lined Chrome Mid Century Desk

Clean Lined Chrome Mid Century Desk

By Florence Knoll

Located in Atlanta, GA

Clean Lined Mid Century Chrome Desk, in the style of Florence Knoll, American, circa 1960s.

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Zanotta Quaderna 2830 Desk in White Plastic Laminate by Superstudio
Zanotta Quaderna 2830 Desk in White Plastic Laminate by Superstudio

Zanotta Quaderna 2830 Desk in White Plastic Laminate by Superstudio

By Superstudio, Zanotta

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Table/writing desk. Honeycomb core structure coated with white plastic laminate, digitally printed with black squares at 3 cm spacing. What we are talking about here are the terribl...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Plastic

"Melting" Writing Desk in Cream Shagreen and Bronze-Patina Brass by R&Y Augousti
"Melting" Writing Desk in Cream Shagreen and Bronze-Patina Brass by R&Y Augousti

"Melting" Writing Desk in Cream Shagreen and Bronze-Patina Brass by R&Y Augousti

By R & Y Augousti

Located in New York, NY

The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The melting writing desk...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Illuminated Adjustable Drafting Table, 1950s USA
Illuminated Adjustable Drafting Table, 1950s USA

Illuminated Adjustable Drafting Table, 1950s USA

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Incredible industrial grade light box drafting table. Extremely heavy and well made in the US, circa 1950s. Glass tabletop allows the light of two enclosed fluorescent tube lights to...

Category

1950s American Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Chromed Trestles Table and Folding Chair by Elios Colle d'Elsa
Chromed Trestles Table and Folding Chair by Elios Colle d'Elsa

Chromed Trestles Table and Folding Chair by Elios Colle d'Elsa

Located in Vlimmeren, BE

This leather and steel folding chair was made by the Italian manufacturer Elios Colle d’Elsa around the 1960s. The chair features chrome steel and a natural leather. Seat height is...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

A Chic Desk Parisian Work France 1970's
A Chic Desk Parisian Work France 1970's

A Chic Desk Parisian Work France 1970's

By Maison Jansen

Located in HYÈRES, FR

A Chic Desk Parisian Work France 1970's. Excellent build quality. High-quality brass and chrome. Attractive proportions that make this desk very elegant. In good conditon.

Category

1970s French Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Chrome

21st Century Elena Salmistraro Table Polyurethane Green Marble Scapin Collezioni
21st Century Elena Salmistraro Table Polyurethane Green Marble Scapin Collezioni

21st Century Elena Salmistraro Table Polyurethane Green Marble Scapin Collezioni

By Elena Salmistraro

Located in Tezze sul Brenta, IT

Isotopo table design by Elena Salmistraro, product by Scapin Collezioni Limited Edition A vibrant round top is combined with a sculptural base made of three rounded conical suppo...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble

Vintage Plate Glass and Chrome Dining Table Model 6060 by Leon Rosen for Pace
Vintage Plate Glass and Chrome Dining Table Model 6060 by Leon Rosen for Pace

Vintage Plate Glass and Chrome Dining Table Model 6060 by Leon Rosen for Pace

By Pace Collection, Leon Rosen

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Stylish and sophisticated dining table (model 6060) designed by Leon Rosen for the Pace Collection composed of a heavy plate-glass 72" long top supported by two chrome and plate-glas...

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

1930s Lacquered Bar Console Table in the Style of Marcel Breuer
1930s Lacquered Bar Console Table in the Style of Marcel Breuer

1930s Lacquered Bar Console Table in the Style of Marcel Breuer

By Marcel Breuer

Located in New York, NY

Original 1930s black lacquered table with tubular metal legs in the style of Marcel Breuer. Has a variety of uses, console, bar, small desk or vanity.

Category

Mid-20th Century German Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

President Senior Frosted Green Glass and Chrome Desk by Gallotti and Radice
President Senior Frosted Green Glass and Chrome Desk by Gallotti and Radice

President Senior Frosted Green Glass and Chrome Desk by Gallotti and Radice

By Gallotti & Radice

Located in Miami, FL

President Senior desk with frosted sea-foam green glass (12mm) and a chrome plated steel frame. Originally designed by Gallotti & Radice in 1971, this piece is from the 1990s.

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Bruce Burdick for Herman Miller Executive Desk, Burdick Group System
Vintage Bruce Burdick for Herman Miller Executive Desk, Burdick Group System

Vintage Bruce Burdick for Herman Miller Executive Desk, Burdick Group System

By Bruce Burdick, Herman Miller

Located in Palm Desert, CA

Vintage Bruce Burdick executive desk for Herman Miller from the Burdick Group System, a rare Postmodern 1980s modular workstation executed in aluminum, glass, enameled steel, and ena...

Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum, Enamel, Steel

Modern Shagreen Leather Desk
Modern Shagreen Leather Desk

Modern Shagreen Leather Desk

Located in Westwood, NJ

A modern shagreen embossed leather-wrapped desk with a brass tone iron-framed base. Three drawers with marbleized paper-lined interiors and with brass ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Warren McArthur Art Deco Desk and Chair
Warren McArthur Art Deco Desk and Chair

Warren McArthur Art Deco Desk and Chair

By Warren McArthur

Located in Atlanta, GA

Art Deco aluminum desk and chair designed by Warren McArthur, American, circa 1930s. The chair measures 31"H x 15.75"W x 17"D x 18" seat height.

Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Italian mid-century modern desk in light blue metal and black leather top, 1960s
Italian mid-century modern desk in light blue metal and black leather top, 1960s

Italian mid-century modern desk in light blue metal and black leather top, 1960s

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian mid-century modern desk in light blue metal and black leather top, 1960s Desk with rectangular top covered in black leather. The structure is in light blue painted metal and ...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Theory Desk in Natural Verde Onyx by Paloma Editions
Theory Desk in Natural Verde Onyx by Paloma Editions

Theory Desk in Natural Verde Onyx by Paloma Editions

Located in Geneve, CH

Theory Desk in Natural Verde Onyx by Paloma Editions Dimensions: D 63 x W 160 x H 76 cm. Materials: Natural Verde onyx. The form features our signature directional line work and a s...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Onyx

Capucine Black and White Table
Capucine Black and White Table

Capucine Black and White Table

By Sacha Walckhoff

Located in Kolkata, IN

The Capucine Black & White Table is a playful writing table in the shape of a monkey with a light at the end of its tale, and cute facial features in burnished brass. A little dr...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Trestle Leg table desk with two-tiered glass top, 1970s
Trestle Leg table desk with two-tiered glass top, 1970s

Trestle Leg table desk with two-tiered glass top, 1970s

Located in Delft, NL

Trestle Leg table desk with two-tiered glass top, 1970s Chrome and glass desk, 1970s Trestle leg table, desk with two tiered glass top The measur...

Category

20th Century Unknown Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Gustavian Style Painted Tables, Repainted in Light Gray
Pair of Gustavian Style Painted Tables, Repainted in Light Gray

Pair of Gustavian Style Painted Tables, Repainted in Light Gray

Located in Atlanta, GA

A rare and elegant pair of Gustavian style tables, repainted in a soft light gray that enhances their timeless neoclassical form. Finding such tables as a matched pair is unusual, ma...

Category

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

A.R. Cordemeyer for Gispen "3803" Desk or Vanity with Linoleum Top
A.R. Cordemeyer for Gispen "3803" Desk or Vanity with Linoleum Top

A.R. Cordemeyer for Gispen "3803" Desk or Vanity with Linoleum Top

By Gispen, A.R. Cordemeijer

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Mid-Century gray enameled desk or vanity designed by A.R. Cordemeyer for famed Dutch manufacturer Gispen. This 1960s desk has one white cabinet with two drawers, a corrugated metal p...

Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Customizable Marcel Breuer S 285 Tubular Steel Desk
Customizable Marcel Breuer S 285 Tubular Steel Desk

Customizable Marcel Breuer S 285 Tubular Steel Desk

By Marcel Breuer

Located in New York, NY

RANGE S 285 1 large corpus, 1 small corpus with central lock It is as though Marcel Breuer had anticipated today’s home offices and mobile computers: The compa...

Category

2010s German Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

19th Century Swedish Gray Painted Two-Drawer Table or Writing Desk
19th Century Swedish Gray Painted Two-Drawer Table or Writing Desk

19th Century Swedish Gray Painted Two-Drawer Table or Writing Desk

Located in Round Top, TX

19th century Swedish table or writing desk crafted with two drawers fitted with brass pulls. The table stands on tapered fluted legs. A newer professionally applied painted finish pr...

Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Gispen Industrial "7804" Desk with Blue Drawer Fronts and Linoleum Writing Top
Gispen Industrial "7804" Desk with Blue Drawer Fronts and Linoleum Writing Top

Gispen Industrial "7804" Desk with Blue Drawer Fronts and Linoleum Writing Top

By Gispen, Willem H. Gispen

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Gispen industrial desk with blue drawers, blue linoleum top and grey enameled metal frame. Part of the 'Kleuro' line of office furniture from the late 50's and 60's. This was a line ...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Doge Large Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina
Doge Large Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina

Doge Large Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina

By Carlo Scarpa, Cassina

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Doge Large Dining Table designed by Carlo Scarpa. Manufactured by Cassina (Italy) ULTRARATIONAL EMBLEM A sculptural structure that has become an emblem of Italian design, a trademar...

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Maurice Calka “Boomerang” Desk by Leleu Deshays, France - 1970s
Maurice Calka “Boomerang” Desk by Leleu Deshays, France - 1970s

Maurice Calka “Boomerang” Desk by Leleu Deshays, France - 1970s

By Maurice Calka, LeLeu Deshays

Located in Renens, CH

Designed by Maurice Calka (1921-1999) and produced by Leleu Deshay in only a very limited quantity, this Boomerang shaped desk represents a new technical application of fiberglass in...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Olivetti Desk 1970's
Olivetti Desk 1970's

Olivetti Desk 1970's

By Olivetti

Located in Shibuya-ku, 13

A desk from Olivetti, the Italian company renowned for its typewriters. Its spacious worktop and drawers provide ample storage for documents and files, making it an excellent choice ...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Industrial 7900 series 'Economy' desk by André Cordemeyer for Gispen, 1960's
Industrial 7900 series 'Economy' desk by André Cordemeyer for Gispen, 1960's

Industrial 7900 series 'Economy' desk by André Cordemeyer for Gispen, 1960's

By A.R. Cordemeijer, Ontwerpbureau N.V. Gispen

Located in Steenwijk, NL

This industrial desk was designed as a writing machine desk by André Cordemeyer for N.V. Gispen. It is part of the 7900 series. The desk has a metal base with high tapered leggs, 2 d...

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

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.