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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Art Deco Modernist Desk or Writing Table by Jan Brunott, 1920s
By Jan Brunott
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Art Deco Modernist desk or writing table.
Design by Jan Brunott.
Striking Dutch design from the 1920s.
Original black lacquered oak base with original oak veneer...
Category
1920s Dutch Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Faux Leather, Oak
Swedish Erik Chambert art deco desk, 1940
Located in Uccle, BE
A mid 20th century birch art deco desk with 7 drawers and key included.
Date of manufacture stamped: 20 12 1940
Designed by Erik Chambert (1902-1988) who was a pioneering interior d...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Birch
Mid-Century Teak & Steel Executive Desk by Friso Kramer & Coen de Vries for EEKA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking example of Dutch mid-century modern design, this executive desk was designed by Friso Kramer and Coen de Vries for EEKA (Eindhovense Eisen- en Kantoorartikelenfabriek) in ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Handcrafted 1960s Danish Oak Desk, Deep Patina, Sculptural Mid-Century design
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A cabinetmaker-built Danish small desk with the most stunning and deep patina. Its light brown tone carries a walnut-like glow. Horizontal carvings on the cabinet doors lend the piec...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Gio Ponti double-sided desk in American walnut and parchment, Italy, 1930s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
An unique and elegant Gio design by Gio Ponti, Italian manufacture, 1930s
Gracefully elevated on geometric and extremely slender legs, this desk designed by Gio Ponti stands out for...
Category
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut, Parchment Paper
Vintage Kittinger Directoire Style Writing Desk
Located in Houston, TX
1960s Vintage Kittinger Directoire style writing desk composed of satinwood and features ebony inlay and brass hardware. Maker's mark located inside the center drawer.
Category
Late 20th Century North American Directoire Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Baker Furniture Style William & Mary Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Bureau Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional William & Mary or Georgian Chinoiserie style drop front secretary desk
In the manner of Baker Furniture
USA, Circa 1980s
Black lacquered walnut, with hand-painted A...
Category
1980s American William and Mary Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Anthroposophical Desk Designed By Felix Kayser, Hand Crafted Ash Wood, ca. 1930
By Felix Kayser, Schiller Möbel
Located in Berlin, DE
Anthroposophical desk model K 1290 ('ladies' desk), designed by Felix Kayser and probably manufactured by Schiller-Möbel, ca. 1930
Category
1930s German Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Ash
Antique George IV Goncalo Alves Writing Table Desk Early 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This monumental early George IV antique library writing table is crafted from beautiful Gonçalo Alves and dates from Circa 1820.
The rectangular top features a moulded edge with th...
Category
1820s English George IV Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather
Late 19th Century French Louis XIII Style Walnut Side Table or Writing Table
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This small scale French Louis XIII style walnut writing table or desk from the late nineteenth century is of hand pegged construction and features a beveled top. The top is supported...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XIII Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Wim Rietveld + Friso Kramer "Reply" Drafting Table for Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wim Rietveld "Reply" drafting table. The hinging mechanism was a collaborative design with Wim Rietveld and Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel in 1958. Adjustable on two points. Woode...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Industrial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
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.
Otto Wagner Writing Desk, Postal Saving Bank, Vienna - Lit.: Asenbaum/Haiko, Otto Wagner, Möbe...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Jugendstil Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Crystal LC6 Table by Le Corbusier, Jeanneret and Perriand for Cassina
Located in Dronten, NL
LC6 table designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand.
Marked, signed and numbered on the frame, this table has the most desirable crystal textured top.
The tab...
Category
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Crystal, Aluminum
Swedish Modern Guldheden desk by Carl Malmsten, 1960's
Located in Uccle, BE
This 'Nya Guldheden' desk was created by one of Sweden's best known furniture designers : Carl Malmsten. Born in Stockholm in 1888 and died in 1972, the artist spent his life creatin...
Category
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Walnut
18th Large Spanish Dining or Desk Table with Carved Legs and Iron Stretcher
Located in Miami, FL
19th Spanish refectory desk table with solomonic legs and iron stretcher
Original perfect condition
Top table in perfect shape.
Very heavy piece
Between legs 81.10 in
Category
1790s Spanish Renaissance Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
Antique Derby Oak Raised Panel S-Roll Top Desk with Carved Pulls c1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote***
Antique Derby Oak Raised Panel S-Roll Top Desk with Carved Pulls c1920.
50 3/8" x 55 1/8" x 35 5/8...
Category
Early 20th Century Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Antique French Desk Writing Table Renaissance w Drawer Oak Barley Twist c. 1920s
Located in Tyler, TX
GORGEOUS 19th Century Antique French Oak Louis XIII Renaissance Revival Desk or Writing Table with Full Length Drawer, Barley Twist Legs, Stretcher, Lunette Carved Beveled Edge Top a...
Category
1920s French Renaissance Revival Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Midcentury Giancarlo Piretti Red "Platone" Folding Desk for Castelli, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful and incredibly rare midcentury red "Platone" folding desk designed by Giancarlo Piretti and produced by Anonima Castelly in Italy during the 1970s. The desk is in amazing v...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Aluminum, Steel
Mid-Century Asian Modern Ming Style Burl Wood Executive Desk By Lane
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a mid-century burl wood Asian modern desk by Lane Furniture. It has dovetail construction and is marked in the drawer. The drawers include one file drawer. The opening for a ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Ming Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Italian Walnut Sliding Glass Top Secretary Tall Desk Writing Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant and classic Mid-Century Modern Italian walnut wood desk console, writing table, secretary with sliding top with black glass for a seated position when extended, a top sh...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Glass
Inlaid Teak Writing Desk from India
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful writing desk, handcrafted in India out of aged teak wood and responsibly sourced animal bone inlay. Late 20th Century (1990-1995). Split front apron, two drawers with br...
Category
1990s Indian Anglo-Indian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bone, Teak
Small English Victorian Inlaid Mahogany Writing Table / Desk c.1900
Located in Leicester, GB
A beautiful small English Victorian mahogany writing table. An elegant fitted desk from the earlier part of 1900's. The desk comprises of two drawers, in an asymmetric format with th...
Category
Early 1900s British Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
French 19th Century Marquetry Inlay Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This captivating French desk from the 19th century is illustrated with a border of highly detailed marquetry of contrasting mahogany to stand out from the walnut & fruitwood construc...
Category
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Fruitwood, Mahogany, Walnut
Antique Carved Fruitwood Leather Top Desk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine and large antique Desk with great form. The very well made rectangular desk with a slightly overhanging top with a foliate scrolled tooled green-black leather insert. The thre...
Category
19th Century Georgian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Antique Swedish Rococo Desk with Light Blue Paint, Drawer and Curved Rococo Legs
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish rococo desk from the late 1700s. The desk is a country house furniture in rococo style with a large drawer. Heavily curved rococo legs and also a curved table top and...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Rococo Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Jean Prouvé Compass Direction Desk Limited RAW Steel and Natural Oak by Vitra
By Jean Prouvé, Vitra
Located in Dronten, NL
Jean Prouvé Compass direction desk in natural oak and clear lacquered steel for Vitra. Originally designed in 1953, Prouvé's iconic desk is based the de...
Category
1930s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Peter Løvig Nielsen Rosewood Partners Desk
Located in New York, NY
Amazing 1970's Peter Løvig Nielsen rosewood partners desk, lightly restored with some wear and patina due to age and use, there is some we...
Category
1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Fine French Bronze Mounted Leather Top French Directoire Bureau Plat Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a superb, French Directoire style desk. The desk is adorned with bronze and brass ormolu and a gorgeous gold tooled leather embossed top. The desk features inlaid burnished t...
Category
1920s French Louis XVI Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Desk, Walnut, Vienna circa 1820
Located in Greven, DE
Biedermeier or Empire desk, circa 1820
Vienna
Walnut
Biedermeier circa 1820
Dimensions: H x W x D: 80 x 134 x 68 cm
Description:
Desk standing on solid, high square legs with an e...
Category
1820s Austrian Biedermeier Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
"Zeno" Asymmetrical Beech and Ebony Desk by Massimo Scolari for Giorgetti, 1990s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A well crafted asymmetric 90's desk designed by Massimo Scolari for Giorgetti S.p.A. The desk is made of a beech frame with Macassar Ebony inset top and aluminum hardware. The leg ha...
Category
1990s Italian Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Melting Vanity Table in Blue Shagreen and Bronze-Patina Brass 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
French 18th Century Louis XV Style Painted Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This archetypal 18th century Louis XV-style desk was given a distinguishing update in the 20th century: washing the pine construction in white paint and black pinstriping to accentua...
Category
18th Century French Directoire Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine, Paint
Restored Midcentury Writing Desk or Console Table from Up Zavody, 1960s
By Up Závody
Located in Żory, PL
Mid-century writing desk which can also be used as a console table. Manufactured by UP Zavody Bučovice in former Czechoslovakia during the 1960s. Features two drawers and white glass...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass, Wood
French Art Deco Cerused Desk
Located in Houston, TX
French Art Deco Cerused Desk.
Offered is a shapely French Art Deco cerused oak desk or writing table with a door on either side with 4 shelves in each. This handsome desk with a floa...
Category
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Early Bodil Kjær Executive Desk, Model 901 — E. Pedersen & Søn, Denmark, 1959
Located in Oakland, CA
Iconic freestanding executive desk designed by architect and professor Bodil Kjær. Model 901, manufactured by E. Pedersen & Søn in Denmark in 1959. Constructed of Brazilian rosewood,...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Vintage Industrial Anco Bilt Cast Iron and Oak Drafting Table with Steel Surface
By Anco Bilt
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Industrial drafting table/desk in oak with steel surface, fully adjustable via cast iron hinges, knobs, and brackets manufactured by Anco Bilt of Glendale, New York (ca. 1940s).
Surf...
Category
1940s American Industrial Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Cut Steel, Iron
19th Century English Regency Ebonized Desk
Located in Houston, TX
19th Century English Regency Ebonized Desk.
Offered is an unusually shaped early 19th century period English Regency ebonized desk with two drawers which is finished on both sides. O...
Category
1810s English Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Six Dots Design Unique desk
Located in London, GB
Joseph Ellwood is a British artist and designer working under the studio name: Six Dots Design. Joseph has been named one of 10 'Future Icons' in design by Wallpaper* magazine, collaborated with the luxury brand Rimowa and has exhibited globally..
The aesthetic of the work aims to challenge and disrupt the mid-century norms of furniture today. I have taken inspiration from the likes of Perriand and Prouvé and distorted their pieces to create a body of work that relates to our current generation. The lives we live today are fluid in gender, identity, expression and thought. This collection represents this confusion, indecision and anxiety in a whimsical and endearing way.
This work aims to question what it means to reflect your identity though the objects surrounding you.
This desk is a one off piece designed and fabricated by Joe Ellwood...
Category
2010s British Futurist Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Solid Oak and Walnut Jameson Desk by Lynnea Jean
By Lynnea Jean
Located in Aitkin, MN
This custom wood desk is hand-made in the United States with all hardwood construction. This modern design is characterized by its solid white oak body, minimalist walnut inlay detail, and unique split leg detail. Convenient and accessible storage drawers feature integrated hardware and a soft-closing mechanism. This contemporary design can look beautiful floating in a room as an executive desk or anchored against a wall or other furniture piece. The natural finish brings out the beautiful golden tones of white oak. This piece can be ordered in 4 finishes: Oak, Walnut, Ash and Matte Black.
Jameson Collection by Lynnea Jean...
Category
2010s American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak, Hardwood
Midcentury "Platone" White Folding Desk by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Lovely white "Platone" folding desk. Designed by the visionary Giancarlo Piretti and produced by Anonima Castelli in Italy during the 1970s. The desk is signed on the bottom.
In brand new condition, this desk has never been used and is a new old stock.
The Platone desk was designed to be presented as a set with the Plia chair. It is also held in the permanent collection of the MoMa in NYC. Its ingenious three-disc mechanism, a signature feature of Piretti’s bestsellers, reaches its boldest expression in the Platone.
The white top is a perfect match with the bold design of this little table, with the metal structure sustaining the table on one side. Platone is built to last and integrates seamlessly into any modern or vintage interior.
This stylish desk could function perfectly in a modern or midcentury style children's room or office.
Dimension (cm):
Width - 82
Depth - 64
Height - 69
Italian interior and industrial designer Giancarlo Piretti was born in 1940 in Bologna. He obtained his teaching degree in drawing at the Art Institute of Bologna (dates unknown), and continued his studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna in 1960. From 1963 until 1970, he taught interior design at the Art Institute of Bologna.
Sometime in the 1960s, Piretti also joined Italian design company Castelli as an interior designer, creating home furniture and office furnishings. During his twelve years at Castelli, Piretti obtained numerous industrial patents for his designs, which were mostly chairs. Piretti’s work for Castelli garnered the company an international reputation in furniture design. His most well-known design is the plastic folding Plia Chair (1968), which has sold over seven million copies since 1969 and is still in production. It won the BIO 5 distinction and the SMAU prize at the Ljubljana Biennial in 1971, Germany’s Gute Form prize in 1973, and can be found in permanent collections in various museums world-wide, including Austria, Czech Republic, Slovenia and the United States. In 1969 the complementary Plia Table...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Aluminum, Steel
Paul Goldman, Desk, Wood, USA, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden desk designed by Paul Goldman and produced by Plymodern Furniture, USA, c. 1940s.
Dimensions: 30” x 45” W x 23” D
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Midcentury Alvar Aalto Desk or Dining Table in Black Laminated and Beech, 1970s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning mid-century desk or dining table in curved beech wood with black laminated top. This incredibly elegant table was designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek and produced during the 1...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Formica, Wood, Laminate, Beech
Antique George III English Chinoiserie Faux Bamboo Leather Top Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive 18th century George III desk crafted in hardwoods with the original brown tooled leather top on a case with nine drawers in front and twelve in the back, featuring bold ha...
Category
18th Century English George III Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Executive Desk or Writing Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A wonderful and simply designed teak desk from Scandinavia circa 1970's. It features teak construction with finished back. Clean & ready to use condition. No drawer keys present but ...
Category
1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Extraordinary Pierre Jeanneret Library Table
Located in New York, NY
We are very pleased to present this exceptional and rare Pierre Jeanneret illuminated reading table with provenance from DAV (Dayanand Anglo-Vedic) College Chandigarh which was built...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Vintage Adjustable Hamilton Drafting Table / Desk
Located in Oakville, CT
Vintage Drafting Table by Hamilton Manufacturing Co.
Top Dimensions: 38 1/2" x 72" x 37" high
Base Dimensions: 34 1/4" x 43 3/4" x 36" high
Footrest Height: 10"
Materials: Oak
Category
Mid-20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Mid-century modern writing desk
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Mid-century modern writing desk in original vintage condition with signs of use.
Category
1980s Hungarian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Pine Farm table with Turned Legs by Alabama Sawyer
Located in Birmingham, AL
Made from sustainable urban wood, this (sort of) traditional farm table features turned legs and touches of white and blue color. Perfect for adding fun and delight to your dining or...
Category
2010s American American Craftsman Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Pine
Mid-Century Italian Desk, 1950s, Fully Restored with Shellac Finish
Located in Rome, IT
This mid-century desk, designed and produced in Italy in the 1950s, features a fully restored finish that highlights its refined craftsmanship. The ebonized frame and angular legs ar...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Unique, Solid Oak Ernest Desk by Obstacles
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique, Solid Oak Ernest Desk by Obstacles
Dimensions: W 80 x D 240 x H 74 cm
Materials: Solid oak.
Ernest Desk serves many functions, a writing desk, a headboard, or a table plac...
Category
2010s Spanish Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
19th-C. French Carved Oak Barley Twist Desk / Table W/ Lift Top Storage
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a late 19th century Victorian carved oak writing desk with lift top storage. The carved barley twist supports are in very good condition. The apron is heavily carved as well.
Category
Late 19th Century French Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Paul Bromberg for H. Pander & Zonen Free-Standing Desk in Solid Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Bromberg for H. Pander & Zonen, executive desk, oak, the Netherlands, 1927
This free-standing desk, designed by Paul Bromberg in 1927, stands as an example of early 20th-centur...
Category
1920s Dutch Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
French Marquetry Inlay Walnut Burl Secretary Slant Front Desk Writing Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant French secretary desk, writing table, with slant drop front and bottom drawers, with the beautiful inlay decors in classic figures all around the piece. When opened we f...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Belle Époque Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Italian Trestle Desk or Table in Bamboo, Rattan by Vivai Del Sud, 70s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful pair of mid-century organic trestles in a beautiful combination of bamboo, curved rattan and hand-woven wicker. These stunning and unique trestles were designed by Vivai del Sud and produced in Italy during the 1970s.
In fabulous condition and with an amazing honey-like color. These sturdy trestles are made in bamboo canes enriched on the bottom with curved rattan and perfect hand-woven wicker work.
Ideal to make a charming desk or also for dining table or a console table in a modern organic entryway. A must have for all the French Riviera style lovers.
These versatile trestles are ideal as a charming modern organic desk...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan, Wicker
Karl Springer Waterfall Desk in Tortoise Color Penshell, 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
A Karl Springer desk in Tortoise color Pen-Shell with 3 recessed drawers.
Signed with brass plaque.
Category
1970s Philippine Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Shell, Wood
Art Deco Robin's Egg Blue Lacquer & Brushed Aluminum Desk by Donald Deskey
Located in New York, NY
Introduce a piece of design history into your office or home with this stunning Art Deco Streamlined Desk, designed by the famed American designer Donald Deskey circa 1930. This rema...
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Superb Highly Figured Rosewood Leather Top Brass Campaign Style Executive Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a superb, highly figured rosewood executive desk. The desk is made of the finest rosewood and is a gorgeous amber hue. The black leather top is in good used condition with mi...
Category
1970s English Campaign Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
19th Spanish Side Table with Cared Turned Legs and Iron Stretcher
Located in Miami, FL
19th Spanish side table with turned legs and iron stretcher.
The top has a beautiful grain and patina.
Category
Mid-19th Century Spanish Baroque Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
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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