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Campaign Desk 1930s Folding Writing Table
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Gorgeous Victorian Davenport desk we date to circa 1880 Hand crafted in mahogany it features a pop
Category

Vintage 1930s Desks

Materials

Other

1930s Art Deco Writing Desk by Waring Gillow
By Waring Gillow
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
An Art Deco writing desk by Waring & Gillow. Oak with inset leather skriver. Bookshelves to front
Category

Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Desks

Materials

Leather, Oak

Ebonised Writing Desk
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Ebonised writing desk. Of French origin and dating from the Early 20th Century, Circa 1930's
Category

20th Century French Louis Philippe Desks

Materials

Mahogany

1930s Italian Art Deco Desk Writing Table Teaching Post Drawers in Solid Oak
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Code: FM49 Desk Art Deco of the early 20th century. With eight deep side drawers, (the number four
Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Desks

Materials

Oak

Bamboo Writing Desk, Early 20th Century
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a wonderful circa 1930s bamboo, rattan and cane writing desk or dressing table in original
Category

Early 20th Century English Country Desks

Materials

Bamboo, Cane

1930s Art Deco Blonde Writing Bureau
Located in Devon, England
Fabulous 1930s Art Deco blonde walnut bureau in the most wonderful shape. Not only does this great
Category

Mid-20th Century English Art Deco Desks

Materials

Walnut

Stunning Serpentine Top circa 1930s Burr Walnut Writing Bureau Brown Leather
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage circa 1930s burr walnut writing bureau with
Category

Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Desks

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Antique Mahogany Chippendale Serpentine Oxbow Secretary Writing Desk Ball Claw
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique mahogany secretary or writing desk, circa 1930s. Featuring a flip top that opens to
Category

Vintage 1930s Chippendale Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Art Deco Writing Desk, 1930 s
Located in Praha, CZ
- made in Czechoslovakia - made of wood, veneer - good, original condition.
Category

Vintage 1930s Czech Art Deco Tables

Materials

Wood

Burr wood writing desk - Sweden, 1930s
Located in London, GB
adds appealing detail to the handles. A key opens the writing cavity to reveal the desk surface and a
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Secretaires

Materials

Burl

Mahogany French Directoire Style Desk Stamped Jansen
Located in Manhasset, NY
A French Directoire style writing desk, circa 1930s, the glass top over a dark green leather top
Category

Vintage 1930s Argentine Desks

Materials

Bronze

Restored Bauhaus Beech Writing Desk, Hynek Gottwald, Chrome, Czechia, 1930s
By Hynek Gottwald
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Bauhaus Beech Writing Desk Made by Hynek Gottwald. Maker: Hynek Gottwald Material: Beech
Category

Vintage 1930s Czech Bauhaus More Mirrors

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, Chrome-Plated Steel, Black Glass, Czechia, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk 1930-1939 Origin: Czech Dimensions of the table: Height: 74 cm (29.1
Category

Vintage 1930s Czech Bauhaus More Mirrors

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Restored Bauhaus Small Oak Writing Desk, Mücke Melder, Chrome, Czechia, 1930s
By Mücke Melder
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Bauhaus Small Oak Writing Desk Made By Mücke Melder. Maker: Mücke Melder Material: Oak
Category

Vintage 1930s Czech Bauhaus More Mirrors

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Restored Bauhaus Oak Writing Desk, Vichr a spol., Chrome, Steel, Czechia, 1930s
By Vichr Spol
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Bauhaus Oak Writing Desk Made By Vichr a spol. Maker: Vichr a spol. Material: Oak, Chrome
Category

Vintage 1930s Czech Bauhaus More Mirrors

Materials

Steel, Chrome

1930s Italian Art Deco Mid-Century Modern Wood, Glass and Brass Writing Desk
By Melchiorre Bega, Vittorio Dassi, Guglielmo Ulrich, Paolo Buffa, Ico Luisa Parisi
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful and important Italian 1930s writing desk, bureau of huge dimensions with elegant and
Category

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

Materials

Brass

1930 s French Art Deco Zebrano Desk
Located in Paris, FR
A stunning 20th Century Art Deco desk with a solid oak top, legs, drawers and zebrano veneer. The
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

1930s Opulent Art Deco Free Standing Writing Desk
Located in Praha, CZ
- Partly renovated - Newly lacquered in high gloss finish - Handmade polished - Very representative!
Category

Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Mahogany Desk from the 1930 s
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mahogany desk, located in NY.
Category

20th Century French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Black Bauhaus Writing Desk Made in 1930s Germany, Restored
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
The desk has been re-polished with polyutherane piano lacquer by our professional refurbishing team
Category

Vintage 1930s German Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Red Bauhaus Writing Desk Made in 1930s Germany, Restored
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
The desk has been re-polished with polyutherane piano lacquer by our professional refurbishing team
Category

Vintage 1930s German Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

1930s Swedish Art Deco Walnut Large Writing Desk by Atvidaberg
By Åtvidabergs Snickerifabrik
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Superb quality statement desk designed for atvidaberg, circa 1930. Large one piece desk
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

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
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Burl

Set with Writing Desk and Chair, France, 1920s-1930s, in Style of Jacques Adnet
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Stockholm, SE
A set with chair and writing desk in iron and leather. France, 1920s-1930s. In style of Jacques
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Hollywood Regency Ebony Desk, Writing Table or Vanity, Bronze Mounted, 1930s
By Maison Jansen
Located in Manhasset, NY
A Hollywood Regency Ebony and Bronze Mounted Desk, Writing Table or Vanity. One of a pair. A
Category

Mid-20th Century French Hollywood Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

1930 s Scandinavian Carved Birch Art Deco Desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Scandinavian carved birch art deco desk, circa 1930. Fine quality art deco period desk from
Category

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

Materials

Birch

Bauhaus White and Chrome Writing Desk by Thonet, Fully Restored, 1930s
By Marcel Breuer
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Desk with a tubular chromed steel frame. Manufactured by Thonet, Czechia, in the 1930s. Designer
Category

Vintage 1930s Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Bauhaus White and Chrome Writing Desk by Thonet, Fully Restored, 1930s
By Marcel Breuer
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Desk with a tubular chromed steel frame. Manufactured by Thonet, Czechia, in the 1930s. Designer
Category

Vintage 1930s Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Czech Beech Bauhaus Chrome Tubular Writing Desk by Robert Slezak, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Desk with a frame in tubular chromed steel. Manufactured by Robert Slezak factory, in the 1930s
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Czech Mahogany Bauhaus Chrome Tubular Writing Desk by Robert Slezak, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Desk with a frame in tubular chromed steel. Manufactured by Robert Slezak factory, in the 1930s
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Bauhaus Beech Writing Desk Made in 1930s by Robert Slezak, Czechia, Restored
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored writing desk with a frame in tubular chromed steel. Designed by Robert Slezak in the
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Veneered Wood Desk, Italy, 1930s
Located in Roma, IT
Veneered wood desk, Italy, 1930s. It has two drawers on the front and a side door. H cm
Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Unusual Art Deco Writing Desk, Oak and Walnut Veneer, Czechia Bohemia , 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Art Deco writing desk. Unusual combination of oak and walnut veneer. Chrome-plated steel
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Black German Bauhaus Chrome Plated Steel Writing Desk, Made in the 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Desk with a tubular chromed steel frame Manufactured in the 1930s. Wood is completely restored
Category

Early 20th Century German Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome, Steel

Czech White Beech Bauhaus Chrome Tubular Writing Desk by Robert Slezak, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Desk with a frame in tubular chromed steel. Manufactured by Robert Slezak factory, in the 1930s
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Czech White Beech Bauhaus Chrome Tubular Writing Desk by Robert Slezak, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Desk with a frame in tubular chromed steel. Manufactured by Robert Slezak factory, in the 1930s
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Restored Bauhaus Beech Writing Desk Made in 1930s by Mücke, Melder, Czechia
By Mücke Melder
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Completely restored writing desk with a frame in tubular chromed steel. Maker: Mücke - Melder
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

P.E.L. Tubular Steel Writing Desk and Chair, United Kingdom 1930s
By PEL
Located in Hellouw, NL
Charming P.E.L. Tubular Steel Writing Desk and Chair from the United Kingdom, the 1930s. This set
Category

Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Bauhaus Desk, 1930s
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
This Bauhaus desk was designed and made in the 1930s. It is a nice combination of an old chromed
Category

Vintage 1930s Belgian Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

White Bauhaus Writing Desk Made in 1930s Germany by Robert Slezak, Restored
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Designed by renowned Czech designer Robert Slezak and made by Slezak Factories, a unique Czech furniture brand specialising on chrome and bent metal furniture. It has been re-pol...
Category

Vintage 1930s German Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

1930´s Set of Art Deco Cubists Desk and Armchair, rosewood, leather - France
Located in Girona, Girona
leather of the desk top. France, circa 1930 Armchair measurements: 63 x 60 x 75 Seat 47 cm.
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Oak Writing Desk Made in 1930s Czechia by Robert Slezak, Bauhaus Style, Restored
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Desk with a frame in tubular chromed steel. Manufactured by Robert Slezak factory, in the 1930s
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

French Prewar Reclaimed 1930s Atelier Desk
By Jean Prouvé, Charlotte Perriand
Located in London, GB
Unknown designer, France 1930s £1200 A stunning and graphic piece of industrial design. A
Category

Early 20th Century French Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Art Deco Writing Desk Made in 1930s Czechia by Vichr A Spol. Restored Oak
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Desk with a tubular chromed steel frame Manufactured in the 1930s.
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

French Art Deco Rosewood Desk, circa 1930s
Located in Atlanta, GA
French Art Deco rosewood desk, France, circa 1930s. This desk is currently being refinished and
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Art Deco Desk With Leather Top, 1930s
Located in New York, NY
Large Art Deco Desk with a dark brown leather top and a small compartment with a hinged lid that is
Category

Vintage 1930s Czech Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Dutch Art Deco Oak writing table 1930s
Located in Den Haag, NL
Nice clear lines ,on this Oak Modernist writing table. Dutch Art Deco . Haagse School .1930s One
Category

Vintage 1930s Dutch Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Art Deco Mahogany Writing Table Dutch 1930s
By H. Pander
Located in Den Haag, NL
Dutch Art Deco writing or dining table .Mahogany comes with Black wood trim .The top off this
Category

Vintage 1930s Dutch Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Walnut Little Desk by Vittorio Valabrega, Italy, 1930s
By Vittorio Valabrega
Located in Rivoli, IT
Beautiful small writing desk made by the designer and cabinetmaker Vittorio Valabrega. Small
Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

French Art Deco Desk and Biedermeier Chair, 1930s
By Biedermeier
Located in Astoria, NY
French Art Deco parcel ebonized pearwood desk and Biedermeier chair, of shaped rectangular form
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pearwood

Kaare Klint Desk in Cuban Mahogany, Rud Rasmussen, 1930s
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint desk in Cuban mahogany. Executed by Rud Rasmussen, 1930s. Reverse with paper label
Category

Vintage 1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

1930s Unique "Royalchrome" Streamlined Office Desk with Tubular Chrome Base
Located in Newfoundland, PA
Late 1930s streamlined Art Deco office desk with laminate top. Very unique bent tubular chrome base
Category

Vintage 1930s North American Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

1930s Large Art Deco Desk, Three Drawers, Mahogany, Brass, France
Located in Girona, Girona
Spectacular large Art Deco desk with three drawers, solid mahogany and mahogany veneer, French
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Functionalist Desk Czech Bauhaus Tubular Steel, 1930s
Located in Wien, AT
This functionalist desk, with a construction of bent tubular steel was made in Czech Republic
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Gilbert Rohde Art Deco Desk for Herman Miller circa 1930s Refinished
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Atlanta, GA
Streamlined Art Deco Desk, designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller, circa 1930s. It is executed
Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Bauhaus Jean Burkhalter Chrome Tubular Foldable Desk with Drawers France 1930s
By Jean Burkhalter
Located in Roma, IT
produced in France during the 1930s and it is attributed to Jean Burkhalter. The desk is made with a
Category

Vintage 1930s French Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Steel, Chrome

1930s Restored Oak Free Standing Desk, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Table made of wood and oak veneer - Made to order in the 1930s - The lower part was stained
Category

Vintage 1930s Czech Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

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1930s Writing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic 1930s writing desk available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, metal and walnut, every 1930s writing desk was constructed with great care. There are many kinds of the 1930s writing desk you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 20th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. Each 1930s writing desk bearing Art Deco, Industrial or Scandinavian Modern hallmarks is very popular. A well-made 1930s writing desk has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Gilbert Rohde, Marcel Breuer and Kaare Klint are consistently popular.

How Much is a 1930s Writing Desk?

The average selling price for a 1930s writing desk at 1stDibs is $4,926, while they’re typically $1 on the low end and $120,000 for the highest priced.

Finding the Right Desks-writing-tables for You

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.

Questions About 1930s Writing Desk
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    A writing desk may refer to a desk with a top, often sloping, for writing on or to a portable case with compartments to hold writing materials and a surface for writing.

  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    A writing desk with drawers is also called a secretary. It is a desk with drawers, one of which can be pushed out and the front of the desk lowered to create a flat writing surface. These writing desks have been made in a variety of styles over the years. Shop for a variety of writing tables with drawers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    A small writing table is also called a davenport table or davenport desk. They normally feature a sloped or inclined top attached with hinges to the back of the table. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage davenport desks.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023
    What brides wore in the 1930s varied. Some wore long flowing dresses made of satin or silk. Long sleeves were popular and designs often featured only minimal embellishments like appliqués and beading. Because many people faced difficult financial situations due to the Great Depression, brides also sometimes simply wore their best dresses on their wedding days. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage wedding dresses.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 26, 2024
    To identify 1930s furniture, first see if you can spot a maker's mark in hidden areas, such as the back, base, inside of drawers or under tabletops and seats. Trusted online resources can help you determine who produced your furniture based on these markings, and from there, you can research more to get a rough idea of how old your item is. A piece's characteristics can also be helpful when dating furniture. Many items made during the 1930s are examples of Art Deco furniture. Art Deco furniture is characterized by geometric patterns and luxurious materials, such as shagreen, marble, mother of pearl, mirrored glass, exotic animal hides and rare woods like mahogany, ebony and zebra wood. A certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer can provide an expert opinion on when your piece was likely made. On 1stDibs, explore a range of 1930s furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    Yes, people had record players in the 1930s. In fact, record players began to become more common during the decade and continued to grow in popularity throughout the 1940s, 50s and 60s. Thomas Edison made the first phonograph record player in 1877. Shop a variety of record players on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    What an old-fashioned writing desk is called varies by design. Pieces with drop-down fronts are secretary desks (these are typically made of two parts: a chest of drawers on the bottom and a hutch or cupboard with shelves on the top), while ones that rest on two pillars, cabinets or bookcases are pedestal desks. A desk with a small writing surface positioned in front of drawers and cubbies is a bureau à gradin. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of desks.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023
    In the 1930s, phones typically looked like rotary telephones. They had either a round or square base with a numbered dial that spun when you dialed and a handset receiver with both an earpiece and a mouthpiece. A cord connected the handset to the base. Find a variety of rotary phones on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    In French, the term for a writing desk that often featured a drop-down writing surface is secretaire. This type of desk is called a secretary desk in English. Simply put, a secretary desk is a multifunctional piece of furniture with a hinged writing surface that folds open or drops down. When the leaf is folded out, small inner storage compartments, which are called pigeonholes, cubbies, recesses or drawers, are revealed. On 1stDibs, shop antique secretary desks from some of the world's top sellers.