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Concrete Desk, Italy, 1980s
Located in Austin, TX
Generously scaled desk of concrete composite with geometric pedestal and cylindrical legs. Italy
Category

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

Materials

Concrete

1980s Postmodern Birdseye Maple Artisan Made Desk
Located in Miami, FL
1980s Postmodern Birdseye maple desk with turned and reverse-tapered ebonized legs and a single
Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birdseye Maple

1980s/1990s Wooden Desk
By Dale Holub
Located in Nashville, TN
Cantilevered wood desk with drawers in excellent vintage condition. A very versatile piece
Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Postmodern Black Lacquered Desk by Interlubke, Germany 1980s
By Interlübke
Located in Miami, FL
All black lacquered postmodern writing desk with a storage cabinet and drawer with organizer by
Category

Late 20th Century German Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Glass and wood desk, 1980s
Located in PARIS, FR
Glass and wood desk in the style of Artelano from the 1980s. The frame is made of glass, the
Category

Mid-20th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Aldo Tura Modern Mint Goatskin Desk, Italy, 1980s
By Aldo Tura
Located in Munich, DE
Wonderful Aldo Tura modern style mint green desk in asymmetric shape from Italy, 1980s. Measures
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Hollywood Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Goatskin

1980s, Danish Desk in Teak by Silberg Mobler
By Bent Silberg Mobler
Located in Knebel, DK
Desk in teak from the 1980s by Bent Silberg. The well-made desk has been kept in storage since it
Category

Vintage 1980s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Desk Gallotti and Radice Crystal Brass, Italy, 1980s
By Gallotti Radice
Located in Milano, IT
Desk, clear tempered glass, metal parts in brass.
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Sormani Desk Granite Lacquered Wood Leather, Italy, 1980s
By Sormani
Located in Milano, IT
Desk, granite bases, lacquered wood top and leather insert.
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Granite

Wood and Glass Desk, 1980s
Located in PARIS, FR
Splendid desk with thick glass base and top, with a wooden shelf stained ebony. Excellent condition
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Other Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

1980s Harrison Van Horn Natural Grasscloth Tanker Pedestal Desk
By Harrison Van Horn
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
1980s. Get down to seriously chic business with this beautiful desk made of hardwood and wrapped in
Category

Vintage 1980s Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Grasscloth, Hardwood

Interlübke White Laminate Desk, 1980s, Germany.
By Interlübke
Located in Antwerp, BE
Post modern white laminate Interlübke desk beautiful, simple, sleek design that can stand freely in
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Contemporary Modern Laurel Fyfe Clear Slumped Glass Desk, 1980s
By Laurel Fyfe
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
glass desk. Made of a thick, clear sheet of glass that has been manipulated by the world renowned glass
Category

Vintage 1980s American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass

Memphis Style Post Modern Executive Desk by Dakota Jackson, 1980s
By Dakota Jackson
Located in Hamburg, PA
A gorgeous Memphis style Postmodern executive desk by Dakota Jackson. This desk is made of Santos
Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Glass, Rosewood, Sycamore, Wood

1980s Bamboo and Rattan Desk with Drawers
Located in Marbella, ES
1980s bamboo and rattan desk with drawers.
Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker

1980s Spanish Wicker Office Desk with Drawers
Located in Marbella, ES
1980s Spanish wicker office desk with drawers.
Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wicker

Desk by Derk Jan De Vries, 1980s
By Maisa
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Oak wood desk designed by Derk Jan De Vries in Belgium in the 1980s. The wooden desk features a
Category

Vintage 1980s Danish Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

1980s Boho Chic Rattan and Bamboo Desk with Glass Top
Located in San Carlos, CA
For sale we have a gorgeous vintage writing desk in bamboo an rattan with glass top. This desk
Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan, Glass

Ivory Lacquered Desk with Leather Top by Alessandro for Baker, 1980s
By Alessandro Gambrielli, Alessandro for Baker Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
A gorgeous desk or console table designed by European designer and artist Alessandro Gabrielli
Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Lacquer, Wood, Parchment Paper

Mirto Zocca glass desk by Tisettanta Halifax - 1980s
By Mirto Zocca
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Mirto Zocca glass desk by Tisettanta Halifax - 1980s Minimalist - Modern Mirto desk with top in
Category

20th Century Italian Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass

Vintage Plexiglass Desk by David Lange, 1980s
By David Lange
Located in PARIS, FR
Vintage Plexiglas desk by David Lange. Glass top placed on a Plexiglas base with one shelf. Very
Category

Mid-20th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Plexiglass

Herman Miller Bruce Burdick Desk Aluminium Metal Glass, 1970s-1980s
By Bruce Burdick
Located in Milano, IT
Desk with drawers column, metal and aluminium structure, glass top.
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

1980s Spanish Weaved Rattan Three-Drawer Office Desk
Located in Marbella, ES
1980s Spanish weaved rattan three drawer office desk.
Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wicker

Herman Miller modular desk design Bruce Burdick 1980s
By Herman Miller, Bruce Burdick
Located in Parma, IT
Herman Miller modular desk designed by Bruce Burdick 1980s. Aluminium structure with special
Category

Vintage 1980s American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Crystal, Aluminum

1980s Birds Eye Maple Chrome Console Table Desk
Located in Norwich, GB
A fabulous bird's eye maple console table/desk, with drawer, standing on splayed chrome legs and
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Maitland Smith Black Tessellated Stone Desk 3 Drawers, 1980s
By Maitland Smith
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a fabulous, tessellated stone, writing desk, with cabriole legs, from
Category

Vintage 1980s Asian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stone

Mid-Century Pine Desk and Cane Armchair by Derk Jan De Vries, 1980s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-century pine desk and cane armchair by Derk Jan De Vries - 1980s.  
Category

Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

1980s Danish Desk by Rud Thygesen Johnny Sorensen
By Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen
Located in Paris, FR
Sorensen, Made in Denmark. Mahogany and anthracite gray linoleum desk, it consists of a table and a
Category

Antique 1770s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

20th century French Cherry Wood System Desk, 1980s
Located in LEGNY, FR
Very beautiful system desk from the 80s in cherry wood. Leather top, one zipper on each side and
Category

Vintage 1980s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

1980s Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sørensen Desk and Chair, Mahogany and Red Leather
By Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen, Botium, Frederecia Furniture
Located in Knebel, DK
Fully restored desk and armchair designed for Botium and Frederecia Furniture in 1980s. The desk
Category

Vintage 1980s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

1980s Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sørensen Desk and Chair in Mahogany and Leather
By Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen, Botium
Located in Knebel, DK
Fully restored set of desk and armchair designed for Botium in 1980s. The desk and chair are made
Category

Vintage 1980s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Italian Modern Wood Smoked Glass Metal Office Desk with Chest of Drawers, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
two tops, 1980s. Elegant and big desk with smoked glass top with double chest of drawers, one on the
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

1980s Wicker Desk with Five Drawers and Glass Top
Located in Marbella, ES
1980s Wicker Desk with Five Drawers and Glass Top
Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wicker

"Kroma" Desk by Antonia Astori for Driade, Italy, 1980s
By Antonia Astori
Located in Grenoble, FR
Antonia Astori desk for Driade, Italy, 1980s rare table desk produced by Driade, the company
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Adjustable Desk in Beech Produced by Seltz, France 1980s
By Ebenisterie Seltz et Fils 1
Located in Hellouw, NL
A striking piece of 1980s French design, this desk by Seltz embodies a unique approach to
Category

Vintage 1980s French Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Beech

1980s Spanish Formica and Bamboo Drawer Desk with Brass Fittings
Located in Marbella, ES
1980s Spanish Formica and bamboo drawer desk with brass fittings. Wooden structure lined with
Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Tobia Afra Scarpa ‘Artona’ Desk by B&B, Italia 1980s
By Maxalto, Afra Tobia Scarpa
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Incredible Artona series writing desk for Maxalto, designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, 1979 and
Category

Vintage 1970s Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Ebony, Walnut

1980s French Postmodern "24 Hours" Desk by Elizabeth de Portzamparc
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful lacquered wood and iron "24 Hour" desk by renowned architect, Elizabeth de Portzamparc
Category

Vintage 1980s French Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

‘Kroma’ Desk / Table by Antonia Astori for Driade, Italy, 1980s
By Driade
Located in DE KWAKEL, NL
the 1980s Memphis era, yet retains Driade’s characteristic refinement and intellectual rigor. The
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Laminate, Wood

Pippa Folding Desk by Rena Dumas and Peter Coles for Hermes, 1980s
By Rena Dumas
Located in Brussels, BE
Pippa folding desk by Rena Dumas and Peter Coles for Hermes, 1980s.
Category

Vintage 1980s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Vintage Desk Set with Cabinets Designed by Elmar Flötotto for Flötotto, 1980s
By Elmar Flötotto
Located in Oirlo, LI
This German desk is part of the Profilsystem collection, designed by Elmar Flötotto for the
Category

Vintage 1980s German Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Beech

Postmodern Pluto Desk by Pierre Colleu for Starform and Disney, France 1980s.
By Starform, Disney Studios, Pierre Colleu 1
Located in Lille, FR
desk top. Some fading on the head and the legs.
Category

Vintage 1980s French Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Resin, Plastic

Postmodern Pluto Desk by Pierre Colleu for Starform and Disney, France 1980s.
By Starform, Disney Studios, Pierre Colleu 1
Located in Lille, FR
desk top. Some fading on the head and the legs.
Category

Vintage 1980s French Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Resin, Plastic

Italian 1980s Mid Century Style Black Lacquer and Brass Desk with Two Drawers
Located in London, GB
An Italian 1980s mid century style black lacquer and brass desk with two drawers with brass handles.
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Postmodern Dalmatian Pongo Desk by Pierre Colleu for Starform and Disney, 1980s.
By Starform, Disney Studios, Pierre Colleu 1
Located in Lille, FR
Table height: 50 cm. Total height with the head: 80 cm Good condition. Some chips on the top.
Category

Vintage 1980s French Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Resin, Plastic

Pair of 1980s Italian Office Chairs by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
Designed by Giancarlo Piretti and manufactured by Anonima Castelli in Italy during the early 1980s
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Bruce Burdick table for Herman Miller 1980s
By Bruce Burdick, Herman Miller
Located in bari, IT
glass top (15 mm) designer Bruce Burdick for Herman Miller 1980s. In 1980, this table received design
Category

Vintage 1980s Central American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Crystal, Aluminum, Steel

1980 s Campaign Style Bachelor Chest of Drawers
By Hickory Chair Furniture Company
Located in Southampton, NJ
our separate listings of: "1980's Campaign Style Bachelor Chest of Six Drawers" and " 1980's Campaign
Category

20th Century American Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

1980 s Campaign Style Bachelor Chest of Six Drawers
By Hickory Chair Furniture Company, Heritage Furniture, Henkel Harris
Located in Southampton, NJ
separate listings of: "1980's Campaign Style Bachelor Chest of Drawers" and "1980's Campaign style Mahogany
Category

20th Century American Campaign Dressers

Materials

Brass

French Blue Lacquer 1980s Writing Desk with Brass Trim
By Steve Chase
Located in Danville, CA
Luxurious writing desk refinished in hand polished Gauloise blue lacquer in the style of Steve
Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

1980 s Cerused Oak Three Drawer Desk
By Jay Spectre
Located in New York, NY
1980's cerused oak desk with 3 large drawers and claw feet legs, fully restored with minor wear and
Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Giuseppe Rivadossi For Officina Walnut Desk, Italy, 1980 s
By Officina Rivadossi, Giuseppe Rivadossi
Located in Austin, TX
present on one side of desk. Created for Officina Rivadossi. Italy, 1980's
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

1980s Coastal Style Wicker Vanity / Writing Desk by Broyhill Furniture
By Broyhill
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Hollywood Regency coastal style Wicker vanity / writing desk by Broyhill Furniture. Circa
Category

Vintage 1980s American Hollywood Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wicker

Large 1980 s Desk by Andrée Putman
By Andree Putman
Located in Paris, FR
Large writing desk designed by Andrée Putman, originally created in 1980 for the office of Jack
Category

Late 20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Post Modern Memphis Deco Style Writing Desk by Saporiti Maurizio Salvato 1980s
By Saporiti
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Post Modern Memphis Deco style writing desk by Saporiti Maurizio Salvato 1980s. Bright 1980's
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Bamboo, Rattan and Wood Writing Table Desk with Drawers, Italy 1980s
Located in Rome, IT
Amazing writing table / desk in rattan, bamboo and wood top, featuring two drawers. Made in Italy
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid-Century Modern Baughman Burl Wood Writing Desk w 3 Drawers, 1980s
By Milo Baughman
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a fabulous, burl wood writing desk, with three drawers, in the style of
Category

Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Burl

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1980s Writing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic 1980s writing desk available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, metal and animal skin, every 1980s writing desk was constructed with great care. There are many kinds of the 1980s writing desk you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 19th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. A 1980s writing desk made by Mid-Century Modern designers — as well as those associated with Modern — is very popular. A well-made 1980s writing desk has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Baker Furniture Company, Maitland Smith and Bruce Burdick are consistently popular.

How Much is a 1980s Writing Desk?

Prices for a 1980s writing desk can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $212 and can go as high as $180,000, while the average can fetch as much as $4,500.

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 1980s 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 ExpertApril 12, 2024
    Bold, head-turning looks were in fashion during the 1980s. It was the decade of bright electric neon colors as well as suits, jackets, tops and dresses with shoulder pads. The aerobics and fitness craze of the ’80s spilled over into fashion, with people sporting leg warmers, headbands and leggings as everyday apparel. Punk culture also influenced style, with leather jackets, fishnet stockings and chunky metal jewelry being favored by some. Denim looks of the time were often baggy and flaunted acid washes. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of vintage apparel and accessories from the 1980s.
  • 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 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 ExpertApril 5, 2024
    Yes, plaid was popular in the 1980s. Interestingly, it was a signature feature of two very different styles that trended during the decade. Plaid appeared on pleated skirts and blazers, common among the preppy set. In addition, many in the punk subculture sported plaid pants and dresses. Find a wide variety of 1980s apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, although Versace remains one of the top fashion houses of today, the 1980s are considered the heyday of Versace. Campaigns included top supermodels of the time, including Kate Moss and Claudia Schiffer, and were shot by the top photographers Richard Avedon and Bruce Weber. Shop iconic vintage and contemporary Versace apparel and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    One of the most popular types of dresses during the 1980s was a tight-fitting sheath with oversized shoulder pads. Peplum accents were also common as were large puffy sleeves. On 1stDibs, find a collection of 1980s vintage dresses 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 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.