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Vintage 1980s Maitland Smith Neoclassical Style Leather Top Writing Desk
By Maitland Smith
Located in Centennial, CO
A beautiful vintage 1980s neoclassical style writing desk by Lineage Home Furnishings (a line
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Neoclassical Revival Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass, Iron
Italian Architectural Writing Desk with Modular Cabinet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Desk, pine, Italy, 1980s.
Italian writing desk executed in a natural pine wood, made in the
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Derk Jan De Vries Desk, 1980s
Located in Brussels, BE
Derk Jan de Vries desk, 1980s.
Category
Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Large French Elmwood Desk by Seltz, 1980s
By Ebenisterie Seltz et Fils 1
Located in Chicago, IL
A sculptural ode to 1980s French design, this large desk by Seltz exudes bold simplicity. Crafted
Category
Vintage 1980s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Midcentury Bamboo and Wicker Italian Desk with Drawers, 1980s
Located in Roma, IT
during the 1980s.
This writing table is unique because of the materials used, bamboo and rattan, and
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Wood
Midcentury Bamboo and Wicker Italian Desk with Drawers, 1980s
Located in Roma, IT
during the 1980s.
This writing table is unique because of the materials used, bamboo and rattan, and
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Wood
Derk Jan De Vries Desk And Cane Armchair, 1980s
Located in Brussels, BE
Derk Jan De Vries desk and cane armchair, 1980s
Mid-Century Modern desk and cane armchair.
Category
Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Cane, Wood
1980s Custom Made Calamander/ Rosewood Parsons Desk or Console
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1980s custom made calamander top and rosewood base one drawer desk or console.
Category
Vintage 1980s Desks and Writing Tables
Custom Hand Lacquered Desk Circa 1980s, Oil Spot Finish
Located in Norwalk, CT
Featuring a dramatic oil spot pattern, the hand applied custom lacquer finish on this desk makes a
Category
Vintage 1980s Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
1980s Signed Michael Ray
Paul Mathieu Desk and Petite Bench
By Paul Mathieu (French)
Located in Aspen, CO
1980s signed Michael Ray & Paul Mathieu desk with paw feet and petite bench. Bench is black leather
Category
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Midcentury Bamboo and Wicker Italian Rectangular Desk with Drawers, 1980s
Located in Roma, IT
piece was designed in Italy during the 1980s.
This desk is unique because of the materials: ash wood
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Wood
Mid-Century Bamboo and Wicker Italian Desk with Drawers, Italy, 1980s
Located in Roma, IT
during the 1980s.
This writing table is unique because of the materials used, bamboo and rattan, and
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Maitland Smith Tessellated Stone Brass Desk, 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 American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stone
Contemporary Modern Monumental Circular Black Leather Granite Office Desk, 1980s
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a monumental, half-moon shaped office desk, made of black leather and
Category
Vintage 1980s American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Granite
Midcentury Bamboo Cane, Ash Wood and Rattan Italian Desk with Drawers, 1980s
Located in Roma, IT
designed in Italy during the 1980s.
This desk is unique because of the materials, ash. bamboo and rattan
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Wood, Cane, Ash
Midcentury Bamboo Cane, Ash Wood and Rattan Italian Desk with Drawers, 1980s
Located in Roma, IT
designed in Italy during the 1980s.
This desk is unique because of the materials, ash. bamboo and rattan
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Wood, Ash
Mid-Century Modern Directional Aluminum Etagere w Glass Shelves
Desk, 1980s
By Directional
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
attached desk, by Directional, circa the 1980s. In very good vintage condition. The dimensions are 35.5" W
Category
Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
1980s Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sørensen Desk and Chair - Mahagony and Red Leather
By Frederecia Furniture, Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen, Botium
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 Herman Miller Burdick Group Post Modern Industrial Design Modular Desk USA
By Bruce Burdick, Herman Miller
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
A rare opportunity to buy a stunning Post Modern desk designed in 1981 by Bruce Burdick for Herman
Category
Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Postmodern Pluto Desk by Pierre Colleu for Starform and Disney, France 1980s.
By Starform, Disney Studios, Pierre Colleu 1
Located in Lille, FR
the desk top.
Some fading on the head and the legs.
Category
Vintage 1980s French Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Resin, Plastic
1980s Tecno by Norman Foster Christal top Steel Structure Nomos Desk Table
By Sir Norman Foster, Tecno
Located in IT
Table produced in the 1980s by Tecno on design by Norman Foster. Chromed steel metal structure
Category
Vintage 1980s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Steel
Vintage Coastal Style Pencil Reed Vanity / Writing Desk by Whitecraft Furniture
By Whitecraft
Located in Miami, FL
Furniture. Circa 1980s
The Vanity / Writing Desk features two drawers with hand carved seashell pulls, a
Category
Vintage 1980s Hollywood Regency Vanities
Materials
Wicker, Rattan, Reed, Glass
Maitland-Smith, Partners Desk, Faux Tortoiseshell Inlay, US, circa 1980s
By Maitland Smith
Located in New York, NY
A Maitland-Smith veneered Neoclassical-inspired writing table. Possesses three drawers with brass
Category
Vintage 1980s American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Impressive Writing Desk, France circa 1980s
Located in Frankfurt / Dreieich, DE
An impressive Desk from a representative Consulate. France ca. 1980`s.
Lacquered Wood, Metal
Category
Late 20th Century French Hollywood Regency Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
Red Laminate Desk, 1980s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
-drawer desk circa 1980s
- Yellow acrylic drawer pulls
- Condition: Good; 3 small paint marks near base
Category
Vintage 1980s Unknown Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Laminate
$1,100
"Ponte" A Single Pedestal Cantilevered Desk by J. Wade Beam for Brueton c.1980
s
By Brueton
Located in Palm Springs, CA
brushed steel accents by J. Wade Beam for Brueton,
c. 1980's. Please see the related credenza in another
Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Small Desk, Italy 1980s.
Located in Brussels , BE
Small Desk, Italy 1980s.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
$1,128
A Double Sided White Lacquered Desk 1980s
Located in London, GB
A Double Sided Oval Desk with a White High Lacquered Finish and Polished Steel Wrap 1980s, Talisman
Category
Late 20th Century Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Modernist Oak and Leather Desk, Czech Republic, 1980s
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A nice modernist oak Czech desk or writing table from the 1980s.
In our other listings we have
Category
Vintage 1980s Czech Modern Desks and Writing Tables
A Tessellated Stone Desk by Maitland Smith 1980s
By Maitland Smith
Located in London, GB
A Tessellated Stone Desk designed by Maitland Smith on Cabriole Legs with Bronze Inlay 1980s
Category
Late 20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables
1980s Desk by Bieffeplast Padova
Located in Savona, IT
Desk produced by Bieffeplast in the 1980s
Tubular green lacquered metal with feet in gray rubber
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
A Maitland Smith Tessellated Stone Desk and Chair 1980s
Located in London, GB
A Maitland Smith designed Tessellated Stone Desk and Chair 1980s stamped
Desk Height 75.5cm, Chair
Category
Late 20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables
A French Directoire Inspired Simulated Lapis Lazuli Desk 1980s
Located in London, GB
A French Directoire Inspired Simulated Lapis Lazuli Painted Desk with Brass Mounts 1980s
Category
Late 20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
20th Century Asymmetrical Italian Desk, 1980s
Located in Berlin, DE
20th century Italian desk with asymmetrical design from the 1980s made of ash tree.
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ash
1980s Mahogany Desk by Klaus Wettergren
By Klaus Wettergren
Located in Oberstown, Lusk, IE
1980s mahogany desk designed by Klaus Wettergren. A V-shape leg supports another V-shape which
Category
Vintage 1980s Danish Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Large Black and Clear Lucite Vanity Table or Desk, 1980s
Located in London, GB
A Large Black and Clear Lucite Waterfall Vanity Table/Desk with Storage Drawers and Floating Shelf
Category
Vintage 1980s Desks and Writing Tables
Tubular Yellow Desk from Bieffeplast, 1980s
By Bieffeplast
Located in Ixelles, Bruxelles
Producer - Bieffeplast
Design Period - Seventies
Measurements - Width 122 cm x Depth 71 cm x Height 74 cm
Materials - Laminated, Metal
Color - Yellow, White
Condition - Good
...
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Kroma Desk by Antonia Astori for Driade, 1980s
By Antonia Astori, Driade
Located in Ixelles, Bruxelles
Kroma Desk by Antonia Astori for Driade, 1980s
Designer - Antonia Astori
Producer - Driade
Model
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Trestle Desk by Rodney Kinsman for Bieffeplast, 1980s
By Rodney Kinsman, Bieffeplast
Located in Ixelles, Bruxelles
Designer - Rodney Kinsman
Producer - Bieffeplast
Model - Trestle Desk
Design Period - Eighties
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Trestle Desk by Rodney Kinsman for Bieffeplast, 1980s
By Rodney Kinsman, Bieffeplast
Located in Ixelles, Bruxelles
Designer - Rodney Kinsman
Producer - Bieffeplast
Model - Trestle Desk
Design Period - Eighties
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Postmodern Desk by Georges Coslin for Longato, 1980s
By Georges Coslin, Collezioni Longato
Located in Ixelles, Bruxelles
Designer - Georges Coslin
Producer - Longato
Design Period - Eighties
Measurements - Width 115 cm x Depth 60 cm x Height 73 cm
Materials - Metal, Laminate, Plastic
Color - Red, Whit...
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Large Kroma Desk by Antonia Astori for Driade, 1980s
By Antonia Astori, Driade
Located in Ixelles, Bruxelles
Large Kroma Desk by Antonia Astori for Driade, 1980s
Designer - Antonia Astori
Producer - Driade
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Executive Desk by Bruce Burdick for Herman Miller, 1980s
By Bruce Burdick, Herman Miller
Located in BAARLO, LI
, luxurious and practical piece of furniture from the 1980s that has won several awards.
The modular desk
Category
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Trestle Steel and Glass Desk by Rodney Kinsman for Bieffeplast, 1980s
By Rodney Kinsman, Bieffeplast
Located in Ixelles, Bruxelles
Designer - Rodney Kinsman
Producer - Bieffeplast
Model - Trestle Desk
Design Period - 1980s
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Table by Norman Foster for Tecno, 1980s
By Tecno, Sir Norman Foster
Located in Brugge, BE
produced a desk/writing table that seamlessly merges aesthetics and functionality, setting a new standard
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Rudy Folding Wall Table by Giorgio Manzali for Bonaldo Italy, 1980s
By Bonaldo
Located in Ixelles, Bruxelles
Designer - Giorgio Manzali
Producer - Bonaldo Italy
Model - Rudy
Design Period - Eighties
Measurements - Width 97 cm x Depth open 62 cm - Closed 5 cm x Height 103 cm
Materials - M...
Category
Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Brutalist writing desk, 1980s
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Writing desk designed and produced in the 1980’s by an unknown maker. The geometrical lines on both
Category
Vintage 1980s Brutalist Desks
Materials
Wood
1980s Karl Springer Lacquered-Goatskin Dining Table or Desk
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
, circa 1980s. Seats six comfortably or could be use as a luxurious desk.
See this item in our Brooklyn
Category
Vintage 1980s American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Goatskin
Spectacular Neoclassical Desk or Dining Table by Belgo Chrome, 1980s
By Belgo Chrome
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Very nice and extremely high quality desk or dining table by Belgo Chrome, brushed patina stainless
Category
Vintage 1980s Belgian Hollywood Regency Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Gold Plate, Brass, Stainless Steel
Impressive Diagonal Executive Desk by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Italy 1980s
By Giovanni Offredi
Located in Sas van Gent, NL
Hugely impressive Diagonal executive desk by the design of Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Italy
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Birch
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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
- What is a writing desk?1 Answer1stDibs 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, 2024Bold, 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, 2021A 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, 2021A 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.
- Was plaid popular in the 1980s?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024Yes, 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, 2022Yes, 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, 2023One 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, 2023What 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, 2023In 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.
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