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Metal Writing Desk

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Friso Kramer Revolt folding table Ahrend Netherlands 1955
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
ingeniously folded metal industrial designed frame. Lightweight yet incredibly strong, this frame design set a
Category

Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Herbert Hirche Midcentury Schreibtisch Holzäpfel Teak Bauhaus
By Herbert Hirche
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen Bauhaus Schreibtisch von Holzäpfel KG aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf des freistehenden Tischs stammt von Herbert Hirche und zeichnet...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

French Regency Marble Chest of Drawers, Italy, 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
top and gilded metal leaves decorations in the edges of the two side and in the front panels
Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal

Paolo Parigi
By Giovanni Paolo Panini
Located in London, Lambeth
Drafting table or desk. Designed by Paolo Parigi for Heron Parigi, 1975 Italy. Structure in black
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Poet Table
Located in New York, NY
Perfectly shaped desk. Ideal for an office or as a console in a foyer. Bespoke configurations
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Poet Table
Poet Table
$5,610 / item
Belmont Adjustable Hydraulic Architectural Drafting / Work Table, Art Deco Style
By Belmont
Located in Buffalo, NY
wood top and is mounted on the round hydraulic metal pedestal with a chromed base protected by a black
Category

Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome, Metal

Fine French 1950s Table by Henri Lancel
By Henri Lancel, Atelier Primavera au Printemps
Located in Long Island City, NY
A fine French Mid-Century black lacquered metal base table with a blue formica top. Designed by
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Hans Eichenberger, Secretary mod. HE for the Kollektion Röthlisberger Schweiz
By Kollection Röthlisberger Schweiz, Hans Eichenberger
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
Postmodern secretary desk by Hans Eichenberger for Kollektion Röthlisberger Schweiz. Two drawers
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Cabinet with writing desk Bauletto production Saporiti, design by Giovanni Offredi
By Giovanni Offredi
Located in Milano, IT
Chest of drawers with sliding door top for rolling up, pull-out top that can be used as a writing desk, one drawer and internal storage compartments, four drawers. Metal handles and ...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Table with Scagliola Top, Italy, 2nd Half 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Rectangular table made of black lacquered metal and framed top in scagliola technique. The top
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Table with Wheels, Italy, 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Mid-century table with wheels realized by italian manufactory in the mid-20th Century. Central drawer. Good condition.
Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Walnut Side Table 19th Century, Italy, 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Walnut Side Table 19th Century realized by an italian manufacture in 19th Century. Good overall condition.
Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Vintage Wood Island With Drawers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning vintage wood island with a naturally weathered finish, featuring six drawers for storage and a lower shelf for open display. Its generous length and rustic charm make it a...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Louis XVI French Fruitwood Architect’s Table
Located in Charlottesville, VA
A Louis XVI period French architect’s table in fruitwood with an adjustable leather-inset drafting top. The table features a single drawer, slide-out candle supports, and classic tap...
Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Opening Side Table, France Napoleon III, Italy, Mid-19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Opening Side Table, France Napoleon III. Brass decorations. Opened dimensions: H77xL113xP56 cm. Signs of age, otherwise good condition.
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Small Folding Table, Italy, Early 20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Small Folding Table realized in Italy in the early 20th Century. Good overall condition except for some minor signs of time. Dimension opened: H 76xL105.5 cmx105.5.
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Small Work Table wit Mirror Inside, Italy, Early 20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Realized by an italian manufacture in the early 20th century, in style 19th century. Height with open mirror: 101.5 cm. Good overall condition ecept for signs of time and minor los...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

1970s Bieffeplast Bieffe Y 70 Rodney Kinsman Postmodern Design Quaderna Trestle
By Rodney Kinsman
Located in Biella, IT
Bieffeplast Italy production desk/table "trestle" design years 70 by Rodney Kinsman Post
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Franco Albini Cavalletto Table, Black Stained Wood by Cassina
By Franco Albini, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
detail extending to the metal parts, not to mention the border trim on the table-top. Important
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Scrivania Arco di BBPR per Olivetti Anni 60-70
By Studio BBPR
Located in Milano, IT
Scrivania con doppia colonna di cassetti laterali, in metallo smaltato e piano in laminato plastico effetto legno, cassetti frontali in materiale plastico.
Category

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

Materials

Metal

19th Century French Louis XV Style Bureau Plat “à Têtes De Guerriers Antiques”
Located in Dallas, TX
amazing French desk would be the focal point for any home office or executive business suite. In the 1800s
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Franco Albini Cavalletto Table, Wood by Cassina
By Franco Albini, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
detail extending to the metal parts, not to mention the border trim on the table-top. Important
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Franco Albini ash dining table Model TL2 Cavalletto, Poggi, (Very First Edition)
By Amando Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in Argelato, BO
1950s This table is the very first edition (the one in ash) of Franco Albini's famous desk-table, which
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Arco desk by BBPR for Olivetti Anni 60-70
By Studio BBPR
Located in Milano, IT
Desk with side drawers, enameled metal and wood-effect plastic laminate top, plastic drawer fronts. Good conditions.
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Soriana Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
leisure. With a vise-like grip, the metal structure holds the armchair, with its biodegradable internal
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Late 19th Century Marble Bronze Neoclassical-Style Library Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
-metal winged half-figure legs Measures: 31.5" H x 102.5" W x 45.25" D.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal

Franco Albini Cavalletto Table, Black Stained Wood by Cassina
By Cassina, Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
detail extending to the metal parts, not to mention the border trim on the table-top. Important
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Limited Edition Soriana Denim Armchair by Afra Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
typical faded look of worn jeans. The metal structure holds the armchair in a vise-like grip, creating
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Puff Armchair by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
vise-like grip, the metal structure holds the puff, with its biodegradable internal padding that, for
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Soriana Armchair by Afra Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Cassina, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
support, but takes its shape from the grip of the metal structure that embraces it. In the sweet spot
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Soriana Armchair by Afra Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
support, but takes its shape from the grip of the metal structure that embraces it. In the sweet spot
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Soriana Armchair by Afra Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
support, but takes its shape from the grip of the metal structure that embraces it. In the sweet spot
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

1960s vintage wooden desk and chair set Italian design
Located in None, IT
Desk set with black metal frame, wooden top and drawers with gilt brass handles, black metal chair and curved wooden seat, design Carlo Ratti, 1960s. CONDITION: In good condition, s...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Sofa Soriana by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
leisure. With a vise-like grip, the metal structure holds the armchair, with its biodegradable internal
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

19th Century Chinoiserie Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
originally intended as a sewing table, but it is a versatile size and can be used as a small console, desk
Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

French 19th Century Walnut Secrétaire à Abattant
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
lower three drawers. The front of the desk opens to reveal the writing surface and interior storage. The
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stone, Marble, Metal, Brass

Stunning Jewellers Table and Chair, France, 19th Century
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Stunning French 19th century jewellery maker's table with lovely layers of time worn patina. Wonderful unique ergomonic cut out and primitive design. A small pivoting / hidden silver...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Writing desk, Italian manufacture. C1950s.
Located in Baranzate, IT
Beautiful Vintage desk with two drawers and front storage rack bordered by iron wire mesh. Italian manufacture. C1950s.
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Charlotte Perriand Mid-Century Modern Black and Grey Cansado Table, circa 1950
By Charlotte Perriand
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Table designed by Charlotte Perriand, circa 1950. Wood with formica, metal frame legs
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Compass Table by Jean Prouvé
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Compass Table by Jean Prouvé, c. 1950's, France L 47.25" x W 30.75" x H 27.75" FDV11559 *Wear consistent with age and use.
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Drafting Table and Utility Cart, Blackened Steel and Gray Glass by Force/Collide
By Force/Collide
Located in Seattle, WA
Designed and made-to-order in our Seattle studio with artists, architects, drafters, designers and creatives in mind, the Drafting Table and Utility Cart duo is modern, minimal and s...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Bronze, Steel, Cut Steel, Sheet Metal

18th Century French Regence Walnut Bureau Plat
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful 18th century French Regence Bureau Plat. Four drawers, with pieced leather top with carved design in the center and around the edges. Walnut wood with gilded hardware rest...
Category

Antique 18th Century French Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Bespoke Industrial Oak and Cast Iron Splay-Leg Table
Located in Oakville, CT
Bespoke cast iron, steel and oak splay-leg Industrial modern style desk, table / table base. Built
Category

2010s American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Steel, Iron

Friso Kramer Reform Table Small Ahrend de Cirkel, 1963
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
different sized and shaped tables. This base was a folded metal frame which was light but also very strong
Category

Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Pivoting Drafting Table, Blackened Steel and Smoked Glass, by Force/Collide
By Force/Collide
Located in Seattle, WA
Designed and made-to-order in our Seattle studio with artists, architects, drafters, designers and creatives in mind, the Pivoting Drafting Table is modern, minimal and sleek. It fea...
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Bronze, Steel, Cut Steel, Iron

Vintage Regency Scalloped Writing Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Presenting a chic vintage writing desk, exuding the glamorous allure of the Hollywood Regency era
Category

Late 20th Century American Art Deco Desks

Materials

Metal

Olivette Dark Wood Writing Desk
By Cafedesart
Located in Milan, IT
Blending form with function, this elegant desk is the perfect sophisticated pick for the office
Category

2010s Italian Desks

Materials

Metal

1930s French Art Deco Walnut Writing Desk
Located in Astoria, NY
, and suitable for daily use. Both practical and refined, the piece works equally well as a writing desk
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Desks

Materials

Metal

Karges Regency Style X Base Writing Desk
By Karges Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Karges Regency Style X Base Writing Desk This desk measures: 44.25 wide x 21 deep x 29.75 high
Category

Early 2000s American Regency Desks

Materials

Metal

Vintage Modern Writing Desk by Wolfgang Hoffman
By Wolfgang Hoffmann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish black lacquer writing desk features the unique vintage design of Mid-Century Modern
Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Desks

Materials

Metal

Black Lacquer Writing Desk Art Deco, 20th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
An impactful Black Lacquer Art Deco writing desk with walnut and chromed cast iron detailed base
Category

20th Century French Art Deco Desks

Materials

Metal

Geraldo de Barros writing desk Unilabor Brazil 1956
By Geraldo de Barros, Unilabor
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Very nice minimalistic small writing desk designed by Geraldo de Barros and manufactured by
Category

Vintage 1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Palais Royal French Ormolu Mounted Desk Writing Set with Pen
By Palais Royal
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very finely made antique French Palais Royal ormolu mounted mother of pearl desk stand with pen
Category

Antique 19th Century French Rococo Revival Desk Sets

Materials

Metal

Art Deco Bakelite Desk Writing Accessory, 5 pieces in box, France 1930s
By Travail Francais
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Art Deco Bakelite desk accessories writing set dates from the 1930s. The set is built
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Desk Sets

Materials

Metal, Brass

Late 20th Century Vintage Italian Inlaid Animal Marquetry Writing Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fabulous vintage Boho Italian writing desk. Chic animal marquetry construction with incredible
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Desks

Materials

Metal

Vintage Italian Rho Custom Leather Embossed Burl Wood Writing Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Embossed Burl Wood Writing Desk. Perfect for American-style interiors, this desk features rich burl wood
Category

Late 20th Century American Desks

Materials

Metal

Modern Minimalist Home Office Writing Desk Satinwood Brushed Stainless Steel
By EMOTIONAL OBJECTS, João Faria
Located in Vila Nova Famalicão, PT
The Writing Home Desk Convex is made to last for generations and features exquisite wood veneers
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks

Materials

Metal, Steel, Cut Steel, Stainless Steel

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Metal Writing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal metal writing desk for your home. Frequently made of metal, wood and hardwood, every metal writing desk was constructed with great care. There are 2001 variations of the antique or vintage metal writing desk you’re looking for, while we also have 322 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. Your living room may not be complete without a metal writing desk — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. A metal writing desk, designed in the mid-century modern, modern or industrial style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. Many designers have produced at least one well-made metal writing desk over the years, but those crafted by Ahrend de Cirkel, Osvaldo Borsani and Tecno are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Metal Writing Desk?

A metal writing desk can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $3,892, while the lowest priced sells for $1 and the highest can go for as much as $495,000.

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 Metal 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 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 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The best way to refinish an old metal desk is to start by cleaning the desk. Ensure that the surface is free of dust and rust, then prime the desk with one to two coats of primer. And dependent upon its condition, a coat of any metal paint can freshen up an old metal desk. Browse a wide selection of vintage metal desks 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.