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Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Natural oak veneer chrome base.
By Marco Zanuso Jr.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr. in 2017 for luxury French furniture
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Natural oak veneer golden base.
By Marco Zanuso Jr.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr. in 2017 for luxury French furniture
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Natural oak veneer white base.
By Marco Zanuso Jr.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr. in 2017 for luxury French furniture
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Office Desk "Compas" Designed by Jean Prouve, circa 1950, France
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Barcelona, ES
Office desk Compas designed by Jean Prouvé. Version with bent lacquered steel, metal casing and
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Steel

Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr white, glass top gold base.
By Marco Zanuso Jr.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr for luxury French furniture brand
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

A.G.Fronzoni Rectangular Fronzoni 64 Table in Metal and Wooden Top, Cappellini
By A. G. Fronzoni, Cappellini
Located in New York, NY
rectangular table has a base made of square tubular metal and the wood top can be Matte lacquered in white or
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr white, glass top white base.
By Marco Zanuso Jr.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr for luxury French furniture brand
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr white, glass top bronze base.
By Marco Zanuso Jr.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr for luxury French furniture brand
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Natural oak, glass bronze base.
By Marco Zanuso Jr.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr for luxury French furniture brand
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr white, glass top chrome base.
By Marco Zanuso Jr.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr for luxury French furniture brand
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Natural oak, glass white base.
By Marco Zanuso Jr.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr for luxury French furniture brand
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Natural oak, glass golden base.
By Marco Zanuso Jr.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr for luxury French furniture brand
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Adentro Cosimo Desk design Marco Zanuso jr Natural oak, glass chrome base.
By Marco Zanuso Jr.
Located in PARIS, FR
The Cosimo desk was designed by the architect Marco Zanuso Jr for luxury French furniture brand
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Desk Secretary COM:POS:ITION 1.6 Minimalist Design Customizable
By Martin Mestmacher
Located in Wietze, DE
COM:POS:ITION 1.6 is a thinking space. The minimalistic interpretation of an desk or an secretary
Category

2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Stainless Steel

Mixed-Media Scroll-Work Patinated Steel and Macassar Ebony Desk
By Gregory Clark
Located in Wilton, CT
One available now Mixed-Media Scroll-Work Patinated Steel and Macassar Ebony Desk with Absolute
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Granite, Metal, Steel

Mid-Century Modern White Blue Desk by Antonia Astori for Driade, Italy 1980s
By Antonia Astori
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern White Blue Desk by Antonia Astori for Driade, Italy 1980s. This striking desk
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Nomos Desk by Sir Norman Foster for Tecno, Conference Table, Italy
By Tecno, Sir Norman Foster
Located in Lesquin , FR
Beautiful architect desk made for Nomos by Sir Norman Foster in Italy in the 1980s. The shelf is in
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

1960 s Brazilian Desk Model « 1015 » by Geraldo de Barros Manufactured by Unilab
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in New York, NY
. Crafted from black painted metal, Jacaranda wood, and brass, this desk stands out not only for its
Category

Vintage 1960s Brazilian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pierre Paulin s Desk "CM 174" Produced by Thonet, circa 1960
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Saint Ouen, Île-de-France
Pierre Paulin 's desk "CM 174" produced by Thonet, circa 1960. Oak and black painted steel.       
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Executive Desk by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno Milano, Italy, 1950s
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Wilnis, UT
Beautiful large executive desk designed by Osvaldo Borsani, manufactured by Tecno Milano in Italy
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Magnificent Double Sized Dark Walnut Desk by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Southampton, NY
Magnificent double sized dark walnut desk with aluminum legs designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno.
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Midcentury Dressing Table/ Desk with Drawers, UP Zavody, Czechoslovakia, 1972
By Up Závody
Located in Zohor, SK
mahogany veneer on the sides. The top board and front parts finished in high sheen finish with metal
Category

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

Materials

Metal

A.G.Fronzoni Square Fronzoni 64 Table in Metal Top and Wood Top for Cappellini
By Cappellini, A. G. Fronzoni
Located in New York, NY
rectangular table has a base made of square tubular metal and the wood top can be Matte lacquered in white or
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

L-shaped Desk by Jorge Lund Ole Larsen for Bo-Ex, Denmark 1960
By Jørgen Lund Ole Larsen
Located in Wilnis, UT
A luxurious, L-shaped desk designed by executive desk designed by Jorgen Lund & Ole Larsen
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

1970s Françoise Sée Trestles Table Desk with a Red Lacquer Top
By Françoise See
Located in Brussels, BE
The red lacquer top rests on a pair geometric trestles formed of a thick chrome steel blade. Designed by Françoise Sée ( Maison Ramsay), circa 1970.
Category

Vintage 1970s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Modern Nougat White Olympic Marble Desk III by Caffe Latte
By Caffe Latte
Located in New York, NY
Modern Nougat white Olympic marble desk III by Caffe Latte Modern Nougat white Olympic marble
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Belgian Black Marble, Breccia Marble, Carrara Marble, Griotte Ma...

Modern Nougat Dark Emperador Marble Desk II by Caffe Latte
By Caffe Latte
Located in New York, NY
Modern Nougat Dark Emperador Marble Desk II by Caffe Latte This Modern Nougat Dark Emperador
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Belgian Black Marble, Breccia Marble, Carrara Marble, Griotte Ma...

Modern Nougat Light Emperador Marble Desk IV by Caffe Latte
By Caffe Latte
Located in New York, NY
Modern Nougat Light Emperador Marble Desk IV by Caffe Latte This Modern Nougat Light Emperador
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Belgian Black Marble, Breccia Marble, Carrara Marble, Griotte Ma...

Set of Children Desk or School Bench with Two Flototto Chairs, Germany, 1970s
By Elmar Flötotto
Located in Warsaw, PL
A decent set consisting of a school bench / desk and a chairs of a well-known German brand (Elmar
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Steel

Bespoke Desk in Claro Walnut and Bronze By Newell Design Studio
By Newell Design Studio, Jeff Newell
Located in Orange, CA
Bespoke Desk in Claro Walnut and Bronze. Extraordinary solid bronze bases are welded and polished
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Gold, Gold Plate, Bronze, Other

Early Desk with Solid Wenge Top by Jules Wabbes for Mobilier Universel
By Jules Wabbes, Mobilier Universel
Located in Brussels, BE
This model has elegant dimensions and dates back as one of the first designs of Jules Wabbes Again a superb example of Belgium design beauty from the 1960s. Designed by Jules Wabbe...
Category

Vintage 1950s Belgian Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Dining or Desk Table with a Palisander Top by Jules Wabbes, Belgium, 1960
By Jules Wabbes
Located in Brussels, BE
Made for "Le Mobilier Universel", circa 1960. H shape stretched chromed iron central foot, assembled in parallel with "Allen" screws and" Légiano" table skates. Revarnish palissande...
Category

Vintage 1960s Belgian Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Italian Vintage Desk in Polish Wood by Ico Parisi for MIM, circa 1955
By Mobili Italiani Moderni (MIM), Ico Parisi
Located in Belgium, Brussels
Large vintage desk in polish wood with drawers full drawers and two open sides and lateral elements
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Modern Industry Serif Series Desk in Walnut and Oxidized Steel Wishbone Legs
By Modern Industry
Located in Downers Grove, IL
Bookmatched slabs of locally sourced black walnut rest upon a cantilevered version of the signature Serif leg, shown in smooth gunmetal finish steel. An optional pencil drawer provid...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Organic Modern Desks and Writing ...

Materials

Metal, Steel

Reve Desk in Mosaic Claro Walnut and Bronze by Newell Design Studio
By Jeff Newell, Newell Design Studio
Located in Orange, CA
Reve is built with a marvelous solid wood understructure assembled with traditional, strong mortise and tenon joinery.  Either lacquered with our ultra luxurious colors or veneered w...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze, Metal, Other, Nickel

Mid-20th Century French Wooden and Metal Double School Bench, 1950
Located in Milan, Italy
. It could be an amazing alternative to a desk for children that will give character and romanticism to
Category

Vintage 1950s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Mid-19th Century Continental King Wood and Gilt Metal Mounted Bureau Plat
Located in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire
A free standing mid-19th century Continental king wood and gilt metal mounted bureau plat of Louis
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century European Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Ralph Lauren Table
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Sagaponack, NY
table/desk
Category

20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

TABLE WIM RIETVELD Ahrend de Cirkel Industrial Dutch Design
By Wim Rietveld, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in LA Arnhem, NL
TABLE WIM RIETVELD Ahrend de Cirkel. Super Industrial style desk ore table. Designed by Wim
Category

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

Materials

Metal

A. G. Fronzoni Square Fronzoni 64 Table in Anthracite Top Base for Cappellini
By Cappellini, A. G. Fronzoni
Located in New York, NY
rectangular table has a base made of square tubular metal and the wood top can be Matte lacquered in white or
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

A. G. Fronzoni Rectangular Fronzoni 64 Table in Anthracite Top Base Cappellini
By Cappellini, A. G. Fronzoni
Located in New York, NY
rectangular table has a base made of square tubular metal and the wood top can be Matte lacquered in white or
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Studio BBPR "Spazio" Work Table by Olivetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Studio BBPR "Spazio" table/console by Olivetti, original painted metal finish. Leather top.
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Early 19th Century French Bureau Plat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An early 19th century French mahogany bureau plat with embossed black leather top. This desk has
Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Arne Jacobsen "Shaker table"
By Arne Jacobsen
Located in Shibuya City, JP
The Shaker Board (table) has a sleek image, possibly due to its steel legs. This center table, with a rectangular top and a Shaker base, was designed by Arne Jacobsen in collaboratio...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Apollo Contemporary Console in Marble and Wood
By Artefatto Design Studio, Secolo
Located in London, GB
The Apollo console consists of a wooden top with inlayed marble. Characterized by its soft curves and round shapes, Apollo is available in a number of different wood, stone and uphol...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal

ESCRITORIO Antonio Ferretti
By Antonio Ferretti
Located in MADRID, ES
Antonio Ferretti Escritorio en madera de roble y latón con metalpintado. Italia, años 60, Medidas: 79x96x60 cm. Marca de producción
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Italian-made executive desk from the 1950s
Located in Genova, IT
Large Italian-made executive desk from the early 1950s. Dark blue formica(original) covered worktop in excellent condition, resting on two walnut wood 'towers' with black metal legs...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Vintage Industrial Wooden Painting Table, 1960s
Located in Chesham, GB
This wooden painting table is height adjustable and was made in Europe during the 1960s.
Category

Vintage 1960s Portuguese Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Vintage French Single School Table
Located in Ulft, Gelderland
Vintage French school table. Remains in good condition.
Category

Vintage 1960s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Vintage Secretaire
By Harbinger
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage secretaire.
Category

2010s American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

1970s desk George Nelson for ICF De Padova
By George Nelson, ICF De Padova
Located in Genova, IT
Desk designed by George Nelson in the 1970s produced under license in italy by ICF de padova. Original condition, preserved. High-thickness black laminate top, front panel covered in...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Aluminum, Chrome

Mid-Century Industrial Design Friso Kramer Reform Table Ahrend Cirkel, 1950s
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Udenhout, Noord Brabant
features a black enameled sheet metal frame and a dark grey desktop. Friso Kramer was awarded with the
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Friso Kramer Reform Table de Cirkel
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in LA Arnhem, NL
Friso Kramer reform table. Friso Kramer Industrial table. The table is named "reformtable". It can be used as a dining table or as a work table. The open folded legs are characterist...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Writing desk, Studio BBPR, Olivetti 1963
By Studio BBPR
Located in Saint-Andre lez Lille, France
Writing desk, Studio BBPR, formed by the initials of four Italian architects-designers. Gian Luigi
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Desks

Materials

Metal

1970s Brown Writing Desk Danish Design Midcentury Original
Located in Szczecin, Zachodniopomorskie
Beautiful desk from the 1960s-1970s, Danish design, Minimalist form, finished with mahogany veneer
Category

Vintage 1970s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Metal

Superb Quality Five-Piece Gilt Metal Writing Set in the Empire Style
Located in Suffolk, GB
An exceptional quality early 20th century five-piece gilt metal writing set in the Empire style and
Category

Early 20th Century Belgian Desk Sets

Materials

Metal

Large Machine Age Metal Desk/Dining Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Large Machine Age metal desk/dining table. Space between legs 61.75". Under counter 25.5" on longer
Category

Vintage 1920s American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

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 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 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.