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Stylish 1920s Industrial Metal Desk by Norman Bel Geddes
By Norman Bel Geddes
Located in Chicago, IL
Stylish American 1920s industrial metal desk by Norman Bel Geddes.
Category
Vintage 1920s American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Walnut and Gilt Metal Writing Desk, France, circa 1910
Located in Culver City, CA
Walnut and gilt metal writing desk, France, circa 1910
Worn writing surface with drawer, on
Category
Vintage 1910s French Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Late 19th Century French Military Metal Writing Desk
Located in Copenhagen K, DK
Very cool and raw Industrial style metal writing desk. Provenance the French army. This piece has
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Other Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
Franco Albini Glass
Metal Writing Desk for Knoll International, 1949
By Knoll, Franco Albini
Located in The Hague, NL
Rare and early age writing desk designed by Franco Albini and manufactured by Knoll International
Category
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Walnut and Metal Writing Desk Designed by Borsani for Tecno, Italy, 1960s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in walnut, metal and its original leather.
In perfect original condition and polished with
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Italian Mid-Century Modern Laminate and Metal Writing Desk with Drawers, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Mid-Century Modern laminate and metal writing desk with drawers, 1960s
Wood writing desk
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Tables
Materials
Metal
Coen de Vries Industrial Writing Desk for Emmein Meubel
By Coen de Vries, Emmein Staal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-century Coen de Vries Industrial metal writing desk with double stacked drawers. Teak top and
Category
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Pierre Guariche Mid-Century Desk
By Pierre Guariche, Meurop
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Streamline simple teak and enameled metal writing desk by Pierre Guariche.
Category
Vintage 1950s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Industrial Metal Trestle Writing Desk
Located in Manhasset, NY
Industrial metal writing desk, rectangular top with three drawers, raised on trestle stands
Category
20th Century American Desks
Materials
Metal
Industrial Writing Metal Desk
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
For your consideration, desk from the late fifties in metal, its tapered legs give it that modern
Category
Vintage 1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Metal Industrial Glass Top Writing Desk
Located in Manhasset, NY
Vintage industrial writing table, circa 1960s, rectangular glass top over a metal base, raised on
Category
Vintage 1960s American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
1940s Art Metal London Desk with Linoleum Top
By Art Metal Co.
Located in Hook, Hampshire
1940s art metal London desk with linoleum top
1940s vintage art metal London desk with linoleum top
Category
Vintage 1940s British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Metal Alloy Writing Desk/Bureau-Plat
Located in Washington, DC
Metal Alloy Writing Desk/Bureau-Plat with Five Drawers
Category
Vintage 1950s French Desks and Writing Tables
Galvanized Metal and Wood Writing Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unique writing desk is a rare find. The galvanized metal surface adds an industrial edge to a
Category
Antique 19th Century American Classical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
small 1930
s Art Metal Co. Desk
By Art Metal Co.
Located in Bainbridge, NY
early Art Metal Desk Industrial Modern Desk with single (20"W) drawer. Sturdy, heavy gauge Steel
Category
Vintage 1930s American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
1930s Banker
s Metal Roll Top Industrial Desk
By Art Metal Co.
Located in Atlanta, GA
Banker's metal roll top Industrial desk, probably made by the Art Metal Company, American, circa
Category
Vintage 1930s American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass, Steel
Writing Desk Chromed Metal Veneered Wood, Italy, 1960s
Located in Milano, IT
Writing desk with drawers and open compartment under the top, retractable storage compartments with
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Industrial Writing Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
This desk features a sturdy metal frame with a vintage rusty finish, beautifully contrasted by the
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Industrial Desks and Writing Ta...
Materials
Metal
$2,145 / item
Vintage Design Teak
Metal Frame Desk, Writing Table, 1960s Netherlands
Located in The Hague, NL
Modern vintage design desk, writing table made in 1960s Netherlands.
The desk surface is made from
Category
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Modernist Vanity / Writing Desk
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Modernist Writing Desk / Vanity with Luxurious Red Glass Top
Category
Vintage 1930s French Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Midcentury Wooden Writing Desk with Nickel-Plated Metal Details, Italy, 1970s
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
It's made in wood and features nickel-plated metal handles and legs.
It may show slight traces of
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Coen de Vries Metal and Wood Writing Desk or Vanity
By Emmein Staal, Coen de Vries
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Industrial writing desk designed by Coen de Vries for Emmein Staal. Grey eneameld metal
Category
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Prouve Inspired Modernist Writing Desk
By Jean Prouvé, Marko
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Charming modernist writing desk with floating teak top for Marko. Lightly refinished with teak
Category
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Vintage Campaign Style Writing Desk
By Bassett Furniture
Located in Trenton, NJ
This Vintage Campaign Style Writing Desk by Bassett Furniture is the perfect blend of luxury, style
Category
Late 20th Century American Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
19th C. French Writing Desk
Located in Sheffield, MA
Small 19th century desk for a multitude of uses -- side table, vanity or night table. Full width
Category
Antique 19th Century French Other Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Cream Lacquered Traditional Writing Desk
Located in North York, ON
This simple table desk is a functional yet fashionable piece perfect for a small office area
Category
2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
French Mahogany Directoire Writing Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A handsome Directoire style writing desk crafted in France, circa 1820. Well worn hazelnut toned
Category
Antique 19th Century French Directoire Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
Vintage Midcentury Walnut Writing Desk
By Bassett Furniture
Located in West Hartford, CT
Clean lines and scale define this midcentury walnut desk with three side drawers and one smaller
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Vintage Metal Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid 20th c. metal desk with battleship linoleum top.
Category
Vintage 1950s American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
$2,590
Studio BBPR Arco Writing Desk in Metal and Wood for Olivetti Synthesis 1960s
By Olivetti, Studio BBPR
Located in Cascina, Pisa
"Studio BBPR (Banfi, Belgioioso, Peressutti, Rogers)"
Arco writing desk in painted metal and
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Contemporary Curved Writing Desk with Matching Desk Chair
Located in North York, ON
warmth to any space. The desk and chair both feature beautiful curved details that add a modern and
Category
Vintage 1970s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Simple Metal Desk
Located in Culver City, CA
Simple modern desk with original green surface, and two pull out drawers.
Made in France circa
Category
20th Century French Industrial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
$1,950
Italian Mid Century Writing Desk in Black Metal, Teak and Black Linoleum, 1950
Located in Berlin, DE
The Italian Mid Century Writing Desk from the 1950s epitomizes the elegance and functionality of
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
Modern Steel and Maple Writing Desk
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Beautiful original design, modern writing desk having pitted steel frame and legs and glossy honey
Category
Vintage 1970s American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Industrial Metal Desk
By Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chocolate enameled metal frame with teak top and small side stacked metal drawers. In good original
Category
Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
White and Grey Writing Desk, 1950s
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
This desk is made from laminated wood, painted metal, aluminum and Formica.
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum, Metal
Willy Van Der Meeren Writing Desk for Tubax Desk
By Tubax, Willy Van Der Meeren
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Midcentury Willy Van Der Meeren Industrial desk with Formica top and teal enameled tubular metal
Category
Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Olivetti Spazio Metal Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
military green metal desk w/felt top and leather writing pad
Category
Vintage 1950s Unknown Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Prouve Style Writing Desk
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-century desk with floating wooden drawers and grey enameled metal Prouve-style compass legs
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
French Louis XV Style Writing Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Louis XV style writing desk from France, circa 1840, will elevate any home office or library to the
Category
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass, Ormolu
Mid-Century Coen de Vries Enameled Metal and Faux Walnut Writing Desk or Vanity
By Coen de Vries, Emmein Staal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century industrial desk or vanity designed by Coen de Vries for Emmein Staal. The desk has one
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Industrial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Writing Desk by Willy Van Der Meeren
By Willy Van Der Meeren
Located in Culver City, CA
Writing desk with simple form, constructed from tubular metal, with interior cubby and wood
Category
Vintage 1950s Belgian Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Gispen Industrial Metal Desk
By Gispen, A.R. Cordemeijer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Midcentury industrial metal desk by A. R. Cordemeyer for Gispen. Light grey enameled metal desk
Category
Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Arne Vodder Style Danish Teak Writing Desk
By Arne Vodder
Located in Los Angeles, CA
larger writing surface. Lightly refinished teak with enameled metal legs, three side stacked drawers and
Category
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Pierre Guariche Teak Writing Desk for Meurop
By Pierre Guariche, Meurop
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pierre Guariche teak writing desk for Meurop with black metal frame and two drawers. Holes in frame
Category
Vintage 1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Gispen Industrial Metal Desk
By Gispen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Gispen Industrial desk with red enameled metal drawer and linoleum top. Three sliding drawers
Category
Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Bauhaus Writing Desk
Located in North York, ON
Introducing the Mid-Century Modern Walnut Bauhaus Writing Desk, a stunning piece that seamlessly
Category
Vintage 1960s American Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Stainless Steel
Sculptural Kidney Shaped Writing Desk, France, 1950
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
green laminated wood. The zigzag tubular metal frame makes the desk stable and gives it an unusual but
Category
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Franco Albini Writing Desk Knoll International, 1949
By Franco Albini, Knoll
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare and early writing desk model 1928 designed by Franco Albini and manufactured by Knoll
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Glass and metal desk
By Hiroyuki Yamakado
Located in PARIS, FR
“Etretat” desk by Hiroyuki Yamakado (1946) in the 1990s. The rectangular glass top rests on two
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
$2,487
Handsome Neoclassical Style Desk or Writing Table
By Maitland Smith
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Here is a handsome Maitland Smith desk or writing table with an unusual combination of materials
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Daniele Calabi Writing Desk Table, Italy, 1950
By Daniele Calabi
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
One off writing desk table designed and made by Italian architect Daniele Calabi, Italy 1950. This
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass, Metal
French Louis XVI Style Mahogany Writing Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This fantastic 19th century Louis XVI style petite writing desk is full of handcrafted details! The
Category
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
Maitland Smith White Lacquer Leather Writing Desk
Located in North Miami, FL
two drawers, original brass lion pull hardware and cross-bar braces on base.
Category
Vintage 1970s American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
Modern Curved Black Leather Writing Desk by Nancy Corzine Fusion Desk
By Nancy Corzine
Located in North York, ON
Modern curved black leather writing desk by Nancy Corzine Fusion Desk. Original Nancy Corzine
Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
French Louis XV Style Writing Desk Bureau Plat
Located in Astoria, NY
French Louis XV style cherry wood writing desk or bureau plat with shaped rectangular top banded in
Category
Antique 18th Century Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
1960s Shelf System with Writing Desk, Italy
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition with some signs of use
- Including light (US compatible )
- mahogany veneer
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
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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
- 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 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.
- 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022The 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, 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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