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Metal Writing Desk

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Osvaldo Borsani desk mod T333 for Tecno
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in bari, IT
The T333 desk, designed by the famous designer Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, is a masterpiece of
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Elegant French Art Deco Desk circa 1930s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant French Art Deco Desk, France, circa 1930s. Stylish tapered leg form with geometric inlaid
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Petite Regency Style Desk or Console Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
Petite Regency Style Desk or Console Table, French style but probably American, circa 1950s. It is
Category

Vintage 1950s American Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Desk by Anonymous, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1950s
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This refined 1950s desk exemplifies the Brazilian modernist pursuit of equilibrium between material
Category

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

Materials

Metal

J1 Blackened Steel Desk by Edelman New York
Located in New York, NY
The hot rolled J Desk is New York sleek. She's hot and cool, smooth and effortless. Dark, but
Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Desk by Jacques Hitier for Anthony university
By Jacques Hitier
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Bureau par Jacques Hitier de 1955, édité par MBO Tubauto pour la résidence universitaire de Anthony.
Category

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Teak Model 202 Desk by Børge Mogensen, 1950s
By Søborg Møbler 1, Børge Mogensen
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Model: Desk 202 Dimensions: 165x80cm H:70,5cm Year: 1953 Freestanding teak desk, mod. 202 by Børge
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

20th Century Italian Vintage Walnut Writing Table in the Style of Carlo Ratti
By Carlo Ratti
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A rectangular, vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian writing table, desk made of hand crafted polished
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass, Iron

Rare early desk N80 by Franco Albini
By Franco Albini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Magnificent desk model N80 by the designer Franco Albini, rare first editions model with white
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Stickley Mission Arts and Crafts Oak Desk
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Stickley desk, originally designed in the 1910s by Gustav Stickley, this example is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mission Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Desk by Jorge Salszupin, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1970s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A superb example of Zalszupin’s late modernist aesthetic, this desk showcases his ability to
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Desk in Grey Shagreen by Ginger Brown
By Ginger Brown
Located in Bourguebus, FR
triangular legs are in metal with an antique brass patina. It can be used as a writing desk or as a vanity
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Futurist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Gallotti and Radice Glass President Desk Italy 4 items
By Gallotti Radice
Located in grand Lancy, CH
President Desk made of safety glass with a stainless steel frame. Originally designed by Gallotti
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Elegant Italian Desk Convertible into Sewing Machine
By Midcentury Italian school
Located in Milano, IT
. Being transformable the desk is excellent both as a writing table but also as a piece of furniture for
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Iron

Gianfranco Frattini for Cantieri Carugati Desk in Cherry
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cantieri Carugati
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gianfranco Frattini for Cantieri Carugati, writing desk, cherry, metal, Italy, 1958 This piece of
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Large desk by Gastone Rinaldi for Thema Italy
By Thema Italy 1, Gastone Rinaldi
Located in Brussel, BE
Large desk by Gastone Rinaldi for Thema Italy Wonderful wood top.
Category

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

Materials

Metal

1950 s Stitched Leather Desk by Jacques Adnet
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Bois-Colombes, FR
Very nice stitched leather desk Covered with navy blue leather, chromed metal 3 drawers.   
Category

Vintage 1950s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Wood, Fabric and Glass Italian 1940s Rationalist Desk
By Franco Albini
Located in Varese, Lombardia
A beautiful and rare desk in the style of Franco Albini. It is made from a wooden crossed structure
Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass, Chrome

Sergio Rodrigues Brazilian Rosewood Desk and Chair
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Atlanta, GA
Mid Century Clean Lined Rosewood Desk and Chair, designed by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, circa 1960s
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Bbpr for Olivetti, Spazio Table, Desk, 1950s/60s
By Studio BBPR
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Large 'Spazio' table or desk with a top covered in green vinyl, resting on a gray and black metal
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

1950 s Stitched leather desk by Jacques Adnet
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Bois-Colombes, FR
1950's Stitched leather desk by Jacques Adnet Olive green and black leather France
Category

Vintage 1950s European Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

1950 s Stitched leather desk by Jacques Adnet
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Bois-Colombes, FR
1950's Stitched leather desk by Jacques Adnet Bluet leather nickeled X base Chair included
Category

Vintage 1950s European Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Finn Juhl Rare Desk for Bovirke in Teak
By Finn Juhl, Bovirke
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Finn Juhl for Bovirke, desk, model ‘BO 69’, teak, metal, brass, Denmark, design ca. 1953, made late
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

1950 s Stitched Leather Desk by Jacques Adnet
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Bois-Colombes, FR
1950's Stitched leather desk by Jacques Adnet. Metal is in vintage condition. See pictures for
Category

Vintage 1960s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Michel Ducaroy attributed to , Desk, Circa 1975
By Michel Ducaroy
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Tray dimensions: L180 x P90 Desk dimensions: L138 x P65 x H73 Smoked glass top Good condition
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Bronze Brera Desk by Marcos Zanuso Jr
Located in Geneve, CH
Bronze Brera desk by Marcos Zanuso Jr Materials: Bronze Structure. Desk with drawer. Base in bronze
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Chromed Brera Desk by Marcos Zanuso Jr
Located in Geneve, CH
Wood brera desk by Marcos Zanuso Jr Materials: Chromed structure. Desk with drawer. Base in bronze
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Vintage Desk by Willy Van Der Meeren for Tubax, 1950s
By Tubax, Willy Van Der Meeren
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
, a lot of these disappeared and where discarted. The desk is made out of black metal and a formica
Category

Vintage 1950s Belgian Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

French Art Nouveau Wood Side Table Writing Table Glass Top One Drawer, c 1920
Located in Labrit, Landes
French antique wood and glass side or writing table, circa 1920. Made in the art Nouveau period
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Herman Miller George Nelson Action Office Desk
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Pasadena, TX
Thus is a Herman Miller Desk designed by George Nelson. It's from Nelson's Action Office Series. It
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Aluminum, Steel

Maurice Calka “Boomerang” Desk by Leleu Deshays, France - 1970s
By Maurice Calka, LeLeu Deshays
Located in Renens, CH
discoloration on the desk, some light scratches on the surface. The metal drawer slides show some aging which we
Category

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

Materials

Metal

1960 s Raymond Loewy DF 2000 Sliding Top Desk
By (after) Raymond Loewy, Doubinsky Freres
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1960's Raymond Loewy DF 2000 sliding desk top with drawers for Doubinsky Freres. In good vintage
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Arne Vodder desker in rosewood and leather Sibast Denmark 1960
By Arne Vodder, Sibast
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
lightly within the frame, each fitted with Vodder’s distinctive square metal handles. The desk stands on
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Rare No 3605 Arne Jacobsen rosewood Desk
By Arne Jacobsen
Located in Munich, DE
Rare Arne Jacobsen desk designed in 1955. Wonderful woodgrain.
Category

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

Materials

Metal

English Pedestal Desk of Mahogany with Embossed Leather Top
Located in Austin, TX
A fine English double pedestal desk of mahogany from the Edwardian era, featuring a leather-inset
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Aluminium Desk with Laminate Top from Carlotti, 1950s
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Desk in painted aluminium with laminate top from Carlotti. Packaging with bubble wrap and cardboard
Category

Vintage 1950s Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

1970s brutalist desk or console by Albert Féraud
By Albert Feraud
Located in Paris, FR
Little desk or console, composed of folded and entangled metal tubes. Rectangular glass slab.
Category

Vintage 1970s French Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Minimalist Space Age Desk by Planmöbel, 1960s
Located in Echt, NL
Very rare Minimalist desk in very good condition. Manufactured by Planmöbel in the 1960s The
Category

20th Century German Space Age Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

1950 s Stitched Leather Desk by Jacques Adnet
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Bois-Colombes, FR
1950's Stitched leather desk covered with stitched leather France Designed by Jacques Adnet.
Category

Vintage 1950s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Wittmann Paradise Bird Desk by Luca Nichetto in STOCK
By Wittmann, Luca Nichetto
Located in New York, NY
The asymmetrical desk of the PARADISE BIRD collection by Luca Nichetto invites for interaction with
Category

2010s Austrian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Kroma Desk by Antonia Astori for Driade, Italy 1980s
By Antonia Astori
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1980s ‘Kroma’ desk designed by Antonia Astori for Driade. This modern desk embodies a minimalist
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Platone folding desk by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli , 1970s
By Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Delft, NL
Platone folding desk by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli , 1970s
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Franco Albini for Poggi Model 840 Stadera Desk
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Milano, IT
very solid painted metal that supports the entire structure. The desk is a great piece of Italian
Category

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

Materials

Metal

A " Washington " Desk by Jean Michel Wilmotte France 1980s
By Jean-Michel Wilmotte
Located in HYÈRES, FR
An important desk by Jean Michel Wilmotte France 1985s Editor : Academy Radical and Industrial
Category

Vintage 1980s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Italian Desk by Hans Von Klier for Skipper, 1970s
By Hans Von Klier, Skipper
Located in bruxelles, BE
Leather, metal and wood desk with 3 drawers and a sideboard on wheels that can be moved wherever
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Franco Albini, center desk with dark wood drawers
By Franco Albini
Located in Milano, IT
COD-2669 Franco Albini (1905-1977) Center desk with dark wood drawers, polished steel square tube
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Table with Beveled Glass Top and Metal Supports
Located in London, GB
fact be used as a desk, or as a work table. But its function can also be as a table to be placed in the
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk in Tawi Walnut Steel
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional and rare drop leaf desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in Tawi Walnut & Steel. USA
Category

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

Materials

Metal

1950 s Stitched Leather Desk by Jacques Adnet
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Bois-Colombes, FR
1950's "Campaign Desk " all covered with stitched leather designed by Jacques Adnet. France.
Category

Vintage 1950s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Regency Gilt Bronze Mounted Rosewood Writing Table in the style of John McLean
Located in Kittery Point, ME
The bronze-mounted rectangular top with rounded incurved corners‚ above a single frieze drawer‚ raised on a trestle base ending in downswept legs on casters joined by a turned stretc...
Category

Antique 19th Century English Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Desk, Made of Walnut by Osvaldo Borsani, 1954
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Berlin, DE
Chique and minimal, rare desk designed by Osvaldo Borsani in 1956 and manufactured by Tecno Italy
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Ellipse Light Up Desk by Federico Peri for Baxter
By Federico Peri
Located in Boston, MA
Made in Italy. A mixture of leather, stone and metal featuring a built-in light. Work from home in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stone, Travertine, Metal, Brass

Vintage French Napoleon III Style Ebonized Lacquered Bonheur Du Jour Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage French Napoleon III Style Ebonized Lacquered "Bonheur Du Jour" Writing Desk Elegant French
Category

Mid-20th Century French Napoleon III Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Tubular Steel Functional Desk in Birch, Heteka Finland 1930s
By Heteka, Pauli Blomstedt
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful example of the functionalist period and tubular steel furniture. This writing desk is
Category

Vintage 1930s Finnish Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

French Art Deco White Paint Decorated Oak Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 30 1/2 in W: 73 1/4 in D: 37 1/2 in This striking French Art Deco desk is a
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Abbondinterni executive corner desk in Mahogany and glass Italy 1970
By Abbondinterni
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
. Marked within the metal structure, this rare desk reflects the exceptional craftsmanship and design
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Walnut and Oak desk with x shaped legs
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Pleased to offer this great walnut and oak desk with a single draw. This great desk sits on a pair
Category

Vintage 1980s American 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
  • 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.