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Teak Desk by Peter Hvidt Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for Søborg, Denmark
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Barcelona, ES
Desk designed in 1959 by danish architects Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for Søborg
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Executive Desk by Hans von Klier for Skipper Italian, circa 1970
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Desk by Hans von Klier in walnut wood with three drawers, a center leather writing section, and a
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Diagonal Desk By Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti
By Giovanni Offredi
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Diagonal Desk By Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Giovanni Offredi (born 1927
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Cognac Leather Desk by Guido Faleschini for Mariani, Italy, 1970s
By i4 Mariani, Guido Faleschini
Located in Antwerp, BE
This desk is a stunning creation by the visionary Italian designer Guido Faleschini for I4 Mariani
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Early 19th Century Swedish Carved Wood Desk Table with Drawer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish desk table with sliding top from the early 19th century. This antique table from Sweden
Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Rustic Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Art Deco / Machine Age eXEcutive Desk, Chrysler Presentation attr, Kem Weber
By Kem Weber
Located in Buffalo, NY
Very unusual Art Deco / Machine AGE dESK, Retains original metal badge/plaque which reads
Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Steel, Chrome

Midcentury Giancarlo Piretti Blue "Platone" Folding Desk by Castelli, 1970s
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in Roma, IT
Fabulous and incredibly rare midcentury blue "Platone" folding desk designed by Giancarlo Piretti
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Aluminum, Steel

George II Chippendale Style Desk Mahogany Leather Top Antique Console Side Table
By Thomas Chippendale
Located in London, GB
A very attractive Chippendale style mahogany desk with leather top and locking drawer in lovely
Category

Antique Late 18th Century British Chippendale Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Green Leatherette and Metal Cabinets, 1960s, Set of 2
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Pair of green leatherette and metal cabinets with shelf, Italy, 60s. Provenance Gabicce Mare city
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno ‘T96’ Executive Corner Desk in Black Lacquered Wood
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, executive desk, model ‘T96’, lacquered wood, steel, chromed metal, Italy
Category

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

Materials

Steel, Chrome, Metal

JK 204 desk by Jorgen Kastholm for kill international, 1960s Germany.
By Kill International, Jørgen Kastholm
Located in Landgraaf, NL
JK 204 desk by Jorgen Kastholm for kill international, 1960s Germany. Large and heavy desk made
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Vintage Imitation Wood Vinyl Desk by Mascagni for Harrods of London
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Leatherette desk with wood finish. Gilt metal hardware, profiles, handles and tips. Insignificant
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Desk with chrome-plated steel frame and gilt-plated brass details, glass top
By Maison Jansen
Located in Madrid, España
Desk with chrome-plated steel frame and gilt-plated brass details, glass top - Atr. Maison Jansen
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Rare Mauser B65 desk after Marcel Breuer, Bauhaus tubular steel tube, Germany
By Mauser Werke
Located in Berlin, DE
This rare Mauser B 65 desk, produced in Germany around 1954, is a postwar interpretation of one of
Category

Mid-20th Century German Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Steel, Chrome

Italian Venetian Style Distressed Paint Decorated Secretary Desk C. 1950 s
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Europe with this Italian Venetian style distressed paint-decorated secretary desk, crafted circa the
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Country Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Rare Desk Set by BBPR for Olivetti Synthesis, circa 1960
By Olivetti, Studio BBPR
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Rare desk set by BBPR for Olivetti Synthesis, including a desk, a storage unit, an office chair, a
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Art Deco Table Desk by Wolfgang Hoffmann for Howell No.475
By Wolfgang Hoffmann
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Simple streamline table/desk designed by Wolfgang Hoffmann for Howell Prod. No. 475. Solid
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

A.R. Cordemeyer for Gispen "3803" Desk or Vanity with Linoleum Top
By Gispen, A.R. Cordemeijer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gispen. This 1960s desk has one white cabinet with two drawers, a corrugated metal privacy screen and
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Bureau vintage en bois de noyer et métal chromé des années 70
Located in BESANÇON, FR
rectangulaire en bois de noyer, piétement en métal chromé tubulaire, peut être utilisé au centre d’une pièce
Category

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

Materials

Metal

American mid-century modern wood laminate desk George Nelson Herman Miller 1960s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in MIlano, IT
American mid-century modern wood laminate desk George Nelson Herman Miller 1960s Desk or writing
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Customizable Desk/Vanity In Matte Walnut with Ottoman In Navy Blue Velvet
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This minimalist desk and accompanying ottoman offer a functional and adaptable solution for various
Category

2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Lacquered Desk With Leather Top By Kazuhide Takahama For Simon, 70s
By Simon International
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Distinct and refined, the desk has a solid structure with a leather heart. Classy details for a
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Modern Oak or Walnut Home Desk with Metallic Base, European Design
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Home desk comes in two sizes and the top has one drawer and one extra open box. There is a second
Category

2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Gianfranco Frattini desk for Cantieri Carugati in cherry wood, Italy 1958
By Gianfranco Frattini, Cantieri Carugati, Gian Franco Frattini, Franco Bettonica
Located in Argelato, BO
Gianfranco Frattini, rare desk with wooden structure and supports and nickel-plated metal handles
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Child, Student Desk manner of Jean Prove
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Buffalo, NY
Mid-Century Modern Childs ,Student Desk manner of Jean Prove,,green metal,steel painted
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Desk by Roberto Gabetti, Aimaro Isola and Guido Drocco, Italy, 1970s
By Roberto Gabetti and Aimaro Isola
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Desk by Roberto Gabetti, Aimaro Isola and Guido Drocco, Italy, 1970s. Manufactured by Arbo. Limited
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Industrial 7900 series Economy desk by André Cordemeyer for Gispen, 1960 s
By Ontwerpbureau N.V. Gispen, A.R. Cordemeijer
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This industrial desk was designed as a writing machine desk by André Cordemeyer for N.V. Gispen. It
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Gae Aulenti worktable / desk, Gaetano-series for Zanotta, Italy Post-Modern
By Gae Aulenti, Zanotta
Located in Stockholm, SE
Worktable / desk with original glass top with two black and red colored metal folding saw horse
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Little Shanghai Desk in Olive Wood and Black Sycamore Silver Painted Leg
By Aymeric Lefort
Located in SENLIS, OISE
Little Shanghai desk in olive wood and black sycamore silver painted leg. There are two drawers on
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Maple "Planner Group" Desk by Paul McCobb for Winchendon
By Winchendon, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This mid-century desk was designed by American furniture maker Paul McCobb for Winchendon
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

ORIGINAL STAMPED GIANCARLO DE ASTIS T-28 A TROJAN AEROPLANE WiNG AVIATOR DESK
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
, fully restored original Giancarlo De Astis Aviator Aeroplane wing desk made from a T-28 A Trojan
Category

20th Century English Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

A French Gilt-Metal Bureauplat, 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A French Gilt-Metal Bureauplat, 19th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection Acquired
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Little Shanghai Desk in Olive Wood and Black Sycamore Silver Painted Leg
By Aymeric Lefort
Located in SENLIS, OISE
Little Shanghai desk in olive wood and black sycamore silver painted leg. There are two drawers on
Category

2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Standard Furniture Co. American Dark Wood Veneer Brass Executive Desk
By The Standard Furniture Company
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary Mid-Century-style dark wood veneer executive desk with an angular desktop supported by
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Rare 1970 s Jorge Zalszupin L atelier Space-Age Plastic Desk
By Jorge Zalszupin, L Atelier San Paulo
Located in Norwalk, CT
Rarely seen and even more rarely available Space-Age molded plastic desk manufactured by L'atelier
Category

Vintage 1970s Brazilian Space Age Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Bertha Schaefer for Singer and Sons Italian Walnut Asymmetrical Desk
By M. Singer Sons, Bertha Schaefer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Diminutive midcentury angled student desk in Italian walnut designed by Bertha Schaefer for M
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Arts and Crafts Oak Bureau Desk Bookcase Students Slim Console Space Saving 1900
Located in London, GB
-out desk supports, lovely metal handles and decorative metal keyhole escutcheon. With its good-size
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen Rare ‘Architect’s Desk’ in Teak and Oak
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen, writing desk, model 'JH571', teak, oak, metal, Denmark, 1953
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Hardwood and Reclaimed Timber Desk Befit with Five Drawers Gilded Handles
Located in Reading, Berkshire
An Impressive Hardwood & Reclaimed Timber Desk Befit With Five Drawers & Gilded Handles. The
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Arco Series Typing Desk by BBPR for Olivetti Synthesis 60s, 70s
By Olivetti
Located in Padova, IT
Desk designed in the 1960s by Studio BBPR for Olivetti Synthesis. The desk is complete with a five
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Midcentury "Platone" White Folding Desk by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli, 1970s
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Roma, IT
Lovely white "Platone" folding desk. Designed by the visionary Giancarlo Piretti and produced by
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Aluminum, Steel

Desk by Pierre Paulin, CM141 design editited by Thonet, France, 1960 s
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Paris, FR
Desk CM141 designed by Pierre Paulin, Thonet Edition, 1950-60's, France
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Rare Desk and Armchair by Jacques Adnet, Stitched Leather and Skaï, 1950s
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Paris, FR
made of metal). The desk has 5 drawers, One can be locked by key (lock is new, key is available and
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Clean Lined Chrome Sawhorse Table Bases for Desk Console or Dining Table or Bar
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Chrome Sawhorse Bases, American, circa 1960s. Would be great bases for a desk, console
Category

Vintage 1960s American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Elegant Black Stained French Style Bureau Plat or Desk by Kittinger
By Kittinger
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Black Stained French Style Bureau Plat or Desk by Kittinger, American, circa 1960s. It has
Category

Vintage 1960s American Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Modern Hamptons Desk in Eucalyptus Wood with Marble and Brass Accents
Located in Freamunde, PT
Hamptons Desk is a refined expression of coastal sophistication and tailored craftsmanship, ideal
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Desks and Wr...

Materials

Marble, Metal, Brass

Jean Gillon - Italma - 1960s executive desk table in rosewood labeled 6 drawers
By Italma Wood Art, Jean Gillon
Located in São Paulo, SP
This rare executive desk, designed by Jean Gillon and manufactured by Italma in the early 1970s in
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Space Age Yellow Chapter One Desk by Broyhill Premier, 1970 s
By Broyhill
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Space Age Yellow Chapter One desk by Broyhill Premier, 1970's. In good vintage condition.
Category

Vintage 1970s American Space Age Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Large Varnished Wood Executive Desk, in the style of Florence Knoll
Located in Miami, FL
Large Varnished wood executive desk, in the style of Florence Knoll.
Category

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

Materials

Metal

1960s Action Office Standing Desk by George Nelson, Herman Miler production
By Herman Miller, George Nelson, Robert Propst
Located in Renens, CH
1960s Action Office Standing Desk by George Nelson, Herman Miler production George Nelson
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Clean Lined Mid Century Chrome Desk or Dining Table Base - No Glass
By Florence Knoll
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Mid Century Chrome Desk or Dining Table Base, in the style of Florence Knoll, American
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Palisander Desk with a Three Drawers Unit by Jules Wabbes, Belgium, 1960
By Jules Wabbes
Located in Brussels, BE
Black Lacquered and chromed metal parts. Palisander and multiplex. Designed by Jules Wabbes for
Category

Vintage 1960s Belgian Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

1980 s Memphis Style La Vuelta Desk by Perry King and Santiago Miranda
By Perry King and Santiago Miranda
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1980's Memphis Style 'La Vuelta' desk by Perry King Santiago Miranda. Named after a Spanish
Category

Vintage 1980s Spanish Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

USM Haller Desk Designed by Fritz Haller and Paul Scharer, Switzerland
By Usm Haller
Located in Athens, Attiki
modern, significant design piece that can be used as a dining table or an executive desk. Minimal and
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Stainless Steel

Italian Hollywood Regency Bimetal Bicolor Table or Desk, in Romeo Rega Style
By Romeo Rega
Located in Telgte, DE
Italian Hollywood Regency bimetal bicolor table desk metal gilded brass Italy, stunning table
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Metal

Messier 77 Console, 21st Century Modern Luxury Gold and Copper Desk Console
By Privatiselectionem
Located in Sofia, BG
Messier 77 Console – 21st century modern luxury gold and copper desk console Rich contemporary
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Bronze, Steel, Gold Leaf

Coen de Vries 1957 Desk for Devo w/ Yellow Drawer, Dutch Mid-Century Modern
By Devo, Coen de Vries
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Coen de Vries designed this distinctive desk for Dutch manufacturer Devo in 1957, representing the
Category

Vintage 1950s Dutch 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.