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Early 19th Century English Writing Table In The Manner Of George Bullock
By George Bullock
Located in Dublin, IE
A very fine Early 19th century English REgency bird's maple writing table in the manner of George
Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birdseye Maple

Leftover Table in Maple and Oak Solid Wood by Studio F
By Studio F
Located in Torino, IT
The leftover is a design firm well-know for her geometrical approach. The lines of the drawing sculpt the wood make it light but with the right proportion in the space.
Category

2010s Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Maple, Oak

Leftover Table in Maple and Oak Solid Wood by Studio F
Leftover Table in Maple and Oak Solid Wood by Studio F
$5,344 / item
H 29.14 in W 31.5 in D 78.75 in
Austrian Biedermeier Ebonized Oval Table Desk
Located in Queens, NY
Austrian Biedermeier (circa 1825) ebonized oval top table desk with maple trim and pearwood inlaid
Category

Antique 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Pearwood, Maple

Austrian Biedermeier Ebonized Oval Table Desk
Austrian Biedermeier Ebonized Oval Table Desk
$37,500
H 30.25 in W 43 in D 27.75 in
Sally Sirkin Lewis J. Robert Scott Desk Chair
Located in Astoria, NY
Sally Sirkin Lewis J. Robert Scott Art Deco Style Blonde Maple Wood Desk and Chair, chair with
Category

20th Century Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple

Sally Sirkin Lewis J. Robert Scott Desk 
Chair
Sally Sirkin Lewis J. Robert Scott Desk 
Chair
$2,600 Sale Price / set
20% Off
H 30 in W 51 in D 27 in
A Swedish Modern Desk by Ferdinand Lundquist
By Ferdinand Lundquist
Located in New York, NY
A refined Swedish writing table by the firm of designer Ferdinand Lundquist. Featuring three
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Birch, Maple

A Swedish Modern Desk by Ferdinand Lundquist
A Swedish Modern Desk by Ferdinand Lundquist
$9,800
H 29.5 in W 47 in D 23.5 in
Apartment-Sized Patterned Osis Desk by Llot Llov
By LLOT LLOV
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Llot Llov's Osis desk was developed specifically for the home office — it has a small footprint yet
Category

2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Apartment-Sized Patterned Osis Desk by Llot Llov
Apartment-Sized Patterned Osis Desk by Llot Llov
$3,660 / item
H 39.37 in W 35.43 in D 15.75 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Desk in Tobacco Finish
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic mid-century modern double pedestal desk designed by Paul McCobb for the Planner Group
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Desk in Tobacco Finish
Paul McCobb Planner Group Desk in Tobacco Finish
$3,400
H 29 in W 53 in D 26.25 in
Art Deco cubist desk and armchair – France 1930
Located in Girona, Girona
Art Deco cubist desk and armchair in solid wood with bird’s-eye maple veneer and boxwood bindings
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Birdseye Maple

Art Deco cubist desk and armchair – France 1930
Art Deco cubist desk and armchair – France 1930
$19,121 / set
H 29.14 in W 62.01 in D 29.14 in
Napoleon III Desk or Side Table
Located in Leimen, DE
Discover an extraordinary side table or desk that traces its origins to the period between 1860 and
Category

Antique 1860s Belgian Napoleon III Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Napoleon III Desk or Side Table
Napoleon III Desk or Side Table
$3,087
H 28.75 in W 33.08 in D 29.53 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Desk, Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture
Category

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

Materials

Brass

KETCH Floating desk - Handcrafted by Le Tenon la Mortaise
By Le Tenon la Mortaise
Located in Saint-André-de-Kamouraska, CA
Customizable wall desk carefully handmade in solid wood. Offered in as many versions as you have
Category

2010s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood, Cherry, Maple, Oak, Walnut

Walking Table Handmade Customizable Console Table or Desk by Laylo Studio
By Laylo Studio
Located in Chicago, IL
Shown in ebonized quarter-sawn white oak, oxidized walnut, and oxidized maple Measures: 66-72
Category

2010s American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple, Oak, Walnut

Midcentury Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk Black Lacquer Finish
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb planner group #1560 double drawer desk Black Lacquer on maple with aluminum
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Walking Table Handmade Customizable Console Table or Desk by Laylo Studio
By Laylo Studio
Located in Chicago, IL
walnut (72") oxidized maple (66") Measures: 66-72" wide x 29-31" tall x 21-24" deep The Walking table
Category

2010s American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple, Oak, Walnut

Expressionist Rococo Berlin Deko Bureau-Plat/Desk, Lacquered in Saffron Yellow
By Bruno Paul
Located in Petershagen, DE
This Berlin Deko Bureau-Plat represents the evolution of women's writing furniture from the private
Category

Vintage 1920s German Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple

Mid century Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk Black Lacquer with chair
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
on maple with brass knobs. All solid maple wood. Desk is in great vintage condition. Very beautiful
Category

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

Materials

Brass

High Style George Washington Double End Desk by Drexel
By Drexel
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Custom-made high-style bird's-eye maple George Washington double-end desk by Drexel. The desktop
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

High Style George Washington Double End Desk by Drexel
High Style George Washington Double End Desk by Drexel
$1,549 Sale Price
36% Off
H 42 in W 60 in D 28 in
Very Fine 19th Century Marquetry Inlaid Desk or Library Centre Table
Located in Dublin, IE
A very fine 19th century marquetry inlaid bird’s-eye maple desk or library centre table, finely
Category

Antique 19th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Frejus Wood And Steel Desk In The Style Of Eugene Printz
By Eugene Printz, Edition Modern
Located in Glendale, CA
'Frejus' Wood And Steel Desk In The Style Of Eugene Printz Crafted in Los Angeles in the workshop
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel


Frejus
 Wood And Steel Desk In The Style Of Eugene Printz

Frejus
 Wood And Steel Desk In The Style Of Eugene Printz
$14,500 Sale Price / item
10% Off
H 30 in W 56 in D 26 in
PEMBROKE Desk by AMBROZIA, Solid Oxidized Walnut, Blackened Steel Leather
By AMBROZIA
Located in Drummondville, Quebec
The PEMBROKE writing desk/table is handmade to order from a hand selected solid wood desk top with
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel, Cut Steel, Steel, Bronze

Walking Table Handmade Desk or Console Table with Drawers by Laylo Studio
By Laylo Studio
Located in Chicago, IL
Shown in oxidized walnut with two drawers Measures: 72" wide x 30" tall x 21" deep This desk or
Category

2010s American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple, Oak, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Raymond Loewy for Mengel Floating Top Desk
By (after) Raymond Loewy
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This a large, modern floating top desk designed by Raymond Loewy for Mengel. It is in very good
Category

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

Materials

Maple

Mid-Century Modern Raymond Loewy for Mengel Floating Top Desk
Mid-Century Modern Raymond Loewy for Mengel Floating Top Desk
$2,796 Sale Price
20% Off
H 29 in W 72 in D 36 in
Elegant veneered bureau plat / desk in Louis XV style
Located in Berlin, DE
Elegant veneered bureau plat / desk in Louis XV style Solid beech wood and veneer. Very fine
Category

20th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Elegant veneered bureau plat / desk in Louis XV style
Elegant veneered bureau plat / desk in Louis XV style
$4,786
H 28.15 in W 35.44 in D 22.05 in
KETCH Floating desk 36" with shelves - Handcrafted by Le Tenon la Mortaise
By Le Tenon la Mortaise
Located in Saint-André-de-Kamouraska, CA
Customizable wall desk carefully handmade in solid wood. Offered in as many versions as you have
Category

2010s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood, Cherry, Maple, Oak, Walnut

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

PAUL FRANKL for JOHNSON Furniture Co. "Amoeba" Desk and Cabinet c. 1950s
By Paul Frankl
Located in LAGUNA BEACH, CA
collaboration with Johnson Furniture Company—a kidney-shaped desk that blends functionality with sophisticated
Category

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

Materials

Wood, Birch, Mahogany, Maple, Teak

Classic by Carpanelli Cylinder Inlaid in American Walnut
By Carpanelli
Located in Desio, IT
of pearl details and floral inlays. It has a secret compartmet. This unique witing desk is available
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Other Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple, Walnut

Classic by Carpanelli Cylinder Inlaid in American Walnut
Classic by Carpanelli Cylinder Inlaid in American Walnut
$7,431 Sale Price / item
20% Off
H 43.31 in W 22.05 in D 40.56 in
Scrittoio Barocchetto Lombardo secondo quarto XVIII secolo
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
Scrittoio poggiante su gambe mosse con piedi caprini, cassetto nella fascia sottopiano, piano e alzata con cimasa intagliata raffigurante motivi fitomorfi e stella centrale. Sul fon...
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Italian Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple, Nutwood

Scrittoio Barocchetto Lombardo secondo quarto XVIII secolo
Scrittoio Barocchetto Lombardo secondo quarto XVIII secolo
$6,917 Sale Price
20% Off
H 49.81 in W 45.08 in D 33.67 in
French Bureau Plat in Louis XV Style After Francois Linke
By François Linke
Located in Berlin, DE
French bureau plat in Louis 15th style after Francois Linke Solid beechwood and oak. Maple rood
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

French Bureau Plat in Louis XV Style After Francois Linke
French Bureau Plat in Louis XV Style After Francois Linke
$5,807 / item
H 31.5 in W 40.56 in D 25.6 in
French Louis XV style inlaid writing table
Located in Cesena, FC
French Louis XV style inlaid writing table French writing table, elegant in form, Louis XV style, with drawer and decorative bronzes in the legs and contour of the top. Era: late 18...
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

French Louis XV style inlaid writing table
French Louis XV style inlaid writing table
$3,563
H 29.93 in W 39.38 in D 29.93 in
French Neoclassical Louis XVI Style Maple Writing Desk
Located in Astoria, NY
implements or desk accessories. A versatile and timeless bureau plat, ideal as a writing desk, library table
Category

Mid-20th Century French Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Brass

Antique American Industrial Iron and Maple Childs School Writing Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
. Antique American Industrial Iron and Maple Childs School Writing Desk. Item features a lower cubby storage
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Industrial Desk Sets

Materials

Iron

David Linley English Cherry Maple Burr-ash Three Drawer Writing Desk
By David Linley
Located in Queens, NY
English Contemporary cherry, maple, and burr-ash writing desk having banded inlaid trim witth a
Category

20th Century British Modern Desks

Materials

Maple

Antique 19th Century Victorian Birdseye Maple Traveling Writing Slope Box
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique dark birds eye maple writing slope with brass M monogram plate on top with green felt
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian More Desk Accessories

Materials

Felt, Birdseye Maple, Ebony

Edwardian Maple Co Pedestal Writing Desk Distressed Brown Embossed Leather
By Maple Co.
Located in Pulborough, GB
Brown Leather Top. The Edwardian Maple & Co Pedestal Writing Desk is a stunning piece of furniture
Category

Antique 19th Century British Edwardian Pedestals

Materials

Hardwood

Rare Austrian Biedermeier Walnut Writing Desk, c. 1820
Located in Southampton, NY
Rare Austrian Biedermeier Walnut Writing Desk, c. 1820 A Rare Austrian Biedermeier Writing Desk
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Desks

Materials

Maple, Walnut

Modern Minimalist Home Office Writing Desk Satinwood Brushed Stainless Steel
By João Faria, EMOTIONAL OBJECTS
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

Mid Century Maple Drop Front Secretary Writing Desk
Located in Freehold, NJ
This antique secretary desk features hardwood construction, original maple finish, three dovetailed
Category

Mid-20th Century American American Craftsman Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Italian Desk with Drawers and Brass Details
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Writing desk, rosewood, maple, walnut, brass, Italy, 1950s This Italian desk from the 1950s brings
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Italian Desk with Drawers and Brass Details
Mid-Century Italian Desk with Drawers and Brass Details
$7,750
H 30.32 in W 51.19 in D 29.34 in
Antique 18th Century American Chippendale Maple Secretary Desk Writing Bureau
Located in Dayton, OH
Exquisite and Rare antique American Chippendale Period secretary writing desk or Escritoire. Made
Category

Antique 18th Century American Chippendale Secretaires

Materials

Maple

Antique 18th Century American Chippendale Maple Secretary Desk Writing Bureau
Antique 18th Century American Chippendale Maple Secretary Desk Writing Bureau
$3,374 Sale Price
42% Off
H 40 in W 40.5 in D 19.75 in
Unique Italian Large Wall Unit with Writing Desk in Maple and Birch
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wardrobe with writing desk, birch, maple, fabric, glass, brass, coated steel, Italy, 1950s Hailing
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Brass, Steel

Sleek Custom-Made Faux Birdseye Maple Console or Writing Desk, circa 1975
Located in Atlanta, GA
custom-made console or writing desk veneered in faux Birdseye maple, circa 1975. Finished on all sides
Category

Vintage 1970s American Organic Modern Console Tables

Materials

Laminate, Hardwood

Burl Wood Writing Desk Modern Executive Desks Contemporary French Office Desk
Located in København N, DK
Yellow Valley It was a very unusual project for me. I was approached by a man from the UK to make a table for his little daughter. The girl was very fond of dragonflies and insects i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Arts and Crafts Dining Room Tables

Materials

Metal

Burl Wood Writing Desk French Wooden Handmade Executive Modern Contemporary Desk
Located in København N, DK
maple slabs and black epoxy. Contrast table. Finish coating is matte hard varnish. Well-polished to look
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Arts and Crafts Dining Room Tables

Materials

Steel

MAPLE WARING GILLOW TWIN PEDESTAL DESK WiTH LEATHER TOP
Located in Pulborough, GB
Antiques of London Presenting an exceptional twin-pedestal writing desk by Maple, Waring
Category

20th Century British Pedestals

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

MAPLE WARING 
GILLOW TWIN PEDESTAL DESK WiTH LEATHER TOP
MAPLE WARING 
GILLOW TWIN PEDESTAL DESK WiTH LEATHER TOP
$1,632
H 30.52 in W 48.23 in D 24.22 in
R.J. Horner Co. Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Desk, Circa 1890
By R.J. Horner Co.
Located in New York, NY
This writing desk features two doors and a writing surface that flips up to reveal additional small
Category

Antique 1890s Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Birdseye Maple, Maple

R.J. Horner 
Co. Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Desk, Circa 1890
R.J. Horner 
Co. Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Desk, Circa 1890
$12,000 / set
H 54.5 in W 32.5 in D 23.5 in
Maple Co Mahogany Pedestal Desk
By Maple Co.
Located in Whaley Bridge, GB
Sn5202 Edwardian mahogany and inlaid desk by Maple and Co, having black tooled leather writing
Category

Early 20th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Maple 
Co Mahogany Pedestal Desk
Maple 
Co Mahogany Pedestal Desk
$4,027
H 31.1 in W 48.03 in D 27.56 in
A Victorian Rosewood Desk By Maple Co
By Maple Co.
Located in Accrington, GB
A fine quality desk made by the famous furniture maker Maple & Co. The desk has decorative inlayed
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

A Victorian Rosewood Desk By Maple 
Co
A Victorian Rosewood Desk By Maple 
Co
$2,442
H 38.59 in W 40.16 in D 22.45 in
George III Burr Maple Writing Desk
Located in Knutsford, GB
A fine George III burr maple writing table. The rectangular rosewood banded top with a central
Category

Antique Early 19th Century English George III Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birdseye Maple

George III Burr Maple Writing Desk
George III Burr Maple Writing Desk
$16,193
H 29 in W 34 in D 21 in
Sheppard Writing Desk
By M | n Originals
Located in New York, NY
Mn Originals lacquered three-drawer writing desk. Solid maple construction with lacquered finish
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Sheppard Writing Desk
Sheppard Writing Desk
$5,060 / item
H 29 in W 60 in D 24 in
Writing Desk Poseidon Blue Oak Bird-Eye Maple Veneer Hand-Crafted, in stock
By Katerina Bulgakova
Located in Zürich, CH
Writing Desk Poseidon by Katerina Bulgakova Zurich is crafted from light blue "Bird-eye" maple wood
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

American Washstand/Writing Desk
Located in Kensington, MD
Nicely scaled piece. Originally used as a washstand but would make a great writing desk. Single
Category

Antique 19th Century American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple

American Washstand/Writing Desk
American Washstand/Writing Desk
$2,100
H 30.5 in W 40.75 in D 19.25 in
Bird s-Eye Maple Writing Table, circa 1825
By Gillows of Lancaster London
Located in Fremantle, W.Australia
Fine quality writing table, stamped 'Gillows' with typical Gillows 'spindle ends' and 'Hockey stick
Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Bird
s-Eye Maple Writing Table, circa 1825
Bird
s-Eye Maple Writing Table, circa 1825
$10,320
H 28.35 in W 46.07 in D 24.81 in
Inlaid walnut, olivewood, and maple neoclassical writing table
Located in San Francisco, CA
Italian (Lucchese) inlaid olivewood, maple and walnut neoclassical writing table with single drawer
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Olive, Maple, Walnut

Contemporary Writing Desk "Cary" by Studio Catoir, Maple Top and Brass Base
By Studio Catoir
Located in PARIS, FR
material with bleached maple veneer. Desk designed with a stained oak container that contains a multiple
Category

2010s European Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Bird s-Eye Maple Pedestal Desk
Located in Buckinghamshire, GB
Bird's-eye maple pedestal desk the top is fitted with three drawers having brass handles and has a
Category

Vintage 1950s English Desks and Writing Tables

Bird
s-Eye Maple Pedestal Desk
Bird
s-Eye Maple Pedestal Desk
$1,217
H 32.29 in W 56.7 in D 29.14 in
Modernist "Omnibus" Desk in Maple and Thuja Wood
Located in Milan, Lombardy
Architect Piero Portaluppi created the “omnibus” desk for his home, solving a practical issue with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple

Modernist "Omnibus" Desk in Maple and Thuja Wood
Modernist "Omnibus" Desk in Maple and Thuja Wood
$83,138 / item
H 31.5 in W 47.25 in D 72.84 in
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Writing Desk Maple For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the writing desk maple you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Each writing desk maple for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, maple and metal. Find 316 options for an antique or vintage writing desk maple now, or shop our selection of 29 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. There are many kinds of the writing desk maple you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Each writing desk maple bearing Mid-Century Modern, Modern or Victorian hallmarks is very popular. A well-made writing desk maple has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Paul McCobb, Winchendon Furniture (Planner Group) and Maple Co. are consistently popular.

How Much is a Writing Desk Maple?

The average selling price for a writing desk maple at 1stDibs is $3,817, while they’re typically $394 on the low end and $85,852 for the highest priced.

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 Writing Desk Maple
  • 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 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.