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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Place of Origin: British
Place of Origin: Irish
Edwardian Writing Table or Desk of Mahogany with Leather Top from England
Located in Austin, TX
A fine English writing table or desk of mahogany from the Edwardian Era, featuring an inset embossed leather top, with moulded edge around the circumference, over a frieze of two dra...
Category
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
Lovely George III circa 1780 Double Sided Walnut Partner Desk Original Handles
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning very rare original George III circa 1780 walnut twin pedestal double sided partner desk with period handles and green leather surface...
Category
1780s English George III Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ostrich Leather, Walnut
19th Century rosewood library table
Located in Martlesham, GB
Early 19th Century rosewood library / writing table, the top cross banded in rosewood and having a black leather writing surface decorated with gold and blind tooling, having two fri...
Category
1830s British Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Outstanding Quality Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Bonheur De Jour Writing Desk
Located in Suffolk, GB
Outstanding quality antique Victorian burr walnut Bonheur de Jour writing desk having a beautifully designed and shaped top glazed cabinet to the centre which opens to reveal a fitte...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
English Charles II Olivewood Oyster Veneer Side Table, circa 1780
Located in Miami, FL
A fine English pre-William-and-Mary, circa 1680 Charles II period side table of rectangular form, the moulded-edge parquetry top inlaid with olivewood 'oystering' within geometric st...
Category
Late 18th Century English Charles II Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
English Regency Mahogany Table Desk
Located in Queens, NY
English Regency (circa 1830) mahogany table desk with 3 beaded opposing drawers over a leather top with a molded edge and supported on carved cabriole legs (attributed to GILLOWS)
Category
19th Century British Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
George II Mahogany Writing Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very fine George II mahogany writing table, the leather-lined top with gilt tooling and banded edge, the edge with rich gadroon carving, over three drawers, standing on boldly carved...
Category
18th Century English George II Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Mahogany, Oak
E.G Hudson Fully Restored Twin Pedestal Desk with Green Leather Top
By E.G. Hudson
Located in Pulborough, GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning reverse breakfront twin pedestal partner desk handmade in England by the Skilled Craftsman E.G Hudson.
A very well-made and very solid desk...
Category
20th Century British Regency Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather
19th Century Victorian Period Burr Walnut Davenport Desk
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A stunning 19th century figured burr walnut Davenport desk. The piano top fall lifts to reveal 2 burr walnut veneered drawers and a pull out and ...
Category
19th Century British Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Beautiful English Desk, Light Mahogany , Early 20th Century
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful English desk, light mahogany 19th century
Classic English desk with real leather top. 3 parts - writing surface + 2 drawer containers...
Category
Early 20th Century English Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Rare Asprey
Co. London Oak
Tooled Green Leather Pop-Up Writing Desk 1920s
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Rare Luxurious, Asprey & Co. London (Royal Warrant) Oak & Tooled Racing Green Leather Pop-Up Writing Table Made in England in the 1920s.
Item is sold complete with a Burgundy tooled red leather desk set also from Aspreys. It's a very attractive item befit with an aluminium desk calendar, letter opener and two vertical pen rests.
The rectangular and hinged two panel top encloses a green leather writing surface which reveals itself when opened from the top, item is raised on square tapering legs.
Desk comes with two original large glass inkwells...
Category
1920s English Edwardian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany, Leather, Oak
Antique English Burled Walnut Leather Top Desk, circa 1900
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English burled walnut leather top desk, circa 1880.
Category
Early 20th Century English Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Walnut
19th Century English Mahogany Extending Folio or Architect
s Table
Located in Richmond, VA
19th century English mahogany extending folio or architect's table. Great color and lines. 29.25" High when closed and extends to 50" high when fully open. In addition to vertically ...
Category
19th Century English Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
$4,350 Sale Price
25% Off
Rare 18th Century Georgian Period Mahogany Architect Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
This rare and elegant Georgian Architect’s desk has a ratchet top, extending drawer front, as well as storage compartments. Architect desks, m...
Category
18th Century English Georgian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
$8,400 Sale Price
67% Off
Vintage 1950
s Oak Combined school Desk and Chair "George M Hammer
Co London"
Located in Bishop
s Stortford, GB
Vintage 1950's Oak Combined school Desk and Chair "George M Hammer & Co London." It will transform your workspace featuring sturdy black steel legs that combine durability with moder...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Antique Mahogany Georgian Architect
s Drafting Drawing Desk Table Chest 1780
Located in Portland, OR
A rare George II mahogany architect's desk/chest, circa 1750.
The desk/ top slides forward, thus allowing the sitter to work, the top having a drafting table that has an easel support to place the top at three different heights, the highest being 47" floor to top. The chest having a plan drawer which is flanked by two pen drawers...
Category
Mid-18th Century English George II Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
$5,213 Sale Price
24% Off
English Campaign Leather Top Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome 19th century English desk handcrafted in mahogany with a tooled leather top, three piece campaign construction, brass hardware, and classic bracket feet.
Kneehole measures...
Category
Early 19th Century English Campaign Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Antique George 11nd small Kneehole Desk, English Circa 1745
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a fine original antique kneehole desk or dressing table from the mid-18th century, thought to have the provenance of being part of the es...
Category
Mid-18th Century English George II Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Supernova, Recycled Cast Aluminum Table Leg in Black by Made in Ratio
Located in London, GB
The contemporary supernova is a dynamic, self-levelling trestle cast entirely from entirely recycled aluminium in a fully sustainable closed-loop factory. Simple and versatile to ori...
Category
2010s British Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
English Mahogany Writing Table, Early 19th Century
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exquisite writing desk is crafted of rich mahogany and features the straightforward design prevalent in England during the early 19th century. A luxurious leather-covered top pr...
Category
19th Century English Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Small Queen Anne Period Walnut Bureau
Located in Folkestone, GB
A most enchanting Queen Anne period burr walnut bureau of highly desirable small proportions and superb colour. The herringbone and cross-banded fall enclosing a fully fitted stepped interior with small drawers and central cupboard door all cross...
Category
Early 18th Century English Queen Anne Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Antique Victorian Satinwood Writing Table / Desk
Located in London, GB
A fantastic antique Victorian satin wood writing table / desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1840-1860 period.
It is of outstanding quality, with gorgeous satin...
Category
1840s British Early Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Satinwood
Bruce Talbert attributed for Cox
Sons. A good period Gothic Revival oak desk
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert attributed possibly for Cox and Sons. A good period Gothic Revival oak desk with the original leather writing area and Y shaped supports bel...
Category
1870s English Gothic Revival Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
19th Century mahogany inlaid writing desk
Located in Martlesham, GB
A superb quality 19th Century mahogany inlaid writing desk, the super structure comprising of three mahogany lined drawers either side with the original turned brass knob handles and...
Category
1890s British Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Antique English Wooden Desk with Reading Stand
Located in London, GB
Antique English wooden desk with reading stand
Beautifully carved from wood, this Victorian English reading desk is supported by two legs wit...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Antique Roll-Top Desk, English, Bureau, Aesthetic Period, Victorian, Circa 1880
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique roll-top desk. An English, mahogany and leather tambour bureau in Aesthetic Period taste, dating to the late Victorian era, circa 1880.
Beautifully appointed desk...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Pair of Georgian Mahogany D End Tables
Located in Staffordshire, GB
Circa 1820
Pair of Georgian Mahogany D End Tables
Price is for the pair
(losses).
Measures: Separate W 122 x D 64 x H 72 cm
Together W 122 x D...
Category
1810s English Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
$4,704 / set
Early 19th century Regency davenport writing desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Fine quality Regency davenport, circa 1820.
Spindle gallery to the top leading to the original leather writing surface. Top opens to reveal a richly colored interior with 2 drawers....
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Palisander
Fine Early 19th Century Writing Table Stamped Gillows
Located in London, GB
A fine early 19th century mahogany writing table with 6 drawers, 3 to the back and 3 to the front, with Egyptian mask handles, green leather top, all suppor...
Category
19th Century English Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
$14,726 Sale Price
20% Off
Important Fully Restored Antique Victorian Bookcase Back Leather Top Kidney Desk
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this Important, fully restored, bookcase back kidney desk attributed to Gillow’s of Lancaster.
This is one of the finest desks I have ever owned, the design was originally made by Gillows of Lancaster, you can see the same desk selling for £100,000-£120,000 with other dealers.
The piece has been on a journey restoration wise, the top was removed and sent to a desk leather specialist in Brighton, they fitted the finest quality, extra large single piece of cattle hide leather, it was then gold leaf embossed with an oversized geometric boarder and secondarily embossed with a rope twist boarder, the top and base were then taken to London where my third generation trained...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Twin Pedestal Partner Desk with Brown Leather Top
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely handmade in England circa 1880 burr walnut and brown leather twin pedestal partner desk
A good looking and well made desk, the timbe...
Category
1880s English High Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Original Georgian / Regency Military Campaign Desk with Large Map Drawer
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning circa 1800-1820 original Georgian / Regency Military campaign desk with large top map drawer
...
Category
Early 1800s English Georgian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Handcrafted English Oak Desk
Located in London, GB
Our new prime English oak 2 drawer dovetailed desk. Designed and handmade in England using skilled traditional furniture making techniques. Completely handcrafted from the finest ful...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
$6,381 / item
Burr Walnut Partner Desk Specially Designed to Hide
House Computer Equipment
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning hand made in England Burr Walnut with leather top twin pedestal partner desk specially made hide computer equipment
I don’t see ma...
Category
20th Century English Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Walnut
18th Century English Painted Bureau
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Small 19th century English painted oak bureau with brass swan neck handles. 1820.
Code: 9064
Dimensions:
W: 31" (78.7 cm)
H: 36" (91.4 cm)
D: 17.5" (44.5 cm)
Category
18th Century English George III Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Large English Partner
s Pedestal Desk of Mahogany with Embossed Leather Top
Located in Austin, TX
A large handsome English partner's double pedestal desk of mahogany, from the Edwardian era, featuring a moulded top inset with an embossed tan leather, over a frieze with one beaded...
Category
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
Danish Modern Teak Desk Set by Gimson
Slater LTD
Located in Southampton, NJ
Midcentury desk set or work table by English maker Gimson and Slater, retailed by Heals of London. A sleek Danish Modern Design of teak & oak boasting 5 dovetail drawers, mortis & t...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
$3,600 / set
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 top in black with mahogany surround, over a frieze of one long drawer between two op...
Category
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
English Regency Brass Mounted Exotic Woods Writing Table, Gillows, circa 1820
Located in Kinderhook, NY
An exceptional circa 1820 English regency period rectangular-form writing or occasional table attributed to Gillows having brass bound cusped-corner top with ebony line inlay and satinwood feather-banding surrounding center field of bookmatched amboyna, the double elliptical high arched stretchers joining gilt-brass-mounted end supports having turned calamander spindles and braces issuing turned finials between ebony downswept legs ending in acanthus-leaf-cast brass casters.
Several 'spindle end' writing tables were featured in the 'Gillows Estimate Sketch Book' of 1818, and a table of similar end supports stamped GILLOWS LANCASTER is illustrated in Susan Stuart's 'Gillows of Lancaster and London 1730-1840', Vol. I., Woodbridge: Antique Collectors’ Club, 2008. pl. 329, p. 301, stating "a table frame with spindle ends was supplied in the 1820s by Gillows of London to display marble brought back from the Grand Tour by the Tempests of Broughton Hall...
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Fine 19th Century English Hand-Painted Satinwood
Carlton House
Desk
Located in London, GB
A Fine Quality Satinwood Carlton House Desk
Of freestanding form, constructed from lustrous satinwood with extensive polychrome decoration; rising from turned tapering legs terminat...
Category
19th Century English Adam Style Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Satinwood
18th Century George II Walnut Writing Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
George II walnut writing table, Mid-18th Century, the molded top having a tooled green leather inset writing panel, fitted with a genuine and false frieze drawer to either side, rais...
Category
18th Century British George II Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut, Leather
$2,990 Sale Price
35% Off
Early 19th Century Goncalo Alves partners desk
Located in Martlesham, GB
A superb quality large early 19th Century Goncalo Alves (also known as tigerwood) partners desk, the moulded edge top having a olive green coloured leather writing surface decorated ...
Category
1840s British William IV Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Circa 1780 English George III Patinated Oak Antique Writing Table
Located in Shippensburg, PA
GEORGE III PROVINCIAL PATINATED OAK THREE-DRAWER WRITING TABLE
England, circa 1780 with scrolled cupid's bow apron
Item # 312EKH07Q
A beautifully patinated writing table from the George III period, this intelligently conceived and finely proportioned table features a rectilinear top with an integral coved-bead edge projecting over three drawers, these each hand-dovetailed with applied cockbead molding surrounding ovular bail pulls. The shaped apron features a cupid's bow in the center of all three sides and the table is raised over straight tapering legs. It is a positively glowing table...
Category
18th Century English George III Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
FINE RESTORED MILITARY CAMPAIGN TWIN PEDESTAL DESK WiTH GREEN LEATHER TOP
Located in Pulborough, GB
Antiques of London
Discover timeless craftsmanship with this exquisite antique military campaign desk, a true statement piece for any study, office, or period interior. This stri...
Category
20th Century British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Vintage Hilleplan Desk by Robin Day
Located in London, GB
A superb and extremely rare vintage Hilleplan desk by Robin Day. This was made in England by Hille, it dates from the 1950’s.
This model is an unusual combination of woods, it is mo...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Antique Victorian 6 Drawer Oak Writing Table Desk 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous early Victorian antique writing table is crafted from beautiful solid oak and dates from Circa 1860.
The rectangular top with rounded corners is fitted with the origi...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
English Red Lacquer Faux Bamboo 19th Century Desk with Gilded Chinoiserie Décor
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English faux bamboo red lacquer desk from the 19th century with gilt Chinoiserie décor and two drawers. Born in England during the 19th century, this exquisite faux bamboo desk fe...
Category
19th Century English Chinoiserie Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Faux Bamboo
English Carved Desk
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Good 19th century English bleached and limed carved pine desk. 1860.
Code: 9008
Dimensions:
W: 59.5" (151.1 cm)
H: 29" (73.7 cm)
D: 27" (68.6 cm)
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
$4,540
Fine Regency Mahogany Davenport Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fine regency mahogany davenport desk with brass mounts and leather inset top. Circa 1815.
Dimensions: Height 36 x width 14 1/2 x depth 18 5/8 inc...
Category
19th Century English Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
A Very Fine Edwardian Carlton House Style Desk
Located in Dublin, IE
A very fine Edwardian richly patinated and beautifully figured mahogany Carlton House style desk of exceptional quality, stunningly carved wi...
Category
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
George I Walnut Secretaire Kneehole Desk
Located in Lymington, GB
An early-18th century English walnut secrétaire kneehole desk.
George I-period (1714-1727), circa 1720.
Of exceptional waxed honey colour and lovely old patina, with well-matched veneers.
With a quarter-veneered top. Six short drawers below a hinged fall revealing a writing section, all surrounding a central recessed cupboard. There is a small, shaped pull-out drawer fitted in the apron.
All finely inlaid with herringbone lines. Raised on its original bracket feet. Swan-neck handles probably fitted later in the 18th century. Locks and keys are mostly original. Walnut veneered and crossbanded sides.
Nb. Having a fitted secrétaire (secretaire) drawer distinguishes this antique walnut kneehole desk...
Category
Early 18th Century English George I Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
19th Century English Writing Reading Table
Located in Cranbrook, Kent
Mid 19th Century writing table in flame cut walnut with leather writing pad top
revealing a built in adjustable slope.
Circa 1860 this represents one of the finest examples of cabine...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
EXQUISITE EXTRA LARGE DOUBLE SiDED MILITARY CAMPAIGN TWIN PEDESTAL PARTNER DESK
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely exquisite double sided Military Campaign twin pedestal partner desk with lockable drawers an...
Category
20th Century English Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
G M Ellwood for J S Henry. An Arts
Crafts oak writing desk
Located in London, GB
George Montague Ellwood (1875-1955) for J.S. Henry
An oak writing desk with sloping pen compartment just above the writing area flanked by stylised inlaid details of a pair of quills...
Category
Early 20th Century English Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Copper
Antique Correspondence Desk, Scottish Oak Writing Table, Gothic Taste, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique correspondence desk. A Scottish, oak writing table in Gothic revival taste, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1880. Displaying exceptional craftsmanship and rich detail, this fine desk is a superb example of 19th century Gothic styling.
Exquisite Gothic Revival aesthetic, with profuse carved detail and architectural presence
Select oak stocks present fine grain interest and rich caramel hues throughout
Superb decorative detail, including rope twist borders, pierced fretwork and barley twist legs
Upper gallery with twin drawers, ideal for documents, stationery and accessories
Pull-out writing surface at a comfortable height of 73cm (28.75''), replete with a green baize insert in good order
Lower drawer opens to reveal a suite of compartments, perfect for organising documents and correspondence
Raised upon a set of bulb-carved, barley twist legs terminating in bun feet, offering excellent support
Finished back panel allows for central room placement, ideal for library or study
This antique correspondence desk is a magnificent display of late Victorian craftsmanship. This fine Scottish Gothic Revival...
Category
1880s Scottish Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Victorian Walnut Campaign Travelling Desk
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a good quality Victorian walnut campaign travelling desk, opening to a maroon leather interior, the frame remains in very good condition fo...
Category
19th Century English Campaign Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Exceptional 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted English Partners Desk
By Cope and Collinson
Located in Long Island City, NY
An Exceptional and Unusual 19th Century Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Mounted English Partners Desk Made for the French Market
The rectangular top with gilt-tooled leather writing-sur...
Category
19th Century English Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Desk, book-matched pippy English oak, printer and file drawer By Jonathan Field
Located in London, GB
The Desk is crafted from solid English pippy oak.
The drawers run on fully extendable, concealed soft close runners.
The bottom drawer can be used for files.
On the left side of the ...
Category
2010s English Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Vintage Walnut Desk
Located in London, GB
A stylish and very practical vintage walnut desk, made in England and dating from the 1960’s.
The quality is superb, this is beautifully designed with ...
Category
1960s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
$1,084
Antique Fall Front Bureau, Scottish, Writing Desk, Georgian Revival, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique fall front bureau. A Scottish, mahogany writing desk in Georgian revival taste by Japp of Montrose, dating to the late Victorian p...
Category
Late 19th Century Scottish Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Antique and Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
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.
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