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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Executive Desk
By Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century walnut executive desk
This desk measures: 62 wide x 28 deep x 28.5 high, with a chair clearance ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Very Fine Edwardian Desk Attributed to Edward and Roberts
Located in Dublin, IE
A very fine Edwardian richly patinated mahogany desk attributed to Edward and Roberts. Line inlaid throughout and with fabulous marquetry detail depicting Neoclassical motifs of urns...
Category
Early 20th Century English Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
17th Century North Italian Ebonized Baroque Desk
Located in Basingstoke, Hampshire
An unusual late 17th century North Italian Baroque ebonized writing desk - of serpentine form. Featuring a knee-hole type design with a pull-out writing desk flanked by a pair of cup...
Category
17th Century Italian Baroque Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Chippendale Revival Mahogany Serpentine Partner’s Desk
Located in Cheshire, GB
A finely crafted Chippendale Revival partner’s desk in rich mahogany, distinguished by its serpentine outline and elaborate carved ornamentation. The moulded edge encloses a gilt-too...
Category
Early 20th Century British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Scandinavian Danish desk in teak
By Arne Vodder
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Danish desk from the 60s in the taste of Arne Vodder's work. Structure in solid wood and veneer. This Scandinavian desk features two columns of drawers suspended from the front and b...
Category
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Art Deco Walnut Black Lacquer Desk, 20th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
An Art Deco walnut black color varnish desk with a side door, four side drawers and a central drawer.
Category
20th Century French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
$5,298 Sale Price
25% Off
Desk and Dressing Table, with Mirror Style of Ulrich, circa 1936, Vanity Table
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Guglielmo Ulrich manner desk and dressing table;
Desk in walnut, elm and elm burl. Feet in golden brass
A wonderful and very useful desk repr...
Category
1930s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Italian, Emiliana, Late Neoclassic Turned Walnut 1-Drawer Table, ca. 1840
Located in Atlanta, GA
fairly straight forward rectangular 1-drawer walnut writing table until you notice the turning on the legs, there's a first time for everything and these are exceptional
Category
1840s Italian Neoclassical Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Early Bauhaus "B21" Side Table Desk by Marcel Breuer Produced by Thonet, 1930s
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare and early Bauhaus "B21" desk / side table in black stained wood with chromed tubular steel base by Marcel Breuer produced by Thonet in Germany, 1930s. In good original cond...
Category
1930s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
One-off Oval Wood and Metal Table by Adelmo Rascaroli, Italy, 1960s
Located in Milan, IT
Custom made Italian 60s oval wood dining table by Adelmo Rascaroli.
Black metal base with brass feet and wood top.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
American Designer, Desk, Rosewood, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A rosewood desk designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
1950s
Palermo
Desk by G. Caccamo Mobili
Located in Florence, Tuscany
A phenomenal 1950s Italian Desk made in Sicily by the furniture designer G. Caccamo Mobili in Palermo, Sicily. This exceptional piece of furniture has an extremely thick original gla...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass, Wood
Glass, Painted wood
Chrome Plated Metal 1990s desk by Gallotti e Radice
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Minimal Desk with wheeled chest of drawers in white lacquered wood, thick cut glass and chrome plated metal.
Minimal and elegant Desk with chest of drawers on wheels in white lacqu...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Chrome
1920s Walnut Kidney Shaped Desk
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
1920s Walnut kidney shaped desk with green leather insert with gold tooling to the edge and motif to centre. The desk has three drawers either side...
Category
20th Century Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Golden Coiffeuse Walnut Wood
Located in Paris, FR
Coiffeuse Golden in solid walnut wood, with 3
mirrors and solid polished brass front.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
$14,216 / item
Midcentury Modern MIM Roma Walnut Desk, Italy 1970s
By MIM Roma
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Midcentury Modern Solid Walnut Desk from the 1970s, MIM Rome Italy
This Mid-Century Modern solid wood desk, produced by the renowned Italian company MIM Rome in the 1970s, is a stun...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
$2,676 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Keuffel
Esser Drafting Table With Iron Base
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Antique Keuffel & Esser Drafting Table with Iron Base.. this table goes from 30 inches tall to 38 inches tall maybe a little bit more if you push it 24 inches wide original oak top. ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
Midcentury Italian Trestle Desk or Table in Bamboo, Rattan by Vivai Del Sud, 70s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful pair of mid-century organic trestles in a beautiful combination of bamboo, curved rattan and hand-woven wicker. These stunning and unique trestles were designed by Vivai del Sud and produced in Italy during the 1970s.
In fabulous condition and with an amazing honey-like color. These sturdy trestles are made in bamboo canes enriched on the bottom with curved rattan and perfect hand-woven wicker work.
Ideal to make a charming desk or also for dining table or a console table in a modern organic entryway. A must have for all the French Riviera style lovers.
These versatile trestles are ideal as a charming modern organic desk...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan, Wicker
Mid-Century Modern Italian Executive Desk with Sculptural Base
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Writing desk, Macassar ebony veneer, aluminum, Italy, 1960s
This mid-century modern desk, designed and produced in Italy, reflects the essence of post-war European design principles...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Center Writing Table, Francesco and Giuseppe Cassina, Milan, January 26, 1796
By Francesco and Giuseppe Cassina
Located in Milano, IT
Center writing table
Cassina Brothers (Francesco and Giuseppe)
Milan, January 26, 1796
79.5 x 94 x 58.5 cm
State of conservation: excellent
The rectangular table features a minimall...
Category
1790s Italian Neoclassical Revival Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Mahogany, Walnut
Organic Mid Century Oak Dining Table by Jack Van der Molen for Jamestown
Located in New York, NY
Sophisticated and chic organic modern extension dining table from the Americana Casual series designed by Jack Van der Molen for the Jamestown Lounge ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Organic Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Leather Wrapped Table with Lion, Maitland Smith Style
Located in Toledo, OH
Leather wrapped writing table with lion, Maitland Smith style. Mahogany table, could be used as a writing table, side table, or console table; 40" wide is a perfect versatile size. L...
Category
1980s American Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
English 19th Century Mahogany Table with Compartment, Drawer and Reeded Legs
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English mahogany table from the 19th century, with single drawer, small compartment and reeded legs. Created in England during the 19th century, this mahogany table features a rectangular top with rounded corners and small compartment, sitting above a single drawer fitted with round beaded pulls. Raised on four reeded legs mounted on casters, this 19th century English mahogany table...
Category
19th Century English Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Modern Home Office Writing Desk in High-Gloss Ironwood and Gold Lacquered Steel
Located in Vila Nova Famalicão, PT
The "Fifties Home Desk" is crafted from high-gloss ironwood and gold lacquered steel.
We also offer a range of customization options to suit your style:
- Choose from a selection ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Cut Steel, Metal, Steel
$5,160 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Style Hand Carved Walnut Center Table
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This Louis XVI style walnut writing table from the late 19th century features a hand carved element of a classic crossed torch and quiver with a crown of laurels. Its beveled top res...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Jørgen Berg. Danish Writing Desk In Rosewood, 1960-1970
By Jørgen Berg
Located in Kastrup, DK
Jørgen Berg.
Danish writing desk in Rio rosewood.
Fall-front fitted with a writing slope with brown leather that lifts up to reveal an open interior storag...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen Rare ‘Architect’s Desk’ in Teak and Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen, writing desk, model 'JH571', teak, oak, metal, Denmark, 1953
Out of all the desks that Wegner designed, the ‘JH571‘ is the most 'Wegnerian'. This...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Mid Century Italian Rattan and Bamboo Desk / Vanity Table Vivai del Sud C.1970
Located in London, GB
A Vivai del Sud pedestal table Rome, Italy, C.1970.
Constructed in in rattan, bamboo and cane.
Ideal as a small desk or vanity.
The Knee hole width measures 39cm.
In excellent condi...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Magnificent Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Leather Top Bureau Plat Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This antique 19th century French Louis XV bureau plat desk is a magnificent example of fine craftsmanship, luxury materials, and timeless design. Featuring a beautifully tooled black...
Category
1880s French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Writing desk/desk on wheels in English style with a blue leather top
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This great classic writing desk in English style is a perfect timeless addition to almost any interior in the room of your choice. The desk has a blue leather top and stands on wheel...
Category
20th Century Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
Regency Mahogany
Brass Partners Writing Table
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
An Exceptional Quality Regency Period Mahogany And Brass, Square, Partners Writing Table, Having Attractive Gilt Tooled Leather Top With Crossbanded Edge, Over Four Drawers And Four ...
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Italian Walnut Executive Desk in the Style of Gio Ponti
By Gio Ponti
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
A uniquely designed Italian walnut executive desk having a beautifully grained floating top over a central structure of curved design with drawers and open storage throughout, the wh...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Aesthetic Movement table by cabinetmaker H. Poulsen in oak, Denmark, 1904.
Located in Valby, 84
Rare table by Danish cabinetmaker H. Poulsen was crafted in 1904 and exemplifies the refined ideals of the late Aesthetic and early Arts & Crafts movements in Scandinavia. Executed i...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Other
Modern Minimalist Home Office Writing Desk in Black Oak Wood and Black Lacquer
Located in Vila Nova Famalicão, PT
The VOID Collection is best described as simple but sophisticated. Furniture with a void, reinforced by the existence of an exoskeleton, captures our attention in this space. This ed...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Cut Steel, Steel
$6,212 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Desk by Alain Richard edited by TFM, 1974
Located in PARIS, FR
Alain Richard (1926 - 2017) is a famous French designer who quickly established himself as one of the most brilliant representatives of his generation. After graduating from the Écol...
Category
1970s French Space Age Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Wittmann Paradise Bird Desk by Luca Nichetto in STOCK
Located in New York, NY
The asymmetrical desk of the PARADISE BIRD collection by Luca Nichetto invites for interaction with its sinuous curves and elegant lines.
Category
2010s Austrian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
$1,780 Sale Price
85% Off
Victorian Davenport Desk Lift Top Pop Up Mechanism Concealed File Compartment
Located in Rockaway, NJ
English Victorian Davenport Desk Lift Top Pop Up Mechanism Concealed File Compartment.
Beautiful burl wood cabinet.
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Maple, Oak, Burl
1960s Danish "901" Executive Desk in Rosewood
Chrome by Bodil Kjaer
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
An iconic executive "model 901" desk in Rio rosewood & chrome by Danish designer Bodil Kjaer.
Made circa 1965 for the Danish manufacturer E. Pedersen & Son, it is in superb restored...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Fontana Arte Free-Standing Writing Desk in Walnut Burl and Brass
By Fontana Arte
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Fontana Arte, desk, walnut burl veneer, walnut veneer, brass, Italy, circa 1935
Fontana Arte, one of Italy’s most prestigious design firms, known for its pioneering contributions t...
Category
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Jacques Adnet Leather and Oak Desk, 1950s France
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Monumental Art Deco era desk by French Art Deco Modernist designer Jacques Adnet. Iron frame with 4 posts, inverted u-shaped bases and brass support ...
Category
1950s French Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass, Iron
Modern Milano Leather 3-Drawer Desk with Sleek Cerused Oak by Ercole Home
By Ercole Home
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A very functional writing, computer desk with 2 covered leather drawers on the side and in the middle a drawers that open to accommodate your writing keyboard. It fits perfectly your...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Diplomat Desk Made In Rosewood By Finn Juhl For France
Son From 1960s
By France
Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Lejre, DK
The Diplomat desk in rosewood, designed by the renowned Danish architect Finn Juhl and manufactured by France & Søn in 1960, represents a striking mix of functionality and aesthetics...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
$4,200 Sale Price
26% Off
Antique French Ormolu Mounted Marquetry Bureau Plat 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a fabulous French antique ormolu mounted bureau plat which features fine quality floral marquetry and which dates from around 1860.
This beautiful piece of furniture has been made with artistic marquetry requiring the highest level of craftsmanship. The surface of the table top of this antique ormolu mounted bureau plat features very intricate floral marquetry decoration. Using a number of different and exotic veneers which include walnut, goncalo alves, satinwood, burr walnut, and purpleheart, the level of detail present here can only be described as extraordinary. The central panel is worthy of particular attention, it being inlaid with a representation of an urn on a flower filled satinwood background together with a decorative border of foliage which has been rendered in mahogany and burr walnut.
As you can see from the images provided the imposing table top is completed with a highly decorative ormolu border which adds an additional level of elegance to this antique bureau plat...
Category
1860s French Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu
William IV Mahogany Writing Table
Located in Essex, MA
Height from floor to underside 24 inches. Rectangular top with new tooled neutral gray green leather and banded edge over three drawers with wood knobs, circular tapered legs.
Category
1820s English William IV Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
1950s Elegant Italian Small Desk in Ash and Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Writing desk, ash, walnut, brass, formica, Italy, 1950s
Very elegant desk made in Italy in the 1950s. The framework is executed in walnut. The upper part of this piece is made from ...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ash, Walnut
Robert Propst For Herman Miller Action Office Stand-Up Desk
Located in Pasadena, TX
An Action Office desk designed by Robert Propst for Herman Miller in 1968. This mid century modern classic is wall mounted (mounting brackets included) ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
$2,000 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Italian Renaissance Executive Desk with Faux Leather
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique Italian Renaissance Executive Desk with Faux Leather is the perfect choice for a timeless Old World decor. Hand-carved in walnut, it features a beveled edge all around the n...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stainless Steel
18th Century Louis XV Provincial Writing / Occasional Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Louis XV provincial walnut writing / occasional table, 18th century. With an overhanging 3 board top with molded borders, frieze with drawer and scalloped apron, resting on cabriole ...
Category
18th Century European Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Fabulous English Bench Made Reprod. Burr Elm Leather Top Pedestal Partner
s Desk
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
We have been bench making bespoke British furniture for the past sixty years by the same proprietary cabinetmaking family in the south of England. They produce some of the most fant...
Category
2010s English Chippendale Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Elm, Burl
Danish Mid-Century Modern Asymmetrical Teak Desk, 1950s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Mid-Century Modern Asymmetrical Teak Desk, 1950s.
Rare and early freestanding Scandinavian Modern boomerang teak writing desk made in Denmark in the early 1950s. Asymmetrical...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak, Teak
Art Deco desk – France 1920
Located in Girona, Girona
Art Deco desk in solid mahogany, stained and French polished, solid oak interiors with 4 drawers and 2 shelves, original decorative gilded wood plaques and mouldings, polished brass ...
Category
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
$10,871
Paul Frankl, Desk, Cork, Mahogany, Leather, Brass, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A cork, dark-stained mahogany, brass and black-dyed leather desk designed by Paul Frankl and produced by Johnson Furniture Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, c. 1950s.
Overall Dimensi...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Minimalist Teak Desk from Asko Finland, 1960s
By Asko
Located in Hamburg, DE
A very rare desk from Finnish manufacturer Asko.
A minimalist design that impresses with its clean lines. The rectangular tabletop is veneered in teak. The simple legs are set off i...
Category
1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak, Walnut
Sligh Furniture Mid Century Tooled Leather Executive Office Library Desk 54"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Sligh Office Desk. Features a distressed walnut finish with a green tooled leather top. The desk has eight dovetailed drawers including one...
Category
20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
$1,120 Sale Price
30% Off
Mid-century birch desk by Cees Braakman for UMS Pastoe
Located in CASTENRAY, NL
Cees Braakman (1917-1995) is one of the most influential furniture designers the Netherlands has ever known.
Cees was born in 1917 above the UMS Pastoe factory in Utrecht, where hi...
Category
1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Birch, Plywood
Baker Louis XV Style Black Ebonized Brass Mounted Leather Top Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 29 in W: 54 in D: 25 in
Elevate your interior with this exceptional Louis XV style writing desk by Baker Furniture, a piece that seamlessly combines classic French elegance with the renowned craftsmanship of one of America’s most distinguished furniture makers. Finished in a rich black ebonized lacquer, this desk exudes sophistication, while its ornate brass mounts and cabochon-style hardware pay homage to the refined detailing of 18th-century Parisian design.
The embossed leather writing surface offers both visual richness and a practical work area, delicately aged to evoke an authentic antique look. Ideal for writing, working, or showcasing décor, the top is not only functional but luxurious in both material and execution.
The front of the desk houses three spacious drawers, adorned with Louis XV style hardware and framed by graceful curves and shapely moldings. The reverse side of the desk features faux drawers, allowing the piece to float beautifully in the center of a room. This makes it an ideal choice for those designing a centerpiece home office, library, or formal sitting room.
Set on classic cabriole legs, the desk strikes a balance between decorative charm and refined utility. It embodies the hallmarks of French Rococo design, including ornate carving, symmetry, and a sense of lightness that brings elegance to any space.
Whether you're a collector of fine reproduction antiques, a fan of luxury vintage furnishings, or someone looking to add a sense of Gilded Age romance to your décor, this Baker Louis XV...
Category
20th Century Unknown Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Antique French Writing Desk Secretary Louis XV Carved Oak Renaissance c1890
Located in Shreveport, LA
Antique French Writing Desk Secretary Black Forest Carved Oak Renaissance c1890.
Direct from France and part of superb collection of fine antiques we recently acquired, this is trul...
Category
1890s French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Oak Desk 01 by Studio Haos for ST VINCENTS
By Haos Studio
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Oak Desk by STUDIO HAOS exclusively made for St. Vincents` fifth anniversary.
Sophie Gelinet and Cédric Gepner never had any formal training in furnitur...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
$16,725 / item
Bureau vintage de Louis Sognot en rotin et bois des années 60
By Louis Sognot
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Bureau vintage des années 60, très joli design attribué à Louis Sognot, en rotin, plateau et tiroirs en bois de chêne, 3 tiroirs, très beau travail du rotin, très bon état général av...
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rattan
$812 Sale Price
20% Off
"Diapason" desk in stainless steel by Marzio Cecchi for Studio Most Firenze.
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
Iconic "Diapason" desk in stainless steel by Marzio Cecchi for Studio Most Firenze.
Italy, 1968s.
Dimensions: 185 x 60 x H 73 cm
Marzio Cecchi was an eclectic and visionary Archite...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stainless Steel
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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