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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Antique Hand Carved Oak Jacobean Dining Table, Circa 1910s
Located in Germantown, MD
Gorgeous Hand carved oak Jacobean style dining table. Use as a library/office table or desk. Beautiful oak top with substantial hand carved...
Category

Early 20th Century American Jacobean Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Clean Lined Console Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean lined console table, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American, circa 1960s. This table is a versatile size and can be used as a console or so...
Category

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

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

Art Deco Hungarian Desk in Walnut
Located in Houston, TX
Desk top is made out of high police walnut wood with cowhide insert in the middle. There are 2 drawers with chrome handles. Desk is elevated by thin chrome legs that are connected on...
Category

1940s Hungarian Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

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

Baobab Desk by Philippe Starck for Vitra, 2000s
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
Function The BaObab desk, designed by Philippe Starck for Vitra, is ideal for computer-based and paper work. Constructed as a single piece, it is designed ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Futurist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Plastic

Macassar Writing Desk with Bronze-Patina Brass Deatils by R&Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Sonia writing desk is the perfect piece for your room. A more subtle version to her sister the iconic writing desk, the Sonia has elegant legs inlaid in Macassar wood and bronze-...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Piano Desk Black Lacqued Wood
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
A sleek, black-polished, sculptural piece conjuring the presence of a grand piano. Piano Desk evokes an intricate fusion of the grace in artistic expression and the discipline of w...
Category

2010s Mexican Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique Louis XV-Style Inlaid Ladies Writing Desk / Secretaire, 19th Century
Located in BERKEL EN RODENRIJS, NL
Exquisite antique Louis XV-style writing desk, crafted in rosewood veneer with marquetry inlays and adorned with gilt bronze (ormolu) mounts. The serpentine silhouette, slender cabri...
Category

19th Century Rococo Revival Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

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

Sculptural Italian Mid-Century Mahogany and Parchment Desk with Central Drawer
Located in New York, NY
Sculptural Italian Mid-Century Mahogany and Parchment Desk with Three Drawers
Category

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

Materials

Mahogany, Parchment Paper

Customizable Marcel Breuer S 285/1 Tubular Steel Desk
Located in New York, NY
RANGE S 285 It is as though Marcel Breuer had anticipated today’s home offices and mobile computers: The compact tubular steel desk S 285 that he designed is ...
Category

2010s German Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Flagg Desk Walnut Writing Desk or Home Office Computer Desk by Alabama Sawyer
Located in Birmingham, AL
We handcrafted this classic writing desk with walnut hardwood from Birmingham's urban forest. For your home office, computer desk or a place to work from home, comfortable and focused on a novel or a grocery list. The writing desk offers a unique contemporary design for the home office or any room. Three open storage compartments and two self-closing drawers ensure longevity and functionality. Simple steel pulls have a black patina. The finished back allows the desk to be used in the middle of a room for 360 viewing. Urban hardwood...
Category

2010s American American Craftsman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood, Walnut

Mid Century Desk, Warren Platner for Knoll, Steel, Oak, Chrome, 1970s
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Mid Century Desk, Warren Platner For Knoll, Steel, Oak, 1970s, Office, Executive Desk, Chrome, Unique Design Vintage from the 1970s Measurements: 22.5" D x 76.5" L x 29" H The top ...
Category

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

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Studio BBPR for Olivetti Small Spazio Desk with Drawers
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Studio BBPR for Olivetti, 'Spazio' desk with drawers, steel, vinyl, plastic, Italy, design 1959/60, production 1960s In 1954, Olivetti, the Italian office equipment manufacturer, h...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Kai Kristiansen Fm 60 Executive Desk in Teak
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Kai Kristiansen Manufacturer: Feldballes Møbelfabrik Era: 1957 Materials: Teak Measurements: 71″ wide x 33.5″ deep x 28.75″ tall; Kneehole: 27.75" wide x 20...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Concrete table/ desk designed by Sergio and Giorgio Saporiti. Italy, 1972
Located in Berlin, Berlin
The SAPO table, designed with a concrete base and hardened Glass top, attached by two chromed bolts. The concrete base shows a beautiful imprint of the wooden mould it was made from....
Category

1970s Italian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Concrete

Desk " Conoid " By George Nakashima, USA 1970s
Located in Lot/Drogenbos, BE
Desk " Conoid " in Wallnut features a pedestal with three drawers. By George Nakashima, USA 1970s. Designer - George Nakashima. Model - Conoid. Production period - 1970s. Meas...
Category

1970s American Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Industrial Equestrian Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
The Industrial Equestrian desk of walnut and reclaimed wood with an iron base. The parquetry inlaid top with five drawers is flanked by two horse heads...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Writing Desk in Solid Walnut by Boyd Allister
Located in Santa Fe, NM
This writing desk in solid walnut was originally made as a gift for my daughter on her 13th birthday. I designed it to be elegant, simple and timeless; something that could fit seaml...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Regency Leather Top Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
Crafted from exquisite acacia and oak, this grand writing table is inspired by an antique original circa 1800, showcasing the artistry of traditional craftsmanship. The richly graine...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Pierre Chapo “B40” Desk for Atelier Pierre Chapo, 1970
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Pierre Chapo “B40” Desk for Atelier Pierre Chapo, elm, France, 1970 Designed in the early 1970s by Pierre Chapo, the B40 desk exemplifies the sculptu...
Category

1970s French Post-Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Elm

Freestanding Desk in Mahogany and Brass by Josef Frank, 1937
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Freestanding Desk in Mahogany and Brass by Josef Frank, 1937 Additional Information: Material: Mahogany and brass Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Rare freestanding desk model 770 P...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Quality Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Freestanding Davenport
Located in Suffolk, GB
Quality antique Victorian burr walnut freestanding Davenport having a quality burr walnut top with original walnut gallery, shaped burr walnut lift up writing slope with original lea...
Category

19th Century English Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Neoclassical Dressing Table
Located in Sheffield, MA
The vintage neoclassical dressing table, vanity, desk or night table has gilt detailing, fluted legs, brass pulls and curved stretchers. Dr...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Vintage Hekman White Chinoiserie Rattan Desk with Glass Top
Located in Sarasota, FL
This vintage Hekman rattan desk combines elegance and functionality with its intricate fretwork design and airy coastal aesthetic. The natural rattan frame is finished in a light, wa...
Category

Late 20th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

1960s "Maya" Giotto Stoppino for Bernini Italian Design Wood Desk
Located in Brescia, IT
Rare italian desk Giotto Stoppino for Bernini Italy, 1969 Wood and chrome metal Bibliography: G. Gramigna, 1950-1980 repertorio: immagini...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Very Rare Maison Charles Directoire Console Table or Sideboard
Located in Munich, DE
A very rare piece of furniture in very good condition. we can offer a few different pieces of the directoire range.
Category

1960s French Hollywood Regency Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Italian antique rectangular wooden desk with drawer, 1750s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian antique rectangular wooden desk with drawer, 1750s Desk or writing table with a rectangular wooden top. The table features a hidden drawer on the front. The legs are square. ...
Category

1750s Italian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

1960s Italian Art Deco Midcentury Walnut Brass Small Desk Writing Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant Italian Art Deco Mid-Century Modern small desk or writing table secretaire, in beautiful decorated and veneer wood with three drawers and covered sides. This beautiful p...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Fragment Desk with bone white patinated leather
Located in 1204, CH
Jumandie Seys is a Belgian artist and interior designer whose work straddles the boundary between art and design. In his quest for pure expression of form and material, he creates ob...
Category

2010s Belgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

20th Century Inlaid Wood French Writing Table, 1920
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
Early 20th-century French table. Richly inlaid furniture with walnut, palisander, maple, ebonized wood, rosewood and fruitwood. Desk finished for the center features a generously siz...
Category

1920s French Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Rare 19th Century English Eclipse Patented Telescopic Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING an EXCEPTIONALLY RARE 19C English Eclipse Patented Telescopic Desk. Made of oak in the Rococo Style in Great Britain, circa 1880. Fully marked as “The Eclipse“, Brand’s ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Scandinavian Dressing Table, 1950s
Located in Neuss, NW
Unique dressing table from the 1950s. High-quality corpus in walnut veneer with one drawer, one pull-out writing surface and slanted solid wood legs. Quality Features: very good wor...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts Crafts Trestle Library Table or Writing Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission oak Arts & Crafts trestle library table or writing desk By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Measures: 48"W x 30"D x 29"H. Professionally res...
Category

Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Dassi Desk walnut Mid-Century Modern Brass Minimal Scultural 1950s Italian
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Dassi small desk rosewood Mid-Century Modern brass minimal scultural 1950s Italian. Colored glass top with gold decorations on the edge. Perfectly rest...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Louis XVI-style Gilt Bronze Parquetry Bureau Plat, After Jean-Henri Riesener
Located in San Francisco, CA
When Queen Marie-Antoinette of France desired her own suite for overnights at the convenient Tuileries Palace in Paris—while her husband King Louis XVI remained out at Versailles—the...
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Coast Table, Minimalist Desk or Dining Table (51", 66")
Located in San Jose, CA
The Coast Table was designed as a quiet, humble table, with beauty in the details. We aimed to emphasize the quality and character of the wood, and let the craftsmanship speak. It's ...
Category

2010s Chinese Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Philippe Starck Square Mahogany Dining Table M Serie Lang for Driade Aleph
Located in Hanover, MA
A stealth bomber-like sleek square book-matched ribbon mahogany veneer top dining table over four sharply angled polished cast aluminum legs, each having the signature and manufacturer's mark: Aleph by Starck. Designed by Philippe Starck in 1987 for Aleph France: a division of Driade, from the limited series Lang...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

18th Century Hand-Painted Venetian Style Ivory Stra Table with little flowers
Located in Ronchi dei Legionari, IT
From our Hand-Painted Furniture Collection, we are pleased to introduce you to our ivory stra table with hand-painted little flowers decors. This beautiful creation can be used both...
Category

2010s Italian Other Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Italian mid-century modern desk in light blue metal and black leather top, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern desk in light blue metal and black leather top, 1960s Desk with rectangular top covered in black leather. The structure is in light blue painted metal and ...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Black Vintage Desk Platone Giancarlo Piretti, 1969, Italy
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern black foldable vintage writing desk "Platone" designed by Giancarlo Piretti 1969 Italy and produced by Anonima Castelli, Italy. The desk is framed with chromed ste...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Mid Century Modern Walnut Desk with brass and walnut pulls
Located in Cincinnati, OH
Mid Century Modern Walnut Desk with brass and walnut pulls' Brass caps on legs Chair opening 28.25 W x 25 H (drawer bottom to floor). 2 locks with 2 keys each. Touch up only on desk,...
Category

Mid-20th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Frank Lloyd Wright for Heritage Henredon Taliesin Mahogany Desk 1955/56
Located in Camden, ME
A classic nine drawer mahogany desk designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for his Taliesin line for Heritage Henredon furniture. Beautifully detailed with a continuous incised carved greek ...
Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

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

KITA LIVING Frame Table - Elliptical
Located in Bomonti, TR
Defined by the sculptural woodwork, Frame Table Elliptical is an expression of a gentle geometry. With the idea of creating a versatile table, it has a utilitarian perspective by of...
Category

2010s Turkish Japonisme Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Pink Allsteel Bumper Top Desk
Located in Alhambra, CA
1960's Allsteel heavy-duty tanker desk has been creatively distressed with an abstract soft pink and grey pattern. Each of the two pedestals have a small top drawer, and a large stor...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Heritage Henredon Scalloped Edge Olive Burl Wood Top Desk One Drawer Table MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Decorative Banded Heritage Henredon Scalloped Edge Olive Burl Wood Top Desk One Drawer Table MINT!
Category

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

Materials

Brass

French Walnut Secretary Slant Front Desk Writing Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant desk, writing table, with slant drop front, with the beautiful carved decors in Classic figures all around the piece and saber legs. When opened we find the writing area...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Belle Époque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

1970s National Mt. Airy Military Campaign Style Executive Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
Another good looking campaign style piece for your collection! We are delighted to offer for sale this vintage executive desk hand crafted in the Military Campaign style by Mt. Airy, which is one of the higher quality campaign manufacturers. This well-made desk executed out of oakwood which has a lovely warm patina to it, the cuts of timber are lovely with great proportions from any angle. Supporting a rectangular top with a central drawer flanked on either side by a column cabinet with four drawers each having a top and bottom drawer, two of which are double as a filing drawer in the middle offering plenty of storage space. Solid finished back all standing on a plinth base to make it more stable. The brass inset military handles & brass corner brackets are all original and in brass. Signed "National Mt...
Category

Late 20th Century American Campaign Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique French Marquetry, Ormolu and Jasperware Bureau du Roi by Beurdeley
Located in London, GB
Antique French marquetry, ormolu and jasperware Bureau du Roi by Beurdeley French, c. 1890 Height 151cm, width 190cm, depth 100cm The Bureau du Roi, also known as the secrétaire à cylindre, is among the most celebrated masterpieces of 18th century furniture design—an unparalleled example of French craftsmanship and regal opulence. Originally commissioned by King Louis XV in 1760, the project was entrusted to ébéniste du roi Jean-François Oeben (1721–1763). However, Oeben passed away before its completion and his successor, Jean-Henri Riesener (1734-1806), finalised the desk in 1769. During the 19th century, several master cabinetmakers sought to replicate this extraordinary creation, including the esteemed Emmanuel Alfred Beurdeley (1847–1919). The present example, produced circa 1890, was exhibited at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, where it garnered admiration for its exceptional artistry. Following the exhibition, it was acquired by financier George Jay Gould I (1864–1923) and later photographed in the Lakewood, New Jersey residence of his wife, actress Edith Kingdon Gould (1864–1921). This magnificent desk is crowned with a decorative clock, draped in festoons and accompanied by two playful putti and a finely sculpted dog. Twin ormolu urns rest atop an openwork gallery, leading to additional flower-filled ormolu vases. Flanking the central roll-top panel are finely cast ormolu figures of Apollo and Calliope, each supporting a twin-light scrolling acanthus candelabrum. With a turn of a key, the roll-top slides open to reveal an exquisite arrangement of three pull-out shelves and three drawers, each front panel adorned with delicate ormolu banding and intricate floral trellis parquetry. A gilt-tooled leather writing surface unfolds, featuring a pop-up central panel that lifts to reveal a folding folio stand alongside three additional storage compartments. Below, a central kneehole drawer, embellished with an ormolu bow, is flanked by twin-divided drawers, all decorated with finely detailed floral marquetry. Every aspect of this Bureau du Roi is a testament to superior craftsmanship, featuring elaborate marquetry and parquetry designs. The upper section consists of three panels, with the tambour roll-top inlaid with intricate mythological motifs. Two side medallions bear Latin inscriptions drawn from Cesare Ripa’s Iconologia (1555–1622): NON. NISI. GRANDIA. CANTO. / IRRIDENS. CUSPIDE. FIGO. and BREVI. COMPLECTOR. SINGULA. CANO / PASTORUM. CARMINA. LUDO. These decorative elements, along with the marquetry on the roll-top and upper surfaces, celebrate the arts, literature, and architecture. The bombé sides of the desk are richly decorated with marquetry panels depicting symbols of both naval and terrestrial warfare, framed by elegant ormolu laurel swags. These ornamental details complement a series of exquisite blue and white Wedgwood Jasperware medallions...
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Fine French 1940s Walnut Desk by Jean Pascaud
Located in Long Island City, NY
Jean Pascaud (1903-1996) - A fine French Art Deco four drawer walnut desk with a carved diamond pattern and four scroll legs with bronze sabots. The matching 3 doors cabinet with a ...
Category

1940s Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Maison Jansen Carved Stone, Oak and Lacquered Vellum Dining Table, c. 1940
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful Maison Jansen carved stone, oak and lacquered vellum dining table, circa 1940s, made in France. One base element marked "2184" in wax p...
Category

1940s French Neoclassical Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stone

U-Shape Burdick Desk for Herman Miller with Floating Table
Located in Pasadena, TX
A vintage U-shaped desk designed by Bruce Burdick for Herman Miller. This enormous desk has three separate surface tops: 84"x 44" glass top, a round onyx top, and a dark granite Geig...
Category

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

Materials

Onyx, Granite, Aluminum

French Wood Table by Charles Dudouyt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredible wood table by Charles Dudouyt, made in France, 1940's. Rectangular top with four thick carved wood legs and ball feet. Newly refinished in light stain showing nice grain ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Wood

Antique English Georgian Walnut Slant Front Secretary Desk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An antique slant front secretary desk with graduated drawers (one over two short, over two long) with retracting supporting brackets...
Category

Mid-18th Century English Georgian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Antique French Desk Writing Table Nightstand PETITE Drawer Carved Oak c. 1900
Located in Tyler, TX
GORGEOUS Antique French Oak Renaissance Revival PETITE Desk or Nightstand with Carved Top, Wide Drawer, Turned Post Legs, Stretcher and Up Finial ~~c. 1900 With so many people worki...
Category

Early 1900s French Renaissance Revival Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

G.15 Desk / Ebonized Walnut with Lacquer by Lusano
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Grant Desk is a study in proportion, where workspace becomes sculpture. A waterfall silhouette defines its form, punctuated by subtle notch detailing. Beneath, three satin lacque...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut, Lacquer

Desk by Gio Ponti and Alberto Rosselli, Rima Padova, Italy, circa 1955
Located in Berlin, DE
Desk by Gio Ponti & Alberto Rosselli, Rima Padova, Italy, circa 1955 Originally designed for the Pirelli Tower in Milano. In 1950, Alberto Pirelli, president and owner of the giant...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Iconic Mastercraft Brass Desk With Leather Top
Located in Houston, TX
Iconic Mastercraft Brass Desk With Leather Top. Stunning large mid century brass desk or writing table by Mastercraft. This handsome desk...
Category

1970s American Louis XVI Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Danish Midcentury Desk in Teak and Oak, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Freestanding desk in teak with a solid oak frame, designed and made in the 1960s. Made in Denmark, great original condition.
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

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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