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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Frits Henningsen 1940s Danish Mahogany Desk
Located in London, England
Frits Henningsen - Mahogany Writing Desk, 1940s
Rarely seen design from master cabinetmaker of the early Danish Modern period: Frits Henningsen. Henningsen produced all of his desig...
Category
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany, Oak
Early 20th Century, Baroque Style Writing Desk, Made by a Danish Cabinetmaker
Located in Odense, DK
An early 20th-century Danish centre table, defined by a beautifully figured tabletop where the wood grain forms its own quiet "landscape". The surface reads almost like a natural dra...
Category
Early 20th Century Danish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Limbert Style Antique Mission Oak Arts
Crafts Drop Front Secretary Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period drop front writing desk
In the manner of Charles P. Limbert Co.
By The Cron-Kills Co.
USA, Circa 1900
Measures: 28.75"W x 13.88...
Category
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Beautiful Solid Cherry Desk by Harden, NY, Moser Style
Located in Miami, FL
Solid cherry desk with hidden compartments, hand cut dovetail construction and a leather writing top made by Harden Furniture.
Writing surface height is 29"
Knee clearance height is ...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Cherry
Art Deco Modernist Desk or Writing Table by Hendrik Wouda for Pander, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare Art Deco Modernist desk or writing table.
Design by Hendrik Wouda for H. Pander & Zonen Den Haag.
Striking Dutch design from the 1920s.
Solid oak base with...
Category
1920s Dutch Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
$11,952 Sale Price
20% Off
1980
s Memphis Style
La Vuelta
Desk 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 bicycle race this large versatile desk has attractive curves and unique accents that...
Category
1980s Spanish Post-Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Antique Derby Oak Raised Panel S-Roll Top Desk with Carved Pulls c1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote***
Antique Derby Oak Raised Panel S-Roll Top Desk with Carved Pulls c1920.
50 3/8" x 55 1/8" x 35 5/8...
Category
Early 20th Century Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
$3,160 Sale Price
20% Off
Office Desk in Walnut Stainless Steel Frame by Bodil Kjaer 1959 for Karakter
By Bodil Kjaer
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Office Desk by Bodil Kjaer 1959
Coveted by renowned modernist architects Marcel Breuer, José Luis Sert and Paul Rudolph, Danish architect Bodil Kjær's Office Desk from 1959 has been dubbed 'the most beautiful desk in the world'. Elevated on slender steel legs, the spacious, freestanding work table has an air of architectural transparency and is as practical as it is handsome. With its exquisitely pure lines, Office Desk is a premier example of Danish Modern design principles.
The Office Unit...
Category
2010s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stainless Steel
$12,908 Sale Price / item
25% Off
Mid-Century Kurt Østervig Style Oak Coffee Table, Square Frame Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Coffee table in the style of Danish designer Kurt Østervig showcases minimalist Scandinavian design principles. Constructed from solid oak with a rectangular top and distinctive squa...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
19th Century Writing Desk with Drawer
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This is an elegant antique writing desk, commonly referred to as a “bureau plat,” likely dating from the late 18th to early 19th century. Crafted from a warm-toned walnut, the desk f...
Category
19th Century French Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
Secrétaire Desk in Shagreen and Palmwood by R&Y Augousti
By R
Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Shagreen Stingray, Palmwood
Borge Mogensen Desk
Chair Oak Soborg Mobler Denmark 1954 Writing Table
Located in Basel, BS
Børge Mogensen desk, model 132 for Søborg Møbelfabrik.
The writing desk was first published in the 1954 Søborg catalogue, the here offered model w...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Russian Empire Writing Table Desk After Antique Heinrich Gambs Bureau-Jardinière
Located in Forney, TX
Magnificent Russian Empire style gilt bronze mounted marquetry and malachite inlaid solid and flame mahogany bureau-jardinière after an important model by the Heinrich Gambs...
Category
20th Century Russian Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Malachite, Brass, Bronze
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
Four Drawer Butternut Study Desk with Linoleum Top - Customizable
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
The four-drawer Study desk is made with a butternut powder-coated steel frame and a pearl-coloured natural linoleum tabletop. The linoleum for our desks is selected for the ecologica...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Shape 2-Drawer Leather
Eucalyptus Desk
By Carpanelli
Located in Milan, IT
A sculptural silhouette defined by dynamic slanted cuts and enveloping curves marks this eye-catching desk from the Shape Collection. Offered in a luminous beige tone, the precious eucalyptus structure features two wide drawers sealed by a smooth top...
Category
2010s Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Stickley Brothers Style Antique Mission Oak Arts
Crafts Desk or Library Table
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts quarter sawn oak library table or writing desk with built-in bookcases
In the manner of Stickley Brothers
USA, Circa 1900
Measures:...
Category
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
19th Century Spanish Two Faces Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Desk
Located in Miami, FL
Handsome oak library piece that can be used as a desk or Work table. Made of oak having carved gadrooned edges. A stretcher made of iron. Carved on all sides and five drawers ox bow ...
Category
Early 19th Century Spanish Renaissance Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Shagreen Desk
Matching Stool with Bronze-Patina Brass Details by R&Y Augousti
By R
Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
19th Century Anglo-Indian Sadeli Inlaid Work Box Traveling Writing Desk
Located in Stamford, CT
An Anglo Indian bone, ebony and metal inlaid sadeli work box with portable writing desk, Bombay, circa 1850.
The sandalwood body of faceted recta...
Category
Mid-19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Italian Office Teak Desk in the style of Gianfranco Frattini, Italy 1960
s
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Mid-Century Teak and Cherry Wood Desk in the Style of Gianfranco Frattini, Italy, 1960s
Refined Italian Office Teak Desk in the style of Gianfranco Frattini, manufactured in Italy i...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
$1,912 Sale Price
20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Oval Dining Table or Desk by Florence Knoll in Carrara Marble
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An elegant executive table designed by Florence Knoll and produced by Knoll. It features a beautiful polished white
gray Carrara marble top and a chrome-plated star base. This ...
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Chrome
Very Rare Antique Biedermeier Walnut Architect
s Drawing Table, Commode or Chest
Located in Lisse, NL
Extraordinary walnut veneered architects Transformation / drawing table and chest of drawers into one.
This amazing quality and excellent condition chest and drawing table was handc...
Category
19th Century European Biedermeier Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Large Italian Marble Travertine Dining Table, Desk, Polished
Chip Carved Top
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Made in Italy in the 1970s, a large dining table or desk made entirely of travertine marble. The top is a large single slab of polished travertine, with a warm and pleasing natural g...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Travertine
French Louis XV White Painted Provincial Bureau Plat Desk with Six Drawers
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant French Louis XV White Painted Provincial Table or Desk with Six Drawers - could sit in the middle of a room, as this lovely classic French piece has three working drawers on ...
Category
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
French Marcello Desk in Blue Lacquer, Glass, and Brass by Joris Poggioli
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ultra-glam statement-making desk in glossy blue lacquer, with glass base, brass accents, and velvet and MDF drawers by French designer Joris Poggioli. I...
Category
2010s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Milo Baughman, Rare Desk, Walnut, Brass, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A rare walnut and brass desk designed by Milo Baughman and produced by Glenn of California, USA, 1950s.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Antique Oak Child’s Roll Top Desk C1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Oak Child’s Roll Top Desk Unsigned C1920
Measures - 32 5/8" x 20 1/8" x 15 3/4"
This charming antique oak roll top desk, dating from arou...
Category
Early 20th Century Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
$600 Sale Price
20% Off
Large 19th century carved oak library table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century carved oak library table of large proportions circa 1890.
We are pleased to offer this statement piece of furniture which would make the ultimate large desk. Black rexi...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Baker Furniture French Louis XV Pink Lacquered Writing Desk, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Provincial Louis XV style writing desk
By Baker Furniture
USA, Circa 1960s
Pink lacquered cherry wood, with original brass hardware.
Measures: 50.5"W x 23.5...
Category
1960s American French Provincial Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Early American Solid Maple and Birch Drop Front Secretary Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful American Colonial or Chippendale style bureau with drop front secretary desk
USA, Circa 1970s
Gorgeous carved solid maple and birch, with original brass hardware.
Meas...
Category
1970s American American Colonial Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Italian Antique Walnut Rustic Small Console Table Desk Writing Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Very charming and elegant Italian small antique console table or desk writing table with stylish carved legs in solid wood. Ideal in any room as a small stand alone corner desk as we...
Category
20th Century Italian Rustic Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Antique Victorian Flame Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful antique Victorian flame mahogany and satinwood crossbanded pedestal partners desk, circa 1860 in date.
The rectanglular top is satinwood crosbanded and inset with a stunning gold tooled green leather writing surface. One side of the desk is fitted with nine drawers, three drawers in the frieze and three drawers in each pedestal. The other side of the desk has three drawers in the frieze with a cupboard to each pedestal, each cupbpard is fitted with a central shelf.
The drawers are all fitted withbeautiful brass drop handles, the desk is complete with the original brass locks and key, and is raised on plinth bases.
Instill the elegance of a bygone era to a special place in your home with this fabulous antique partners pedestal desk.
THE BOTANICAL NAME FOR THE MAHOGANY THAT THIS ITEM IS MADE OF IS SWIETENIA MACROPHYLLA AND THIS TYPE OF MAHOGANY IS NOT SUBJECT TO CITES REGULATION AND DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY RESTRICTED MATERIALS.
Condition:
In excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned, polished waxed and releathered in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 79.5 x Width 166 x Depth 105
Dimensions in inches:
Height 2 foot, 7 inches x Width 5 foot, 5 inches x Depth 3 foot, 5 inches
Flame Mahogany
Thomas Sheraton - 18th century furniture designer, once characterized mahogany as "best suited to furniture where strength is demanded as well as a wood that works...
Category
1860s English Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Industrial Metal Work Desk, America 1950
Located in Culver City, CA
Metal Work Table
America, 1950
Industrial table made fully of metal with one drawer on front.
65.5”L x 34”d x 30.5”h
Ref. INDS537
Category
1950s American Industrial Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Contemporary Sitting Standing "Work" Desk in Solid White Oak by Casey Lurie, USA
By Casey Lurie
Located in Chicago, IL
Work desk is the smaller sibling of our WORK table, a contemporary take on the traditional working tables used by artists and designers for centuries. The choice of materials combine...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Oak
Mastercraft Brass
Trilobi
Triangular Dining Table or Desk Bases, circa 1970
By Mastercraft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
One of the hottest items currently with interior designers are these gleaming brass 'Trilobi' Mastercraft dining table bases, which also work excellent for a desk or work table, feat...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
$4,400 Sale Price / item
20% Off
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
English Writing Table or Desk of Mahogany with Leather Top
Located in Austin, TX
A fine English writing table or desk of mahogany from the late 19th century, featuring an inset embossed leather top, with reeded edge around the circumference, over a frieze of two ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
Bertil Fridhagen, Swedish Modern, Writing Desk or Vanity, Teak, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Manhasset, NY
Bertil Fridhagen, Bodafors, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Writing Desk or Vanity, Teak, Sweden, 1960s
A wonderful three piece writing desk or vanity designed by Bertil Fridhagen (Swed...
Category
1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
French Napoleon III Period Ebonized Desk, 1870s
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An imposing Napoleon III center table (or 'Table de Milieu') in ebonized fruit wood, rectangular in shape, with rounded sides.
Its ornate top, which is bordered all around with a gilt bronze frieze and two further inner bands, features at its centre an intricate marquetry inlaid design of a foliage cartouche framing a vase of flowers.
The smoothly curving belt of the table encloses a frieze drawer on one long side, with a repeat, inlaid design that echoes that of the top.
The table rests on four turned, tapered and fluted legs, ending in toupie feet, and these are connected by two half-moon spacers...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Alvar Aalto Writing Table Model K81 in Birch, Artek 1940s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare Mid-Century Modern writing desk in full birch model K81 manufactured by Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas for Artek. The minimalist design of the table already designed in the 1...
Category
1940s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Birch
Melting Vanity Table in Blue Shagreen and Bronze-Patina Brass by R
Y Augousti
By R
Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Arts
Crafts Solid Oak Roll Top Desk
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Solid Oak English hand crafted roll-top desk with good proportions. Stately, yet not too large. Original patina with English lever lock mark and dovetailed joinery. Pigeon hole compa...
Category
1890s English Arts and Crafts Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Mid Century Modern Pastel Purple Desk Murano Glass Made in Italy justfurnituress
Located in Guazzora, IT
Mid Century Modern desk in pastel purple, a Murano glass masterpiece available exclusively at auction.
This unique and one-of-a-kind desk was handcrafted by skilled artisans and sh...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
$4,302 Sale Price
20% Off
James de Wulf Concrete Leaning Coffee Table
Located in Paia, HI
A play on balance, this table is constructed entirely of two concrete pieces. The tabletop is singly supported by the leg, while the two merge with gravity to lock into place. Their balance is a sight to behold.
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Color shown in natural tone
A perfect complement to the James de Wulf concrete...
Category
2010s American Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Concrete, Cement
$6,380 / item
Desk
by Six Dots Design surrealist metal
Located in London, GB
A unique surrealist desk that is the perfect statement piece in your office or home. Each of these pieces is hand made by artist and designer Joseph Ellwood, along side his team of ...
Category
2010s British Futurist Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
$11,307 / item
Vintage Dining Table , Italy 1950s
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Vintage Dining Table, Italy, 1950s
Unusually shaped vintage dining table from the 1950s is pure Italian midcentury design style, designed to comfortably seat six people, the table f...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
1970s Renato Zevi Vintage Chrome Brass Glass Console Table Desk Romeo Rega Sofa
By Renato Zevi
Located in London, GB
This is an amazing console table in large proportions that came from a grant residence in Hyde Park London and used to decorate one of their entrance rooms. The table ordered on this...
Category
1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass, Chrome
$7,182 Sale Price
20% Off
Desk by Fabio Lenci for Bernini, 1970s
By Tecno, Fabio Lenci
Located in bruxelles, BE
Wood and leather desk with lots of storage space designed by Fabio Lenci for Bernini. Stamped Bernini. Wear due to time and age.
FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Leather
18th Century Small George III Mahogany and Leather Writing Table
Located in Solebury, PA
A charming and compact 18th Century George III mahogany and leather writing table, both structurally sound and suitably sized, presents a delightful aesthetic. Four slender drawers a...
Category
Late 18th Century English George III Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Elegant Art Deco Desk with Asymmetrical Design and Drawers, France, 1930s
Located in Ulm, DE
A striking original Art Deco desk from 1930s France – where sculptural design meets practical function in perfect harmony.
The construction is distinctly asymmetrical: the left side...
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Beech
Antique L.
J.G. Stickley Mission Oak Arts
Crafts Desk, Newly Restored
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts quarter sawn oak writing desk, library table, or center table.
By L. & J.G. Stickley
USA, Circa 1900
Measures: 40" W x 26" D ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Mid-19th Century French Henri II Style Walnut Writing Table or Desk
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This late nineteenth century French Henri II style writing table is constructed of solid walnut and features paneled sides. Two drawers of dovetail construction are appointed with br...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Renaissance Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Console Table No. 1 - Fluentum Series in bent ash wood by Raka Studio
By Raka Studio
Located in Cape Girardeau, MO
The console is designed using the ancient Japanese technique of wood bending. At Raka Studio we create designs using this technique which are fluid in the...
Category
2010s Organic Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood, Bentwood, Ash
Antique English Bakers Table Sofa Entry Hall Kitchen Island with Cast Iron Base
Located in Tyler, TX
CHARMING Antique English Oak Top Entry, Sofa, Kitchen Island, Console, or Baker's Table with Cast Iron Base~~c. 1920s
Excellent oak top table with ornate cast iron legs and stretche...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
Provincial Green-Painted Slant-Front Desk with Secret Compartment
Located in New York, NY
A provincial green-painted slant-front desk, Northern Europe or France, early to mid-19th century, featuring gently curved cabriole legs and a lightly serpentine lower apron that len...
Category
Early 19th Century French French Provincial Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Vintage Italian Walnut Burl Louis XV Bombay Style Serpentine Writing Desk VGC
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Hand-made in Italy, circa 1950s or 60s, this gorgeous 5-drawer Louis XV or Bombay style desk in Italian walnut burl with antiqued brass hardware. This desk has been in my collections...
Category
1960s Italian Louis XV Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
George Nelson by Herman Miller Laminated Aluminum Design 1950s Rare Desk
Located in Brescia, IT
Modernist Desk
George Nelson by Hermann Miller
1950
Laminated wood, aluminum base
Rare model.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Antique Faux Bamboo Writing Desk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine Aesthetic Movement example of a charming writing desk
fashioned with elaborate galleries and simulated bamboo accents, including root feet. The desk with a single drawer with ...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Faux Bamboo, Wood
Gianni Moscatelli Desk for Formanova, 1979 Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning Formanova desk by Gianni Moscatelli. Original Formanova tag dated and signed 1979, Italy. Newly refinished in a high gloss Ebony polished finish. Right side of desk has a fl...
Category
1970s 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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