Desks and Writing Tables
to
1,146
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
3,525
3,261
5,560
1,756
90
1,520
655
355
317
316
218
210
193
151
116
100
89
71
56
48
22
21
8
424
1,679
3,456
1,846
602
1,875
583
95
39
94
183
127
490
514
336
102
31
6,333
3,130
1,481
1,180
1,026
5,113
1,390
1,231
1,187
1,002
7,406
5,878
6,120
107
61
54
36
36
Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Louis XV Style Folding Desk with One Drawer, 1950
Located in Miami, FL
Louis XV style folding desk with one drawer. An exceptional Louis XV style desk, made of early Italian antique oak wood.
This piece screams high quality. Beautiful grain and patina....
Category
Mid-20th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Rare Executive Tubular Steel Desk by Mücke-Melder, 1930s
By Mücke
Melder
Located in Wien, AT
Rare Executive Tubular Steel Desk by Mücke-Melder, 1930s
An exceptional and rare example of early Czech Modernism, this substantial executive desk was crafted in the 1930s by Mücke-M...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Vintage Walnut Desk by Stanley Young for Glenn of California
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Introducing a stunning mid-century modern walnut desk, expertly designed by Stanley Young for Glenn of California in the 1950s. This exquisite piece showcases four functional pull-ou...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
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.
Very good original...
Category
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Danish Modern Teak Drop Leaf Desk Ingenius Design with Sliding Drawer Box
By Arne Vodder
Located in Atlanta, GA
Danish Modern Teak Drop Leaf Desk, attributed to Arne Vodder, Denmark, circa 1960s. It has an ingenius design that allows the drawer box to slide to the right or the left underneath ...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak, Wood
17th C Style Italian Rustic Primitive Reclaimed Wood Farmhouse Table To Order
Located in Encinitas, CA
Primitivo rustic refectory style desk table:
Our “Primitivo” desk and table line; rustic, primitive plank top Tuscan farmhouse table with drawer and cross-stretchers, handcrafted in old fir solids, enhanced heavy grain texture, expertly finished in classic Italian shellac patina.
Measures: 63.5”L x 30.5”W with solid multi-plank top 1.5” thick and heights of 30-31.5” and single drawer:
As shown in Old Fir
Optional finishes include:
- Natural blonde shellac
- Classic shellac
- Espresso Dark stain shellac
- Moro blackened shellac
*Gloss, satin
waxed finishes also available to order
*Also available in Old Chestnut, Poplar, or Walnut with smooth or brushed grain finish.
**Available with or without drawers in custom length from our authentic antique reproduction line.
**Larger or smaller table
desk sizes available by quote.
**Expedited shipping options.
Please inquire.
Bellini’s Old World...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Primitive Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Fir, Reclaimed Wood
$6,075 Sale Price / item
22% Off
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
Versatile Mid Century Walnut Writing Desk Dining Table 1960s
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A versatile Mid century walnut kitchen, dining table or writing desk. Book matched top with solid legs. The top and legs are in superb condition and almost look new. The underside an...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Kazuhide Takahama Antella multi-functional Table for Cassina, new
Located in Berlin, DE
Price is dependent on the chosen material/ color. Available in matte or glossy.
Japanese architect Kazuhide Takahama designed Antella as a truly multi-functional piece of furniture...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Plywood, Lacquer
Antique 19th Century Mahogany Octagonal Counting Table – Fine Quality Table
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique 19th Century Mahogany Octagonal Drum Counting Table – Fine Quality Games Table
An early 19th-century octagonal drum counting table crafted from mahogany with softwood carcas...
Category
Early 19th Century British Georgian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
$2,852 Sale Price
30% Off
Victorian Mahogany Partners Desk
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Top Quality Victorian Mahogany Partners Desk
Item Code: 1378
A truly outstanding example of a Victorian mahogany partners desk, this piece exudes presence, refinement and functional ...
Category
19th Century English Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Baroque Style Walnut Writing Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Baroque style walnut writing table, circa 1930's. With a 3 board walnut top, 3 frieze drawers each with carved scrolling vine designs, back side of desk with single panel of carved s...
Category
1930s European Baroque Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Writing Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Black lacquered solid maple, with original brass hard...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Modular Desk Set with White Glass Top by Mojmir Pozar, 1960s, Set of 3
By M. Požár
Located in Żory, PL
This vintage furniture set was designed by Mojmir Pozar and produced in the 1960s in the Czech Republic.
The set consists of three elements:
- smaller cabinet: 40x42x60cm
- larger ca...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass, Wood
Vintage Ercol Model 439 Writing Desk in Elm and Beech
By Lucian Ercolani, Ercol
Located in Seaford, GB
Vintage Ercol Model 439 Writing Desk Elm Beech
Beautifully crafted and increasingly sought-after example of the Ercol Model 439 writing desk, designed and produced in England during...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Beech, Elm
French Walnut Veneer Table, 1940s
Located in Miami, FL
19th Spanish side table with cared Solomonic turned legs and iron stretcher. The top has a carved edges and a beautiful grain and patina.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
French 19th Century Walnut Desk with Carved Apron and Lateral Drawer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French walnut desk from the 19th century with carved apron and lateral drawer. This elegant French walnut desk from the 19th century is a splendid example of classic craftsmanship,...
Category
19th Century French Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Noir Ebonized Walnut Modern Truss Desk
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Sleek sophisticated mixed media modern desk handcrafted of minimalist finished metal , curved legs and walnut drawers. From the Layla Grayce Noir Truss Collection.
Comes with custom...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
$497 Sale Price
77% Off
18th Century Walnut Writing Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
A Queen Anne era Walnut writing table, with bordered edge and book matched burl walnut veneer with mixed wood inlays to the top with rounded corners to the front, shaped inlay apron,...
Category
Mid-18th Century Unknown Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Yellow Steel Contemporary Study Desk with Two Drawers - Customizable
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
A large yellow study desk made with a powder coated steel frame and a beautiful lacquered plywood colour matched table top. This modern minimal desk has two steel drawers suspended u...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Belmont Adjustable Hydraulic Architectural Drafting / Work Table, Art Deco Style
By Belmont
Located in Buffalo, NY
Mid Century Modern / Art Deco adjustable hydraulic architectural drafting or working table,
by Belmont 1940s / 50s
The table is equipped with a hydraulic lift height adjustment syste...
Category
1950s American Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome, Metal
Fine Quality Antique Mahogany Writing Table - Late 18th Century Dressing
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Georgian Cuban Mahogany Writing Table - Late 18th Century Desk Side Dressing.
This exceptional piece boasts solid construction with tight joints and no woodworm, radiating character...
Category
Late 18th Century Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
$1,900 Sale Price
30% Off
Severin Hansen Mid-Century Rosewood Desk, Model 36
Located in Kastrup, DK
Iconic desk, model 36, designed by Severin Hansen and produced by Haslev Møbelfabrik in 1958.
Crafted in veneered and solid Rosewood – an exclusive wood known for its deep color and ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Elefante Desk 4 Versatile, Serves as Dining Table, Organic Shape
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Elefante Desk 4 Versatile, Serves as Dining Table, Organic Shape
—
Introduction: Crafting Elegance with a Modernist Touch
NONO, renowned for its decade-long journey in redefining ...
Category
2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Hardwood, Oak
$8,912 Sale Price / item
30% Off
Italian Modernist Walnut and Brass Writing Desk, 1950s
Located in Uithoorn, NL
This one-of-a-kind Italian desk in walnut with brass details is a rare and authentic piece of craftsmanship from the 1940s–50s. Handmade rather than produced in series, it combines ...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Antique French Louis XIII Style Draw Leaf Dining Table with Barley Twist Legs
Located in Sheffield, MA
Antique French Louis XIII style oak draw leaf extending dining table with barley twist legs. This table has been lovingly restored...
Category
1920s French Louis XIII Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
18th Century French Primitive Pine Dining Table / Desk with a Drawer
Located in Odense, DK
A very fine 18th century primitive pine table from the, crafted by a Danish cabinetmaker. The tabletop showcases the warm tones and subtle grain of pine, with a patina that has devel...
Category
Mid-18th Century French Primitive Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
Studio BBPR for Olivetti "Spazio" Desk with an Olive Felt Top, Italy, 1960
s
By Studio BBPR, Olivetti
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Studio BBPR for Olivetti "Spazio" Desk with an Olive Felt Top, Italy, 1960's
Designed in the 1960's by the Italian architecture collective Studio BBPR, this desk is a compact but di...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Small French Louis XVI Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
This desk brings timeless elegance and delicate refinement to your home. Crafted from Acacia wood in a soft Country mahogany finish, this piece showcases a smooth top, and turret cor...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
$3,405 / item
Danish Mid Century Modern Rosewood Desk, c1970s
Located in Chino Hills, CA
This stunning vintage Mid Century Modern rosewood desk, c1960s, is a timeless statement piece that effortlessly blends form and function. Crafted from richly grained rosewood and pro...
Category
1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
$2,240 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique 19th Century Mahogany Writing Desk – Fine Quality Dressing or Side Table
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique 19th Century Mahogany Writing Desk – Elegant Dressing Table or Side Table with Octagonal Legs and Brass Castors
This fine quality 19th-century antique mahogany writing desk ...
Category
19th Century Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
$1,900 Sale Price
30% Off
"B286" Desk By Bruno Weil For Thonet
By Bruno Weil
Located in London, GB
A modernist B286 desk designed by German designer Bruno Weil for Thonet circa 1930.
Blue enamelled steel with chromed draws and a magnificent thick Saint Gobain glass table...
Category
1930s Bauhaus Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
English Walnut Burl Three-Drawer Writing Table
Located in Woodbury, CT
Created for us by an English cabinetmaker with whom we have been associated for over 30 years, this walnut writing desk has Classic lines that would blend well in a modern setting. I...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Georgian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Walnut, Burl
$8,500 / item
Antique Carved Fruitwood Leather Top Desk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine and large antique Desk with great form. The very well made rectangular desk with a slightly overhanging top with a foliate scrolled tooled green-black leather insert. The thre...
Category
19th Century Georgian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Inlaid Teak Writing Desk from India
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful writing desk, handcrafted in India out of aged teak wood and responsibly sourced animal bone inlay. Late 20th Century (1990-1995). Narrow apron, bottom stretchers in H p...
Category
1990s Indian Anglo-Indian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bone, Teak
$2,720 Sale Price
20% Off
David Parmelee for Founders Staved Rosewood X-Form Desk or Table, Circa 1970s
Located in Peabody, MA
Mid-century modern writing desk featuring a staved rosewood top over an X-form chrome base, designed by Dave Parmelee for Founders Furniture, circa 1970s.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Antique French Country Louis XV Walnut Writing Desk Table, Circa 1920
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This elegant antique French Louis XV writing desk table, dating to the early 20th century circa 1920, beautifully reflects the timeless grace of French Country design. Crafted from f...
Category
1920s French Louis XV Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
$1,560 Sale Price
20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Rosewood Executive Desk
By Gayeski Furniture Coordinates
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This exquisite mid-century rosewood desk, crafted by Gayeski Furniture Coordinates, Inc. in Panama City, Florida during the 1970s, is a true testament to timeless design and craftsma...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
Louis XVI Writing Desk in Walnut, Cherrywood, and Marquetry, Italy, 18th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
An elegant Louis XVI period writing desk, crafted in northern Italy (Lombardy region) during the 18th century. The desk is executed in walnut and cherrywood, richly inlaid with fine ...
Category
18th Century Italian Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Cherry, Walnut
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
$3,328 Sale Price
55% Off
Antique French Louis XVI Writing Desk Cognac Leather
Located in Senonches, Centre-Val de Loire
Antique Louis XVI style desk with cognac leather top and gold embossed frieze.
The front of the piece has three dovetail drawers with bronze details and keys.
The locks work perfectl...
Category
1910s French Louis XVI Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
Early American Style Oak Single Drawer Sofa Table, Circa 1920s
Located in Germantown, MD
An Early American Style Oak Single Drawer Sofa Table or child desk. Knee clearance is 22".
Measures 31.5" in width x 16.5" in depth x 28.5" in height .
Category
Early 20th Century American American Colonial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood, Oak
Shagreen Desk 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
Cushman Colonial Creations Writing Desk
Located in New York, NY
Rare diminutive writing desk by the H.T. Cushman Manufacturing Company circa 1930's. The desk features a sculptural overing hanging top, over one large pull out drawer with trapezoid...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Rustic Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Modern Silhueta Console Table Carrara Marble Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Silhueta console, Modern Collection, handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern.
Inspired by the organic shapes and lean silhouettes, this console adds a modern touch to every li...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Belgian Black Marble, Brass
$6,830 Sale Price / item
50% Off
Antique 19th Century Campaign Metamorphic Desk, Ca. 1850-1875
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Antique metamorphic table to desk, circa 1850-1875. Beautifully constructed in Campaign style in honeyed light brown wood, the table features a hinged flip top that opens to a desk w...
Category
19th Century Campaign Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
Early Gerard Van Den Berg for Montis Burled Wood Desk with Cast Aluminum Legs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An early Gerard Van Den Berg desk for Montis. The design is almost Saporiti meets Sottsass in appearance, and the table is expertly crafted from handsome burled wood with cast alumin...
Category
1970s Dutch Post-Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Mid-century Walnut Executive Desk by Jens Risom for Jen Risom Designs c.1950
By Jens Risom
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An original Jens Risom large executive desk constructed from solid Walnut and built for design and durability. The right side of the desk has three drawers and a pull-out tray...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
$4,556 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Ilmari Tapiovaara Desk or Table for Laukaan Puu
Located in Miami, FL
Table by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu. Works also well as desk. The table is signed.
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
$1,280 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique T. Wallis And Co. London Mahogany Roll Top Desk for Restoration
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A handsome and very well made Roll Top desk with dove-tail drawer construction, traditional British form and handsome contrasting woods. Brass plaque in a top drawer. The top cabinet...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Biedermeier Writing Desk in Walnut, circa 1830
Located in Greding, DE
Biedermeier writing desk in walnut, crafted around 1830. Featuring five drawers framed with fine thread inlays and adorned with escutcheons. The gracefully curved S-shaped legs are j...
Category
1830s Biedermeier Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Bernt Petersen Danish 1950s Mahogany Desk
Located in London, England
Bernt Petersen Mahogany Writing Desk, circa 1950s
An exceptional 4-drawer desk from Danish designer Bernt Petersen and made by master cabinetmakers Rud Rasmussen. The legs, drawer f...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Victorian Mahogany Pedestal Desk
Located in Astoria, NY
Victorian Mahogany Pedestal Desk, late 19th century, with green leather top have three drawers above two pedestals supports, each with four drawers. 30.5" H x 48" W x 23.5" D. Proven...
Category
Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
French Louis XV Style Leather Top Writing Desk with Matching Desk Chair
By Drexel
Located in Hopewell, NJ
This lovely Drexel vintage writing desk in the French Louis XV style includes a matching Louis XV style chair and displays lovely French Provincial style having curvaceous cabriole l...
Category
1970s American Louis XV Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Cane, Wood
Osvaldo Borsani wall-mounted wood and brass desk model E22 by Tecno Italy, 1950s
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A wall-mounted desk in wood, metal, and brass, part of the E22 series, produced by Tecno, designed by Osvaldo Borsani, 1950s
A wall-mounted piece of furniture, free from floor suppo...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
French Sculptural Baroque Style Desk in Stained Pine, Early 20th Century
Located in Odense, DK
A fabolous french baroque style freestanding desk in solid stained pined. Finely handcrafted in the first half of the 20th century. Decorative decadent carvings.
This fine desk w...
Category
Early 20th Century French Louis XIII Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
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
$6,271 Sale Price
20% Off
Large Executive Desk with Return, Italy, 1960s
Located in Greding, DE
Large U-shaped executive desk with two returns and an extraordinary asymmetrical design. One support is made from cast concrete and the other’s from metal, giving the piece a sculptu...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Cast Stone, Metal
Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Tan Leather Top Faux Bamboo 56" Wide Desk Drexel MINT!
By Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Tan Leather Top Faux Bamboo 56" Wide Desk Drexel MINT!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Cees Braakman for Pastoe "Made to Measure" Series Executive Desk
By Cees Braakman, Pastoe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century, lightly refinished, Cees Braakman for Pastoe executive "Made to Measure" desk. This desk features a black enameled metal riser, brushed st...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
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.
Read More
This 19th-Century Gilded Desk Displays a Fanciful Kingdom in Marquetry
The stately piece brings both gravitas and whimsy to any work space.
Ask an Interior Designer: Work-from-Home Edition
Leaping into a design project, whether it's refreshing the bedroom or redoing the whole house, can be overwhelming. Luckily, we know more than a few interior designers. You asked questions on Instagram, and now they're answering.
18 Home Offices for Workaholic Design-Lovers
Proof that working from home is a perk.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Antique School Desk Bench
Antique Tiger Oak Library Table
Antique Watchmakers Desk
Avant Garde Desk
Aviator Desk
Baker Collectors Edition Desk
Baker Louis Xvi Desk
Biomorphic Desk
Claw Foot Desk
Curved Glass Desk
Desk 8 Legs
Desk Ball Claw Feet
Desk By Gunnar Nielsen
Desk By Tibergaard
Desk Chicago
Desk With Column Legs
Domino Mobler Danish Teak Desk
Domino Mobler Desk