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Desks and Writing Tables

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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Mahogany and burr leather top pedestal desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mahogany and burr leather top pedestal desk circa 1990. Good example of a 19th century designed desk. Which is in 3 sections, being the top and 2 pedestals. Top surface with green ...
Category

Late 20th Century English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

French Petite Wooden Mid-Century Desk
Located in London, GB
A stylish petite desk. France, c1970s. In the manner of Maison Regian. Likely to be elm or very well simulated elm wood. Ideal as a desk or vanity unit. Good condition gene...
Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Elm

Oak Desk, England circa 1820
Located in Culver City, CA
Oak Desk England circa 1820 Estate made desk with two front drawers, stretcher, and angled surface. 58.75”L x 32.75”d x 32”h
Category

1820s English Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Elm Desk, France, c. 1940
Located in New York City, NY
Distinctive desk showcasing a single drawer and elegantly rounded, tapered wooden legs.
Category

1940s Italian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Elm

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid Century Modern Teak Wood Lovig Desk
Located in Phoenix, AZ
The iconic Løvig teak flip top desk designed by Peter Løvig Nielsen, 1960s, Denmark. It’s versatile in that the back shelf can flip down on its brass hinges to create a larger work s...
Category

1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Stickley Brothers Style Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Drop Front Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mission or Arts & Crafts slant front writing desk or secretary desk In the manner of Stickley Brothers USA, Circa 1900 Quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper h...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Copper

Neoclassical Bureau Plat, France around 1800
Located in Greding, DE
French bureau plat on square tapered legs with brass sabots and small castors. The desk is veneered in mahogany and the writing surface is covered in congac-colored leather. The keyh...
Category

Early 1800s French Neoclassical Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

J. Svenstrup Executive Desk
Located in Bristol, GB
A handsome executive desk by J. Svenstrup for A.P. Møbler Denmark in teak, featuring six drawers to the front, as well as a pull down cabinet and storage space for books to the rear.
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Desk By Guy Lefèvre - Metal & Wood - Ca 1970
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Elegant desk by Guy Lefèvre dating from the 1970s. Its chrome metal structure and black lacquered wooden box are typical of the French style of the 1970s. Just like Maison Jansen, Ro...
Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Antique Italian Renaissance Revival Walnut Figural Library Table Writing Desk 52
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Neo-Renaissance Revival parlor / library table or writing desk, circa 1870s Made of walnut featuring Neoclassical styling with high relief figural carvings of cherubs / putti...
Category

1870s Renaissance Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Custom Hand-Made Desk by Old Plank in French Directoire Style New Made to Order
Located in Chicago, IL
Custom Desk in the French Directoire Style by Old Plank and Made to Order in your specific dimensions and finish. The more you look closely at the finite details, the more you will b...
Category

2010s American Directoire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Gold, Brass

Modular Desk Set with Black Glass Top by Mojmir Pozar, 1960s, Set of 3
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

Giancarlo Piretti, Platone Folding Desk for Anonima Castelli, 1971
Located in London, GB
One of the most influential Italian designers of the twentieth century, Giancarlo Piretti’s chair designs – for which he is most celebrated – have sold millions worldwide. Piretti’s...
Category

1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

18th century Italian Paint Decorated Writing Desk with Drawer Circa 1760s
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous smaller true gem of a desk from the middle part of the 1700s from Italy. The desk is made of walnut and pine and has a single drawer with all the traits one expect...
Category

1760s Italian Neoclassical Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut, Pine

Small Writing Desk Giuseppe Pagano Pogatschnig 1940 Italy
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Small wood and metal desk designed by Giuseppe Pagano Giuseppe Pagano Pogatschnig in 1940s Italy. Small desk made of curved laminated wood with 4 drawers. Signs of wear and use.
Category

1940s Italian Other Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Open Block Writing Desk by Global Views
Located in Los Angeles, CA
W60 D31.5 H29.25 KC26 Contemporary desk in great gently used condition. Item is structurally sound and sturdy with no large areas of wear. Item features one minimal drawer that hide...
Category

1970s Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Great English partner desk, writing desk, mahogany
Located in Berlin, DE
Great English partner desk, desk 1870, mahogany Solid mahogany, partially veneered. Three-drawer frame profiled on both sides, slightly protruding table top. Writing surface decorat...
Category

20th Century English Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Theodore Alexander French Regency Louis XVI Painted Walnut Writing Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Regency Louis XVI style bureau plat desk or writing desk By Theodore Alexander, "Ateliers de la Madeleine" Circa Late 20th Century Painted walnut case, with ...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

20th Century Inlaid Wood French Napoleon III Style Writing Desk, 1920
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
Elegant French writing desk from the first half of the 20th century in Napoleon III style. Finished for the centre piece of furniture with rich floral inlays in walnut, maple, mahoga...
Category

1920s French Napoleon III Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Mexique High Table PRO, by Charlotte Perriand for Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
The structure of these bar tables by Charlotte Perriand is designed to occupy as little space as possible. They can be grouped together to furnish lounge bars and waiting rooms. Th...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique Watchmaker’s or Jeweler’s Workbench or Desk, 1920s
Located in Brussels , BE
A wonderful 1920s watchmaker’s or jeweler’s multi-drawer wood workbench that’s a good height and size to serve as a standing desk when not seated on a tall stool or chair. We can als...
Category

1920s Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique Military Campaign Style Pedestal Desk
Located in London, GB
A smart and extremely well made antique military campaign style pedestal desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1950’s. It is of superb quality, it is very heavy a...
Category

1950s British Campaign Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

1970s Executive Desk Billy Joe McCarroll-David Gillespie Surfaces Santa Barbara
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Executive Desk by Billy Joe McCarroll and David Gillespie Forms Surfaces Inc Santa Barbara, California. Very elegant desk brutalist pattern gray...
Category

1970s American Brutalist Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Scandinavian mid century birch pedestal desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Scandinavian mid century birch pedestal desk circa 1940. Excellent example of mid 20th century Swedish design and craftsmanship. 3 part pedestal desk taking inspiration from the em...
Category

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

Materials

Birch

Midcentury Elm Desk by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful desk by Josef Frank, made from elm with striking woodgrain. Clean lines and subtly rounded forms, a timeless piece.
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Elm

Writing Desk with Marquetry Top in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Writing table, walnut, The Netherlands, 1940s An elegant furniture piece that attests to masterful craftsmanship. Its marquetry top, adorned with a captivating array of various wood...
Category

1940s Dutch Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

M.W. Jr American Studio Roll Top Desk
By Michael Watson, Jr.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
signed, dated, numbered edition 5/5
Category

1970s American Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birdseye Maple, Maple

Jacques Adnet writing desk made in France 1950
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Beautiful avant garde desk designed by Jacques Adnet and manufactured in his own atelier in France in the 1950s. The frame is made from solid brass an...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Antique Sheraton Revival Satinwood Desk
Located in London, GB
A stunning antique Sheraton Revival Satinwood desk. This dates from around the 1890-1910 period, and it was made in England. The quality is fantastic, this has beautiful brass handl...
Category

1890s British Sheraton Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Satinwood

Victorian late 19th century carved oak pedestal desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Victorian late 19th century carved oak pedestal desk circa 1890. Good quality pedestal oak desk, comprising of 3 sections.  Shaped top with original leather insert.  Single drawer a...
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Lacquered and Veneered Bureau de Dame, 18th to 19th C.
Located in Atlanta, GA
Petite in stature with three slides over two drawers. Probably originally had a superstructure because there are visible patches where something would have been attached. It might al...
Category

Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood

A Stunning Edwardian Leather Top Desk after Edward and Roberts
Located in Dublin, IE
A stunning Edwardian richly patinated and beautifully figured mahogany desk in the manner of Edward and Roberts, London. This fabulous piece is of exceptional quality, stunningly ca...
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Early 20th C. Louis XVI Petite Desk/ Writing Table
Located in East Hampton, NY
A wonderful early 20th Century French Louis XVI style writing desk in ebonized black finish. Dating to around the 1940’s with original brass mounts and leather top. This is the epi...
Category

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Teak desk with drawers
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage teak and birch office table. Featuring a combination of timeless elegance and practical functionality, this desk is perfect for those seeking a classic design with a modern...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birch, Teak

Mid-Century Modern Desk by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, Stildomus 1970s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Desk by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, Stildomus 1970s
Category

1970s Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Louis XV Style Rocaille Side Table In Walnut
Located in SAINT-CLÉMENT-DE-LA-PLACE, FR
This table is molded. Its scalloped belt opens to a drawer. The drawer is dovetail mounted to ensure perfect solidity. The drawer can be opened daily and hold many objects. It slide...
Category

1870s French Napoleon III Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

British Campaign Writing Table
Located in New Orleans, LA
This rare early 19th century rosewood campaign desk displays exquisite beauty and remarkable design functionality characteristic of British military furniture. Adorned with gilt bron...
Category

Early 19th Century English Campaign Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Desk Model Nr. 75, Omann Jun.
Located in Neuss, NW
Classic freestanding desk model Nr. 75 from the 1960s by Omann Jun. High-quality corpus in teak veneer with a floating table top, six drawers, a hinged door and two bookcases on the ...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Cerused oak three drawer writing desk having pull out slides.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cerused oak three drawer writing desk having pull out slides that allow for a generous work area. This desk is hand made in our workshops and comes in a darker version. 83" wide whe...
Category

2010s Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Scrivania in teak con 3 cassetti allungabile
Located in Brescia, IT
Scrivania stile danese in teak e betulla. Questo pezzo unico si distingue per i suoi dettagli distintivi e il suo design versatile. Le maniglie dei tre cassetti sono realizzate in le...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birch, Teak

Antique Victorian Leather Top Partners Desk / Writing Table
Located in London, GB
A superb antique Victorian leather top partners desk / writing table. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1860-1880 period. It is of great quality and is an impressiv...
Category

1860s British High Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

60s desk, Frattini style
Located in Felino, IT
60's desk, in the style of G.Frattini for Bernini. made by Italian craftsman, inspired by the mod 530 of the Bernini company. all veneered in rosewood. very detailed. 5 drawers of wh...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

19th century Chinese canton black lacquered desk cabinet
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century Chinese canton black lacquered desk cabinet, circa 1830. Stunning quality Chinese export desk, circa 1830. Main feature is the rare alabaster doors which have been hand painted both sides and allows the light to glow through when the doors are open. Top section comprises of a small door which would of housed a pocket watch, flanked either side by 2 open compartments. The central tabernacle which contains an original silk work in the door is flanked either side by 2 drawers. (2 small handles missing) the top section finishes with the main pullout / pull-out writing surface. The writing flap opens both ways to reveal storage underneath, pen trays either side. (red fabric is worn and detached in the middle but original) there is a long drawer accessible from 1 side which is as deep as the whole carcass. The middle section is a removable writing box, with handles. Flaps open to reveal a compartmented lift up tray, all decorated. Some intricate carved bottle holders...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Alabaster

19th Century Wood and Marble Antique French Secrétaire Bureau Desk, 1820
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
Antique French secrétaire from the first half of the 19th century. Furniture of beautiful line and great elegance veneered in walnut, palisander, maple and exotic wood adorned with g...
Category

1820s French Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble

Restored Art Deco Writing Desk, by J. Halabala, UP Závody, Walnut, Czech, 1950s
Located in Horomerice, CZ
Dimensions of the table: Height: 76 cm (29.9 in) Width: 150 cm (59.1 in) Depth: 71 cm (27.6 in) Leg space: Height: 73 cm (28.7 in) Width: 58 cm (22.8 in) Designed by Jindrich Halab...
Category

1950s Czech Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Beech, Walnut, Lacquer

Guido Faleschini writing desk for Mariani, 1970
By Faleschini
Located in Manzano, IT
Guido Faleschini writing desk for Mariani, 1970 Strong and stable, important office desk by Guido Faleschini. Glass shelf, aluminum profiles and alcantara upholstery. Aluminum 8-draw...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Swedish Painted Writing Table
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Early 19th C Swedish painted one drawer writing table. 1820. Clearance is 24.5". Ref: C. Reference: 8362 Dimensions 40 inches (102 cms) Wide 21 inches (53 cms) Deep 29.5 inches (...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

1900s French Wooden Desk
Located in High Point, NC
Step back into the quaint charm of the 1900s with this authentic French wooden desk. With its warm, honeyed patina, this piece carries the rich glow of history within its solid, time...
Category

20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Hayche HOS Desk - Oak & White, UK
Located in Liverpool, GB
The HOS Desk, standing for Home Office System, epitomizes adaptability and modern design. Featuring three mountable and dismountable wooden panels, each with three detachable solid w...
Category

2010s British Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Large Poul Kjaerholm PK55 Table by Ejvindt Kold Christensen
Located in Dronten, NL
Exceptionally well preserved example of iconic work / dining table model PK55 designed by Danish architect Poul Kjaerholm in 1957, manufactured by Ejvindt Kold Christensen according ...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Vintage Danish Mid Century Modern Teak Desk
Located in Gardiner, NY
Authentic vintage mid century Danish / Scandinavian Modern teak desk. This piece is in excellent refinished condition with few signs of age-related wear (see photos). If you would ...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

19th Century French Louis XIV Style Carved Walnut Library Table Writing Desk
Located in Forney, TX
A finely carved French Louis XIV style walnut writing table. circa 1870 Hand carved in France in the late 19th century, exceptionally executed in grand King Louis 14th taste, hand-c...
Category

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

Materials

Faux Leather, Walnut

Exceptional Empire Mahogany Centre Desk, circa 1850s -1X30
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Step into the grandeur of the Empire era with this Exceptional Empire Mahogany Centre Desk, crafted around 1850. Boasting impressive dimensions of H78 x 170 x 85 cm, this monumental ...
Category

1850s Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage Pine Desk From France, Circa 1960
Located in Nashville, TN
Vintage Pine Desk From France, Circa 1960. Solid stained pine construction with great patina and use.
Category

1960s European Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Early 20th century satinwood sheraton revival desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century satinwood sheraton revival desk circa 1910. Fine quality petit sheraton revival pedestal desk, comprising of 3 sections, top surface and 2 pedestals. Shaped top ...
Category

Early 20th Century English Sheraton Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Satinwood

Mid 20th century carved mahogany Swedish desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 20th century carved mahogany swedish desk circa 1947. We are pleased to offer this superb quality desk, which is stamped proving that it was part of the swedish royal family's i...
Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

Danish mid 20th century burr walnut desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Danish mid 20th century burr walnut desk circa 1950. We are please to offer this desk which is of the highest quality. Stunning top with a single veneer covering the whole writing ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by Robert Slezák, Walnut, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
Located in Horomerice, CZ
Dimensions of the table: Height: 76 cm (29.9 in) Width: 150 cm (59.1 in) Depth: 75 cm (29.5 in) Leg space: Height: 71 cm (28 in) Width: 57 cm (22.4 in) Luxurious desk design in Cau...
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

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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