Rare Carved Desk in Solid Oak by Breton Artist Jacques Philippe
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jacques Philippe, desk, solid oak, France, late 1920s Designed by the French Breton sculptor and cabinetmaker Jacques Philippe (1896-1958), this desk from the late 1920s is a testam...
Oak
Ernst Kühn for Normina 1930s Danish Executive Desk with Tambour Doors
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Attributed to Ernst Kühn for Normina A/S, executive desk, mahogany, leather, brass, Denmark, 1930s Attributed to the Danish designer, architect, and cabinetmaker Ernst Johan Charles...
Brass
George Nakashima 'Conoid' Writing Desk in American Black Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, 'Conoid' cross-legged desk, American black walnut, hickory, United States, 1986 This Conoid desk by George Nakashima, made custom in 1...
Hickory, Walnut
Bauhaus Tubular Folding Desk in Walnut, Signed by Cova Milano, Italy, 1940s
By Cova, Italy 1
Located in Roma, IT
Elegant and rare Italian Bauhaus-style folding desk in chromed metal and walnut wood. This charming desk was produced by Cova Milano in Italy during the 1940s. The table features a ...
Metal, Steel, Chrome
Elegant Italian Small Desk in Walnut and Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Writing desk, walnut, mahogany, brass, formica, Italy, 1950s Very elegant desk made in Italy in the 1950s. The framework is executed in walnut. The upper part of this piece is made ...
Brass
Early 20th Century French Oak Desk or Writing Table from Normandy
Located in Fayetteville, AR
Found in Normandy, this early twentieth century French oak writing table is of hand pegged construction and features a beveled top. A single drawer fits into the apron on one side an...
Oak
$6,970 / item
Venezia Cannaregio Writing Desk
By Morici
Located in Milan, IT
A stunning design of contemporary sophistication and timeless value, this writing desk belongs to the Venezia Mestre series inspired by the namesake city near Venice, Italy. Showcasi...
Wood
Mid-Century Alvar Aalto Model 81C Table, Red Laminate Top, Bent Birch Legs
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Model 81C table by Alvar Aalto demonstrates the Finnish architect's revolutionary approach to bent plywood construction. Designed for Artek, the piece employs signature L-shaped legs...
Laminate, Birch
Mid-Century Poly-Z Desk by A.A. Patijn for Zijlstra, Mahogany, Brass
By Abraham A. Patijn, Zijlstra
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Poly-Z desk by A.A. Patijn for Zijlstra Joure demonstrates sophisticated Dutch engineering through its floating top construction. The work surface suspends above the cabinet base on ...
Metal, Brass
French Designer, Partners Desk, Oak, France, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A large oak desk or partners desk designed and produced in France, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use, including some natural wood cracking and patina buildup. Missing smal...
Oak
1960s Mid-Century Italian Walnut Rattan and Black Glass Top Writing Desk Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful Italian Mid-Century Modern desk writing table, in wood with elegant rattan wicker bamboo frame, decorated legs and black glass top. The unique and typical design, with the ...
Glass, Wood, Bamboo, Rattan
Enzo Testa, Desk, Pine, Wood, Italy, 1968
Located in High Point, NC
A pine and wood desk designed and produced by Enzo Testa for a residential commission, Bergamo, Italy, c. 1968. Minimal signs of wear. Top refinished. Overall Dimensions (inches): ...
Wood, Pine
Antique Wilhelminian Desk in Walnut, Brass, and Leather, Late 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Antique Wilhelminian Desk in Walnut, Brass, and Leather, Late 19th Century. This exquisite desk is both rich in its material composition and thoughtful in its construction. The des...
Brass
French Louis XV Style Kingwood Bombay Writing Table Desk
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
French Louis XV Style Kingwood Bombay Writing Table Desk
Kingwood
Antique French Ormolu Mounted Marquetry Bureau Plat c.1860
Located in London, GB
This is a very fine French antique ormolu mounted bureau plat which features fine quality floral marquetry and which dates from around 1860. This beautiful piece of furniture has be...
Ormolu
Antique Victorian Flame Mahogany Partners Pedestal Desk 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful antique Victorian flame mahogany pedestal partners desk, circa 1860 in date. The rectanglular top is inset with a lovely gold tooled green leather writing surfac...
Brass
Melting Vanity Table in Cream Shagreen and Bronze-Patina Brass by R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The melting vanity table's simple but elegant design, makes for an adaptable elegant piece of furniture. The cream shagreen inlaid surface is framed with an irregular surface bronze-...
Brass
George Nakashima Double Pedestal Desk with Live-Edge Top
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, Double Pedestal Free-Edge writing desk, American black walnut, United States, 1969 You have encountered a truly outstanding example of ...
Walnut
Antique Victorian Partners Writing Library Table Desk 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous Victorian antique partners library table is crafted from beautiful flame mahogany and dates from Circa 1860. It features a striking inset golden leather writing surfac...
Brass
Antique Victorian 6 Drawer Oak Partners Writing Table Desk C1850 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous early Victorian antique Partners desk is crafted from beautiful solid oak and dates from Circa 1850. The rectangular top with rounded corners features a striking olive...
Brass
Late 19th Century French Barley Twist Writing Desk
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Late 19th Century French Barley Twist Writing Desk
Birdseye Maple
Unique Studio Craft Modernist Rosewood and Teak Doctor's Desk, Circa 1970s
Located in Peabody, MA
A one-of-a-kind studio craft doctor’s desk fashioned from solid planks of rosewood and teak. Built in the 1970s by a student of RIT’s “School for American Crafts” for his doctor and ...
Steel
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno ‘T96’ Executive Corner Desk in Black Lacquered Wood
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, executive desk, model ‘T96’, lacquered wood, steel, chromed metal, Italy, design 1956, produced 1958 This ‘T96’ executive desk is designed by Osvaldo Bor...
Steel, Chrome, Metal
Modern Dennis & Leen for Formations Waterfall Writing Table Desk
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Modern Dennis & Leen for Formations Waterfall Writing Table Desk.
Giltwood
French Art Nouveau Mahogany & Leather Partners Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Essentially two people would comfortably use this remarkable French 19th century mahogany partner’s desk, that is they are willing to share such a magnificent design. A wonderful anc...
Brass
Mid-Century Rosewood Floating Top Executive Desk by Fristho
By Fristho, Kho Liang Ie
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Executive desk by Fristho features a commanding floating rosewood top suspended 2.5 inches above dual cabinet bases. White lacquered supports create dramatic visual separation betwee...
Leather, Rosewood, Lacquer
Freestanding Desk in Oak by Henning Kjærnulf, Danish Mid Century Modern, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
An elegant freestanding writing desk designed by Danish designer Henning Kjærnulf in the 1950s. Crafted in rich oak, the piece showcases a tactile warmth through its finely grained s...
Brass
Elegant Italian Small Desk in Ash
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Writing desk, ash, brass, formica, Italy, 1950s Very elegant desk made in Italy in the 1950s. The framework is executed in ash. The upper part of this piece is made from ash veneer,...
Brass
Louis XVI Style Writing Table or Desk of Walnut with Leather Top from France
Located in Austin, TX
A handsome French writing table or desk in the Louis XVI style - featuring an embossed leather top set within a moulded, shaped walnut surround, over a frieze with paneled sides and ...
Metal, Brass, Ormolu
Antique Italian Walnut Burl Wood Writing Desk Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful Italian Antique desk writing table, in beautiful veneer burl wood with great inlay decors and different fruitwoods, elegantly shaped with curved sides completed by two cent...
Brass
Wim Rietveld & Friso Kramer 'Reply' Drafting Table for Ahrend de Cirkel, 1958
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer, Wim Rietveld
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 'Reply' drafting table features a wood laminate top mounted on a Gray powder-coated metal frame base. Adjustment knobs at two points along the frame control the angle of the top,...
Metal
Pierre Jeanneret - Authentic PJ-TAT-08-B
Located in Hasselt, VLI
Teak Library Table circa 1955–56 by Pierre Jeanneret - model PJ-TAT-08-B This model was produced in several variants and dimensions for Chandigarh’s public institutions. The detacha...
Teak
Pietro Lingeri Rationalist 1930s Writing Desk in Briar Root Veneer
By Pietro Lingeri
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pietro Lingeri, writing desk, briar root veneer, glass, brass, metal, Italy, 1930s A beautiful example of Italian Rationalism, this desk is designed by architect Pietro Lingeri and ...
Metal, Brass
Midcentury Modernist “Architect's Desk”, Hans J. Wegner, Denmark, 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Amazing “Architect’s Desk”, model #JH571, by Hans J. Wegner, made from teak in a generous size. Subtly tapering oak legs supported by brass stretchers. Deep drawers with custom made ...
Metal
Unique Italian Duo Desk in Walnut with Marquetry
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Double desk, walnut, Italy, 1950s This custom-made desk, designed for two people, combines functionality with elegant craftsmanship. The L-shaped tabletop allows simultaneous use by...
Walnut
$770Sale Price|30% Off
John Stuart Mid Century Modern Hairpin Leg Maple Writing Desk Table Drawers MCM
By John Stuart
Located in Dayton, OH
John Stuart Hairpin Desk, circa 1960s. Features a minimalist open form with plank top set between three dovetailed oak drawers set on turned and tapered legs with brass feet and a h...
Maple
G-Plan "Fresco" Dressing Table or Desk by Victor Wilkins, Circa 1960.
By G-Plan
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Beautiful five-drawer 1960s teak dressing table or vanity by G-Plan in outstanding condition. Designed by Victor Bramwell Wilkins for G-Plan during the Mid-Century Modern era in Brit...
Teak
$19,907
Six Dots Design Unique desk
Located in London, GB
Joseph Ellwood is a British artist and designer working under the studio name: Six Dots Design. Joseph has been named one of 10 'Future Icons' in design by Wallpaper* magazine, colla...
Aluminum
Studio BBPR for Olivetti Small 'Spazio' Desk with Drawers
By Studio BBPR, Olivetti
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...
Steel
Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Pop Up Davenport Desk 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a gorgeous antique Victorian piano front Davenport Desk, Circa 1860 in date. It is crafted from fabulous burr walnut and the hinged pull out writing slope features an inset ...
Walnut
Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Partners Pedestal Desk 20th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a superb and rare antique burr walnut Victorian Revival twin pedestal partners desk, Circa 1900 in date. It is made from beautiful burr walnut. The shaped rectangular top i...
Walnut
Italian Antique Solid Walnut Rustic Table Desk Writing Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Very charming and elegant Italian antique dining table or desk writing table in solid walnut wood with stylish carved legs and central drawer. Ideal in any room as a center table, a ...
Wood
Desk Smoked Glass President Gallotti e Radice Dattilo Model Midcentury Italy 70s
Located in Palermo, IT
GALLOTTI E RADICE Produced by Gallotti e Radice, Italy, ca. 1971. President desk, "Dattilo" model, chromed brass frame, rectangular top and sides in smoked glass. Please note that th...
Crystal, Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Desk, Beech & Walnut with Yellow Glass Top, 1950s
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
A beautifully restored mid-century modern desk that combines timeless charm with everyday functionality. The original high-gloss piano black top contrasts elegantly with the oiled ma...
Brass
Mid-Century Teak Desk with Floating Top attr to WeBe
By WéBé
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-century teak executive desk with floating top. Beautiful full tea desk with dark wood edge accents and double stacked drawers with carved handles. A large top with curved edges o...
Teak
Art Deco Machine Age Partner Desk in Rosewood with Ebonized Fluted Detailing
Located in New York, NY
This Art Deco Machine Age partner desk, crafted in France circa 1940, is an exceptional example of streamlined sophistication and masterful craftsmanship from the era. The desk is co...
Bronze
Antique 5ft 6" Victorian 6 Drawer Partners Writing Library TableDesk 19thCentury
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous antique Victorian partners library table is crafted from beautiful flame mahogany and dates from Circa 1860. It features a striking inset green leather writing surface...
Mahogany
Solid Oak and Walnut Jameson Desk by Lynnea Jean, In-stock
By Lynnea Jean
Located in Aitkin, MN
This custom wood desk is hand-made in the United States with all hardwood construction. This modern design is characterized by its solid white oak body, minimalist walnut inlay detai...
Hardwood, Oak
Mid Century Writing Desk and Chair by Carl Sasse for Casala Germany c. 1950's
By Casala, Carl Sasse
Located in New York, NY
Stylish architectural writing table, desk and chair, designed by Carl Sasse, for Casala made in Germany, circa 1950's. Constructed of solid wood, this example is structurally sound ...
Wood
Warren Platner for Knoll Writing Desk in Oak and Black Leather
By Florence Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Warren Platner for Knoll, writing desk, oak, chrome-plated steel, black leather, United States, 1970s. This writing table with two drawers and an extendable panel was designed by W...
Steel
Antique Victorian Twin Drawer Oak Writing Table Desk 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous early Victorian antique writing table is crafted from beautiful solid oak and dates from Circa 1860. The rectangular top with rounded corners is fitted with the origi...
Brass
Minimalist Metal Frame Desk in Custom RAL Colors by Sotiris Lazou Design
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Home desk comes in two sizes and the top has one drawer and one extra open box. There is a second open box in lacquer and the base is metallic with powder coating in variety of color...
Metal
Rolf Thies Unique Free-Standing Desk in Cognac Leather and Marble
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Rolf Thies for Nordiska Kompaniet, free-standing custom-made writing or office desk, leather, marble, Sweden, circa 1965 This refined desk was designed by Swedish architect Rolf Th...
Marble
Ole Wanscher Writing Desk of Mahogany by Cabinetmaker A. J. Iversen Denmark 1950
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Free standing writing desk with 5 drawers designed by Ole Wanscher (1903-1985). The desk is made of lacquered mahogany with inside frame of oak. The handles are made of solid brass ...
Brass
Vintage Chinoiserie Burnt Bamboo and Lacquered Grass Cloth Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage pagoda inspired Chinoiserie desk. It is constructed with a bamboo frame and deep red lacquered grass cloth panels. Typically associated with British Colonial Design. Wonderfu...
Bamboo
Bureau vintage style Bauhaus en mélaminé et métal chromé des années 70
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Bureau vintage des années 70, style Bauhaus ou Space Age, plateau et rangements en mélaminé blanc crème, piétement en métal chromé tubulaire. Beaucoup de rangements : coffre avant, g...
Metal
$1,260Sale Price|30% Off
Antique American Arts & Crafts Mission Style Library Table Office Writing Desk
Located in Dayton, OH
Early 20th Century Arts & Crafts / Mission Library Table. Features a rectangular form made from oak and pine with a central drawer over columnar supports leading to a trestle base w...
Oak, Pine
Dornach School Anthroposophical Desk in Birch, circa 1930
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dornach school desk, birch, Germany, 1930s This elegant desk reflects the spiritual-functional design principles rooted in the Dornach School tradition of the 1930s. Softly rounded edges, subtly arched base elements, and fluid, continuous surfaces replace conventional straight lines and symmetry, radiating a warm and dreamy presence. The proportions and curves of this design create a sense of calm and intention, not just serving as furniture but a supportive element in ones environment and life, resonating with the anthroposophical way of living. True to anthroposophical design principles, this piece avoids straight lines altogether, embracing asymmetry and mirroring the organic rhythms of nature. While the exact maker remains unconfirmed, the work bears a strong stylistic affinity to the designs of Siegfried Pütz (1907–1979), Felix Kayser (1892–1980), or Fritz Schuy (1891–1952), all prominent figures associated with the Dornach School. Dornach school or Dornach design is a comprehensive exploration of anthroposophical furniture...
Birch
Art Deco Oak Corner Desk, Amsterdam School Design, 1920s Vintage
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A remarkable example of Dutch design, this unique Art Deco 'Amsterdam School' corner desk is a piece of quiet authority, dating to the 1920s. The desk embodies the period's expressio...
Oak
Soho Writing Desk in Cream Shagreen and Bronze-Patina Brass by R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Soho writing desk is the perfect piece for a living room, bedroom or office space that merges vintage and modern sensibility. Add a mirror and this desk becomes a vanity table. T...
Brass
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.
The stately piece brings both gravitas and whimsy to any work space.
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.
Proof that working from home is a perk.
