The splayed-leg Perth writing table, made of mahogany and macassar ebony veneer (bleached), from Dessin Fournir, is 54 inches wide and 30 inches deep and stands on dainty brass casters. Available through interior designers and architects at the Holly Hunt showroom, it’s $15,265, with a 16-week production time.
From Design Within Reach comes the Bottega Leather Desk, designed by Michele di Fonzo in 2013, and available in black, chocolate or saddle color split-grain Italian leather (with a steel-frame underpinning). At 59.25 inches wide and 31.5 inches deep, it’s $2,950 at DWR studios, including the one in Cady’s Alley in Georgetown, 3306 M Street NW, and www.dwr.com.
From West Elm comes the Mid-Century Mini Desk, measuring 36 inches across and only 20 inches deep. Made of a solid eucalyptus-wood base with an acacia veneer, it’s $399 in white, acorn, black and (online only) Thai blue. Finished on all sides, it doesn’t need to be placed against a wall but can float in the middle of a room. West Elm stores in Georgetown (3333 M Street NW) and Tysons Corner Center, or www.westelm.com.
This rustic-finish Reclaimed Pine Cross Base Desk features weathered red paint on the front drawer, preserved with a matte lacquer finish. It measures 43 inches across and 22 inches deep and is $699 at West Elm stores (Georgetown at 3333 M Street NW and Tysons Corner Center) and at www.westelm.com.
The Marais Desk by London-based Sebastian Bergne is made of (white) powder-coated steel with a split top each part of which can be raised. Made for the Burgundy firm Tolix in France, it has a cable-management system built in and is $1,345 at Design Within Reach studios; the Georgetown studio is in Cady’s Alley, 3306 M Street NW. The compact desk measures 41.5 inches across and 22.5 inches deep.
The Riga desk from Cappellini is a 1995 design from Marc Newson, the famed Australian-born London-based designer. Measuring 55.25 inches across and 27.5 inches deep, Riga is made of matte-lacquered wood and starts at $9,353. It’s available in a large variety of colors through the Poltrona Frau Group showroom, 1010 Wisconsin Avenue NW.
Cappellini’s Loop writing desk is a 1998 design by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby in London. Measuring 53.25 inches across and 25.5 inches deep, it’s a little higher (33 inches) than standard desk height. Loop starts at $3,820 at the Poltrona Frau Group showroom, 1010 Wisconsin Avenue NW.
The Segreto desk, designed by the renowned Andree Putman in 2007, has an MDF frame wrapped in leather as only Poltrona Frau can provide. Measuring 59 inches wide by 23.5 inches deep, it’s available for $9,350 at the Poltrona Frau Group showroom at 1010 Wisconsin Avenue NW.
From Niermann Weeks, the hand-made Wrought Steel Desk has a dark steel frame and faux-travertine top. It’s 50 inches wide and 24 inches deep. Retail price is $12,550 and can be found through designers and architects at the J. Lambeth Showroom, 1099 14th Street NW; for retail dealers, check www.niermannweeks.com.
The Cerceau Writing Desk from David Iatesta Studio can be made in custom sizes and finishes. At 50 inches by 24 inches deep, it’s $8,250 through designers at the Holly Hunt showroom. This version of the slightly rustic-looking desk is made of oak with a French oak finish and is accented with sterling silver leaf. It has three drawers (no hardware).