Nanna Ditzel desk

This rare freestanding desk with four drawers was designed by Nanna Ditzel and produced by Søren Willadsen Møbelfabrik in Denmark in 1955. The desk exemplifies Ditzel’s mid-century Danish design ethos, marked by clarity, fine craftsmanship, and a balance between sculptural refinement and practical functionality.

Crafted entirely from teak, the desk features a warm golden-brown tone with subtle linear grain patterns. The surface has undergone professional restoration, preserving its vintage character while enhancing the wood’s natural depth and texture. The top is a flat, rectangular plane with clean, sharp edges softened by slightly rounded corners. It is supported by four tapered legs that integrate into distinctive Y-shaped junctions at each corner, a construction detail that reinforces both strength and visual rhythm.

A notable aspect of the design is the sequence of four front-facing drawers, each fitted with sculpted double-slot handles carved directly into the drawer fronts. These drawers are crafted with dovetail joinery, demonstrating traditional woodworking techniques. They glide smoothly and are sized appropriately for writing accessories, documents, and other office essentials, aligning with the desk’s intended use as a writing surface or compact workstation.

The legs are further stabilized by low horizontal stretchers on each side, adding structural integrity while complementing the desk’s architectural silhouette. These refined carpentry details are characteristic of Søren Willadsen’s workshop, known for producing high-quality furniture in collaboration with leading Danish designers.

Nanna Ditzel (1923–2005) was a prominent figure in Danish design, noted for her innovative forms and thoughtful material use across furniture, textiles, and industrial design. Trained under Kaare Klint, she emerged as one of the few influential female designers in the Danish modern movement. This desk, an early example of her work, reflects her ability to blend minimalist construction with expressive, elegant shaping.

The desk is in good vintage condition, fully restored with minimal signs of wear. It is structurally sound and fully functional.

Dimensions are 175 cm wide, 75 cm deep, and 71 cm high, approximately 68.9 inches wide, 29.5 inches deep, and 28 inches high.