Tanker Desks

These tanker desks are giving off some serious retro vibes, and we are loving it! A variation of pedestal desk, tanker desks are made of steel sheet medal, making them extremely sturdy (some may even say, indestructible). They were most popular from the 1940s to the 1970s, but you can probably still see them in schools, police stations, and industrial settings. Don’t be fooled by the simple look of a tanker desk. While you won’t see any elaborate carvings or fancy painted designs like a wooden desk might have, the beauty of a tanker desk is all in the subtle details like hardware. Following the basic structure of a pedestal desk, a tanker desk typically consists of two stacks of drawers that act as the base for a basic rectangular surface. However, a tanker desk typically has at least one drawer that is taller and specifically designed to fit files. Not many companies manufacture tanker desks anymore, but you can find many restored vintage tanker desks if you’re looking for something a bit more special. Steelcase, McDowell & Craig, and Allsteel Equipment had produced some of the most popular tanker desks of the 20th century, and though all still exist today, they have discontinued their steel tanker desks. While originals were usually more monotone and neutral, restorations have breathed new life into these desks with color-blocking that’s super on-trend right now. So if you’re looking for a desk a little off the beaten path, opt for a bright, durable tanker desk!