Desks first appeared in the late 17th century (the 1600's) as bureaus (a sloping front desk in which the writing surface can be opened and closed) and further research says the world’s first standing computer desk was invented in 1998. 

The word "desk" originated from the Modern Latin word desca "table to write on", from the mid 14th century. This blog looks at the types and purposes of the varying desks found now in today’s changing workplace.