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1890-1910 Oak Writing Table, Arts Crafts, Norway / Denmark
Located in Skien, NO
Primitive antique writing desk/office table, handcrafted in Norway / Denmark between 1890-1910, is
Category

Late 19th Century Danish Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass, Bronze

English Mahogany Writing Table, Early 19th Century
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exquisite writing desk is crafted of rich mahogany and features the straightforward design
Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

Stickley Brothers Style Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Drop Front Desk
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mission or Arts & Crafts slant front writing desk or secretary desk In the manner of
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

Limbert Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Drop Front Secretary Desk, Circa 1900
By Charles Limbert
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period drop front writing desk By Charles P. Limbert
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

Limbert Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Desk or Library Table, Circa 1910
By Charles Limbert
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period library table or writing desk By Charles P
Category

1910s American Mission Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak

Louis XVI Style Ladies Desk, after Francoise Linke, 19th Century
By François Linke
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality late 19th century French Louis XVI style ladies writing desk, having an inset
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Kingwood

Signed Paul Sormani French Leather Top Bureau Plat Desk
By Paul Sormani
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
A very Fine Writing Desk by Paul Sormani. Sormani, counted among the most elite Parisian
Category

Early 1900s French Louis XV Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Parquetry and Bronze Cartonnier Writing Desk with Clock
Located in London, GB
having extensive parquetry inlay, with well cast and extensive fire gilt bronze enhancements. The writing
Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Bronze

Antique Italian Ebonized Dining Table or Writing Desk with Iron Stretcher
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant Italian dining table, console table or writing desk with stunning wrought-iron stretchers
Category

19th Century Italian Rustic Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Iron

Stickley Brothers Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Desk or Library Table
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By Stickley Brothers
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

19th Century Unique Restored Czech Biedermeier Walnut Table, 1840s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Biedermeier table - Writing desk Completely restored. Shellac polish. Material: Walnut veneer
Category

19th Century Czech Biedermeier Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood, Walnut, Lacquer

Neoclassic Period French Commode W/Hidden Butler s Secretary Writing Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
, which opens to reveal a small writing desk with three open cubbies for organization within. The lower
Category

Late 18th Century French Neoclassical Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood

Lifetime Furniture Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Desk or Library Table
By Lifetime, L. J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By Lifetime
Category

Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

Lifetime Furniture Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Desk or Library Table
By Lifetime
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By Lifetime Furniture
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

Stickley Brothers Mission Oak Arts Crafts Desk or Library Table, Restored
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By Stickley Brothers
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

Stickley Brothers Style Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Desk, Circa 1900
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period quarter sawn oak writing desk or library table
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak

Antique Gentleman s Bureau, English, Walnut, Writing Desk, Secretaire, Georgian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique gentleman's bureau. A fine English, walnut writing desk or secretaire, dating
Category

Mid-18th Century British Georgian Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Walnut

R. J. Horner Style Antique Victorian Carved Oak Slant Front Secretary Desk
By R.J. Horner Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Victorian or Arts & Crafts slant front writing desk In the manner of R.J
Category

Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

Limbert Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Desk or Library Table, Circa 1910
By Charles Limbert
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts Crafts period library table or writing desk By
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

Limbert Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Desk or Library Table, Circa 1910
By Charles Limbert
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts library table or writing desk By Charles P
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

Lifetime Furniture Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Desk or Library Table
By L. J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By Lifetime
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

Stickley Brothers Style Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Desk, Circa 1900
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period writing desk or library table with built-in
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts Crafts Desk or Library Table, Newly Restored
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By Gustav Stickley
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Desk or Library Table, Refinished
By L. J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By L. & J.G
Category

Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

Antique Stickley Brothers Mission Oak Arts Crafts Desk or Library Table
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By Stickley
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

L. J. G. Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Desk, Newly Refinished
By L. J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By L. & J.G
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

Limbert Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Desk or Library Table, Circa 1900
By Charles Limbert
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts library table or writing desk By Charles P
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

Stickley Brothers Style Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Desk or Library Table
By Charles Limbert, Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts quarter sawn oak library table or writing desk with
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak

Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts Crafts Desk or Library Table, Circa 1900
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission oak Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By Gustav
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

Stickley Brothers Style Mission Oak Arts Crafts Desk With Built-In Bookcases
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts quarter sawn oak writing desk or library table with
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak

Stickley Brothers Style Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Desk or Library Table
By L. J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table In the manner of
Category

Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

Antique Stickley Mission Oak Arts Crafts Desk or Library Table, Newly Restored
By L. J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By L. & J.G
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

Antique Stickley Mission Oak Arts Crafts Desk or Library Table, Newly Restored
By L. J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By L. & J.G
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

Antique Stickley Mission Oak Arts Crafts Desk or Library Table, Circa 1900
By L. J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By L. & J.G
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

Stickley Brothers Style Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Desk, Circa 1910
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts Crafts period writing desk or library table with built
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

Stickley Brothers Mission Oak Arts Crafts Desk or Library Table, Restored
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By Stickley
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

Italian Desk with Drawer Directoire All Cherrywood Restored and Wax-Polished
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Late 19th-early 20th century Italian writing desk with drawer all solid cherrywood, restored and
Category

1890s Italian Directoire Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Cherry

Stickley Brothers Mission Oak Arts Crafts Leather Top Desk or Library Table
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission oak Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By Stickley
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

Antique 19th C Spanish Renaissance Carved Oak Wood 2 Drawer Library Table Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique 19th C. Spanish Renaissance Carved Oak Wood 2 Drawer Library Table Writing Desk. Item
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Renaissance Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Glass, Oak

19th C. English Victorian Brass-Inlaid Burlwood Writing Desk with Inkwells
By James Allen
Located in Morristown, NJ
compartments for writing instruments, paper, and correspondence. The desk retains both original cut glass
Category

1860s English Victorian Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

Antique Limbert Arts Crafts Walnut Vanity Writing Desk Console Table 45"
By Charles Limbert
Located in Dayton, OH
Rare antique Charles Limbert vanity desk. Made of walnut featuring Arts & Crafts and Colonial
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Walnut

1900s French Oak Desk
Located in High Point, NC
1900s French oak desk featuring a charming slanted writing surface and classic craftsmanship from
Category

Early 20th Century French Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak

Antique 19th Century German Jugendstil/ Art Nouveau Writing Desk in Pine
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A lovely and well-crafted Jugendstil desk in pine with upper cabinet resting over a writing table
Category

1890s German Jugendstil Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Pine

Antique L. J.G. Stickley Mission Oak Arts Crafts Desk, Newly Restored
By L. J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts quarter sawn oak writing desk, library table, or
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak

Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Period Walnut Writing Table with Leather Top
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This small scale late eighteenth century French Louis XVI period walnut lady's writing desk
Category

Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Bronze

Neoclassical Style Mahogany Card, Dressing, and Writing Table
Located in London, GB
serves three functions: it works as a writing desk, a dressing table, and a card table. The table is
Category

19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

Louis XVI Desk, Germany 1780, cherry veneer
Located in Leimen, DE
18th-century writing desk offers five functional drawers and is in very good refinished condition
Category

1780s German Louis XVI Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Cherry

Antique Console Table, English, Side, Occasional, Writing Desk, Regency, C.1820
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
comfortable height for use as an occasional writing desk Arrangement of three draws to front with blind pulls
Category

Early 19th Century British Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood

Vintage Regency Georgian Travelers Writing Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
writing box. A superb example of 19th-century craftsmanship, this piece features a breathtaking burl wood
Category

19th Century British Campaign Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

Antique Hallway Side Table, English, Portico, Writing Desk, Regency, Circa 1820
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique hallway side table. An English, flame mahogany portico table or writing desk
Category

1820s British Regency Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Mahogany

Ancient Italian Writing Desk with Upper Cabinet, Milan, Circa 1730
Located in Milano, IT
Writing desk with upper cabinet Milan, first half of the 18th century Carved walnut partially
Category

1730s Italian Baroque Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Olive, Walnut

19th-Century Pine Lap Desk Inlaid with Mother-of-Pearl
Located in Opole, PL
writing accessories is above the surface. The front wall, as well as the lid of the writing desk are
Category

Mid-19th Century European Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Walnut, Pine, Burl, Mother-of-Pearl

Antique Bureau Cabinet, English, Walnut, Writing Desk, Tambour, Edwardian, 1910
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique bureau cabinet. An English, walnut drop-front writing desk with tambour, dating
Category

Early 20th Century British Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Walnut

A Late Regency Mahogany Writing Desk
Located in London, GB
With leather inset top and six drawers, on carved reeded legs with original inset brass casters. The boldly drawn leg of this table bears striking resemblance to the dining table sit...
Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

Louis XV Desk with Bronze D’Ore Mounts
Located in New Orleans, LA
in the 1800s. The large writing desk features exquisite bronze d'ore mounts. Note the work from the
Category

19th Century French Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Bronze, Gold Plate

Spanish Colonial Writing Table/Console, circa 18th-19th Century
Located in Pasadena, CA
-drawer writing desk. The mesquite (perhaps sabino) wood structure is solid, with no apparent restorations
Category

19th Century Mexican Spanish Colonial Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood

French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Mahogany and Ormolu Side Table/Writing Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most elegant French 19th century Louis XVI st. mahogany and ormolu side table / writing desk. The
Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Ormolu

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Antique Writing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the antique writing desk you’re looking for. Frequently made of wood, mahogany and metal, every antique writing desk was constructed with great care. Your living room may not be complete without an antique writing desk — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. An antique writing desk made by Victorian designers — as well as those associated with Louis XVI — is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made antique writing desk over the years, but those crafted by Gillows of Lancaster London, François Linke and Maple Co. are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Antique Writing Desk?

Prices for an antique writing desk can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $50 and can go as high as $1,740,240, while the average can fetch as much as $4,501.

Finding the Right Desks-writing-tables for You

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.

Questions About Antique Writing Desk
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    A writing desk may refer to a desk with a top, often sloping, for writing on or to a portable case with compartments to hold writing materials and a surface for writing.

  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    A small writing table is also called a davenport table or davenport desk. They normally feature a sloped or inclined top attached with hinges to the back of the table. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage davenport desks.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    A writing desk with drawers is also called a secretary. It is a desk with drawers, one of which can be pushed out and the front of the desk lowered to create a flat writing surface. These writing desks have been made in a variety of styles over the years. Shop for a variety of writing tables with drawers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    What an old-fashioned writing desk is called varies by design. Pieces with drop-down fronts are secretary desks (these are typically made of two parts: a chest of drawers on the bottom and a hutch or cupboard with shelves on the top), while ones that rest on two pillars, cabinets or bookcases are pedestal desks. A desk with a small writing surface positioned in front of drawers and cubbies is a bureau à gradin. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of desks.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    What antique desks are called depends on their design. A desk with chair cutouts on both sides is a partner desk, while one with a pull-down writing surface is a secretary. On a Davenport desk, the desktop lifts to reveal a storage area. Find a variety of antique, vintage and contemporary desks on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    An antique Davenport desk is a small writing desk, usually with four drawers on one side. The desk would have elaborately decorated supports and a recessed space for adequate legroom. Shop a collection of Davenport desks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A Davenport desk is a type of small desk with a distinct inclined desktop. The desktop covers a large storage compartment meant for keeping paper and other writing materials. Popular in the 19th century, Davenport desks are still sought after today. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique Davenport desks from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    In French, the term for a writing desk that often featured a drop-down writing surface is secretaire. This type of desk is called a secretary desk in English. Simply put, a secretary desk is a multifunctional piece of furniture with a hinged writing surface that folds open or drops down. When the leaf is folded out, small inner storage compartments, which are called pigeonholes, cubbies, recesses or drawers, are revealed. On 1stDibs, shop antique secretary desks from some of the world's top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    To tell if a roll-top desk is an antique, look closely at the materials. Real antiques feature hardwoods like cherry, mahogany and black walnut. If you detect the use of engineered woods, the desk is a reproduction. Also, early pieces show off irregular dovetail joints. Joints that appear perfectly uniform indicate that a roll-top desk is a more recent mass-produced piece. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of expertly vetted antique roll-top desks.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A variety of factors can determine the exact age of an antique roll top desk. Some things to look for is the type of wood and craftsmanship used to create the desk. Typically, older desks will be made from heavier wood. You can also check for a maker’s marks to determine the age. When in doubt, work with a certified appraiser to determine the authenticity of your roll top desk. You’ll find a variety of expertly vetted roll top desks on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
    An antique secretary desk will range in value depending on its authenticity and condition. The price can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. On 1stDibs find the antique secretary desk you’re looking for today.