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Antique Writing Desk

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17th Century Spanish Writing Desk with Drawer and Original Iron Lock
Located in Marbella, ES
17th Century Spanish writing desk with drawer and original iron lock.
Category

18th Century Spanish Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood

Antique Mission Oak Craftsmen Library Table With Pullout Writing Desk Ink Well
Located in Monrovia, CA
Antique Mission Oak Craftsmen Library Table With Pullout Writing Desk & Ink Well. Beautiful Quarter
Category

Early 20th Century American Mission Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak

Antique French Louis XVI Style Leather Top Writing Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Refined antique French Louis XVI style writing desk crafted in exotic tulipwood veneer with
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

A George II Walnut veneered writing desk with replaced leather top
Located in Buchanan, MI
A George II walnut veneered writing desk with replaced leather top. Great color and patination.
Category

18th Century British George II Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Liberty Outstanding Writing Desk Attributed to V. Ducrot 1930
By Vittorio Ducrot
Located in Rome, IT
Extraordinary Liberty centered thuja briar writing desk with five drawers. The center drawer is
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Belle Époque Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood

Queen Anne, Mahogany, Brass, Writing Desk, England, 1900s
Located in Manhasset, NY
Queen Anne, Mahogany, Brass, Writing Table or Desk, England, 1900s A Queen Anne style mahogany and
Category

Early 1900s English Queen Anne Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

19th Century Restored German Biedermeier Cherry-Tree Writing Desk, Table, 1830s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Biedermeier writing desk Completely restored. Shellac polish. Material: Cherry tree Period
Category

Early 19th Century Czech Biedermeier Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood, Lacquer, Cherry

19th Century Rustic Writing Desk, Art Populaire, Solid Wood, France
Located in Antwerp, BE
Art Populaire; Folk Art; Monoxylite; Wabi Sabi; Writing Desk; Rustic; Travail Populaire; Antique
Category

Late 19th Century French Rustic Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood

Liberty Outstanding Writing Desk Attributed to V. Ducrot 1930
By Vittorio Ducrot
Located in Rome, IT
Extraordinary Liberty centered thuja briar writing desk with five drawers. The center drawer is
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Belle Époque Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood

Antique French Oak Writing Desk Late 19th Century
Located in Toledo, OH
A late 19th century French two part writing desk. Oak construction with extensive hand carved
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak

c.1800 Antique Georgian Mahogany Writing Desk – Fine Quality, Dressing Table
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
c.1800 Antique Georgian Mahogany Writing Desk – Fine Quality, Versatile as Dressing or Side Table
Category

19th Century Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Stickley Brothers American Colonial Maple Writing Desk, Newly Refinished
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique American Colonial style maple writing desk By Stickley Brothers USA
Category

Early 20th Century American American Colonial Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Maple

19th Century mahogany inlaid writing desk
Located in Martlesham, GB
A superb quality 19th Century mahogany inlaid writing desk, the super structure comprising of three
Category

1890s British Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Mahogany

Writing Desk In Gustavian Style Painted In Grey From 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
Grey painted writing desk in the style Gustavian from the 1840s. The desk is freestanding and
Category

1840s Danish Gustavian Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood

Italian Rococo Revival Writing Desk, Late 19th Century
Located in Southampton, NY
Italian Rococo Revival Writing Desk, Late 19th Century This charming Italian Rococo Style painted
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Rococo Revival Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood, Paint

Writing Desk in the Louis XVI Style, Early 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Writing desk in the Louis XVI style, early 20th century. A Louis XVI style writing case in
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood

Original Otto Wagner for Thonet 1905 Writing Desk Postal Saving Bank Vienna
By Otto Wagner, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Otto Wagner writing desk from the Postal Saving Bank in Vienna. Made by Thonet, Vienna. Otto Wagner
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Jugendstil Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood

Antique English Victorian Mahogany Folding Military Campaign Writing Desks
Located in Dayton, OH
2 Civil War era British campaign writing desks. Made of mahogany featuring a folding form that
Category

Mid-19th Century Campaign Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Mahogany

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

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak

Art Deco or Art Nouveau Walnut Writing Desk
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Very nice big writing desk from the period around 1915, transition from Art Nouveau to the Art Deco
Category

1910s German Art Deco Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Walnut

Danish 18th Century Writing Desk By Royal Architect C. F. Harsdorff
By Caspar Frederik Harsdorff
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
18th Century writing desk with five drawers. The desk is designed by the Danish royal neoclassical
Category

Late 18th Century Danish Neoclassical Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Mobilier AVEA Writing Desk in Solid Oak Belgium 1930s
Located in Meer, VAN
Mobilier AVEA Writing Desk in Solid Oak Belgium 1930s A smaller scale modernist writing desk in
Category

Early 20th Century Belgian Art Deco Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak

Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Writing Desk by Poteau
Located in London, GB
Louis XV style gilt bronze mounted writing desk by Poteau French, late 19th century Size: Height
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Writing Desk Made of Walnut
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
A 19th century Italian writing desk in renaissance revival style made of solid walnut. The table
Category

19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Walnut

French 19th Century Mahogany Writing Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A petite mahogany and leather-top writing desk from France, circa 1840, ready to inspire you daily
Category

19th Century French French Provincial Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

19th Century Biedermeier Ash Writing desk, Austria - Vienna, Shellac
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant Biedermeier writing desk comes from Austria (Vienna) from the 19th century. It is made
Category

Mid-19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood, Ash, Lacquer

Unusual Antique George III Quality Mahogany Writing Desk
Located in Suffolk, GB
Unusual Antique George III quality mahogany writing desk having a quality mahogany lift up writing
Category

19th Century English George III Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Other

Antique French Ormolu Mounted Kingwood Inlay Slant-Front Writing Desk Ca. 1880
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Ormolu Mounted Kingwood with Inlay Slant-Front Writing Desk, Circa 1880.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Ormolu

A fine 19th c French red lacquered Chinoiserie inspired writing desk
Located in Dallas, TX
A very fine 19th century English Louis XV inspired red lacquered writing desk . Original leather
Category

Mid-19th Century English Louis XV Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Bronze

Beautiful rectangular Napoleon III Writing Desk early century black and gold
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful rectangular 1920 Napoleon III writing desk, walnut structure, walnut, leather top with
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Napoleon III Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

Antique c.1910 Walnut Figured 5-Drawer Writing Desk / Dressing Table
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique c.1910 Walnut Figured 5-Drawer Writing Desk / Dressing Table – Fine Quality A fine early
Category

1910s British Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood

French Louis XV Black Lacquer Bronze Figural Ormolu Bureau Plat Writing Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Louis XV Style Black Lacquer Bronze Figural Ormolu Bureau Plat Writing Desk. Item
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Louis XV Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Bronze

Biedermeier Writing Desk
Located in New York, NY
the beautifully veneered stretcher and may be easily removed for cleaning or reupholstery. The writing
Category

1850s Austrian Biedermeier Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Walnut, Fir

Antique Carved Ornate Japanese Export Hard Rosewood Writing Desk and Chair Set
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Carved Ornate Japanese Export Hard Rosewood Writing Desk and Chair Set This writing desk
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Anglo-Japanese Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Rosewood

A fine Regency period satinwood and leather top writing desk . Parcel gilt
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine 19th century Regency satinwood and parcel gilt two drawer writing desk . Original leather
Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Satinwood

Restored Biedermeier Writing Desk, Spruce, Maple Veneer, Austria, 1830s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant Biedermeier writing desk comes from Austria from the early 19th century. It is made of
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood, Maple, Lacquer, Spruce

19th Century Biedermeier Writing Desk/ Side Table, Nutwood, Austria, circa 1830
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
One of a kind, rare 19th century Biedermeier writing desk out of Austria veneered in fine nutwood
Category

Mid-19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

Rococo Revival Oak Writing Desk in Brown, Early 20th Century
Located in Opole, PL
Rococo Revival Oak Writing Desk in Brown, Early 20th Century This piece of furniture, made
Category

Early 20th Century European Rococo Revival Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

Antique English Inlaid Walnut and Gold Bronze Mounted Writing Desk, Circa 1880
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English inlaid walnut and gold bronze mounted writing desk with black leather top, Circa
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Writing Desk
Located in London, Park Royal
French, Napoleon III period, writing desk. Handmade in ebonized wood and cased with brass
Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Writing Desk in Wood and Glass with Armchair
Located in Milano, IT
the 1920s/30s. The vintage writing desk is very rare and distinctive. The top is made entirely of
Category

1920s Italian Mid-Century Modern Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

19th Century Louis XV Style Writing Desk or Center Table
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
Extremely elegant Louis XV Style writing desk or center table, with a gracefully adorned floral
Category

19th Century French Louis XV Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Bronze, Brass

18th century Louis XVI Writing Desk, cherry veneer, South Germany
Located in Belmont, MA
Rare Louis XVI writing desk, South German 1780, exquisite cherry and plum wood veneer on front back
Category

1780s German Louis XVI Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Cherry

Antique 19th Century Pitch Pine Vestry Writing Desk Fine Quality Dressing Table
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique 19th Century Pitch Pine Vestry Writing Desk – Gothic Revival Elegance, Ideal as Writing
Category

19th Century Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Pine

Antique Early American Country Farmhouse Slant Top School Student Writing Desk
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique early American schoolhouse / country / farmhouse writing desk. Made of poplar featuring a
Category

Late 19th Century American Classical Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Poplar

Louis XV Style Bureau Plat Writing Desk, Rosewood and Ormulu
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Antique Louis XV style bureau plat writing desk, rosewood and Ormulu mounts, raised on cabriole
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Bronze

18th century Italian Paint Decorated Writing Desk with Drawer Circa 1760s
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Decorated Writing Desk, dating circa 1760s. A true antique treasure, this desk is a rare example of Italian
Category

1760s Italian Neoclassical Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Walnut, Pine

Restored Bauhaus Oak Writing Desk Designed by Jindrich Halabala, 1930s, Czechia
By Up Závody, Jindřich Halabala
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Bauhaus oak writing desk designed by Jindrich Halabala. Period: 1930-1939. Source
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Chrome

Wooden travel writing desk early 20th century with red velvet top
Located in Miami, FL
Travel writing desk in Mahogany wood with fruit wood filets . 3 Drawers The writing spot inside
Category

Early 20th Century Louis Philippe Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood

19th Century Regency brass inlaid writing desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century regency brass inlaid writing desk circa 1925. Beautifully made regency period writing
Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Writing 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

Stickley Brothers Style Antique Oak Arts Crafts Writing Desk, Circa 1900
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Mission oak Arts Crafts writing desk or library table with built-in
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak

Late 18th Century Small Lady s Mahogany Writing Desk with Ink Pot Well
Located in Shrewsbury, GB
A superb George III lady's mahogany writing desk with hidden ink pots and a drawer, circa 1790. The
Category

Late 18th Century George III Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

Late Victorian Dutch Marquetry Writing Desk w/ Inlaid Table Top
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Late 19th century Dutch Marquetry Writing Desk with 6 drawers. Intricately crafted with traditional
Category

19th Century American Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Mahogany

Spanish Charles IV Walnut Marquetry Writing Desk Side Table c. 1790
Located in London, GB
A fine Charles IV walnut writing desk/side table with decorative inlaid marquetry work in blonde
Category

Late 18th Century Spanish Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

1860s French Boulle Writing Desk
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1860s French boulle writing desk. No shelves.
Category

1860s Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Bronze

Regency Bonheur de Jour or Ladies Writing Desk
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Regency Bonheur de Jour or Ladies Writing Desk This is a rare piece indeed has a drop leaf in
Category

Early 1800s Georgian Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Fruitwood

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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 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
    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 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 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.
  • 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 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.