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Free Standing Mahogany English Regency Tambour Roll Top Writing Desk
Located in Kastrup, DK
An elegant 19th century freestanding mahogany roll top writing desk. Tambour top rolls back to
Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

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

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

Imperial Furniture Grand Rapids Mission Oak Arts Crafts Writing Desk
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table In the manner of
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

Imperial Furniture Grand Rapids Mission Oak Arts Crafts Writing Desk
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table In the manner of
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

Stickley Brothers Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Writing Desk, Circa 1900
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period writing desk By Stickley Brothers USA, Circa
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

Restored Art Deco Solid Oak Writing Desk Made in the 1930s, Czechia
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Art Deco writing desk. Revived polish. Period: 1930-1939 Source: Czechia Material
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Art Deco Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak, Lacquer

Restored Biedermeier Walnut Writing Desk, Revived Polish, Czech, 1830s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Biedermeier Walnut Writing Desk. Source: Czech Period: 1830-1839 Material: Walnut It has
Category

Early 19th Century Czech Biedermeier Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood, Walnut, Lacquer

Early Gustav Stickley Ebonized Mission Oak Arts Crafts Writing Desk
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission oak Arts & Crafts writing desk By Gustav Stickley
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

English Regency Mahogany Writing Desk with Pierced Sides and Casters
Located in Atlanta, GA
This early 19th-century English Regency writing desk exemplifies the refined elegance of the period
Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

19th Century Empire Writing Desk With Roll Top, Nutwood, Austria ca. 1800
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Absolute extraordinary crafted, rare early 19th century roll top writing desk from the turn of the
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Empire Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

Antique Ladies Writing Desk, English, Correspondence Table, Victorian, C.1850
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique ladies writing desk. An English, mahogany and leather correspondence table
Category

Mid-19th Century British Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood

Fine Example of a Style of Louis XV Writing Desk by Paul Sormani
By Paul Sormani
Located in London, GB
A very Fine Writing Desk by Paul Sormani Lovely Gilt Bronze Mounted It Revives Famous XV period
Category

19th Century French Louis XV Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Bronze

Stickley Brothers Style Mission Oak Arts Crafts Writing Desk, Newly Refinished
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period writing desk or library table In the manner
Category

Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

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

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

Art Deco 7 Drawer Writing Desk with Waterfall Top
Located in Freehold, NJ
or ready to be a writing desk or vanity in its current state.
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood

Rococo Style Writing Desk Mounted with Gilt Bronze
Located in London, GB
Rococo style writing desk mounted with gilt bronze French, late 19th century Measures: Height
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Limbert Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Writing Desk or Library Table
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

Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts Crafts Writing Desk or Library Table
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

Fine 18th Century French Games Table with removable Leathertop Writing Desk
Located in Richmond, VA
Fine 18th century French walnut games table and leathertop writing desk. The table features a
Category

18th Century French Rococo Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Leather, Baize, Walnut

Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts Crafts Writing Desk or Library Table
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 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

Art Deco Writing Desk Designed by Jindrich Halabala, Oak Walnut Chrome, 1930s
By Up Závody, Jindřich Halabala
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
One of the most successful writing desk made in United Arts & Crafts Manufacture (UP) in Brno
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Art Deco Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Chrome

Rare Art Nouveau Jugendstil Single Drawer Writing Desk Cabriole Louis Majorelle
By Louis Majorelle
Located in Peoria, AZ
EXQUISITE! JUGENDSTIL SINGLE DRAWER WRITING DESK UNIQUE CABRIOLE LEGS OAK & VARIOUS WOODS
Category

1910s American Jugendstil Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Fruitwood, Oak

Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Writing 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 L. & J.G
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

Limbert Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Writing Desk or Library Table
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

18th Century French Cherrywood Bureau de Pente Slant Top Writing Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
Larger than the typical Louis XV writing desk, this cherrywood bureau de pente was hand-carved in
Category

Late 18th Century French Louis XV Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

Antique Stickley Brothers Mission Oak Arts Crafts Writing Desk, Newly Restored
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission oak Arts & Crafts writing desk By Stickley Brothers
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

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

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

Louis XVI Writing Desk in Walnut, Cherrywood, and Marquetry, Italy, 18th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
An elegant Louis XVI period writing desk, crafted in northern Italy (Lombardy region) during the
Category

18th Century Italian Louis XVI Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Cherry, Walnut

Antique C1870s French Louis XVI Style Inlaid King Wood Ladies Writing Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite antique French Louis XVI style writing desk, dating to the 1870s, showcases the
Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Bronze

French 19th Century Walnut Two Sided Louis XV Writing Desk
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Classic provincial French writing desk from the 19th century that could also serve as a beautiful
Category

19th Century French French Provincial Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Walnut

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

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

A fine 19th French Louis XVI kingwood writing desk by P. Sormani. gilt bronze
By Paul Sormani
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine 19th century French Louis XVI kingwood parquetry and gilt bronze writing desk . Fine quality
Category

Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Bronze

Oak Pedestal Writing Desk
Located in Cheshire, GB
Constructed in well-figured oak with a warm, even patina, the desk features a gently serpentine
Category

Early 20th Century British Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak

18th Century, French Louis XV Wood Flap Writing Desk
Located in IT
18th Century, Franch Louis XV Wood Flap Writing Desk Measures: cm H 94 x W 83,5 x D 46; D with the
Category

Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Bronze

Unusual Transition Style Marquetry and Gilt Bronze Double Sided Writing Desk
Located in London, GB
Unusual Transition style marquetry and gilt bronze double sided writing desk French, early 20th
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XV Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Ormolu

French 18th Century Louis XV Bureau Plat, Writing Desk
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
. The iconic Coco chancel lived with a Rococo writing desk just like this one and indeed this Bureau
Category

Mid-18th Century French Rococo Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Bronze

Exquisitely Carved Early Italian Petite Writing Desk or Accent Table
Located in Hopewell, NJ
timeless elegance and functionality. Whether used as a writing desk or a decorative piece, this antique
Category

19th Century Italian Louis XV Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Walnut

Antique Italian Renaissance Revival Walnut Figural Library Table Writing Desk 52
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Neo-Renaissance Revival parlor / library table or writing desk, circa 1870s Made of walnut
Category

1870s Renaissance Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Walnut

Louis XVI writing desk with pull-out surface, featuring an inlaid compass rose
Located in Cesena, FC
Elegant Louis XVI writing desk with pull-out writing surface, inlaid on the top with a compass rose
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Louis XVI Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Leather, Maple

Large Writing Desk Made In Light Mahogany From 1920s
Located in Lejre, DK
This large writing desk, crafted from light mahogany, hails from the 1920s and stands as a
Category

1920s Danish Other Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Italian Writing Desk in Solid Walnut and Weneer Walnut, Restored
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Mid-19th century Italian writing desk in solid blond walnut and weneer walnut, restored and
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Leather, Pine, Walnut

Mahogany inlaid writing desk
Located in Cheshire, GB
Mahogany inlaid desk. The top with inset green leather surrounded by a mahogany inlaid border
Category

Early 20th Century British Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood

Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by Robert Slezák, Beech, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
: Height: 73 cm (28.7 in) Width: 83 cm (32.7 in) This elegant Bauhaus writing desk originates from
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Antique French Writing Desk, 1800s Solid Oak with Cabriole Legs Elegant Patina
Located in Firenze, IT
Elegant 1800s French provincial writing desk in solid oak with cabriole legs and rich patina, a
Category

19th Century French French Provincial Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Iron

Limbert Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Turtle Top Writing Desk, Refinished
By Charles Limbert
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period "Ebon-Oak" library table or writing
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

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

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak

Antique Writing Desk with Flaps, Brass Ornaments, Late 19th Century France
Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)
Antique writing desk in black lacquered wood, with adjustable flaps on the sides, rich ornaments in
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood

French 19th Century Bonheur Du Jour Mahogany Lady Writing Desk
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant French 19th century , gilt bronze-mounted Mahogany Bonheur Du Jour , lady writing desk
Category

19th Century French Louis XV Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Bronze

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

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak

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

Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak

Antique American Empire Tiger Oak Writing Desk or Library Table, Circa 1900
By R.J. Horner Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique American Empire tiger oak writing desk or library table In the manner of R.J
Category

Early 20th Century American American Empire Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak

Very Fine Ormolu, Porcelain and Marquetry Writing Desk by Henry Dasson
By Henry Dasson
Located in London, GB
Very fine ormolu, porcelain and marquetry writing desk by Henry Dasson French, 1890 Height 74cm
Category

Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Ormolu

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

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak

Cupboard Writing Desk, 1840
Located in Milano, IT
Center unit finished on all four sides. Made of oak, it is completely veneered in mahogany feather and decorated with carved mahogany moldings and pilasters. Consisting of two doors ...
Category

1840s Italian Other Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Mahogany, Oak

Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts Crafts Spindle Writing Desk or Library Table
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts quarter sawn oak spindle writing desk or
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak

Early Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts Crafts Writing Desk or Library Table
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period quarter sawn oak writing desk or library
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak

1920s Baroque Style Writing Desk / Table in Solid Oak, By a Danish Cabinetmaker
Located in Odense, DK
A beautifully proportioned Danish writing desk / table from the 1920s, crafted entirely in solid
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Brutalist Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak

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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 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.