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Antique Chippendale Style Walnut Drop Front Secretary Ladies Writing Desk
Located in Miami, FL
An antique early 20th century ladies' secretary desk. Made from walnut with a maple writing surface
Category

Early 20th Century European Chippendale Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Walnut

Antique French Louis XVI Writing Desk Cognac Leather, Bonze Brass
Located in Senonches, Centre-Val de Loire
Antique Louis XVI style desk with cognac leather top. The front of the piece has three dovetail
Category

1910s French Louis XVI Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Leather, Wood

Antique Chippendale Style Walnut Drop Front Secretary Ladies Writing Desk
Located in Miami, FL
An antique early 20th century ladies' secretary desk. Made from walnut with a maple writing surface
Category

Early 20th Century European Chippendale Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Walnut

Impressive antique writing desk, ebonized/black around 1870, Napoleon III
Located in Berlin, DE
Impressive antique desk, ebonized around 1870, Napoleon III Elegant bureau plat/desk Extremely
Category

19th Century French Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

Magnificent English 19th Century Faux Painted Marbleized Pedestal Writing Desk
Located in Hopewell, NJ
British desk with faux painted original surface and hand painted marbleized green banding. The
Category

19th Century English Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood

Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, Oak, Chrome-Plated Steel, Germany, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Desk dimensions: Height: 79 cm (31.1 in) Width: 110 cm (43.3 in) Depth: 63 cm (24.8 in) Leg space
Category

Early 20th Century German Bauhaus Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Steel, Chrome

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 period writing desk By Gustav Stickley
Category

Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

French Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze-Mounted Kingwood Writing Desk
Located in London, GB
This beautiful desk, beautifully finished in kingwood, leather and gilt bronze, is a fantastic
Category

19th Century French Louis XV Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Early 20th Century Louis XV Style Italian Writing Desk or Dressing Table
Located in London, Park Royal
A charming, hand-painted, Louis XV style, Italian writing desk or dressing table from the early
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Louis XV Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood, Paint

Antique Burl Walnut with Brass Accents English Traveling Writing Desk
Located in Pasadena, TX
more hidden storage. Its a compact writing desk with the gadgetry of a Davenport.
Category

Late 19th Century English American Classical Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

Unusual Antique Victorian Quality Ebonised and Burr Walnut Inlaid Writing Desk
Located in Suffolk, GB
Unusual antique Victorian quality ebonised and burr walnut inlaid writing desk having an attractive
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Desk Circa 1790
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 18th-century Swedish Gustavian writing desk, circa 1790, embodies the clean lines and
Category

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

Antique 19th Century Victorian Inlaid Marquetry Writing Desk
Located in Suffolk, GB
Quality antique Victorian inlaid marquetry writing desk with the top section having an attractive
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Hardwood

Superb Quality Antique Regency Mahogany Free Standing Writing Desk
Located in Suffolk, GB
Superb quality antique regency mahogany free standing writing desk having a superb quality mahogany
Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Other

Wooden Writing Desk with Drawers and Folding Door
Located in Marbella, ES
Wooden Writing Desk with Drawers and Folding Door
Category

19th Century European Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood

Antique American Arts Crafts Mission Style Library Table Office Writing Desk
Located in Dayton, OH
Early 20th Century Arts & Crafts / Mission Library Table. Features a rectangular form made from oak and pine with a central drawer over columnar supports leading to a trestle base w...
Category

Early 20th Century American Mission Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak, Pine

19th Century English Painted Satinwood Writing Desk with Sterling Silver Mounts
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very finely painted satinwood desk with Sterling silver pulls. Each pull is hallmarked. This
Category

19th Century English Sheraton Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique c.1900 Fine Quality Inlaid Mahogany Writing Desk / Dressing Table
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique c.1900 Fine Quality Inlaid Mahogany Writing/Dressing Table – Also Ideal as a Desk or Side
Category

Early 1900s Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Mahogany

Restored Art Deco Writing Desk, Mahogany, Walnut, Revived Polish, Czech, 1920s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Desk dimensions: Height: 78 cm (30.7 in) Width: 160 cm (63 in) Depth: 77 cm (30.3 in) Space for
Category

1920s Czech Art Deco Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Lacquer, Wood, Mahogany, Walnut

American Gilded Age Hepplewhite-Style Writing Desk in Satinwood w/ Marquetry
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
From the American Gilded Age, a lovely writing table in satinwood with ebonized details and
Category

Late 19th Century American Hepplewhite Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Leather, Satinwood

Black Painted Chinoiserie Drop Front Secretary Writing Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique chinoiserie painted writing desk with red interior. early-19th century
Category

19th Century Chinoiserie Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Travelling Writing Desk Originalpaint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century writing desk from Lulea Norrbotten, North of Sweden. Untouched original painting with
Category

1810s Swedish Folk Art Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Pine

Rare Early 19th Century American Baltimore Federal Parcel Gilt Writing Desk
Located in Dublin, IE
A very fine and rare early 19th century American Baltimore Federal painted writing table with
Category

Early 19th Century American Federal Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

19th Century Hand Carved Walnut Davenport Writing Desk made in England
Located in Sofia, BG
Davenport desk in walnut and burlwood veneer, inlaid in filleted frames, opening with two flaps
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Walnut

American Mahogany Writing Desk with Bookcase Norfolk VA
Located in Charleston, SC
American mahogany writing desk with bookcase Norfolk VA, circa 1840.
Category

1830s American Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Mahogany

Late 19th Century French Carved Oak Writing Desk with Leather Top
Located in Hopewell, NJ
This is an authentic French antique carved desk with a leather top made of oak, having intricate
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak

19th Century Swedish Style Shopkeeper s Slant Front Writing Desk
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th Century Swedish Style Painted Shopkeeper's Slanted Front Writing Desk commonly used by
Category

19th Century American Gustavian Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood

L. J. G. Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Writing Desk, Circa 1900
By L. J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period quarter sawn oak writing desk By L. & J.G
Category

Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak

L. J. G. Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Server or Writing Desk
By L. J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts quarter sawn oak server, writing desk, or library table
Category

Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak

Late 18th Century Table Top Writing Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
Rare English table top fall front writing desk in burl walnut and blue eglomise painted oval panels
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood, Walnut, Paint

L. J. G. Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Server or Writing Desk
By L. J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts quarter sawn oak server, writing desk, or library table
Category

Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak

French 19th century antique writing desk Black Forest hunt Renaissance revival
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous French antique 19th century Renaissance revival / Hunt style Writing desk in carved oak
Category

Late 19th Century French Renaissance Revival Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak

Swedish 19th century hand painted pine escritoire writing desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Swedish 19th century painted pine escritoire writing desk circa 1870. We are pleased to offer this
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Rustic Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Pine, Paint

Late 19th Century Hand-Carved Wooden Writing Desk and Document Holder, India
Located in San Francisco, CA
Rare Indo-English writing desk features a flip-top document holder, is intricately carved with a
Category

Late 19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood

Rare Antique Asprey Co. London Oak Tooled Green Leather Writing Desk 1920s
By Charles George Asprey
Located in Reading, Berkshire
-Up Writing Table Made in England in the 1920s. Item is sold complete with a Burgundy tooled red
Category

1920s English Edwardian Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Leather, Mahogany, Oak

French Louis XVI Mahogany Writing Desk Tric-Trac Game Table circa 1785
Located in Shippensburg, PA
leather to function as a stylish writing table, then rotating to the baize-covered side for card play. The
Category

18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Writing Desk Secretary
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very fine late 19th century French writing desk secretary with dore bronze mountings and Marble
Category

19th Century French Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Marble, Bronze

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

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

Restored Art Deco Writing Desk, by J. Divíšek, Repolished, Walnut, Czech, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Maker: Jaroslav Divíšek - Týniště nad Orlicí Desk dimensions: Height: 80 cm (31.5 in) Width: 205
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Art Deco Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Lacquer, Wood, Walnut

19th Century French Kidney-shaped Veneer Writing Desk with Brown Leather Top
Located in Sofia, BG
French kidney-shaped veneer writing table, topped with a leather-covered desk and opening with two
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Leather, Wood

19th Century French Louis XV Style Floral Marquetry and Gilt Bronze Writing Desk
Located in Miami, FL
19th Century French Louis XV Style Floral Marquetry and Gilt Bronze Writing Desk A very fine and
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Bronze

Early 20th Century, Baroque Style Writing Desk, Made by a Danish Cabinetmaker
Located in Odense, DK
An early 20th-century Danish centre table, defined by a beautifully figured tabletop where the wood grain forms its own quiet "landscape". The surface reads almost like a natural dra...
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Baroque Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

French Louis XVI Style Writing Desk Bureauplatt, Bronze Gilt Mounts Leather Top
Located in Miami, FL
antique desk stands on elegant cabriole legs decorated at the shoulder with bronze figural floral
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Bronze

French 19th Century Louis XV Style Side Table/Writing Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant French 19th century Louis XV St. Charnwood, tulipwood, and ormolu side table or writing
Category

19th Century French Louis XV Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Ormolu

White German Bauhaus Chrome Plated Steel Writing Desk, Made in the 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Desk with a tubular chromed steel frame Manufactured in the 1930s. Wood is completely restored
Category

Early 20th Century German Bauhaus Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Chrome

English 18th C. Spinet Case by Crang Hancock London Converted Writing Desk
Located in Vero Beach, FL
English 18th Century Spinet Case by Crang & Hancock London Converted Writing Desk This is a fine
Category

18th Century English Baroque Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Mahogany, Tulipwood

Antique, Chinese Beech Wood Writing Desk, Vanity
Located in Pomona, CA
This unique writing desk has a multitude of drawers in the front and both sides and back are nicely
Category

19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Beech

Victorian Ladies Writing Desk Mahogany Bureau 1900
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Elegant Victorian ladies writing desk Cute piece, very good condition and finish in mahogany Desk
Category

Early 1900s Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Mahogany

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

1890s American Victorian Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak

Louis XV Style Writing Desk by François Linke
By François Linke
Located in New Orleans, LA
Superior craftsmanship and elegant bronze work characterize this tambour front roll top writing
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Bronze

Antique Regency Rosewood Inlaid Writing Desk Set with Inkwells
Located in Suffolk, GB
A fine and early Regency period rosewood writing desk set beautifully decorated with delicate
Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Rosewood

French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Mahogany and Ormolu Writing Desk
By François Linke
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most elegant French 19th century Louis XVI St. mahogany and ormolu writing desk, attributed to F
Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Ormolu

R. J. Horner Style American Empire Writing Desk or Library Table, Circa 1890s
By R.J. Horner Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique American Empire writing desk or library table In the manner of R.J. Horner &
Category

Late 19th Century American Empire Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

A French Louis XVI style Leather Top Bureau Plat / Writing Desk, C. 1920.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Features a stunning combination of banded woods giving a glow to this desk. Having a gilt tooled
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

Rare Asprey Co. London Oak Tooled Green Leather Pop-Up Writing Desk 1920s
By Charles George Asprey
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Writing Table Made in England in the 1920s. Item is sold complete with a Burgundy tooled red leather desk
Category

1920s English Edwardian Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Mahogany, Leather, Oak

Louis XV French Style kidney form writing desk, 19 th century bronze mounts
Located in Houston, TX
The quality of this desk is exceptional and the wood And construction are extremely well done. It
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

French Louis XVI Style Marquetry Writing Desk/ Bonheur du Jour
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Louis XVI Style Marquetry Writing Desk / Bonheur du Jour—Circa 1900s This exquisite French
Category

Early 20th 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 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.