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Antique Writing Desk

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Charming Georgian Elm Childs Desk
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
A super early 18th-century childs writing desk, the slope top lifts to reveal a fitted drawer; of
Category

Early 18th Century Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Elm

Antique Pine Sloping Clerks Writing Desk, Greeting Station
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Antique Pine Sloping Clerks writingdesk, greeting station A Lovely old piece, the desk is made
Category

Mid-19th Century Victorian Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Pine

19th Century French Porcelain Mounted Ladies Writing Desk
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A beautiful French 19th century Sevres style porcelain mounted bureau plat, having an inset leather top with a three quarter brass gallery, three frieze drawers, inset porcelain pane...
Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Porcelain, Mahogany

Antique French Sofa Table Writing Desk Barley Twist Carved Renaissance Tapestry
Located in Shreveport, LA
Antique French Sofa Table Writing Desk Barley Twist Carved Renaissance Tapestry. Direct from
Category

1880s French French Provincial Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Textile, Walnut

French Rococo Style Louis XV Bonheur Du Jour or Writing Desk
Located in Charleston, SC
A wonderful Kingwood bonheur du jour or writing desk, with double doors to the top with book
Category

Early 20th Century French Rococo Revival Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Louis XV French Desk with Cabriolet Legs, 1890s
Located in Miami, FL
19th century Louis XV style French walnut writing desk with three drawers and cabriolet legs
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Bronze

Fine Quality Bronze Mounted Cherubs Putti Marquetry Inlaid Kingwood Writing Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fine quality writing desk exemplifies the elegance and refinement of French neoclassical
Category

1920s French Louis XVI Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Bronze

Antique Writing Desk, English Side Table, Correspondence, Study, Victorian, 1890
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique writing desk. An English, mahogany side table, dating to the late Victorian
Category

1890s British Late Victorian Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Mahogany

END OF THE 19th CENTURY ENGLISH TRAVELING WRITING DESK
Located in Firenze, FI
small portable desk, ready to accommodate the objects needed for writing. The English manufacturing of
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Leather, Wood

Antique Gentlemen English Travel Writing Desk in Wood, Restored
Located in Milano, IT
Antique English man's portable desk early 800. RESTAURED. Precious travel writing box in walnut
Category

Early 1800s English Georgian Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

French 19th Century Louis XV Marquetry Writing Table
Located in Miami, FL
, and one large drawer. The floral marquetry work is detailed and balanced. The writing desk dates back
Category

Late 19th Century French French Provincial Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Bronze

French 19th Century Louis XV Marquetry Writing Table
Located in New Orleans, LA
, and one large drawer. The floral marquetry work is detailed and balanced. The writing desk dates back
Category

19th Century French Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Bronze

Gilded Age Silver Plated and Crystal Writing Desk Set
Located in Sheffield, MA
The antique silver-on-copper and crystal pen and ink desk set is composed a footed tray with two
Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Crystal, Silver Plate

Desk English Leather Brown Mahogany 18th Century England
Located in New York, NY
18th Century. Made in mahogany with brass hardware and leather covered writing desks.
Category

18th Century and Earlier English Georgian Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

Antique Fine Burr Walnut Kidney Shaped Writing Desk Table
Located in Suffolk, GB
Fine quality 19th century Victorian antique burr walnut freestanding kidney shaped writing desk
Category

19th Century English Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Walnut

Desk Swedish 18th Century Green Original Paint Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Desk Swedish 18th Century Green Original Paint Sweden. A writing desk Swedish made during the 18th
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Bentwood

Petite, 19th Century Veneered Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully hand-carved and inlaid, c. 1825, Italian, single drawer, tapered leg writing desk
Category

1820s Italian Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood, Olive, Pearwood, Walnut

Unique Austrian Empire Secretary/Writing Desk, Material Mahogany, Wien 1820-1829
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Empire secretary or writing desk, (Cylinder) Material: Mahogany. Completely restored, Shellac
Category

1820s Austrian Empire Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Antique French Hand Carved Wood Writing Desk / Center / Side Table Rustic Farm
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Antique French Hand Carved Wood Writing Desk / Center / Side Table Rustic Farm . 18th century
Category

18th Century French Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood, Walnut

English Regency Style Writing Sofa Table with Leather Surface, Brass Fittings
Located in Toronto, CA
, writing desk. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this piece blends functionality with
Category

19th Century English Georgian Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Hardwood

19th century Tuscan library desk
Located in Jesteburg, DE
A beautiful desk, library table or console table possibly having been used as a writing desk. Great
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Baroque Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Walnut

Italian Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Wood Console Table or Writing Desk
Located in Firenze, IT
This Italian early 20th century cherrywood console table or writing desk is a fine Art Nouveau
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood

L. J. G. Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Writing Desk, Circa 1910
By L. J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period large executive writing desk or library
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

Empire Revival Quarter Sawn Oak Single Drawer Writing Desk
Located in Pasadena, TX
This desk was made at the turn of the 20th century. Its made of quarter sawn oak. The legs are
Category

Early 1900s American Empire Revival Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak

English Mahogany Tambour Satinwood Inlaid Writing Desk, Circa 1780
Located in Charleston, SC
English mahogany tambour desk with sliding leather writing surface, interior satinwood
Category

1780s English George III Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

Napoleon III Black Lacquer Desk with Bronze, Early 20th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
Napoleon III early 20th Century black lacquer writing desk with stamped bronze Height: 90 cm
Category

Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass, Bronze

19th Century English Victorian Burr Walnut Davenport Writing Desk
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Selling is a very nice Quality Victorian burr walnut davenport/desk. The raised top lifts to reveal
Category

Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Walnut

English Barley Twist Jacobean Style Desk Set
Located in Southampton, NJ
Solid Mahogany Jacobean style writing desk with three paneled drawers, original brass drop pulls
Category

Early 20th Century English Jacobean Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

19th Century Swedish Oak Ladies’ Writing Desk Secretary
Located in Round Top, TX
Swedish oak ladies’ writing desk or secretary featuring a Bombay-curved lower chest with three
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Baroque Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Iron

Antique French Louis XVI Marble Gold gilded Salon Ladies Writing Table 1800
Located in Doha, QA
This incredibly intricate and elegant Louis XVI French ladies writing desk table is originated from
Category

Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Marble, Gold

Antique English Regency Leather Top Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome 19th century English writing desk handcrafted in mixed exotic hardwoods, featuring a
Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

Limbert Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Desk, Newly Refinished
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

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

Italian 19th Century Walnut and Mahogany Writing Table with Slant Front Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
A petite Italian two-toned walnut and mahogany writing desk from the 19th century with slant front
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Felt, Mahogany, Walnut

Stunning Dutch Colonial Writing or hall table early 19 Century
Located in Den Haag, NL
Superb Dutch Colonial Writing desk or hall table . Manufactured in the Dutch Indies early 19
Category

Early 1900s Indonesian Dutch Colonial Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak

17th Century Italian Carved Walnut Table or Desk
Located in Bradenton, FL
17th century Italian walnut library table or writing desk. Desk features three drawers amongst
Category

18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Walnut

Edwardian Maple Co Pedestal Writing Desk Distressed Brown Embossed Leather
By Maple Co.
Located in Pulborough, GB
Brown Leather Top. The Edwardian Maple & Co Pedestal Writing Desk is a stunning piece of furniture
Category

19th Century British Edwardian Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century Two-Piece Camphor Wood Campaign Chest with Folding Writing Desk
Located in Madrid, ES
hidden fold-out writing desk. The attractive "blonde" camphor wood is contrasted with dark ebony painted
Category

19th Century English Campaign Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Four Piece Writing Desk Set With Butterflies
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Long Island City, NY
. Collectible Oriental Asian Decor, Desk Accessories And Writing Instruments. Dimensions: Largest item 9 x 3 x 1
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Enamel

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

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

Antique Victorian English Bramah Leather Fold-out Correspondence Writing Desk
By Joseph Bramah
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Beautiful Luxurious Handcrafted Victorian Bramah Hardwood Fold-out Travelling Writing
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

Antique Victorian William IV Mahogany Tooled Leather Writing Table Desk Console
Located in Dayton, OH
is used as a library table. writing desk, console it'll make a charming addition to any space
Category

Early 19th Century William IV Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Antique English Victorian Bramah Leather Fold-out Stationary Writing Desk
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Beautiful Luxurious Handcrafted Victorian Bramah Fold-out Travelling Writing Companion
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

Limbert Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Desk or Library Table, Refinished
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 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

Stickley Brothers Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Writing 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

Louis XVI Tulipwood Leather Top Bureau Plat Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive late 18th century French writing desk with a tooled black leather top, probably original
Category

18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Tulipwood

Limbert Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Turtle-Top Cutout Desk, Circa 1910
By Charles Limbert
Located in South Bend, IN
library table or writing desk By Charles P. Limbert Co. USA, Circa 1910 Measures: 47.25"W x 30"D x 29.5
Category

1910s American Mission Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak

French Louie XV Style Petite Ladies Desk Table
Located in San Francisco, CA
Very high quality bench made (hand crafted) Louis XV style walnut petite writing desk with
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XV Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Bronze

Antique Stickley Brothers Mission Oak Arts Crafts Writing or Library Table
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous 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

Limbert Style Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Drop Front Secretary Desk
By Charles Limbert
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period drop front writing desk In the manner of
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak

Signed Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Desk, Circa 1900
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk By Gustav Stickley (original
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

Antique French Mahogany Gold Bronze Desk with Matching Armchair, Circa 1890 s.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Gold Bronze Mounted Mahogany Writing Desk with Matching Armchair, Circa 1890-1900
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Bronze

Rustic Art Populaire Writing Table, France, Early 20th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
Wooden Desk; Writing Table; France; 19th Century Design; Art Populaire; Rustic; Monoxylite; Writing
Category

Early 20th Century French Rustic Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood

Antique Black French Louis XV Lacquered Desk Table
Located in New Orleans, LA
striking and sophisticated example of this style. The top has fitted red leather as is typical for writing
Category

18th Century French Louis XV Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood

Colonial Mahogany Handmade Writing Table Cum Console On Porcelain Castors
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Simplicity of form and elegance shines through this beautiful Victorian writing desk; hand-crafted
Category

Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Mahogany

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

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

Stickley Brothers Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Drop Front Secretary Desk
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts slant front writing desk By Stickley Brothers USA
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Copper

18th Century Poudreuse Writing Desk, Console Table Painted Piemont Italien
Located in Epfach, DE
18th Century Poudreuse Writing Desk, Console Table Painted Piemont Italien Small, Rare Poudreuse or
Category

1770s Italian Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood

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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.