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Antique Napoleon III Style Burl Walnut Writing Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique Napoleon III style burl walnut writing table with gilt bronze mounts and a tooled leather
Category
Antique Early 1900s European Napoleon III Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
19th Century European Pine Console Table with Drawer
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
19th century European pine console table with drawer
Beautiful console has 1 working drawer, and
Category
Antique 19th Century European Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Louis XVI style Mahogany Tric Trac / Writing table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique Louis XVI style mahogany brass mounted tric trac / writing table, 19th century. Removeable
Category
Antique 19th Century European Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Desk
Located in Greding, DE
Minimalistic Mid-Century desk with lockable drawers on each side.
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
$4,974
English Rococo Painted Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
Elegant English Rococo black painted desk with antiqued dark leather inlaid writing surface and a
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Rococo Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
$8,983 / item
Modern Studio Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Modern studio desk with cherry crown veneered starburst top with a central frieze drawer flanked
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writ...
Materials
Metal
$4,095 / item
Chinese Chippendale Style Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
An unusual Chinese Chippendale style three-drawer desk or writing table with a relief carved Greek
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Chinese Chippendale Desks and Wri...
Materials
Wood
$3,285 / item
Modern Cerused Oak Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern Cerused desk - constructed of American white oak with a lightly textured ceruse finish. The
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Organic Modern Desks and Writing ...
Materials
Oak
$4,385 / item
Large Oak Partners Desk
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Large antique oak partners desk in very good condition. Nice warm color and green leather. The desk
Category
Antique 1890s European Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
$4,914
19th Century Eclectic Desk
Located in Opole, PL
We present you a desk from fourth quarter of the 19th century.
The base is composed of two
Category
Antique Late 19th Century European Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Antique Louis XVI Style Brass Mounted Mahogany Writing table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique Louis XVI style brass mounted mahogany writing table with a tooled leather top, circa 1910
Category
Vintage 1910s European Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Superb Mahogany Partners Desk
Located in Swadlincote, GB
A very nice solid mahogany partners desk with original green leather , wonderful gilt bronze
Category
Antique 19th Century European Chippendale Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Victorian Mahogany Pedestal Desk
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Victorian mahogany pedestal desk in good condition. The top inset with a green leather with gold
Category
Antique 1880s European Late Victorian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Half-circle desk, 1980s.
Located in Lisboa, PT
Half-circle desk in exotic wood and glass. France, 1980s.
Category
Vintage 1980s European Space Age Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
$5,388
Ole Wanscher Freestanding Desk
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Freestanding desk in mahogany by Ole Wanscher. Front with two drawers.
Maker A.J. Iversen.
Category
Vintage 1960s European Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Louis XVI Style Desk
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Louis XVI style mahogany brass-mounted desk made, circa 1970. Quality construction with dovetailed
Category
Vintage 1970s European Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
$2,250
Victorian Oak Partners Desk
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Victorian oak partners desk in good condition having been polished by hand. The top has its
Category
Antique 1890s European Late Victorian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Mid Century Italian Desk
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
A mid-century desk produced in Italy, good solid construction with Sapele veneer. This desk has a
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
$3,823
Modern Studio Desk, Almond
Located in Westwood, NJ
A modern studio desk with cherry crown veneered starburst top in an almond finish with a central
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writ...
Materials
Metal
$4,095 / item
Modern Leather and Mahogany Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Modern leather and mahogany desk with a tapered mahogany writing surface and an Everglade Moss
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
$9,405 / item
Mid Century Danish Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This mid century desk features draws that slide out and sleek peg legs. Perfect for a study or at
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
$3,465
19th Century Walnut Desk
Located in New Orleans, LA
Beautiful.
Category
Antique Late 19th Century European Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
$7,800
William and Mary Style Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
William and Mary style walnut desk, with a tan inset leather top with oyster veneer details to the
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European William and Mary Desks and Writin...
Materials
Wood
$6,720 / item
Napoleon III Burl Olive Wood Kidney Shaped Writing / Poudre Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique Continental Louis XV style burl olive wood kidney shaped writing / poudre table, late 19th
Category
Antique Late 19th Century European Napoleon III Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass, Olive
Rosewood Vintage Desk/Dressing table
Located in London, GB
Continental Rosewood Vintage Desk/Dressing table with curved sides and black leather foot rest.
Category
Vintage 1940s European Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood, Mirror, Leather
Antique Napoleon III Style Burl Ash and Birch Writing Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique Napoleon III burl ash and birch writing table, circa 1920's. With a rectangular top with
Category
Vintage 1920s European Napoleon III Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Scandinavian Natural Teak Desk, 1970s
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Scandinavian natural teak desk made of two boxes with three drawers each. Rectangular top standing
Category
Late 20th Century European Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Radical Italian Tubular Desk, 1960s
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
Radical Italian tubular desk, 1960s. The desk is designed in commission for a unique villa on
Category
20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Desk Probably Produced in Germany
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare freestanding desk by unknown designer. Probably produced in Germany.
Category
Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Stitched Leather Desk by Jacques Adnet
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Bois-Colombes, FR
Black stitched leather desk by Jacques Adnet
France
1950s.
Category
Vintage 1950s European Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather
Antique office, Northern Europe, ca. 1870.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique desk from the second half of the 19th century, Northern Europe.
Furniture in very good
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Empire Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Neo-Renaissance Oak Desk, circa 1930
Located in Opole, PL
This desk, circa 1930, is made in oak. Its shape resembles the Italian furniture from the
Category
Vintage 1930s European Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
19th Century Victorian Mahogany Pedestal Desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century mahogany twin pedestal desk, the top with a gilt tooled green leather writing surface
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century European Victorian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Early 20th Century Mahogany Cylinder Desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century mahogany cylinder desk, the top structure having three drawers above the
Category
Early 20th Century European Victorian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Stitched Leather Desk by Jacques Adnet
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Bois-Colombes, FR
Stitched leather desk by Jacques Adnet
Mahogany and blue leather
France
1950.
Category
Vintage 1950s European Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Schumacher Wiener Secession Style Writing Table by Gustav Siegel for Kohn
By Gustav Siegel
Located in New York, NY
This design by Gustav Siegel for J&J Kohn is arresting enough to complete a room. The influence of Wiener Secession Style which reigned in Vienna at the dawn of the 20th century can ...
Category
Antique Early 1900s European Vienna Secession Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Mid Century Italian Desk by Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
in the 1950s by the renowned manufacturer Bernini, this medium-sized writing desk is a testament to
Category
Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Art Deco Desk in Walnut, c1930
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
Art Deco desk in walnut c1930
A walnut single pedestal desk produced in the UK in the 1930’s, the
Category
Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Desk from circa 1880, Empire Style
Located in Chorzów, PL
Empire desk from circa 1880.
after renovation.
Origin: Scandinavia
Wood: Mahogany.
Category
Antique Late 19th Century European Empire Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
French Louis Philippe Black Lacquered Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
A French Louis Philippe style black lacquered and polished desk with campaign-style X frame
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Louis Philippe Desks and Writing ...
Materials
Wood
$6,634 / item
Mid century Desk by Gio Ponti
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
DESK BY GIO PONTI
A midcentury desk produced in Italy by Italian master Gio Ponti, good solid
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Marvelous Hollywood Regency Style Lady Desk
Located in Munich, DE
Marvellous lady desk in the hollywood regency style from 1970, massive brass base and cream marble
Category
Vintage 1970s European Hollywood Regency Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Brass
Midcentury Teak Desk with Side Cubby
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Mid-Century teak desk. Three drawers on the right hand side with key lock and side
Category
Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Rare Midcentury Desk from Denmark, circa 1960
Located in Nashville, TN
Rare midcentury desk from Denmark, circa 1960. Three drawers. Teak and oak construction.
Category
Vintage 1960s European Desks and Writing Tables
1940
s Industrial Metal Desk - Linoleum To
Located in Hook, Hampshire
1940's Industrial Metal Desk - Linoleum Top.
Practical early 1940's metal desk with original
Category
Vintage 1940s European Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Vintage Oak Desk From Italy, Circa 1960
Located in Nashville, TN
Vintage Oak Desk From Italy, Circa 1960. Oak construction with nice patina and use.
Category
Vintage 1960s European Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Vintage Pine Desk From France, Circa 1960
Located in Nashville, TN
Vintage Pine Desk From France, Circa 1960. Solid stained pine construction with great patina and
Category
Vintage 1960s European Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Rare Midcentury Desk from France, circa 1960
Located in Nashville, TN
Rare Mid Century Desk from France, Circa 1960. Tapered legs with nice detail at base. Two drawers
Category
Vintage 1960s European Desks and Writing Tables
Rare Midcentury Desk from France, circa 1960
Located in Nashville, TN
Rare midcentury desk from France, circa 1960. Solid oak construction with one drawer in the manner
Category
Vintage 1950s European Desks and Writing Tables
Midcentury Oak Desk from France, circa 1960
Located in Nashville, TN
Midcentury oak desk From France, circa 1960. Solid oak construction with drawer. Original
Category
Vintage 1960s European Desks and Writing Tables
Desk By Arne Vodder - Denmark 1960s
By Arne Vodder
Located in Brussels, BE
Desk By Arne Vodder - Denmark 1960s
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Italian mid century Desk by Dassi
By Dassi
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
This stunning quality crafted vintage Mid-Century modern Italian desk designed by Vittorio Dassi is
Category
Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Cherry
19th Century Victorian Walnut Pedestal Partners Desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Good quality walnut pedestal desk, circa 1870.
Partners desk with drawers being fitted both sides
Category
Antique Late 19th Century European Gothic Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Early 20th Century Carved Cherry Pedestal Desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
desk.
New leather top with tooling, with three drawers in the writing surface. Each pedestal with four
Category
Early 20th Century European Baroque Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Cherry
19th Century Early Victorian Walnut Davenport Desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century walnut Davenport writing desk, the slide action top with a green leather writing
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century European Victorian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Napoleon III Black Lacquer and Gilt Bronze Mounted Writing Table / Center Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Napoleon III black lacquer and gilt bronze mounted writing / center table with a glass top, late
Category
Antique Late 19th Century European Napoleon III Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Pine Desk from France, circa 1950
Located in Nashville, TN
Vintage Pine Desk From France, circa 1950. Solid pine construction with nice wear and use.
Category
Vintage 1950s European Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
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European Writing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs
At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal European writing desk for your home. A European writing desk — often made from wood, metal and mahogany — can elevate any home. Find 277 options for an antique or vintage European writing desk now, or shop our selection of 28 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer European writing desk, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. A European writing desk is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Mid-Century Modern, Victorian and Louis XV styles are sought with frequency. You’ll likely find more than one European writing desk that is appealing in its simplicity, but Jacques Adnet, Lukas Friedrich and Privatiselectionem produced versions that are worth a look.
How Much is a European Writing Desk?
The average selling price for a European writing desk at 1stDibs is $3,691, while they’re typically $540 on the low end and $184,235 for the highest priced.
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 European Writing Desk
- What is a writing desk?1 Answer1stDibs 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, 2021A 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, 2021A 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, 2023What 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, 2023In 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.
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