European Writing Desk
to
72
450
260
637
63
12
105
50
44
31
28
23
19
14
13
13
12
10
10
7
6
3
1
1
32
224
381
75
92
210
45
13
11
18
24
15
48
58
20
9
4
600
206
136
103
97
701
16
8
7
5
712
663
681
15
7
3
3
2
Sort By
Antique Edwardian Quality Rosewood Marquetry Inlaid Writing Desk
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Edwardian quality rosewood marquetry inlaid writing desk having a charming rosewood
Category
Antique Early 1900s European Edwardian Desks
Materials
Other
Louis XV Style Leather Top Ladies Writing Desk
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Louis XV style leather top with front drawer ladies writing desk with bronze mounted design details
Category
Antique 19th Century European Louis XV Desks
Materials
Bronze
French Neoclassical Demilune Parquetry Leather Top Writing Desk
Located in Shippensburg, PA
style desk features a lovely demilune form that allows it to present powerfully in the center of a room
Category
Early 20th Century European Neoclassical Desks
Materials
Bronze
English 4 Drawer Leather Top Mahogany Writing Desk C.1840
Located in Charleston, SC
English 4 drawer leather top mahogany writing desk c.1840.
Category
Antique 1840s European Desks
Materials
Mahogany
Mahogany Campaign Style Desk on Stand with Leather Writing Surface
Located in Charleston, SC
Mahogany campaign style desk on stand with leather writing surface.
Category
20th Century European Campaign Desks
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Mahogany Wood Gallery Top Drop Front Writing Desk
Located in Tarry Town, NY
19th century mahogany wood gallery top drop-front writing desk / freestanding wall piece
Category
Antique 19th Century European Desks
Materials
Mahogany
Compass Writing Desk Bureau by Pedro Miralles Claver for Punt Mobles, circa 1990
Located in Barcelona, Cataluna
The compass desk was designed by Pedro Miralles Claver for Punt Mobles, circa 1990. He studies at
Category
1990s European Post-Modern Desks
Materials
Cherry
Compass Writing Desk Bureau by Pedro Miralles Claver for Punt Mobles, circa 1990
Located in Barcelona, Cataluna
The compass desk was designed by Pedro Miralles Claver for Punt Mobles, circa 1990. He studies at
Category
1990s European Post-Modern Desks
Materials
Cherry
Victorian Burr Walnut Writing Table
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Victorian Burr Walnut Writing table with Inlaid lift up lid stationary compartment for pens, ink
Category
Antique 1870s European Victorian Desks
Materials
Walnut
Victorian Mahogany Writing Table/washstand
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Victorian mahogany writing table in very nice condition with a gallery top over eight drawers with
Category
Antique 1870s European Victorian Desks
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Burr Walnut Writing Table
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a good quality Victorian burr walnut writing table. The top of the desk has a shaped
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century European Victorian Desks
Materials
Walnut
Antique Hand Painted Writing Box, English, Cedar, Desktop Pen Case, Edwardian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique handpainted writing box. An English, cedar desktop pen case, dating to the
Category
Early 20th Century European Edwardian Desk Sets
Materials
Cedar
Burr Oak Drop- Front Writing Desk
Located in Firenze, IT
Europe, 19th century
Lovely North European Burr Oak drop- front writing desk, interior is
Category
Antique 19th Century Italian Secretaires
Tall Writing Desk Secretary Swedish Black 19th Century Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Tall writing desk secretary Swedish Black 19th Century Sweden. A writing desk made during the 19th
Category
Antique 19th Century European Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Industrial Writing Desk Table with Chairs for Kids by James Leonard for Esavian
By James Leonard
Located in Antwerp, BE
Mid-Century Modern Industrial children's furniture by James Leonard. Bent plywood seating and cast aluminum frame. UK, 1948 Quite rare to have a set of 4 chairs and table available
...
Category
Vintage 1940s European Industrial Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
European Style Carved Walnut Writing Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
suitable for use as a writing desk, console, or accent table in traditional or European-style interiors
Category
2010s Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
French Ladies Writing Desk
Located in Malibu, CA
French provincial writing desk with two small upper drawers, two large lower drawer & a large
Category
Early 20th Century European French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Directoire Style Fruitwood Writing table / Desk
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Directoire Style fruitwood leather top writing table / desk made from 19th century and later
Category
Vintage 1950s European Directoire Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Fruitwood
Rustic Oak Writing Desk, France, 19th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
Wooden Desk; Writing Table; France; 19th Century Design; Art Populaire; Rustic; Monoxylite; Writing
Category
Antique 19th Century European Rustic Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Antique Victorian Quality Mahogany Partner Writing Desk
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Victorian quality mahogany partner writing desk having a quality rectangular mahogany top
Category
Antique 19th Century European Victorian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Other
Antique Oriental Writing Desk with Bone Inlay
Located in Antwerp, BE
Antique oriental style ensemble consisting of desk and matching chair.
Extraordinary bone inlay
Category
Antique 1890s European Neoclassical Revival Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bone, Fruitwood
Art Deco Inlaid Mahogany Writing Table Desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Beautifully inlaid Art Deco period desk, circa 1920.
Crossbanded top edge, with a central floral
Category
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Neoclassical Writing Desk Inlaid With Brass, 1950s
Located in Opole, PL
Vintage Neoclassical Writing Desk Inlaid With Brass, 1950s
An exquisite neoclassical-style writing
Category
Vintage 1950s European Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Restored Baroque Revival Oak Writing Desk, circa 1890
Located in Opole, PL
Restored Baroque Revival Oak Writing Desk, circa 1890
This Neo-Baroque writing desk is entirely
Category
Antique Late 19th Century European Baroque Revival Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Swedish Bleached and Lime Washed Painted Writing Desk
Located in Wichita, KS
A Swedish writing desk from the 1920's that has been bleached and lime washed creating a beautiful
Category
Early 20th Century European Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Paint
Early 20th Century Swedish Birch Desk Writing Table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Pedestal desk in rich birch, circa 1910.
Two pedestals with removable central section and writing
Category
Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Birch
1930s Opulent Art Deco Free Standing Writing Desk
Located in Praha, CZ
- Partly renovated
- Newly lacquered in high gloss finish
- Handmade polished
- Very representative!
Category
Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Two-Drawer Mirrored Glass and Brass Writing Desk / Console
Located in Miami, FL
This is one of five exclusive pieces.
Two-drawer mirrored glass and brass writing desk
Beautiful
Category
2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Late 19th Century Carved Oak Kidney Shaped Writing Desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Carved oak kidney shaped desk, circa 1895.
Oak writing surface with burr, below which a central
Category
Antique 1890s European Victorian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Early 20th Century Mahogany Directoire Influenced Writing Table Desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century French Directoire style mahogany writing table, the rectangular shaped top
Category
Early 20th Century European Directoire Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Long Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Teak Writing Desk
Located in Madrid, ES
Sleek Mid-Century walnut and teak desk or a dining table with two drawers, circa 1970s.
Category
20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak, Walnut
Faux Bamboo Red Leather Top Writing Desk, Mid-20th Century
Located in Charleston, SC
Faux bamboo English writing desk. Gold gilt accent on red leather top. Chinese Chippendale style
Category
Mid-20th Century European Chinese Chippendale Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Faux Bamboo, Leather
Bertil Fridhagen European Walnut Desk Sweden, 1960s
By Bodafors, Bertil Fridhagen
Located in London, England
Bertil Fridhagen Writing desk produced by Swedish cabinetmakers Bodafors in 1962.
This compact
Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Fantastic Gilt Wood French Louis XVI Style Mahogany Writing Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
3 drawers. Gilt accents. 30 5/8" h x 60" w x 26 5/8" d.
Condition
Light surface scratches. Minor paint loss.
Category
Vintage 1950s European Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Fine French 19th Century Louis XVI Writing Desk Signed A Chevrie
By Alexandre Chevrié, Paris 1
Located in Dallas, TX
Fine French late 19th century Louis XVI leather top writing desk. Gilt bronze detailing. Two
Category
Antique Late 19th Century European Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Stunning Art Deco Writing Desk in Book Matched Burl Veneer 1930s
Located in Tilburg, NL
Stunning Art Deco Writing Desk in Book Matched Burl Veneer, Europe, 1930s.
This is a wonderful and
Category
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Burl
Large Freestanding European Desk in Oak and Grey Laminate, 1940s
Located in Odense, DK
Large modern freestanding european desk, made in oak and grey laminat, 1940s.
This piece is a
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century European Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing T...
Materials
Laminate, Oak
French Riviera Style Bamboo Writing Desk with Ebonized Rattan Top, circa 1970
Located in Philadelphia, PA
.
Measure: Writing desk H: 27".
Category
Vintage 1970s European Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bamboo
21st Century Two-Drawer Mirrored Glass and Brass Writing Desk or Console
Located in Miami, FL
This is one of five exclusive pieces.
Two-drawer mirrored glass and brass writing desk
Beautiful
Category
2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
French Empire style mahogany bronze mounted writing desk, leather top circa 1940
Located in Miami, FL
A French Empire style mahogany bronze mounted writing desk with leather top, circa 1940.
Category
Early 20th Century European Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
21st Century Two-Drawer Mirrored White Glass and Brass Writing Desk or Console
Located in Miami, FL
This is one of five exclusive pieces.
Two-drawer mirrored glass and brass writing desk
Beautiful
Category
2010s European Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Regency Writing Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Good Georgian mahogany and satinwood cross banded writing table, the top having rounded corners
Category
Antique 19th Century European George IV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
$4,900
Empire Style Writing Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Empire style mahogany and beechwood writing table or occasional table with brass mounts, made circa
Category
Vintage 1960s European Empire Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Louis XVI Writing Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Louis XVI mahogany writing table / occasional table, circa 1800. Mahogany has nice old patina, the
Category
Antique Early 1800s European Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
$1,500
Biedermeier Tiger Maple Writing table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Biedermeier tiger maple writing table, 19th century. With a 4 board top with rounded front and side
Category
Antique 19th Century European Biedermeier Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bone, Maple, Pine
Antique Directoire Style Writing Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique Directoire style two-drawer walnut writing table with a later tooled leather top and bronze
Category
Antique 19th Century European Directoire Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Antique Directoire Style Writing Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique Directoire style tulip wood and burl elm writing table with a faux leather (vinyl?) top and
Category
Antique 1890s European Directoire Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Slim Antique Mahogany Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
writing surface with compartments and a small drawer. There are four drawers below, graduated in depth and
Category
Vintage 1930s European George III Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
A Nineteenth Century Satinwood Writing Table
Located in London, GB
A nineteenth century satinwood writing table, circa 1825, the attractively worn leather skiver with
Category
Antique 1820s European Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Satinwood
Louis XVI Style Mahogany Writing Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique Louis XVI style mahogany writing table with a tooled leather top and gilt bronze mounts
Category
Vintage 1910s European Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Italian Carved Walnut Writing Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Features carved side accents and cabriole legs. Light wear and stains to the surface including some light scratches.
Category
20th Century European French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables
Directoire Style White-Painted Writing Table
Located in New York, NY
The rectangular top over a central frieze drawer and shaped apron flanked by two short panelled drawers; raised on square tapering legs with attractive distressed white finish; drawe...
Category
Antique 19th Century European Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Louis XIV Style Burl Walnut Writing Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Louis XIV style burl walnut and walnut single drawer writing table, circa 1920. The maker of this
Category
Vintage 1920s European Louis XIV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Antique Louis XIV Style Walnut Writing / Occasional Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Continental antique Louis XIV style walnut writing / occasional table, 19th century. With a nice
Category
Antique 19th Century European Louis XIV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Rosewood Nordic Desk
Located in grand Lancy, CH
Rosewood Nordic desk.
Category
Vintage 1960s European Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Rosewood
$3,800
Georgian Mahogany Desk
Located in New Orleans, LA
This fine Georgian-era desk is crafted of rich mahogany and features the straightforward design
Category
Antique 19th Century European Georgian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
$5,850
Antique Louis XV Provincial Style Chestnut Writing Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique Louis XV Provincial style chestnut writing /occasional / games table with a later tooled
Category
Antique 19th Century European Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Chestnut
- 1
- ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "European Writing Desk", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.
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.
Read More
20 Inviting Dining Rooms Perfectly Arranged for Entertaining
Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.
This Alain Delon–Designed Table Is Almost as Handsome as He Was
Fans of the French film star may be surprised to learn that he had a flair for furniture with sleek lines and disco-era flash.
Uchronia’s Plant Stand Gives Pots a Pretty Perch with All the Trimmings
Like other pieces in the firm’s Candy Box collection, the cheerful limited-edition design showcases French craft.
The Ultimate Guide to Types of Tables for the Home
Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.
Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
Inspired by the Cosmos, Sandra Nunnerley’s Nova Table Has a Futuristic Feel
The designer’s innovative use of an unexpected material gives this console a lift.
This 19th-Century Gilded Desk Displays a Fanciful Kingdom in Marquetry
The stately piece brings both gravitas and whimsy to any work space.
In Guadalajara, These Luscious Side Tables Are Chiseled from Volcanic Rock
Use them as tables or stools, indoors or out.
More Ways To Browse
Rosewood Flip Desk
Watch Display Case
Antique Ladies Drop Front Writing Desk
Arts Secratary Desk In Walnut
Locking Display Case
Art Deco Writing Bureau
Mode Desk
Rolex Emblem
Watchmakers Desk
Slant Front Desk On Ball And Claw Feet
Pierre Cardin Evolution
Antique Pharmaceutical Jars
Antique Pheasant Figurines
Antique Pine Bedside Cabinet
Antique Pine Mule Chest
Antique Pipe Box
Antique Pipe Cabinet
Antique Pixies