Painted Writing Desk
to
100
1,031
419
1,378
81
22
139
70
65
39
37
33
27
27
26
24
22
18
18
13
12
9
7
2
131
544
700
103
181
286
98
23
8
25
29
41
84
51
45
12
7
1,248
366
310
206
203
1,059
322
291
256
209
1,480
1,416
1,432
7
7
7
7
7
Sort By
Swedish Gustavian Style 1900s Painted Wood Writing Table with Three Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood writing table from the early 20th century, with three
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Painted Partners Desk with Leather Top
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Italian Painted Leather Top Partners Desk with Two Drawers on either side, c. 1870
Category
Antique 19th Century Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Painted Ebonised Desk, France, circa 1800
Located in Culver City, CA
Painted ebonised desk, France, circa 1800.
A beautifully painted gilt canvas stop with scrolling
Category
Antique Early 1800s French Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Canvas
French County Two Sided Painted Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Charming country French blue painted desk. Usually placed with flat side against the wall, flanked
Category
Mid-20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables
Antique English Desk Painted Dove Grey
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Classic English Desk with 3 drawers and ball and claw feet, updated with a matte dove grey
Category
Antique 19th Century English Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Italian Hand Painted Venetian Style Desk, circa 1940s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian hand painted Venetian style desk with three drawers and original wrought iron hardware
Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Antique French Louis XV Painted Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
Given an elegant form honoring the style preferences of Louis XV, this bureau plat was painted in
Category
Antique 19th Century French Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Lacquer
French Farmhouse Painted Distressed Desk c.1920
s
Located in London, GB
This French farmhouse painted distressed desk, dates back to the 1920's and exudes French
Category
Vintage 1920s French French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine, Paint
French Provincial Style Kidney Shaped Lady Writing or Vanity Desk with Ottoman
Located in Plainview, NY
A French Provincial style lady’s writing or vanity desk crafted with a graceful kidney-shaped top
Category
20th Century French French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Unusual Campaign Tortoise Shell Painted Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
An unusual English campaign form leather top desk with brass trim and mounts and decorated with
Category
Antique 19th Century English George III Desks and Writing Tables
Antique French Louis XVI Painted Desk or Vanity
Located in Dallas, TX
with two-toned patinaed paint, plus a glass top to protect the main writing surface.
Circa 1900-1910
Category
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Painted Faux Tortoiseshell Shaped Kneehole Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Refined and exceptional shaped knee hole desk with a brown tooled leather top. Inspired faux
Category
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables
Painted Faux Tortoiseshell Shaped Kneehole Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Refined and exceptional shaped knee hole desk with a brown tooled leather top. Inspired faux
Category
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
18th Century Painted Dutch Bureau Desk
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully decorated desk with sea paintings on three drawers and three doors. Four small drowers
Category
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Dutch Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble
Large Desk-Table in Original Gray/Ochre Paint
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th century desk table. Unpainted planked wood top, base in Original Grey Paint with Ocher painted
Category
Antique 19th Century North American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Pine, Paint
Danish Renaissance Revival Writing Table with Black Paint, circa 1890
Located in Round Top, TX
to be used possibly as an entry table or writing desk.
Scandinavian antiques imports containers
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Danish Desks and Writing Tables
Antique French Louis XV Style Tulip
Rosewood Marquetry Roll-Top Writing Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Louis XV Style Tulip & Rosewood Marquetry Roll-Top Secretary Writing Desk
This
Category
Early 20th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu
1920 Jewellers/Clockmakers Cabinet Desk in Original Paint
Located in Surrey, BC
Beautiful original jewelers desk in old oxidized age cracked painted surface. Great Hostess Stand
Category
Vintage 1920s American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Auffray
Co French Louis XV Provincial Tooled Leather Bureau Plat Writing Desk
By Auffray Furniture
Located in Dayton, OH
Custom ordered French Provincial Bureau Plat or lady's writing desk by Auffray & Company. Features
Category
Vintage 1970s Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Oak, Walnut, Paint
English Chinoiserie Painted Leather Top Desk and Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1900s English Serpentine embossed leather top chinoiserie painted desk and chair. Chair size: 39.5
Category
Antique Early 1900s English Chinoiserie Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Directoire Style Painted Desk with Leather Top
Located in Austin, TX
Painted Directoire style desk with leather top. This piece is made of solid mahogany and hand
Category
Vintage 1910s French Directoire Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Antique Gustavian White Painted Side Table Small Writing Table, Sweden circa 180
Located in Round Top, TX
Swedish Gustavian style side table, may also be used as a small desk.
Lovely turned and carved
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Paint
Gustavian Black Painted Executive Desk Green with Leather Top
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
wheels.
The writing desk has great vintage patina to the paint and to the original leather top.
Category
Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
19th Century Painted Swedish Ladies Writing Table, Sweden circa 1880
Located in Charleston, SC
Elegant, large 19th century oval shaped, painted Gustavian style ladies writing table, Sweden
Category
Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Spanish 19th Century Renaissance Style Desk in Painted Wood
Located in Round Top, TX
A very handsome Spanish 19th century Renaissance style desk in painted wood. The writing surface
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Spanish Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Chinoiserie Black Lacquer and Mother of Pearl Writing Desk Table and Chair
Located in West Hartford, CT
Exquisite black lacquer and mother of pearl desk that combines the rich heritage of Asian
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood, Lacquer, Paint
Studio BBPR Arco Writing Desk in Metal and Wood for Olivetti Synthesis 1960s
By Olivetti, Studio BBPR
Located in Cascina, Pisa
"Studio BBPR (Banfi, Belgioioso, Peressutti, Rogers)"
Arco writing desk in painted metal and
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Adams Style Vernis Martin Paint Decorated Antique Cylinder Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Antique Adams style distressed paint decorated cylinder desk. Roll top desk containing storage, 2
Category
Early 20th Century Adam Style Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
19th Century Simulated Marble Painted Italian Desk
Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex
Painted Italian Desk, smart cabriole legs, extraordinary faux marble painted top, blue base. Later
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
19th Century French Painted Leather Top Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Desk is painted black with maroon detailing and leather. The desk has 3 drawers.
Category
Antique 19th Century French Desks and Writing Tables
Marbled Hand Painted Marble Painted Twin Pedestal Partner Desk Oxblood Leather
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
writing surface
A very rare desk, I’ve never seen another with the faux marble hand painted finished
Category
20th Century English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
Louis XVI Period Hand Painted Pine Desk
Located in Austin, TX
Beautiful French antique solid pine desk from the Louis XVI period. Hand painted with elegant
Category
Antique 19th Century French Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
20th Century Louis XV Style Painted Desk
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
20th century Louis XV style painted desk
Painted in a soft pale oyster white with subtle
Category
20th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
18th Century Louis XVI Pine Painted Desk
Located in Charlottesville, VA
This is a beautiful painted desk. A nice worn patina with carved details.
Category
Antique 18th Century Swedish Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
19thC French Painted White Pine Console / Desk
Located in Staffordshire, GB
Circa 1880
19thC French Painted White Pine Console /Desk
Measures: W170 x D55 x H74 cm.
Category
Antique 1880s French Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Swedish Original Painted 2-Drawer Blue Desk
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Swedish original painted 2-drawer blue desk with a natural wood finished top.
Category
Antique 1880s Swedish Country Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Aesthetic Movement Mahogany Painted Desk, Circa 1880
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement mahogany desk, circa 1880.
From the Estate of Max Clendinning and Ralph
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Midcentury Rosewood Desk with Blackboard Paint Top
Located in London, GB
A small rosewood desk with blackboard paint top and a chest of drawers, one with lock, and original
Category
Vintage 1960s British Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
White Painted French Desk with Leather Top
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A white painted cabriole leg, hoof foot French ladies desk with 2 drawers, highlighted with rose
Category
Early 20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables
Sheraton Style Painted Vintage Dressing Table Desk
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Rich in character, a slightly weathered dressing table or desk painted a wonderful goldish yellow
Category
Vintage 1920s American Sheraton Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Vintage Pine French Style Painted Blue and White Desk
Located in Centennial, CO
A charming and functional vintage pine French neoclassical style writing desk. Recently painted
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Revival Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Red Painted Vintage Campaign Desk on Stand
Located in Bridgeport, CT
stretchers.
Condition: it appears the desk was painted with chalk paint and the storage pad got stuck to the
Category
20th Century Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Hitchcock Style Painted Work Table or Desk
By Lambert Hitchcock
Located in Rio Vista, CA
19th century Federal work table or desk. Made in the style of Lambert Hitchcock. Featuring an
Category
Antique 19th Century American Rustic Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Antique Painted Desk in Light Colors from France, 1930s
Located in Lejre, DK
Antique painted desk in light colors from France, circa 1930s. The table is in great vintage
Category
Vintage 1930s French Other Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Large Black Painted Gustavian 3-Drawer Office Desk Table
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large black painted Gustavian 3-drawer office desk, Sweden.
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Swedish Early 19th Century Painted Wood Drop-Front Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish early 19th century period Karl Johan painted wood drop-front desk over two lower drawers
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Karl Johan Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
French Writing Table
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Late 19th C French two drawer writing table / desk. 1890.
Height of the top is 30.5", clearance
Category
Antique 19th Century French Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
$1,916
A 19th Century European Painted Kneehole Desk
Located in Conwy, GB
drawers all with their original brasses.
The simple painted decoration applied to the worn red painted
Category
Antique Early 19th Century European Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Swedish Desk 19th Century in Black Original Paint
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A rustic writing desk made during the 19th century in Sweden. Made of pine wood and original black
Category
Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
19th Century French Louis XV Style Table Desk, Painted
Located in Houston, US
Lovely early interpretation of Louis XV with graceful chambered legs and one drawer. Painted in
Category
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
French 18th Century Painted Louis XV Table / Small Desk
Located in Buisson, FR
Wonderful small Louis XV table /desk with stunning patina. Great feature is the hidden drawer on
Category
Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Rare Pair of Painted Swedish Gustavian Style Desks
Located in Manhasset, NY
A very handsome and rare pair of 19th century Swedish Gustavian style writing desks, each overall
Category
Antique 19th Century Swedish Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Vintage Modernist Danish Desk with Hand-Painted Pattern, 1960s
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This Danish teak desk was produced during the 1960s. Uniform shape, modernist form and symmetry
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Czech Black Painted Beechwood and Tubular Chrome Bauhaus Desk
By Rudolf Vichr
Located in Vienna, AT
Very charming small desk with a frame in tubular chromed steel.
Manufactured in Czech Republik, in
Category
Vintage 1930s Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome
1920s Pine Faux Bamboo Painted Knee Hole Desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
1920s pine knee hole desk with faux bamboo decoration.
Originally would have been fitted with a
Category
Early 20th Century British Victorian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Swedish Writing Table
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
19th century Swedish 2-drawer writing table, 1840
Clearance - 24.5" (62cms)
Dimensions:
47
Category
Antique 19th Century Swedish Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Louis XV Style White-Painted Bureau Plat or Lady
s Writing Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Walnut; un-stamped or signed; brown leather writing surface mounted in a scalloped and gilded
Category
20th Century Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut, Leather
- 1
- ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Painted Writing Desk", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.
Painted Writing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs
Find many varieties of an authentic painted writing desk available at 1stDibs. A painted writing desk — often made from wood, metal and paint — can elevate any home. If you’re shopping for a painted writing desk, we have 622 options in-stock, while there are 23 modern editions to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer painted writing desk, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. A painted writing desk is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Mid-Century Modern, Louis XVI and Louis XV styles are sought with frequency. A well-made painted writing desk has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Ale Preda, Miduny and John Widdicomb are consistently popular.
How Much is a Painted Writing Desk?
A painted writing desk can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $3,262, while the lowest priced sells for $325 and the highest can go for as much as $78,500.
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 Painted 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 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 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 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.
- Can I paint a leather desk top?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021Yes, you can paint a leather desk top. You can transform an old leather desk top and add visual appeal with easy-to-use leather paint. If you don’t feel confident in trying this by yourself, get in touch with a furniture restorer or related professional for help. Find a variety of leather desk tops on 1stDibs.
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
Shell Encrusted Table
1960s Bassett
1960s Bassett Furniture
Angelika Kauffmann
Baltimore Federal
Secretary Birds
Amy Howard Painted Furniture
Bassett Chinoiserie
Cane Secretary Desk
Caned Secretary
Floral Painted Desk
French Provincial Desk Chair
Ladies Desk Chair
Writing Desk With Casters
Amy Howard Collection
Mazarin Writing Desk
Old World Desks
Swedish Writing Desk With Reeded Drawers