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Masculine 19th Century Big and Roomy Roll Top Desk
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Classically masculine beautifully constructed big old oak roll top desk having double bases with
Category

Antique 19th Century American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Faux Bamboo Base Campaign Secretary Roll Top Style Desk
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice Mid-Century Modern Campaign style desk with two neat roll top or tambour doors
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

American Mission Oak Roll Top Desk and Matching Chair
Located in Queens, NY
American Mission style oak child's roll top desk with 2 drawers on right side with matching swivel
Category

Early 20th Century American Mission Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

19th century William IV mahogany roll top writing desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Fine quality English mahogany roll top desk circa 1830. Rare piece of English furniture we found
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique Horner School Oak S-Roll Top Desk C1910
Located in Big Flats, NY
the manner of Horner offers paneled oak construction with s-roll top opening to interior with storage
Category

Early 20th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique American Victorian Eastlake Walnut Cylinder Roll-Top Desk Secretary 1875
Located in Portland, OR
Antique American Eastlake walnut cylinder roll-top desk, 1875. The desk having a carved gallery
Category

Antique 1870s American Eastlake Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Hobbs Co Louis XVI Style Mahogany and Brass Roll Top Desk
By Hobbs Co.
Located in Locust Valley, NY
Hobbs & Co. Louis XVI style mahogany and brass roll top desk. Roll top lifts to expose black
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique Victorian Eastlake Half Cylinder Walnut Roll Top Secretary Writing Desk
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Victorian period Eastlake cylinder roll top secretary writing desk, circa 1880s. Made of
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Eastlake Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Oak Ladies S-Roll Top Paneled Desk Circa 1910
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique ladies desk offers paneled oak construction with s-roll top opening to compartmentalized
Category

Early 20th Century American Desks

Materials

Oak

Derby School Paneled Oak Roll Top Desk with Full Interior, Circa 1900
Located in Savannah, GA
Derby School Paneled Oak Roll Top Desk with Full Interior, Circa 1900. Roll top desk has paneled
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Swedish Art Moderne Burl Elm Roll-Top Writing Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
Beautiful roll-top writing desk in elm with burl elm veneer. Top rolls up to reveal cubbyholes
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires

Materials

Elm, Burl

Antique 1830 Wooden Tambour Campaign Lap Roll Top Desk
Located in Stamford, CT
Antique 1830 wooden tambour lap campaign roll top desk. This is truly a unique piece when opened
Category

Antique 1830s English Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique American Victorian Oak Roll Top S Curve Tambor Desk, circa 1880
Located in Portland, OR
A good antique American oak roll top 's Curve' Tambor desk, circa 1880. The desk having a band of
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Late Victorian Desks

Materials

Oak

19th Century German Biedermeier Roll Top Desk
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
An exceptional Biedermeier roll top desk or secretary from the 19th century. This desk has all the
Category

Antique 19th Century German Biedermeier Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Mahogany, Walnut

John Kapel Roll Top Desk
By John Kapel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A rare John Kapel design manufactured by Glenn of California.Beautiful original condition and a wonderful design. sold with the original tear sheet
Category

Vintage 1960s American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Rare Wooten Style Roll Top Desk by D.S. Rickaby, Quebec
Located in Milford, NH
A rare form wooten style two part roll top desk with bird's-eye maple veneer, an S roll top which
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Canadian Desks

Materials

Birdseye Maple

Early Tambour Roll-Top Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Berlin, DE
Early tambour roll-top desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960s in its original condition.
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century Modern Roll Top Desk in Black Walnut after George Nelson
By George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek classic looking mid century roll top desk. Great interior storage for books and pencil tray.
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Austrian Biedermeier Roll Top Desk in Bird s-Eye Maple with Cabriolet Feet
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Biedermeier roll top desk was realized in Vienna Austria, circa 1860. Sitting on
Category

Antique 1860s Austrian Biedermeier Desks

Materials

Maple

Campaign Roll Top Desk on Gilt X-Form Legs by Drexel
By Drexel
Located in Peabody, MA
Campaign desk with roll top side elements, finished in a pale shade of pastel pink, on giltwood X
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Giltwood, Wood

Rosewood and Mahogany Roll Top Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rosewood and mahogany roll top desk, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American, circa 1960s
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

18th Century Louis XVI Bureau à Cylindre or Roll Top Desk
Located in Winter Park, FL
A fine 18th century Louis XVI period bureau à cylindre, or roll top desk, made of solid walnut with
Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Danish Modern Roll Top Desk, Dresser or Cabinet in Teak
By Finn Juhl, Arne Vodder
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine looking roll top Scandinavian desk made in the 1970s. It features beautiful teak veneers and
Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Antique Derby School Paneled Oak S-Curve Roll Top Desk circa, 1910
By Derby Desk Company
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique roll top desk in the manner of Derby offers oak construction with s-curve top opening to
Category

Early 20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

18th Century Louis XVI Bureau à Cylindre or Roll Top Desk
Located in Winter Park, FL
A fine 18h century Louis XVI period bureau à cylindre, or roll top desk, made of solid walnut with
Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Rare Large George Nelson Roll Top Tambour Action Desk
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
This unique roll-top writing desk is from the Herman Miller "Action Office" line and features a
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

British Colonial Teakwood Roll Top Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
This Burmese teakwood desk serves a dual purpose as both a place for writing, as well as storage. The curved solid wood cover slides back to reveal cubbyholes and a pull-out writing ...
Category

Early 20th Century Burmese British Colonial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Rosewood and Mahogany Roll Top Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rosewood and mahogany roll top desk, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American, circa 1960s
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Biedermeier Secretary Desk, Roll Top, Walnut Marquetry, Germany, 19th Century
Located in Wrocław, Poland
floral motifs and a figure of a young man, perhaps a young hunter. When pulling up the rolled top, the
Category

Antique 19th Century German Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Wood, Walnut

George Nelson for Herman Miller Action Office 1 Roll Top Desk
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Waalwijk, NL
, roll top desk model 64916, polished aluminum, plastic laminate, wood, United States, design 1953
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Danish Mid-Century Modern Solid Teak Pull Out Roll Top Desk Drawers Chair Mint
By Peter Hvidt, Hadsten Traeindustri
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Danish Mid-Century Modern solid teak pull out roll top desk drawers chair mint. Accompanying
Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Derby School Paneled Quarter Sawn Oak S-Roll Top Desk by Cutler
By Derby Desk Company
Located in Big Flats, NY
construction with S-form roll top opening to interior pigeon holes and drawers; paneled sides and back
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Desks

Materials

Oak

Antique Oak S-Roll Top Desk with Raised Panels Full Drawer Interior circa 1900
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique desk offers paneled oak construction with s-roll top opening to full interior
Category

Early 20th Century Desks

Materials

Oak

Mid-Century Modern Teak Roll Top Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A beautiful vintage teak desk, featuring a roll up door revealing generous storage compartments and
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Heywood-Wakefield Streamlined Roll Top Desk, 1960s
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Classic American midcentury Heywood-Wakefield Petite Tambour Desk. With finished back. Featuring six interior compartments. Legs attach and detach with wingnuts. Amber finish. Rarity...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birch

Swedish Art Moderne Roll-Top Writing Desk in Elm with Burl Elm Accents
Located in Atlanta, GA
Beautiful roll-top writing desk in Elm with Bookmatched Elm veneer. Top rolls up to reveal
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Burl, Elm

Swedish Art Moderne Roll-Top Writing Desk in Elm with Burl Elm Accents
Located in Atlanta, GA
Beautiful roll-top writing desk in Elm with Burl Elm veneer. Top rolls up to reveal cubbyholes and
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Burl, Elm

Mid-Century Desk with Roll-Top, Walnut Veneer, 1950s, Fully Restored
Located in Wrocław, Poland
features a generous writing surface covered with a roll-top. Under the writing top you will find a spacious
Category

Vintage 1950s Polish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Louis XVI Bureau à Cylindre or Roll Top Desk
Located in Winter Park, FL
An 18th century Louis XVI bureau à cylindre, or roll top desk, made of solid and veneer of mahogany
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century European Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage Drexel Campaign Desk And Chair with Gilt X-Base Legs, Roll Top
By Drexel
Located in Stamford, CT
Fabulous vintage Campaign style low roll top desk with gilt X-leg base by Drexel. A handsome desk
Category

Mid-20th Century American Campaign Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Hekman Walnut and Brass Roll Top Writing Desk
By Hekman Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Well made writing desk by Hekman. Walnut with brass hexagonal shape legs with brass stretchers and hardware.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

English Edwardian Fully Fitted Solid Oak Roll Top Twin Pedestal Desk
Located in Leicester, GB
Beautiful English Edwardian double pedestal, roll top oak desk. Handsomely made by ‘HLL’ Harris
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Rare Mid-Century Modern Desk with Roll-Top, Walnut Veneer, 1950s, Fully Restored
Located in Wrocław, Poland
features a generous writing surface covered with a roll-top. Under the writing top you will find a spacious
Category

Vintage 1950s Polish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Rare Mid-Century Modern Desk with Roll-Top, Walnut Veneer, 1950s, Fully Restored
Located in Wrocław, Poland
features a generous writing surface covered with a roll-top. Under the writing top you will find a spacious
Category

Vintage 1950s Polish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mastercraft Compact Brass Cylinder Roll Top Desk Writing Table
By Mastercraft
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern brass cylinder top faux bamboo base legs, embossed black leather pull out top
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Danish Modern Roll Top Desk or Dresser in Rosewood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A writing desk and cabinet from Denmark circa 1960's. It features beautifully grained rosewood with tons of storage. Writing table extends outwards which isn't shown in photos. Comes...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Italian "Maia" Roll Top Tambour Desk by Giotto Stoppino for Bernini
By Giotto Stoppino, Bernini
Located in London, GB
Stoppino. Supported on tubular chromed legs, the rich wood top with rolling tambour, which reveals the
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Action Office High Roll-Top Desk with Perch by George Nelson
By Herman Miller, Robert Propst, George Nelson
Located in Dronten, NL
Propst for Herman Miller. Featuring an ash tambour top that opens up to reveal a large laminate working
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

French Directoire Roll-Top Writing Desk From Savoy Hotel In London
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Antique cylinder desk from the London Savoy Hotel, label no 968.
Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Directoire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Very Fine 19th Century Louis XVI Roll Top Desk by Paul Sormani
By Paul Sormani
Located in Dallas, TX
bronze mounts with a beautiful marble top. Signed Paul Sormani.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Restored Roll-Top Vi-Ma Danish Teak Desk with Hidden Filing Cabinet
By Arne Vodder
Located in Chattanooga, TN
the table top to reveal a filing cabinet space. The standard size filing cabinet is the perfect space
Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

Standing-Height Roll-Top Desk and Chair by George Nelson "Action Office"
By George Nelson
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Large standing-height desk with matching chair by Herman Miller. Desk with lockable writing surface and storage compartment, four drawers at the front. The desk comes with optional p...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Mid Century Danish Modern Roll Top Desk or Dresser in Teak Wood with Cabinet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A writing desk and cabinet from Denmark circa 1960's. It features beautifully grained teak with tons of storage. Writing table extends outwards as shown in photos. No key present but...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Mid Century Walnut Desk with Tambour Top by Sligh-Lowry
By Sligh-Lowry Furniture Co.
Located in Astoria, NY
A vintage walnut roll-top writing desk by Sligh-Lowry; marked inside drawer. Age appropriate wear.
Category

20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique French Walnut Tambour Top Desk
Located in Denton, TX
Rare 19th century French walnut roll top desk in the style of Louis XV. The tambour door locks with
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Extravagant Professional "Eden" Desk with Tambourd Top File Cabinets
By Magnussen and Claussen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Eden desk" by Magnussen and Claussen for Eden Holland. Three roll top file cabinets, three hidden
Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Writing Desk by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Bernini
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage writing desk by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, Italy. This roll top design opens by
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Aluminum

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Roll Top Desks For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of roll top desks for sale on 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, metal and mahogany, all roll top desks available were constructed with great care. There are 434 antique and vintage roll top desks for sale at 1stDibs, while we also have 2 modern editions to choose from as well. Roll top desks have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. Roll top desks made by mid-century modern designers — as well as those associated with Louis XVI — are very popular at 1stDibs. Many roll top desks are appealing in their simplicity, but George Nelson, Edward Wormley and Herman Miller produced popular roll top desks that are worth a look.

How Much are Roll Top Desks?

The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $4,408, while they’re typically $325 on the low end and $1,919,381 highest priced.

Finding the Right Desks And 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 Roll Top Desks
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A roll top desk kept small essentials and paperwork organized. The roll top design was ideal for business people to secure their desks at the end of the day without filing away their work. Browse a variety of roll top desks on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A roll top desk is a piece of furniture that has a wooden cover that can be pulled down when the desk is not in use. Shop a collection of roll top furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Roll-top desks are originally from the late 18th century in the Georgian era of England. By the middle of the Victorian era, they were found in most offices and produced on a large scale. Shop a range of antique roll-top desks on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Sometimes, roll-top desks are called tambours, sliding roll desks or roll-up desks. However, roll-top is the most commonly used name. The style of desk became popular during the 19th century. You can find a range of roll-top desks on 1stDibs.
  • 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 ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    A roll top desk can be worth anywhere between $3,000 to $6,000, depending on the condition, materials used and time of manufacturing. Roll top desks are expensive, as they are very popular on the antique furniture market and are considered timeless collectibles. Shop a range of antique and vintage roll top desks on 1stDibs.
  • 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 ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    The leather top on a desk is usually just called a leather top. However, some people refer to it as a leather insert or leather writing surface. The thin pieces of leather that go into making leather-top desks are known as skivers. Shop a variety of desks from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021
    Yes, 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.