Roll Top Writing Desk
to
30
196
86
302
1
84
17
14
10
7
7
6
5
5
4
4
4
1
1
14
85
203
1
56
110
17
6
4
8
8
6
24
45
10
3
1
265
98
62
60
59
152
96
87
46
41
303
303
303
16
15
12
11
5
Sort By
Fantastic George Nelson Office Suite Desk and Return
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Fantastic desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller. This unique roll-top writing desk is from the
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Austrian Biedermeier Figured-Maple Roll-Top Antique Writing Desk circa 1830-1850
Located in Shippensburg, PA
Biedermeier figured maple roll-top desk
Austrian, circa 1830-1850
Item # 007HQP30L
With rich and
Category
Antique 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Desks
Materials
Baize, Maple
Mid Century Brutalist Style Half Cylinder Oak Roll Top Marble Writing Desk 53"
Located in Dayton, OH
A quaint mid century Brutalist style office desk. Features a dark oak finish and half cylinder
Category
Mid-20th Century Brutalist Desks
Materials
Marble
Antique Victorian Eastlake Aesthetic Maple Cylinder Roll Top Secretary Desk
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique 19th century Aesthetic period cylinder roll top secretary writing desk. Made of maplewood
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Secretaires
Materials
Leather, Maple
Carteggio Wood Drawer Cabinet by Aldo Rossi for Molteni Italy, 1987
By Aldo Rossi, Molteni
C
Located in Renens, CH
Molteni in 1987.
The cabinet is composed of a roll top hiding a writing desk that can be pulled out as
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Oak
19th Century Large Swedish Roll-Top Writing Desk
Located in Copenhagen, K
Amazing Swedish roll-top writing desk with a lot of drawers, storage, and secret places.
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Andreas Hansen Danish Roll Top Writing Desk
By Hadsten Traeindustri, Andreas Hansen
Located in Peabody, MA
Roll top writing desk by Andreas Hansen for Hadsten Træindustri, made in Denmark, circa 1970s
Category
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
Dunbar Style Roll Top Writing Desk
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dunbar style roll top writing desk. The desk features a walnut frame and tambour door, with black
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Vladimir Kagan Roll Top Writing Desk
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Vladimir Kagan roll top writing desk.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Antique Edwardian Sheridan Tambour Roll-top Writing Desk
Located in Miami, FL
Antique Edwardian Sheridan Tambour Roll-top writing desk
Offered for sale is an antique
Category
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Vintage Modern Roll Top Writing Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish modern roll top desk features a Lucite base and aluminum finish tambour desk. Pull out
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Lucite
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
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
Category
Mid-20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
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
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
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
Hekman Furniture Signed Walnut
Brass Roll-Top Writing Desk Mid-Century Modern
By Hekman Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A unique vintage Mid-Century Modern roll top desk by the Hekman Furniture Company of Grand Rapids
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Brass
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
Mid-Century Modern Rare Large George Nelson Roll Top Tambour Action Desk
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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
Swedish Art Moderne Oak Roll-Top Secretary Writing Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
Gorgeous roll-top writing desk in oak recently restored and refinished to a warm rich dark walnut
Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks
Materials
Brass
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
Mastercraft Compact Brass Cylinder Roll Top Desk Writing Table
By Mastercraft
Located in Rockaway, NJ
two drawers desk writing table by Mastercaft.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern 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
George Nelson Roll-Top Desk
By George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Lockable roll top desk with 4 pullout / pull-out
Category
Vintage 1960s American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Secretary Desk, Tambour Roll Top
By Bombay Furniture Co.
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
maintains it s sturdy structure, with good wood surface condition despite age. Roll top opens to an inlaid
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Ta...
Materials
Wood
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
$9,500
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
Category
Early 20th Century Burmese British Colonial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Teak Roll Top Desk by Proserpio Fratelli
By F.P. Fratelli Proserpio 1
Located in Brooklyn, NY
teak finish. Roll top writing industry opens up to offer a pull-out writing surface and concealed
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Antique Oak Roll Top Storage Secretary Desk
Located in New York, NY
This antique right-hand pedestal roll top desk features dovetailed drawers, 20 desktop compartments
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables
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
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
Mid-Century George Nelson Desk for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Fantastic desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller. This unique roll-top writing desk is from the
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
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
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Birch
Roll Top Secretary Desk by Andreas Hansen Hadsten
By Andreas Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Roll top secretary desk by Andreas Hansen Hadsten.
Category
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Maple
Egon Ostergaards Secretaire, Roll Top Desk 1960s Sweden
By Egon Ostergaard, SMF Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors
Located in Den Haag, NL
. The roll top has a geometrical veneer pattern. Under the roll top is a sliding desk shelf, Two small
Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Mid-Century Danish Modern Sculptural Teak Roll-Top Desk
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Danish Modern sculptural teak roll-top desk
Offered for sale is a Mid-century Danish
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Mid Century Walnut Roll-Top Secretary Desk by Hooker
By Hooker Furniture
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century walnut roll top desk designed and manufactured by Hooker furniture in the united states
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
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
19th Century Rosewood Large Roll Top Desk with Cabinet
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Grand roll top desk crafted in England from rosewood in original condition. Luxurious and singular
Category
Antique 1880s English British Colonial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 or Dresser in Rosewood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A writing desk and cabinet from Denmark circa 1960's. It features beautifully grained rosewood with
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
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
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
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
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
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
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
Italian "Maia" Roll Top Tambour Desk by Giotto Stoppino for Bernini
By Bernini, Giotto Stoppino
Located in London, GB
A superb example of this Iconic Italian desk manufactured by Bernini and designed by Giotto
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
Spectacular architect's desk from the Action Office Series designed by George Nelson & Robert
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum, Chrome
- 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Roll Top Writing Desk", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.
Roll Top Writing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs
With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the roll top writing desk you’re looking for. A roll top writing desk — often made from wood, metal and mahogany — can elevate any home. There are many kinds of the roll top writing desk you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. When you’re browsing for the right roll top writing desk, those designed in Mid-Century Modern, Victorian and Louis XVI styles are of considerable interest. A well-made roll top writing desk has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Edward Wormley, Dunbar and George Nelson are consistently popular.
How Much is a Roll Top Writing Desk?
A roll top writing desk can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $4,276, while the lowest priced sells for $325 and the highest can go for as much as $135,000.
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 Roll Top Writing Desk
- What is a roll top desk?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A 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, 2022Roll-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.
- What is a roll top desk called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Sometimes, 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, 2022A 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, 2022A 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, 2021A 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, 2022To 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.
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
Desk With Hinged Top
1940 Secretary Desk
Finn Juhl Dresser
Egon Ostergaard Swedish Teak Secretary Desk
Antique Cylinder Roll Top Secretary Desk
Cherry Roll Top Desk
Early Drafting Table Drafting Table 1920s
Roll Top Desk 1960s
Roll Top Secretary Desk Antique
Shaw Furniture Co
Antique Secretary Desk 1900S
Biedermeier Roll Top Desk
Edwardian Secretary Desk
Herter Bros
Quartersawn Oak Desk
Writing Desk With Wheels
1920s Roll Top Desk
American School Chair