Used Writing Desks
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Vintage French Provincial Style Carved Antique White Writing Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
Matched Satin Writing Desk
Vintage French Provincial 3-drawer writing desk with an antique-white carved
Category
Mid-20th Century French Rococo Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
19th-century French writing desk
Located in Cheshire, GB
This exquisite 19th-century French writing desk, or bureau de dame, showcases the elegance and
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Antique Carved Wood Writing Desk
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Spectacular Antique Carved Wood Writing Desk. In good condition. This table has so many carved
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Unknown Renaissance Revival Desks and Writing...
Materials
Wood
$3,840 Sale Price
20% Off
Unique wall unit with methacrylate top writing desk
By Italian school XX ct.
Located in Milano, IT
COD-CV026
Unique wall unit with methacrylate top writing desk with one drawer, newspaper holder and
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Kent Coffey "The Sequence" Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk
By Kent-Coffey
Located in West Chester, PA
Mid-Century Modern four drawer writing desk from the Sequence line by Kent-Coffey.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
19th Century Writing Desk with Drawer
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This is an elegant antique writing desk, commonly referred to as a “bureau plat,” likely dating
Category
Antique 19th Century French Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
1960s National Mt Airy Mahogany Chippendale Writing Desk
By National Mt. Airy
Located in Germantown, MD
Vintage Mahogany Chippendale writing desk by National Mount Airy Furniture of North Carolina
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Chippendale Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
English Mahogany Leather Top Writing Desk, Circa 1780
Located in Charleston, SC
English mahogany two-drawer leather top writing desk with carved molded edge, original brasses and
Category
Antique 1790s English George III Desks and Writing Tables
NV 40 - Writing desk in rosewood by Finn Juhl
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in Copenhagen, DK
NV 40 - Rare writing desk in rosewood with mirror and recessed brass handles and three compartments.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Louis XV Leather Top Cocobola Wood Writing Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare and remarkable Louis XV style ladies writing desk handcrafted in exotic cocobola wood with a
Category
Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Cocobolo
Antique William IV Writing Desk
Located in London, GB
A beautiful and very well made antique William IV writing desk. This was made in England, it dates
Category
Antique 1830s British William IV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Coen de Vries Petite Writing Desk, 1954
By Devo, Coen de Vries
Located in Dronten, NL
Beautiful designed, original Mid-Century Modern petite writing desk with black dye birch X-base
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Formica, Birch
18th Century Black Rococo Writing Desk Table
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A beautifully crafted French Rococo writing desk from the Late 18th Century or Early 19th Century
Category
Antique 1780s French Rococo Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Mahogany Writing Desk with Satinwood Inlay
Located in Cheshire, GB
A fine quality Edwardian mahogany writing desk featuring elegant satinwood inlay and a rich patina
Category
Early 20th Century British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
18th Century, Gentleman
s Writing Desk and Games Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful, circa 1780, hand carved, petite writing desk inset with game chess and backgammon game
Category
Antique 1780s French Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Romweber Spanish Baroque Carved Pine Writing Desk
By Jim Peed, Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Spanish Baroque style writing desk
By Jim Peed for Romweber
USA, Circa 1990s
Category
Late 20th Century American Baroque Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Chinoiserie Ivory Lacquered Writing Desk With Carved Panels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chinoiserie ivory lacquered writing desk with carved panels. Perfect as a computer work station
Category
Vintage 1930s Chinese Chinoiserie Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Vintage 1970s Lucite and Laminate 2- Drawer Writing Desk
By Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1970s Lucite and Laminate 2-Drawer Writing Desk
Offered for sale is a vintage 1970s
Category
Vintage 1970s Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Formica, Lucite
Mid 20th Century Vintage Heywood Wakefield Writing Desk
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Upgrade your workspace with the Vintage MCM Heywood Wakefield Writing Desk. This iconic mid-century
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Bleached Italian Patchwork Veneer Writing Desk, c.1950
Located in Savannah, GA
A bleached Italian patchwork veneer writing desk, circa 1950.
Three drawers that can face the wall
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
McGuire Whitewash Oak Writing Desk and Chair
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Beautiful 1970’s McGuire writing desk and chair design by Elinor McGuire.
The desk is solid
Category
Vintage 1970s American Hollywood Regency Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
$6,000 / set
Modern Lacquered Writing Desk with Brass Accents by John Stuart
By John Stuart
Located in Dallas, TX
A timeless vintage piece, this midcentury writing desk feels glamourous, manufactured for John
Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
20th Century American Walnut, Cherrywood Writing Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century modern American writing desk. The small office table is composed with three
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass, Metallic Thread
Memphis Writing Desk, Aldo Cibic, Memphis Milano, 1985
By Aldo Cibic, Memphis Milano
Located in Renens, CH
Rare "Sophia" Writing Desk by Aldo Cibic for Memphis Milano, 1985.
Aldo Cibic, an associate of
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Laminate, Wood
French Charles X Writing Desk
Located in New Orleans, LA
The epitome of French elegance and style, this French Charles X-style writing desk takes the
Category
Antique 19th Century French Charles X Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Scandinavian Veneered Biedermeier Writing Desk with Lyres
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A small mahogany and walnut veneered table or writing desk with brass holders in the lyres formed
Category
Antique Early 1800s Scandinavian Empire Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
1940
s Traditional style 9 Drawer Mahogany Writing Desk
Located in Opa Locka, FL
c1940's Traditional style 9 Drawer Mahogany Writing Desk. Finished all the way around and can be
Category
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
$2,380 Sale Price
20% Off
Writing Desk
Located in London, England
French two drawer bureau plat with brass moulds and parquetry inlaid top.
Circa 1900.
H 75cm (AH 63cm) x W 111cm x D 66cm
Please be in touch for an accurate shipping quote.
Category
Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
$5,264
Stickley American Colonial Cherry Wood Writing Desk, 1960
By L.
J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous American Colonial style writing desk or entry table
By L. & J.G. Stickley
USA
Category
Vintage 1960s American American Colonial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Italian Walnut Louis XV Bombay Style Writing Desk, 1960
Located in Chicago, IL
Italian Walnut Louis XV Bombay Style Writing Desk, 1960s. Desk is in original condition with
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Scandinavian Ergonomic Design Writing Desk and Stool, Stokke, 1980
s
By Stokke
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Scandinavian ergonomic design writing desk with pivoting stool, made by Stokke, Norway 1980
Category
Vintage 1980s Norwegian Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
$1,376 Sale Price / set
20% Off
17th Spanish Refectory Table, Writing Desk, One Large Drawer
Located in Miami, FL
17th Spanish refectory table. Writing desk. One large drawer
The top its circa 1680, the legs circa
Category
Antique 17th Century Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables
1980s English Root Wood Writing Desk with Door and Drawers
Located in Marbella, ES
1980s English root wood writing desk with door and drawers.
Category
Late 20th Century English Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
French Jacques Adnet Brass Mounted Black Lacquered Writing Desk
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Queens, NY
French 1940s brass mounted black lacquered bureau plat /writing desk with tan leather inset top
Category
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Antique French Neoclassic Two Drawer Inlaid Writing Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome 19th century French Restoration period writing desk handcrafted in exotic woods including
Category
Antique Early 19th Century French Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
20th Century Wood French Louis XV Style Writing Desk, 1920
Located in Miami, FL
20th century Louis XV style French walnut writing desk with three drawers and cabriolet legs
Category
Early 20th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Italian Baroque Carved Walnut Writing Desk with Lyre Base
Located in Hopewell, NJ
An Italian Baroque style walnut writing desk table with drawers and lyre shaped base legs and
Category
Antique Early 1800s Italian Baroque Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wrought Iron
Vintage Modern Walnut Writing Desk by Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern writing desk by Harvey Probber. This desk features walnut construction, ample
Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
19th Century French Louis XV Style Ormolu Mounted Writing Desk
Located in London, GB
19th century French Louis XV style ormolu mounted writing desk
French, Late 19th Century
Height
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu
Walnut Writing Desk in the Manner of Gillows
Located in Cheshire, GB
Walnut writing desk almost certainly by Gillows, the large rectangular rounded top with inset
Category
Antique 19th Century British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
$6,565 Sale Price
38% Off
Italian Style Carved Writing Desk With Red Leather Top
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian style writing desk with red leather top. Each drawer is lined with leather. Amazing quality
Category
Vintage 1950s American Other Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Other
19th Century Unique Restored Austrian Biedermeier Maple Writing Desk, 1830s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Biedermeier writing desk
Completely restored.
Shellac polish.
Material: Maple
Source: Austria
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Maple, Lacquer
$2,278 Sale Price
20% Off
20th Century French Bureau Plat/ Writing Desk
Located in Berlin, DE
20th century French bureau plat/ writing desk
In Bois Satiné veneer, mirror veneer covering all
Category
20th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Swedish Gustavian Writing Desk, Late 18th Century, Late 1700s
Located in New York, NY
A Swedish late Gustavian writing desk, late 18th century in excellent antique condition.
Key
Category
Antique Late 18th Century Scandinavian Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Small Ladies
Writing Desk From the Early 20th Century in Brown
Located in Opole, PL
Small Ladies' Writing Desk From the Early 20th Century in Brown
A small, simple ladies' writing
Category
Early 20th Century British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Fabric, Wood
$1,376 Sale Price
20% Off
Postmodern Memphis Design Writing Desk, Germany, 1980s
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
This striking postmodern writing desk exemplifies the bold aesthetics of the Memphis design
Category
Vintage 1980s German Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
English Zebra Wood Military Campaign Writing Desk, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
English zebra wood military campaign writing desk with brass bound molded edges, original recessed
Category
Antique 1820s American Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Erik Risager Hansen Oak Writing Desk, c1950s
By Severin Hansen Jr., Erik Riisager Hansen 1, Haslev Mobelsnedkeri
Located in London, England
Erik Risager Hansen - Model 66 Writing Desk
This exquisitely made desk from Severin Hansen Jnr
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Antique French Napoleon Brass Ormolu Mounted 3 Drawer Writing Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Napoleon Brass Ormolu Mounted 3 Drawer Writing Desk
Antique French Napoleon III
Category
Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu
C19th French Ormolu Mounted Louis XV1 Style Writing Desk
By Paul Somani
Located in London, GB
Louis XV1 Style French Writing Desk
In the Manner of Francois Linke
Finished on Both sides so could
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Kingwood
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Writing Desk by Mainline
By Mainline by Hooker
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elegant, functional, and full of mid-century quality, this vintage writing desk by Mainline stands
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Louis XV Style, Ormolu-Mounted, Bronze Dore, Bureau Plat, Writing Desk!
Located in Austin, TX
Gorgeous Louis XV Style, Ormolu-Mounted, Bronze Dore, Bureau Plat, Writing Desk!
Louis XV Style
Category
Late 20th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu
$4,838 Sale Price
20% Off
French 19th Century Mahogany Travel Writing Desk
Located in London, GB
French 19th century mahogany travel writing desk
French, 19th century
Measures: Height 94cm
Category
Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu
1940s Italian Writing Desk in Ash and Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Writing desk, ash, brass, Italy, 1940s
Made in Italy, this writing desk is a testament to the
Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Antique Georgian Revival Mahogany Writing Desk c.1880–1900, Dressing Table
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique Georgian Revival Mahogany Writing Desk c.1880–1900 – Fine Quality, Dressing Table
A fine
Category
Antique 19th Century Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
$1,910 Sale Price
30% Off
19th Century Gustavian Writing Desk by Johan Oman
By Johan Öman
Located in New York, NY
A 19th century writing desk by Swedish Master Cabinet Maker Johan Öman (1789-1833) who worked for
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
1960
s Mid Century Modern Copper Clad Writing Desk with Matching Chair
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1960's Mid Century Modern Copper Clad Writing Desk with Matching Chair on Rollers. Very beautiful
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Copper
$3,024 Sale Price
20% Off
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Used Writing Desks For Sale on 1stDibs
There is a range of used writing desks for sale on 1stDibs. The range of distinct used writing desks — often made from wood, metal and hardwood — can elevate any home. There are all kinds of used writing desks available, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. There are many kinds of used writing desks to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern and Victorian used writing desks are of considerable interest. Paul McCobb, Herman Miller and George Nelson each produced beautiful used writing desks that are worth considering.
How Much are Used Writing Desks?
Used writing desks can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $4,408, while the lowest priced sells for $1 and the highest can go for as much as $1,844,713.
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 Used Writing Desks
- 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.
- What are desk blotters used for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Desk blotters are used to protect the top of a table or desk. It helps prevent scratches and absorbs dripped or spilled ink and paint. Desk pad is another name for a blotter. You'll find a selection of vintage and antique desk blotters on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Davenport desk is used for writing and is typically favored by women. The desk features a slanted top leather insert, a cupboard, slides and drawers to carry writing essentials. You’ll find a selection of antique Davenport desks on 1stDibs.
- 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 ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Because of their variety of sizes and range in function, console tables can easily work as a desk. Given their size and ease of mobility, a console table can be used in almost any sort of room.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, you can use a library table as a desk. In fact, many people like the spacious tops found on library tables because they usually have enough room to accommodate a computer and provide additional work space. Find a range of library tables on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023What an old-fashioned writing desk is called varies by design. Pieces with drop-down fronts are secretary desks (these are typically made of two parts: a chest of drawers on the bottom and a hutch or cupboard with shelves on the top), while ones that rest on two pillars, cabinets or bookcases are pedestal desks. A desk with a small writing surface positioned in front of drawers and cubbies is a bureau à gradin. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of desks.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023In French, the term for a writing desk that often featured a drop-down writing surface is secretaire. This type of desk is called a secretary desk in English. Simply put, a secretary desk is a multifunctional piece of furniture with a hinged writing surface that folds open or drops down. When the leaf is folded out, small inner storage compartments, which are called pigeonholes, cubbies, recesses or drawers, are revealed. On 1stDibs, shop antique secretary desks from some of the world's top sellers.
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