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Used Writing Desks

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Antique French Ormolu Mounted Kingwood Inlay Slant-Front Writing Desk Ca. 1880
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Ormolu Mounted Kingwood with Inlay Slant-Front Writing Desk, Circa 1880.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

French Louis XV Style Bureau Plat Leather Top Writing Desk
Located in Hopewell, NJ
An outstanding French Louis XV style writing desk or bureau plat desk with bronze trim and ornate
Category

Vintage 1940s French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Walnut

A fine 19th c French red lacquered Chinoiserie inspired writing desk
Located in Dallas, TX
A very fine 19th century English Louis XV inspired red lacquered writing desk . Original leather
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

American Carved Cream Lacquered Solid Maple Writing Desk, Circa 1970
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous vintage Early American or Chippendale style writing desk USA, Circa 1970s Solid maple
Category

Vintage 1970s American Chippendale Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple, Lacquer

Antique c.1910 Walnut Figured 5-Drawer Writing Desk / Dressing Table
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique c.1910 Walnut Figured 5-Drawer Writing Desk / Dressing Table – Fine Quality A fine early
Category

Vintage 1910s British Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Beautiful rectangular Napoleon III Writing Desk early century black and gold
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful rectangular 1920 Napoleon III writing desk, walnut structure, walnut, leather top with
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Napoleon III Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

English Regency Style Tolled Leather And Walnut Writing Desk Table
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a late 20th century English regency style writing desk or table. It is walnut and has three
Category

Late 20th Century American Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

French Louis XV Black Lacquer Bronze Figural Ormolu Bureau Plat Writing Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Louis XV Style Black Lacquer Bronze Figural Ormolu Bureau Plat Writing Desk. Item
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Writing Desk, English, Steel, Victorian Pine, Shop Retail, Display Table
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage writing desk. An English, steel, oak and Victorian pine shop retail display table
Category

Late 20th Century British Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

French Provincial Louis XV Style Paint Decorated Writing Desk
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant and spacious French Provincial Louis XV style writing desk with two drawers and white
Category

20th Century American French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique Carved Ornate Japanese Export Hard Rosewood Writing Desk and Chair Set
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Carved Ornate Japanese Export Hard Rosewood Writing Desk and Chair Set This writing desk
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Anglo-Japanese Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Biedermeier Writing Desk
Located in New York, NY
the beautifully veneered stretcher and may be easily removed for cleaning or reupholstery. The writing
Category

Antique 1850s Austrian Biedermeier Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut, Fir

Mid-Century Modern Faux Wood Laminate Writing Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern Faux Wood Laminate Writing Desk. Designed to bring a timeless appeal to any home
Category

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

Materials

Laminate

Silvio Cavatorta Writing Desk in Mahogany
By Silvio Cavatorta
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Silvio Cavatorta, writing desk, mahogany, brass, Italy, design 1948-1949 This elegantly shaped
Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Emile Galle "Ombelles" Floral and Pastoral Marquetry Writing Desk
By Émile Gallé
Located in Queens, NY
French Art Nouveau writing desk featuring an open upper section with a marquetry inlaid pasteral
Category

20th Century French Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

A fine Regency period satinwood and leather top writing desk . Parcel gilt
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine 19th century Regency satinwood and parcel gilt two drawer writing desk . Original leather
Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Satinwood

Restored Biedermeier Writing Desk, Spruce, Maple Veneer, Austria, 1830s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant Biedermeier writing desk comes from Austria from the early 19th century. It is made of
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Maple, Lacquer, Spruce

19th Century Biedermeier Writing Desk/ Side Table, Nutwood, Austria, circa 1830
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
One of a kind, rare 19th century Biedermeier writing desk out of Austria veneered in fine nutwood
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Rococo Revival Oak Writing Desk in Brown, Early 20th Century
Located in Opole, PL
Rococo Revival Oak Writing Desk in Brown, Early 20th Century This piece of furniture, made
Category

Early 20th Century European Rococo Revival Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique English Inlaid Walnut and Gold Bronze Mounted Writing Desk, Circa 1880
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English inlaid walnut and gold bronze mounted writing desk with black leather top, Circa
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Writing Desk
Located in London, Park Royal
French, Napoleon III period, writing desk. Handmade in ebonized wood and cased with brass
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Desks

Materials

Bronze

1950 s Silvio Cavatorta elegant blond wood writing desk
By Silvio Cavatorta
Located in Milano, IT
Silvio Cavatorta (1899-1957) Elegant blond wood writing desk with two side drawers and magazine
Category

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

Materials

Maple

Gianfranco Frattini Writing Desk in Walnut, Italy, 1960s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Gianfranco Frattini in the 1960s, this Italian writing desk exemplifies his refined
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Writing Desk in Wood and Glass with Armchair
Located in Milano, IT
the 1920s/30s. The vintage writing desk is very rare and distinctive. The top is made entirely of
Category

Vintage 1920s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Andreas Hansen Danish Teak Roll Top Writing Desk Ca. 1980s
By Hadsten Traeindustri, Andreas Hansen
Located in Peabody, MA
Roll top writing desk by Andreas Hansen for Hadsten Træindustri, made in Denmark, circa 1980s
Category

Vintage 1980s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Teak

Writing Desk with Cabinet by Mojmír Požár for UP Závody Bučovice
By Up Závody, M. Požár
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Writing desk with cabinet by Mojmír Požár for UP Závody Bucovice in very good original condition
Category

Vintage 1960s Slovak Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Opaline Glass, Wood

Mid 20th Century Vintage Boho Burl Wood Flip Down Writing Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fantastic vintage Boho writing desk. A gorgeous Burl wood flip down design. Beautiful hand carved
Category

Mid-20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Italian Chrome X-Base Trestle Dining Table or Writing Desk
By Pace Collection
Located in Danville, CA
writing desk. The base will easily support a glass or stone top as large as 48 x 108 x 3/4. Base
Category

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

Materials

Stone, Chrome

19th Century Louis XV Style Writing Desk or Center Table
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
Extremely elegant Louis XV Style writing desk or center table, with a gracefully adorned floral
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze, Brass

A. Brandt Ranch Oak, Oak, Writing Desk and Chair, USA, 1950s
By A. Brandt Ranch Oak Furniture
Located in Manhasset, NY
A. Brandt Ranch Oak, Mid-Century Modern, Oak, Writing Desk and Chair, USA, 1950s A unique solid
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Vintage Heckman English Chippendale Tooled Leather Top Cabriole Leg Writing Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Heckman English Chippendale Style Tooled Leather Top Cabriole Leg Writing Desk Vintage
Category

Mid-20th Century American Chippendale Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

18th century Louis XVI Writing Desk, cherry veneer, South Germany
Located in Belmont, MA
Rare Louis XVI writing desk, South German 1780, exquisite cherry and plum wood veneer on front back
Category

Antique 1780s German Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry

Antique 19th Century Pitch Pine Vestry Writing Desk Fine Quality Dressing Table
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique 19th Century Pitch Pine Vestry Writing Desk – Gothic Revival Elegance, Ideal as Writing
Category

Antique 19th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Vintage Ercol Model 439 Writing Desk in Elm and Beech
By Lucian Ercolani, Ercol
Located in Seaford, GB
Vintage Ercol Model 439 Writing Desk Elm Beech Beautifully crafted and increasingly sought-after
Category

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

Materials

Beech, Elm

Antique Early American Country Farmhouse Slant Top School Student Writing Desk
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique early American schoolhouse / country / farmhouse writing desk. Made of poplar featuring a
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Classical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Poplar

Louis XV Style Bureau Plat Writing Desk, Rosewood and Ormulu
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Antique Louis XV style bureau plat writing desk, rosewood and Ormulu mounts, raised on cabriole
Category

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

Materials

Bronze

18th century Italian Paint Decorated Writing Desk with Drawer Circa 1760s
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Decorated Writing Desk, dating circa 1760s. A true antique treasure, this desk is a rare example of Italian
Category

Antique 1760s Italian Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut, Pine

Restored Bauhaus Oak Writing Desk Designed by Jindrich Halabala, 1930s, Czechia
By Up Závody, Jindřich Halabala
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Bauhaus oak writing desk designed by Jindrich Halabala. Period: 1930-1939. Source
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

French Provincial Louis XV Cream Lacquered Maple Top Writing Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Provincial Louis XV style writing desk USA, Late 20th Century Cream lacquered
Category

Late 20th Century American French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Wooden travel writing desk early 20th century with red velvet top
Located in Miami, FL
Travel writing desk in Mahogany wood with fruit wood filets . 3 Drawers The writing spot inside
Category

Early 20th Century Louis Philippe Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

19th Century Regency brass inlaid writing desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century regency brass inlaid writing desk circa 1925. Beautifully made regency period writing
Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Art Deco Writing Desk Designed by Czech Architect Jindřich Halabala, 1930s
By Jindřich Halabala, Up Závody
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
One of the most successful writing desk made in United Arts & Crafts Manufacture (UP) in Brno
Category

20th Century Czech Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Lacquer, Walnut

Ole Wanscher for A. J. Iversen writing desk in teak, 1950 s
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher for A. J. Iversen writing desk in teak. With handles and legs in brass. Made by A. J
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

French Louis XV Rococo Style Walnut Writing Desk Table Circa 1960s
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This elegant French Louis XV Rococo style writing desk showcases the timeless craftsmanship and
Category

Vintage 1960s North American Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Rosewood Writing Desk, Erik Riisager Hansen, Haslev Mobelsnedkeri, Denmark, 1950
By Haslev Mobelsnedkeri, Erik Riisager Hansen 1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rosewood Writing Desk, Erik Riisager Hansen, Haslev Mobelsnedkeri, Denmark, 1950s This rare
Category

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

Materials

Teak

20th Century Carved, Lacquered and Gilded Wood Italian Writing Desk, 1930
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
Italian writing desk from the mid-20th century. Furniture in carved, lacquered and gilded wood of
Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Writing Desk, Newly Refinished
By L. J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By L. & J.G
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Copper

Stickley Brothers Style Antique Oak Arts Crafts Writing Desk, Circa 1900
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Mission oak Arts Crafts writing desk or library table with built-in
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Late 18th Century Small Lady s Mahogany Writing Desk with Ink Pot Well
Located in Shrewsbury, GB
A superb George III lady's mahogany writing desk with hidden ink pots and a drawer, circa 1790. The
Category

Antique Late 18th Century George III Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Late Victorian Dutch Marquetry Writing Desk w/ Inlaid Table Top
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Late 19th century Dutch Marquetry Writing Desk with 6 drawers. Intricately crafted with traditional
Category

Antique 19th Century American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Spanish Charles IV Walnut Marquetry Writing Desk Side Table c. 1790
Located in London, GB
A fine Charles IV walnut writing desk/side table with decorative inlaid marquetry work in blonde
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Spanish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Regency Bonheur de Jour or Ladies Writing Desk
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Regency Bonheur de Jour or Ladies Writing Desk This is a rare piece indeed has a drop leaf in
Category

Antique Early 1800s Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Fruitwood

Hand-Crafted Early American Style Solid Pine Slant Front Writing Desk
Located in Germantown, MD
A beautifully hand-crafted early American Style Solid Pine Writing Desk in good vintage condition
Category

Late 20th Century American American Colonial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Free Standing Mahogany English Regency Tambour Roll Top Writing Desk
Located in Kastrup, DK
An elegant 19th century freestanding mahogany roll top writing desk. Tambour top rolls back to
Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Jacob Kjær Mid Century Rio Rosewood Free Standing Writing Desk
By Jacob Kjaer
Located in Kastrup, DK
Freestanding Rio rosewood writing desk with beautiful grain designed by Jacob Kjær, Denmark 1950
Category

Mid-20th Century European Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

1860s French Boulle Writing Desk
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1860s French boulle writing desk. No shelves.
Category

Antique 1860s Desks

Materials

Bronze

Baker Furniture Style Georgian Flame Mahogany Writing Desk, Circa 1940s
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Georgian or Chippendale style petite writing desk In the manner of Baker Furniture USA
Category

Vintage 1940s American Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

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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
  • 1stDibs 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Desk 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, 2022
    A 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, 2021
    A 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, 2021
    A 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, 2021
    Because 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 ExpertJune 15, 2023
    What 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 22, 2022
    Yes, 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 ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    In 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.