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Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts Crafts Writing Desk, Circa 1900
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By Gustav
Category

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

Materials

Copper

Imperial Furniture Grand Rapids Mission Oak Arts Crafts Writing Desk
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table In the manner of
Category

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

Materials

Copper

Vintage Teak Writing Desk By Peter Hvidt for John Stuart
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A vintage writing desk crafted in teak with metal legs featuring a single bay with 4 pull out
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Imperial Furniture Grand Rapids Mission Oak Arts Crafts Writing Desk
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table In the manner of
Category

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

Materials

Copper

Maitland Smith French Provincial Louis XV Mahogany Leather Top Writing Desk
By Maitland Smith
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Provincial Louis XV style writing desk By Maitland Smith Philippines, Circa
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Freestanding Boomerang Writing Desk by Peter Løvig Nielsen for Løvig, 1960s
By Peter Løvig Nielsen, Løvig Design
Located in Ranst, VAN
Beautiful vintage ‘Boomerang’ writing desk in teak designed by Peter Løvig Nielsen. There are three
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Art Deco Black Lacquer Blue Egg Writing Desk, France
Located in Lisbon, PT
artisan. This Art Deco writing desk features a walnut structure with a chromed cast iron detailed base
Category

20th Century French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Stickley Brothers Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Writing Desk, Circa 1900
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period writing desk By Stickley Brothers USA, Circa
Category

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

Materials

Copper

Art Deco French Off White Lacquer Writing Desk, 20th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
An impactful off white lacquer refinished Art Deco writing desk with walnut and chromed cast iron
Category

20th Century French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Restored Art Deco Solid Oak Writing Desk Made in the 1930s, Czechia
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Art Deco writing desk. Revived polish. Period: 1930-1939 Source: Czechia Material
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Lacquer

Swedish Art Moderne Black Writing Desk with Zebra Hide Insert
Located in Atlanta, GA
Fabulous black lacquered writing desk with bookcase and lockable cabinet on front and curved
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cowhide, Leather, Wood

A geometric design four drawers writing desk attributed to Silvio Cavatorta
Located in London, GB
A beautifully crafted walnut and cherrywood writing desk with many interesting designs. Asymmetric
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Walnut, Cherry

Mid Century Leather Top Writing Desk with Faux Bamboo Legs by Mastercraft
By Mastercraft
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chic two-drawer writing desk with a tooled black leather top on a burled walnut case over faux
Category

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

Materials

Faux Bamboo

Baker Furniture French Regency Louis XVI Carved Cherry Wood Writing Desk
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Regency Louis XVI style writing desk or console table By Baker Furniture
Category

Late 20th Century American Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Baker Furniture French Regency Louis XVI Carved Cherry Wood Writing Desk
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Regency Louis XVI style writing desk or console table By Baker Furniture
Category

Late 20th Century American Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Zebra Wood and Chrome Writing Desk, ca. 1970’s
By Milo Baughman
Located in New York, NY
High style 1970’s writing desk, of stunning zebra wood veneer, on an architectural bright chrome
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Restored Biedermeier Walnut Writing Desk, Revived Polish, Czech, 1830s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Biedermeier Walnut Writing Desk. Source: Czech Period: 1830-1839 Material: Walnut It has
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Czech Biedermeier Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Walnut, Lacquer

Vintage Art Deco Cerused Ebonized Wood Writing Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
A vintage Art Deco rectangular cerused ebonized wood writing desk or dressing table with an
Category

20th Century Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Early Gustav Stickley Ebonized Mission Oak Arts Crafts Writing Desk
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission oak Arts & Crafts writing desk By Gustav Stickley
Category

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

Materials

Copper

Art Deco Blue Egg Writing Desk, France 20th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
. This Art Deco writing desk features a walnut structure with a chromed cast iron detailed base
Category

20th Century French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

English Regency Mahogany Writing Desk with Pierced Sides and Casters
Located in Atlanta, GA
This early 19th-century English Regency writing desk exemplifies the refined elegance of the period
Category

Antique 19th Century English Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

Mid Century French Provincial Style Writing Desk with 4 Drawers
By Sears, Roebuck Company
Located in Freehold, NJ
This mid century French provincial style writing desk features pressed wood construction, white
Category

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

Materials

Lacquer, Paint

19th Century Empire Writing Desk With Roll Top, Nutwood, Austria ca. 1800
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Absolute extraordinary crafted, rare early 19th century roll top writing desk from the turn of the
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Austrian Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique Ladies Writing Desk, English, Correspondence Table, Victorian, C.1850
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique ladies writing desk. An English, mahogany and leather correspondence table
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Postmodern Gray Faux Stone Laminate Writing Desk - 4 Drawers
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Elevate your workspace with the Postmodern Gray Faux Stone Laminate Writing Desk, featuring four
Category

20th Century American Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Dakota Jackson "Arabesque" Sculpted Sycamore Wood Writing Desk
By Dakota Jackson
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Dakota Jackson designed the "Arabesque" Wood Writing Desk, made from sculpted, polished Sycamore
Category

1990s Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Sycamore

1930 s Vintage Heavy Cherrywood Writing Desk - Comes Apart Into 4 Pieces
Located in Opa Locka, FL
On offer 1930's USA Made Heavy Cherrywood Writing Desk. Lots of storage with 6 drawers. Can be
Category

Vintage 1930s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Baker Furniture French Louis XV Pink Lacquered Writing Desk, Newly Refinished
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Provincial Louis XV style writing desk By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1960s
Category

Vintage 1960s American French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Fine Example of a Style of Louis XV Writing Desk by Paul Sormani
By Paul Sormani
Located in London, GB
A very Fine Writing Desk by Paul Sormani Lovely Gilt Bronze Mounted It Revives Famous XV period
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Baker Furniture French Provincial Louis XV Cherry Writing Desk, Newly Refinished
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Provincial Louis XV style writing desk By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1960s
Category

Vintage 1960s American French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage Hand Carved Spanish Revival Style Writing Desk. Circa 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Hand Carved Spanish Revival Style Writing Desk. Circa 1960s Features hand-carved details at
Category

Vintage 1960s American Rustic Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique Victorian Carved Oak Writing Desk or Library Table, Circa 1890s
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Late Victorian or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table USA, Late 19th
Category

Late 20th Century American Late Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

George Nakashima “Origins” Walnut Writing Desk, United States
By George Nakashima
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
Documented writing desk from George Nakashima’s Origins series, executed in richly grained walnut
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Brandt Flip Top Piano Style Small Wooden Writing Desk Table
By Brandt
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage brandt flip top Piano style small wooden writing desk table. Item features rolling casters
Category

Mid-20th Century Federal Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Stickley Brothers Style Mission Oak Arts Crafts Writing Desk, Newly Refinished
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period writing desk or library table In the manner
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Copper

Louis XVI Style Writing Desk with Green Leather Top, circa 1950s
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A refined Louis XVI–style writing desk dating from around the 1950s, crafted in solid cherry wood
Category

20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Baker Hepplewhite Style Mahogany Leather Top Executive Writing Desk
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
. Stunning Vintage Baker English Hepplewhite Style Mahogany Tooled Leather Top Executive Writing Desk. Item
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts Crafts Writing Desk or Library Table
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period writing desk or library table By Gustav
Category

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

Materials

Copper

Art Deco 7 Drawer Writing Desk with Waterfall Top
Located in Freehold, NJ
or ready to be a writing desk or vanity in its current state.
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Rococo Style Writing Desk Mounted with Gilt Bronze
Located in London, GB
Rococo style writing desk mounted with gilt bronze French, late 19th century Measures: Height
Category

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

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Rare Arne Jacobsen Djob Writing Desk, 1971
By Arne Jacobsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Writing desk designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1971. Part of the 'DJOB' system for Denmark's National
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Guillerme Chambron Writing Desk in Oak
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, writing desk, oak, faux leather, France, 1960s. This desk
Category

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

Materials

Oak, Faux Leather

Limbert Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Writing Desk or Library Table
By Charles Limbert
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts library table or writing desk By Charles P
Category

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

Materials

Copper

Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts Crafts Writing Desk or Library Table
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By Gustav Stickley
Category

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

Materials

Copper

Fine 18th Century French Games Table with removable Leathertop Writing Desk
Located in Richmond, VA
Fine 18th century French walnut games table and leathertop writing desk. The table features a
Category

Antique 18th Century French Rococo Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Baize, Walnut

Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts Crafts Writing Desk or Library Table
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By Gustav Stickley
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Copper

Vintage Baker French Provincial Cherry Wood Inlaid Console Table Writing Desk
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
. Vintage Baker French Provincial Cherry Wood Inlaid Console Table Writing Desk. Item features shapely saber
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry

Bodart French Provincial Louis XV Cherry Wood Leather Top Writing Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Provincial Louis XV style writing desk By Jacques Bodart USA, Circa 1960s
Category

Vintage 1960s American French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique Leather Top French Louis XVI Style Writing Desk
Located in North York, ON
This antique French Louis XVI style writing desk, crafted in France circa 1940s, exudes timeless
Category

Vintage 1940s French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Art Deco Ebonized Pearwood Two-Tier Tambour Top Writing Desk
Located in Queens, NY
Art Deco ebonized pearwood writing desk with a tambour roll top upper section concealing four Pairs
Category

20th Century French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Leather, Fruitwood

Art Deco Writing Desk Designed by Jindrich Halabala, Oak Walnut Chrome, 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

Early 20th Century Czech Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Rare Art Nouveau Jugendstil Single Drawer Writing Desk Cabriole Louis Majorelle
By Louis Majorelle
Located in Peoria, AZ
EXQUISITE! JUGENDSTIL SINGLE DRAWER WRITING DESK UNIQUE CABRIOLE LEGS OAK & VARIOUS WOODS
Category

Vintage 1910s American Jugendstil Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Fruitwood, Oak

Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Writing Desk or Library Table
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

Limbert Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Writing Desk or Library Table
By Charles Limbert
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts library table or writing desk By Charles P
Category

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

Materials

Copper

18th Century French Cherrywood Bureau de Pente Slant Top Writing Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
Larger than the typical Louis XV writing desk, this cherrywood bureau de pente was hand-carved in
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Paolo Buffa Dattilo Writing Desk, Italy circa 1940
By Galdino Maspero, Paolo Buffa
Located in New York, NY
A 'Datillo' petite writing desk / table by Paolo Buffa and produced by Galdino Maspero in stained
Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Beech, Walnut

Italian Mid-Century Wooden and Glass Writing Desk
Located in Milano, IT
Cute wooden writing desk of fine Italian manufacture from the 1950s. The desk is made in the frame
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern 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
    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 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 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 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 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 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.