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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

Antique Stickley Brothers Mission Oak Arts Crafts Writing Desk, Newly Restored
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission oak Arts & Crafts writing desk By Stickley Brothers
Category

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

Materials

Copper

Antique Stickley Mission Oak Arts Crafts Writing Desk or Library Table
By Charles Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By Charles
Category

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

Materials

Copper

Antique C1870s French Louis XVI Style Inlaid King Wood Ladies Writing Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite antique French Louis XVI style writing desk, dating to the 1870s, showcases the
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Louis XVI Writing Desk in Walnut, Cherrywood, and Marquetry, Italy, 18th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
An elegant Louis XVI period writing desk, crafted in northern Italy (Lombardy region) during the
Category

Antique 18th Century Italian Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry, Walnut

Exquisite Midcentury Pallisandre Writing Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
Pallisandre writing desk with three drawers and sliding door compartment. Open shelf design, brass
Category

Vintage 1950s Desks

Materials

Wood

Vintage Industrial Adjustable Height Metal School Writing Desk With Laminate Top
Located in Philadelphia, PA
. Vintage Industrial Modern Adjustable Height Metal School Writing Desk With Laminate Top. Item features
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

French 19th Century Walnut Two Sided Louis XV Writing Desk
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Classic provincial French writing desk from the 19th century that could also serve as a beautiful
Category

Antique 19th Century French French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Completely restored funkcionalism Chrome Writing Desk from Germany 1930-1939
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Writing desk made in Germany Material: Chrome Completely restored. We guarantee safe a the
Category

Vintage 1930s German Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Oak Pedestal Writing Desk
Located in Cheshire, GB
Constructed in well-figured oak with a warm, even patina, the desk features a gently serpentine
Category

Early 20th Century British Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts Crafts Writing Desk or Library Table
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

A fine 19th French Louis XVI kingwood writing desk by P. Sormani. gilt bronze
By Paul Sormani
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine 19th century French Louis XVI kingwood parquetry and gilt bronze writing desk . Fine quality
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

18th Century, French Louis XV Wood Flap Writing Desk
Located in IT
18th Century, Franch Louis XV Wood Flap Writing Desk Measures: cm H 94 x W 83,5 x D 46; D with the
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

French 18th Century Louis XV Bureau Plat, Writing Desk
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
. The iconic Coco chancel lived with a Rococo writing desk just like this one and indeed this Bureau
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century French Rococo Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Unusual Transition Style Marquetry and Gilt Bronze Double Sided Writing Desk
Located in London, GB
Unusual Transition style marquetry and gilt bronze double sided writing desk French, early 20th
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Writing Desk, Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Exquisitely Carved Early Italian Petite Writing Desk or Accent Table
Located in Hopewell, NJ
timeless elegance and functionality. Whether used as a writing desk or a decorative piece, this antique
Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Writing Desk with Green Laminate Top and Bookshelf Underneath
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Attractive vintage writing desk with green laminate top, pull out drawer with black handle (not
Category

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

Materials

Laminate, Wood

Antique Italian Renaissance Revival Walnut Figural Library Table Writing Desk 52
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Neo-Renaissance Revival parlor / library table or writing desk, circa 1870s Made of walnut
Category

Antique 1870s Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Midcentury Danish Modern Teak Writing Desk w/ Woven Wicker Front by Sligh Lowry
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Original 1960s Danish modern style teak writing desk with woven wicker front and dark stained
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk By Paul McCobb for Winchendon
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Louis XV Rococo Mahogany, Satinwood and Bureau Plat Executive Writing Desk
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Vintage midcentury era Louis XV Rococo style executive writing desk made from mahogany, satinwood
Category

Vintage 1950s Spanish Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

French Country Provincial Louis XV Executive Office Writing Desk Glass Top
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Country Provincial Louis XV style executive office writing desk with glass top. Item
Category

Mid-20th Century French Country Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Louis XVI writing desk with pull-out surface, featuring an inlaid compass rose
Located in Cesena, FC
Elegant Louis XVI writing desk with pull-out writing surface, inlaid on the top with a compass rose
Category

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

Materials

Leather, Maple

Large Writing Desk Made In Light Mahogany From 1920s
Located in Lejre, DK
This large writing desk, crafted from light mahogany, hails from the 1920s and stands as a
Category

Vintage 1920s Danish Other Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Writing Desk
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mahogany inlaid writing desk
Located in Cheshire, GB
Mahogany inlaid desk. The top with inset green leather surrounded by a mahogany inlaid border
Category

Early 20th Century British Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

19th Century Italian Writing Desk in Solid Walnut and Weneer Walnut, Restored
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Mid-19th century Italian writing desk in solid blond walnut and weneer walnut, restored and
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Pine, Walnut

Studio Craft Writing Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
A nicely crafted studio desk with pencil drawer. Signed by the artist.
Category

Vintage 1970s Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by Robert Slezák, Beech, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
: Height: 73 cm (28.7 in) Width: 83 cm (32.7 in) This elegant Bauhaus writing desk originates from
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Mid 20th Century Vintage Traditional Royal Furniture Drop Top Writing Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Experience the timeless sophistication of our Vintage Traditional Royal Furniture Drop Top Writing
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Antique French Writing Desk, 1800s Solid Oak with Cabriole Legs Elegant Patina
Located in Firenze, IT
Elegant 1800s French provincial writing desk in solid oak with cabriole legs and rich patina, a
Category

Antique 19th Century French French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Limbert Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Turtle Top Writing Desk, Refinished
By Charles Limbert
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period "Ebon-Oak" library table or writing
Category

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

Materials

Copper

Baker Furniture Regency Rosewood Drop Leaf Writing Desk or Console, Refinished
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Regency or Georgian style drop leaf writing desk, console, or sofa table By Baker
Category

Late 20th Century American Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ebony, Rosewood, Satinwood

Danish Teak Writing Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish made mid-century modern desk in teak wood grain. Four drawers and finished back. Please
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts Crafts Trestle Library Table or Writing Desk
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission oak Arts & Crafts trestle library table or writing desk By
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Thomasville "Tamerlane" Writing Desk
By Thomasville
Located in Dallas, TX
An exceptionally made and extremely rare Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie desk from the "Tamerlane
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Antique Writing Desk with Flaps, Brass Ornaments, Late 19th Century France
Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)
Antique writing desk in black lacquered wood, with adjustable flaps on the sides, rich ornaments in
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Brass Base Modernist Kneehole Writing Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
. Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Brass Base Modernist Kneehole Writing Desk. Item features a unique brass
Category

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

Materials

Brass

French 19th Century Bonheur Du Jour Mahogany Lady Writing Desk
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant French 19th century , gilt bronze-mounted Mahogany Bonheur Du Jour , lady writing desk
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Mid-20th Century, Writing Desk in Mahogany, By a Danish Cabinetmaker, 1950s
By Rud Rasmussen, Ole Wanscher, Kaj Gottlob
Located in Odense, DK
A refined classic mid-century writing desk in mahogany, crafted by a Danish Cabinetmaker circa
Category

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

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

Vintage Anglo Indian Campaign Style Hardwood Curule Writing Desk w/ Brass Inlay
Located in Philadelphia, PA
. Vintage Anglo Indian Campaign Style Hardwood Curule Writing Desk w/ Brass Inlay, Three Dovetailed Drawers
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown British Colonial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts Crafts Trestle Library Table or Writing Desk
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission oak Arts & Crafts trestle library table or writing desk By
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts Crafts Trestle Library Table or Writing Desk
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission oak Arts & Crafts trestle library table or writing desk By
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Child Rosewood Writing Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This compact desk is functional and stylish, with a minimal design and three drawers for
Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

1970s Writing Desk, Italy
Located in Praha, CZ
- Item was carefully refurbished - sturdy and stable - mahogany veneer
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Baker Furniture English Regency Banded Mahogany Writing Desk or Console Table
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional English Regency or Georgian style drop leaf writing desk, console table, or sofa
Category

Vintage 1940s American Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Writing Desk in Brown, Denmark, 1960
Located in Torino, IT
Writing Desk in Brown, Denmark, 1960 The writing desk will be delivered perfectly restored and
Category

20th Century Danish Desks

Materials

Teak

Writing Desk in Brown, Denmark, 1960
Writing Desk in Brown, Denmark, 1960
$1,421 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique American Empire Tiger Oak Writing Desk or Library Table, Circa 1900
By R.J. Horner Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique American Empire tiger oak writing desk or library table In the manner of R.J
Category

Early 20th Century American American Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Cupboard Writing Desk, 1840
Located in Milano, IT
Center unit finished on all four sides. Made of oak, it is completely veneered in mahogany feather and decorated with carved mahogany moldings and pilasters. Consisting of two doors ...
Category

Antique 1840s Italian Other Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Oak

Very Fine Ormolu, Porcelain and Marquetry Writing Desk by Henry Dasson
By Henry Dasson
Located in London, GB
Very fine ormolu, porcelain and marquetry writing desk by Henry Dasson French, 1890 Height 74cm
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts Crafts Trestle Library Table or Writing Desk
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission oak Arts & Crafts trestle library table or writing desk By
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Martin Szekely, Contemporary, Sycamore, Wenge, Rare Writing Desk, France, 1999
By Martin Szekely
Located in Manhasset, NY
Martin Szekely, Contemporary, Sycamore, Wenge, Rare 'Satragno' Writing Desk, France, 1999 Rare
Category

1990s French Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Sycamore, Wenge

Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts Crafts Spindle Writing Desk or Library Table
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts quarter sawn oak spindle writing desk or
Category

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

Materials

Oak

19th Century Chippendale Burl Walnut Partner s Writing Desk
By Thomas Chippendale
Located in Hixson, TN
19th century Chippendale burl walnut partners writing desk This desk has functional drawers on
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Chippendale Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut, Burl

Early 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 quarter sawn oak writing desk or library
Category

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

Materials

Oak

1920s Baroque Style Writing Desk / Table in Solid Oak, By a Danish Cabinetmaker
Located in Odense, DK
A beautifully proportioned Danish writing desk / table from the 1920s, crafted entirely in solid
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

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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 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 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.