Skip to main content

Used Writing Desks

to
2,430
22,601
16,667
8,853
2,311
1,677
1,468
1,197
1,173
968
858
585
392
374
341
322
302
235
202
134
35
2,357
11,429
26,482
1
3,907
15,538
4,032
610
267
618
1,359
1,291
4,305
5,051
2,305
568
180
32,119
12,854
7,034
5,580
5,549
28,697
8,276
6,708
6,590
6,245
40,341
40,340
40,341
259
221
213
181
174
Sort By
18th Century Provencal Hand Carved Walnut Wood Antique Writing Desk Side Table
Located in West Hollywood, CA
18th Century Provencal Hand Carved Walnut Wood Antique Writing Desk Side Table. Beautiful Hand
Category

Antique 18th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

English Serpentine Bow Front Writing Desk or Side Table of Inlaid Mahogany
Located in Austin, TX
A fine English serpentine bow front writing desk or side table of mahogany from the late 19th
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Designer Writing Desk / Bureau Plat in Louis XV Style, Piano Black
Located in Berlin, DE
Black designer writing desk / bureau plat in Louis XV style Piano black polished veneer on solid
Category

20th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

1900s Wiener Occasional table or writing desk in Walnut Restored wax Polished
By Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Early 20th century Wiener occasional table, writing desk Art Nouveau, all solid walnut restored and
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

French Louis XV Style Leather Top, Bronze, Black Lacquer Writing Desk By Bodart
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a chic French Louis XV style black lacquer writing desk by Jacques Bodart. It is marked and
Category

Mid-20th Century American Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

R. J. Horner Style Antique Victorian Tiger Oak Ladies Writing Desk, Circa 1890
By R.J. Horner Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Victorian ladies writing desk In the manner of R.J. Horner & Co. USA
Category

Antique 1890s American Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Copper

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 spindle writing desk or library table By
Category

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

Materials

Copper

Ladies Writing Desk From the Early 20th Century in the Style of Louis XV
Located in Opole, PL
Ladies' Writing Desk From the Early 20th Century in the Style of Louis XV A ladies' writing desk
Category

Early 20th Century European Louis XIV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Rosewood

Francois Linke Quality Bronze Mounted Leather Top Bureau Plat Writing Desk
By François Linke
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exceptional bureau plat writing desk is crafted in the manner of the celebrated Parisian
Category

Vintage 1930s French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

20th Century Wood Louis XVI Style French Writing Desk, 1950s
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
French writing desk from the mid-20th century. Louis XVI style furniture veneered in mahogany and
Category

Vintage 1950s French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Empire writing desk in cherry wood, with lifting side flaps, England
Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)
Antique Empire writing desk in light cherry wood, with lifting side flaps, It has ebonized inlays
Category

Antique 19th Century English Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chestnut

Fine Carved Italian Walnut Mythical Dolphin Base Library Table Writing Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fine carved Italian walnut library table or writing desk is a magnificent example of
Category

Antique 1870s Italian Renaissance Revival Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique French Louis XV Style Marquetry Inlay Petite Demilune Writing Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Louis XV Style Marquetry Inlay Petite Demilune Writing Desk. Item features marble
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Antique L. J. G. Stickley Mission Oak Arts Crafts Writing Desk, 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

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

Materials

Copper

Antique French Side Table Writing Desk Oak Beveled Top Carved Decorated Legs
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful French side table or console table or writing desk, characterized by the handcrafted
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique 19th Century Mahogany Writing Desk – Fine Quality Dressing or Side Table
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique 19th Century Mahogany Writing Desk – Elegant Dressing Table or Side Table with Octagonal
Category

Antique 19th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Baker Furniture English Oak and Burl Wood Barley Twist Writing Desk, Refinished
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional English style writing desk or library table with barley twist legs By Baker
Category

Mid-20th Century American William and Mary Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Biedermeier Walnut Writing Desk Table, South Germany circa 1825
Located in Darmstadt, DE
beautifully as a refined writing desk but also works well as a versatile work table or a slim console table in
Category

Antique Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

French Louis XV Style Leather Top Writing Desk with Matching Desk Chair
By Drexel
Located in Hopewell, NJ
This lovely Drexel vintage writing desk in the French Louis XV style includes a matching Louis XV
Category

Vintage 1970s American Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cane, Wood

Mid Century Modern Writing Desk with Caned Back by Broyhill
By Broyhill
Located in Freehold, NJ
This mid century modern writing desk by Broyhill features hardwood construction, walnut veneer with
Category

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

Materials

Cane, Walnut

Maison Jansen Attributed Ebonized Leather Top Louis XVI Writing Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This refined Maison Jansen attributed Louis XVI–style writing desk is an elegant expression of
Category

Vintage 1950s French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

A Bent Moudt 1950s rare combined worktable with writing desk section
By Bent Moudt, Arne Poulsen Cabinetmaker Denmark
Located in Brønshøj, DK
Bent Moudt. “Table for a Collector” A very rare combined dinning table / worktable / writing desk
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Antique Charles II Revival Oak and Elm Writing Desk Dressing
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique fine quality Charles II revival C1920 oak and elm writing desk or dressing table. Solid
Category

Vintage 1920s Charles II Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Elm, Oak

Napoleon III Writing Desk with Unusual Marble Top, circa 1870
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fine Napoleon III period writing desk in mahogany, with gilt-bronze mounts and brass banding, the
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

French Rococo Louis XV Distress Paint Dressing Table Vanity Ladies Writing Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Rococo Louis XV Style Distress Painted Dressing Table / Writing Desk. Item features
Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

A French 19th Century Louis XV Style Kingwood Parquetry Ladies Writing Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mounted Ladies Writing Desk with Figures of Ram-Heads. The lockplate by Thomas Elsley Ltd. - Stamped
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Bauhaus Writing Desk and Chair, Hynek Gottwald, Czechia, 1930s, Lacquered Wood
By Hynek Gottwald
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
White bauhaus writing desk and chair made by Hynek Gottwald, Czechia. Period: 1930-1939
Category

Vintage 1930s Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Vintage French Louis XV Style Marquetry Inlay Bronze Ormolu Small Writing Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
. Vintage French Louis XV Style Marquetry Inlay Bronze Ormolu Small Writing Desk. Item features ornate
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Mid 19th Century Swedish Black Painted Writing Desk
Located in Round Top, TX
Mid 19th-century Swedish writing desk in pine with elongated cabriole legs and delicate carved
Category

Antique 19th Century Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Amy Howard Collection Antique French Provincial Decorated 3 Drawer Writing Desk
By Amy Howard
Located in Chicago, IL
Amy Howard Collection Antique French Provincial Paint Decorated 3 Drawer Writing Desk The Amy
Category

Late 20th Century American French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood, Paint

Rare Important French Art Deco Mahagony Ladies Vanity Writing Desk Circa 1920 s
Located in New York, NY
Writing Desk with 5 Drawers. Circa 1920's. The Rounded Rectangular Top with an Ormolu Banding, Bronze
Category

Early 20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Thomas Turner Manchester English Mahogany Writing Desk Library Table
By Thomas Turner
Located in Dayton, OH
An antique Thomas Turner English Victorian era writing desk. Made from solid mahogany with a tooled
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Large double-sided Renaissance-style writing desk with secrets by Leglas-Maurice
By François Leglas-Maurice
Located in Paris, FR
Large double-sided Renaissance-style writing-desk with secrets, stamped and inscribed by François
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Revival Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Fruitwood, Pearwood

Fine 19th C Mahogany George 11 Writing Desk in the Manner of William Harllett
Located in Dallas, TX
A very fine 19th century George 11 mahogany and leather top writing desk. Hand carved and details
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English George II Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Georgian 19th Century Mahogany Writing Desk Dressing Table
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique fine quality Georgian 19th century circa 1820 mahogany writing desk dressing table
Category

Antique 1820s Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

19th-Century Italian Writing Desk in Bleached Poplar and Oak Tuscan Handcraft
Located in Firenze, IT
Elegant 19th-century Italian writing desk in bleached larch and oak, featuring sculptural scroll
Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Italian Smaller-Sized Table or Writing Desk w/Shapely Hourglass Legs, 19th C.
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian small sized table, or writing desk, from the 19th century. This antique table from Italy
Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique French Louis XV Style Bronze Mount Marquetry Inlay 1 Drawer Writing Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Louis XV Style Bronze Mounted Marquetry Inlay One Drawer Small Writing Desk. Item
Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Oak Writing Desk, circa 1860
Located in Evergreen, CO
Made of solid oak and finished with a light stain, this beautiful writing desk has a narrow depth
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Belgian Desks

Materials

Oak

19th Century Writing Desk with Frieze Drawer and Baluster Turned Legs
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An absolutely charming 19th century French writing desk, crafted from walnut and featuring
Category

Antique 19th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Transition-Style Writing Desk from the Napoleon III Period
Located in NICE, FR
This small writing desk from the 19th century is crafted in rosewood with inserted brass fillets
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Mid-Century Danish Teak Writing Desk with Brass Details, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
This refined mid-century writing desk was produced in Denmark during the 1960s and exemplifies the
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk with Bookcase by Fratelli Rizzi, Italy, 1950s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Vigonza, Padua
This exceptional writing desk with integrated bookcase is a fine example of Italian mid-century
Category

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

Materials

Maple

19th Century French Provincial Writing Desk from Avignon Shabby Chic or Country
Located in IT
This authentic 19th-century French Provincial writing desk from Avignon features a beautifully time
Category

Antique 19th Century French French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Joaquim Tenreiro, Writing Desk in Rosewood for Bloch Editores, 1960s, Brazil
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Joaquim Tenreiro / Writing Desk Rosewood, Glass / Brazil, 1966 From The Bloch Editores Offices
Category

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

Materials

Glass, Hardwood

Oval Louis XVI Writing Desk
Located in Bradenton, FL
An oval Louis XVI style writing desk. Three panels of black leather are framed with a scrolled gilt
Category

Late 20th Century Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Brass

French Napoleon III Ebonised Gilt Bronze Writing Desk Bonheur-du-Jour 1880
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Stunning ebonized Napoleon III writing desk or bonheur du jour Circa 1880 Very on trend with
Category

Antique 1880s Napoleon III Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

French Gilt Bronze and Marquetry Writing Desk After Cressent
By Charles Cressent
Located in London, GB
French gilt bronze and marquetry writing desk after Cressent. French, late 19th century Measures
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Régence Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

L. J. G. Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts Crafts Server or Writing Desk
By L. J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts quarter sawn oak sideboard buffet server or writing
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Writing Desk and Chair
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk with matching desk chair. By Paul
Category

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

Materials

Brass

18th Century Veneered and Inlaid Wood Italian Louis XV Writing Desk
Located in IT
The elegant antique north Italian (Genoa) Louis XV period writing desk, called also bureau plat, is
Category

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

Materials

Bronze

George III Red Japanned Writing Desk/Side Table with Chinoiserie Scenes
By Thomas Chippendale
Located in Hastings, GB
An outstanding bow fronted George III writing desk/side table, red jappaned with applied
Category

Antique 1780s English George III Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Biedermeier Writing Desk or Sofa Table in Mahogany, Sweden, circa 1840
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A handsome Biedermeier sofa table or writing desk in Cuban mahogany with one drawer and two drop
Category

Antique 1840s Swedish Karl Johan Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Antique French Writing Desk Secretary Louis XV Carved Oak Renaissance c1890
Located in Shreveport, LA
Antique French Writing Desk Secretary Black Forest Carved Oak Renaissance c1890. Direct from
Category

Antique 1890s French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Ca. 1910, Limberts Dutch Arts Crafts Furniture Co. Writing Desk
By Limbert Dutch Arts and Crafts Furniture Company
Located in Bridgeport, CT
writing desk circa 1910. The desk features a rectangular top overhanging three drawers with large
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Louis XVI Style Mahogany, Satinwood, Ebony and Ormolu Writing Desk by D. Ross
By Donald Ross
Located in London, GB
Louis XVI style mahogany, satinwood, ebony and ormolu writing desk by Donald Ross English, Late
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

1960s Rattan And Formica Right Sided Writing Desk With Matching Chair
Located in Monrovia, CA
1960s Rattan And Formica Right Sided Writing Desk With Matching Chair. 1960s Rattan Desk With
Category

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

Materials

Grasscloth, Bamboo, Formica, Wood

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Used Writing Desks", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

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 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 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 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.