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Used Writing Desks

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Rare Angelo Mangiarotti Writing Desk in Birch from Own Studio
By Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Angelo Mangiarotti for Piero Frigerio, writing desk, birch, Italy, late 20th century A highly rare
Category

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

Materials

Birch

Edwardian Kidney shaped writing desk
Located in Budleigh Salterton, GB
Very good quality early 20th century mahogany and inlaid writing desk English circa 1900 with
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Edwardian Kidney shaped writing desk
Edwardian Kidney shaped writing desk
$3,221 Sale Price
20% Off
19th C. Italian Writing Desk w/Decorative Inlay Sliding Top for Hidden Storage
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian smaller-sized writing desk with storage hidden beneath top from the 19th century. This
Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Fruitwood

Louis XV-Style Kidney-Shaped Writing Desk with Ormolu Mounts, 19th Century
Located in NICE, FR
French Kidney-Shaped Louis XV Style Writing Desk, Late 19th Century A beautifully crafted French
Category

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

Materials

Ormolu

Smaller Danish Lady’s writing desk in mahogany with drawers and brass details
By Ole Wanscher, Fritz Hansen
Located in DK
This smaller Danish modern writing desk was designed ca. 1950 by Danish architect Ole Wanscher
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Luciano Frigerio Presidential Writing Desk in Walnut, Italy 1970s
By Luciano Frigerio di Desio, Luciano Frigerio
Located in Almelo, NL
Luciano Frigerio Presidential Writing Desk in Walnut, Italy 1960s This is a rare presidential
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Granite

Ejner Larsen Aksel Bender Madsen. A handcrafted model 2084 writing desk.
By Ejner Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen
Located in Brønshøj, DK
A rare freestanding Mahogany writing desk. Model 2084. Box-like top that folds out to reveal
Category

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

Materials

Brass

20th Century Luxurious White Bureau Plat / Writing Desk in Louis XV Style
Located in Berlin, DE
20th century luxurious white bureau plat / writing desk in Louis XV style Solid beechwood
Category

20th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

20th Century Luxurious White Bureau Plat / Writing Desk in Louis XV Style
Located in Berlin, DE
20th century luxurious white bureau plat / writing desk in Louis XV style Solid beechwood
Category

20th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

William IV partners writing desk
Located in BEEKBERGEN, NL
Impressive antique mahogany William IV writing table that can be used from both sides. It is in
Category

Antique 1830s British William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Louis XVI Ebonized Writing Desk
Located in Austin, TX
French Louis XVI style desk made of solid wood construction, primarily mahogany. It has been
Category

Vintage 1920s French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

20th Century Elegant Black Bureau Plat / Writing Desk in Louis XV, Beech
Located in Berlin, DE
20th century elegant black bureau plat / writing desk in Louis XV, beech Exclusive bureau plat
Category

20th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Satinwood Parquetry Louis XVI Writing Desk, Tooled Leather Top
Located in Chicago, IL
writing desk features a beautifully book-matched satinwood finish, classic neoclassical lines, and tapered
Category

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

Materials

Satinwood

Antique Genuine Swedish Rustic Original Blue Writing Desk Table with Drawers
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique genuine pine writing desk from Sweden with blue paint. The table is in untouched original
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Country Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Rosewood Flip Top Writing Desk
Located in Malibu, CA
Antique European rosewood writing table. Hidden beneath the flip top, a desk in excellent condition
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century European Empire Revival Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Rosewood Flip Top Writing Desk
Rosewood Flip Top Writing Desk
$2,306 Sale Price
30% Off
Mid-Century Writing Desk by Thomasville
By Thomasville
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chic sleek vintage writing desk with a two drawer case featuring an unusual mahogany oyster veneer
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Aluminum

French Provincial Writing Desk 1930s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 20th century painted French Provincial style desk. The desk stands on four cabriole legs that
Category

Vintage 1930s French French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Paint

18th Century Rococo Writing Desk
Located in Ljungby, SE
This beautifully crafted Swedish Rococo writing desk is a distinguished piece of Stockholm
Category

Antique 18th Century Swedish Rococo Desks

Materials

Bronze

Fine Quality Antique Victorian Freestanding Maple Co. Inlaid Writing Desk
Located in Suffolk, GB
Fine quality Victorian freestanding Maple & Co. inlaid writing desk having original pierced brass
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Satinwood

Edwardian Mahogany Writing Desk w/ Inlaid Exotic Wood Detailing Bronze Pulls
Located in New York, NY
This Edwardian writing desk, crafted in mahogany with inlaid exotic wood detailing and bronze pulls
Category

Vintage 1910s American Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Mahogany Chippendale Style Writing Desk
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
19th Century mahogany chippendale style writing table in good condition, having been polished by
Category

Vintage 1910s Chippendale Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

19th Regency Brass-Inlaid Portable Writing Desk on Later Stand, Secret Drawer
By Thomas Lund
Located in Morristown, NJ
Regency Brass-Inlaid Portable Writing Desk on Later Stand, with Secret Drawer, Possibly by Thomas
Category

Antique 1810s English Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Rare Brass and Steel Aged Mirrored Top John Vesey Style Ebonzed Writing Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This rare brass and steel ebonized writing desk in the style of John Vesey showcases a striking
Category

Vintage 1980s European Directoire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Italian 18th Century Writing Desk
Located in Round Top, TX
An outstanding 18th century Louis XIV Auctioneer’s Desk from Lombardy, Italy. Beautifully
Category

Antique 18th Century Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Olive, Walnut

Antique Walnut and Marquetry Writing Desk
Located in London, GB
This elegant writing desk was created in France in the late 18th century, during the reign of King
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Brass

Antique French Victorian Louis XV Style Oak 2 Drawer Writing Desk Console Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
. Antique French Victorian Louis XV Style Oak 2 Drawer Writing Desk Console Table. Item features an inset
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

French Empire Mahogany Writing Desk
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Mahogany construction with rectangular leather writing surface with gilt brass medallion pulls
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

French Ebonized Louis XVI Bureau Plat or Writing Desk with Embossed Leather Top
Located in Austin, TX
An elegant and large scale double-sided French bureau plat writing desk or table of ebonized
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass, Bronze

Antique Mahogany Davenport Writing Desk
Located in Benington, Herts
This attractive mahogany Edwardian Davenport / writing desk, circa 1900s has been constructed from
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Desks

Materials

Mahogany

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

20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

19th C. French Louis XV Style Gold Giltwood Writing Desk w/ Marquetry Inlay Top
Located in Philadelphia, PA
19th C. French Louis XV Style Gold Giltwood Writing Desk w/ Marquetry Inlay Top. Item features a
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Important French Brass Inlaid Paint Decorated Rolltop Ladies Writing Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This important French brass inlaid paint decorated rolltop ladies writing desk is a rare and
Category

Antique 1890s French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

18th-C. French Louis XV Style Carved Oak Tooled Leather Bronze Writing Desk
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a special piece! It is a late 18th century carved oak and gilt bronze writing desk. It has
Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Designer writing desk / bureau plat in Louis XV style Piano Black with silver
Located in Berlin, DE
Designer writing desk / bureau plat in Louis XV style Piano Black with silver Piano black
Category

20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique George III Banded Satinwood Lady s Writing Desk with Rosewood Inlay
Located in Morristown, NJ
18th c., England, a delightful George III cheveret lady's writing desk in two parts. The upper five
Category

Antique 1790s English George III Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ivory, Leather, Rosewood, Satinwood

20th Century Italian Vintage Walnut Writing Desk Armchair by Amleto Sartori
By Amleto Sartori
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century modern Italian office set of a writing desk and an armchair made of hand
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Antique Correspondence Table, English, Lowboy, Writing Desk, Georgian, C.1780
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique correspondence table. An English, mahogany lowboy or writing desk, dating to the
Category

Antique 1780s British Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Ebonized and Lacquered Graceful Writing Desk
By Kravet Furniture
Located in Locust Valley, NY
An ebonized and lacquered mahogany desk from Kravet Furniture. The writing desk features graceful
Category

Late 20th Century Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Restored Mid-Century Writing Desk, Ash, Revived Polish, Czech, 1960s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant Mid-Century writing desk originates from Czechoslovakia from the 1960s. It is an
Category

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

Materials

Wood, Lacquer, Ash

19th Century English Writing Desk, Partner Style, Leather Top, Wood Grain Veneer
Located in Madrid, ES
This mid-19th century English writing desk features handsomely inlaid rich-grained mahogany veneer
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Pace, Mid-Century Modern, Writing Desk, Exotic Wood, Chrome, Dining Table, USA
By Pace Collection
Located in Manhasset, NY
Pace, Mid-Century Modern, Writing Desk, Exotic Wood, Chrome, American, 20th C This exotic wood and
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Antique Aesthetic Period Davenport, English, Walnut, Writing Desk, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique Aesthetic Period Davenport. An English, walnut and bird's eye maple writing desk
Category

Antique 1880s British Aesthetic Movement Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birdseye Maple, Walnut

French Louis XV Style Figural Bronze Ormolu Leather Top Bureau Plat Writing Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Louis XV Style Figural Bronze Ormolu Leather Top Bureau Plat Writing Desk. Item
Category

Late 20th Century Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Warren Platner writing desk leather and oak Knoll United States 1970
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
This refined writing desk by Warren Platner for Knoll beautifully balances modernist clarity with
Category

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

Materials

Metal

1800 s Antique French Napoleon III Period, Burlwood, Leather, Writing Desk
Located in Austin, TX
Gorgeous Antique Desk, Writing, French Napoleon III Period, Burlwood, Leather Lining, 1800s, 19th
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Lombardy Louis XVI Writing Desk, Antique Wood, Italy, c. 1800s
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
A distinctive writing desk in the Louis XVI tradition from Lombardy, Italy, crafted in the 19th
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Italian Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Antique French Carved Oak Petite Writing Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Carved and Finely Detailed Oak Petite Writing Desk This exquisite 19th Century
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Late Victorian Desks

Materials

Oak

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Writing Desk
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Mid-Century Modern Walnut Writing Desk. Featuring a straight line design
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Milk Glass, Wood, Walnut

Paolo Buffa for Galdino Maspero Writing Desk in Walnut
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paolo Buffa for Galdino Maspero, writing desk, walnut, Italy, late 1930s/early 1940s This writing
Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Gorgeous Inlaid Continental Louis XV Style Walnut Writing Desk circa 1920s
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite Continental Louis XV style walnut writing desk from the 1920s is a stunning example
Category

Vintage 1920s European Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Super Small Victorian Writing Desk
Located in Swadlincote, GB
A very good Victorian writing desk or hall table with original leather, two drawers, turned legs
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Restored Cubistic Writing Desk, Oak, Walnut, Revived Polish, Czech, 1910s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
: Height: 60 cm (23.6 in) Width: 58 cm (22.4 in) This writing desk from the early 20th century is an
Category

Vintage 1910s Czech Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Walnut, Lacquer, Oak

Antique Bureau Plat, French, Walnut, Writing Desk, Louis XV Revival, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique bureau plat. A French, walnut and boxwood writing desk in Louis XV revival taste
Category

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

Materials

Boxwood, Walnut

19th Century Biedermeier Writing Desk in Cherry Veneer with Walnut and Rootwood
Located in Darmstadt, DE
This elegant 19th-century Biedermeier writing desk is veneered in fine cherrywood and accented with
Category

Antique 19th Century German Biedermeier Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry, Walnut

20th Century Exceptional Writing Desk by Provasi
By Provasi
Located in Sofia, BG
Exceptional writing desk with leather top, covered as a suitcase by Provasi factory. Never used
Category

20th Century Italian Desks

Antique Lady s Writing Desk, French, Marble, Roll Top Bureaux, Victorian, C.1850
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique lady's writing desk. A French, mahogany and marble roll top bureaux, dating to
Category

Antique 1850s French Early Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble

1970 s Vintage Pencil Reed Writing Desk
By Mcquire
Located in Southampton, NJ
Pencil reed writing desk of solid wood construction in a geometric Chevron pattern with original
Category

20th Century American Organic Modern Desks

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.