Used Writing Desks
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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
19th Century French Wooden Writing Desk
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very nice writing desk, fabricated in France in the 19th Century.
It has a lift up lid.
On the
Category
Antique 19th Century French Other Desks
Materials
Wood
Peter Løvig Nielsen boomerang writing desk in teak Løvig Denmark 1960
By Peter Løvig Nielsen, Løvig Design
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
This striking boomerang-shaped writing desk was designed by Peter Løvig Nielsen and produced by
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
VINTAGE STRONGBOW GAME WRITING DESK WITH PULL OUT TRAY WITH LEATHER iNLAY
Located in Pulborough, GB
or writing desk, distinguished by its elegant cross-stretcher base and slender turned legs in the
Category
20th Century British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Mid-century writing desk in teak, Denmark 1960s
Located in Torino, IT
Mid-century writing desk in teak, Denmark 1960s
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Teak
G M Ellwood for J S Henry. An Arts
Crafts oak writing desk
By George Montague Ellwood
Located in London, GB
George Montague Ellwood (1875-1955) for J.S. Henry
An oak writing desk with sloping pen compartment
Category
Early 20th Century English Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Copper
Mid-Century Writing Desk by Arden
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Channel classic mid-century style with this elegant Writing Desk by Arden, a beautiful example of
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Wood
André Sornay Rare Writing Desk with Movable Cabinets in Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
André Sornay for Meubles Sornay, writing desk with pair of cabinets, mahogany, lacquered wood
Category
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by André Lurcat, Walnut, New Polish, Czech, 1930s
By André Lurcat
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk
Catalog model: PS 8
Material: Walnut, Chrome-plated Steel
Source
Category
Vintage 1930s Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Outstanding Quality Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Bonheur De Jour Writing Desk
Located in Suffolk, GB
Outstanding quality antique Victorian burr walnut Bonheur de Jour writing desk having a beautifully
Category
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Vintage Regency Drexel Writing Desk
By Drexel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A masterpiece of classic design, this vintage writing desk by renowned maker Drexel embodies the
Category
Late 20th Century American French Provincial Desks
Materials
Brass
Antique Pine Sloping Clerks Writing Desk
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Antique pine sloping clerks writing desk
A Lovely old piece, the desk is made in solid pine, it
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Rustic Desks
Materials
Pine
Louis XV Style Ladies Writing Desk / Marquetry Details
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Beautifully-crafted Louis XV style ladies writing desk with marquetry design details and slant open
Category
Mid-20th Century European Louis XV Desks
Materials
Brass, Bronze
French Bonheur-Du-Jour Ladies Writing Desk, Hand-Painted, Artist Signed, c. 1880
Located in Doylestown, PA
A special antique paint decorated French Louis XV style Bonheur-Du-Jour, ladies' writing desk
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu
French Petite Inlaid Mahogany Writing Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A lovely, petite desk from 19th Century France made of luxurious mahogany and a leather writing
Category
Antique 19th Century French Directoire Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Art Deco Design Writing Desk, France 1930
s
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Art Deco Design Writing Desk. Made in France, 1920's / 30's period. Minimalist in design
Category
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Desks
Materials
Wood
Antique Victorian English Oak Writing Desk / Partner Desk with a Leather Top
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this large, unique, and antique Victorian English oak writing desk / library table
Category
Antique 19th Century Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood, Oak
Louis XVI Style Mahogany Writing Desk with Leather Top, Mid-20th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant Louis XVI style writing desk dates to the mid-20th century and is crafted in solid
Category
20th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Very Good Victorian Oak Writing Desk
Located in Swadlincote, GB
A very good two drawer Victorian writing table with original leather surface, standing on turned
Category
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
French 19th Century Leather Top Louis XV Style Writing Desk or Bureau Plat
Located in Hopewell, NJ
French writing desk beautifully finished in walnut, leather and inlaid burlwood veneer, is a
Category
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Antique French Writing Desk Table Renaissance Revival Dolphin Style Carved Oak
Located in Tyler, TX
Beautiful versatile size antique French oak renaissance revival writing desk or table with drawer
Category
Antique 1890s French Renaissance Revival Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Pietro Lingeri Rationalist 1930s Writing Desk in Briar Root Veneer
By Pietro Lingeri
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pietro Lingeri, writing desk, briar root veneer, glass, brass, metal, Italy, 1930s
A beautiful
Category
Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
Vintage Coastal Woven Rattan Writing Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Embrace timeless coastal elegance with this vintage woven rattan writing desk, a beautifully
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Desks
Materials
Rattan
Elinor McGuire Model 226c Writing Desk
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Highland, IN
-form pulls, the desk is expertly constructed and perfectly scaled. The top is hard wearing micarta with
Category
Vintage 1970s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
20th Century, Ico Parisi Wooden Writing Desk with Two Drawers, 50s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Turin, Turin
desk has a wooden structure with two drawers, and it is very simple but elegant. Perfect as writing
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Writing Desk in High Gloss Lacquer
Located in Norwalk, CT
This is a wonderfully versatile and useful piece of furniture. I personally used it as a desk in
Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Biedermeier Writing Desk/ Side Table, Austria
Located in Antwerp, BE
This small Lady desk was crafted in Austria. The top is wonderfully smooth and displays the
Category
Antique 1870s Austrian Biedermeier Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
$3,409 Sale Price
20% Off
1970 Mid Century Modern Elegant Ladies Writing Desk
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1970's Mid Century Modern Elegant Ladies Writing Desk. Single center drawer. Beautiful wood.
Category
Vintage 1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Wood
$2,688 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage Coastal Pencil Reed Writing Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your workspace with this vintage coastal pencil reed writing desk. Crafted with meticulous
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Desks
Materials
Reed
Antique English Mahogany Writing Desk, Circa 1875-1895
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English mahogany writing desk on casters, exceptional quality and design, Circa 1875-1895.
Category
Antique Late 19th Century English Desks
Materials
Mahogany
Warren Platner Writing Desk in Oak with Black Leather Top
By Warren Platner, Florence Knoll
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Warren Platner for Knoll International, writing desk from the Executive Collection, leather
Category
Vintage 1970s American Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Antique Fall Front Bureau, Scottish, Writing Desk, Georgian Revival, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique fall front bureau. A Scottish, mahogany writing desk in Georgian revival taste
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Scottish Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Period French Napoleon III Mahogany Bonheur Du Jour Antique Ladies Writing Desk
Located in Forney, TX
writing desk) circa 1860
Hand-crafted in France the third quarter of the 19th century, in Louis XV taste
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Vintage Vanity / Writing Desk With Chair by Morris of California. Circa 1960s
By Morris of California
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Campaign Style Vanity / Writing Desk With Chair by Morris of California. Circa 1960s
Category
Vintage 1960s American Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Midcentury McGuire Writing Desk with Cane Drawer Fronts and Brass Pulls
By McGuire
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant midcentury writing desk by McGuire exemplifies the brand’s refined approach to natural
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
English 19th Century Mahogany Writing Desk with Fluted Legs and Leather Top
Located in Atlanta, GA
This English writing desk from the 19th century is a well-proportioned and finely crafted example
Category
Antique 19th Century English Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
1970
s Ultra Modern Off White Writing Desk
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1970's Ultra Modern Off White Writing Desk. Composed of Melamine. This is a really beautiful Modern
Category
Vintage 1970s Modern Desks
Materials
Composition
$1,584 Sale Price
20% Off
Edwardian Satin Walnut Ladies Writing Desk
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Edwardian Satin Walnut Ladies Writing Desk
A beautiful and useful piece of Edwardian furniture
Category
Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Desks
Materials
Walnut
Italian Oyster Burl "Radius" Form Writing Desk
Located in Queens, NY
"Italian Mid-Century ""Radius"" writing desk with a rectangular top with rounded edges and two
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Wood, Burl
William French Minneapolis Mahogany Writing Desk, Circa 1890s
Located in Germantown, MD
A late 19th Century William A French Minneapolis Mahogany Writing Desk in great antique condition
Category
Antique Late 19th Century American Late Victorian Desks
Materials
Mahogany
Early 20th Century Metamorphic Writing Desk by J.C Vickery of London
Located in Martlesham, GB
moulded edge hinged top lifting up and folding over to reveal the rising writing desk top, which consists
Category
Vintage 1910s European Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Warren Platner for Knoll Writing Desk in Oak and Black Leather
By Florence Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Warren Platner for Knoll, writing desk, oak, chrome-plated steel, black leather, United States
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
French Provencial Writing Desk by Sligh Furniture
By Sligh Furniture
Located in Pasadena, TX
French Provencial writing desk by Sligh Furniture
Vintage leather top half moon desk by Sligh
Category
Mid-20th Century North American French Provincial Desks
Materials
Walnut
$2,320 Sale Price
20% Off
Writing Desk Model 804 by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, Italy, 1963
By Gian Franco Frattini, Bernini
Located in Madrid, ES
Elegant roll-top writing desk, model 804, designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini in 1963
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
20th Century Italian Rosewood Writing Desk by Osvaldo Borsani
Paolo Buffa
By Osvaldo Borsani, Paolo Buffa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A dark-brown, vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian half-round writing desk with a clear glass top
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Queen Anne Style Writing Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sophisticated writing desk crafted in warm walnut, showcasing a streamlined form and elegant
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Walnut
MID-19th CENTURY NAPOLEON III VENEERED WRITING DESK
Located in Firenze, FI
A beautiful and elegant centerpiece writing desk, featuring high-quality venereed walnut and brown
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Napoleon III Desks
Materials
Bronze
Antique Petite French Carved Oak Secretary Writing Desk Table Louis XVI c1890
Located in Shreveport, LA
19th century Petite French carved oak secretary writing desk Louis XVI style
~Direct from France
Category
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Mid-20th Century J.M. Frank-Inspired Wood Writing Desk by Comte S.A., Argentina
By Jean-Michel Frank, Comte S.A., Adolphe Chanaux
Co.
Located in North Miami, FL
Mid-20th century Modern wood writing desk by Argentine company Comte S.A., based on a design from
Category
Vintage 1940s Argentine Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Enamel
East India Dutch Company Captains Writing Desk
By Southeast Asia
Located in London, GB
A captivating piece of history, the Dutch East Indian Captain's Writing Desk. This extraordinary
Category
Antique 1730s Indonesian Dutch Colonial Desks
Materials
Bone, Rosewood, Walnut
A Very Rare Neat Size 19th Century Leather Top Writing Desk with Ormolu Mounts
Located in Dublin, IE
A very rare 19th Century well figured mahogany and kingwood leather top ladies writing desk of neat
Category
Antique 19th Century French Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu
Antique Small Writing Desk on Cabriole Legs
Located in Sheridan, CO
Antique small writing desk on cabriole legs with original brass hardware. Desk features 7 drawers
Category
Antique Late 19th Century English French Provincial Desks
Materials
Brass
Black Lacquer Writing Desk Art Deco, 20th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
An impactful Black Lacquer Art Deco writing desk with walnut and chromed cast iron detailed base
Category
20th Century French Art Deco Desks
Materials
Metal
$7,087 Sale Price
23% Off
20th Century Unique Biedermeier Writing Desk, Flamed Birch
Located in Berlin, DE
20th century unique Biedermeier writing desk, flamed birch
Exceptional Biedermeier desk. With a
Category
Antique 19th Century German Biedermeier Desks
Materials
Birch
Space Age Orix Orange Writing Desk by Vittorio Parigi and Nani Prina for Molteni
By Molteni
C, Vittorio Parigi and Nani Prina
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
scratches, stains on the desk top and some (rusty) spots on the base.
The dimensions are 75 cm H at writing
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Space Age Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Plastic
$2,958 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage Regency Scalloped Writing Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Presenting a chic vintage writing desk, exuding the glamorous allure of the Hollywood Regency era
Category
Late 20th Century American Art Deco Desks
Materials
Metal
Phillip Lloyd Powell Slate Writing Desk
By Phillip Lloyd Powell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Writing desk by American designer Phillip Lloyd Powell c.1970s, USA. The desk features a walnut and
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Slate
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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
- What is a writing desk?1 Answer1stDibs 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, 2022A 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.
- What are desk blotters used for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Desk 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, 2021A 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, 2021A 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, 2022Yes, 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, 2021Because 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, 2023What 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, 2023In 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.
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This 19th-Century Gilded Desk Displays a Fanciful Kingdom in Marquetry
The stately piece brings both gravitas and whimsy to any work space.
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