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Antique Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
An elegant neo-classical style antique writing bureau in wood with gilt bronze mounts, dating from
Category

Vintage 1920s English Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
A superb antique writing bureau in the Georgian style. This was made in England, it dates from
Category

Vintage 1910s British Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

English Writing Bureau
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Early 19th century English painted writing bureau, 1820. Dimensions: 33.5 inches (85 cms) wide
Category

Antique 19th Century English George III Desks

Antique Georgian Writing Bureau Desk
Located in London, GB
A lovely antique Period Georgian writing bureau. This was made in England, it dates from around the
Category

Antique 1790s English Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique Burr Walnut Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
A wonderful antique burr walnut writing bureau in the Georgian style. This was made in England,it
Category

Vintage 1930s British Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Burr Walnut Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
A beautiful antique burr walnut writing bureau in the Queen Anne style. This was made in England
Category

Early 20th Century English Queen Anne Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Burr Walnut Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
A smart and very useful antique writing bureau, beautifully made from burr walnut. This is in the
Category

Early 20th Century English Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Burr Walnut Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
A smart and very useful antique writing bureau, beautifully made from burr walnut. This is in the
Category

Early 20th Century English Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Burr Walnut Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
A superb antique burr walnut writing bureau, made in England and dating from the 1920-30’s. It is
Category

Vintage 1920s British Queen Anne Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Antique Figured Walnut Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
A fantastic antique walnut writing bureau, made in England and dating from around 1900-1910
Category

Vintage 1910s British Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Antique Burr Walnut Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
A fantastic antique Georgian burr walnut writing bureau. This was made in England, it dates from
Category

Antique 1890s British Late Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Arts Crafts Oak Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
A beautiful and petite antique Arts & Crafts period writing bureau in oak. This was made in England
Category

Antique 1880s British Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique Swedish Inlaid Marquetry Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
A stunning antique French Style writing bureau, with a cylinder top & beautifully inlaid with
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

English Painted Writing Bureau
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
18th century English painted oak writing bureau with a nice fitted interior. 1780. Height to
Category

Antique 18th Century English George III Secretaires

Materials

Oak

Antique Walnut Serpentine Fronted Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
A wonderful antique serpentine fronted writing bureau in walnut, sitting on bracket feet. This was
Category

Early 20th Century English Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Georgian Style Burr Elm Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
A stunning antique burr elm writing bureau in the Georgian style. This was made in England, it
Category

Vintage 1950s English Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Elm

Antique Georgian Style Burr Elm Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
A superb antique Georgian style burr elm writing bureau. This was made in England, it dates from
Category

Vintage 1930s British Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Elm

18th C Painted Writing Bureau
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Late 18th C painted writing bureau. Good fitted interior with secret drawers. 1790. Desk height
Category

Antique 18th Century English George III Desks

Materials

Oak

Antique French Ormolu Mounted Escritoire Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
An absolutely stunning antique French ormolu mounted escritoire writing bureau, dating from around
Category

Antique 1890s British Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

18th Century Painted Writing Bureau
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
18th century English painted oak writing bureau with original brass handles. Good fitted interior
Category

Antique 18th Century English George III Secretaires

Materials

Oak

Antique Burr Walnut Writing Bureau by Maple Co.
By Maple Co.
Located in London, GB
A top quality antique burr walnut writing bureau. This was made in England by Maple & Co, it dates
Category

Vintage 1910s British Queen Anne Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Beautiful Military Campaign Writing Bureau Desk
Located in Crawley, GB
This beautiful writing bureau desk is a stunning example of military campaign furniture retail
Category

Mid-20th Century British Campaign Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique Burr Walnut Writing Bureau by James Shoolbred
By James Shoolbred
Located in London, GB
A superb antique writing bureau beautifully made from walnut. This was made in England by the well
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

1960s Danish Teak Writing Bureau by Arne Wahl Iversen
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in London, GB
A stylish and top quality compact writing bureau, this was made in Denmark in the 1960’s by Vinde
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Antique Mahogany Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
Fine quality antique mahogany bureau in good original condition, which I would date to circa 1910
Category

Vintage 1910s British Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Antique Mahogany Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
This antique Georgian style mahogany bureau is in great condition and has a lovely interior. The
Category

Vintage 1930s English Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Burr Walnut Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
A smart and useful antique writing bureau in burr walnut. This was made in England, it dates from
Category

Vintage 1930s English Queen Anne Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Antique Burr Walnut Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
A beautiful and practical walnut writing bureau in the antique Georgian style. This dates from
Category

Mid-20th Century English Georgian Desks

Materials

Walnut

Antique Burr Walnut Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
A fantastic burr walnut writing bureau, made in England and dating from around the 1930’s. This
Category

Mid-20th Century English Georgian Desks

Materials

Walnut

Antique Burr Walnut Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
This antique walnut writing bureau has nice slim proportions and is in excellent condition, dating
Category

Early 20th Century English Georgian Desks

Materials

Walnut

Beautiful Grey Painted Antique Gustavian Writing Bureau, 1860
Located in Lejre, DK
Beautiful grey painted antique Gustavian writing bureau from Sweden, circa 1820 made by an unknown
Category

Antique 1820s Swedish Other Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Antique Burr Walnut Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
Antique Queen Anne style walnut bureau in excellent condition, with a nice warm color, plenty of
Category

Vintage 1930s English Queen Anne Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Burr Walnut Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
Antique burr walnut bureau in good condition dating from the 1920s period. It has a wonderful color
Category

Vintage 1920s English Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Burr Walnut Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
Antique burr walnut bureau dating from circa 1930s period and in excellent condition. It has a
Category

Mid-20th Century English Queen Anne Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Burr Walnut Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
Antique walnut bureau in good condition, with a lovely mellow & from around the 1920s period. The
Category

Vintage 1920s English Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century Modern Vintage Secretaire Writing Bureau Desk by G plan Danish Style
By G Plan Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An impressive vintage teak writing bureau by G Plan. The angled fall flap enclosed a fitted
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Lovely 1950s Serpentine Fronted Mahogany Chippendale Writing Bureau Claw Ball
By Thomas Chippendale
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
fronted writing bureau with leather writing surface The patina on this wood is to die for, just look
Category

Mid-20th Century British Early Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Victorian Ladies Writing Bureau Inlay Desk 1880
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Gorgeous Victorian ladies writing bureau or desk Such a great look with intricate inlay work and
Category

Antique 1880s English Victorian Desks

Materials

Walnut

Antique French Tambour Top Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
Exquisite small antique French writing bureau in mahogany with many fine features, dating from
Category

Antique 1890s French Victorian Desks

Materials

Mahogany

1960’s Danish Teak Vintage Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
A stunning and very practical vintage Danish writing bureau in teak. This dates from the 1960s, it
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

Danish Mid-Century Teak Desk / Writing Bureau, 1960s
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
Functional Danish teak secretary / writing desk from the 1960s featuring three spacious drawers and
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires

Materials

Teak

Antique Georgian Style Burr Walnut Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
A smart and useful antique writing bureau, beautifully made from walnut. This is in the antique
Category

Vintage 1930s British Georgian Desks

Materials

Walnut

Antique Burr Maple and Walnut Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
Slim proportioned antique burr maple and walnut bureau of a George III design, in good condition
Category

Vintage 1930s English Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple

1970 s Danish Vintage Teak Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
A stylish and very well made vintage Danish bureau in teak. This was made in Denmark, it dates from
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Danish Teak Writing Bureau Vintage, 1960 s
Located in London, GB
A stylish and practical vintage bureau in teak, this was made in Denmark and it dates from the 1960
Category

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

Materials

Teak

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Bureau
Located in Mckinney, TX
This antique 18th-century Swedish Gustavian writing bureau is a rare and handsome piece, crafted
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires

Materials

Pine

1960s Danish Wood Writing Bureau by Arne Wahl Iversen
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in London, GB
A stunning vintage Danish writing bureau, this was designed by Arne Wahl Iversen, it dates from the
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Wood

Stunning Edwardian Burr Walnut Writing Bureau Brown Leather Writing Surface
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage Edwardian burr walnut writing bureau with
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Desks

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Ebonised Lacquered and Giltwood Chinese Chinoiserie Writing Bureau Desk
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely Chinese chinoiserie style writing bureau A good
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Antique Inlaid Marquetry Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
and makes this bureau quite a statement piece. It’s also functional, with the writing section inside
Category

Vintage 1950s French Secretaires

Materials

Kingwood, Walnut

Antique Mahogany Writing Bureau Desk
Located in London, GB
& we have a key for the writing compartment. This bureau has sliding loafers which support the writing
Category

Vintage 1910s English Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Burr Walnut Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
Antique George III style burr walnut bureau in very good original condition, dating to circa 1930s
Category

Vintage 1950s English Georgian Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Antique Burr Walnut writing Bureau
Located in Bishop s Stortford, GB
Antique Walnut Veneered Bureau with 6 pigeon holes and lockable dropdown writing surface with
Category

Early 20th Century British Victorian Desks

Materials

Walnut

Antique Burr Walnut Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
This antique burr walnut bureau is slim in width and very compact. The slope is crossbanded and the
Category

Vintage 1930s English Edwardian Desks

Materials

Walnut

Antique Burr Walnut Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
Antique burr walnut bureau dating from circa 1910s-1920s period and in good condition. It’s high
Category

Vintage 1920s English Edwardian Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Antique Burr Walnut Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
Small antique Queen Anne style burr walnut bureau in lovely condition with a nice warm color and
Category

Vintage 1930s English Queen Anne Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Antique Burr Walnut Writing Bureau
Located in London, GB
Small antique Queen Anne style burr walnut bureau in lovely condition with a nice warm color and
Category

Vintage 1930s English Queen Anne Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

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Writing Bureau For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal writing bureau for your home. A writing bureau — often made from wood, metal and animal skin — can elevate any home. There are 928 variations of the antique or vintage writing bureau you’re looking for, while we also have 13 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. Your living room may not be complete without a writing bureau — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. A writing bureau made by Louis XV designers — as well as those associated with Louis XVI — is very popular. You’ll likely find more than one writing bureau that is appealing in its simplicity, but François Linke, Maison Jansen and Scarlet Splendour produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Writing Bureau?

A writing bureau can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $6,497, while the lowest priced sells for $171 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.