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Louis XIII Desks

LOUIS XIII STYLE

Antique Louis XIII furniture is not as lavish as that of his son Louis XIV, who transformed his father’s modest Versailles hunting lodge into a sumptuous palace. Yet the imposing forms of its chairs, dressers, tables and other pieces express grandeur and luxury.

When Henry IV was assassinated in the streets of Paris in 1610, his young son became the king of France. With Louis XIII too young to rule, the widowed Marie de' Medici — a native of Italy and member of the prominent House of Medici — became regent, instilling an Italian influence in the decorative arts. Even after Louis XIII exiled his mother and took power in 1617, this aesthetic informed his court style. As did the consolidation of power, established with his chief minister, Cardinal Richelieu, through his death in 1643.

From sturdy chests and tall cupboards to colossal four-poster beds, almost every piece of Louis XIII furniture was heavily carved or turned from dark-toned wood. Motifs of the period included scrollwork, foliage, fruits, grotesque masks and other images of abundance, often inlaid in marquetry of wood or tortoiseshell. Ornamental scenes, sometimes carved on cabinet panels and other pieces from rare ebony, oak or walnut, were borrowed from engravings by northern European masters like Peter Paul Rubens. Engravings also spread the Louis XIII style during the 17th century, particularly by printmaker Abraham Bosse, who depicted the popular Louis XIII chairs designed with upholstered seats and low, wide backs.

The lofty profiles of the French furniture complemented the architecture under the reign of Louis XIII, such as the Palais du Luxembourg by chief architect Salomon de Brosse and architect Jacques Lemercier’s chapel at the Sorbonne, which showcased the influence of Italian Baroque.

Find a collection of antique Louis XIII armchairs, storage cabinets, decorative objects and other items on 1stDibs.

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Style: Louis XIII
French Louis XIII Style Oak Barley Twist Library Table Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fine 19th century French carved oak library table, or writing table desk made in the grand Louis XIII taste. Features thick barley twist legs conjoined on the bottom with barley twis...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Oak

French Louis XIII Style Oak Barley Twist Library Table Desk
French Louis XIII Style Oak Barley Twist Library Table Desk

French Louis XIII Style Oak Barley Twist Library Table Desk

$3,360 Sale Price
20% Off
Late 19th Century French Louis XIII Style Oak Writing Table
Located in Astoria, NY
A late 19th-century French Louis XIII style writing table, sourced in Provence. Crafted in solid oak with well-defined grain, the table features a molded top with carved egg-and-dart...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Oak

Late 19th Century French Louis XIII Style Oak Writing Table
Late 19th Century French Louis XIII Style Oak Writing Table

Late 19th Century French Louis XIII Style Oak Writing Table

$6,800
French 19th Century Louis XIII Style Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This French hand carved desk has an angular shaped top over a single drawer in the apron. Four striking and stylized turned legs are connected by a similar stretcher. Cleaned and pol...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Mahogany

French 19th Century Louis XIII Style Desk
French 19th Century Louis XIII Style Desk

French 19th Century Louis XIII Style Desk

$2,200
19th Century French Oak Barley Twist Bureau Plat Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Spectacular 19th century French bureau plat writing table or desk featuring barley twist legs and stretcher. Crafted from oak in the grand Louis XIII style fronted by a large 27 inch...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Oak

19th Century French Oak Barley Twist Bureau Plat Desk
19th Century French Oak Barley Twist Bureau Plat Desk

19th Century French Oak Barley Twist Bureau Plat Desk

$3,840 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Louis XIII Style Oak Writing Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant, architectural, and rich with old-world charm — this Louis XIII style writing desk is a statement piece for the thoughtful collector and historic interiors alike. Crafted in...
Category

Early 20th Century Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Oak

Antique Louis XIII Style Oak Writing Desk
Antique Louis XIII Style Oak Writing Desk

Antique Louis XIII Style Oak Writing Desk

$4,200
19th C. Spanish Carved Walnut Serpentine Desk with Four Drawers on Trestle Base
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in Spain circa 1860, this sculptural antique walnut writing desk exemplifies the bold elegance of 19th-century Spanish craftsmanship. The serpentine front adds a graceful sil...
Category

Mid-19th Century Spanish Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Walnut

19th C. Spanish Carved Walnut Serpentine Desk with Four Drawers on Trestle Base
19th C. Spanish Carved Walnut Serpentine Desk with Four Drawers on Trestle Base

19th C. Spanish Carved Walnut Serpentine Desk with Four Drawers on Trestle Base

$6,600
Related Items
Rare Antique circa 1860 Library Writing Table Desk with Twin Writing Slopes
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare original circa 1860 Mahogany library table with built in twin writing slopes This is a very r...
Category

1860s English Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Hardwood

Rare Antique circa 1860 Library Writing Table Desk with Twin Writing Slopes
Rare Antique circa 1860 Library Writing Table Desk with Twin Writing Slopes

Rare Antique circa 1860 Library Writing Table Desk with Twin Writing Slopes

$4,052
H 31.11 in W 55.12 in D 31.5 in
19th Century Carved Oak Pedestal Desk
Located in High Point, NC
19th century English pedestal desk made from oak. The top is covered in the original brown leather, which has aged beautifully, and is banded by an oak border, which has a gorgeous b...
Category

19th Century English Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Leather, Oak

19th Century Carved Oak Pedestal Desk
19th Century Carved Oak Pedestal Desk

19th Century Carved Oak Pedestal Desk

$3,995
H 31 in W 48 in D 29.38 in
Diminutive French Louis XIV Style Walnut Writing Table Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Charming 19th century French writing table or desk made in a diminutive scale or ladies bureau plat size. Crafted in the grand Louis XIV taste from walnu...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Brass

Diminutive French Louis XIV Style Walnut Writing Table Desk
Diminutive French Louis XIV Style Walnut Writing Table Desk

Diminutive French Louis XIV Style Walnut Writing Table Desk

$3,500
H 28.5 in W 35.5 in D 21.5 in
French Empire Mahogany Bureau Plat, 19th C.
Located in Astoria, NY
French Empire Mahogany Bureau Plat, 19th century, with gilt-tooled tan leather top with central frieze drawer flanked by two short drawers on each side with faux partners desk back o...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

French Empire Mahogany Bureau Plat, 19th C.
French Empire Mahogany Bureau Plat, 19th C.

French Empire Mahogany Bureau Plat, 19th C.

$2,350
H 30 in W 52 in D 28 in
Early Paint Antique French Louis XV Style Bureau Plat Writing Desk Stool
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning early painted circa 1880-1900 French Louis XV style Bureau plat writing table with later stool This is a wonderful find, the burea...
Category

1880s French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Brass

Early Paint Antique French Louis XV Style Bureau Plat Writing Desk Stool
Early Paint Antique French Louis XV Style Bureau Plat Writing Desk Stool

Early Paint Antique French Louis XV Style Bureau Plat Writing Desk Stool

$5,425 / set
H 30.32 in W 51.19 in D 26.78 in
19th Century French Louis XVI Style Mahogany Inlaid Ladies Desk with Vitrine
Located in Sofia, BG
This is a beautiful French antique mahogany inlaid ladies writing desk, circa 1870 in date. The fall front opens to reveal an interior of writing surface, and bank of two drawers. Th...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century French Louis XVI Style Mahogany Inlaid Ladies Desk with Vitrine
19th Century French Louis XVI Style Mahogany Inlaid Ladies Desk with Vitrine

19th Century French Louis XVI Style Mahogany Inlaid Ladies Desk with Vitrine

$2,236 Sale Price
50% Off
H 52.37 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in
Early 20th Century Louis XV Style Italian Writing Desk or Dressing Table
Located in London, Park Royal
A charming, hand-painted, Louis XV style, Italian writing desk or dressing table from the early 20th century depicting floral motifs with Rococo flourishes and gilded highlighting.
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Wood, Paint

Early 20th Century Louis XV Style Italian Writing Desk or Dressing Table
Early 20th Century Louis XV Style Italian Writing Desk or Dressing Table

Early 20th Century Louis XV Style Italian Writing Desk or Dressing Table

$3,296
H 30.32 in W 38.59 in D 20.08 in
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 front. The writing desk is in good vintage condition with minor wear consistent wi...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Louis XV Style Ladies Writing Desk / Marquetry Details
Louis XV Style Ladies Writing Desk / Marquetry Details

Louis XV Style Ladies Writing Desk / Marquetry Details

$2,100
H 36 in W 26 in D 19 in
Antique French Louis XVI Style Mahogany Writing Desk W/ Leather Top
Located in Astoria, NY
A handsome late 19th century French writing desk in the Louis XVI style, sourced in Provence, France. Hand-crafted in mahogany, the desk features a rectangular top inset with gilt-to...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

Antique French Louis XVI Style Mahogany Writing Desk W/ Leather Top
Antique French Louis XVI Style Mahogany Writing Desk W/ Leather Top

Antique French Louis XVI Style Mahogany Writing Desk W/ Leather Top

$4,800
H 30 in W 51 in D 28.5 in
Louis XV Style Leather Top Ladies Writing Desk
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Louis XV style leather top with front drawer ladies writing desk with bronze mounted design details. The desk is in great antique condi...
Category

1820s French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Bronze

Louis XV Style Leather Top Ladies Writing Desk
Louis XV Style Leather Top Ladies Writing Desk

Louis XV Style Leather Top Ladies Writing Desk

$3,900
H 48 in W 29 in D 20 in
Small 19th Century French Boulle Bureau Plat
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality small late 19th century French Boulle inlaid bureau plat, having an inset leather top, brass inlay and tortoiseshell to the top, frieze and legs, gilded ormolu mounts, a single frieze drawer with a Bramah lock...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Brass

Small 19th Century French Boulle Bureau Plat
Small 19th Century French Boulle Bureau Plat

Small 19th Century French Boulle Bureau Plat

$5,219
H 28.35 in W 29.53 in D 18.9 in
Vintage Boho 19th Century Carved Bamboo Writing Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
The Vintage Boho 19th Century Carved Bamboo Writing Desk epitomizes American style with its intricate bamboo carvings and artisanal craftsmanship. This unique piece blends vintage ch...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Wood

Vintage Boho 19th Century Carved Bamboo Writing Desk
Vintage Boho 19th Century Carved Bamboo Writing Desk

Vintage Boho 19th Century Carved Bamboo Writing Desk

$2,450
H 32.25 in W 36 in D 20 in
Previously Available Items
Antique French Louis XIII Style Walnut Writing Desk
Located in Astoria, NY
Late 19th-century French writing desk in the Louis XIII style, sourced from Provence, France. Expertly hand-crafted from solid walnut, it features two storage drawers with traditiona...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Walnut

Antique French Louis XIII Style Walnut Writing Desk
Antique French Louis XIII Style Walnut Writing Desk

Antique French Louis XIII Style Walnut Writing Desk

H 30.5 in W 55 in D 29.5 in
19th Century French Louis XIII Style Walnut Writing Desk
Located in Astoria, NY
Charming mid-19th-century French rustic writing, kitchen, or side table in the Louis XIII style, sourced from Provence. Handcrafted from solid walnut with two spacious drawers featur...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Walnut

19th Century French Louis XIII Style Walnut Writing Desk
19th Century French Louis XIII Style Walnut Writing Desk

19th Century French Louis XIII Style Walnut Writing Desk

H 29.63 in W 59.5 in D 31.75 in
Antique French Louis XIII Style Walnut Writing Desk
Located in Astoria, NY
Late 19th-century French writing desk or side table crafted in the Louis XIII style, sourced from Provence, France. Expertly hand-crafted from solid walnut, it features three storage...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Walnut

Antique French Louis XIII Style Walnut Writing Desk
Antique French Louis XIII Style Walnut Writing Desk

Antique French Louis XIII Style Walnut Writing Desk

H 31.5 in W 51.25 in D 32.25 in
Antique French Louis XIII Style Walnut Writing Desk
Located in Astoria, NY
A handsome late 19th-century French writing desk made in the style of Louis XIII, sourced directly from Provence, France. Beautifully hand-crafted from solid walnut wood, it features...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Walnut

Antique French Louis XIII Style Walnut Writing Desk
Antique French Louis XIII Style Walnut Writing Desk

Antique French Louis XIII Style Walnut Writing Desk

H 29.25 in W 51.25 in D 29.5 in
Antique French Louis XIII Style Walnut Barley Twist Writing Desk
Located in Astoria, NY
A handsome late 19th-century French writing desk in the Louis XIII style, sourced directly from Provence, France. Expertly hand-crafted from solid walnut, it features a naturally age...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Walnut

Antique French Louis XIII Style Walnut Barley Twist Writing Desk
Antique French Louis XIII Style Walnut Barley Twist Writing Desk

Antique French Louis XIII Style Walnut Barley Twist Writing Desk

H 30.75 in W 38.75 in D 26 in
Writing table / desk in solid oak late 19th century Louis XIII style with turned
Located in LYON, FR
Full of charm for this desk / writing table from the 1900s in the Louis XIII style. Its top has been completely restored by us. It is ready to integrate into your interior, bringing ...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Oak

Writing table / desk in solid oak late 19th century Louis XIII style with turned
Writing table / desk in solid oak late 19th century Louis XIII style with turned

Writing table / desk in solid oak late 19th century Louis XIII style with turned

H 29.53 in W 47.25 in D 28.75 in
19th Century Louis XIII Style Walnut Barley Twist Library Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous 19th century library table or writing table crafted from walnut. Made in the grand Baroque Louis XIII style featuring a trestle style base constructed with barley twist legs...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Brass

19th Century Louis XIII Style Walnut Barley Twist Library Table
19th Century Louis XIII Style Walnut Barley Twist Library Table

19th Century Louis XIII Style Walnut Barley Twist Library Table

H 28.5 in W 46.5 in D 26.5 in
Antique Women s Wooden Desk, France, circa 1880
Located in Chorzów, PL
Women's desk, made in France in circa 1880. Good condition. Currently under renovation. Wood: oak dimensions: height: 78 cm, width: 80 cm, depth: 61 cm
Category

1880s French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Oak

Antique Women s Wooden Desk, France, circa 1880
Antique Women s Wooden Desk, France, circa 1880

Antique Women s Wooden Desk, France, circa 1880

H 30.71 in W 31.5 in D 24.02 in
19th Century French Carved Oak Sofa Table Writing Desk Barley Twist Louis XIII
Located in Shreveport, LA
19th century French carved oak sofa table writing desk barley twist Black Forest ~Direct from France~ ~Lovely antique French writing desk or sofa table with elegant features~ ~F...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Oak

19th Century French Carved Oak Sofa Table Writing Desk Barley Twist Louis XIII
19th Century French Carved Oak Sofa Table Writing Desk Barley Twist Louis XIII

19th Century French Carved Oak Sofa Table Writing Desk Barley Twist Louis XIII

H 28.5 in W 44 in D 23.5 in
French 19th Century Desk
Located in Stockbridge, GA
French 19th century desk.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Oak

French 19th Century Desk
French 19th Century Desk

French 19th Century Desk

H 30.75 in W 52.5 in D 25.5 in
18th Century, Spanish, Carved Walnut Two-Piece Bargueno Cabinet and Base
Located in Dallas, TX
Complete your library or study with this antique fruitwood "Bargueno" or "Vargueno" from Spain, circa 1780. Built in two-pieces, the Spanish desk features a portable cabinet with forged side handles for traveling purposes, and a separate base with barley twist legs. The top cabinet features front marquetry decor and geometrical diamond inlay motif, embellished with two iron latches and the sides, and a pull down door revealing a theater with multiple drawers and a writing surface. The inside includes two small doors and nine separate compartments for easy storage and sorting mail. The trunk sits on four carved legs with bottom stretcher, and has a large drawer across the front for additional storage. The versatile, useful cabinet is in good condition with a rich walnut patina throughout. The Bargueño or Vargueno desk...
Category

Late 18th Century Spanish Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Iron

18th Century, Spanish, Carved Walnut Two-Piece Bargueno Cabinet and Base
18th Century, Spanish, Carved Walnut Two-Piece Bargueno Cabinet and Base

18th Century, Spanish, Carved Walnut Two-Piece Bargueno Cabinet and Base

H 17 in W 42 in L 17 in
19th Century French Oak Barley Twist Bureau Plat Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome 19th century French bureau plat writing table or desk featuring barley twist legs and stretchers. Made in the grand Louis XIII taste fronted by a large 33 inch storage drawe...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Oak

19th Century French Oak Barley Twist Bureau Plat Desk
19th Century French Oak Barley Twist Bureau Plat Desk

19th Century French Oak Barley Twist Bureau Plat Desk

H 30 in W 41 in D 25.5 in

Louis Xiii desks for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Louis XIII desks for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage desks created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, oak and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Louis XIII desks made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Netherlands pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for desks differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,645 and tops out at $4,800 while the average work can sell for $3,933.

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