Used Writing Desks
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Modernist Writing Desk
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A writing desk finely crafted in solid teak having a floating bank of drawers and turned dowel legs.
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Boulle Writing Desk
Located in New York, NY
Well-proportioned French black lacquer and Boulle writing desk with metal gallery raised back
Category
Antique 19th Century French Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Tortoise Shell
Leather Top Writing Desk
Located in Pomona, CA
A leather top writing desk with brass accent on the edge and three drawers
Category
Vintage 1970s American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Mahogany Writing Desk
Located in Cheshire, GB
Mahogany and fruitwood inlaid ladies writing desk. The superstructure with central shelf flanked by
Category
Early 20th Century British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Leather Top Writing Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage writing desk includes a protective cover for part of the top surface, multiple drawers
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
French Tulipwood Writing Desk
Located in Cheltenham, GB
"Hutton-Clarke Antiques is delighted to present a stunning French Tulipwood Writing Desk, dating
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century French Rococo Revival Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Tulipwood
Child Rosewood Writing Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage writing desk on rolling wheels, in an incredible rich rosewood color. This compact desk is
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
19thC English Pine Writing Desk
Located in Staffordshire, GB
circa 1890
19thC English pine writing desk
Measures: W119 x D73 x H68cm.
Category
Antique 19th Century Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Writing Desk by George Nelson
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A single pedestal writing desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller with a built-in pivoting lamp
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Chinoiserie Ebonized Council Writing Desk
Located in New York, NY
Chinoiserie Ebonized Council Writing Desk, circa 20th century, mahogany, label to inside "Solid
Category
20th Century Chinoiserie Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Mahogany lady’s writing desk
Located in Cheshire, GB
Mahogany and boxwood strung lady`s writing desk, the raised three quarter gallery above three
Category
Early 20th Century British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
1970’s French Elm Writing Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
Postmodern French writing desk. Made of Elm.
Category
Vintage 1970s French Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Elm
Writing Desk by Henry Kjærnulf
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Striking writing desk in oak with drawers. By Henry Kjærnulf.
Refreshing design with bold
Category
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
French Empire Style Writing Desk
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Large French burr elm empire style writing desk. 1900.
Kneehole is 23.5" wide x 27" high
Category
Early 20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Elm
Italian Walnut Library Writing Desk
Located in Cheltenham, GB
Hutton-Clarke Antiques takes great pleasure in presenting this exquisite Italian writing desk
Category
Antique 19th Century Italian Rococo Revival Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Elegant French Style Writing Desk
Located in Riverdale, NY
Elegant French style writing desk with Louis XV lines in blond wood with silver leaf-painted table
Category
Vintage 1950s American Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Bamboo Writing Desk with Drawers, 1980s
Located in Roma, RM
BAMBOO WRITING DESK WITH DRAWERS 1980
Product details
Dimensions: 90L x 80H x 61D cm.
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bamboo
Writing Desk Mahogany Veneer, Italy, 1950s
Located in Milano, IT
Drop-leaf writing desk with drawers in the lower part; mahogany veneered wood with inlaid thread
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Carlton House Writing Desk
Located in Greenwich, CT
A Carlton House writing desk in wonderful fiddlegrain mahogany with a D shaped platform surrounded
Category
Antique 1880s English Regency Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Carved Wood Writing Desk
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Spectacular Antique Carved Wood Writing Desk. In good condition. This table has so many carved
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Unknown Renaissance Revival Desks and Writing...
Materials
Wood
Bauhaus tubular steel writing desk
By Bauhaus Deutschland
Located in PRAHA 4, CZ
The offered tubular steel Bauhaus writing desk impresses with its hight class design. It has been
Category
Vintage 1930s German Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Finn Juhl Teak Writing Desk
By Bovirke, Finn Juhl
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
This a wonderful example of a Finn Juhl freestanding teak writing desk with detachable 20.25 inch
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Louis XV Style Ebonized Writing Desk
Located in Locust Valley, NY
An ebonized writing desk in Louis XV style with cabriole legs and ormolu mounts to the feet, two
Category
20th Century Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu
English Decorative Chinoiserie Bureau Writing Desk
Located in Staffordshire, GB
Circa 1900
English decorative chinoiserie bureau writing desk - Bonheur Du Jour. Great colour
Category
Antique Early 1900s English Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Italian Walnut, Formica and Brass Writing Desk, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian walnut, Formica and brass writing desk, 1960s. Beautiful writing desk, with top in white
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Adam Style Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
1950s John Widdicomb Ladies Writing Desk
By John Widdicomb
Located in Naples, FL
Excellent vintage condition! Formal French Country style ladies writing desk; signature John
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
British Colonial Elephant Head Writing Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
British colonial style one drawer writing desk or table crafted in walnut with a chic pecan finish
Category
20th Century American British Colonial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Vintage Coastal Wrapped Rattan Writing Desk
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fabulous vintage Coastal writing desk. Chic wrapped rattan on a clean Parsons style frame. Glass
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rattan, Glass
Rare Italian Antique Walnut Writing Desk
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A rare and beautifully shaped antique walnut writing desk having carved curlicue stretchers and
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Antique French Writing Desk
Located in London, GB
A beautifully designed and extremely well made antique French writing desk. This was made in France
Category
Vintage 1930s British Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Elegant French Deco Style Writing Desk
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Sophisticated French Deco style rosewood veneer writing desk having gorgeous silhouette and unusual
Category
Vintage 1970s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Gianfranco Frattini Rosewood Writing Desk
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Washington, DC
A beautiful Midcentury rosewood writing desk by an Italian design icon, Gianfranco Frattini for
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Mastercraft Mid Century Bronze Writing Desk
By Mastercraft
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive vintage writing desk crafted in bronze with a hip acid washed finish, in a stylized
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Tessellated Stone Writing Desk by Maitland Smith
By Maitland Smith
Located in Fraser, MI
Maitland Smith Writing Desk. Mahogany Drawers. Stone rectangular tiles assembled in a surface
Category
Vintage 1980s Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stone
Vintage Danish Modern Teak Writing Desk
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Vintage Danish Modern Teak Writing Desk. Featuring a straight line design
Category
Late 20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Teak
Late Victorian Dutch Marquetry Writing Desk
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Late 19th century Dutch Marquetry Writing Desk with 6 drawers. Intricately crafted with traditional
Category
Antique 19th Century American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Kingwood, Oak
French Writing Desk in Solid Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Writing desk, pine, France, 1960s
This writing desk of French origin has a splendid construction
Category
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Harvey Probber Writing Desk- Signed
By Harvey Probber
Located in Trenton, NJ
This impressive mid-century modern writing desk from Harvey Probber features a striking yet simple
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Antique Tiger Oak Kidney Shaped Writing Desk
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Amazing antique Kinsey chapel writing desk. Features tiger oak around the sides and drawer face
Category
Early 20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Swedish Art Nouveau Style Oak Writing Desk
Located in Madrid, ES
Kidney-shaped oak writing desk with double chest of drawers with 8 drawers on each side. Wrought
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
Gorgeous 18th Century Tin Marquetry Writing Desk/ Cabinet
Located in Brussels, BE
18th century tin marquetry writing desk.
Category
Antique Early 18th Century German Louis XIV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Tin
Rare Lloyd Chromium Writing Desk by KEM Weber
By Kem Weber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lloyd chromium writing desk by Kem Weber.
Category
Vintage 1930s Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Italian Postmodern Round Rolling Writing Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This round Postmodern writing desk is on casters for easy mobility and transportation. The half
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Louis XVI Style Writing Desk
Located in Austin, TX
Writing desk from France in the Louis XVI style. This piece has been ebonized and finished with a
Category
Vintage 1920s French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Antique English Satinwood Parquetry Writing Desk circa 1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Satinwood Parquetry Writing Desk circa 1890
Category
Antique Late 19th Century English Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Satinwood
French Andre Arbus Ormolu Maple Writing Desk
By André Arbus
Located in New York, NY
French 1940s ormolu mounted maple writing desk with leather inset top above 2 frieze drawers on
Category
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu
1800s New England Pine Writing Desk
Located in Germantown, MD
Small writing desk from the 1800s in New England. Original patina. Good steady condition
Category
Mid-20th Century American American Colonial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Vintage Writing Desk, 1970's, Czechoslovakia
Located in Prague 8, CZ
This Vintage writing desk was made in the former Czechoslovakia in the 1970´s.
It's made of
Category
Late 20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
Vintage Writing Desk, 1970´S, Czechoslovakia
Located in Prague 8, CZ
This Vintage writing desk was made in the former Czechoslovakia in the 1970´s.
It´s made of
Category
Late 20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
Vintage Drexel "Composite" Series Writing Desk
By Drexel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern writing desk combining sturdy quality with great design. Manufactured by Drexel
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
Elegant Heywood Wakefield Ladies Writing Desk & Chair
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Buffalo, NY
Elegant Heywood Wakefield Ladies Writing Desk & Chair.. Classic mid century modern,Wonderful
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Fabric, Birch
Mahogany Writing Desk of Chippendale Design
Located in Cheshire, GB
Mahogany writing desk, of Chippendale design, the inset tooled leather writing surface, within an
Category
Early 20th Century British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
19th c Russian mahogany and brass writing desk
Located in Dallas, TX
19th c Russian leather topped writing desk with hand hammered brass details
Category
Antique 19th Century Russian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Vintage Walnut Writing Desk by Kent Coffey Temp
By Kent-Coffey
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This unique walnut writing desk was designed and manufactured by Kent Coffey Tempo in the United
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Vintage Regency Hand Painted Gladiator Writing Desk
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fantastic Vintage Regency writing desk. Beautiful hand painted detail with scenes of gladiators
Category
Late 20th Century North American Regency Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Paint
Restored Baroque Revival Oak Writing Desk, circa 1890
Located in Opole, PL
Restored Baroque Revival Oak Writing Desk, circa 1890
This Neo-Baroque writing desk is entirely
Category
Antique Late 19th Century European Baroque Revival Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Maitland-Smith Vintage Egyptian Style Writing Desk
By Maitland Smith
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout mid century writing desk having a tessellated marble top on a case with two drawers and
Category
20th Century Philippine Egyptian Revival Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Brass
Antique English Inlaid Rosewood Writing Desk, Circa 1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English inlaid rosewood writing desk on casters with leather and galleried top, Circa 1890.
Category
Antique Late 19th Century English Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Vintage Asian Custom Built Reclaimed Writing Desk
Located in west palm beach, FL
Incredible vintage Asian writing desk. Custom built to the designers specs. Beautiful reclaimed
Category
Late 20th Century Singaporean Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Rare Lloyd Chromium Writing Desk by Kem Weber
By Kem Weber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lloyd Chromium Writing Desk by Kem Weber
https://www.themagazineantiques. com/article/kem-weber
Category
Vintage 1930s Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome, Steel
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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 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 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 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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