Skip to main content

Medieval Desks and Writing Tables

MEDIEVAL STYLE

The Middle Ages in Europe followed the end of the Roman Empire, and in this time of change, which preceded the Renaissance, furniture was simple and utilitarian, with most homes having only the necessities like chests and benches. Much of medieval furniture, which was often made in oak or walnut, was built for the elite, particularly the emerging merchant class who owned multiple homes.

Life for many in the medieval era was unstable, and furniture was designed to be functional and portable. Peasants worked the fields for affluent landowners and didn’t have access to literature in the way that nobles and people of the church did (women less so than men). The furniture in their modest dwellings was typically limited to cookware and a handful of stools. Foldable chairs, while uncommon in homes of the early Middle Ages and emblematic of wealth, like all other furnishings of the time, allowed for easy transportation of a household. Trestle tables with detachable legs and collapsible beds were designed to be simply moved from place to place.

Medieval blanket chests were among the most important furniture objects and could further serve as tables or even beds. Some ancient traditions were carried forward to build this sturdy furniture, such as turnery. Although the furniture was minimally designed, embellishments like carvings added elegance to the heavy wood pieces. These details sometimes reflected trends in religious art like rose windows.

By the later Middle Ages, storage pieces like chests of drawers were often adorned with high relief carvings, such as geometric and floral motifs. By the 14th and 15th centuries, design had developed to include more involved pieces like cupboards and desks, while benches frequently doubled as chests with hinged seats. Beds also changed in this era from basic boards to four-post designs with large drapes to keep the sleeper warm. These beds and other medieval bedroom furniture were significant status symbols, passed down through families and used as places to conduct business and receive visitors.

Surviving examples of medieval furniture are very rare, yet its distinctive aesthetics influenced later styles like William and Mary and Arts and Crafts.

Find a collection of medieval seating, garden elements, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

1
2
to
1
1
1
2
2
2
1,769
780
383
356
320
218
217
206
155
109
102
87
69
55
51
36
26
11
2
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
2
2
1
2
1
1
1
Style: Medieval
Antique Gothic Style English Oak Victorian Library Table Desk Dining Table
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale lovely gothic style antique Victorian English oak library table or desk that can be used as a four person dining table A decorative and well mad...
Category

19th Century English Antique Medieval Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique Gothic Style English Oak Victorian Library Table Desk Dining Table
Antique Gothic Style English Oak Victorian Library Table Desk Dining Table

Antique Gothic Style English Oak Victorian Library Table Desk Dining Table

French 19th Century Gothic Style Writing Table
Located in Stockbridge, GA
French 19th century Gothic style writing table.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Medieval Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut, Oak

French 19th Century Gothic Style Writing Table
French 19th Century Gothic Style Writing Table

French 19th Century Gothic Style Writing Table

No Reserve
Related Items
19th Century Mahogany Writing Table
Located in Whaley Bridge, GB
Sn5272 Fine quality 19th century mahogany writing desk of goods proportions, having new tooled black leather to the top flanked by...
Category

19th Century French Antique Medieval Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Mahogany Writing Table
19th Century Mahogany Writing Table

19th Century Mahogany Writing Table

H 30.315 in W 51.181 in D 27.559 in
Antique English Mahogany Carved Library Table with Lopers for Expanding Surface
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique English carved mahogany library table, or since it has built in steel-lopers that pull-out from each end, one could use this antique English library table...
Category

1880s English Antique Medieval Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Antique English Mahogany Carved Library Table with Lopers for Expanding Surface
Antique English Mahogany Carved Library Table with Lopers for Expanding Surface

Antique English Mahogany Carved Library Table with Lopers for Expanding Surface

H 32.5 in W 71.25 in D 40 in
Antique Estate Desk, Scottish, Oak, Library Table, Gothic Revival, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique estate desk. A Scottish, oak library table with leather skiver in Gothic revival taste, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1880. W...
Category

Late 19th Century Scottish Antique Medieval Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique Estate Desk, Scottish, Oak, Library Table, Gothic Revival, Victorian
Antique Estate Desk, Scottish, Oak, Library Table, Gothic Revival, Victorian

Antique Estate Desk, Scottish, Oak, Library Table, Gothic Revival, Victorian

H 29.93 in W 54.14 in D 31.7 in
19th Century French Provincial Fruitwood Writing Table Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Diminutive size 19th century French provincial writing table or desk. The table is constructed from fruitwood with a warm patina and lovely wood grain patterns. Fronted by a single s...
Category

19th Century French Antique Medieval Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Fruitwood

19th Century French Provincial Fruitwood Writing Table Desk
19th Century French Provincial Fruitwood Writing Table Desk

19th Century French Provincial Fruitwood Writing Table Desk

H 28.5 in W 34.5 in D 23 in
Fine 19th Century Sheraton Style Mahogany Writing Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A handsome antique writing Table in original condition. The top with a shaped 3/4 gallery and fine thin banding on the front. The long frieze drawer with the same banding and fine pa...
Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Fine 19th Century Sheraton Style Mahogany Writing Table
Fine 19th Century Sheraton Style Mahogany Writing Table

Fine 19th Century Sheraton Style Mahogany Writing Table

H 38 in W 41 in D 23.5 in
19th Century French Renaissance Writing Table, Student Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Renaissance writing table ~ student desk is a remarkable example of the furniture maker's craft, performed on a diminutive scale perfect for townhomes, apartments, libraries, studies, and a student's bedroom! Created entirely from old growth oak, it was literally designed to last for centuries. A single steel pendant pull for the drawer is the only other material used. Hand-carved bas relief covers the entire half-bullnose bevel around the perimeter, underneath a subtle ogee bevel surrounding the solid plank top. Another tier of ogee trim in reverse appears under the carved edging, and that's just the surface! The apron is a marvel of wood sculpting, with elaborate scrollwork and stylized naturalistic foliates in glorious full relief appearing on all four facades, framed by amazingly lifelike full relief busts...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Medieval Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

19th Century French Renaissance Writing Table, Student Desk
19th Century French Renaissance Writing Table, Student Desk

19th Century French Renaissance Writing Table, Student Desk

H 29 in W 33.5 in D 20.5 in
Small 19th Century writing table
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Beautiful antique mahogany writing table with 2 drawers. Gold-edged Burgundy leather top. Table stands on porcelain wheels. Entirely in ...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Medieval Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Small 19th Century writing table
Small 19th Century writing table

Small 19th Century writing table

H 29.14 in W 40.16 in D 28.35 in
Antique Hand Carved Oak Jacobean Dining Table, Circa 1910s
Located in Germantown, MD
Gorgeous Hand carved oak Jacobean style dining table. Use as a library/office table or desk. Beautiful oak top with substantial hand carved...
Category

Early 20th Century American Medieval Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique Hand Carved Oak Jacobean Dining Table, Circa 1910s
Antique Hand Carved Oak Jacobean Dining Table, Circa 1910s

Antique Hand Carved Oak Jacobean Dining Table, Circa 1910s

H 30 in W 52 in D 39 in
Antique French Table Dining Breakfast Table Desk Draw Leaf Carved Oak Parquet
Located in Tyler, TX
Charming antique french country draw leaf breakfast dining table or desk with parquet top~~108" wide when leaves are fully extended...c. 1920s This table has "the look"~~~one of o...
Category

1920s French Vintage Medieval Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique French Table Dining Breakfast Table Desk Draw Leaf Carved Oak Parquet
Antique French Table Dining Breakfast Table Desk Draw Leaf Carved Oak Parquet

Antique French Table Dining Breakfast Table Desk Draw Leaf Carved Oak Parquet

H 30.75 in W 59 in D 39.25 in
Antiqued Gold Finish Baroque Style Dining Table Base
Located in Sheffield, MA
Glam up your dining experience with this antiqued gold "gilt" toned Baroque Hollywood Regency styled metal and glass dining table. Be it ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Medieval Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Antiqued Gold Finish Baroque Style Dining Table Base
Antiqued Gold Finish Baroque Style Dining Table Base

Antiqued Gold Finish Baroque Style Dining Table Base

H 29 in W 55 in D 23.5 in
19th Century French Oak Writing Table
Located in High Point, NC
19th century oak writing table from France with a banded top, which also has a lovely hand carved and beveled edge, following down to paneled aprons, all with hand carved decoration....
Category

19th Century French Antique Medieval Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

19th Century French Oak Writing Table
19th Century French Oak Writing Table

19th Century French Oak Writing Table

H 30.63 in W 51.13 in D 29.5 in
Convertible Danish Desk, Dining Table or Partners Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Teak top with drawers on either side elevated on ebonized tapered legs. With the legs set at the four corners, it functions as a partners desk or a dining table in the middle of a ro...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Medieval Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak, Wood

Convertible Danish Desk, Dining Table or Partners Desk
Convertible Danish Desk, Dining Table or Partners Desk

Convertible Danish Desk, Dining Table or Partners Desk

H 28.75 in W 55 in D 35.25 in
Previously Available Items
Antique Spanish Renaissance Claw Foot Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Here is a once in a lifetime antique Spanish hand-carved oak desk with striking gothic details. Featuring an imposing, mythical Griffin base, three beautifully sculpted gargoyle draw...
Category

Late 19th Century Spanish Antique Medieval Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Antique Spanish Renaissance Claw Foot Desk
Antique Spanish Renaissance Claw Foot Desk

Antique Spanish Renaissance Claw Foot Desk

H 30 in W 55 in D 31 in
Vintage Romweber Viking Oak Executive Kneehole Office Library Writing Desk
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in Dayton, OH
Romweber (R-10975) Viking oak executive desk circa 1980s. Features a large oak top with bowtie (butterfly joint) dovetailing and square carved edge. The top overhangs along the sides...
Category

1980s Vintage Medieval Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Vintage Romweber Viking Oak Executive Kneehole Office Library Writing Desk
Vintage Romweber Viking Oak Executive Kneehole Office Library Writing Desk

Vintage Romweber Viking Oak Executive Kneehole Office Library Writing Desk

H 30 in W 74 in D 44 in
Early 19th Century, English, Gothic Oak Partners Desk
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Early 19th Century English gothic oak partners desk with tooled leather writing surface. The top conforms in shape to the pillars below, flanking each set of five drawers. There are ...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Medieval Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Early 19th Century, English, Gothic Oak Partners Desk
Early 19th Century, English, Gothic Oak Partners Desk

Early 19th Century, English, Gothic Oak Partners Desk

H 29.53 in W 64.57 in D 37.8 in
Carved Gothic Oak Writing Table or Centre Table
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Carved Gothic oak writing table or centre table A beautifully Carved Gothic Centre Table or Writing Table, this is a 19th Century piece It sta...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Medieval Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Carved Gothic Oak Writing Table or Centre Table
Carved Gothic Oak Writing Table or Centre Table

Carved Gothic Oak Writing Table or Centre Table

H 31 in W 50 in D 31 in
19th Century Regency Oak Gothic Desk with Leather Top
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A good looking 19th century, Regency oak gothic desk with a moulded, cross banded top and a tooled leather inset writing surface. Having a frieze drawer either side, carved with trad...
Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

19th Century Regency Oak Gothic Desk with Leather Top
19th Century Regency Oak Gothic Desk with Leather Top

19th Century Regency Oak Gothic Desk with Leather Top

H 29.53 in W 48.43 in D 26.38 in
Fine Money Lender Table
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This table of high quality can be entirely dismantled. Four lateral crossbars are secured with fitted keys assuring the strength of the table. The overlapping table...
Category

16th Century Swiss Antique Medieval Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut, Softwood

Fine Money Lender Table
Fine Money Lender Table

Fine Money Lender Table

H 32.29 in W 39.38 in D 34.65 in
Large 19th Century Gothic Desk
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
An impressive and large 19th Century gothic oak desk having a rectangular cross banded marquetry top with large overhang. Three frieze drawers with scr...
Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Large 19th Century Gothic Desk
Large 19th Century Gothic Desk

Large 19th Century Gothic Desk

H 31.11 in W 74.41 in D 41.34 in
Antique Gothic Style Mahogany Presentation Podium or Lectern, c1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Gothic style presentation podium offers mahogany construction with slant front lectern having drop finials and raised on central faceted column seated on flared base, c189...
Category

19th Century European Antique Medieval Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Gothic Style Mahogany Presentation Podium or Lectern, c1890
Antique Gothic Style Mahogany Presentation Podium or Lectern, c1890

Antique Gothic Style Mahogany Presentation Podium or Lectern, c1890

H 46.5 in W 24 in D 18.5 in
19th Century English Gothic Oak Desk
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
19th century English Regency oak gothic desk. Three drawers to each side rising from a plinth base. Two drawers across the top and a tooled leather writing surface. The back of the d...
Category

19th Century English Antique Medieval Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Oak

19th Century English Gothic Oak Desk
19th Century English Gothic Oak Desk

19th Century English Gothic Oak Desk

H 30.32 in W 54.34 in D 31.5 in
Late 19th Century Gothic Dining Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 19th century Gothic dining table / desk is made out of mahogany wood, has its original dark walnut color stain, and is in good condition. The table features a solid rectangular ...
Category

1890s French Antique Medieval Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

Late 19th Century Gothic Dining Table
Late 19th Century Gothic Dining Table

Late 19th Century Gothic Dining Table

H 30 in W 77 in D 40 in
18th-19th Century Barley Twist Tavern or Farm Table Prov. Parc Monceau
Located in Stamford, CT
18th-19th century barley twist tavern table or writing desk. Previously bought at Parc Monceau, Country French and Antiques.
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Medieval Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

18th-19th Century Barley Twist Tavern or Farm Table Prov. Parc Monceau
18th-19th Century Barley Twist Tavern or Farm Table Prov. Parc Monceau

18th-19th Century Barley Twist Tavern or Farm Table Prov. Parc Monceau

H 28.5 in W 47.25 in D 30.5 in
19th Century Gothic Oak Executive Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century Gothic oak executive desk was made by famed maker Emile Laurent-Durhesne of Liege, and features a restrained version of the style, with linenfold panels the primary visu...
Category

Early 1900s Belgian Antique Medieval Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

19th Century Gothic Oak Executive Desk
19th Century Gothic Oak Executive Desk

19th Century Gothic Oak Executive Desk

H 32 in W 67 in D 39 in

Medieval desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Medieval desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage desks and writing tables created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with oak, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Medieval desks and writing tables made in a specific country, there are Europe, England, and France 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 and writing tables differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,680 and tops out at $3,100 while the average work can sell for $2,526.

Recently Viewed

View All

More Ways To Browse

Antique Victorian Pedestal Desk
Folding Table Drawers
Inlaid Walnut Writing Desk
George Iii Writing Desk
Desk Small Art Deco
Ormolu Small Table
Contemporary Desks With Drawers
Antique Walnut Veneer Writing Desk
Campaign Desks
All Marble Desk
Italian Walnut Modern Desk
Vintage White Desk With Drawers
Oak Desk Victorian
Antique Metal Legs For Tables
Antique Kneehole Writing Desk
Trestle Writing Table
Small Round Desk
Louis Xv Oak Table
View All Popular Desks and Writing Tables Searches