What is a writing desk?

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.

What is a small writing desk called?

A 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.

What is a writing desk with drawers called?

A 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.

What is an old-fashioned writing desk called?

What 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.

What's the difference between a desk and a writing table?

Desks typically include drawers or storage compartments, while writing tables (and secretary desks) offer a flatter surface with little to no built-in storage.

What was the term in French furniture for a writing desk that often featured a drop-down writing surface?

In 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.

What's the difference between a mid-century modern desk and a writing table?

Desks typically include drawers or storage, while writing tables are a flatter, more minimal work surface; check the listing description for storage details.

Adjustable Writing Desk

Mid Century Modern Drafting Table

Architects Table Mahogany

Italy Drafting

Draft Table

Adjustable Height Table Mid Century

Wood And Iron Drafting Table

19th Century Adjustable Reading Table

Drafting Desk

Adjustable Oak Writing Table or Desk

$2,500

Adjustable Oak Writing Table or Desk

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Adjustable oak writing table/desk. Pictured: 40 in. tall (with desk surface at 34 in.) x 28 in. wide x 25 in. deep (opened) / 20 in. deep closed.

Category

20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bog Wood

Adjustable Oak Writing Table or Desk

$2,500

Adjustable Oak Writing Table or Desk

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Adjustable oak writing table/desk. Pictured: 40 in. tall (with desk surface at 34 in.) x 28 in. wide x 25 in. deep (opened) / 20 in. deep closed.

Category

20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables

Guillerme et Chambron, Desk Table, Oak Writing Desk, Height Adjustable

$3,728

Guillerme et Chambron, Desk Table, Oak Writing Desk, Height Adjustable

By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison

Located in Mouscron, WHT

Guillerme et Chambron, desk table, oak writing desk, height adjustable.

Category

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

Materials

Oak

Adjustable writing table with Adam and Eve inlay

$2,711

Adjustable writing table with Adam and Eve inlay

Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj

Adjustable writing table with Adam and Eve inlay. Professionally stained and repolished.

Category

Antique 19th Century Austrian Baroque Revival Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Danish Modern Adjustable Teak Desk by Arne Vodder for Sibast

$2,900

Danish Modern Adjustable Teak Desk by Arne Vodder for Sibast

By Arne Vodder, Sibast

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This Mid-Century Danish writing desk by Arne Vodder for Sibast features an adjustable floating drawer cabinet, allowing the user to position it on the right or left side of the table.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Arts and Crafts Adjustable Oak Clerk's Desk, Mobile Reception Station

$2,178

Arts and Crafts Adjustable Oak Clerk's Desk, Mobile Reception Station

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Adjustable Clerks Desk Restaurant Station Greeter A very neat mobile Front of House Reception Greeter, easy to carry with a sloping top ands can be folded away when not required The...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Knoll K. Stand Electric Height-Adjustable Rectangle White Table Desk

$1,300

Knoll K. Stand Electric Height-Adjustable Rectangle White Table Desk

By Knoll

Located in Secaucus, NJ

Elegant K. stand ergonomic height-adjustable table desk/work center by Knoll. An electric adjustable height work table that gracefully moves from the sitting to standing position in ...

Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century French Adjustable Desk by Robert Paveau, Circa 1940

$9,500

Mid-Century French Adjustable Desk by Robert Paveau, Circa 1940

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This desk, attributed to French designer, Robert Paveau, showcases a harmonious blend of materials and design elements emblematic of mid-20th century French furniture. Its adjustable...

Category

Vintage 1940s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Herman Miller Sit-to-Stand Desk, Electric Adjustable, 70" Long, 2018

$2,495

Herman Miller Sit-to-Stand Desk, Electric Adjustable, 70" Long, 2018

By Herman Miller

Located in Chattanooga, TN

Herman Miller’s Sit-to-Stand Table encourages regular movement between postures to adjust to people’s work and workflow. The this work station is endlessly versatile. It’s 70 inches ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Herman Miller Motia Sit-to-Stand Electric Adjustable Height Rectangle Desk Table

$1,250

Herman Miller Motia Sit-to-Stand Electric Adjustable Height Rectangle Desk Table

By Herman Miller

Located in Secaucus, NJ

Elegant Motia Ergonomic Sit-to-Stand table desk/work center by Herman Miller. An electric adjustable height worktable that gracefully moves from the sitting to standing position in s...

Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

1980s Tubular Space Age Adjustable Desk or Drafting Table by Brieffe Italy

$750

1980s Tubular Space Age Adjustable Desk or Drafting Table by Brieffe Italy

By Bieffeplast, Joe Colombo

Located in Bensalem, PA

Adjustable height drafting table with organization. Please look at pictures for overall detail feel free to reach out with any questions

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Space Age Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Josef Frank Adjustable Desk In Wood, Brass, and Felt for Frangi, Milano

$12,429

Josef Frank Adjustable Desk In Wood, Brass, and Felt for Frangi, Milano

By Frangi Milano, Josef Frank

Located in Milan, IT

Josef Frank Adjustable Desk In Wood, Brass, and Felt for Frangi, Milano Italy 1957 Model presented at the ‘Colore e forme nella casa d’oggi’ Exhibition 1957 at Villa Olmo, Como Bea...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Herman Miller Motia Sit-to-Stand Electric Height Adjustable Rectangle Table Desk

$1,300

Herman Miller Motia Sit-to-Stand Electric Height Adjustable Rectangle Table Desk

By Herman Miller

Located in Secaucus, NJ

Elegant Motia Ergonomic Sit-to-Stand table desk/work center by Herman Miller. An electric adjustable height worktable that gracefully moves from the sitting to standing position in s...

Category

2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Antique Arts & Crafts Oak Adjustable Drafting Table C1930

$1,960Sale Price|20% Off

Antique Arts & Crafts Oak Adjustable Drafting Table C1930

Located in Big Flats, NY

An authentic antique Arts & Crafts period drafting table, crafted from solid oak, dating to approximately 1930. This piece exemplifies the movement's emphasis on utility, honest mate...

Category

Early 20th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Vintage Hamilton Drafting Table Adjustable Tilt and Height

$1,575

Vintage Hamilton Drafting Table Adjustable Tilt and Height

Located in Newtown, CT

Vintage Hamilton Drafting Table signed on stretcher. The top is 48" x 37.5" and has been cleaned. The leg span is 26" x 39" and it can raise from 32.5" to 39/5". Good condition wi...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique Industrial Adjustable Cast Iron Drawing / Drafting / Easel Table

$2,200

Antique Industrial Adjustable Cast Iron Drawing / Drafting / Easel Table

By Washburn Shops 1

Located in Buffalo, NY

Antique, industrial, artist rendering easel or drafting table features a 42 x 30 inch,solid wood top on a tilt and height adjustable cast iron pedistal base.. The height adjusts from...

Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Iron

English Mahogany Architect’s Table with Adjustable Kidney Top, 19th Century

$7,500

English Mahogany Architect’s Table with Adjustable Kidney Top, 19th Century

Located in Atlanta, GA

This rare 19th-century English architect’s table features a beautifully sculpted kidney-shaped top in richly figured mahogany that opens to reveal an adjustable drafting surface. Des...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Adjustable Citronnier Wood Reading Table, England, Late 19th Century

$8,000

Adjustable Citronnier Wood Reading Table, England, Late 19th Century

Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires

Adjustable citronnier wood reading table, England, late 19th century.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid 19th Century High-Adjustable Architect's Table, Mahogany, France, circa 1850

$7,005

Mid 19th Century High-Adjustable Architect's Table, Mahogany, France, circa 1850

Located in Greven, DE

High-Adjustable Architect's Table France Mahogany Mid 19th century Dimensions: H x W x D: 79 x 93 x 56 cm, height adjustment: 79 - 120 cm Description: Rare writing and drawing tab...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis Philippe Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Belmont Adjustable Hydraulic Architectural Drafting / Work Table, Art Deco Style

$2,900

Belmont Adjustable Hydraulic Architectural Drafting / Work Table, Art Deco Style

By Belmont

Located in Buffalo, NY

Mid Century Modern / Art Deco adjustable hydraulic architectural drafting or working table, by Belmont 1940s / 50s The table is equipped with a hydraulic lift height adjustment syste...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome, Metal

English George III Chippendale-Style Mahogany Library Table Adjustable Book Stan

$7,695

English George III Chippendale-Style Mahogany Library Table Adjustable Book Stan

Located in Dallas, TX

a handsome "neat and plain" George III Chippendale-style Gentleman's library writing table with adjustable writing slope / book stand, mahogany with leather work surface, gilt emboss...

Category

Antique 18th Century English George III Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Vintage Adjustable Drafting Table by Versa Tables, Solid Wood, Mid-20th Century

$3,750

Vintage Adjustable Drafting Table by Versa Tables, Solid Wood, Mid-20th Century

Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Crafted from solid wood with a warm, natural finish, the table features a tilting and height-adjustable work surface, allowing it to adapt easily for drafting, drawing, writing, or u...

Category

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

Materials

Wood, Birch

Mid-Century Modern French School Desk, Black Steel & Wood, 1940

$1,950

Mid-Century Modern French School Desk, Black Steel & Wood, 1940

Located in Austin, TX

Mid-Century Modern French school desk, featuring a black laquered steel structure supporting both a wooden adjustable chair and a wooden adjustable desk with a writing surface and it...

Category

Vintage 1940s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

19th Century English Inlaid Rosewood Writing Desk with Adjustable Leather Top

$4,909

19th Century English Inlaid Rosewood Writing Desk with Adjustable Leather Top

Located in Nottingham, GB

An exceptional 19th-century English writing desk, finely crafted from rosewood and distinguished by its satinwood inlay, adjustable green leather writing surface and unusually sophis...

Category

Antique 19th Century Desks

Materials

Brass

Victorian Adjustable Writing Table This is a rare piece and a very useful desk

$1,225

Victorian Adjustable Writing Table This is a rare piece and a very useful desk

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Victorian Adjustable Writing Table This is a rare piece and a very useful desk, the table is set on a heavily Carved 3 footed leg, set on this there is a leather top desk with a dra...

Category

Antique 1860s Adam Style Desks

Materials

Leather

Early Biedermeier Mechanical Desk, Formerly Owned by C. Schulmeister, Austria

$20,338

Early Biedermeier Mechanical Desk, Formerly Owned by C. Schulmeister, Austria

Located in Greding, DE

Continuing to turn the crank raises the entire desktop together with the superstructure. The leather-covered writing surface can then be adjusted to an inclined position, transformin...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Desks

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Modern Chrome and Black Oak Adjustable Dining Table or Writing Desk

$3,163

Modern Chrome and Black Oak Adjustable Dining Table or Writing Desk

Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH

Modern chrome and black oak adjustable dining table or writing desk Size: 90 x 150 + 2 x 60 = 90 x 270 cm.

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Chrome

Recent Sales

Danecastle Aps Adjustable Bedside Desk or Table

Unavailable

H 28 in W 34 in D 17.5 in

Danecastle Aps Adjustable Bedside Desk or Table

By Danecastle

Located in Fulton, CA

A Danish Modern adjustable table made of rosewood and polished chrome. Top tilts 90 degrees and has height adjustment from 25 inches to 34 inches in height. Will make a nice bedside,...

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Iron and Wood Adjustable Architect's Drafting Desk Table, 1950s

Unavailable

H 63.39 in W 59.06 in D 29.14 in

Iron and Wood Adjustable Architect's Drafting Desk Table, 1950s

Located in Roubaix, FR

French architect's drafting table or writing desk, top leans from perfectly horizontale desk position to vertical position. Width of the top: 59 inches (150 cm) Height 39.4 inches (1...

Category

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Vintage Metal Industrial Machinists Height Adjustable Desk or Work Table

Unavailable

H 33.08 in W 31.5 in D 17.33 in

Vintage Metal Industrial Machinists Height Adjustable Desk or Work Table

Located in STOKE ON TRENT, GB

Vintage Industrial Desk or Work Table A striking vintage engineer's/machinist's desk. The desk features a reclaimed wooden top, which has been waxed and polished for a high-end fini...

Category

Early 20th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Midcentury Rosewood Desk by Jens Risom with Y-Handles and Adjustable Legs

Unavailable

H 30.32 in W 66.93 in D 35.83 in

Midcentury Rosewood Desk by Jens Risom with Y-Handles and Adjustable Legs

By Jens Risom

Located in Denmark, DK

A midcentury rosewood desk by Danish-American Jens Risom (1916-2016). The desk features six drawers with black aluminum handles and two writing tablets with glass cover.

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Adjustable Reading Table / Lecturn

Unavailable

H 30.25 in W 24 in D 18 in

Adjustable Reading Table / Lecturn

Located in Hudson, NY

Adjustable reading / writing table or lecturn. Mahogany with brass foot caps and casters. American or English, early 19th c.

Category

Antique 19th Century American Federal Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

English Writing Table with Leather Insert Top

Unavailable

H 42 in W 32 in D 20 in

English Writing Table with Leather Insert Top

Located in Sag Harbor, NY

Beautiful vintage 19th century writing desk adjustable top with leather insert.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Desks and Writing Tables

Walnut Drafting Table Adjustable Lift and Tilt Steel Base

Unavailable

H 32 in W 48 in D 36 in

Walnut Drafting Table Adjustable Lift and Tilt Steel Base

Located in Baltimore, MD

Handcrafted in Baltimore. This Marabu inspired, custom-crafted drafting table is a fully functional piece. It boasts an adjustable height and tilt feature that effortlessly adjusts v...

Category

2010s American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Vintage Adjustable Rolling Table or Workstation by Aksel Kjersgaard for Levenger

Unavailable

H 29 in W 37 in D 25 in

Vintage Adjustable Rolling Table or Workstation by Aksel Kjersgaard for Levenger

By Aksel Kjersgaard

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A fantastic, rolling, adjustable table or workstation by Aksel Kjersgaard for Levenger. Classic 1970s Danish modern design, a fun and creatively-conceived beech-plywood construction ...

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Antique Gentleman's Reading Table, English, Adjustable, Writing Desk, Victorian

Sold

H 27.76 in W 37.41 in D 20.48 in

Antique Gentleman's Reading Table, English, Adjustable, Writing Desk, Victorian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

An English, mahogany adjustable cantilever writing desk, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1870.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Edwardian Satinwood Adjustable Ladies Writing Desk with Wedgewood Plaque Cherubs

Sold

H 34 in W 31.5 in D 16.75 in

Edwardian Satinwood Adjustable Ladies Writing Desk with Wedgewood Plaque Cherubs

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This is a unique piece of furniture with a multiplicity of uses. It could be a desk or a ladies vanity. The desk is made entirely of satinwood, one of the rarest and most expensive w...

Category

Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Porcelain, Satinwood

vintage desk desk 70's adjustable

Sold

H 27.96 in W 34.65 in D 16.54 in

vintage desk desk 70's adjustable

Located in Lemmer, NL

vintage desk desk 70's adjustable period 70s design unknown Sweden condition good signs of use; scratches; discoloration; size 71 (highest position) x 88 x 40 (hxwxd) deta...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Italian Adjustable Architects Desk

Sold

H 42.52 in W 57.09 in D 57.88 in

Italian Adjustable Architects Desk

Located in London, GB

A early to mid-20th century, Italian architects desk. Adjustable in height and the table can go from flat to angular with the quality brass hardware. Inbuilt adjustable task la...

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Adjustable Ebony Wood, Saw Horses Writing Table

Sold

H 32 in W 36 in D 60 in

Adjustable Ebony Wood, Saw Horses Writing Table

Located in Rockaway, NJ

High quality ebony wood adjustable heigh saw horses writing desk. 60x36x26 (min H)

Category

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

Steelcase Airtouch Height Adjustable Desk

Sold

H 43.25 in W 46 in D 25 in

Steelcase Airtouch Height Adjustable Desk

By Steelcase

Located in South Bend, IN

An adjustable height desk that gives you a more comfortable work surface for all of your tasking. The Steelcase Airtouch height adjustable desk gives you 17" of height adjustments qu...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Friso Kramer Adjustable Drafting Desk

Sold

W 39.5 in D 29.5 in

Friso Kramer Adjustable Drafting Desk

By Wim Rietveld, Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

A drafting desk with adjustable top. Great patina, original gray painted metal frame, birch plywood top. A collaboration between Friso Kramer and WIm Rietveld for De Cirkel.

Category

Vintage 1950s Dutch Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Vintage Industrial Adjustable Table/Desk Base

Sold

H 28 in W 54 in D 30 in

Vintage Industrial Adjustable Table/Desk Base

Located in Oakville, CT

Vintage Industrial Adjustable Table/Desk Base. This table/desk base adjusts in height from 28" - 36 1/4" (Glass 86 x 48 x 3/4 is shown for display purposes only.)

Category

20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron, Steel

Adjustable Midcentury Italian Architects Desk Table

Sold

H 37.8 in W 59.06 in D 38.98 in

Adjustable Midcentury Italian Architects Desk Table

Located in London, GB

An adjustable desk or table. Italy, circa 1950s. Wooden and metal construction. Makers mark to base - "Michelangelo Sacchi" - Torino although the label is faded. The ...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Danish Teak Furbo Spottrup Music Book Adjustable Writing Stand

Sold

H 33 in W 27.5 in D 19.75 in

Danish Teak Furbo Spottrup Music Book Adjustable Writing Stand

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

Timeless and functional, this solid teak stand can be used for a chairside laptop table, writing Stand, or tray as the adjustable top pivots for angled viewing or horizontal tray ser...

Category

Late 20th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Late 19th Century French Walnut Adjustable Feret Architect's Desk, Standing Desk

Sold

H 35.25 in W 31.5 in D 22.75 in

Late 19th Century French Walnut Adjustable Feret Architect's Desk, Standing Desk

Located in Fayetteville, AR

It is named after the engineer who invented it, A. Feret. The desk is designed with a mechanism allowing for an adjustable height of 35.25 inches to 59 inches.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Vintage French Modern Laminated Plywood and Steel Adjustable Writing Table

Sold

H 29.1 in W 93 in D 26 in

Vintage French Modern Laminated Plywood and Steel Adjustable Writing Table

By Jean Prouvé

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This unique 1950s French table is composed of a laminated plywood, asymmetrical top supported by enameled-steel bases which are adjustable. This versatile table can be used as a dini...

Category

Vintage 1950s French Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Antique, Adjustable Writing Table, English, Oak, Johnstone and Jeanes circa 1850

Sold

H 27.56 in W 24.02 in D 15.56 in

Antique, Adjustable Writing Table, English, Oak, Johnstone and Jeanes circa 1850

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique adjustable writing table, an English, oak leather top desk by sought after cabinet maker Johnstone & Jeanes of 67 New Bond Street, London.

Category

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

Materials

Oak

1940s Children's Adjustable Spanish School Desk in Wood

Sold

H 40.95 in W 25.6 in D 37.4 in

1940s Children's Adjustable Spanish School Desk in Wood

Located in Miami, FL

Base height: 9 in 1940s Children's Adjustable Spanish School Desk in Wood

Category

20th Century Spanish Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

French Early 19th Century Mahogany Adjustable Drafting Desk

Sold

H 29.88 in W 38.38 in D 22.25 in

French Early 19th Century Mahogany Adjustable Drafting Desk

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

This specialized mahogany desk was made in France, circa 1810. Made in the Directoire style, this remarkable desk features a top that can be adjusted for sitting or standing. Used by...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Directoire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Flötotto Adjustable Desk Design by Luigi Colani, 1970, Germany

Sold

H 28.35 in W 27.56 in D 22.05 in

Flötotto Adjustable Desk Design by Luigi Colani, 1970, Germany

By Pagholz Flötotto

Located in Oirlo, LI

Flötotto adjustable desk design by Luigi Colani, 1970 Germany.

Category

Vintage 1970s German Space Age Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Plastic

18th Century George III Architect's Desk / Adjustable Drawing Table

Sold

H 32 in W 35 in D 23.75 in

18th Century George III Architect's Desk / Adjustable Drawing Table

Located in Dallas, TX

an 18th century, English architect's drawing table / desk of mahogany, the hinged top adjusts to various angles, the table / drawer extends as a writing/working surface with old worn...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Industrial Desk w/ Adjustable Height Desk Top in Chrome & Metal, USA, c. 1970s

Sold

H 30 in W 42 in D 20 in

Industrial Desk w/ Adjustable Height Desk Top in Chrome & Metal, USA, c. 1970s

Located in Deland, FL

This utilitarian desk features an adjustable height that adjusts from a maximum height of 30" to a minimum height of 26.5" via a small lever that operates with ease allowing one to c...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Desk by Møbelfabrik, Adjustable Drawers, Denmark

Sold

H 27.56 in W 45.67 in D 26.78 in

Mid-Century Modern Desk by Møbelfabrik, Adjustable Drawers, Denmark

Located in Brussels, BE

Mid-Century Modern desk by Møbelfabrik, adjustable drawers, Denmark.

Category

Vintage 1960s Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Diminutive Antique Oak Architects Desk / Drafting Table, Adjustable Top

Sold

H 30.5 in W 36 in D 21 in

Diminutive Antique Oak Architects Desk / Drafting Table, Adjustable Top

By Rupert Nikoll

Located in Buffalo, NY

Diminutive antique oak architects desk, drafting table, adjustable top, great size, featuring top right drawer and bottom right storage, slots for renderings. Retains original warm o...

Category

Vintage 1930s American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Adjustable Desk in Beech Produced by Seltz, France 1980s

Sold

H 28.35 in W 73.23 in D 28.35 in

Adjustable Desk in Beech Produced by Seltz, France 1980s

By Ebenisterie Seltz et Fils 1

Located in Hellouw, NL

A striking piece of 1980s French design, this desk by Seltz embodies a unique approach to construction and form. Designed with precision and a clear sense of innovation, it plays wit...

Category

Vintage 1980s French Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Beech

French Pinewood Adjustable Drafting Table or Desk, circa 1900

Sold

H 36.75 in W 39 in D 25.75 in

French Pinewood Adjustable Drafting Table or Desk, circa 1900

Located in Atlanta, GA

The adjustable rectangular top resting upon trestle-form legs and having iron notched dials for securing the top, joined by a vertical stretcher, raised on elongated bracket feet, he...

Category

Early 20th Century French Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

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Adjustable Writing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the adjustable writing desk you’re looking for at 1stDibs. An adjustable writing desk — often made from wood, metal and iron — can elevate any home. There are 89 variations of the antique or vintage adjustable writing desk you’re looking for, while we also have 1 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. There are many kinds of the adjustable writing desk you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Each adjustable writing desk bearing Industrial, Mid-Century Modern or Art Deco hallmarks is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made adjustable writing desk over the years, but those crafted by A. Feret, Achille Castiglioni and Ahrend de Cirkel are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Adjustable Writing Desk?

Prices for an adjustable writing desk can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $675 and can go as high as $28,000, while the average can fetch as much as $3,233.

Finding the Right Desks-writing-tables for You

Vintage desks and writing tables span centuries of design. The writing table came first, a simple surface built for correspondence, while the drawered desk followed as record-keeping at home and in the office grew more demanding.

Styles to Know

Any desk at least 20 years old falls under this broader vintage category. If you want a tapered-leg, mid-century look specifically, browse mid-century modern desks; Louis XVI and Art Deco secretary desks bridge the writing-table and desk forms. A vintage table lamp adds task lighting to either.

How to Choose the Right Vintage Piece

Writing tables often carry little to no storage of their own, so a separate file cabinet or desk organizer may be worth planning for, alongside a close look at the surface dimensions against the space available. Each piece comes from a vetted 1stDibs seller, with era, designer and condition detailed, and every purchase is covered by the 1stDibs Promise.

Questions About Adjustable Writing Desk

What is a writing desk?
1 Answer
1stDibs 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.
What is a small writing desk called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
A 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.
What is a writing desk with drawers called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
A 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.
What is an old-fashioned writing desk called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
What 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.
What's the difference between a desk and a writing table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
Desks typically include drawers or storage compartments, while writing tables (and secretary desks) offer a flatter surface with little to no built-in storage.
What was the term in French furniture for a writing desk that often featured a drop-down writing surface?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
In 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.
What's the difference between a mid-century modern desk and a writing table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
Desks typically include drawers or storage, while writing tables are a flatter, more minimal work surface; check the listing description for storage details.

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