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19th Century Spanish Walnut Desk with Two Drawers & Strong Legs, 1890s
19th Century Spanish Walnut Desk with Two Drawers & Strong Legs, 1890s

19th Century Spanish Walnut Desk with Two Drawers & Strong Legs, 1890s

Located in Miami, FL

19th Spanish walnut desk or console table with two drawers and strong turning legs and stretcher.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Spanish Walnut Desk with Two Drawers & Strong Legs, 1890s
19th Century Spanish Walnut Desk with Two Drawers & Strong Legs, 1890s

19th Century Spanish Walnut Desk with Two Drawers & Strong Legs, 1890s

Located in Miami, FL

19th Spanish walnut desk or console table with two drawers and strong turning legs and stretcher.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Early 20th Spanish Desk with Lyre Legs and Carved Edges on Top
Early 20th Spanish Desk with Lyre Legs and Carved Edges on Top

Early 20th Spanish Desk with Lyre Legs and Carved Edges on Top

Located in Miami, FL

Early 20th Spanish desk with lyre legs and carved edges on top An 20th century Spanish Baroque

Category

20th Century Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

19th Spanish Walnut Desk with Two Drawers and Solomonic Turning Legs
19th Spanish Walnut Desk with Two Drawers and Solomonic Turning Legs

19th Spanish Walnut Desk with Two Drawers and Solomonic Turning Legs

Located in Miami, FL

19th Spanish walnut desk with two drawers and solomonic turning legs and solomonic stretcher it is

Category

Antique 1890s French Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

19th C. Spanish Walnut Single Plank Top Side Table Desk with Carved Lyre Legs
19th C. Spanish Walnut Single Plank Top Side Table Desk with Carved Lyre Legs

19th C. Spanish Walnut Single Plank Top Side Table Desk with Carved Lyre Legs

Located in Dallas, TX

Crafted in Spain circa 1870, this antique side table or writing desk is constructed from solid

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Spanish Baroque Revival Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Catalan Spanish Lady Desk or Console Table in Carved Walnut and Iron Stretcher
Catalan Spanish Lady Desk or Console Table in Carved Walnut and Iron Stretcher

Catalan Spanish Lady Desk or Console Table in Carved Walnut and Iron Stretcher

Located in Miami, FL

19th century Catalan Spanish lady desk or console table in carved walnut & iron stretcher with five

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Large Spanish Two Faces Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Center table
Large Spanish Two Faces Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Center table

Large Spanish Two Faces Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Center table

Located in Miami, FL

Handsome walnut library piece that can be used as a desk or Work table. Made of walnut having

Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

19th Spanish Sturdy Side Table with Carved Turned Legs and Double Stretcher
19th Spanish Sturdy Side Table with Carved Turned Legs and Double Stretcher

19th Spanish Sturdy Side Table with Carved Turned Legs and Double Stretcher

Located in Miami, FL

19th Spanish side table with turned legs and double stretcher match in the button top. The top has a beautiful grain and patina

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

19th Spanish Sturdy Side Table with Carved Turned Legs and Double Stretcher
19th Spanish Sturdy Side Table with Carved Turned Legs and Double Stretcher

19th Spanish Sturdy Side Table with Carved Turned Legs and Double Stretcher

Located in Miami, FL

19th Spanish side table with turned legs and double stretcher, one in solid iron and one in the lower part leg to leg in wood. The top has a beautiful grain and patina

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Lombard Baroque writing desk second quarter 18th century
Lombard Baroque writing desk second quarter 18th century

Lombard Baroque writing desk second quarter 18th century

By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting

Located in Milano, IT

Writing desk resting on wavy legs with goat's feet, drawer in the under-shelf band, top and riser with carved cimasa depicting phytomorphic motifs and central star. At the bottom, t...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Italian Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple, Nutwood

19th Spanish Side Table with Cared Turned Legs and Iron Stretcher
19th Spanish Side Table with Cared Turned Legs and Iron Stretcher

19th Spanish Side Table with Cared Turned Legs and Iron Stretcher

Located in Miami, FL

19th Spanish side table with cared Solomonic turned legs and iron stretcher. The top has a carved edges and a beautiful grain and patina.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

19th Spanish Side Table with Cared Turned Legs and Iron Stretcher
19th Spanish Side Table with Cared Turned Legs and Iron Stretcher

19th Spanish Side Table with Cared Turned Legs and Iron Stretcher

Located in Miami, FL

19th Spanish side table with cared Solomonic turned legs and iron stretcher. The top has a carved edges and a beautiful grain and patina.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Table Centre Dining Library Dismantable X Trestles Oak Fruitwood
Table Centre Dining Library Dismantable X Trestles Oak Fruitwood

Table Centre Dining Library Dismantable X Trestles Oak Fruitwood

Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK

A South German oak, shaped X' ended table with detachable fruitwood top with decorative cleated band This table is easily dismantled and retains the original pegs The cleated edge ...

Category

Antique 17th Century German Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Fruitwood, Oak

19th Spanish Side Table with Cared Turned Legs and carved edges
19th Spanish Side Table with Cared Turned Legs and carved edges

19th Spanish Side Table with Cared Turned Legs and carved edges

Located in Miami, FL

19th Spanish side table with cared Solomonic turned legs and carved edges in top

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

19th Spanish Side Table with Cared Turned Legs and Iron Stretcher
19th Spanish Side Table with Cared Turned Legs and Iron Stretcher

19th Spanish Side Table with Cared Turned Legs and Iron Stretcher

Located in Miami, FL

19th Spanish side table with cared Solomonic turned legs and iron stretcher. The top has a carved edges and a beautiful grain and patina.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

19th Spanish Side Table with Cared Turned Legs and Wood Stretcher
19th Spanish Side Table with Cared Turned Legs and Wood Stretcher

19th Spanish Side Table with Cared Turned Legs and Wood Stretcher

Located in Miami, FL

19th Spanish Side Table with cared turned legs and wood stretcher and also an iron stretcher The top has a carved edges and a beautiful grain and patina.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Important Filipine Table of the 17th Century
Important Filipine Table of the 17th Century

Important Filipine Table of the 17th Century

Located in Madrid, ES

Important FilipineIndo-Portuguese table of the 17th century, in Brazilian rosewood, with two drawers. Signs of use. Dim.: 82 x 86 x 133 cm.

Category

Antique 17th Century Portuguese Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

19th Catalan Spanish Cabinet on Stand in Carved Walnut and Iron Stretcher
19th Catalan Spanish Cabinet on Stand in Carved Walnut and Iron Stretcher

19th Catalan Spanish Cabinet on Stand in Carved Walnut and Iron Stretcher

Located in Miami, FL

19th Catalan Spanish cabinet on stand in carved walnut with two doors in the cabinet.

Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Antique Italian Baroque Style Barley Twist Walnut Writing Table
Antique Italian Baroque Style Barley Twist Walnut Writing Table

Antique Italian Baroque Style Barley Twist Walnut Writing Table

Located in Pasadena, TX

This is a high quality writing table. Its crafted from solid walnut. The legs showcase the baroque

Category

20th Century Italian Baroque Revival Desks

Materials

Walnut

Late 17th Century Italian Baroque Library Table / Writing Table
Late 17th Century Italian Baroque Library Table / Writing Table

Late 17th Century Italian Baroque Library Table / Writing Table

Located in Charleston, SC

Late 17th Century Baroque Desk / Writing or Library Table with two drawers supported an elegant

Category

Antique Late 17th Century Italian Baroque Desks

Materials

Wrought Iron

Custom Leather Writing Desk Pad by PARIONE, Gilt Embossed, Italy, 1990
Custom Leather Writing Desk Pad by PARIONE, Gilt Embossed, Italy, 1990

Custom Leather Writing Desk Pad by PARIONE, Gilt Embossed, Italy, 1990

By Hermès

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Custom luxury tooled leather writing desk pad with silver gilt embossed made in Firenze Italy

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Baroque Desk Sets

Materials

Leather

Antique Carved Walnut Writing Desk with Upper Cabinet, Milan, 1730
Antique Carved Walnut Writing Desk with Upper Cabinet, Milan, 1730

Antique Carved Walnut Writing Desk with Upper Cabinet, Milan, 1730

Located in Milano, IT

Writing desk with upper cabinet Milan, first half of the 18th century Carved walnut partially

Category

Antique 1730s Italian Baroque Desks

Materials

Olive, Walnut

English 18th C. Spinet Case by Crang & Hancock London Converted Writing Desk
English 18th C. Spinet Case by Crang & Hancock London Converted Writing Desk

English 18th C. Spinet Case by Crang & Hancock London Converted Writing Desk

Located in Vero Beach, FL

English 18th Century Spinet Case by Crang & Hancock London Converted Writing Desk This is a fine

Category

Antique 18th Century English Baroque Desks

Materials

Mahogany, Tulipwood

Vintage Bavarian Baroque Style Hand Painted Table Writing Desk
Vintage Bavarian Baroque Style Hand Painted Table Writing Desk

Vintage Bavarian Baroque Style Hand Painted Table Writing Desk

Located in Vero Beach, FL

Vintage Bavarian Baroque Style Hand Painted Table Writing Desk Early 20th century Bavarian hand

Category

Early 20th Century German Baroque Tables

Materials

Pine

18th Century Baroque Secretary or Writing Desk in Walnut
18th Century Baroque Secretary or Writing Desk in Walnut

18th Century Baroque Secretary or Writing Desk in Walnut

Located in Dusseldorf, DE

Exceptional Baroque secretary or writing desk, probably from southern Germany, around 1760. The

Category

Antique 18th Century German Baroque Secretaires

Materials

Nutwood, Walnut, Pine

Table Centre Desk Writing Walnut Double Dolphin Handle Genoa Baroque
Table Centre Desk Writing Walnut Double Dolphin Handle Genoa Baroque

Table Centre Desk Writing Walnut Double Dolphin Handle Genoa Baroque

Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK

Unusally Large Italian Walnut Centre, Occassional or Writing Table, Genoa Unusual large size

Category

Antique 1680s Italian Baroque Center Tables

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Swedish Oak Ladies’ Writing Desk Secretary
19th Century Swedish Oak Ladies’ Writing Desk Secretary

19th Century Swedish Oak Ladies’ Writing Desk Secretary

Located in Round Top, TX

Swedish oak ladies’ writing desk or secretary featuring a Bombay-curved lower chest with three

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Baroque Secretaires

Materials

Iron

18th Century Original Painted Writing Desk Secretary, Sweden
18th Century Original Painted Writing Desk Secretary, Sweden

18th Century Original Painted Writing Desk Secretary, Sweden

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

A late 18th Century Folk Art Baroque Scandinavian original painted writing desk secretary. This

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Baroque Secretaires

Materials

Bronze

Danish Baroque Writing Cabinet With Nautical Compass Decor, Circa 1740's
Danish Baroque Writing Cabinet With Nautical Compass Decor, Circa 1740's

Danish Baroque Writing Cabinet With Nautical Compass Decor, Circa 1740's

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Baroque cabinet with pull down writing desk table top and interior drawers. Both the exterior and

Category

Antique Early 18th Century Danish Baroque Cabinets

Materials

Iron

Table Rent Center Writing Desk Spanish Top 1 plank Chestnut Iron Handles L56"
Table Rent Center Writing Desk Spanish Top 1 plank Chestnut Iron Handles L56"

Table Rent Center Writing Desk Spanish Top 1 plank Chestnut Iron Handles L56"

Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK

Rare Spanish Rent table beautifully made with panelled detailing inside the open back where the tennant or client would sit to pay their dues. Characteristic, richly coloured and p...

Category

Antique 1650s Spanish Baroque Center Tables

Materials

Chestnut

German Baroque Tabernacle Bureau Cabinet with Glazed Shrine arround 1760
German Baroque Tabernacle Bureau Cabinet with Glazed Shrine arround 1760

German Baroque Tabernacle Bureau Cabinet with Glazed Shrine arround 1760

Located in Wiesbaden, DE

Franconia), circa 1760 An exceptional and highly unusual Baroque bureau cabinet combining a writing desk

Category

Antique 18th Century German Baroque Secretaires

Materials

Bronze

Small Baroque Writing Desk with Inlay and Incrustation, 18th Century
Small Baroque Writing Desk with Inlay and Incrustation, 18th Century

Small Baroque Writing Desk with Inlay and Incrustation, 18th Century

Located in Krakow, małopolskie

the aristocracy. At the top of the box there is a baroque hunting scene. A rider on a white horse

Category

Antique Early 18th Century European Baroque Desks

Materials

Ivory, Nutwood

Baroque Walnut Writing Desk with Gold Leaf Details by Modenese Gastone Interiors
Baroque Walnut Writing Desk with Gold Leaf Details by Modenese Gastone Interiors

Baroque Walnut Writing Desk with Gold Leaf Details by Modenese Gastone Interiors

By Modenese Gastone

Located in PADOVA, Italy

Complete your office with a high-end Italian baroque writing desk from the bespoke producer

Category

2010s Italian Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf

17th Century Spanish Baroque Walnut Writing Desk
17th Century Spanish Baroque Walnut Writing Desk

17th Century Spanish Baroque Walnut Writing Desk

Located in San Francisco, CA

A stunning late 17th century Spanish Baroque period walnut writing desk with a single board walnut

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Italian baroque walnut writing table
Italian baroque walnut writing table

Italian baroque walnut writing table

Located in San Francisco, CA

Italian baroque walnut writing table with single large drawer.

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Spanish baroque walnut writing table
Spanish baroque walnut writing table

Spanish baroque walnut writing table

Located in San Francisco, CA

Spanih baroque walnut writing table, the rectangular top above a frieze fitted with two drawers

Category

Antique 19th Century Spanish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

French Walnut Baroque Revival Writing Table
French Walnut Baroque Revival Writing Table

French Walnut Baroque Revival Writing Table

Located in San Francisco, CA

French walnut Baroque Revival writing table with carved barley twist legs and single drawer, circa

Category

Antique 19th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Italian Desk 'Baroque Period'
18th Century Italian Desk 'Baroque Period'

18th Century Italian Desk 'Baroque Period'

Located in San Francisco, CA

Italian walnut desk with olivewood book match veneering and marquetry inlay. The upper section

Category

Antique 18th Century Italian Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Olive

Italian baroque walnut desk
Italian baroque walnut desk

Italian baroque walnut desk

Unavailable|$15,000

Italian baroque walnut desk

Located in San Francisco, CA

Italian baroque walnut desk, the later superstructure comprising six drawers around a central

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Spanish Baroque Period Chestnut Desk
18th Century Spanish Baroque Period Chestnut Desk

18th Century Spanish Baroque Period Chestnut Desk

Located in San Francisco, CA

A magnificent 17th Century Spanish Baroque period chestnut desk with a rectangular single board top

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Baroque Style- Book Shaped Desk
Baroque Style- Book Shaped Desk

Baroque Style- Book Shaped Desk

Located in San Francisco, CA

Baroque style- book shaped desk.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Other

Superb 17th Century Spanish Baroque Period Chestnut Desk
Superb 17th Century Spanish Baroque Period Chestnut Desk

Superb 17th Century Spanish Baroque Period Chestnut Desk

Located in San Francisco, CA

Outstanding late 17th century Spanish Baroque period chestnut kneehole desk with large single plank

Category

Antique Late 17th Century Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Grunderzeit Writing Desk with detachable top unit, Germany, 1890s
Grunderzeit Writing Desk with detachable top unit, Germany, 1890s

Grunderzeit Writing Desk with detachable top unit, Germany, 1890s

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Below its writing surface, the writing desk has three drawers that can be locked. The writing

Category

Antique 1890s German Baroque Revival Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Late 17th Century Spanish Baroque Period Chestnut Kneehole Desk
Late 17th Century Spanish Baroque Period Chestnut Kneehole Desk

Late 17th Century Spanish Baroque Period Chestnut Kneehole Desk

Located in San Francisco, CA

Outstanding late 17th century Spanish Baroque period chestnut kneehole desk with large single plank

Category

Antique Late 17th Century Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

A Fine 18th Century Spanish Baroque Period Chestnut Desk
A Fine 18th Century Spanish Baroque Period Chestnut Desk

A Fine 18th Century Spanish Baroque Period Chestnut Desk

Located in San Francisco, CA

A fine late 17th / early 18th century Spanish baroque period chestnut desk with a single plank top

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chestnut

Italian Carved Walnut Desk Table, Italy 17th Century Baroque
Italian Carved Walnut Desk Table, Italy 17th Century Baroque

Italian Carved Walnut Desk Table, Italy 17th Century Baroque

Located in Varmo, IT

Entirely in walnut with turned legs and in front of a drawer.

Category

Antique Mid-17th Century Italian Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Baroque Fruitwood Inlaid Desk / Cassone Chest, Mid-17th Century
Antique Baroque Fruitwood Inlaid Desk / Cassone Chest, Mid-17th Century

Antique Baroque Fruitwood Inlaid Desk / Cassone Chest, Mid-17th Century

Located in L'Etang, FR

Huge 17th century trunk crafted into a minister's desk in the 19th century Paneled and inlaid

Category

Antique Mid-17th Century Austrian Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Domed Baroque Office Desk with Silver Leaf Details and Leather Top by Modenese
Domed Baroque Office Desk with Silver Leaf Details and Leather Top by Modenese

Domed Baroque Office Desk with Silver Leaf Details and Leather Top by Modenese

By Modenese Gastone

Located in PADOVA, Italy

Admire this domed presidential office desk finely finished in natural walnut and silver leaf

Category

2010s Italian Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf

18th Century, Baroque Secretaire
18th Century, Baroque Secretaire

18th Century, Baroque Secretaire

Located in Wels, AT

Charming small desk on high legs with hinging cover and tabernacle cabinet. Typical Austrian Maria

Category

Antique 1730s Austrian Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Spanish Baroque Trestle Table
Spanish Baroque Trestle Table

Spanish Baroque Trestle Table

Located in San Francisco, CA

Spanish Baroque trestle table, single plank of walnut top, harp shaped trestle base and wrought

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Walnut Writing Table 19th Century Spain
Walnut Writing Table 19th Century Spain

Walnut Writing Table 19th Century Spain

Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Provence

Wood writing table with drawer.

Category

Antique 19th Century Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Baroque Figuerd Office Desk with Gold Leaf Details and Veneer by Modenese Luxury
Baroque Figuerd Office Desk with Gold Leaf Details and Veneer by Modenese Luxury

Baroque Figuerd Office Desk with Gold Leaf Details and Veneer by Modenese Luxury

By Modenese Gastone

Located in PADOVA, Italy

Furnish your presidential office with a top quality Italian desk from Modenese Gastone Luxury

Category

2010s Italian Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Gold Leaf

Fruitwood Writing Table, Swiss 18th Century
Fruitwood Writing Table, Swiss 18th Century

Fruitwood Writing Table, Swiss 18th Century

Located in London, GB

Fine fruitwood writing table, the top with three decorative cross banded rectangles in contrasting

Category

Antique Early 18th Century Swiss Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Fruitwood

18th Century Baroque Walnut Trestle Table
18th Century Baroque Walnut Trestle Table

18th Century Baroque Walnut Trestle Table

Located in Alella, ES

Rectangular thick single plank top raised on ring turned legs joined by undulating stretchers secured by later wrought iron supports ending on bun feet. Exceptional patina.

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

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Baroque Writing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal baroque writing desk for your home. A baroque writing desk — often made from wood, walnut and metal — can elevate any home. If you’re shopping for a baroque writing desk, we have 142 options in-stock, while there are 1 modern editions to choose from as well. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect baroque writing desk — we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. Each baroque writing desk bearing Baroque, Louis XV or Louis XVI hallmarks is very popular. You’ll likely find more than one baroque writing desk that is appealing in its simplicity, but Baker Furniture Company and John Richard produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Baroque Writing Desk?

Prices for a baroque writing desk start at $645 and top out at $85,852 with the average selling for $4,993.

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 Baroque Writing Desk
  • 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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.