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17th C. Italian Walnut Baroque Trestle Table
17th C. Italian Walnut Baroque Trestle Table

17th C. Italian Walnut Baroque Trestle Table

Located in Bradenton, FL

Italian, 17th century. Baroque walnut dining or tavern table having a shaped trestle base with iron

Category

Antique Late 17th Century European Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

17th Century Spanish Baroque Walnut Table
17th Century Spanish Baroque Walnut Table

17th Century Spanish Baroque Walnut Table

Located in Houston, TX

17th c. Single Plank Top Spanish Walnut Table with Iron stretcher and Lyre shaped legs. Three drawers with different carving on each drawer. Original hardware.

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

18th Century Spanish Baroque Walnut Library Table
18th Century Spanish Baroque Walnut Library Table

18th Century Spanish Baroque Walnut Library Table

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Handsome 18th century Spanish baroque library table or writing table constructed from mostly walnut

Category

Antique 18th Century Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

17th Century Tuscan Desk
17th Century Tuscan Desk

17th Century Tuscan Desk

Located in Jesteburg, DE

A charming beautiful slightly lower desk possibly having been used as a writing desk. Great

Category

Antique 17th Century Italian Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Softwood

19th Century Spanish Baroque Walnut Trestle Library Table
19th Century Spanish Baroque Walnut Trestle Library Table

19th Century Spanish Baroque Walnut Trestle Library Table

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Rustic 19th century Spanish library table or writing table featuring iron trestle supports. Made in

Category

Antique 19th Century Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Unusual 18th Century Swedish Baroque Architect / Drawing Table
Unusual 18th Century Swedish Baroque Architect / Drawing Table

Unusual 18th Century Swedish Baroque Architect / Drawing Table

Located in Allerum, SE

Unusual 18th century Swedish Baroque architect/drawing table with an lid that open up to an

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Swedish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Black Painted Writing Table Console With Two Drawers, Denmark circa 1910
Black Painted Writing Table Console With Two Drawers, Denmark circa 1910

Black Painted Writing Table Console With Two Drawers, Denmark circa 1910

Located in Round Top, TX

Antique baroque writing table from Denmark with two functioning drawers and scallop carved skirt

Category

Early 20th Century Danish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Paint

19th Century Swedish Baroque Table
19th Century Swedish Baroque Table

19th Century Swedish Baroque Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Swedish Baroque wood table/desk with turned legs. Made in Sweden, circa 19th century.

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Spanish Baroque Walnut Table
Spanish Baroque Walnut Table

Spanish Baroque Walnut Table

Located in Essex, MA

Rectangular top over two drawers. turned legs, iron stretcher

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Spanish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Italian Painted Slant Front Desk
Italian Painted Slant Front Desk

Italian Painted Slant Front Desk

Located in Winter Park, FL

An Italian painted pine slant front desk with serpentine sides and arbalete front. Beautifully

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine, Paint

Early 20th Century Carved Cherry Pedestal Desk
Early 20th Century Carved Cherry Pedestal Desk

Early 20th Century Carved Cherry Pedestal Desk

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Good quality three part pedestal desk, circa 1910. Deep rich cherry color on this Baroque inspired

Category

Early 20th Century European Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry

Baroque-Style Portuguese Rosewood Table
Baroque-Style Portuguese Rosewood Table

Baroque-Style Portuguese Rosewood Table

Located in New York, NY

This Baroque-style Portuguese table was constructed in the 20th century. It is a marriage of

Category

20th Century Portuguese Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

19th Century Marquetry Table with Drawer Baroque Revival, Austria, circa 1850
19th Century Marquetry Table with Drawer Baroque Revival, Austria, circa 1850

19th Century Marquetry Table with Drawer Baroque Revival, Austria, circa 1850

Located in Lichtenberg, AT

, elegant writing desk, decorative side table or coffee table, this exceptional maquetry table comes with a

Category

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

Materials

Cherry, Maple, Nutwood, Walnut

A Spanish Baroque Walnut and Pinewood Trestle Form Table/Console
A Spanish Baroque Walnut and Pinewood Trestle Form Table/Console

A Spanish Baroque Walnut and Pinewood Trestle Form Table/Console

Located in Atlanta, GA

having a two-board rectangular top supported by two trestle-form supports joined by a straight stretcher, the top of walnut, the legs and stretcher of pinewood

Category

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

Materials

Walnut, Pine

Italian Baroque Carved Walnut Table
Italian Baroque Carved Walnut Table

Italian Baroque Carved Walnut Table

Located in Essex, MA

In lovely original condition recently sold by Massachusetts Institute Of Technology and originally gifted by the Endicott family.Rectangular top over two drawers with various carving...

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Spanish Late Baroque Walnut and Wrought Iron Folding Table, 17th Century
Spanish Late Baroque Walnut and Wrought Iron Folding Table, 17th Century

Spanish Late Baroque Walnut and Wrought Iron Folding Table, 17th Century

Located in Atlanta, GA

Having a rectangular top resting on trestle form legs joined to the middle underside of the top and the the trestle stretchers. Removing the bolt at the stretcher allows the legs to...

Category

Antique Late 17th Century Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Italian, Emiliana, Baroque Pearwood & Walnut 3-Drawer Table, Late 17th Century
Italian, Emiliana, Baroque Pearwood & Walnut 3-Drawer Table, Late 17th Century

Italian, Emiliana, Baroque Pearwood & Walnut 3-Drawer Table, Late 17th Century

Located in Atlanta, GA

Having a thick walnut top resting on a case housing three drawers, the top and case connected by turned wooden pegs, the drawers separated by decorative pearwood buttresses and retai...

Category

Antique 1680s Italian Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pearwood, Walnut

Table for Spanish Desk, Walnut, Spain, 17th Century
Table for Spanish Desk, Walnut, Spain, 17th Century

Table for Spanish Desk, Walnut, Spain, 17th Century

Located in Madrid, ES

Table to place a Spanish desk or bargueño, with rectangular board straight and outgoing on the

Category

Antique 17th Century Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Spanish Baroque Iron Stretcher Carved Walnut Dining Trestle Table
19th Century Spanish Baroque Iron Stretcher Carved Walnut Dining Trestle Table

19th Century Spanish Baroque Iron Stretcher Carved Walnut Dining Trestle Table

Located in Dallas, TX

feet Baroque style table is in excellent condition commensurate with age and use, and adorns a rich and

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Spanish Late Baroque Dark Walnut Table with Iron Stretcher, 17th/18th cen.
Spanish Late Baroque Dark Walnut Table with Iron Stretcher, 17th/18th cen.

Spanish Late Baroque Dark Walnut Table with Iron Stretcher, 17th/18th cen.

Located in Atlanta, GA

constructed entirely of dark walnut and iron, having a solid one board top supported by carved trestle-form legs joined by likely its original double pronged wrought iron stretcher

Category

Antique Early 1700s Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

19th Century Italian Carved Trestle Table/Desk
19th Century Italian Carved Trestle Table/Desk

19th Century Italian Carved Trestle Table/Desk

Located in Los Angeles, CA

19th century bleached walnut trestle style table with two pedestals connected by a center stretcher. Single drawer for storage. The highly carved urn shaped pedestals are supported b...

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

North Italian Late Baroque Walnut & Wrought Iron Folding Table, Late 17th Cen.
North Italian Late Baroque Walnut & Wrought Iron Folding Table, Late 17th Cen.

North Italian Late Baroque Walnut & Wrought Iron Folding Table, Late 17th Cen.

Located in Atlanta, GA

The rectangular top supported by trestle-form legs joined by wrought iron stretchers attached to the underside of the table, the bolts fastening them to the legs are removable allowi...

Category

Antique 1670s Italian Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

An Italian Baroque Walnut Center Table
An Italian Baroque Walnut Center Table

An Italian Baroque Walnut Center Table

Located in Sheffield, MA

The rectangular top above two paneled drawers at each front
and two false drawer fronts, raised on shaped trestles joined
by wrought-iron s-scroll stretchers
<...

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Italian, Tuscany, Baroque Style Carved Walnut 1-Drawer Table, 17th Cen and Later
Italian, Tuscany, Baroque Style Carved Walnut 1-Drawer Table, 17th Cen and Later

Italian, Tuscany, Baroque Style Carved Walnut 1-Drawer Table, 17th Cen and Later

Located in Atlanta, GA

Having a rectangular top with molded edge and a dentil molded apron atop a paneled case housing one drawer, the case and top raised on columnar legs, the shaped bracket bases joined ...

Category

Antique 17th Century Italian Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century, Spanish Baroque Carved Pine and Iron Console Table with Drawers
Mid-Century, Spanish Baroque Carved Pine and Iron Console Table with Drawers

Mid-Century, Spanish Baroque Carved Pine and Iron Console Table with Drawers

Located in Dallas, TX

a long thick top surface. The tall and narrow Spanish Baroque style table is in excellent condition

Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

19th Spanish Refectory Table with Two Drawers, Desk Table
19th Spanish Refectory Table with Two Drawers, Desk Table

19th Spanish Refectory Table with Two Drawers, Desk Table

Located in Miami, FL

19th Spanish refectory table with two drawers. Desk table. Console table.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Antique French Walnut Desk with drawer and leather top
Antique French Walnut Desk with drawer and leather top

Antique French Walnut Desk with drawer and leather top

Located in Miami, FL

Beautiful walnut desk table that can be used as a desk or work table. Made of robust walnut wood

Category

Antique 1890s French Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

19th Century, Spanish Baroque Marble Top Carved Oak and Iron Console Table
19th Century, Spanish Baroque Marble Top Carved Oak and Iron Console Table

19th Century, Spanish Baroque Marble Top Carved Oak and Iron Console Table

Located in Dallas, TX

edge. The tall and narrow Spanish Baroque style table is in excellent condition commensurate with age

Category

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

Materials

Marble, Wrought Iron

19th Century Natural Walnut and Wrought Iron Desk
19th Century Natural Walnut and Wrought Iron Desk

19th Century Natural Walnut and Wrought Iron Desk

Located in Los Angeles, CA

19th century bleached walnut and wrought iron desk with two drawers. Beautiful unique brass

Category

Antique 19th Century Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Walnut Table 'for "Bargueño" or Spanish Desk' with Wrought Iron Fittings
Walnut Table 'for "Bargueño" or Spanish Desk' with Wrought Iron Fittings

Walnut Table 'for "Bargueño" or Spanish Desk' with Wrought Iron Fittings

Located in Madrid, ES

Walnut table (for "bargueño" or spanish desk) with wrought iron fittings. Castille, Spain, 17th

Category

Antique 17th Century Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Northern Italian Fratino Walnut Desk with Lyre-Shaped Legs from the 1890s
Northern Italian Fratino Walnut Desk with Lyre-Shaped Legs from the 1890s

Northern Italian Fratino Walnut Desk with Lyre-Shaped Legs from the 1890s

Located in Atlanta, GA

An Northern Italian Baroque style carved walnut fratino writing table from the late 19th century

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

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 , it has an iron stretcher

Category

Antique 1890s French Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

19th Carved Oak Renaissance Style Desk with Leather Top, Leaves and Gallery
19th Carved Oak Renaissance Style Desk with Leather Top, Leaves and Gallery

19th Carved Oak Renaissance Style Desk with Leather Top, Leaves and Gallery

Located in Miami, FL

From France, circa 1860, this ornate, stripped oak desk has been carved in the Renaissance style

Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Oak

An Italian Baroque Walnut Folding Guard Room Table
An Italian Baroque Walnut Folding Guard Room Table

An Italian Baroque Walnut Folding Guard Room Table

Located in Atlanta, GA

the rectangular top above hinged brackets on slightly splayed legs joined by twisting iron rods, the rods unhooking to allow the table to fold for transport or storage

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Spanish Late Baroque Walnut Two-Drawer Refectory Table
Spanish Late Baroque Walnut Two-Drawer Refectory Table

Spanish Late Baroque Walnut Two-Drawer Refectory Table

Located in Atlanta, GA

The three piece, possibly later, top above a case holding two drawers decoratively carved on all sides with circles and squares and having heavy iron drop-pulls, resting on tightly t...

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Spanish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

20th Century Spanish Bargueno Table or Lady Desk with Carved Drawer
20th Century Spanish Bargueno Table or Lady Desk with Carved Drawer

20th Century Spanish Bargueno Table or Lady Desk with Carved Drawer

Located in Miami, FL

Carved oak table with one drawer and iron stretcher. You can use like a side table, desk or

Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Baroque Revival Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Italian Large Baroque Style Walnut Library Table
18th Century Italian Large Baroque Style Walnut Library Table

18th Century Italian Large Baroque Style Walnut Library Table

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Baroque style walnut library table with 2 sliding drawers, carved lyre shaped legs and stretcher

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Desks and Writing Tables

18th Century Spanish Colonial Baroque Walnut Two Drawer Table
18th Century Spanish Colonial Baroque Walnut Two Drawer Table

18th Century Spanish Colonial Baroque Walnut Two Drawer Table

Located in Milford, NH

A good example of a Spanish Colonial Baroque solid walnut two drawer table with original lock

Category

Antique 18th Century Spanish Spanish Colonial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Spanish Late Baroque Walnut & Iron Mounted Guard Room Table
Spanish Late Baroque Walnut & Iron Mounted Guard Room Table

Spanish Late Baroque Walnut & Iron Mounted Guard Room Table

Located in Atlanta, GA

Having a rectangular two board top in walnut supported by hinged carved trestle-form legs ending in round feet, the iron double stretcher detaches from the legs in order to fold as t...

Category

Antique Early 1700s Spanish Louis XIV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

An Italian Baroque Walnut Trestle Table with Iron Stretcher
An Italian Baroque Walnut Trestle Table with Iron Stretcher

An Italian Baroque Walnut Trestle Table with Iron Stretcher

Located in Atlanta, GA

having a four board rectangular top above two lyre shaped supports with carved stretchers and rounded feet, the supports joined by a wrought iron stretcher

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

19th Century Walnut and Wrought Iron Desk with Two Drawers and Lyre Legs
19th Century Walnut and Wrought Iron Desk with Two Drawers and Lyre Legs

19th Century Walnut and Wrought Iron Desk with Two Drawers and Lyre Legs

Located in Miami, FL

Spectacular 19th century walnut and wrought iron desk with two drawers. Beautiful unique brass

Category

Antique 1890s Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

João V King of Portugal, Walnut and Cherrywood Side Table / Desk, 18th Century
João V King of Portugal, Walnut and Cherrywood Side Table / Desk, 18th Century

João V King of Portugal, Walnut and Cherrywood Side Table / Desk, 18th Century

Located in London, GB

Exquisite lines, beautiful form early 18th century walnut and cherrywood Portuguese side table. Featuring an ideal patina and mellow tones, carved deeply scalloped front apron and si...

Category

Antique 18th Century Portuguese Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry, Walnut

17th Cent. Portugese Chip Carved Desk, w. Portraits of Royalty on top and sides
17th Cent. Portugese Chip Carved Desk, w. Portraits of Royalty on top and sides

17th Cent. Portugese Chip Carved Desk, w. Portraits of Royalty on top and sides

Located in San Francisco, CA

A rare and unusual console table or desk from the17th Century. Portuguese, chip carved. Beautiful

Category

Antique Late 17th Century Portuguese Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut, Pine

Early 20th Century Spanish Baroque Carved Walnut and Iron Console Table
Early 20th Century Spanish Baroque Carved Walnut and Iron Console Table

Early 20th Century Spanish Baroque Carved Walnut and Iron Console Table

Located in Dallas, TX

Place this elegant antique console table behind a sofa. Carved in Spain circa 1920, the narrow trestle table stands on two intricate carved turned legs, connected with a thick scroll...

Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Louis XIII Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Italian, Bolognese, Late Baroque Walnut & Brass Mounted 1-Drawer Table, 18th Cen
Italian, Bolognese, Late Baroque Walnut & Brass Mounted 1-Drawer Table, 18th Cen

Italian, Bolognese, Late Baroque Walnut & Brass Mounted 1-Drawer Table, 18th Cen

Located in Atlanta, GA

Having a rectangular top with rounded corners and a molded edge, the conforming case housing one drawer and mounted with patinated brass nailheads in scroll patterns, the turned legs...

Category

Antique Early 18th Century Italian Louis XIV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

17th Century Walnut , Wood Carved Italian Table
17th Century Walnut , Wood Carved Italian Table

17th Century Walnut , Wood Carved Italian Table

Located in Round Top, TX

17th century walnut, wood carved italian table with wood stretcher the top is one solid board

Category

Italian Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Italian Walnut Trestle Table
18th Century Italian Walnut Trestle Table

18th Century Italian Walnut Trestle Table

Located in Bradenton, FL

turned legs with Iron stretcher. Perfect size to use as a writing table, sofa or center table.

Category

Antique 18th Century Italian Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

1920s Iron Stretcher Spanish Table
1920s Iron Stretcher Spanish Table

1920s Iron Stretcher Spanish Table

Located in Pomona, CA

A beautiful Spanish writing table with rectangular top. Yok-form legs joined by iron stretcher.

Category

Vintage 1920s Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Spanish Walnut Trestle Table
Spanish Walnut Trestle Table

Spanish Walnut Trestle Table

Located in Pasadena, CA

/modern or traditional Spanish or Mexican design--it functions equally well as a writing table, side table

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Barocchetto da Viaggio walnut writing desk, northern Italy 18th century
Barocchetto da Viaggio walnut writing desk, northern Italy 18th century

Barocchetto da Viaggio walnut writing desk, northern Italy 18th century

By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting

Located in Milano, IT

Walnut travel desk with scarab concealing twelve drawers, the six smaller side ones. Small desk pulls on front, large drawer below. Removable movable legs with external locking screw...

Category

Antique Early 1700s Italian Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

18th century Spanish, walnut table
18th century Spanish, walnut table

18th century Spanish, walnut table

Located in Round Top, TX

18th century Spanish walnut table with iron stretcher

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Rectangular Walnut Tuscany Refectory Table
Rectangular Walnut Tuscany Refectory Table

Rectangular Walnut Tuscany Refectory Table

Located in Roma, IT

Refectory table in Tuscan walnut with rectangular top with two drawers in a row. The table is on lovely lyre legs united by a curved wrought iron fitting. There is a key and each d...

Category

Antique 17th Century Italian Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

19th Century Hand Carved Walnut Spanish Revival Table
19th Century Hand Carved Walnut Spanish Revival Table

19th Century Hand Carved Walnut Spanish Revival Table

Located in Houston, TX

19th Century Hand Carved Walnut Spanish Revival Table. Heavily carved Table with iron scroll stretcher and Lion's paws feet. Has a piece cut out on one of the long sides, probably to...

Category

Antique 19th 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 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 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 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.