19th Century French Louis XV Style Ormolu Mounted Writing Desk
Located in London, GB
Of an elongated oval outline with a shaped bombe structure, the writing desk is filled with several storage compartments.
Ormolu
18th Century Louis XV French Cherry Partner Desk with Bombe Drawers & Parquetry
Located in Dallas, TX
This refined 18th-century partner desk was crafted in the Poitou region of France, circa 1790.
Bronze
Mid Century Louis XV Bombe Hand-Carved Paint Decorated Marble-Top Desk & Chair
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautiful five-drawer desk with hand carvings (see thumbnail photos) and paint decorated in the Louis XV style. Top quality workmanship in every phase. Original matching chair with t...
Marble
Antique Quality Mahogany Floral Marquetry Inlaid Bombe Shaped Burea
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique 18th century quality mahogany floral marquetry inlaid bombe shaped bureau having a quality floral marquetry fall opening to reveal a fitted interior consisting of drawers, ...
Other
Period Bombé Writing Desk
Located in Sheffield, MA
Rococo writing desk, Sweden circa 1760, with an exaggerated bombé form.
Brass
Rococo French Bombe Desk
Located in Southampton, NY
Massive restored desk. Could be used as a desk or a floating piece in room, like a library table.
Wood
Louis XV Style Walnut Bombe Partners Desk Empire Bureau Table
Located in Potters Bar, Herts
Wonderful Louis XV style bombe bureau plat or writing desk. This is a dummy partners desk i.e. drawers on both sides but one side they do not pull-out.
French Chinoiserie Lacquered Bombe Writing Desk or Bureau
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
An elegant French Chinoiserie lacquer Louis XV style bombe writing desk, the leather drop-front writing surface opening to reveal a lacquered interior fitted with two drawers, the wh...
Lacquer
Sold
H 30 in W 40.5 in D 19.5 in
Italian Bombe Shape Caddy Top Olive Oyster Veneered Writing Desk, Mid 20th C
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
All edges are banded enhancing its elegant bombe shape. The desk rests on four elegantly shaped cabriole legs.
Brass
A Dutch Bombe Bureau Desk
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Stylish Dutch 19th Century painted bombe bureau desk with wonderful carved lions paw feet and decorative scrolled cabinet work.
Wood
Italian Olive Wood Bombe' Desk with Center Drawer
Located in Stamford, CT
Italian Olive Wood Bombe' Desk with center drawer and 4 side drawers. Fabulous legs and patina.
Olive
A Fine Dutch Marquetry Inlaid Bombe Desk, 18th Century
Located in Sheffield, MA
Top lid, sides and front inlaid with flowers, urns of flowers and trailing vines. Three drawers with slant lid which opens to reveal a wonderful interior including nine drawers and t...
19th-20th Century Louis XV Style Bombe French Marquetry Inlaid Desk
Located in Stamford, CT
19th-20th century Louis XV style bombe French marquetry inlaid desk. Having bronze mounts.
Metal
Sold
H 75.5 in W 42 in D 15 in
Italian Olive Burl Wood Cabriole Leg Bombé Secretary Desk With Bookshelf
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Elevate your home decor with the exquisite Italian Olive Burl Wood Secretary Desk. Featuring elegant cabriole legs and a distinct bombé shape, this vintage piece combines functionali...
Burl
Sold
H 31 in W 51.5 in D 26 in
Louis XV Marquetry Style Mahogany Brass Ormolu Mounted Bombe Leather Top Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
The desk has a bombe style look to it. Very different compared to the desks we have seen.
Brass
Sold
H 31.75 in W 60.75 in D 29 in
18th Century French Louis XV Carved Bombe Cherry Desk with Five Drawers
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique fruitwood desk was created in the Poitou region of France, circa 1790. Made of wild cherry timber, the large writing table sits on four heavily carved cabriole l...
Bronze
Antique Dutch Marquetry Mahogany Bombe' Bureau c.1780
Located in London, GB
This is a stunning, antique Dutch mahogany and marquetry bureau, circa 1780. It has been accomplished in mahogany with exquisite hand cut floral marquetry typical of the best pie...
Sold
H 28.75 in W 35.5 in D 20.25 in
Antique Louis XV French Inlaid Marquetry Bombe Writing Table Desk Bureau, 1880
Located in Portland, OR
A fine antique French marquetry bombe shaped writing/side table, circa 1880. The table is made from figured walnut and is sumpuously inlaid with floral fruitwood marquetry, the top h...
Walnut
Sold
H 31.25 in W 48 in D 23 in
Vintage Italian Rococo French Country Burl Wood Olive Wood Inlay Writing Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Italian Rococo French Country Olive Wood Burl Wood Patchwork Inlay Bombe Writing Desk. Item features custom glass top, 5 drawers, finished back, beautiful wooden inlay throug...
Wood, Olive
Sold
H 29 in W 39 in D 15.5 in
French 19th Century Louis XV Bombe Marquetry Writing Table with Bronze Mounts
Located in New Orleans, LA
This beautiful marquetry writing table features a bombe shape reflecting the Louis XV style well. The piece sports heavily detailed and balanced marquetry work, bronze mounts, and on...
Bronze
Sold
H 38.75 in W 39 in D 19.5 in
18th Century French Louis XV Walnut Bombe Ladies Desk Table with Faux Book Door
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique fruitwood commode-secretary was crafted in Paris, France circa 1780; the ladies desk with bombe sides, features nine drawers with a faux book center door.
Leather, Walnut
Lady's Marquetry Inlaid Bombe Bureau
Located in Cheshire, GB
Lady’s inlaid bombe bureau, the hinged fall with armorial marquetry decoration, opening to reveal an arrangement of draws and pigeon holes above three short drawers all raised up on ...
Rosewood and kingwood parquetry bombé bureau de dame
Located in Cheshire, GB
Rosewood and kingwood parquetry bureau de dame, with shaped bombe sides and front having floral marquetry detail, opening to reveal interior fitted with four drawers below a shel...
Antique Dutch Marquetry Walnut Bombe' Bureau, circa 1780
Located in London, GB
This is a stunning, antique Dutch walnut and marquetry bombe' shaped bureau, circa 1780 in date. It has been accomplished in walnut, with exquisite hand cut floral marquetry typi...
Vintage Italian Patch Burl Style Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand-made Italian bombe (bombay) burl bureau plat (writing desk) in the style of Louis XV.
Olive, Walnut, Burl
Venetian Ladies Writing Desk Bombe Form with Marble Top
Located in Natchez, MS
Ladies Venetian Writing Desk with Marble Top in Bombe Form two cabinets and one drawer what appears to be original paint.
Marble
Sold
H 41 in W 41 in D 22 in
Superb 18th Century George 11 Burr Walnut Bombe Drop Front Writing Desk Bureau
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
The slant-front opening to a stepped back interior with shelves centering a prospect door, the writing surface with a slide and well, above a plain frieze and two short over two long...
Walnut
1920's Burl Walnut Bombé Shaped Desk
Located in San Francisco, CA
1920's burl walnut bombe shaped desk ( secretary, writing desk )
$42,500
H 101 in W 164.5 in D 27 in
Antique English Break-Front Bibliotheque Bookcase in Mahogany, circa 1870
By S.E. & R. Johnson. Warrington
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A handsome and very well crafted English break-front bookcase or bibliotheque in solid mahogany by S.E. & R. Johnson of Warrington, England, circa 1870. Features six doors with glass...
Mahogany
Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool This White Oak Chile Counter Stool is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. The stool is chunky and modern...
Wood, Oak
Rosso Wall Mirror
By Specchi Veneziani
Located in Milan, IT
Crafted in the finest Murano tradition, this exquisite Venetian mirror is a true work of art. Assembled with crystal and gold elements, and adorned with red glass flowers, each piece...
Glass
$18,525Sale Price|35% Off
H 88 in W 50.5 in D 19.5 in
19th Century Japanese Cinnabar / Lacquer Cabinet
Located in Fulton, CA
Incredible example of Asian lacquer carving. Standing over seven feet tall, this monumental display shelf was produced in Japan at the end of the Edo period, late 19th century. It fe...
Wood, Lacquer
Small Ceramic Side Table
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
SMALL CERAMIC SIDE TABLE, designed in 2023. Hand-sculpted ceramic side table with an organic shape made in Project 213A's in-house ceramic workshop. Finished in a contemporary custo...
Ceramic, Clay
Period English Regency Hardwood Recamier in Manner of Marsh and Tatham
By Marsh and Tatham
Located in Essex, MA
Period English Regency Recamier in Manner of Marsh and Tatham Neoclassical Form with wonderful modern length. Egyptian Revival Palmette at foot and Scrolled backrest Four fluted le...
Hardwood
Elegant French Style Writing Desk
Located in Riverdale, NY
Elegant French style writing desk with Louis XV lines in blond wood with silver leaf-painted table edge and feet. 3 drawers. Fitted glass top included (no image). Measures: 20" deep...
Wood
$1,174Sale Price|20% Off
H 7.49 in W 5.12 in D 2.37 in
Antique Personal Diary Repository, Scottish, Brass, Keepsake Case, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a fine antique personal diary repository, originating from Scotland during the Victorian period, circa 1870. This striking book form keepsake case showcases the craftsmanship...
Brass
$1,596Sale Price|34% Off
H 30 in W 50 in D 24 in
French Louis XV Rococo Style Walnut Writing Desk Table Circa 1960s
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This elegant French Louis XV Rococo style writing desk showcases the timeless craftsmanship and ornate detailing that define 18th-century French design, recreated beautifully in the ...
Walnut
$5,048
H 30.71 in W 35.44 in D 20.87 in
Louis XV Style Writing Desk with Serpentine Legs Painted with Gold Highlights
By La Maison London
Located in London, Park Royal
Louis XV style writing desk made by La Maison London. Painted in a French grey with gold highlights. mounted on Serpentine legs with decorative bronzes ornaments . there is two dr...
Bronze
$2,130
H 30 in W 48.5 in D 25 in
French Louis XV Bureau Plat Leather Top Desk With Mounted Bronze Ormolu
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
A gorgeous French Louis XV style executive writing desk or bureau plat desk Mahogany, with bronze/bronze trim and ormolu mounts, and embossed green leather top. Remnants of gilt fin...
Bronze
$60,580
H 88.98 in W 70.87 in D 94.89 in
Renaissance Style Oak Tester 4 Poster Bed Armorial Tapestry Bedspread King Size
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
A vintage king size oak tester or four poster bed in the Renaissance style. Hand carved with Adam & Eve carvings in the headboard, figurative sculptures in the bedposts, three carve...
Oak
$75,471
H 2.1 in W 1.5 in D 1 in
Miniature illuminated manuscript on vellum with 12 full-page miniatures
By Francois-Jacques Boeri
Located in ZWIJNDRECHT, NL
A tiny and complete Parisian Book of Hours with a plethora of intricate illuminations. 91 x 65mm (3.6 x 2.6in). 190 leaves on vellum, additional 4 paper leaves after (plus 3 paper e...
Leather
$4,500
H 30.75 in W 50.5 in D 28 in
Vintage Italian Walnut Burl Louis XV Bombay Style Serpentine Writing Desk VGC
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Hand-made in Italy, circa 1950s or 60s, this gorgeous 5-drawer Louis XV or Bombay style desk in Italian walnut burl with antiqued brass hardware. This desk has been in my collections...
Brass
$116,109
H 38.59 in W 37.21 in D 19.49 in
Eugenio Quarti Liberty Desk Suite w/ Chair & Paperbasket, Italy, Early 20th c.
By Eugenio Quarti
Located in BARCELONA, ES
A rare complete writing desk suite by Eugenio Quarti, a leading figure of Milan’s Liberty style in the early 20th century. The slant-front secrétaire, matching side chair and wasteba...
Brass
French Louis XV Style Bureau Plat Leather Top Writing Desk
Located in Hopewell, NJ
An outstanding French Louis XV style writing desk or bureau plat desk with bronze trim and ornate ormolu mounts and embossed leather top. The desk is finished on all sides and could ...
Leather, Walnut
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.
Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.
Fans of the French film star may be surprised to learn that he had a flair for furniture with sleek lines and disco-era flash.
Like other pieces in the firm’s Candy Box collection, the cheerful limited-edition design showcases French craft.
Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
The designer’s innovative use of an unexpected material gives this console a lift.
The stately piece brings both gravitas and whimsy to any work space.
Use them as tables or stools, indoors or out.