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 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.

Burlwood Writing Desk

Mastercraft Brass Desk

Mid Century Burl Wood Desk

Mastercraft Burlwood

Burlwood Frame

Olive Burlwood

Milo Baughman Burl Desk

Art Deco Burl Desk

Burlwood Chrome Table

19th C. English Victorian Brass-Inlaid Burlwood Writing Desk with Inkwells

$1,230

H 6.5 in W 17 in D 10 in

19th C. English Victorian Brass-Inlaid Burlwood Writing Desk with Inkwells

By James Allen

Located in Morristown, NJ

compartments for writing instruments, paper, and correspondence. The desk retains both original cut glass

Category

Antique 1860s English Victorian Desks

Materials

Brass

John Widdicomb Burlwood and Brass Writing Desk, USA c 1970s

$7,950

H 30.5 in W 66 in D 31 in

John Widdicomb Burlwood and Brass Writing Desk, USA c 1970s

By John Widdicomb

Located in Norwalk, CT

Beautiful burled wood desk, with brass curved bar-form legs and brass recessed pulls. Three

Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Empire Style Burlwood Desk

$11,800

H 31.5 in W 70.5 in D 33.25 in

Empire Style Burlwood Desk

Located in Houston, TX

Mid 20th century Empire style leather top desk constructed with hardwood and burl wood veneers

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Paul Evans Cityscape Patchwork Burlwood Executive Desk

$52,000

H 29.25 in W 84 in D 40 in

Paul Evans Cityscape Patchwork Burlwood Executive Desk

By Paul Evans

Located in Toledo, OH

Beautiful mid-century Cityscape executive desk by Paul Evans in a patchwork burlwood design with

Category

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

Materials

Wood

1970s Milo Baughman Burlwood Chrome Curved Executive Desk

$9,495

H 30 in W 60 in D 30 in

1970s Milo Baughman Burlwood Chrome Curved Executive Desk

By Milo Baughman

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and one of a kind, sculptural Burlwood solid

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Burlwood Mid-Century Modern Floating Desk, Console, 1960s, France

$2,809

H 28.75 in W 59.06 in D 29.14 in

Burlwood Mid-Century Modern Floating Desk, Console, 1960s, France

Located in Antwerp, BE

Rare Burl-wood minimalist desk with a solid wooden top and aluminium base. The top of the desk

Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Bleached Biedermeier Oval Burlwood Desk or Console Table circa 19th Century

$2,850

H 29.5 in W 49.5 in D 35.5 in

Bleached Biedermeier Oval Burlwood Desk or Console Table circa 19th Century

Located in Atlanta, GA

Bleached Biedermeier Oval Burlwood Desk or Console Table, probably Austrian, circa mid 19th Century

Category

Antique 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Burl

1800s Antique French Oromlu-Mounted, Burlwood, Desk Office Suite, Set of 3!!

$9,679 / set

H 30.5 in W 75 in D 39.5 in

1800s Antique French Oromlu-Mounted, Burlwood, Desk Office Suite, Set of 3!!

Located in Austin, TX

Extraordinary Set of 1800s Antique French Oromlu-Mounted, Burlwood, Desk Office Suite, Set of 3

Category

Antique 19th Century French Other Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Golden Burlwood Dining table or Desk Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, 1980s

$5,000

H 29.73 in W 39.38 in D 78.75 in

Golden Burlwood Dining table or Desk Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, 1980s

By Giovanni Offredi, Saporiti

Located in bergen op zoom, NL

Italian top quality manufactured desk or dining table in beautiful golden Burlwood Most like

Category

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

Materials

Steel, Chrome

1800s Antique French Oromlu-Mounted, Burlwood, 3-Piece Set, Desk, Office Suite!!

$9,968 / set

H 30.5 in W 70 in D 39.5 in

1800s Antique French Oromlu-Mounted, Burlwood, 3-Piece Set, Desk, Office Suite!!

Located in Austin, TX

desk, top with inset gilt-embossed leather writing surface, fitted with center drawer, flanked by two

Category

Antique 19th Century French Other Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Vintage Desk With Burlwood Top in the style of Pace Collection, USA 1970's

$3,850

H 28.5 in W 59 in D 31 in

Vintage Desk With Burlwood Top in the style of Pace Collection, USA 1970's

By Pace Collection

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Introducing our exquisite Vintage Desk With Burlwood Top, inspired by the iconic Pace Collection

Category

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

Materials

Wood, Burl, Lacquer

French Louis XV Style Mahogany and Burlwood Lady's Writing Desk

$6,500

H 34 in W 27.5 in D 13.5 in

French Louis XV Style Mahogany and Burlwood Lady's Writing Desk

Located in Germantown, MD

A French Louis XV Style Mahogany and Burlwood Lady's Writing Desk. Dimensions: 27.5" in width

Category

Antique 19th Century American Louis XV Desks

Materials

Mahogany, Burl

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Vintage Leather Top Burlwood Writing Desk

Sold

H 31 in W 52 in L 31 in

Vintage Leather Top Burlwood Writing Desk

Located in Houston, TX

Burlwood writing desk, late 20th century, top with inset leather writing surface, over three frieze

Category

Late 20th Century French Louis XV Desks

Materials

Burl

Superb Sleek Italian Mid-Century Modern Burlwood Writing Desk

Sold

H 29.5 in W 45.5 in D 22 in

Superb Sleek Italian Mid-Century Modern Burlwood Writing Desk

Located in Hopewell, NJ

Very elegant and sleek Italian writing desk having gorgeous grain burlwood, cabriole legs, and 3

Category

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

Materials

Burl

Burl Walnut and Yew Writing Desk with Red Leather Top

Sold

H 30.5 in D 49 in

Burl Walnut and Yew Writing Desk with Red Leather Top

Located in Essex, MA

Beautiful Burlwood Writing Desk with Rich Red Leather Top. Georgian Style.

Category

Early 20th Century English Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut, Yew

Italian Burlwood Desk

Sold

H 30 in W 28 in D 54 in

Italian Burlwood Desk

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A Burl wood desk with two drawers and etched brass legs and pulls, a rich and well executed design

Category

20th Century Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Burl

French Burlwood and Bronze Desk

Sold

H 29.75 in W 59 in D 28.75 in

French Burlwood and Bronze Desk

Located in Aspen, CO

Pristine French burlwood and bronze desk featuring three recessed bronzed trimmed drawers.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Burlwood Desk by Mastercraft

Sold

H 30 in W 48 in D 23 in

Vintage Burlwood Desk by Mastercraft

By Mastercraft

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Amazing vintage burlwood desk by Mastercraft. Features a leather top, Campaign style hardware and

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Handsome Burlwood Slant Front Desk

Sold

H 37.5 in W 30 in D 20.5 in

Handsome Burlwood Slant Front Desk

By Theodore Alexander

Located in Hopewell, NJ

Stunning compact designer burlwood slant front desk by Theodore Alexander having handsome bamboo

Category

1990s American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Burl

Burlwood Desk with Bronze Frame, 1970

Sold

H 30 in W 72 in D 36 in

Burlwood Desk with Bronze Frame, 1970

By Stow Davis

Located in Chicago, IL

Burlwood desk with bronze frame, 1970. Desk is original.

Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Spectacular Lucite Desk, Lacquer & Burlwood .Signed

Sold

H 29 in W 52 in D 28 in

Spectacular Lucite Desk, Lacquer & Burlwood .Signed

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Incredible and substantial 1970's Lucite Desk with lacquered burlwood ! Signed

Category

Vintage 1970s American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Lacquer, Burl

Beautiful Diminutive Burlwood Inlaid Slant Front Desk

Sold

H 38 in W 18.75 in L 38 in

Beautiful Diminutive Burlwood Inlaid Slant Front Desk

By Theodore Alexander

Located in Hopewell, NJ

A small beautifully crafted burlwood slant front desk having gorgeous ebony & satinwood inlay

Category

1990s American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Burl

1970s Vintage Faux Burlwood with Brass & Glass Desk

Sold

H 30 in W 48 in D 25 in

1970s Vintage Faux Burlwood with Brass & Glass Desk

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Amazing Vintage Faux burlwood with brass & glass desk, This desk is just a stunning work and design

Category

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

Materials

Brass

John Widdicomb Mid Century Burlwood Campaign Executive Desk

Sold

H 30 in W 72 in D 36 in

John Widdicomb Mid Century Burlwood Campaign Executive Desk

By John Widdicomb

Located in Franklin Park, IL

John Widdicomb Mid Century burlwood Campaign executive desk. Desk measures: 72 wide x 36 deep x 30

Category

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

Materials

Burl

Italian Campaign Style Burlwood Desk on Steel Sawhorse Bases

Sold

H 31.75 in W 68 in D 28 in

Italian Campaign Style Burlwood Desk on Steel Sawhorse Bases

Located in North Miami, FL

This important and large burlwood campaign style executive desk with amazing solid heavy steel with

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Campaign Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Maitland Smith Olive Burlwood Regency Secretary Desk, Made in Italy

Sold

H 21.5 in W 40.25 in L 21.5 in

Maitland Smith Olive Burlwood Regency Secretary Desk, Made in Italy

By Maitland Smith

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

From Maitland Smith comes this fantastic Hollywood Regency desk made from a patch olive burlwood

Category

Late 20th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Burl

Milo Baughman Style Burlwood Desk Or Table By Stendig-Finland

Sold

H 29.25 in W 72 in D 38 in

Milo Baughman Style Burlwood Desk Or Table By Stendig-Finland

By Hans Eichenberger, Stendig Co.

Located in Southampton, NJ

“Omega” desk or table in burlwood having chromed steel legs. Designed by Hans Eichenberger, made by

Category

Vintage 1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Fine Burlwood Executive Desk w/Rattan Base by Winsor White

Sold

H 29 in W 61 in D 31 in

Fine Burlwood Executive Desk w/Rattan Base by Winsor White

Located in Danville, CA

Fine and large Modern Bookmatched Burlwood Executive desk on leather-bound Chinese Chippendale

Category

Late 20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Rattan, Leather

Art Deco Burlwood Desk with Fluted Legs and Brass Details

Sold

H 30 in W 47 in D 26 in

Art Deco Burlwood Desk with Fluted Legs and Brass Details

By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann

Located in Palm Desert, CA

This fine Art Deco desk is a true gem. The desk is veneered in a warm burled wood. The fluted legs

Category

Vintage 1920s North American Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage Italian Regency Burlwood Laminate Saber Leg Tall Secretary Desk Display

Sold

H 82 in W 36 in D 20 in

Vintage Italian Regency Burlwood Laminate Saber Leg Tall Secretary Desk Display

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Italian Regency burlwood laminate saber leg tall secretary desk display curio bookcase

Category

Late 20th Century North American Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Laminate, Burl

Mastercraft Attributed Campaign Style Desk in Burlwood and Brass Circa 1960s

Sold

H 30.5 in W 58.5 in D 26.5 in

Mastercraft Attributed Campaign Style Desk in Burlwood and Brass Circa 1960s

By Mastercraft

Located in Peabody, MA

A campaign style desk in burlwood and brass attributed to Mastercraft of Grand Rapids, ca. 1960s

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Modernist Secretaire in Birch Burlwood Veneer, Finland 1954

Sold

H 37.41 in W 31.5 in D 15.36 in

Modernist Secretaire in Birch Burlwood Veneer, Finland 1954

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant

Very nice elegant writing desk or secretaire in the manner of Alvar Aalto, Finland 1954. This

Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Desks and Writing Tables

Exclusive Mahogany & Burled Desk Faux-tusk Base

Sold

H 31 in W 70 in D 29 in

Exclusive Mahogany & Burled Desk Faux-tusk Base

Located in Manhasset, NY

One of a kind mahogany and burlwood veneered writing desk, late 20th century, the rectangular top

Category

20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

19th Century Louis XVI Burlwood and Mahogany Writing Desk

Sold

H 25.5 in W 47 in D 25.5 in

19th Century Louis XVI Burlwood and Mahogany Writing Desk

Located in Dallas, TX

Handsome 19th century French Louis XVI burlwood and mahogany writing desk. The piece also has a

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Leather, Wood

Antique Sheraton Style Burlwood Posted Brass Gallery Crescent Writing Desk

Sold

H 33 in W 40 in D 30 in

Antique Sheraton Style Burlwood Posted Brass Gallery Crescent Writing Desk

Located in Chicago, IL

Antique French Sheraton style Burlwood 5 drawer posted brass gallery crescent writing desk

Category

Vintage 1910s Sheraton Desks

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mastercraft, Mid-Century Modern, Writing Desk, Burlwood, Brass, Leather, 1950s

Sold

H 29.75 in W 48 in D 23 in

Mastercraft, Mid-Century Modern, Writing Desk, Burlwood, Brass, Leather, 1950s

By Mastercraft

Located in Manhasset, NY

Mastercraft, Mid-Century Modern, Writing Desk, Burlwood, Brass, Leather, 1950s This mid-20th

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

Burlwood writing lap desk with brass on new custom stand

Sold

H 22.25 in W 18 in D 10.5 in

Burlwood writing lap desk with brass on new custom stand

Located in Atlanta, GA

English Burl lap desk on new custom stand

Category

20th Century English Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Faux Bamboo Campaign Style Burlwood Desk or Writing Table

Sold

H 30.5 in W 54 in D 32 in

Faux Bamboo Campaign Style Burlwood Desk or Writing Table

By Hooker Furniture

Located in Hopewell, NJ

Ernest Hemingway style beautifully made desk or writing table with chinoiserie faux bamboo, burl

Category

Vintage 1950s American Campaign Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Faux Bamboo, Burl

Vintage Regency Henredon Style Walnut, Burlwood And Brass Demilune Writing Desk

Sold

H 29 in W 50 in D 24 in

Vintage Regency Henredon Style Walnut, Burlwood And Brass Demilune Writing Desk

Located in Southampton, NJ

A rare and beautiful Demilune desk in the manner of Henredon having walnut top bordered and

Category

Mid-20th Century American Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Italian Burlwood Demilune Adams Style Writing Desk Vanity by Giemme

Sold

H 29.25 in W 55.5 in D 28.5 in

Italian Burlwood Demilune Adams Style Writing Desk Vanity by Giemme

By Giemme

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Italian burl wood demilune Adams style writing desk vanity by Giemme. Item features beautiful wood

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Adam Style Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Northern Italian Burlwood Writing Table

Sold

H 30 in W 56 in D 29.25 in

Northern Italian Burlwood Writing Table

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Bureau plat, having patchwork veneers of burled olivewood, framed in banding, its shaped desk top

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Olive

Burlwood Desk with Cabriole Legs

Sold

H 30 in W 40 in D 22 in

Burlwood Desk with Cabriole Legs

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Small single drawer burlwood desk with cabriole legs.

Category

20th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Burl

Vintage Italian Rosewood and Burlwood Console or Writing Table

Sold

H 32 in W 47.5 in D 15.75 in

Vintage Italian Rosewood and Burlwood Console or Writing Table

Located in Atlanta, GA

beautifully veneered on all sides in rosewood and burlwood and can be used as a console table or desk

Category

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

Materials

Rosewood, Burl

Italian Rococo Style Burlwood Veneer Ladies Writing Table Console

Sold

H 29 in W 49.5 in D 22 in

Italian Rococo Style Burlwood Veneer Ladies Writing Table Console

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Fantastic Italian ladies writing table or console table featuring a rich burlwood veneer. The frame

Category

20th Century Italian Rococo Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Burl

Henredon Scene Two Olive Burlwood Executive Desk

Sold

H 30 in W 70 in D 34 in

Henredon Scene Two Olive Burlwood Executive Desk

By Henredon

Located in Roanoke, VA

that is sure to impress. The desk is made from gorgeous olive burlwood and Macassar ebony, giving it a

Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Macassar, Burl

Pace Burlwood and Stainless Steel Waterfall Desk, 1970

Sold

H 30.5 in W 78 in D 36 in

Pace Burlwood and Stainless Steel Waterfall Desk, 1970

By Pace Collection

Located in Chicago, IL

Pace burlwood and stainless steel waterfall desk, 1970. Credenza in separate listing.

Category

Vintage 1970s Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Very Large Demilune Blond Burlwood Executive Partners Desk

Sold

H 30.75 in W 81.5 in D 29 in

Very Large Demilune Blond Burlwood Executive Partners Desk

Located in New York City, NY

This impressively large original Art Deco curvilinear burl wood, double sided writing desk is the

Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Burl

Regency Olive Burlwood & Brass Executive Desk By E.J. Victor

Sold

H 30 in W 59.5 in D 32 in

Regency Olive Burlwood & Brass Executive Desk By E.J. Victor

By E.J. Victor

Located in Southampton, NJ

A beautiful regency style olive Burlwood executive desk by EJ Victor having diamond head brass loop

Category

Late 20th Century Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique French Louis XV Italian Burlwood Inlaid Slant Front Secretary Desk

Sold

H 36 in W 32 in D 18 in

Antique French Louis XV Italian Burlwood Inlaid Slant Front Secretary Desk

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique French Louis XV style Italian burlwood inlaid slant front secretary desk. Item features

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Qing Dynasty 19th Century Desk with Burlwood Top, Drawers and Cracked Ice Shelf

Sold

H 31.25 in W 39 in D 19.5 in

Qing Dynasty 19th Century Desk with Burlwood Top, Drawers and Cracked Ice Shelf

Located in Yonkers, NY

A Chinese Qing Dynasty period wooden desk from the 19th century, with burlwood inset top, five

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Qing Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Burl

Burlwood desk

Sold

H 29 in W 52 in D 24 in

Burlwood desk

Located in South Pasadena, CA

Vintage Baker Inlay Burlwood desk with brass trim detail

Category

Vintage 1960s American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Mastercraft Burlwood and Brass Desk with Chair

Sold

H 29.5 in W 64.5 in D 32 in

Mastercraft Burlwood and Brass Desk with Chair

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Handsome semi-circular burlwood and brass desk signed Mastercraft. Sculptural and attractive from

Category

Vintage 1970s American Desks and Writing Tables

Desk in Burlwood by Jean Claude Mahey

Sold

H 29.53 in W 63 in D 33.47 in

Desk in Burlwood by Jean Claude Mahey

By Jean Claude Mahey

Located in Saarbrücken, DE

Desk in ash tree burl wood by Jean Claude Mahey with brass elements and two drawers.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Pace - Burlwood & Chrome Executive Desk by Pace Collection

Sold

H 30.5 in W 60 in D 30 in

Pace - Burlwood & Chrome Executive Desk by Pace Collection

Located in North Palm Beach, FL

Gorgeous Burlwood & Chrome, Executive Desk made by Pace. Stunning wood grain beneath high gloss

Category

Vintage 1970s Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Desk in Burlwood Attributed to Jean Claude Mahey

Sold

H 29.52 in W 59.05 in D 28.74 in

Desk in Burlwood Attributed to Jean Claude Mahey

By Jean Claude Mahey

Located in Saarbrücken, DE

Desk in burlwood attributed to Jean Claude Mahey with three drawers in the front. Water-ring on

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Burlwood Desk with Leather Top by Mastercraft

Sold

H 30 in W 47 in L 30 in

Midcentury Burlwood Desk with Leather Top by Mastercraft

By Mastercraft

Located in Stamford, CT

Mid-Century Modern style burl wood desk with black leather top by Mastercraft on bamboo shaped

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Burlwood Table with Leaf

Sold

H 29.5 in W 72 in D 42 in

Burlwood Table with Leaf

Located in Atlanta, GA

* Vintage * Newly refinished burlwood top * Rich colorations of grain in the burlwood

Category

20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Amboyna Burlwood Dining Tables by Nicos Zographos

Sold

H 29 in W 66.25 in D 42.25 in

Pair of Amboyna Burlwood Dining Tables by Nicos Zographos

By Nicos Zographos

Located in Miami, FL

A Rare and beautiful matching PAIR of Amboyna burl wood dining tables in a polished heavy stainless steel base designed by famed Greek designer, Nicos Zographos. The original Amboyna...

Category

Vintage 1960s Greek Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Milo Baughman Burlwood and Nickel Framed Writing Desk

Sold

H 30.25 in W 47.5 in D 23.5 in

Milo Baughman Burlwood and Nickel Framed Writing Desk

By Milo Baughman

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Sleek and stylized burl wood and nickel writing desk by Milo Baughman. Professionally restored.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Desks

Materials

Nickel

Italian Burlwood Writing Desk

Sold

H 30 in W 52 in D 27 in

Italian Burlwood Writing Desk

Located in Los Angeles, CA

W52 D27 H30 KC24 Fully restored Burl wood Italian writing desk. Item is structurally sound and

Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Burl

Stylish Milo Baughman Style Midcentury Burlwood Desk

Sold

H 29.75 in W 58 in D 24 in

Stylish Milo Baughman Style Midcentury Burlwood Desk

By Milo Baughman

Located in Chicago, IL

Stylish Milo Baughman style midcentury burlwood desk.

Category

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

Materials

Burl

Mid-Century Modern Executive Burlwood Maple Desk with Stainless Steel Base

Sold

H 29.5 in W 78 in D 36 in

Mid-Century Modern Executive Burlwood Maple Desk with Stainless Steel Base

By Eppinger Furniture Inc.

Located in Ava, MO

Introducing a Jewel of Mid-Century Modern Excellence: This 1960s Maple Burlwood Executive Desk with

Category

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

Materials

Maple, Burl

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19th Century Walnut Pair of Bookcases Boiserie de Bibliothèque

$102,043

H 101.19 in W 137.8 in D 19.3 in

19th Century Walnut Pair of Bookcases Boiserie de Bibliothèque

Located in Vosselaar, BE

A rare pair of heliocodal French Directoire library bookcases in solid walnut. This type of bookcases is also known as 'boiseries de Bibliothèque' as they often, together with pannel...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

French Empire Style Bronze and Mahogany Desk Leather

$2,761

H 29.53 in W 33.86 in D 64.57 in

French Empire Style Bronze and Mahogany Desk Leather

Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Very decorative French desk in the empire style. Structure in solid mahogany and veneered, it is composed of an empire green leather under hand, three drawers with double handles and...

Category

Antique 1810s French Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

The Albert, Custom Made Belgian Linen Armchair

$5,042 / item

H 31.5 in W 33.47 in D 43.31 in

The Albert, Custom Made Belgian Linen Armchair

Located in Jesteburg, DE

Introducing the home collection. A small selection of timeless Flemish designs made by hand for us in a small third generation workshop in Belgium. Has been used by many influent...

Category

2010s Belgian Modern Club Chairs

Materials

Linen

Forged Steel Chaise Longue

$3,600

H 29 in W 25 in D 76 in

Forged Steel Chaise Longue

Located in Chireno, TX

Forged steel chaise longue, adorned in brass detail. Sold with newly-made tie-on upholstered cushion in antique hand-loomed French thistle and natural canvas. All listed measurements...

Category

Early 2000s French French Provincial Chaise Longues

Materials

Brass, Steel

"Ca'Favretto" Murano Glass Mirror in Venetian Style, by Fratelli Tosi Murano

$2,328 / item

H 28.35 in W 21.66 in D 1.97 in

"Ca'Favretto" Murano Glass Mirror in Venetian Style, by Fratelli Tosi Murano

By Fratelli Tosi

Located in Murano Venezia, IT

Murano glass mirror in Venetian Style, mirror made to a design by Fratelli Tosi, entirely handmade according to the techniques of our ancestors. Mirror composed of a crystal frame o...

Category

2010s Italian Other Wall Mirrors

Materials

Art Glass, Mirror, Murano Glass

Late 19th Century Faux Bamboo Bed

$3,250

H 51 in W 47 in D 73 in

Late 19th Century Faux Bamboo Bed

Located in New York, NY

Beautiful French Faux Bamboo Bed with Rails - Rails are 73 inches long each - This bed is a European Size which can easily be converted to an American size by removing the rails and ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Faux Bamboo

Vintage French Coffee/Sofa Table by Maison Jansen

$3,553Sale Price|20% Off

H 19.69 in W 36.62 in D 18.9 in

Vintage French Coffee/Sofa Table by Maison Jansen

By Maison Jansen

Located in Vilnius, LT

French vintage coffee table by Maison Jansen form 1970's. The base is in brass and metal decorated with cones and rosettes. The top is covered with transparent glass and down shelve ...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofa Tables

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Modern Architectural Sideboard

$3,264 / item

H 34 in W 81 in D 20 in

Modern Architectural Sideboard

Located in Westwood, NJ

Modern Architectural sideboard, big, bold and inspired by classic Brutalism Architecture. Constructed from reclaimed wood and highlighted in a two-tone finish, the attention to detai...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Brutalist Sideboards

Materials

Wood

Mustard Velvet Daybed with V-Shaped Beechwood Base, Model V

$3,990 / item

H 15.75 in W 74.81 in D 29.14 in

Mustard Velvet Daybed with V-Shaped Beechwood Base, Model V

By Dusty Deco

Located in Los Angeles, CA

DD V daybed is an exclusive daybed made by hand in Bosnia and Herzegovina by skilled craftsmen with long experience in wood and upholstery. Both frame and the characteristic V-shaped...

Category

2010s Bosnian Mid-Century Modern Daybeds

Materials

Fabric, Beech, Velvet

Extraordinary Carved Mahogany Full Bed With Swans

$8,200

H 51.5 in W 60.75 in D 80 in

Extraordinary Carved Mahogany Full Bed With Swans

Located in Bridgeport, CT

An elaborately carved full bedstead with intricate swan carvings. The headboard with a gadrooned carved acanthus motif trim around the parquetry herringbone inlay. The arched headboa...

Category

20th Century Art Nouveau Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Mahogany

Biedermeier Secretary Desk, South German, 1820

$12,000Sale Price|20% Off

H 63.39 in W 38.19 in D 21.66 in

Biedermeier Secretary Desk, South German, 1820

Located in Belmont, MA

Biedermeier secretary desk, South German 1820. This unique and very beautiful secretary desk dates back to the early phase of the Biedermeier style. It has a beautiful walnut veneer ...

Category

Antique 1820s German Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Elm, Walnut

19th Century Italian Empire Giltwood Queen Bed, Frame Only

$12,000

H 81.5 in W 63 in D 88 in

19th Century Italian Empire Giltwood Queen Bed, Frame Only

Located in Houston, TX

This listing is for bed frame only. Mattressm bedding and pillows not included and shown only for decorative purposes. A period Italian Empire queen bed beautifully carved with Neoc...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Italian Empire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Mahogany

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Burlwood Writing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic burlwood writing desk available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, burl and metal, every burlwood writing desk was constructed with great care. There are many kinds of the burlwood writing desk you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 19th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. When you’re browsing for the right burlwood writing desk, those designed in mid-century modern, Empire and Victorian styles are of considerable interest. Many designers have produced at least one well-made burlwood writing desk over the years, but those crafted by Milo Baughman and Hooker Furniture are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Burlwood Writing Desk?

A burlwood writing desk can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $3,850, while the lowest priced sells for $1,230 and the highest can go for as much as $91,500.

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 Burlwood 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 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.

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