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Antique Writing Desk

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Boulle Writing Desk
Boulle Writing Desk

Boulle Writing Desk

Located in New York, NY

Well-proportioned French black lacquer and Boulle writing desk with metal gallery raised back

Category

19th Century French Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Tortoise Shell

Smaller secession writing desk
Smaller secession writing desk

Smaller secession writing desk

Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK

Smaller secession writing desk in very nice original condition.

Category

1910s Hungarian Jugendstil Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

Swedish Painted Writing Desk
Swedish Painted Writing Desk

Swedish Painted Writing Desk

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Pretty early 19th century Swedish painted pine writing desk. 1820. Kneehole: 20.5-inches x 26

Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Pine

English Lady's Writing Desk
English Lady's Writing Desk

English Lady's Writing Desk

Located in Los Angeles, CA

English lady's writing desk table, table desk, or telephone table. Has quatrefoil backsplash. In

Category

18th Century British George III Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak

19thC English Pine Writing Desk
19thC English Pine Writing Desk

19thC English Pine Writing Desk

Located in Staffordshire, GB

circa 1890 19thC English pine writing desk Measures: W119 x D73 x H68cm.

Category

19th Century Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Pine

French Empire Style Writing Desk
French Empire Style Writing Desk

French Empire Style Writing Desk

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Large French burr elm empire style writing desk. 1900. Kneehole is 23.5" wide x 27" high

Category

Early 20th Century French Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Elm

Antique Carved Wood Writing Desk
Antique Carved Wood Writing Desk

Antique Carved Wood Writing Desk

$3,840Sale Price|20% Off

Antique Carved Wood Writing Desk

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Spectacular Antique Carved Wood Writing Desk. In good condition. This table has so many carved

Category

Early 19th Century Unknown Renaissance Revival Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Writing Desk
19th Century Swedish Writing Desk

19th Century Swedish Writing Desk

Located in Atlanta, GA

This elegant 19th-century Swedish writing desk exemplifies the timeless charm of Gustavian design

Category

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Pine

English Decorative Chinoiserie Bureau Writing Desk
English Decorative Chinoiserie Bureau Writing Desk

English Decorative Chinoiserie Bureau Writing Desk

Located in Staffordshire, GB

Circa 1900 English decorative chinoiserie bureau writing desk - Bonheur Du Jour. Great colour and

Category

Early 1900s English Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Hardwood

Biedermeier Writing Desk, 19th Century
Biedermeier Writing Desk, 19th Century

Biedermeier Writing Desk, 19th Century

Located in Greding, DE

Small Biedermeier writing desk in walnut, raised on tapered square legs with brass sabots and

Category

19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

Biedermeier Writing Desk, Germany, circa 1820
Biedermeier Writing Desk, Germany, circa 1820

Biedermeier Writing Desk, Germany, circa 1820

Located in Greding, DE

Biedermeier writing desk veneered in cherry, raised on tall, slightly splayed legs. A drawer is

Category

1820s German Biedermeier Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Leather, Cherry

Italian Neoclassical Inlaid Walnut Writing Desk
Italian Neoclassical Inlaid Walnut Writing Desk

Italian Neoclassical Inlaid Walnut Writing Desk

Located in Viterbo, VT

Neoclassical writing desk handmade in Italy in the late 1700s using walnut and peg construction

Category

Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Walnut

Swedish Art Nouveau Style Oak Writing Desk
Swedish Art Nouveau Style Oak Writing Desk

Swedish Art Nouveau Style Oak Writing Desk

Located in Madrid, ES

Kidney-shaped oak writing desk with double chest of drawers with 8 drawers on each side. Wrought

Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Art Nouveau Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Iron

Frnech. Art Deco Macassar Elegant Writing Desk
Frnech. Art Deco Macassar Elegant Writing Desk

Frnech. Art Deco Macassar Elegant Writing Desk

Located in North Bergen, NJ

Frnech Art Deco writing desk with beautiful Macassar wood. The desk has a shaped top held by four

Category

1920s Art Deco Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Macassar

Antique Faux Bamboo Writing Desk
Antique Faux Bamboo Writing Desk

Antique Faux Bamboo Writing Desk

Located in Bridgeport, CT

A fine Aesthetic Movement example of a charming writing desk fashioned with elaborate galleries and

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Faux Bamboo, Wood

19th c Russian mahogany and brass writing desk
19th c Russian mahogany and brass writing desk

19th c Russian mahogany and brass writing desk

Located in Dallas, TX

19th c Russian leather topped writing desk with hand hammered brass details

Category

19th Century Russian Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

French Louis XV Style Ladies Writing Desk
French Louis XV Style Ladies Writing Desk

French Louis XV Style Ladies Writing Desk

Located in Pembroke, MA

An elegant French Louis XV style petit writing desk with gilt-bronze mounts, including escutcheon

Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XV Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Bronze

English Hard Wood Portable Writing Desk, circa 1850
English Hard Wood Portable Writing Desk, circa 1850

English Hard Wood Portable Writing Desk, circa 1850

By OTHR

Located in Guadalajra, Jal

English country portable writing desk with lifting writing surface, it has its original bronze

Category

Late 18th Century Mexican Rustic Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Hardwood

Antique Victorian quality rosewood inlaid writing desk
Antique Victorian quality rosewood inlaid writing desk

Antique Victorian quality rosewood inlaid writing desk

Located in Ipswich, GB

Antique Victorian quality rosewood inlaid writing desk, having the original brass gallery, bevel

Category

Early 19th Century Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Victorian Inlaid Writing Desk
Antique Victorian Inlaid Writing Desk

Antique Victorian Inlaid Writing Desk

Located in London, GB

A stunning antique Victorian inlaid writing desk. This was made in England, it dates from the 1880

Category

1880s British Late Victorian Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Leather, Wood

Antique Mahogany Ladies Writing Desk Table France
Antique Mahogany Ladies Writing Desk Table France

Antique Mahogany Ladies Writing Desk Table France

Located in Munich, DE

This charming small ladies writing desk – so called 'Écritoire de Dames' was made in France circa

Category

1890s French Belle Époque Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century French Kingwood Writing Desk Bureau Plat
19th Century French Kingwood Writing Desk Bureau Plat

19th Century French Kingwood Writing Desk Bureau Plat

Located in Essex, MA

19th century French kingwood Bureau plat writing desk. Beautiful Louis XV Form. Lacquered Bronze

Category

19th Century French Louis XV Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Walnut Writing Desk with Drawers, 1870s
19th Century Walnut Writing Desk with Drawers, 1870s

19th Century Walnut Writing Desk with Drawers, 1870s

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A classic wooden writing desk with multiple drawers, both on the tabletop riser and beneath. The

Category

1870s Italian Modern Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Walnut

19th-century French writing desk
19th-century French writing desk

19th-century French writing desk

Located in Cheshire, GB

This exquisite 19th-century French writing desk, or bureau de dame, showcases the elegance and

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Walnut

English Hepplewhite Mahogany Tambour Writing Desk. Circa 1780
English Hepplewhite Mahogany Tambour Writing Desk. Circa 1780

English Hepplewhite Mahogany Tambour Writing Desk. Circa 1780

Located in Charleston, SC

English five drawer Hepplewhite tambour writing desk with fitted interior, satinwood string inlay

Category

18th Century and Earlier British Hepplewhite Antique Writing Desk

Antique English Queen Anne Walnut Writing Desk, Circa 1895
Antique English Queen Anne Walnut Writing Desk, Circa 1895

Antique English Queen Anne Walnut Writing Desk, Circa 1895

Located in New Orleans, LA

Antique English Queen Anne walnut writing desk, circa 1895.

Category

Late 19th Century English Queen Anne Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Writing Desk with Drawer
19th Century Writing Desk with Drawer

19th Century Writing Desk with Drawer

Located in LA CIOTAT, FR

This is an elegant antique writing desk, commonly referred to as a “bureau plat,” likely dating

Category

19th Century French Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Antique William IV Writing Desk
Antique William IV Writing Desk

Antique William IV Writing Desk

Located in London, GB

A beautiful and very well made antique William IV writing desk. This was made in England, it dates

Category

1830s British William IV Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood

English Mahogany Leather Top Writing Desk, Circa 1780
English Mahogany Leather Top Writing Desk, Circa 1780

English Mahogany Leather Top Writing Desk, Circa 1780

Located in Charleston, SC

English mahogany two-drawer leather top writing desk with carved molded edge, original brasses and

Category

1790s English George III Antique Writing Desk

Louis XV Leather Top Cocobola Wood Writing Desk
Louis XV Leather Top Cocobola Wood Writing Desk

Louis XV Leather Top Cocobola Wood Writing Desk

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Rare and remarkable Louis XV style ladies writing desk handcrafted in exotic cocobola wood with a

Category

18th Century French Louis XV Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Cocobolo

Mahogany Writing Desk with Satinwood Inlay
Mahogany Writing Desk with Satinwood Inlay

Mahogany Writing Desk with Satinwood Inlay

Located in Cheshire, GB

A fine quality Edwardian mahogany writing desk featuring elegant satinwood inlay and a rich patina

Category

Early 20th Century British Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood

18th Century Black Rococo Writing Desk Table
18th Century Black Rococo Writing Desk Table

18th Century Black Rococo Writing Desk Table

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

A beautifully crafted French Rococo writing desk from the Late 18th Century or Early 19th Century

Category

1780s French Rococo Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Oak

18th Century, Gentleman's Writing Desk and Games Table
18th Century, Gentleman's Writing Desk and Games Table

18th Century, Gentleman's Writing Desk and Games Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Wonderful, circa 1780, hand carved, petite writing desk inset with game chess and backgammon game

Category

1780s French Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Marble, Bronze

French Charles X Writing Desk
French Charles X Writing Desk

French Charles X Writing Desk

Located in New Orleans, LA

The epitome of French elegance and style, this French Charles X-style writing desk takes the

Category

19th Century French Charles X Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Bronze

Scandinavian Veneered Biedermeier Writing Desk with Lyres
Scandinavian Veneered Biedermeier Writing Desk with Lyres

Scandinavian Veneered Biedermeier Writing Desk with Lyres

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

A small mahogany and walnut veneered table or writing desk with brass holders in the lyres formed

Category

Early 1800s Scandinavian Empire Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

17th Spanish Refectory Table, Writing Desk, One Large Drawer
17th Spanish Refectory Table, Writing Desk, One Large Drawer

17th Spanish Refectory Table, Writing Desk, One Large Drawer

Located in Miami, FL

17th Spanish refectory table. Writing desk. One large drawer The top its circa 1680, the legs circa

Category

17th Century Spanish Baroque Antique Writing Desk

Writing Desk
Writing Desk

Writing Desk

Located in London, England

French two drawer bureau plat with brass moulds and parquetry inlaid top. Circa 1900. H 75cm (AH 63cm) x W 111cm x D 66cm Please be in touch for an accurate shipping quote.

Category

Early 1900s French Edwardian Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

Antique French Neoclassic Two Drawer Inlaid Writing Desk
Antique French Neoclassic Two Drawer Inlaid Writing Desk

Antique French Neoclassic Two Drawer Inlaid Writing Desk

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Handsome 19th century French Restoration period writing desk handcrafted in exotic woods including

Category

Early 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

Italian Baroque Carved Walnut Writing Desk with Lyre Base
Italian Baroque Carved Walnut Writing Desk with Lyre Base

Italian Baroque Carved Walnut Writing Desk with Lyre Base

Located in Hopewell, NJ

An Italian Baroque style walnut writing desk table with drawers and lyre shaped base legs and

Category

Early 1800s Italian Baroque Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wrought Iron

20th Century Wood French Louis XV Style Writing Desk, 1920
20th Century Wood French Louis XV Style Writing Desk, 1920

20th Century Wood French Louis XV Style Writing Desk, 1920

Located in Miami, FL

20th century Louis XV style French walnut writing desk with three drawers and cabriolet legs

Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XV Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Bronze

Walnut Writing Desk in the Manner of Gillows
Walnut Writing Desk in the Manner of Gillows

Walnut Writing Desk in the Manner of Gillows

Located in Cheshire, GB

Walnut writing desk almost certainly by Gillows, the large rectangular rounded top with inset

Category

19th Century British Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Unique Restored Austrian Biedermeier Maple Writing Desk, 1830s
19th Century Unique Restored Austrian Biedermeier Maple Writing Desk, 1830s

19th Century Unique Restored Austrian Biedermeier Maple Writing Desk, 1830s

Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj

Biedermeier writing desk Completely restored. Shellac polish. Material: Maple Source: Austria

Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood, Maple, Lacquer

Bauhaus Tiered Tubular Chromed Steel Writing Desk
Bauhaus Tiered Tubular Chromed Steel Writing Desk

Bauhaus Tiered Tubular Chromed Steel Writing Desk

By Marcel Breuer

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This 1930s modernist black writing desk in the manner of Marcel Breuer emphasizes classic Bauhaus

Category

Early 20th Century German Bauhaus Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Swedish Gustavian Writing Desk, Late 18th Century, Late 1700s
Swedish Gustavian Writing Desk, Late 18th Century, Late 1700s

Swedish Gustavian Writing Desk, Late 18th Century, Late 1700s

Located in New York, NY

A Swedish late Gustavian writing desk, late 18th century in excellent antique condition. Key

Category

Late 18th Century Scandinavian Gustavian Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

Small Ladies' Writing Desk From the Early 20th Century in Brown
Small Ladies' Writing Desk From the Early 20th Century in Brown

Small Ladies' Writing Desk From the Early 20th Century in Brown

Located in Opole, PL

Small Ladies' Writing Desk From the Early 20th Century in Brown A small, simple ladies' writing

Category

Early 20th Century British Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Antique French Napoleon Brass Ormolu Mounted 3 Drawer Writing Desk
Antique French Napoleon Brass Ormolu Mounted 3 Drawer Writing Desk

Antique French Napoleon Brass Ormolu Mounted 3 Drawer Writing Desk

Located in Chicago, IL

Antique French Napoleon Brass Ormolu Mounted 3 Drawer Writing Desk Antique French Napoleon III

Category

Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Ormolu

English Zebra Wood Military Campaign Writing Desk,  Circa 1820
English Zebra Wood Military Campaign Writing Desk,  Circa 1820

English Zebra Wood Military Campaign Writing Desk, Circa 1820

Located in Charleston, SC

English zebra wood military campaign writing desk with brass bound molded edges, original recessed

Category

1820s American Campaign Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Crystal, Brass

French 19th Century Mahogany Travel Writing Desk
French 19th Century Mahogany Travel Writing Desk

French 19th Century Mahogany Travel Writing Desk

Located in London, GB

French 19th century mahogany travel writing desk French, 19th century Measures: Height 94cm

Category

19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Ormolu

C19th French Ormolu Mounted Louis XV1 Style Writing Desk
C19th French Ormolu Mounted Louis XV1 Style Writing Desk

C19th French Ormolu Mounted Louis XV1 Style Writing Desk

By Paul Somani

Located in London, GB

Louis XV1 Style French Writing Desk In the Manner of Francois Linke Finished on Both sides so could

Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Kingwood

Louis XVI writing desk in walnut. 18th century
Louis XVI writing desk in walnut. 18th century

Louis XVI writing desk in walnut. 18th century

Located in Atlanta, GA

A refined Louis XVI period writing desk from the 18th century, crafted in warm walnut with

Category

18th Century Italian Louis XVI Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

19th Century Gustavian Writing Desk by Johan Oman
19th Century Gustavian Writing Desk by Johan Oman

19th Century Gustavian Writing Desk by Johan Oman

By Johan Öman

Located in New York, NY

A 19th century writing desk by Swedish Master Cabinet Maker Johan Öman (1789-1833) who worked for

Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Bonheur Du Jour Writing Desk
19th Century French Bonheur Du Jour Writing Desk

19th Century French Bonheur Du Jour Writing Desk

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

A pretty French Louis XV style writing desk or ‘bonheur du jour’, the serpentine case veneered in

Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Kingwood

Antique Georgian Revival Mahogany Writing Desk c.1880–1900, Dressing Table
Antique Georgian Revival Mahogany Writing Desk c.1880–1900, Dressing Table

Antique Georgian Revival Mahogany Writing Desk c.1880–1900, Dressing Table

Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire

Antique Georgian Revival Mahogany Writing Desk c.1880–1900 – Fine Quality, Dressing Table A fine

Category

19th Century Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Wood

Antique English Victorian Marquetry Writing Desk by Donald Ross
Antique English Victorian Marquetry Writing Desk by Donald Ross

Antique English Victorian Marquetry Writing Desk by Donald Ross

By Donald Ross, Edwards & Roberts

Located in London, GB

Antique English Victorian marquetry writing desk by Donald Ross English, c. 1890 Measures: Height

Category

1890s English Neoclassical Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Ormolu

French Empire style leather top mahogany writing desk, C 1890
French Empire style leather top mahogany writing desk, C 1890

French Empire style leather top mahogany writing desk, C 1890

Located in Philadelphia, PA

French Empire style leather top mahogany writing desk having bronze mounts, claw feet and resting

Category

Late 19th Century French Empire Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Antique French Louis XVI Style Leather Top Writing Desk
Antique French Louis XVI Style Leather Top Writing Desk

Antique French Louis XVI Style Leather Top Writing Desk

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Refined antique French Louis XVI style writing desk crafted in exotic tulipwood veneer with

Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Antique Writing Desk

Materials

Brass

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Antique Writing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the antique writing desk you’re looking for. Frequently made of wood, mahogany and metal, every antique writing desk was constructed with great care. Your living room may not be complete without an antique writing desk — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. An antique writing desk made by Victorian designers — as well as those associated with Louis XVI — is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made antique writing desk over the years, but those crafted by Gillows of Lancaster & London, François Linke and Maple & Co. are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Antique Writing Desk?

Prices for an antique writing desk can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $50 and can go as high as $1,740,240, while the average can fetch as much as $4,501.

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 Antique 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
    What antique desks are called depends on their design. A desk with chair cutouts on both sides is a partner desk, while one with a pull-down writing surface is a secretary. On a Davenport desk, the desktop lifts to reveal a storage area. Find a variety of antique, vintage and contemporary desks on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    An antique Davenport desk is a small writing desk, usually with four drawers on one side. The desk would have elaborately decorated supports and a recessed space for adequate legroom. Shop a collection of Davenport desks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A Davenport desk is a type of small desk with a distinct inclined desktop. The desktop covers a large storage compartment meant for keeping paper and other writing materials. Popular in the 19th century, Davenport desks are still sought after today. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique Davenport desks from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
    An antique secretary desk will range in value depending on its authenticity and condition. The price can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. On 1stDibs find the antique secretary desk you’re looking for today.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A variety of factors can determine the exact age of an antique roll top desk. Some things to look for is the type of wood and craftsmanship used to create the desk. Typically, older desks will be made from heavier wood. You can also check for a maker’s marks to determine the age. When in doubt, work with a certified appraiser to determine the authenticity of your roll top desk. You’ll find a variety of expertly vetted roll top desks on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    To tell if a roll-top desk is an antique, look closely at the materials. Real antiques feature hardwoods like cherry, mahogany and black walnut. If you detect the use of engineered woods, the desk is a reproduction. Also, early pieces show off irregular dovetail joints. Joints that appear perfectly uniform indicate that a roll-top desk is a more recent mass-produced piece. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of expertly vetted antique roll-top desks.