What is a roll top desk?

A roll top desk is a piece of furniture that has a wooden cover that can be pulled down when the desk is not in use. Shop a collection of roll top furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What era are roll top desks from?

Roll-top desks are originally from the late 18th century in the Georgian era of England. By the middle of the Victorian era, they were found in most offices and produced on a large scale. Shop a range of antique roll-top desks on 1stDibs.

What is a roll top desk called?

Sometimes, roll-top desks are called tambours, sliding roll desks or roll-up desks. However, roll-top is the most commonly used name. The style of desk became popular during the 19th century. You can find a range of roll-top desks on 1stDibs.

What is the point of a roll top desk?

A roll top desk kept small essentials and paperwork organized. The roll top design was ideal for business people to secure their desks at the end of the day without filing away their work. Browse a variety of roll top desks on 1stDibs.

How much is a roll top desk worth?

A roll top desk can be worth anywhere between $3,000 to $6,000, depending on the condition, materials used and time of manufacturing. Roll top desks are expensive, as they are very popular on the antique furniture market and are considered timeless collectibles. Shop a range of antique and vintage roll top desks on 1stDibs.

How do I know if my antique roll top desk?

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.

How do I know if my roll top desk is antique?

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.

Cherry Roll Top Desk

Walnut Veneer Bureau

Writing Desk Bureau

French Louis Xvi Desk Marquetry

Bureau Cylindre Louis Xvi

Biedermeier Roll-Top Desk, Cherry Veneer, Brass, Ink, South Germany circa 1820

$11,261

H 51.58 in W 45.67 in D 23.63 in

Biedermeier Roll-Top Desk, Cherry Veneer, Brass, Ink, South Germany circa 1820

Located in Regensburg, DE

High-quality early Biedermeier Roll-top or Cylinder Secretaire or Writing Cabinet from South

Category

Antique 1820s German Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Neoclassical Roll-Top Desk, Austria, circa 1800

$5,690

H 49.81 in W 55.52 in D 33.08 in

Neoclassical Roll-Top Desk, Austria, circa 1800

Located in Greding, DE

Large roll-top desk out of solid cherry wood. The base with seven drawers stands on tapered legs

Category

Antique Early 1800s Austrian Neoclassical Secretaires

Materials

Cherry

Recent Sales

1820s Modern Design Biedermeier Roll Top Desk

Unavailable

H 37 in W 37 in D 35 in

1820s Modern Design Biedermeier Roll Top Desk

Located in Long Island City, NY

a reference book from 1991. Only one second roll top desk I came across in 47 years and which I sold

Category

Antique 19th Century German Biedermeier Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry, Ebony, Maple, Pine

Early 19th century roll top desk

Unavailable

H 37.01 in W 37.41 in D 19.69 in

Early 19th century roll top desk

Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur

Roll top opening by 4 drawers and 2 little doors ,on cabriolet leggs. Cherry and marquetry of

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Biedermeier Desks

Materials

Wood, Cherry

Very Elegant Roll-Top Secretaire or Bureau Desk, 1790s

Sold

H 42.92 in W 44.1 in D 23.63 in

Very Elegant Roll-Top Secretaire or Bureau Desk, 1790s

Located in Greding, DE

Very elegant roll-top secretaire or bureau desk, cherrywood. Classicism style. West Germany

Category

Antique 1790s German Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry

Antique Victorian Eastlake Cherry & Burl Barrel Roll Top Secretary Desk C1890

Sold

H 83.25 in W 35.25 in D 23.5 in

Antique Victorian Eastlake Cherry & Burl Barrel Roll Top Secretary Desk C1890

Located in Big Flats, NY

Victorian Eastlake Cherry & Burl Barrel Roll Top Secretary Desk & Bookcase with Incised Decoration

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Eastlake Desks

Materials

Burl

18th Century Louis XVI Bureau à Cylindre or Roll Top Desk

Sold

H 45.75 in W 43 in D 23 in

18th Century Louis XVI Bureau à Cylindre or Roll Top Desk

Located in Winter Park, FL

A fine 18th century Louis XVI period bureau à cylindre, or roll top desk, made of solid walnut with

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

19th Century Louis XVI Bureau à Cylindre or Roll Top Desk

Sold

H 43 in W 48 in D 24 in

19th Century Louis XVI Bureau à Cylindre or Roll Top Desk

Located in Winter Park, FL

A fine early 19th century Louis XVI period bureau à cylindre, or roll top desk, made of solid

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Roll Top Desk

Sold

H 54 in W 43 in D 23 in

Roll Top Desk

Located in Alexandria, VA

. Drawers both above and below work section. Roll top opens to reveal slide-out, leather-topped work

Category

Antique 19th Century Desks

Materials

Cherry, Poplar

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19th Century Biedermeier Blond Cherrywood Chest of Drawers

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Organic Modern Floor Lamp Natural Wood Handmade Ivory Fluted Shade

$3,500 / item

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Organic Modern Floor Lamp Natural Wood Handmade Ivory Fluted Shade

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19th-Century Biedermeier Mahogany Wood and Veneer Linen Press

$2,939Sale Price|20% Off

H 48.82 in W 27.17 in D 18.51 in

19th-Century Biedermeier Mahogany Wood and Veneer Linen Press

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Antique Early 19th Century European Biedermeier Linen Presses

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Biedermeier Chest of Drawers in Walnut Veneer, Germany, 19th Century

$4,504

H 29.93 in W 40.16 in D 19.3 in

Biedermeier Chest of Drawers in Walnut Veneer, Germany, 19th Century

Located in Wrocław, Poland

A beautifully proportioned 19th-century German walnut chest of drawers, professionally restored. Hand-finished with the traditional French polish (shellac) technique, it features a w...

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Antique 19th Century German Biedermeier Commodes and Chests of Drawers

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Antique Derby School Paneled Oak Roll Top Desk with Full Interior, C1900

$4,400Sale Price|20% Off

H 50.5 in W 60 in D 32 in

Antique Derby School Paneled Oak Roll Top Desk with Full Interior, C1900

By Derby Desk Company

Located in Big Flats, NY

An antique roll top desk offers paneled quarter sawn oak construction with s-top opening to full interior over base with flanking drawer towers having foliate carved pulls and centra...

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Early 20th Century American Desks

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Oak

Austro-German 19th Century Biedermeier Sofa

$5,600

H 41.5 in W 76.5 in D 24 in

Austro-German 19th Century Biedermeier Sofa

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

A fabulous Biedermeier style settee from 19th century Bavaria made from exceptionally beautiful, solid maple in a sheltering design like a banquette to enclose the upholstery. Some a...

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Antique 19th Century German Biedermeier Settees

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Biedermeier Armoire, Walnut Veneer and Full Columns, Austria, circa 1820

$7,385Sale Price|30% Off

H 74.02 in W 55.52 in D 24.41 in

Biedermeier Armoire, Walnut Veneer and Full Columns, Austria, circa 1820

Located in Regensburg, DE

Early neoclassical Biedermeier Armoire from Austria, circa 1820. This two-door neoclassical armoire or wardrobe has a beautiful, book-matched walnut veneer and ebonized full columns...

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Antique 1820s Austrian Biedermeier Wardrobes and Armoires

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Iron

Antique French Secretary

$8,499

H 59 in W 35 in D 17 in

Antique French Secretary

Located in Malibu, CA

This early 19th-century drop-leaf secretaire features the traditional Biedermeier ebony accents, columns, and matched woodgrain pattern. Unlike the high gloss finish of many pieces f...

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19th Century Venetian Armoire

$13,500

H 83.5 in W 98 in D 30 in

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Located in New Orleans, LA

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Rare Italian Liberty Style/Art Nouveau Commode with Painted Wood Inlays

$17,781

H 59.06 in W 37.41 in D 19.69 in

Rare Italian Liberty Style/Art Nouveau Commode with Painted Wood Inlays

Located in Milano, IT

Rare commode in the style of Louis Majorelle with front and sides inlaid in painted wood. Two doors on the front that hide a cabinet with open compartments and small drawers in light...

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19th Century Italian Empire Giltwood Queen Bed, Frame Only

On Hold|~~$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

19th Century Biedermeier Nutwood Vitrine/ Display Cabinet, Austria circa 1840

$7,990

H 61.81 in W 33.46 in D 17.72 in

19th Century Biedermeier Nutwood Vitrine/ Display Cabinet, Austria circa 1840

Located in Lichtenberg, AT

Remarkable 19th century nutwood display cabinet/ vitrine from the famous Biedermeier period in Austria around 1840. Veneered in fine nutwood, this beautiful Biedermeier vitrine impre...

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Antique Mid-19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Vitrines

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Brass

19th Century Empire Style Parcel Gilt Mahogany Armchair

$5,500

H 42.5 in W 28 in D 28 in

19th Century Empire Style Parcel Gilt Mahogany Armchair

Located in El Monte, CA

A stately 19th Century Empire Style armchair crafted from Mahogany with detailed gilt carvings and a neoclassical print green silk upholstery. Featuring a gilt sunburst and Eye of Go...

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Antique Early 19th Century European Empire Chairs

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Bronze

Louis XVI Dressing Table by Paul Sormani

$54,500

H 64 in W 45.75 in D 25.75 in

Louis XVI Dressing Table by Paul Sormani

By Paul Sormani

Located in New Orleans, LA

Eloquent marquetry and faithful interpretation of the Louis XVI taste characterize this beautiful 19th century dressing table by Paul Sormani. A graceful oval-shaped vanity mirror to...

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Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Vanities

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Ormolu

Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, 1st Half of 19th Century

$5,334

H 36.23 in W 48.43 in D 24.02 in

Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, 1st Half of 19th Century

Located in Greding, DE

Biedermeier chest of drawers with three drawers and half columns at the corners. The front drawer protrudes slightly and rests on the capitals. The chest of drawers is veneered in wa...

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Antique Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Commodes and Chests of Dra...

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Walnut

French 19th Century Louis XV St. Walnut and Tapestry Settee

$13,000

H 37 in W 52 in D 31.25 in

French 19th Century Louis XV St. Walnut and Tapestry Settee

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A charming French 19th century Louis XV st. Walnut and tapestry settee. The settee is raised by elegant cabriole legs with finely carved mottled fillets which extend along the frieze...

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Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Settees

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Tapestry, Walnut

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Questions About Cherry Roll Top Desk

What is a roll top desk?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A roll top desk is a piece of furniture that has a wooden cover that can be pulled down when the desk is not in use. Shop a collection of roll top furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What era are roll top desks from?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Roll-top desks are originally from the late 18th century in the Georgian era of England. By the middle of the Victorian era, they were found in most offices and produced on a large scale. Shop a range of antique roll-top desks on 1stDibs.
What is a roll top desk called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Sometimes, roll-top desks are called tambours, sliding roll desks or roll-up desks. However, roll-top is the most commonly used name. The style of desk became popular during the 19th century. You can find a range of roll-top desks on 1stDibs.
What is the point of a roll top desk?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A roll top desk kept small essentials and paperwork organized. The roll top design was ideal for business people to secure their desks at the end of the day without filing away their work. Browse a variety of roll top desks on 1stDibs.
How much is a roll top desk worth?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
A roll top desk can be worth anywhere between $3,000 to $6,000, depending on the condition, materials used and time of manufacturing. Roll top desks are expensive, as they are very popular on the antique furniture market and are considered timeless collectibles. Shop a range of antique and vintage roll top desks on 1stDibs.
How do I know if my antique roll top desk?
1 Answer
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.
How do I know if my roll top desk is antique?
1 Answer
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.