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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Childs Roll Top Desk

Mcm Desk

Vintage School Desk

Rolltop Desk

Stanley Mid Century Desk

George Nelson Action Office

1920s Writing Desk

Herman Miller File Cabinet

Herman Miller Action Office

Category

Late 20th Century British Georgian Children's Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Childs Vintage Roll Top Desk, Bureau

H 30.32 in W 20.48 in D 14.57 in

Recent Sales

Antique Children's Oak Roll Top Desk

Located in Alhambra, CA

Lovely 1920s antique writing desk made of solid oak. Petit size suited for a child. Great condition

Category

Vintage 1920s American American Craftsman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique Children's Oak Roll Top Desk

H 29 in W 26 in D 15 in

Antique Victorian Quartered Oak Childs Roll Top Library Writing School Desk

Located in Dayton, OH

Antique Victorian childs roll top writing desk featuring three drawers, a half cylinder roll top

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Late Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique Victorian Quartered Oak Childs Roll Top Library Writing School Desk

H 33 in W 30 in D 14.5 in

Vintage Children's Size Child's Roll Top Writing Desk and School Chairs, a Set

By Paris Mfg. Co.

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage children's size child's roll top writing desk and school chairs, a set. Set includes a

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mission Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Vintage Children's Size Child's Roll Top Writing Desk and School Chairs, a Set

H 36 in W 27 in D 15.5 in

MCM Herman Miller Action Office I Roll Top Desk by George Nelson & Robert Propst

By Robert Propst, George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Topeka, KS

Handsome and iconic Action Office I roll top desk by George Nelson and Robert Propst for Herman

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Aluminum

MCM Herman Miller Action Office I Roll Top Desk by George Nelson & Robert Propst

H 32 in W 65 in L 32 in

American Mission Oak Roll Top Desk and Matching Chair

Located in New York, NY

American Mission style oak child's roll top desk with 2 drawers on right side with matching swivel

Category

Early 20th Century American Mission Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

American Mission Oak Roll Top Desk and Matching Chair

H 30 in W 25.75 in D 15 in

Victorian Child's Roll-Top Desk

Located in Hudson, NY

Child's rolltop desk with tambour cover on folding base and burnished decoration on the top rail

Category

20th Century American Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Victorian Child's Roll-Top Desk

H 37 in W 24 in D 17 in

Tables Under $2,000

Antique and Vintage Tables

20th Century Tables

Wood Tables

North American Tables

Tables on Sale

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Questions About Childs 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 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.
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.
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.
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.