Find a variety of colonial writing desks available on 1stDibs. The range of distinct colonial writing desks — often made from
wood,
metal and
hardwood — can elevate any home. Find 187 antique and vintage colonial writing desks at 1stDibs now, or shop our selection of 5 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished furniture. Colonial writing desks have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Colonial writing desks bearing
Art Deco or
Victorian hallmarks are very popular at 1stDibs. There have been many well-made colonial writing desks over the years, but those made by
Dos Gallos Studio,
Kittinger Furniture Company and
Baker Furniture Company are often thought to be among the most beautiful.
Vintage desks and writing tables span centuries of design. The writing table came first, a simple surface built for correspondence, while the drawered desk followed as record-keeping at home and in the office grew more demanding.
Styles to Know
Any desk at least 20 years old falls under this broader vintage category. If you want a tapered-leg, mid-century look specifically, browse mid-century modern desks; Louis XVI and Art Deco secretary desks bridge the writing-table and desk forms. A vintage table lamp adds task lighting to either.
How to Choose the Right Vintage Piece
Writing tables often carry little to no storage of their own, so a separate file cabinet or desk organizer may be worth planning for, alongside a close look at the surface dimensions against the space available. Each piece comes from a vetted 1stDibs seller, with era, designer and condition detailed, and every purchase is covered by the 1stDibs Promise.