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.

Desktop Writing Desk

Desktop Writing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the desktop writing desk you’re looking for. Each desktop writing desk for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, metal and hardwood. There are 452 variations of the antique or vintage desktop writing desk you’re looking for, while we also have 78 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. There are many kinds of the desktop writing desk you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. When you’re browsing for the right desktop writing desk, those designed in mid-century modern, modern and Scandinavian Modern styles are of considerable interest. Marco Zanuso Jr., George Nelson and Kai Kristiansen each produced at least one beautiful desktop writing desk that is worth considering.

How Much is a Desktop Writing Desk?

The average selling price for a desktop writing desk at 1stDibs is $3,664, while they’re typically $160 on the low end and $122,428 for the highest priced.

Questions About Desktop 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.

20 Inviting Dining Rooms Perfectly Arranged for Entertaining

Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.

This Alain Delon–Designed Table Is Almost as Handsome as He Was

Fans of the French film star may be surprised to learn that he had a flair for furniture with sleek lines and disco-era flash.

Uchronia’s Plant Stand Gives Pots a Pretty Perch with All the Trimmings

Like other pieces in the firm’s Candy Box collection, the cheerful limited-edition design showcases French craft.

The Ultimate Guide to Types of Tables for the Home

Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.

Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?

From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.

Inspired by the Cosmos, Sandra Nunnerley’s Nova Table Has a Futuristic Feel

The designer’s innovative use of an unexpected material gives this console a lift.

This 19th-Century Gilded Desk Displays a Fanciful Kingdom in Marquetry

The stately piece brings both gravitas and whimsy to any work space.

In Guadalajara, These Luscious Side Tables Are Chiseled from Volcanic Rock

Use them as tables or stools, indoors or out.

Desktop Writing Desk

20th Century English Desks and Writing Tables

Characteristic, well-worn English desk with a leather desktop and 9 drawers

21st Century and Contemporary European Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing...

The Source Handcrafted Live Egde Ancient 140 Year Walnut L-Shaped Desktop

Early 20th Century Edwardian Inkwells

Antique Edwardian Walnut Double Inkwell Handled Footed Writing Desktop Caddy

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Art Deco Writing Desk in Sycamore with Inset Leather Desktop and Brass Pulls

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Desk Sets

Antique Hand Painted Writing Box, English, Cedar, Desktop Pen Case, Edwardian

Antique 1880s Scandinavian Biedermeier Commodes and Chests of Drawers

19th-Century Biedermeier Mahogany Dresser-Chiffonier

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Desk Sets

Antique Victorian Brass Graduated 11 Slot Writing Pen Quill Holder Stand 7"

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

Danish Modern Teak Shallow Dresser with Clip-On Desktop Extension