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.

Diminutive Writing Desk

Ira Yeager Artist

Century Furniture Country French Desk

Antique Architect Tables

Slanted Table

Farmhouse Work Table

Theodore Alexander Desk

Diminutive Furniture

Country French Table With Cabriole Legs

Antique English Inlaid Rosewood Child's or Ladies Diminutive Writing Desk

$2,290Sale Price|22% Off

H 39.75 in W 21 in D 19 in

Antique English Inlaid Rosewood Child's or Ladies Diminutive Writing Desk

Located in CHARLESTON, SC

Rare antique English inlaid rosewood child's or ladies writing desk with lift-up sloped lid with handsome gilt and tooled leather writing surface; fitted interior. The ink bottles ap...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Desks

Materials

Rosewood

Cushman Colonial Creations Writing Desk

$975

H 27.5 in W 32 in D 22 in

Cushman Colonial Creations Writing Desk

By H.T. Cushman Manufacturing Company

Located in New York, NY

Rare diminutive writing desk by the H.T. Cushman Manufacturing Company circa 1930's.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Rustic Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

English Regency Style Writing Table by Theodore Alexander

$5,500

H 30 in W 46 in D 24 in

English Regency Style Writing Table by Theodore Alexander

By Theodore Alexander

Located in Lambertville, NJ

Elegant Theodore Alexander leather and walnut diminutive writing desk. The central drawer with two D shaped drawers one on each side, the top with a Tabaco tooled leather top, restin...

Category

Late 20th Century Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Very Fine Ormolu, Porcelain and Marquetry Writing Desk by Henry Dasson

$29,937

H 29.14 in W 31.5 in D 19.69 in

Very Fine Ormolu, Porcelain and Marquetry Writing Desk by Henry Dasson

By Henry Dasson

Located in London, GB

Very fine ormolu, porcelain and marquetry writing desk by Henry Dasson French, 1890 Height 74cm, depth 80cm, depth 50cm By Dasson, Henry (French, 1825-1896), a leading ébéniste ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Diminutive Country French Provincial Fruitwood Writing Table Desk

$3,500

H 29 in W 34 in D 21.75 in

Diminutive Country French Provincial Fruitwood Writing Table Desk

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Late 19th century country French provincial style diminutive writing table or desk crafted from fruitwood.

Category

Antique 19th Century French French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Diminutive French Louis XIV Style Walnut Writing Table Desk

$3,500

H 28.5 in W 35.5 in D 21.5 in

Diminutive French Louis XIV Style Walnut Writing Table Desk

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Charming 19th century French writing table or desk made in a diminutive scale or ladies bureau plat size.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XIV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Regency Diminutive Writing Table

$8,850

H 45.5 in W 29.75 in D 17 in

Regency Diminutive Writing Table

By John Mclean

Located in Greenwich, CT

Very fine English Regency period bonheur du jour attributed to John McLean & Son, the rectangular top having pierced gallery with turned and ring collared brass column supports with ...

Category

Antique 19th Century Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Louis XV Style Diminutive Kingwood Writing Table

$1,950

H 30.25 in W 16 in D 12.5 in

Louis XV Style Diminutive Kingwood Writing Table

Located in Bridgeport, CT

Christies label- London, 1994. A finely made French 18th c. writing table with ormolu mounts and beautiful variegated marble top. The three fine drawers with shaped front inlays and ...

Category

Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Diminutive Leather Top Desk with Pull-Out Sides and Bronze Mounts Stamped Jansen

$3,555

H 26.5 in W 30.75 in D 19.75 in

Diminutive Leather Top Desk with Pull-Out Sides and Bronze Mounts Stamped Jansen

By Maison Jansen

Located in Stamford, CT

An early Louis XVI style leather top desk with pull-out sides and bronze mounts with a single centre drawer stamped Jansen. Pull outs measure 15.5 x 9 inches each.

Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Diminutive 18th Century George III Period Mahogany Bureau

$3,538

H 101 in W 68.5 in D 48 in

Diminutive 18th Century George III Period Mahogany Bureau

Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB

Small Untouched 18th Century George III Period Figured Mahogany Bureau A stunning George III mahogany bureau of unusually small proportions. This charming late 18th-century George I...

Category

Antique 18th Century British George III Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Diminutive George III Walnut Block Front Slant Front Bureau Bookcase Cabinet

$5,756Sale Price|20% Off

H 61 in W 21.5 in D 12.5 in

Diminutive George III Walnut Block Front Slant Front Bureau Bookcase Cabinet

Located in Germantown, MD

A mid 19th century, fully professionally restored Diminutive George III Walnut And Block Front Slant Front secretary Bureau Bookcase Cabinet in great vintage condition. Restored thro...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century American George III Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Regency Writing Table or Side Table of Mahogany on Pedestal Base from England

$2,895

H 29 in W 20 in D 15.5 in

Regency Writing Table or Side Table of Mahogany on Pedestal Base from England

Located in Austin, TX

A fine English diminutive writing table or desk of patinated mahogany in the Regency style, featuring a rectangular top over a frieze of one drawer with two knobs, and mounted to a t...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Bauhaus Desk in Beech, Black Laminate, and Bakelite with Tubular Steel Base

$2,200

H 30 in W 40.13 in D 20.25 in

Bauhaus Desk in Beech, Black Laminate, and Bakelite with Tubular Steel Base

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Bauhaus-style diminutive student desk/writing table with tubular chromed-steel base and beech frame with bakelite pulls supporting a black laminate surface (ca. 1930s, USA).

Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

French Louis XVI Style Diminutive Ebonized Writing Table

$3,500

H 29 in W 37.5 in D 27.5 in

French Louis XVI Style Diminutive Ebonized Writing Table

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Dramatic French diminutive ladies writing table or desk featuring a black lacquer ebonized finish.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Brass

19th Century Provincial Style Walnut and Rouge Marble Top Writing Hall Table

$2,995

H 32 in W 35.2 in D 21 in

19th Century Provincial Style Walnut and Rouge Marble Top Writing Hall Table

Located in Germantown, MD

A Handsome 19th century country French provincial diminutive hall table, writing table or desk carved from walnut.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Louis XV Console Tables

Materials

Marble

Recent Sales

19th Century Diminutive Louis XVI Rosewood and Satinwood Writing Table

Unavailable

H 31 in W 14 in D 10.25 in

19th Century Diminutive Louis XVI Rosewood and Satinwood Writing Table

Located in Miami, FL

Diminutive rosewood and satinwood writing table.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Rosewood, Satinwood

French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Ladies Writing Desk Marquetry Inlay

Unavailable

H 35.5 in W 25.5 in D 17 in

French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Ladies Writing Desk Marquetry Inlay

Located in Wells, ME

This diminutive, bombay, elegant writing desk has delicate cabriole legs with ormolu mounts and a brass gallery to the top surface.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Ormolu

18th Century Queen Anne Lowboy

Unavailable

H 26 in W 33.25 in D 17.5 in

18th Century Queen Anne Lowboy

Located in Miami, FL

Diminutive Queen Anne lowboy (or writing desk) with over hanging rectangular top over a pull-out writing slide above a central long drawer flanked by two short drawers, rising on cab...

Category

Antique 18th Century English Queen Anne Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Napoleon III French Black Lacquered Bonheur du Jour Desk

Sold

H 36.75 in W 29.5 in D 18 in

Napoleon III French Black Lacquered Bonheur du Jour Desk

Located in Astoria, NY

Napoleon III black lacquered Bonheur du jour diminutive writing desk, 20th century, throughout with brass inlay and gilt metal appliques, the desk with tooled leather writing pad, al...

Category

20th Century French Napoleon III Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Diminutive Georgian Mahogany Bowfront Writing Table or Desk

Sold

H 28.5 in W 34 in D 18 in

Diminutive Georgian Mahogany Bowfront Writing Table or Desk

Located in Rio Vista, CA

19th century diminutive Georgian style writing table or desk crafted from mahogany.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Diminutive Chippendale Writing Table

Sold

H 29.5 in W 29.75 in D 19.75 in

Diminutive Chippendale Writing Table

By Thomas Chippendale

Located in Greenwich, CT

Very fine George III period mahogany diminutive writing table, the gilt tooled leather top over molded edge, the single drawer with original axe blade handles, over slightly scallope...

Category

Antique 1770s English Chippendale Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Fine Louis XV Style Ebony and Parcel Gilt Desk or Console or Serving Table

Sold

H 27.5 in W 40.5 in L 27.5 in

Fine Louis XV Style Ebony and Parcel Gilt Desk or Console or Serving Table

Located in Stamford, CT

A fine Louis XV style ebony and parcel gilt desk or console table. This decorative multi faceted case piece can be used as a diminutive writing desk, vanity or a serving or console t...

Category

Mid-20th Century Hollywood Regency Desks

Materials

Wood

Good design diminutive desk

Sold

H 31 in W 39 in D 18.25 in

Good design diminutive desk

Located in New York, NY

Diminutive desk with an exceptional use of different kinds of wood and materials. Slanted brass brackets, resting on a graciously shaped central body, support the top of the desk. D...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Diminutive Lady's Desk by Jansen

Sold

H 35 in W 25.75 in D 18 in

Diminutive Lady's Desk by Jansen

By Maison Jansen

Located in Stamford, CT

French diminutive Louis XVI style mahogany and parcel-gilt Lady's desk, circa 1940s, light brown leather surface, raised on squared tapering legs ending in brass toupie feet. By Mais...

Category

Vintage 1940s Argentine Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Italian Walnut Diminutive Writing Table, 19th Century

Sold

H 29 in W 32 in D 26 in

Italian Walnut Diminutive Writing Table, 19th Century

Located in Lambertville, NJ

An early to mid-19th Century diminutive table desk with inlaid top. The walnut figurative top with intricate pear wood inlay. The apron with concealed front drawer supported by four ...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Diminutive Italian 50's desk

Sold

H 31.25 in W 41.5 in D 22 in

Diminutive Italian 50's desk

Located in New York, NY

50's desk fully embodying the Italian design style of the time where function was never separated from the research of new pleasing lines, such as the slanted feet below the drawers ...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Beautiful Diminutive Burlwood Inlaid Slant Front Desk

Sold

H 38 in W 18.75 in L 38 in

Beautiful Diminutive Burlwood Inlaid Slant Front Desk

By Theodore Alexander

Located in Hopewell, NJ

A small beautifully crafted burlwood slant front desk having gorgeous ebony & satinwood inlay, chippendale style brass hardware, and little drawers and cubbies inside. The desk top w...

Category

1990s American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Burl

Diminutive Italian 50's desk by Dassi

Sold

H 28.5 in W 34 in D 18 in

Diminutive Italian 50's desk by Dassi

Located in New York, NY

Posh Italian 50's desk made by Dassi an Italian small size company still active that made in the 50's very appealing pieces sometimes designed by very important designers. Dassi crea...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Diminutive Danish Modern Rosewood Desk by EJM Skive

Sold

H 29.25 in W 37.25 in D 18 in

Diminutive Danish Modern Rosewood Desk by EJM Skive

By Skive Møbelfabrik

Located in Brooklyn, NY

1960s Danish rosewood desk by EJM Skive Møbelfabrik. Elegant, minimal design with exquisitely book-matched top. Composed of a single drawer with inset rosewood pulls. Top desk portio...

Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

Diminutive Gio Ponti for Schirolli Stained Mahogany and Laminate Writing Table

Sold

H 28.13 in W 35.25 in D 17.5 in

Diminutive Gio Ponti for Schirolli Stained Mahogany and Laminate Writing Table

By Gio Ponti

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Small writing table/student desk in stained mahogany with attractive mint green laminate surface by Gio Ponti for Schirolli (ca. 1950, Italy). Stylish piece with modernist details in...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Laminate, Mahogany

Diminutive Antique Oak Architects Desk / Drafting Table, Adjustable Top

Sold

H 30.5 in W 36 in D 21 in

Diminutive Antique Oak Architects Desk / Drafting Table, Adjustable Top

By Rupert Nikoll

Located in Buffalo, NY

Diminutive antique oak architects desk, drafting table, adjustable top, great size, featuring top right drawer and bottom right storage, slots for renderings. Retains original warm o...

Category

Vintage 1930s American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Diminutive 19th Century Pine Desk/Table with Single Drawer

Sold

H 30.75 in W 59 in D 30 in

Diminutive 19th Century Pine Desk/Table with Single Drawer

Located in Nantucket, MA

19th century Pine desk and/or table with all-over natural finish. Solid two board top with rounded corners, cracks consistent with age. Single drawer has interior separator; the kn...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century North American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

A Handsome & Diminutive 19th Century Mahogany Kneehole Desk, U.K. Circa 1850

Sold

H 29.5 in W 36 in D 21.25 in

A Handsome & Diminutive 19th Century Mahogany Kneehole Desk, U.K. Circa 1850

Located in Ottawa, Ontario

The finely constructed diminutive case showing a figured & crossbanded top over an arched frieze, flanked on either side by twin banks of 4 graduated drawers, their fronts showing co...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

19th Century Country French Provincial Walnut Writing Table Desk

Sold

H 29 in W 39.5 in D 24 in

19th Century Country French Provincial Walnut Writing Table Desk

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Handsome 19th century country French provincial diminutive writing table or desk carved from walnut.

Category

Antique 19th Century French French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Diminutive George III Drum Table

Sold

H 28 in Dm 30 in

18th Century Diminutive George III Drum Table

Located in Dallas, TX

A George III drum table with mahogany and leather inset rotating top, four drawers, pedestal base, on casters, gun barrel stem. (Turned column pedestal with four splayed legs).

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English George III Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

American Country Pine Farmhouse Writing Table or Console

Sold

H 29 in W 36 in D 17 in

American Country Pine Farmhouse Writing Table or Console

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Charming American pine farmhouse work table that could serve as a diminutive writing table desk or console. Made in the New England country style fronted by one large storage drawer ...

Category

20th Century American Country Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Italian Baroque Style Desk Lacquered by Artist Ira Yeager

Sold

H 30.25 in W 40 in D 22 in

Italian Baroque Style Desk Lacquered by Artist Ira Yeager

By Ira Yeager

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Whimsical charming diminutive scale Italian writing table, desk, or vanity made in the Baroque taste.

Category

20th Century Italian Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Burl Writing Desk by Century Furniture

Sold

H 29.5 in W 40 in L 29.5 in

Burl Writing Desk by Century Furniture

By Century Furniture

Located in Pasadena, TX

Petite Burl writing desk by Century Furniture Diminutive burl writing desk.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Burl

American, Early 20th Century Writing Desk

Sold

H 43 in W 36.25 in D 26.75 in

American, Early 20th Century Writing Desk

Located in Southampton, NY

Early 20th century writing desk. A diminutive piece which opens into a very efficient and useful writing desk with lots of cubbies, drawers and even a place to hold pens and pencils.

Category

Early 20th Century American Desks

Materials

Wood

Rustic Farmhouse Oak Work Table or Console

Sold

H 26.5 in W 36 in D 17.5 in

Rustic Farmhouse Oak Work Table or Console

Located in Rio Vista, CA

This table could also serve as a diminutive desk or writing table. Lovely rich patina on the vintage oak.

Category

Antique 19th Century American Country Console Tables

Materials

Oak

Diminutive Chinoiserie Ladies Writing Table Desk

Sold

H 30 in W 30 in D 15 in

Diminutive Chinoiserie Ladies Writing Table Desk

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Black lacquer parcel-gilt ladies writing table with a galleried top and fronted by a single drawer. Featuring a Japanned case hand decorated with Asian scenes and foliate in gilt. Su...

Category

20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Lacquer, Wood

Diminutive American Federal Mahogany Writing Table Desk

Sold

H 27 in W 35.5 in D 19.5 in

Diminutive American Federal Mahogany Writing Table Desk

Located in Rio Vista, CA

19th century mahogany writing table or desk made in the federal style in a diminutive scale.

Category

Antique 19th Century American Federal Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Diminutive French Bronze-Mounted Writing Desk

Sold

H 28.5 in W 29 in D 17.5 in

Antique Diminutive French Bronze-Mounted Writing Desk

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

Rosewood with inlay. Bronze mounts. Pull-out leather top slides.

Category

Antique 19th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Diminutive Maison Jansen Mahogany Bronze Mounted Writing Desk

Sold

H 30 in W 39.5 in D 20 in

Diminutive Maison Jansen Mahogany Bronze Mounted Writing Desk

By Maison Jansen

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Diminutive French mahogany bureau plat, writing table, or desk attributed to Maison Jansen Argentina.

Category

20th Century Argentine Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Bielecky Brothers Style Diminutive Grasscloth Raffia Writing Desk

Sold

H 30 in W 41.25 in D 24.25 in

Bielecky Brothers Style Diminutive Grasscloth Raffia Writing Desk

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Stylish organic modern writing table or desk crafted on a diminutive scale.

Category

20th Century Organic Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Grasscloth, Raffia, Wood

Diminutive Louis Philippe Style Parquetry Writing Table Desk

Sold

H 29.5 in W 35.5 in D 24 in

Diminutive Louis Philippe Style Parquetry Writing Table Desk

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Elegant writing table or desk made on a diminutive scale in the French Louis Philippe taste.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Maison Jansen Diminutive Bronze Mounted Writing Table

Sold

H 29 in W 32.5 in D 21 in

Maison Jansen Diminutive Bronze Mounted Writing Table

By Maison Jansen

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Elegant mahogany and bronze mounted writing table by Maison Jansen. Features a diminutive size leather topped case covered with a pane of glass. Crafted in the neoclassical directoir...

Category

20th Century French Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Diminutive Antique Oak Architects Desk / Drafting Table, Adjustable Top

Sold

H 30.5 in W 36 in D 21 in

Diminutive Antique Oak Architects Desk / Drafting Table, Adjustable Top

By Rupert Nikoll

Located in Buffalo, NY

Diminutive antique oak architects desk, drafting table, adjustable top, great size, featuring top right drawer and bottom right storage, slots for renderings. Retains original warm o...

Category

Vintage 1930s American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Stainless Steel Bronze Neoclassical Revival Writing Desk Table 20th Century

Sold

H 30 in W 51 in D 25.5 in

Stainless Steel Bronze Neoclassical Revival Writing Desk Table 20th Century

By John Vesey

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Stainless steel bronze neoclassical revival desk 20th century (mid-) after John Vesey. A diminutive steel writing table, desk or bureau plat after a design by John Vesey.

Category

Mid-20th Century Neoclassical Revival Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze, Stainless Steel

Diminutive English Mahogany Demilune One-Drawer Server, 19th Century

Sold

H 30 in W 33.25 in D 19.25 in

Diminutive English Mahogany Demilune One-Drawer Server, 19th Century

Located in Milford, NH

A fine Hepplewhite mahogany demi-lune one-drawer server of nice proportions. The bowed top above a conforming frieze drawer both with line inlay. 19th century. Restored.

Category

Antique 19th Century European Hepplewhite Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

19th Century Diminutive English Pine Writing Table Desk

Sold

H 29.5 in W 38.5 in D 24 in

19th Century Diminutive English Pine Writing Table Desk

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Handsome 19th-century English writing table or desk made in a diminutive size. Crafted from pine with a painted case fronted by a single storage drawer.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Edwardian Desks

Materials

Brass

19th Century Georgian Style Dressing Table or Diminutive Desk

Sold

H 29 in W 36 in D 19.5 in

19th Century Georgian Style Dressing Table or Diminutive Desk

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Handsome 19th century English diminutive writing table desk or dressing table crafted from mahogany.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Georgian Desks

Materials

Brass

Diminutive Lovely Light Green Painted Carved English Table Writing Desk

Sold

H 30 in W 33 in D 20.5 in

Diminutive Lovely Light Green Painted Carved English Table Writing Desk

Located in Hopewell, NJ

A lovely console table or writing desk of carved wood having a painted light green antique patina with a rubbed finish top, single drawer and tapered reeded legs. Opening is 25".

Category

Vintage 1960s English Regency Console Tables

Materials

Wood

Ornate Wicker Writing Desk Attributed to Heywood Brothers

Sold

H 40 in W 37 in D 25 in

Ornate Wicker Writing Desk Attributed to Heywood Brothers

By Heywood Brothers & Co.

Located in New York, NY

Sweet diminutive woven wicker writing desk with gallery backsplash and bowed side storage pockets.

Category

Early 20th Century American Victorian Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Wicker

19th Century French Pine Console Table

Sold

H 27 in W 36 in D 17 in

19th Century French Pine Console Table

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Stabile and solid this diverse table could also be a diminutive desk or writing table. The pine finish not only has the correct look but also the soft feel of an antique period piece.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Rustic Console Tables

Materials

Pine

Diminutive French Cartioner Desk

Sold

H 30.5 in W 36 in D 24 in

Diminutive French Cartioner Desk

By Maison Jansen

Located in Oaks, PA

Diminutive Cartioner Desk with Mirrored Top and One Long Drawer, France, circa 1965, in th style of Jansen. This item is located in our Lambertville showroom, ANTIQUES ON UNION, 32 N...

Category

Vintage 1960s French Directoire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Diminutive French 1 Drawer Leather top Writing Table

Sold

H 29 in W 35 in D 20 in

Diminutive French 1 Drawer Leather top Writing Table

Located in Woodbury, CT

A Charming, Small French Leather top Writing Table, Mahogany with Brass Hardware.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

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H 28 in W 21.25 in D 56 in

1960s Cushman Furniture Rock Maple Chaise Lounge Chair

By H.T. Cushman Manufacturing Company

Located in Elkton, MD

Crafted from durable and high-quality rock maple, this chaise lounge is both sturdy and comfortable. The elegant design, with its sleek lines and smooth curves, makes it a timeless p...

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Pair of Modern Walnut Side Tables

$4,554 / set

H 28.5 in W 26 in D 26 in

Pair of Modern Walnut Side Tables

By Theodore Alexander

Located in Westwood, NJ

A Pacific walnut side table, the square top with rounded corners and a reeded edge above a similar under tier, on bobbin turned legs. Dimensions: 26" W x 26" D x 28.5" H.

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21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern End Tables

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Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool

$1,750 / item

H 33 in W 18.5 in D 19 in

Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool

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Located in Oak Harbor, OH

Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool This White Oak Chile Counter Stool is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. The stool is chunky and modern...

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2010s American Modern Stools

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Modern Oval Coffee Table in Oak Wood Cylinder Base and Glass by Ercole Home

$6,500 / item

H 14 in W 36 in D 20 in

Modern Oval Coffee Table in Oak Wood Cylinder Base and Glass by Ercole Home

By Ercole Home

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Palazzo oval coffee table with green and ivory glass sits on 2 Rift White Oak Wood pedestals by Ercole Home. This new bespoke coffee table design by Ercole Home is available today fo...

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Pair of Constant Night Stands in Iroko Wood by Master Studio for Lemon

$6,940 / set

H 24.01 in Dm 13.78 in

Pair of Constant Night Stands in Iroko Wood by Master Studio for Lemon

By Lemon

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Neatly proportioned with exceptional detailing, the constant nightstand is your perfect bedside partner. In our furniture making, the IDEA is to create special pieces that you can bu...

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2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals

Materials

Hardwood

Custom Made Oak and Velvet Bench by Kai Kristiansen

$3,163 / item

H 14.97 in W 46.46 in D 14.97 in

Custom Made Oak and Velvet Bench by Kai Kristiansen

Located in London, England

Bench designed by Danish master Kai Kristiansen in the 1950s and now produced under license by Dagmar. Hand-made to order, this upholstered bench has a fumed and oiled oak frame. Th...

Category

2010s British Scandinavian Modern Tables

Materials

Mohair, Oak

Pair of Cushman Furniture Co. Early American Carved Wood Captain's Dining Chairs

$528Sale Price|34% Off

H 34 in W 24 in D 22 in

Pair of Cushman Furniture Co. Early American Carved Wood Captain's Dining Chairs

By H.T. Cushman Manufacturing Company

Located in East Freetown, MA

Pair of Cushman Furniture Company carved wood early American style captains chairs (with arms). These sturdy wooden dining chairs complement the set of four dining chairs that are al...

Category

Late 20th Century American American Craftsman Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wood

Antique Roll Top Desk Mahogany Bureau, 1880

$1,973

H 50 in W 31 in D 17 in

Antique Roll Top Desk Mahogany Bureau, 1880

Located in Potters Bar, GB

Classy French Empire roll top desk in mahogany Plenty of storage with all the cubby holes and drawers Writing surface revealed by opening up the roll top section Circa 1880 on thi...

Category

Antique 1880s Desks

Materials

Mahogany

"Xilte" Desk

$4,900 / item

H 29.53 in W 70.87 in D 31.5 in

"Xilte" Desk

By ADN Studio

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

The "Xitle" desk is part of ADN Studio´s Volcan Collection. This collection seeks to go back to basics. It is a subtle and refined interpretation of the archetypical modern furniture...

Category

2010s Mexican Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Organic Modern Table Lamp Sculptural Parota Wood Base

$2,500 / item

H 29 in Dm 19 in

Organic Modern Table Lamp Sculptural Parota Wood Base

By Isabel Moncada

Located in San Antonio, TX

Pata de Elefante Small Table Lamp — Atomic Collection by Isabel Moncada Named ""Elephant's Foot"" for its bold, bulbous base, the Pata de Elefante Small is one of Isabel Moncada's m...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Fiberglass, Linen, Fabric, Wood

Mid Century Modern Danish Teakwood Desk by Peter Lovig Nielsen ca. 1970s

$3,300Sale Price|25% Off

H 33.88 in W 63.75 in D 38 in

Mid Century Modern Danish Teakwood Desk by Peter Lovig Nielsen ca. 1970s

By Peter Løvig Nielsen

Located in Shippensburg, PA

DANISH MODERN PETER LØVIG NIELSEN TEAKWOOD FLIP-TOP WRITING DESK Denmark, circa 1970s Item # 405XLG28A This brilliant desk was designed by Peter Løvig Nielsen and originally was off...

Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Executive Desk or Writing Table

$1,900

H 29 in W 61 in D 23 in

Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Executive Desk or Writing Table

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A wonderful and simply designed teak desk from Scandinavia circa 1970's. It features teak construction with finished back. Clean & ready to use condition. No drawer keys present but ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Antique Burnt Bamboo Etagere with Four Shelves, England, Circa 1880

$1,550

H 48 in W 21 in D 13 in

Antique Burnt Bamboo Etagere with Four Shelves, England, Circa 1880

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Antique burnt bamboo four shelf etagere. Scrolled detail on top shelf and four large ball finials at top.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Shelves

Materials

Bamboo

Pair of American Black Leather Table Lamps in the Style of Jacques Adnet

$2,900 / set

H 26 in W 8 in D 4 in

Pair of American Black Leather Table Lamps in the Style of Jacques Adnet

By Jacques Adnet

Located in Queens, NY

PAIR of midcentury American black leather table lamps (in the Style of Jacques Adnet) (PRICED AS PAIR).

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Leather

Unusual Pair Theodore Alexander Bamboo Rattan Side/End Tables

$3,400Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 22.5 in W 23.5 in D 23.5 in

Unusual Pair Theodore Alexander Bamboo Rattan Side/End Tables

By Theodore Alexander

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Outstanding pair of Theodore Alexander Bamboo end/side tables. The tops have a thick resin epoxy coating over unusual decorative sliced pieces of bamboo. We love the way the differen...

Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern End Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Epoxy Resin

Elegant Italian Small Desk in Cherry and Mahogany

$1,675

H 30.52 in W 33.08 in D 19.69 in

Elegant Italian Small Desk in Cherry and Mahogany

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Writing desk, cherry, mahogany, brass, formica, Italy, 1950s Very elegant desk made in Italy in the 1950s. The framework is executed in cherry. The upper part of this piece is made ...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

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Diminutive Writing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the diminutive writing desk you’re looking for. Frequently made of wood, metal and brass, every diminutive writing desk was constructed with great care. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer diminutive writing desk, there are earlier versions available from the 19th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. A diminutive writing desk, designed in the Mid-Century Modern, Industrial or Louis XVI style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. Maison Jansen and Skive Møbelfabrik each produced at least one beautiful diminutive writing desk that is worth considering.

How Much is a Diminutive Writing Desk?

A diminutive writing desk can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $2,775, while the lowest priced sells for $1,100 and the highest can go for as much as $8,850.

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.

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