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.

Drop Leaf Writing Desk

Hans Wegner Teak Desk

Mid Century Drop Down Desk

1960 Danish Modern Teak Desk

Drop Leaf Table With Storage

Regency Drop Leaf Sofa Table

Borge Mogensen Desk

Hans Wegner Drop Leaf Table

Arne Vodder Writing Desk

Baker Furniture Lyre Motife Birdseye Maple Drop-Leaf Writing Desk

$3,500Sale Price|27% Off

H 29.5 in W 40 in D 26.5 in

Baker Furniture Lyre Motife Birdseye Maple Drop-Leaf Writing Desk

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in Hopewell, NJ

Startlingly beautiful bird’s-eye maple drop-leaf writing desk having gorgeous satinwood and ebony

Category

Vintage 1980s American Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birdseye Maple

Baker Furniture Regency Rosewood Drop Leaf Writing Desk or Console, Refinished

$3,995

H 29.25 in W 36 in D 27 in

Baker Furniture Regency Rosewood Drop Leaf Writing Desk or Console, Refinished

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional Regency or Georgian style drop leaf writing desk, console, or sofa table By Baker

Category

Late 20th Century American Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ebony, Rosewood, Satinwood

Expertly Restored - Yngve Ekström Walnut Drop-Leaf Writing Desk for Dux

$3,895

H 43.5 in W 38 in D 18.5 in

Expertly Restored - Yngve Ekström Walnut Drop-Leaf Writing Desk for Dux

By Dux of Sweden, Yngve Ekström

Located in Los Angeles, CA

________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

Baker Furniture English Regency Banded Mahogany Writing Desk or Console Table

$2,995

H 28.25 in W 57.5 in D 26.63 in

Baker Furniture English Regency Banded Mahogany Writing Desk or Console Table

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional English Regency or Georgian style drop leaf writing desk, console table, or sofa

Category

Vintage 1940s American Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

English XIX Georgian Pembroke Drop-Leaf Writing Table / Desk with 1 Deep Drawer

$2,000Sale Price|22% Off

H 28 in W 38.5 in D 36 in

English XIX Georgian Pembroke Drop-Leaf Writing Table / Desk with 1 Deep Drawer

Located in Santa Monica, CA

English Georgian 19th century Pembroke drop-leaf writing table or dining table with one deep end

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage Broyhill Gallery Collections Mahogany Drop Leaf 2 Drawer Writing Desk

$1,790

H 28 in W 44 in D 21 in

Vintage Broyhill Gallery Collections Mahogany Drop Leaf 2 Drawer Writing Desk

By Broyhill

Located in Pasadena, TX

This writing desk is made by Broyhill. The trestle stretchers are faux bamboo. It has 2 drawers and

Category

20th Century American Hollywood Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Drop Leaf Extending Desk

$1,800

H 28 in W 46 in D 23 in

Drop Leaf Extending Desk

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Teak mid-century desk with extra leaf that lifts and slides to extend the desk to 5.5 feet wide

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Vintage Danish Drop Leaf Desk

$4,388

H 27.96 in W 65.36 in D 23.63 in

Vintage Danish Drop Leaf Desk

Located in London, GB

A stylish and extremely well made vintage Danish drop leaf desk, dating from the 1960’s. This is

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Louis XVI Style Ebonized Drop Leaf Desk

$2,100

H 29.5 in W 29 in D 21.75 in

Louis XVI Style Ebonized Drop Leaf Desk

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

A French 19th century Louis XVI style ebonized and brass inlay drop-leaf desk, expressing touches

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Drop Leaf Desk

$1,850

H 28.5 in W 27.5 in D 42 in

Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Drop Leaf Desk

Located in Clarksboro, NJ

This listing is for a Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Drop Leaf Desk. Featuring a straight line drop

Category

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

Materials

Wood, Teak

Børge Mogensen Drop Leaf Desk in Teak for Søborg

$9,000

H 28 in W 52 in D 31.5 in

Børge Mogensen Drop Leaf Desk in Teak for Søborg

By Børge Mogensen

Located in Toronto, Ontario

A really special drop-leaf desk by Børge Mogensen for Søborg Mobler, Denmark. This example

Category

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

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mid Century Danish Drop Leaf Expanding Desk Arne Vodder

$3,480Sale Price|20% Off

H 28 in W 47.25 in D 23.75 in

Mid Century Danish Drop Leaf Expanding Desk Arne Vodder

By Arne Vodder

Located in Baltimore, MD

leaf desk by Arne Vodder (1926-2009) designed for Sibast Mobler in Denmark, features a drop leaf frame

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

1930s Bauhaus Children’s Desk with Drop Leaf in Walnut and Chrome

$1,854

H 26.38 in W 33.47 in D 16.93 in

1930s Bauhaus Children’s Desk with Drop Leaf in Walnut and Chrome

Located in Praha, CZ

This Bauhaus children’s writing desk was produced in Czechoslovakia during the 1930s. The design

Category

Vintage 1930s Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Half Round Horse Shoe Shape Drop Leaf Ends Serving Writing Library Gallery Table

$7,500

H 28 in W 63 in D 45 in

Half Round Horse Shoe Shape Drop Leaf Ends Serving Writing Library Gallery Table

By Gustav Stickley

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Half Round Horse Shoe Shape Drop Leaf Ends Serving Writing Library Gallery Table. Hand Forged Iron

Category

20th Century American Spanish Colonial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Hans Wegner Drop Leaf Desk AT-305 for Andreas Tuck, 1955

$7,800

H 28.34 in W 55.25 in D 30 in

Hans Wegner Drop Leaf Desk AT-305 for Andreas Tuck, 1955

Located in Savannah, GA

A Hans Wegner drop leaf desk or table, model AT-305 for Andreas Tuck, 1955. The top with custom

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique Flap Writing Desk in Walnut, Carved Cross Legs, Early 18th Century Italy

$3,181Sale Price|20% Off

H 39.77 in W 34.26 in D 19.3 in

Antique Flap Writing Desk in Walnut, Carved Cross Legs, Early 18th Century Italy

Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)

Ancient flap, desk in solid walnut, with hand-carved legs and cross base, built, inlaid and briar

Category

Antique 18th Century Italian Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Materials

Walnut

Danish Modern Teak Drop Leaf Desk Ingenius Design with Sliding Drawer Box

$1,850

H 29 in W 58.75 in D 23.5 in

Danish Modern Teak Drop Leaf Desk Ingenius Design with Sliding Drawer Box

By Arne Vodder

Located in Atlanta, GA

Danish Modern Teak Drop Leaf Desk, attributed to Arne Vodder, Denmark, circa 1960s. It has an

Category

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

Materials

Teak, Wood

Solid Oregon Pine Drop Leaf Desk / Dining Table, Journeyman piece Denmark 1960s

$3,053

H 27.56 in W 55.12 in D 35.44 in

Solid Oregon Pine Drop Leaf Desk / Dining Table, Journeyman piece Denmark 1960s

By Børge Mogensen, Hans J. Wegner

Located in Ystad, SE

Drop-Leaf Desk / Dining Table in the Manner of Børge Mogensen and Hans J. Wegner. Denmark, 1960s

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Restored Mid Century Modern Teak Wood Desk with Adjustable Base and Drop Leaf

$2,250Sale Price|40% Off

H 28.5 in W 48 in D 24 in

Restored Mid Century Modern Teak Wood Desk with Adjustable Base and Drop Leaf

Located in Van Nuys, CA

An exquisite Danish teak desk boasts a drop-leaf extension and a sliding drawer cabinet, showcasing

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Danish Mid Century Modern Boat Shape Drop Leaf Rosewood Desk Two Drawers MINT!

$6,400

H 28.5 in W 68 in D 31.5 in

Danish Mid Century Modern Boat Shape Drop Leaf Rosewood Desk Two Drawers MINT!

By John Stuart, Harvey Probber

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Danish Mid Century Modern Boat Shape Drop Leaf Rosewood Desk Two Drawers MINT!

Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

Drop Leaf Executive Desk by Ejner Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen for Willy Beck

$36,000

H 29 in W 70 in D 30 in

Drop Leaf Executive Desk by Ejner Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen for Willy Beck

By Ejner Larsen, Aksel Bender Madsen, Willy Beck

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A rectangular teak executive desk with a demi-lune drop leaf.

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Augusto Savini for Pozzi Drop Leaf Gate Leg Desk with Matching Pamplona Chair

$12,500

H 31.88 in W 50 in D 23.5 in

Augusto Savini for Pozzi Drop Leaf Gate Leg Desk with Matching Pamplona Chair

By Augusto Savini, Pozzi

Located in Chicago, IL

Uncommon desk form to come across. Original ivory white lacquer over wood with leather insets

Category

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

Materials

Leather

Hans J. Wegner Drop Leaf Desk or Table Model "AT-305" for Andreas Tuck, 1955

$8,900

H 29 in W 55 in D 30 in

Hans J. Wegner Drop Leaf Desk or Table Model "AT-305" for Andreas Tuck, 1955

By Hans J. Wegner

Located in Buffalo, NY

Classic Danish Modernist drop-leaf table/desk by Danish designer Hans J. Wegner can be used both as

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Teak

Hans J. Wegner Drop Leaf Desk or Table Model "AT-305" for Andreas Tuck, 1955

$9,943

H 28.75 in W 55.12 in D 29.93 in

Hans J. Wegner Drop Leaf Desk or Table Model "AT-305" for Andreas Tuck, 1955

By Hans J. Wegner, Andreas Tuck

Located in Odense, DK

This magnificent drop-leaf table by Danish designer Hans J. Wegner can be used both as a work desk

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Teak

Mid Century English Regency Mahogany Drop Leaf Sofa Table Secretary

$2,362Sale Price / set|30% Off

H 28 in W 49 in D 19 in

Mid Century English Regency Mahogany Drop Leaf Sofa Table Secretary

Located in Germantown, MD

A Mid Century Mid Size English Regency Mahogany Drop Leaf Sofa Table or Writing Desk. Single item

Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

Arne Jacobsen Danish Modern Drop-Leaf Table Model "AJ-3601", Fritz Hansen, 1950s

$4,445

H 27.17 in W 23.63 in D 27.56 in

Arne Jacobsen Danish Modern Drop-Leaf Table Model "AJ-3601", Fritz Hansen, 1950s

By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen

Located in Odense, DK

Wonderful small drop-leaf table in teak plywood and steel. Danish designer Arne Jacobsen’s

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Vintage Swedish Drop-Leaf Secretaire Writing Desk c. 1950

$2,975

H 41 in W 33.5 in D 17.5 in

Vintage Swedish Drop-Leaf Secretaire Writing Desk c. 1950

Located in Atlanta, GA

Elegant drop-leaf secretaire writing desk crafted from golden elm and glowing ribbon mahogany with

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks

Materials

Birch, Elm, Mahogany

Baker Furniture English Regency Lyre Base Console Table, Newly Refinished

$3,295

H 28 in W 45 in D 16 in

Baker Furniture English Regency Lyre Base Console Table, Newly Refinished

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional English Regency or Georgian style drop leaf writing desk, console table, or sofa

Category

Vintage 1980s American Georgian Console Tables

Materials

Brass

Recent Sales

Victorian Period Mahogany Drop-Leaf Writing Desk Library Sofa Table

Unavailable

H 29 in W 43 in D 26 in

Victorian Period Mahogany Drop-Leaf Writing Desk Library Sofa Table

Located in Atlanta, GA

You can use this gorgeous piece as either a small drop-leaf desk or a stunning sofa table. It’s

Category

Antique 1890s English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

English Regency Drop-Leaf Writing Table

Unavailable

H 27.63 in W 34.38 in D 27.63 in

English Regency Drop-Leaf Writing Table

Located in Fulton, CA

A period English Regency drop-leaf writing table, desk or sofa table, circa 1790-1820. Some older

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

English Desk Games Sofa Table Drop-Leaf Writing Table Mahogany, 19th Century

Unavailable

H 28.12 in W 58.23 in D 27.05 in

English Desk Games Sofa Table Drop-Leaf Writing Table Mahogany, 19th Century

Located in Newcastle upon Tyne, GB

An impressive and rare drop-leaf walnut veneered writing desk. The rectangular rosewood

Category

Early 20th Century English Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Hans Wegner ET 305 Drop Leaf Oak Desk

Unavailable

H 28.75 in W 53.55 in D 29.53 in

Hans Wegner ET 305 Drop Leaf Oak Desk

By Hans J. Wegner

Located in Warsaw, PL

Designed in 1955 by Hans Wegner and manufactured by Andreas Tuck, this solid oak desk has two side

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Danish Modern Drop-Leaf Desk in Teak by Arne Vodder

Unavailable

H 28.5 in W 47 in D 27 in

Danish Modern Drop-Leaf Desk in Teak by Arne Vodder

By Arne Vodder

Located in San Diego, CA

Danish Modern teak desk by Arne Vodder. Has a drop-leaf and finished back with storage. The three

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Danish Modern Teak Drop-Leaf Desk Designed by Aksel Boll Jensen

Unavailable

H 27.75 in W 53.5 in D 27 in

Danish Modern Teak Drop-Leaf Desk Designed by Aksel Boll Jensen

By Aksel Boll Jensen

Located in Portland, OR

Danish modern desk by Aksel Boll Jensen. Rich teak. Drop-leaf provides superior versatility and

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Danish Drop-Leaf teak Office Desk or Dining Table by Børge Mogensen in Teak 1950

Unavailable

H 29.14 in W 85.04 in D 33.86 in

Danish Drop-Leaf teak Office Desk or Dining Table by Børge Mogensen in Teak 1950

By Soborg Mobler, Børge Mogensen

Located in Amsterdam, NL

including original keys. Desk features two 38 cm drop-leaf; table measures 140 cm and 216 cm when fully

Category

Vintage 1950s Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Børge Mogensen Mahogany Drop-Leaf Gate Leg Table, 1958

Unavailable

H 27.56 in W 50.79 in D 36.62 in

Børge Mogensen Mahogany Drop-Leaf Gate Leg Table, 1958

By Børge Mogensen

Located in Vejle, DK

Drop-leaf table model BM 71 library table, Danish design by Børge Mogensen from Fredericia

Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century Louis XVI Bureau in Elm

Unavailable

H 84.2 in W 46.4 in D 25.4 in

18th Century Louis XVI Bureau in Elm

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

leaf writing desk above a four drawer serpentine base retaining the original lion handles. Denmark

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Danish Louis XVI Secretaires

Sofa Table 19th Century Writing Desk Mahogany Drop Leaf Table

Unavailable

H 27.41 in W 60.52 in D 26.58 in

Sofa Table 19th Century Writing Desk Mahogany Drop Leaf Table

Located in Newcastle upon Tyne, GB

An impressive large 19th century mahogany sofa table. The crossbanded top with rounded drop-ends

Category

Antique 19th Century English Sofa Tables

Materials

Mahogany

English Mahogany Sofa Writing Table Desk Bevan Funnell Drop-Leaf Console Antique

Unavailable

H 29.49 in W 59.77 in D 21.93 in

English Mahogany Sofa Writing Table Desk Bevan Funnell Drop-Leaf Console Antique

Located in Newcastle upon Tyne, GB

An impressive mahogany drop-leaf table by Bevan Funnell and originally retailed by Chapmans. The

Category

20th Century English Sofa Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage MCM American of Martinsville "Accord" Walnut Drop Leaf Writing Desk

Sold

H 29.5 in W 44 in D 23 in

Vintage MCM American of Martinsville "Accord" Walnut Drop Leaf Writing Desk

By American of Martinsville

Located in Chicago, IL

Modern American of Martinsville Accord petite drop leaf writing desk in walnut. Warm walnut woodgrain

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

See Mar of California Drop-Leaf Writing Desk

Sold

H 29 in W 50.5 in D 22.5 in

See Mar of California Drop-Leaf Writing Desk

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Dark Warm Brown drop-leaf mahogany desk by Ray See. Custom made. 3 drawers with tongue and grove..

Category

Vintage 1950s American Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Writing Desk Sessile Oak Veneer, Italy, 1950s

Sold

H 42.33 in W 37.21 in D 16.93 in

Writing Desk Sessile Oak Veneer, Italy, 1950s

Located in Milano, IT

Drop-leaf writing desk with double drawer, sessile oak veneer, inlaid decorations.

Category

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

Materials

Oak

Danish Modern Two Drawer Writing Desk with Drop Leaf

Sold

H 45.5 in W 28.5 in D 24 in

Danish Modern Two Drawer Writing Desk with Drop Leaf

Located in Freehold, NJ

. There is an extendable drop leaf portion of this desk (see photos). Unfortunately somewhere over time

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Golden Birch Biedermeier Drop-Leaf Pedestal Swedish Writing or Sofa Table

Sold

H 29.75 in W 25 in D 48.75 in

Golden Birch Biedermeier Drop-Leaf Pedestal Swedish Writing or Sofa Table

By Karl Johan

Located in Chattanooga, TN

The possibilities are endless for this Swedish made Bierdermeier drop-leaf table. Perfect for a

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Materials

Birch

Schmieg & Kotzian Georgian Drop-Leaf Mahogany and Burl Wood Writing Desk

Sold

H 30.13 in W 38.88 in D 28 in

Schmieg & Kotzian Georgian Drop-Leaf Mahogany and Burl Wood Writing Desk

By Schmieg & Kotzian

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional Georgian or Regency style console, sofa table, server, or writing desk By Schmieg

Category

Vintage 1940s American Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Mahogany Drop Leaf Demilune Desk

Sold

H 29.25 in W 76 in D 37.25 in

Mahogany Drop Leaf Demilune Desk

Located in Atlanta, GA

20th century American mahogany demilune shaped desk or writing table with drop-leaf extensions

Category

20th Century American American Classical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Arne Vodder Drop-Leaf Desk

Sold

H 29 in W 47.25 in D 27.5 in

Arne Vodder Drop-Leaf Desk

By Arne Vodder

Located in Los Angeles, CA

recessed pulls in matching teakwood. The work space has a dropped leaf on the right side. The whole top

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Vintage Danish Drop Leaf Desk

Sold

H 29 in W 48 in D 25 in

Vintage Danish Drop Leaf Desk

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-century modern teak desk with a drop leaf to extend the working area to over five feet. Carved

Category

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

Hans Wegner Teak Drop Leaf Desk

Sold

H 29 in W 55 in D 30 in

Hans Wegner Teak Drop Leaf Desk

By Hans J. Wegner

Located in Redding, CT

Danish designer Hans Wegners famous Teak Drop Leaf Desk, otherwise known as the AT-305

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Drop Leaf Desk by George Nelson

Sold

Drop Leaf Desk by George Nelson

Located in Sagaponack, NY

Drop leaf desk with three drawers and ball pulls. Design by George Nelson made by Herman Miller

Category

Vintage 1950s American Desks and Writing Tables

Vintage Swedish Sycamore Drop Leaf Desk

Sold

H 29.93 in W 83.86 in D 33.47 in

Vintage Swedish Sycamore Drop Leaf Desk

Located in London, GB

A stylish and very well made vintage Swedish sycamore drop leaf desk, dating from the 1960’s. This

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Danish Modern Teak Drop-Leaf Desk

Sold

H 29 in W 59 in D 23.5 in

Danish Modern Teak Drop-Leaf Desk

Located in Brooklyn, NY

leaf for a compact 40" desk. The drawer stack slides from side to side to accommodate both left-handed

Category

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Vintage Danish Drop Leaf Desk, 1960s

Sold

H 30 in W 48 in D 26 in

Vintage Danish Drop Leaf Desk, 1960s

Located in London, GB

throughout. The drop down leaf lifts up and can be slid across to increase the work space. The two-drawer

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Edward Wormley Drop Leaf Desk For Drexel

Sold

H 30 in W 41 in D 22 in

Edward Wormley Drop Leaf Desk For Drexel

By Edward Wormley, Drexel

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-Century modern writing desk by Edward Wormley with functioning drop leaf extension. Made for

Category

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

Gustavian Style Drop Leaf Writing Table by Richard Mulligan

Sold

H 29 in W 36 in D 26 in

Gustavian Style Drop Leaf Writing Table by Richard Mulligan

By Richard Mulligan

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Painted drop-leaf writing table made in the Gustavian taste by Richard Mulligan. Features a 9" drop

Category

Late 20th Century American Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Hans Wegner Drop-Leaf Table Desk AT305

Sold

H 28.75 in W 55 in D 30 in

Hans Wegner Drop-Leaf Table Desk AT305

By Hans J. Wegner

Located in Dallas, TX

A teak drop-leaf table or desk AT305 designed by Hans Wegner. Measure: 91" fully extended.

Category

Vintage 1950s Desks and Writing Tables

Drop Leaf Desk By Hans J. Wegner

Sold

H 28.5 in W 53.5 in D 30 in

Drop Leaf Desk By Hans J. Wegner

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A three drawer teak drop-leaf top desk with oak frame. 4'7" closed - 7.7 open. Design by Hans J

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak, Oak

Double Drop Leaf Desk by Edward Wormley

Sold

H 29 in W 60 in D 30 in

Double Drop Leaf Desk by Edward Wormley

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A fine, architectural and uncommon double drop-leaf desk, the figured walnut top hovering above two

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-20th Century English Georgian-Style Drop-Leaf Writing Table

Sold

H 29 in W 40 in D 24 in

Mid-20th Century English Georgian-Style Drop-Leaf Writing Table

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

Vintage mid-20th century English Georgian-style drop-leaf writing table. Red leather gold-tooled

Category

Mid-20th Century English Desks and Writing Tables

19th Century English Mahogany Drop Leaf Desk, Table

Sold

H 29 in W 22.5 in D 32 in

19th Century English Mahogany Drop Leaf Desk, Table

Located in Dallas, TX

19th century English mahogany drop leaf desk, table is perfect as a writing desk, a sofa table, an

Category

Antique 1870s English Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage French Louis XV Style Drop-Leaf Desk

Sold

H 38.25 in W 36 in D 18 in

Vintage French Louis XV Style Drop-Leaf Desk

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage French Louis XV style drop-leaf desk.

Category

Vintage 1960s French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut, Burl

Drop-Leaf Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

Sold

Drop-Leaf Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Drop-Leaf Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar model No.5265.

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Steel

Danish Mid-Century Modern Walnut Drop-Leaf Desk

Sold

H 29 in W 44 in D 23 in

Danish Mid-Century Modern Walnut Drop-Leaf Desk

By American of Martinsville

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Very nice low profile Danish modern desk with 1 drop leaf measuring 14" long.

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Gilbert Rohde Art Deco Oval Drop-Leaf Desk

Sold

H 29 in W 74 in D 30 in

Gilbert Rohde Art Deco Oval Drop-Leaf Desk

By Gilbert Rohde

Located in New York, NY

A superb drop-leaf desk by the American designer Gilbert Rohde, circa 1930s-1940s. The desk is

Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Beech, Mahogany

Danish Arne Vodder Designed Teak Drop-Leaf Desk

Sold

H 29.75 in W 46 in D 23.5 in

Danish Arne Vodder Designed Teak Drop-Leaf Desk

By Arne Vodder

Located in Asbury Park, NJ

Nice 1960s desk attributed to Arner Vodder. This desk has a drop leaf top when opened goes from 46

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Danish Modern Drop-Leaf Desk with Finished Back

Sold

H 28.5 in W 48 in D 24 in

Danish Modern Drop-Leaf Desk with Finished Back

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Very unusual Danish modern desk with a drop-leaf extension on the side. When extended, the entirety

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern Crescent Shape Drop-Leaf Desk

Sold

H 29.75 in W 48 in D 34 in

Mid-Century Modern Crescent Shape Drop-Leaf Desk

Located in Brooklyn, NY

drawers and a 20 x 20 inch drop leaf to extend for more surface. The overall surface width of the desk is

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Swedish Style Painted Drop Leaf Secretary or Desk

Sold

H 39.25 in W 28.5 in D 17 in

Swedish Style Painted Drop Leaf Secretary or Desk

Located in New York, NY

Antique painted, drop leaf petite secretary or desk with just the perfect patina. Cabriole legs

Category

Early 20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Antique Drop-Leaf Burr Walnut Games Writing Table, 19th Century

Sold

H 27.56 in W 35.04 in D 35.04 in

Antique Drop-Leaf Burr Walnut Games Writing Table, 19th Century

Located in London, GB

A lovely Victorian burr walnut and ebonized, inlaid and crossbanded drop leaf games- writing table

Category

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Materials

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Borge Mogensen Drop Leaf Desk by Soborg, Denmark 1950

Sold

H 28.35 in W 70.87 in D 31.5 in

Borge Mogensen Drop Leaf Desk by Soborg, Denmark 1950

By Børge Mogensen

Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant

Fantastic drop leaf desk by Borge Mogensen for Soborg Mobelfabrik, Denmark 1950. This amazing desk

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Børge Mogensen Drop-Leaf Desk by Søborg, Denmark, 1950

Sold

H 28.35 in W 70.87 in D 31.5 in L 28.35 in

Børge Mogensen Drop-Leaf Desk by Søborg, Denmark, 1950

By Børge Mogensen

Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant

Fantastic drop-leaf desk by Børge Mogensen for Søborg Møbelfabrik, Denmark, 1950. This amazing desk

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

19th Century Swiss Drop-Leaf Secretary Desk and Chest

Sold

H 53.5 in W 50.5 in D 24 in

19th Century Swiss Drop-Leaf Secretary Desk and Chest

Located in New York, NY

This 19th Century Swiss case piece is comprised of a drop-leaf desktop and a chest of drawers. They

Category

Antique 19th Century Swiss Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage Danish Teak Drop Leaf Desk by Borge Mogensen

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H 29.14 in W 63 in D 25.99 in

Vintage Danish Teak Drop Leaf Desk by Borge Mogensen

By Børge Mogensen

Located in London, GB

A stylish and extremely well made vintage Danish teak drop leaf desk by Borge Mogensen, dating from

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Danish Modern Teak Drop-Leaf Desk with Finished Bookshelf Back

Sold

H 30 in W 47 in D 26 in

Danish Modern Teak Drop-Leaf Desk with Finished Bookshelf Back

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Danish modern, teak desk with drop leaf extension is finished in the back with a display bookshelf

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Bertil Fridhagen Drop-Leaf Desk Produced by Bodafors in Sweden

Sold

H 29.53 in W 55.12 in D 31.5 in

Bertil Fridhagen Drop-Leaf Desk Produced by Bodafors in Sweden

By Bertil Fridhagen

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Rare drop-leaf desk designed by Bertil Fridhagen. Produced by Bodafors in Sweden.

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Drop-Leaf desk by Hans J. Wegner for Andreas Tuck

Sold

H 28.75 in W 53.55 in D 29.93 in

Drop-Leaf desk by Hans J. Wegner for Andreas Tuck

By Hans J. Wegner

Located in Copenhagen, DK

Drop-leaf desk by Hans J. Wegner for Andreas Tuck. Model: AT-305, teak. Nice refinished condition.

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Midcentury Arne Vodder Drop Leaf Teak Extendable Desk, circa 1960

Sold

H 30 in W 64.25 in D 25.75 in

Midcentury Arne Vodder Drop Leaf Teak Extendable Desk, circa 1960

By H. Sigh & Søns Møbelfabrik AS, Arne Vodder

Located in San Francisco, CA

Danish Arne Vodder teak drop leaf desk with unique curved edges. Three stacked drawers with wooden pulls

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Danish Mid-Century Modern Expandable Drop-Leaf Desk in Teak

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H 29.14 in W 39.38 in L 29.14 in

Danish Mid-Century Modern Expandable Drop-Leaf Desk in Teak

By Arne Vodder, Hulmefa

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Scandinavian Minimalist teak desk produced by Hulmefa and often attributed to Arne Vodder. Unique

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Danish Modern Børge Mogensen Teak and Beech Drop-Leaf Desk, 1950s

Sold

H 29.14 in W 55.91 in D 33.86 in

Danish Modern Børge Mogensen Teak and Beech Drop-Leaf Desk, 1950s

By Børge Mogensen, Søborg Møbelfabrik

Located in Asaa, DK

extending drop-leaf oval writing desk. Freestanding with scissor legs in bent solid beech wood. Top in

Category

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

Materials

Beech, Teak

Drop leaf desk by Borge Mogensen for Søborg Mobelfabrik, Denmark 1950s

Sold

H 27.96 in W 70.87 in D 31.5 in

Drop leaf desk by Borge Mogensen for Søborg Mobelfabrik, Denmark 1950s

By Søborg Møbelfabrik, Børge Mogensen

Located in Antwerp, BE

Rare drop leaf desk by Borge Mogensen for Søborg Mobelfabrik, Denmark 1950s. This architectural

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Danish Drop Leaf Desk in Rosewood by Arne Vodder for Sibast

Sold

H 28.5 in W 51 in D 31.25 in

Danish Drop Leaf Desk in Rosewood by Arne Vodder for Sibast

By Sibast, Arne Vodder, Finn Juhl

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

desk had one owner. The rosewood is rich and dark, and the wear is very minor. The desk features a drop

Category

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

Materials

Wood, Rosewood, Oak

Dutch Art Deco Haagse School Drop Leaf Desk By Anton Lucas

Sold

H 43.31 in W 35.44 in D 20.48 in

Dutch Art Deco Haagse School Drop Leaf Desk By Anton Lucas

By Anton Lucas

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Dutch oak Art Deco Haagse School drop leaf desk by Anton Lucas. Solid ebony macassar knobs. In

Category

Vintage 1920s Dutch Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Macassar, Oak

Danish Modern Teak Desk with drop-leaf by Aksel Boll Jensen

Sold

H 27.76 in W 61.42 in D 26.78 in

Danish Modern Teak Desk with drop-leaf by Aksel Boll Jensen

By Aksel Boll Jensen

Located in Brussels, BE

, minimalist lines that enhance its timeless appeal. The drop-leaf design allows the width to adjust from 118.5

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Danish Drop Leaf Desk with Sliding Cabinet by Svend and Madsen

Sold

H 28 in W 46.5 in D 26.5 in

Danish Drop Leaf Desk with Sliding Cabinet by Svend and Madsen

Located in Stratford, CT

This beautiful desk little desk, made teak, is by appearance a fine example of Danish minimalism

Category

20th Century Danish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Midcentury Mahogany and Rosewood Drop-Leaf Desk, 1950

Sold

H 28.88 in W 44 in L 28.88 in

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Midcentury Mahogany and Rosewood Drop-Leaf Desk, 1950

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional Mid-Century Modern drop-leaf desk designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. The desk

Category

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

Materials

Mahogany, Rosewood

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Drop Leaf Writing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the drop leaf writing desk you’re looking for. Each drop leaf writing desk for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, hardwood and teak. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect drop leaf writing desk — we have versions that date back to the 19th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available. A drop leaf writing desk made by Mid-Century Modern designers — as well as those associated with Scandinavian Modern — is very popular. A well-made drop leaf writing desk has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Edward Wormley, Dunbar and Arne Vodder are consistently popular.

How Much is a Drop Leaf Writing Desk?

The average selling price for a drop leaf writing desk at 1stDibs is $2,750, while they’re typically $390 on the low end and $36,000 for the highest priced.

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.

Questions About Drop Leaf Writing Desk

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.

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