Skip to main content

Early American Writing Desk

to
14
95
5
82
74
17
11
4
4
3
3
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
Sort By
Antique Early American Country Farmhouse Slant Top School Student Writing Desk
Antique Early American Country Farmhouse Slant Top School Student Writing Desk

Antique Early American Country Farmhouse Slant Top School Student Writing Desk

Located in Dayton, OH

Antique early American schoolhouse / country / farmhouse writing desk. Made of poplar featuring a

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Classical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Poplar

Rare Early 19th Century American Baltimore Federal Parcel Gilt Writing Desk
Rare Early 19th Century American Baltimore Federal Parcel Gilt Writing Desk

Rare Early 19th Century American Baltimore Federal Parcel Gilt Writing Desk

Located in Dublin, IE

A very fine and rare early 19th century American Baltimore Federal painted writing table with

Category

Antique Early 19th Century American Federal Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Hand-Crafted Early American Style Solid Pine Slant Front Writing Desk
Hand-Crafted Early American Style Solid Pine Slant Front Writing Desk

Hand-Crafted Early American Style Solid Pine Slant Front Writing Desk

Located in Germantown, MD

A beautifully hand-crafted early American Style Solid Pine Writing Desk in good vintage condition

Category

Late 20th Century American American Colonial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Antique Stickley Brothers American Colonial Maple Writing Desk, Newly Refinished
Antique Stickley Brothers American Colonial Maple Writing Desk, Newly Refinished

Antique Stickley Brothers American Colonial Maple Writing Desk, Newly Refinished

By Stickley Brothers

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional antique American Colonial style maple writing desk By Stickley Brothers USA

Category

Early 20th Century American American Colonial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple

Antique American Arts & Crafts Mission Style Library Table Office Writing Desk
Antique American Arts & Crafts Mission Style Library Table Office Writing Desk

Antique American Arts & Crafts Mission Style Library Table Office Writing Desk

Located in Dayton, OH

Early 20th Century Arts & Crafts / Mission Library Table. Features a rectangular form made from

Category

Early 20th Century American Mission Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Pine

Rare Early American Country Pyrography Desk
Rare Early American Country Pyrography Desk

Rare Early American Country Pyrography Desk

Located in Forney, TX

A rare, one-of-a-kind antique American folk decorated desk with beautifully aged distressed patina

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique American Empire Tiger Oak Writing Desk or Library Table, Circa 1900
Antique American Empire Tiger Oak Writing Desk or Library Table, Circa 1900

Antique American Empire Tiger Oak Writing Desk or Library Table, Circa 1900

By R.J. Horner & Co.

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous antique American Empire tiger oak writing desk or library table In the manner of R.J

Category

Early 20th Century American American Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

American Carved Cream Lacquered Solid Maple Writing Desk, Circa 1970
American Carved Cream Lacquered Solid Maple Writing Desk, Circa 1970

American Carved Cream Lacquered Solid Maple Writing Desk, Circa 1970

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous vintage Early American or Chippendale style writing desk USA, Circa 1970s Solid maple

Category

Vintage 1970s American Chippendale Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple, Lacquer

Early American Solid Maple and Birch Drop Front Secretary Desk
Early American Solid Maple and Birch Drop Front Secretary Desk

Early American Solid Maple and Birch Drop Front Secretary Desk

Located in South Bend, IN

A beautiful American Colonial or Chippendale style bureau with drop front secretary desk USA

Category

Vintage 1970s American American Colonial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Early 19th Century American Sheraton Mahogany Campaign Officers Desk
Early 19th Century American Sheraton Mahogany Campaign Officers Desk

Early 19th Century American Sheraton Mahogany Campaign Officers Desk

Located in Forney, TX

A rare and most unusual Federal period mahogany campaign field desk from the early 19th century

Category

Antique Early 19th Century American Federal Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry, Mahogany, Poplar

American Cuban Mahogany Slant Top Desk
American Cuban Mahogany Slant Top Desk

American Cuban Mahogany Slant Top Desk

Located in Charleston, SC

American Cuban mahogany slant top desk with turned ball finial gallery, fitted interior drawers

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier American Desks and Writing Tables

Early American Style Oak Single Drawer Sofa Table, Circa 1920s
Early American Style Oak Single Drawer Sofa Table, Circa 1920s

Early American Style Oak Single Drawer Sofa Table, Circa 1920s

Located in Germantown, MD

An Early American Style Oak Single Drawer Sofa Table or child desk. Knee clearance is 22". Measures

Category

Early 20th Century American American Colonial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood, Oak

American Arts & Crafts Era Mahogany Side Table or Small Desk
American Arts & Crafts Era Mahogany Side Table or Small Desk

American Arts & Crafts Era Mahogany Side Table or Small Desk

Located in Miami, FL

Iconic American arts and crafts table with a bold simple form which marked the era and this

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

American Industrial Roll Top Desk/Table/Bar by Toledo, Japanned Finish
American Industrial Roll Top Desk/Table/Bar by Toledo, Japanned Finish

American Industrial Roll Top Desk/Table/Bar by Toledo, Japanned Finish

By Toledo Metal Furniture Co.

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

American Industrial Roll Top Desk or Table by Toledo, Japanned Finish, circa 1920s A rare and

Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Glamorous American Bronze and Glass Banking Table
Glamorous American Bronze and Glass Banking Table

Glamorous American Bronze and Glass Banking Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

An American bronze and glass banking table Early 20th century Each Greco-Roman-style, the table

Category

Early 20th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

1930s Larkin Soap Secretary Desk
1930s Larkin Soap Secretary Desk

1930s Larkin Soap Secretary Desk

By Larkin & Co.

Located in Germantown, MD

Antique oak, slant front secretary made by Larkin. Measures 30.5" in width x 16" in depth x 46.5" in height. Good vintage condition with three functional drawers. Some wear and tear ...

Category

Early 20th Century American American Classical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Portable  "Laptop" Desk with Storage Compartments and Inkwell
Portable  "Laptop" Desk with Storage Compartments and Inkwell

Portable "Laptop" Desk with Storage Compartments and Inkwell

Located in Soquel, CA

Portable "Laptop" Desk with Storage Compartments and Inkwell Box with storage for paper, pens, ink

Category

Early 20th Century American American Classical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Hardwood

Rare Antique American Renaissance Extension Library Table, Signed
Rare Antique American Renaissance Extension Library Table, Signed

Rare Antique American Renaissance Extension Library Table, Signed

By Seng

Located in Forney, TX

A scarce antique American Renaissance Revival style carved walnut extension table by Seng, Chicago

Category

Early 20th Century American Renaissance Revival Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut, Burl

Long Foldable Schoolhouse Table
Long Foldable Schoolhouse Table

Long Foldable Schoolhouse Table

Located in New York, NY

This long schoolhouse table was sourced in New England. It features a gentle slant for writing and

Category

Early 20th Century American American Classical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique Wooden Glass and Brass Top Wash Stand
Antique Wooden Glass and Brass Top Wash Stand

Antique Wooden Glass and Brass Top Wash Stand

By Al Black

Located in East Freetown, MA

Antique authentic wooden wash stand. Top has three sided ledge and glass insert with brass corners. Original wood has a fine patina.

Category

Early 20th Century American American Colonial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Antique American Industrial Iron and Maple Childs School Writing Desk
Antique American Industrial Iron and Maple Childs School Writing Desk

Antique American Industrial Iron and Maple Childs School Writing Desk

Located in Philadelphia, PA

. Antique American Industrial Iron and Maple Childs School Writing Desk. Item features a lower cubby storage

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Industrial Desk Sets

Materials

Iron

Victorian Style Mahogany Twin Pedestal Writing Desk.
Victorian Style Mahogany Twin Pedestal Writing Desk.

Victorian Style Mahogany Twin Pedestal Writing Desk.

Located in Malibu, CA

Small scale Victorian style twin pedestal writing desk in mahogany with a dark finish. Charming

Category

Early 20th Century American American Classical Desks

Materials

Brass

Antique Oak School Desk Chair with Writing Table & Under Seat Storage
Antique Oak School Desk Chair with Writing Table & Under Seat Storage

Antique Oak School Desk Chair with Writing Table & Under Seat Storage

Located in Freehold, NJ

This antique child's school desk features hardwood construction, solid oak with original dark

Category

Early 20th Century American American Craftsman Office Chairs and Desk Ch...

Materials

Oak

American Empire Writing Table with Carved Acanthus Legs, circa 1840
American Empire Writing Table with Carved Acanthus Legs, circa 1840

American Empire Writing Table with Carved Acanthus Legs, circa 1840

Located in Southampton, NY

American empire writing table with carved acanthus legs, circa 1840 Casters, Missing ormolu on

Category

Antique Early 19th Century American American Empire Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Rare Antique Federal American Mahogany Secretary Writing Desk Gothic Bookcase
Rare Antique Federal American Mahogany Secretary Writing Desk Gothic Bookcase

Rare Antique Federal American Mahogany Secretary Writing Desk Gothic Bookcase

Located in Dayton, OH

flip top writing surface opens to a baize writing surface. Base includes two over two drawers with

Category

Antique Early 19th Century American Federal Secretaires

Materials

Glass, Mahogany

Antique Oak Side by Side with Bookcase & Drop Front Writing Desk
Antique Oak Side by Side with Bookcase & Drop Front Writing Desk

Antique Oak Side by Side with Bookcase & Drop Front Writing Desk

Located in Freehold, NJ

This antique bookcase and writing desk side by side features hardwood construction, original oak

Category

Early 20th Century American American Craftsman Bookcases

Materials

Oak

Antique Oak Drop Front Secretary Desk Bookcase Bookshelf Console 65"
Antique Oak Drop Front Secretary Desk Bookcase Bookshelf Console 65"

Antique Oak Drop Front Secretary Desk Bookcase Bookshelf Console 65"

Located in Dayton, OH

Antique Early American style secretary desk / bookcase / writing bureau / larkin / chalet . Made

Category

Early 20th Century American Colonial Secretaires

Materials

Oak

American rolling desk
American rolling desk

American rolling desk

Unavailable|$3,327

American rolling desk

Located in STRAČOV, CZ

American rolling desk A solid oak desk in the early 20th century with a practical blind that

Category

Early 20th Century European American Classical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Oak

Rare Antique American Industrial Mechanical Desk
Rare Antique American Industrial Mechanical Desk

Rare Antique American Industrial Mechanical Desk

Located in Chicago, IL

Rare antique American Industrial mechanical desk. By pulling central drawer whole desk will open

Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique American Pine Flip Top Desk
Antique American Pine Flip Top Desk

Antique American Pine Flip Top Desk

Located in Livingston, NJ

Antique American pine flip top desk. Beautiful natural patina with many signs of use. Very sturdy

Category

Early 20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Oak And Leather Table
Oak And Leather Table

Oak And Leather Table

Unavailable|$3,200

Oak And Leather Table

Located in santa monica, CA

Beautiful leather topped table with hand-pegged sawhorse legs. The top is original but the leather was added at some later point. It is from the Arts and Crafts period.

Category

Early 20th Century American American Craftsman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Leather

Antique Early American 19th C Plantation Writing Desk Secretary Cabinet Cupboard
Antique Early American 19th C Plantation Writing Desk Secretary Cabinet Cupboard

Antique Early American 19th C Plantation Writing Desk Secretary Cabinet Cupboard

Located in Dayton, OH

A beautiful plantation or secretary desk featuring primitive styling with upper cabinet or bookcase

Category

Antique Early 19th Century American Colonial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Poplar, Walnut

Primitive Antique Early American Cherry Slant Top Writing School Desk
Primitive Antique Early American Cherry Slant Top Writing School Desk

Primitive Antique Early American Cherry Slant Top Writing School Desk

Located in Dayton, OH

A charming 19th century slant top writing desk. Made from cherry with turned legs leading to peg

Category

Antique 19th Century American Colonial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry

Early 19th Century American Mahogany Serpentine Desk
Early 19th Century American Mahogany Serpentine Desk

Early 19th Century American Mahogany Serpentine Desk

Located in Tarry Town, NY

An early 19th century mahogany wood drop-front writing desk / freestanding wall piece. Beautifully

Category

Antique Early 1800s North American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Early 20th Century American Foreman's Desk
Early 20th Century American Foreman's Desk

Early 20th Century American Foreman's Desk

Located in Chicago, IL

An early 20th century American factory foreman's desk with a slant top, three small drawers on top

Category

Antique Early 1900s American Rustic Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique 19th Century Early American Oak Secretary Desk
Antique 19th Century Early American Oak Secretary Desk

Antique 19th Century Early American Oak Secretary Desk

Located in Plainview, NY

An early American 19th Century solid wood construction secretary desk made of oak. The secretary

Category

Antique 19th Century American American Classical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

American Oak Partners Desk
American Oak Partners Desk

American Oak Partners Desk

Located in Petaluma, CA

This highly unusual and graceful writing desk is a joy to the eye. Partners desks don't generally

Category

Early 20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique Victorian White Wicker Rattan Small Vanity Writing Desk Table 2 Drawers
Antique Victorian White Wicker Rattan Small Vanity Writing Desk Table 2 Drawers

Antique Victorian White Wicker Rattan Small Vanity Writing Desk Table 2 Drawers

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique Victorian white wicker rattan small vanity writing desk table 2 drawers. Item features nice

Category

Early 20th Century North American Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wicker, Wood

Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts One Drawer Work Table Stand Writing Desk
Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts One Drawer Work Table Stand Writing Desk

Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts One Drawer Work Table Stand Writing Desk

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique Mission oak Arts & Crafts one drawer work table stand writing desk. Item features copper

Category

Early 20th Century North American Mission Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Art & Crafts Mission Oak American Desk
Art & Crafts Mission Oak American Desk

Art & Crafts Mission Oak American Desk

Located in New York City, NY

Classic Art & Crafts Mission oak American desk with drawer and side shelves, USA, early 20th

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique Arts & Crafts Tiger Oak Mission Bookcase Sides Writing Desk with Drawer
Antique Arts & Crafts Tiger Oak Mission Bookcase Sides Writing Desk with Drawer

Antique Arts & Crafts Tiger Oak Mission Bookcase Sides Writing Desk with Drawer

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique Arts & Crafts tiger oak mission bookcase sides writing desk with 1 drawer. Item features

Category

Early 20th Century North American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique Quartersawn American Oak Roll Top Tambour Secretary Bankers Desk
Antique Quartersawn American Oak Roll Top Tambour Secretary Bankers Desk

Antique Quartersawn American Oak Roll Top Tambour Secretary Bankers Desk

Located in Dayton, OH

Early 20th century antique quartersawn oak C curve roll top desk. Features rectangular form with

Category

Early 20th Century American Classical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique American Gray Distress Painted 1 Drawer Small Work Table Desk
Antique American Gray Distress Painted 1 Drawer Small Work Table Desk

Antique American Gray Distress Painted 1 Drawer Small Work Table Desk

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique American gray distress painted one drawer small work table desk. Item features solid wood

Category

Early 20th Century North American Primitive Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century American Adjustable Work Table
Early 20th Century American Adjustable Work Table

Early 20th Century American Adjustable Work Table

Located in Chicago, IL

A compelling early 20th century American industrial work table with two sawhorse legs and an

Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Antique American Industrial Oakwood and Cast Iron Drafting Table Work Desk
Antique American Industrial Oakwood and Cast Iron Drafting Table Work Desk

Antique American Industrial Oakwood and Cast Iron Drafting Table Work Desk

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique American industrial oakwood and cast iron drafting table work desk. Item features cast iron

Category

Early 20th Century North American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Antique American Industrial Oak Wood and Cast Iron Drafting Table Work Desk
Antique American Industrial Oak Wood and Cast Iron Drafting Table Work Desk

Antique American Industrial Oak Wood and Cast Iron Drafting Table Work Desk

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique American Industrial oakwood and cast iron drafting table work desk. Item features cast iron

Category

Early 20th Century North American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Nelson X-Leg Table/Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller, Early
Nelson X-Leg Table/Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller, Early

Nelson X-Leg Table/Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller, Early

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

Located in Dallas, TX

Early production table/desk designed by George Nelson, 1955. This design is very versatile and can

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Stickley Brothers Co. Oak Desk
Stickley Brothers Co. Oak Desk

Stickley Brothers Co. Oak Desk

Located in Asbury Park, NJ

A handsome Craftsman desk in figural oak by Albert and John George Stickley of Stickley Brothers Co

Category

Early 20th Century American Craftsman Desks and Writing Tables

American Oak Arts & Crafts Desk circa 1900 in the Manner of Frank Lloyd Wright
American Oak Arts & Crafts Desk circa 1900 in the Manner of Frank Lloyd Wright

American Oak Arts & Crafts Desk circa 1900 in the Manner of Frank Lloyd Wright

By Frank Lloyd Wright

Located in London, GB

A fine solid oak Arts & Crafts desk in the manner of Frank Lloyd Wright. Featuring a planked top

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Arts & Crafts 'Mission' Style Desk
Arts & Crafts 'Mission' Style Desk

Arts & Crafts 'Mission' Style Desk

Located in London, GB

An Arts & Crafts desk. Likely, American, as there is strong similarities to the 'Mission' style

Category

Early 20th Century Central American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Vintage Boho Hand Turned PostMaster’s Desk
Vintage Boho Hand Turned PostMaster’s Desk

Vintage Boho Hand Turned PostMaster’s Desk

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

. Perfect as a writing desk, small hotel check in or collectors cabinet. The charm is endless. You can move

Category

Early 20th Century North American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Early American Writing Desk", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Early American Writing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the early American writing desk you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Each early American writing desk for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, oak and metal. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer early American writing desk, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. When you’re browsing for the right early American writing desk, those designed in Arts and Crafts, Industrial and Neoclassical styles are of considerable interest. Larkin & Co., Herman Miller and George Nelson each produced at least one beautiful early American writing desk that is worth considering.

How Much is a Early American Writing Desk?

An early American writing desk can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $2,100, while the lowest priced sells for $350 and the highest can go for as much as $58,000.

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.