$8,245
H 29.5 in W 28.75 in D 22.5 in
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
Brass
Charak Furniture Co. Federal Revival Inlaid Tambour Desk
By Charak Furniture Company
Located in Norwood, NJ
A finely crafted Federal Revival tambour writing desk by Charak Furniture Co., Boston, retaining
Marble
$3,420
H 31 in W 35 in D 20 in
Antique Mahogany Compact 20x35 Writing Table Console Desk Side Drawer Leather
By Kittinger Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Antique Mahogany Compact 20x35 Writing Table Console Desk Side Drawer Leather
Brass
Vintage Brandt Flip Top Piano Style Small Wooden Writing Desk Table
By Brandt
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage brandt flip top Piano style small wooden writing desk table. Item features rolling casters
Wood
$2,795 / item
H 42 in W 38.63 in D 19.75 in
Hekman Furniture Federal Inlaid Flame Mahogany Slant Front Secretary Desk
By Baker Far East Collection
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style bureau with slant front writing desk or secretary desk In
Brass
$3,400
H 30 in W 37 in D 18 in
Low Profile Kidney Shape Burl Wood Compact Desk Writing Table Vanity MINT Italy
By Henredon, Baker Furniture Company, Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Banded Inlayed Top Carved Legs Low Profile Kidney Shape Burl Wood Compact Desk Writing Table Vanity
Burl, Walnut
$4,400
H 31 in W 59 in D 37 in
Large Embossed Green Leather Top Flame Mahogany Double Pedestal Federal Desk
By Baker Furniture Company, Heritage-Henredon
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Large Embossed Green Leather Top Flame Mahogany Double Pedestal Federal Desk
Brass
Connecticut Mahogany Slant Front Desk, c.1800
Located in Savannah, GA
A Connecticut mahogany slant front desk on french feet with original 15 star eagle pulls, circa
Mahogany
$7,500
H 36.5 in W 26 in D 20.25 in
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
Cherry, Mahogany, Poplar
Large Double Pedestal Embossed Leather Top Mahogany Partners Desk MINT
By Henredon, Drexel, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Large Double Pedestal Embossed Leather Top Mahogany Partners Desk MINT
Brass
$3,800
H 30 in W 47 in D 27 in
Neoclassical Directoire Style Beige Leather Top Crotch Mahogany Tepered Leg Desk
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Compact Neoclassical Directoire Style Beige Leather Top Crotch Mahogany Tepered Leg Desk MINT
Leather, Mahogany
$5,800
H 34 in W 54 in D 25 in
Fine Bench Made Carved Mahogany Serpentine Front Dovetail Drawers Vanity Desk
By Kittinger, Widdicomb Furniture Co., Heritage-Henredon, Drexel, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Fine Bench Made Carved Mahogany Serpentine Front Dovetail Drawers Vanity Desk Dressing Table. The
Brass
$4,500
H 28 in W 40 in D 23 in
Yew Wood Drop Leaves Two Drawers Low Profile Brass Feet Desk Console Table MINT
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Yew Wood Drop Leaves Two Drawers Low Profile Brass Feet Desk Console Table MINT 2x 11" leaves with
Brass
$2,096Sale Price|30% Off
H 30 in W 21 in D 15.5 in
19th Century Federal Mahogany Lift Top Writing Desk / Work Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Federal Mahogany Lift Top Writing Desk or Work Table. Features two drawers with
Brass
$6,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 74.75 in W 22 in D 46 in
Antique American Federal Flame Mahogany Secretary Writing Desk Gothic Bookcase
Located in Dayton, OH
A fine and impressive antique early 19th century Federal Period flame Mahogany secretary and
Glass, Mahogany
$5,500Sale Price|38% Off
H 77 in W 44.25 in D 21 in
Rare Antique Federal American Mahogany Secretary Writing Desk Gothic Bookcase
Located in Dayton, OH
A fine and impressive Federal Period Mahogany secretary and bookcase, circa 1830s. The bookcase
Glass, Mahogany
$5,600Sale Price|20% Off
H 42 in W 46 in D 26 in
Kindel Winterthur Collection Mahogany Goddard Townsend Secretary Writing Desk
By Kindel Furniture
Located in Dayton, OH
Kindel Winterthur Collection Mahogany Goddard Townsend Blockfront Secretary Writing Desk. Made from
Mahogany
A Federal Mahogany Writing Table, Boston, 1805-1815
Located in New York, NY
The rectangular top inset with later green leather gilt-tooled with greek key, above two frieze drawers with brass bail handles; the round tapering reeded legs are headed by incised...
Brass
Adjustable Reading Table / Lecturn
Located in Hudson, NY
Adjustable reading / writing table or lecturn. Mahogany with brass foot caps and casters. American
Brass
American Federal Writing Desk with Tambour Doors
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is a Classic American Federal writing desk with a tambour door on the top section when open it
Wood, Mahogany
Antique Federal Style Mahogany Writing Desk with Fold Out
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original Vintage Condition
Brass
Baker Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany Bow Front Ladies Writing Desk
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal style bow front ladies' writing desk By Baker Furniture USA, circa
Brass
Sold
H 43.75 in W 38.88 in D 20.25 in
American Federal Inlaid Mahogany Antique Secretary Writing Desk, circa 1790-1810
Located in Shippensburg, PA
, acc. no. B.65.12: a Federal Tambour Door Inlaid Writing Desk over spade feet Christies, New York, June
Brass
Kittinger Vintage Leather Top Inlaid Federal Style Desk
By Kittinger
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome vintage writing desk crafted in walnut in classic form featuring three tooled leather
Leather, Walnut
Federal Antique 1825 Drop Front Secretary Desk, Cherry & Tiger Maple
Located in Charleston, SC
Antique 19th century slant front desk. Desk has a Chippendale style. The wood is cherry. It has
Brass
English Provincial Fruitwood Leather Top Ladies Writing Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous English Provincial style ladies writing desk circa 1960s Fruitwood, with tooled
Leather, Fruitwood
19th Century Poplar Federal Slant Front Flip Top Schoolmasters Desk
Located in Southampton, NJ
A stunning piece of history in this circa 1860 American Slant Front Schoolmasters desk constructed
Steel
Sold
H 38 in W 41.5 in D 21 in
Drexel Heritage Federal Style Mahogany Tooled Leather Slide Top 10-Drawer Desk
By Drexel
Located in Germantown, MD
A rare Drexel Heritage Bonheur du Jour Federal Style mahogany tooled leather slide top desk with 10
Brass
Vintage Federal George Washington Sheraton Style Mahogany Executive Desk
Located in West Hartford, CT
on this vintage furniture with removable letter or document shelves at the ends. The desk is
Brass
19th Century American Federal Library Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Federal style library table having a removable rectangular top and fronted by two large drawers
Wood
Classically Handsome English Partners Desk
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Stunning vintage mahogany partners desk with elaborate inlay, reeded tapered legs, three drawers
Leather, Mahogany
Custom Burled Walnut Leather Top Desk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Double pedestal desk with a brown tooled leather top, a center apron drawer and one short over
Leather, Walnut
Petit English Multi Drawer Compartment Mahogany Leather Top Desk
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Beautiful English petit mahogany desk console entry lobby table with leather top.
Leather, Mahogany
Maddox Hepplewhite Banded Mahogany Tambour Door Desk
By Maddox Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Hepplewhite or Federal style tambour door writing desk or secretary desk By Maddox
Brass
Sold
H 52 in W 21 in D 41 in
18th Century Antique Federal Sheraton Mahogany Fall Front Secretary Writing Desk
Located in Dayton, OH
An exquisite and rare late 18th century American Federal Sheraton library secretary desk. Made of
Mahogany
Maitland Smith Signed Mahogany with Leather Top Game Table Writing Desk
By Maitland Smith
Located in West Hartford, CT
Elegant signed Maitland Smith mahogany game table with green leather top with gold gilt detail. Wonderful curved lines with round cup holders at each corner. Note detail of craftsma...
Leather, Mahogany
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. The
Mahogany
New York Mahogany Federal Butlers Desk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A New York flame mahogany federal butler's desk with drop down (side snap operation) door revealing
Brass
Rounded Mahogany Writing Table Desk w/ Brass Gallery
By Baker Furniture Company, Kittinger Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Rounded federal style brass gallery mahogany gallery.
Brass
18th to 19th Century Walnut & Mahogany Federal Style Drop Leaf Desk
Located in San Francisco, CA
18th to 19th century walnut & mahogany federal style drop leaf desk Handsome 18th to 19th
Mahogany, Walnut
A Federal Style Partners Desk by John Widdicomb
Located in Pomona, CA
A nice quality Partners Desk made by John Widdicomb company. Burlwood top and drawer
Mahogany
Sold
H 37 in W 28 in D 21 in
Vintage Brandt Flip Top Piano Style Small Cherry Wood Writing Desk Console Table
By Brandt
Located in Philadelphia, PA
. Vintage Brandt Flip Top Piano Style Small Cherry Wood Writing Desk Console Table. Item features rolling
Cherry
Sold
H 28 in W 38 in D 29.5 in
Antique 19th C. Mahogany Sheraton Federal Dropleaf Side Table Library Desk
Located in Dayton, OH
. Its unique size allows it to be used as a desk. Includes key for safekeeping. Measure: 38" Leaf
Mahogany
New York Federal Mahogany Two-Drawer Work Stand, circa 1800
Located in Milford, NH
A fine Federal period figured mahogany veneered rectangular two-drawer work stand with a lift top
Brass
Sold
H 46 in W 39 in D 22 in
Antique 19th Century Dovetail Joints Secretary Drop Front Desk w Drawers Dresser
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Antique 19th Century Dovetail Joints Secretary Drop Front desk w drawers dresser.
Walnut
Petite Walnut Federal Style Kidney Shaped Knee Hole Writing Desk
Located in Topeka, KS
Pretty and petite Federal style walnut kidney shaped knee hole writing desk. In wonderful antique
Walnut
American Federal Writing Desk
Located in Hudson, NY
Mahagony Writing Desk fron the Early 19th Century. Surface is Old and Close to Original. Original
Mahogany
Federal Style Mahogany Writing Table
Located in San Francisco, CA
The rectangular top with rounded corners above a pair of recessed frieze drawers with knob pulls raised on ball turned tapering legs ending on brass casters.
Wood
19th Century Federal Style Mahogany Desk
Located in Plymouth, MA
Stylish 19th century solid mahogany desk. Two-piece, the upper 12-drawer section sits a frame with
Mahogany
Mahogany Federal Style Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
The plain top with drop leaves over two drawers and opposing dummies all with star-decorated brass pulls standing on down-swept legs unified by a turned stretcher and ending in brass...
Brass
Federal Inlaid Mahogany Tambour Ladies' Writing Desk, Circa 1795
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Writing Desk, end table, American, Boston, Massachusetts,, Mahogany with Tambour Doors, Fold Out
Mahogany
19th Century English Writing Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 1870s antique English traditional-style writing desk is made from mahogany wood in its
Brass
Early 19th Century American Writing Desk
Located in Hudson, NY
A beautiful Federal (1820-1830) writing desk.
Mahogany
scrivania in radica design - 1950 - mid century - desk - design
Located in Milano, MI
scrivania in radica design - 1950 - mid century - desk - design Caratteristiche Produzione: italiana Periodo: 1950 - 1959 Paese produzione: Italia Essenza principale: radi...
Wood
Directoire Style Small Bureau Plat
Located in Sheffield, MA
Directoire Maison Jansen style desk. Label inside drawer inscribed "A. Alavoine and Co., NY and Paris." Leather inset writing surface, drawer fronts with contrasting veneer.
Brass
$2,195
H 29.5 in W 32 in D 19 in
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Period Walnut Writing Table with Leather Top
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This small scale late eighteenth century French Louis XVI period walnut lady's writing desk features a gold tooled black leather top. A single drawer pulls out from the side using a ...
Bronze
French Mahogany Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
Crafted with figured flame mahogany, this writing desk features a luxurious leather inlaid surface. The meticulously designed structure includes five drawers surrounding a generous k...
Wood
$450Sale Price|40% Off
H 29 in W 30.5 in D 17 in
Mid-Century Rolling Tanker Work Task Desk by Cole Steel
By Cole Steel
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Original 1950s Cole Steel specialty rolling tanker task Desk made from powder-coated durable sheet steel, featuring a sleek, minimalist design. Cole Stee Renowned for its sturdy con...
Steel
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.