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.

Fold Down Writing Desk

Wall Secretary

Mid Century Wood 8 Drawer Dresser

Monterey Desk

Folding Cabinet Desk

1940s Bureau

Folding Writing Table

Mid Century Modern Danish Dresser

Jens Risom Walnut Desk

Quality Antique French Mahogany Fold Down Desk

$3,080Sale Price|20% Off

H 45.48 in W 31.5 in D 16.15 in

Quality Antique French Mahogany Fold Down Desk

Located in Suffolk, GB

Quality antique French mahogany fold down desk having the original pretty brass gallery, two glazed

Category

Antique 19th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Other

Large Tambour Unit

$4,408

H 45.67 in W 47.25 in D 16.54 in

Large Tambour Unit

Located in London, GB

heart of the cabinet is a fold-down writing desk, which transforms this elegant storage unit into a

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Teak

Rococo Bureau-Cabinet, Walnut with Ebonized Trim, Milan, Circa 1760

$120,084

H 103.94 in W 60.63 in D 22.45 in

Rococo Bureau-Cabinet, Walnut with Ebonized Trim, Milan, Circa 1760

Located in Milano, IT

Bureau-cabinet with fold-down writing desk Lombardy, third quarter of the 18th century Walnut

Category

Antique 1750s Italian Rococo Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Walnut 8-Drawer Dresser / Writing Desk

$7,800

H 32 in W 54 in D 21 in

Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Walnut 8-Drawer Dresser / Writing Desk

By Jens Risom

Located in Queens, NY

drawers on the right, the top of which folds down to create a writing desk, all with rounded rectangular

Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Walnut 8-Drawer Dresser / Writing Desk

$7,800

H 32 in W 54 in D 21 in

Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Walnut 8-Drawer Dresser / Writing Desk

By Jens Risom

Located in Queens, NY

drawers on the right, the top of which folds down to create a writing desk, all with rounded rectangular

Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Early 19th Century American Country Secretary Desk

$7,500

H 74 in W 40 in D 18 in

Early 19th Century American Country Secretary Desk

Located in Forney, TX

into a writing desk work table supported by pull out beams that are concealed within the piece when not

Category

Antique Early 19th Century American Country Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

Recent Sales

Gaisbauer Biedermeier Secretary Cabinet

Unavailable

H 65 in W 43 in D 22 in

Gaisbauer Biedermeier Secretary Cabinet

By Gaisbauer

Located in Westport, CT

down writing desk. Curved body and a stepped drawer unit on top containing three drawers, with carved

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Bespoke Mid-Century Danish Design Teak Seceretaire Dry Bar Storage Unit

Unavailable

H 16.93 in W 31.5 in D 75.99 in

Bespoke Mid-Century Danish Design Teak Seceretaire Dry Bar Storage Unit

Located in Greater Manchester, GB

features a large lockable storage area with fold down writing desk perfect for writing letters or working

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires

Materials

Teak

A Small English 18th Century Oak Secretaire Kneehole Desk

Unavailable

H 31.7 in W 30.71 in D 18.31 in

A Small English 18th Century Oak Secretaire Kneehole Desk

Located in Skipton, GB

drawers and a fold down writing surface. The desk is in original condition only having the handles

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English Georgian Desks

Materials

Brass

Courte Jean-Babtiste Louis XVI Period Secretary, Dijon, Francr, Late 18th Century

Unavailable

H 58.27 in W 38.59 in D 14.97 in

Courte Jean-Babtiste Louis XVI Period Secretary, Dijon, Francr, Late 18th Century

By Jean-Baptiste Courte

Located in Basel, BS

fluting by rosewood and violet marquetry. The writing desk folds down, and reveals 3 niches and 10 drawers

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Secretaires

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Antique Wooden Writing Desk with Fold-Down Front

Sold

H 31.89 in W 31.89 in D 18.9 in

Antique Wooden Writing Desk with Fold-Down Front

Located in BERKEL EN RODENRIJS, NL

This beautiful antique writing desk is made of solid wood with a warm brown color and a rich

Category

Antique 19th Century Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

English Writing Desk Table Plat 1930s Fold Down

Sold

H 35 in W 40 in D 32 in

English Writing Desk Table Plat 1930s Fold Down

Located in West Hartford, CT

Magnificent 1930s writing desk with burl accents and in great condition. It features drawer both

Category

Vintage 1930s English Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Quality Antique French Mahogany Fold Down Desk

Sold

H 45.28 in W 31.5 in D 16.15 in

Quality Antique French Mahogany Fold Down Desk

Located in Suffolk, GB

Quality antique French mahogany fold down desk. The top has the original brass gallery, 2 glazed

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Other

19th Century English Fold Down Desk Or Commode

Sold

H 40 in W 30 in D 16 in

19th Century English Fold Down Desk Or Commode

Located in New York, NY

19th century English fold down desk / commode. Ebonized oak finish. Three drawers with brass pulls

Category

Antique 19th Century English Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

High Polished Palisander With Ebonized Trim Fold Down Desk, France, 1940s

Sold

H 52 in W 34 in D 16 in

High Polished Palisander With Ebonized Trim Fold Down Desk, France, 1940s

Located in New York, NY

1940s French high polished palisander exterior with ebonized trim fold down desk Upper cabinet

Category

Vintage 1940s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Palisander

Antique Scottish or English Campaign Butler's Desk Chest of Drawers

Sold

H 43 in W 43 in D 22 in

Antique Scottish or English Campaign Butler's Desk Chest of Drawers

Located in Centennial, CO

pulls out and folds down to reveal a beautiful writing desk! The new green leather writing surface

Category

Early 20th Century British Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Antique French Walnut Louis Philippe Secretaire Drawer Commode

Sold

H 39.77 in W 50.79 in D 23.63 in

Antique French Walnut Louis Philippe Secretaire Drawer Commode

Located in Traversetolo, IT

Beautiful walnut Louis Philippe commode. The second drawer folding down into a secretary writing

Category

Antique 1850s French Louis Philippe Secretaires

Materials

Marble

Antique French Walnut Louis Philippe Secretaire Drawer Commode

Sold

H 39.77 in W 50.79 in D 23.63 in

Antique French Walnut Louis Philippe Secretaire Drawer Commode

Located in Traversetolo, IT

Beautiful walnut Louis Philippe commode. The second drawer folding down into a secretary writing

Category

Antique 1850s French Louis Philippe Secretaires

Materials

Marble

Antique Genuine Northern Swedish Gustavian Style Country Escritoire or Secretary

Sold

H 42.52 in W 44.49 in D 20.87 in

Antique Genuine Northern Swedish Gustavian Style Country Escritoire or Secretary

Located in Kramfors, SE

the writing desk folded down is 91 cm. The height to the writing desk when folded down is 79.5 cm

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires

Materials

Pine

Bar Furniture Cabinet designed in 1960s by Alfred Hendrickx for Belform, Belgium

Sold

H 49.22 in W 33.86 in D 16.93 in

Bar Furniture Cabinet designed in 1960s by Alfred Hendrickx for Belform, Belgium

By Belform, Alfred Hendrickx

Located in Antwerp, BE

legs, cleverly stores a concealed secretary desk. An upper door folds down to reveal a writing desk

Category

Vintage 1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Metal, Chrome

French 19th Century Louis Philippe Burl Walnut Chest, Secretary, circa 1880s

Sold

H 38.5 in W 44.5 in D 21.5 in

French 19th Century Louis Philippe Burl Walnut Chest, Secretary, circa 1880s

Located in South Bend, IN

top in good condition with the top most drawer folding down into a secretary writing desk with

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis Philippe Commodes and Chests of D...

Materials

Marble

Mid century EC09 cabinet by Cees Braakman for Pastoe, Netherlands 1950s

Sold

H 47.64 in W 50.79 in D 17.72 in

Mid century EC09 cabinet by Cees Braakman for Pastoe, Netherlands 1950s

By Cees Braakman, Pastoe

Located in ECHT, NL

compartment with two small drawers and a shelve. The lid folds down creating a workspace or writing desk. The

Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Secretaires

Materials

Oak

Early Wall Secretary with Paper Label in Birch by Bruno Mathsson, Sweden

Sold

H 19.69 in W 27.56 in D 3.55 in

Early Wall Secretary with Paper Label in Birch by Bruno Mathsson, Sweden

By Bruno Mathsson, Firma Karl Mathsson

Located in Goteborg, SE

made in birch finer and and can be folded down to reveal a writing desk and a rack for papers and

Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires

Materials

Birch

Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Walnut 8-Drawer Dresser / Writing Desk

Sold

H 32 in W 54 in D 21 in

Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Walnut 8-Drawer Dresser / Writing Desk

By Jens Risom

Located in Queens, NY

drawers on the right, the top of which folds down to create a writing desk, all with rounded rectangular

Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood, Walnut

French Restauration Secretaire Dresser, 1830

Sold

H 38.98 in W 51.19 in D 22.45 in

French Restauration Secretaire Dresser, 1830

Located in Traversetolo, IT

. The topmost drawer folding down into a secretary writing desk with compartment for storage and

Category

Antique 1830s French Restauration Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Marble

1960s Belgian Teak Secretary Cabinet by Alfred Hendrickx

Sold

H 49.4 in W 33.7 in D 16.7 in

1960s Belgian Teak Secretary Cabinet by Alfred Hendrickx

By Alfred Hendrickx

Located in High Point, NC

folds down to reveal a writing desk, complete with letter compartments and stationary drawers; lower

Category

Vintage 1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Secretaires

Materials

Chrome

Rare Monterey Fold-Down Writing Desk in Spanish Green

Sold

H 38 in W 30.38 in D 26 in

Rare Monterey Fold-Down Writing Desk in Spanish Green

By Monterey Furniture

Located in Pasadena, CA

Monterey Spanish green fold-down desk. Early period. Original finish with wrought iron strapping

Category

Vintage 1930s North American Rancho Monterey Desks and Writing Tables

Luis XVI Style Rosewood Writing Desk

Sold

H 34 in W 19 in D 14 in

Luis XVI Style Rosewood Writing Desk

Located in Dallas, TX

Louis XVI style small fold-down writing desk with pierced gallery edge in veneered rosewood.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Modular Storage / Desk Wall Unit by Finn Juhl For Baker

Sold

Modular Storage / Desk Wall Unit by Finn Juhl For Baker

By Finn Juhl

Located in Tarrytown, NY

down writing desk, cabinets, some with sliding doors with drawers or shelves inside. Juhl's use of

Category

Vintage 1950s American Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Metal

1960s Italian bureau attrib. to Paolo Buffa

Sold

H 47.25 in W 49.61 in D 14.18 in

1960s Italian bureau attrib. to Paolo Buffa

Located in London, GB

folds down into a writing desk, revealing elegantly designed document partitions and drawers. Ridged

Category

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

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Marble-Top Secretaire Chest with Leather Writing Surface

Sold

H 35.83 in W 49.61 in D 22.25 in

19th Century French Marble-Top Secretaire Chest with Leather Writing Surface

Located in London, GB

down desk with leather writing surface and a hidden drawer. Key present. In excellent condition.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Secretaires

Materials

Marble

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$1,650 / item

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By Örsjö Industri AB

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

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Textile

Late 19th Century Pair of Bronze Atlas Sculptures with Globe & Armillary Sphere, circa 1900

$395,000

H 89 in W 22 in

Late 19th Century Pair of Bronze Atlas Sculptures with Globe & Armillary Sphere

Located in Fredericksburg, VA

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Contemporary Art Deco Mint green and Red powder coated Carousel 5 arms pendant

$1,759 / item

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Contemporary Art Deco Mint green and Red powder coated Carousel 5 arms pendant

By Mambo Unlimited Ideas

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California Modern Walnut Dresser with Tulip Style Pulls by Milo Baughman

$4,500

H 32.5 in W 65 in D 18 in

California Modern Walnut Dresser with Tulip Style Pulls by Milo Baughman

By Glenn of California, Milo Baughman

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 precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...

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Petit-Monsigny Art Deco Ibis Sculpture Table Lamp, 1920

$10,000

H 14.77 in W 8.27 in D 4.73 in

Petit-Monsigny Art Deco Ibis Sculpture Table Lamp, 1920

By A. Petit Monsigny

Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR

French Art Deco Bronze Sculpture Table Lamp by Adolphe Petit-Monsigny, circa 1920. An exceptional French Art Deco table lamp, circa 1920, showcasing a stunning bronze sculpture by th...

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Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Table Lamps

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Alabaster, Bronze

Pilolo Brass Wall Sconce by Simone & Marcel

$1,188 / item

H 16.54 in W 8.67 in D 4.34 in

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Located in Geneve, CH

Pilolo Brass Wall Sconce by Simone & Marcel Dimensions: D 11 x W 22 x H 42 cm. Materials: Brass and alabaster. Available in different brass and alabaster options and finishes. Custo...

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Mid century American Modern Walnut 8-Drawer Dresser by Jens Risom

$3,570Sale Price|40% Off

H 34 in W 65 in D 19 in

Mid century American Modern Walnut 8-Drawer Dresser by Jens Risom

By Jens Risom

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful American Modern Mid-Century Modern long black walnut 8-drawer dresser credenza with all solid Brass curved pull handles. High end Construction with Metal Drawer slides. Gre...

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Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

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Brass

Mount Airy Janus Mid Century Walnut 14 Drawer Lowboy Dresser Credenza Beautiful

$3,200Sale Price|20% Off

H 32 in W 72 in D 19 in

Mount Airy Janus Mid Century Walnut 14 Drawer Lowboy Dresser Credenza Beautiful

By Mount Airy Furniture Company, Janus Collection

Located in Brooklyn, NY

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René Gabriel Oak "Reconstruction" Chairs, France 1946

$875 / item

H 31.5 in W 16.93 in D 17.72 in

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René Gabriel Oak "Reconstruction" chairs, France 1946. "Reconstruction" chairs were designed by René Gabriel and manufactured in France circa 1946. Solid Oak wood base and structu...

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Mid-Century Modern Walnut 8 Drawers Long Dresser Credenza

$4,800

H 32 in W 54 in D 18 in

Mid-Century Modern Walnut 8 Drawers Long Dresser Credenza

By George Nelson, Knoll

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Mid-Century Modern oiled walnut long credenza.

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20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

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Walnut

Set of 2 Model C140 "Playboy" Chairs Jens Risom, Jens Risom Design, USA, 1960's

$3,895

H 32 in W 24 in D 22 in

Set of 2 Model C140 "Playboy" Chairs Jens Risom, Jens Risom Design, USA, 1960's

By Jens Risom

Located in Deland, FL

Introducing a newly restored set of iconic Model C140 "Playboy" Chairs designed by the influential Jens Risom. The "Playboy" derivation was coined after a July 1961 Playboy article o...

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Circa 1880 Italian Giltwood LXV Style Chaise Longue

$7,473

H 39.38 in W 30.32 in D 68.9 in

Circa 1880 Italian Giltwood LXV Style Chaise Longue

Located in London, Park Royal

This wonderfully elegant Chaise Longue, Circa 1880 is from Tuscany, Italy. Finely carved in the LXV style, it includes an armrest on one side which adds the piece's overall form and ...

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Süe & Mare rosewood and amboyna burl desk 1921

$91,762

H 29.53 in W 43.31 in D 28.75 in

Süe & Mare rosewood and amboyna burl desk 1921

By Sue et Mare

Located in Paris, IDF

This walnut, rosewood, and amboyna burl veneer desk dates from the early 1920s and was created by Louis Süe and André Mare. It takes us straight to the height of the Art Deco period....

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Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

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Danish Modern Teak Dresser Chest of Drawers by Henning Jorgensen

$2,560Sale Price|20% Off

H 33.25 in W 39.25 in D 16.75 in

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By Fredericia, Henning Jørgensen

Located in San Jose, CA

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Pair Midcentury Paul McCobb 3 Drawer Dresser Credenza #1508 Blonde Maple T Pulls

$6,500 / set

H 33 in W 36 in D 18 in

Pair Midcentury Paul McCobb 3 Drawer Dresser Credenza #1508 Blonde Maple T Pulls

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Pair of Vintage mid century Paul McCobb 3 - drawer dresser for Planner Group #1508. Beautiful small dresser by Paul McCobb circa 1950s Planner Group 3 drawer solid maple black T pull...

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Fold Down Writing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal fold down writing desk for your home. Frequently made of wood, metal and mahogany, every fold down writing desk was constructed with great care. Find 242 options for an antique or vintage fold down writing desk now, or shop our selection of 7 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. There are many kinds of the fold down writing desk you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. A fold down writing desk, designed in the mid-century modern, Scandinavian Modern or Victorian style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. You’ll likely find more than one fold down writing desk that is appealing in its simplicity, but Dunbar, Edward Wormley and Cees Braakman produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Fold Down Writing Desk?

The average selling price for a fold down writing desk at 1stDibs is $4,125, while they’re typically $575 on the low end and $123,281 for the highest priced.