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.

Folding Writing Desk

Plia Chair

Platone Desk

Giancarlo Piretti For Castelli Folding Chairs

Plia Table

Mid Century Folding Table And Chairs

Fold Out Desk

Castelli Platone

1970s Italian Desk

Regency Campaign Writing Table, 19th Century, Portable Design

$5,881

Regency Campaign Writing Table, 19th Century, Portable Design

Located in Reading, Berkshire

A Beautiful Mahogany Folding Writing Desk Featuring A Push Button Action.

Category

Antique 19th Century British Campaign Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

19th Century Two-Piece Camphor Wood Campaign Chest with Folding Writing Desk

$8,971 / set

19th Century Two-Piece Camphor Wood Campaign Chest with Folding Writing Desk

Located in Madrid, ES

This 19th century camphor wood British military Campaign two-piece chest of drawers features a hidden fold-out writing desk. The attractive "blonde" camphor wood is contrasted with d...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

NAPOLEON III Paris 1860 Travel Foldable Writing Desk Box In Precious Woods & Aba

$1,372Sale Price|30% Off

NAPOLEON III Paris 1860 Travel Foldable Writing Desk Box In Precious Woods & Aba

By Napoléon III

Located in Miami, FL

An antique Napoleon III traveler portable writing-desk box. This is a gorgeous portable writing desk-box, created in France during the period of emperor Napoleon III, circa 1860.

Category

Antique 1860s French Napoleon III Decorative Boxes

Materials

Leather, Shell, Wood

English Regency Desk with Foldable Desk / Writing Table 20th Century

$1,534

English Regency Desk with Foldable Desk / Writing Table 20th Century

Located in Berlin, DE

Extraordinary English regency desk with hinged sides and red leather top. 5 drawers in the front and 5 panels on the back. The leather top is provided with very thick embossing. The ...

Category

20th Century English Chesterfield Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique English Victorian Mahogany Folding Military Campaign Writing Desks

$3,125 / set

Antique English Victorian Mahogany Folding Military Campaign Writing Desks

Located in Dayton, OH

2 Civil War era British campaign writing desks. Made of mahogany featuring a folding form that opens to a writing surface complete with inkwells and letter storage.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Campaign Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Revolving Folding Mid-Century Modern Desk Writing Table Cabinet Hide Away MINT

$4,000

Revolving Folding Mid-Century Modern Desk Writing Table Cabinet Hide Away MINT

By Herman Miller, George Nelson, Milo Baughman

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Revolving Folding Mid-Century Modern Desk Writing Table Cabinet Hide Away MINT.

Category

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

Materials

Birch

Danish Mid Century Teak Box Wooton Folding Desk Writing Table File Cabinet MINT!

$6,400

Danish Mid Century Teak Box Wooton Folding Desk Writing Table File Cabinet MINT!

By Skovby Møbelfabrik A/S 1

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Danish Mid Century Teak Box Wooton Folding Desk Writing Table File Cabinet MINT!

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Rare Giuseppe Rivadossi Folding Desk

$28,000

Rare Giuseppe Rivadossi Folding Desk

By Giuseppe Rivadossi

Located in San Francisco, CA

This stunning one of a kind folding desk embodies a striking textured surface that is hand carved by gouge cut in walnut. It gives the piece its distinctive aesthetic that Rivadossi ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Jacques Adnet Folding Top Desk, France, 1950's

$65,500

Jacques Adnet Folding Top Desk, France, 1950's

By Jacques Adnet

Located in New York, NY

Exceptional Jacques Adnet leather, Brass & Oak desk. The frame is leather and brass wrapped steel, the top has two drop down oval leaves perfectly book matched to the top wrapped...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Platone Folding Desk by Giancarlo Piretti, Italy, 1969

$3,777

Platone Folding Desk by Giancarlo Piretti, Italy, 1969

By Giancarlo Piretti

Located in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Tel Aviv District

Iconic Mid-Century Modern folding desk designed by Giancarlo Piretti in 1969. The Platone desk features a black laminate top with integrated storage recess, supported by a sleek tubu...

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

French Foldable Dining or Writing Table, Beech and Chestnut, circa 1970

$1,853

French Foldable Dining or Writing Table, Beech and Chestnut, circa 1970

Located in Labrit, Landes

Little chestnut dining table. The two end are foldable and the little width of this table is 32.28 in. (82 cm) The table top was made circa 1970. It was laid on a beech base dating...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Beech, Chestnut

Jorge Zalszupin foldable desk table L’Atelier Brazil 1959

$8,853

Jorge Zalszupin foldable desk table L’Atelier Brazil 1959

By Jorge Zalszupin

Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant

This rare folding desk, designed by Jorge Zalszupin and manufactured by his own company L’Atelier in Brazil in 1959, is a remarkable piece of mid-century Brazilian design history. As...

Category

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

Materials

Faux Leather, Hardwood

Brazilian Modern Foldable Desk in Hardwood, Jorge Zalszupin, 1970s

$8,400

Brazilian Modern Foldable Desk in Hardwood, Jorge Zalszupin, 1970s

By Jorge Zalszupin

Located in New York, NY

Designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922–2020) and produced by his own company L’Atelier, this foldable desk exemplifies the designer’s commitment to material intelligence, structural clari...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Giancarlo Piretti Red "Platone" Folding Desk for Castelli, 1970s

$2,188

Giancarlo Piretti Red "Platone" Folding Desk for Castelli, 1970s

By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti

Located in London, GB

Folding Giancarlo Piretti Red "Platone" Folding Desk for Castelli, 1970s

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Platone folding desk by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli , 1970s

$1,452

Platone folding desk by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli , 1970s

By Giancarlo Piretti

Located in Delft, NL

Platone folding desk by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli , 1970s

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Jorge Zalszupin Folding Desk by L'atelier Brazil 1959

$7,289 / item

Jorge Zalszupin Folding Desk by L'atelier Brazil 1959

By Jorge Zalszupin

Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant

Folding desk designed by Jorge Zalszupin and manufactured by his own company L’Atelier, Brazil 1959. As Zalszupin gained more and more momentum with his practice during the early and...

Category

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

Materials

Faux Leather, Rosewood

Giancarlo Piretti, Platone Folding Desk for Anonima Castelli, 1971

$2,188

Giancarlo Piretti, Platone Folding Desk for Anonima Castelli, 1971

By Giancarlo Piretti

Located in London, GB

One of the most influential Italian designers of the twentieth century, Giancarlo Piretti’s chair designs – for which he is most celebrated – have sold millions worldwide. Piretti’s...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Louis XV Style Folding Desk with One Drawer, 1950

$4,975

Louis XV Style Folding Desk with One Drawer, 1950

Located in Miami, FL

Louis XV style folding desk with one drawer. An exceptional Louis XV style desk, made of early Italian antique oak wood. This piece screams high quality. Beautiful grain and patina....

Category

Mid-20th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique School Desk with Foldable Seat in Soft Pink Patina

$3,187

Antique School Desk with Foldable Seat in Soft Pink Patina

Located in Barcelona, ES

Eye-catching antique school desk in pink patinated pine wood, Spain, 1930s Fine example in very good order showing a terrific aged patina retaining rests of soft pink paint. Sliding ...

Category

20th Century Spanish Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Pine

Midcentury Giancarlo Piretti Red "Platone" Folding Desk for Castelli, 1970s

$2,360

Midcentury Giancarlo Piretti Red "Platone" Folding Desk for Castelli, 1970s

By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli

Located in Roma, IT

Wonderful and incredibly rare midcentury red "Platone" folding desk designed by Giancarlo Piretti and produced by Anonima Castelly in Italy during the 1970s. The desk is in amazing v...

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Aluminum, Steel

Midcentury Giancarlo Piretti Blue "Platone" Folding Desk by Castelli, 1970s

$2,360

Midcentury Giancarlo Piretti Blue "Platone" Folding Desk by Castelli, 1970s

By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti

Located in Roma, IT

Fabulous and incredibly rare midcentury blue "Platone" folding desk designed by Giancarlo Piretti and produced by Anonima Castelly in Italy during the 1970s. The desk is in spectacul...

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Aluminum, Steel

Luigi Caccia Dominioni Folding Desk for Villa Mazzotti, Italy 1946

$7,082

Luigi Caccia Dominioni Folding Desk for Villa Mazzotti, Italy 1946

By Azucena, Luigi Caccia Dominioni

Located in Milan, IT

Architect Luigi Caccia Dominioni Rare oak wood folding desk for Villa Mazzotti, Milan, Italy Luigi Caccia Dominioni used this form of desk design to conceal radiator niches in his p...

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Anonima Castelli Platone foldable Desk in Blue by Giancarlo Piretti, 1970

$3,060 / item

Anonima Castelli Platone foldable Desk in Blue by Giancarlo Piretti, 1970

By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Platone was designed by Giancarlo Piretti in 1970. The three-disc mechanism is the common thread of all Piretti bestsellers, of which Platone is the most daring. With a sturdy cantil...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Anonima Castelli Platone foldable Desk in Green by Giancarlo Piretti, 1970

$3,060 / item

Anonima Castelli Platone foldable Desk in Green by Giancarlo Piretti, 1970

By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Platone was designed by Giancarlo Piretti in 1970. The three-disc mechanism is the common thread of all Piretti bestsellers, of which Platone is the most daring. With a sturdy cantil...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Anonima Castelli Platone foldable Desk in White by Giancarlo Piretti, 1970

$3,060 / item

Anonima Castelli Platone foldable Desk in White by Giancarlo Piretti, 1970

By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Platone was designed by Giancarlo Piretti in 1970. The three-disc mechanism is the common thread of all Piretti bestsellers, of which Platone is the most daring. With a sturdy cantil...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Anonima Castelli Platone foldable Desk in Black by Giancarlo Piretti, 1970

$3,060 / item

Anonima Castelli Platone foldable Desk in Black by Giancarlo Piretti, 1970

By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Platone was designed by Giancarlo Piretti in 1970. The three-disc mechanism is the common thread of all Piretti bestsellers, of which Platone is the most daring. With a sturdy cantil...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Anonima Castelli Platone foldable Desk in Red by Giancarlo Piretti, 1970

$3,060 / item

Anonima Castelli Platone foldable Desk in Red by Giancarlo Piretti, 1970

By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Platone was designed by Giancarlo Piretti in 1970. The three-disc mechanism is the common thread of all Piretti bestsellers, of which Platone is the most daring. With a sturdy cantil...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Anonima Castelli Platone foldable Desk in Yellow by Giancarlo Piretti, 1970

$3,060 / item

Anonima Castelli Platone foldable Desk in Yellow by Giancarlo Piretti, 1970

By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Platone was designed by Giancarlo Piretti in 1970. The three-disc mechanism is the common thread of all Piretti bestsellers, of which Platone is the most daring. With a sturdy cantil...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Danish Mid Century Modern Teak Top Chrome Legs Folding Desk Mint

$3,900

Danish Mid Century Modern Teak Top Chrome Legs Folding Desk Mint

By Poul Cadovius

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Danish Mid Century Modern Teak Top Chrome Legs Folding Desk Mint

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Foldable Desk in Hardwood, Jorge Zalszupin, 1970s

$13,420

Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Foldable Desk in Hardwood, Jorge Zalszupin, 1970s

By Jorge Zalszupin

Located in New York, NY

Designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922–2020) and produced by L’Atelier in São Paulo, this foldable desk reflects the designer’s inventive approach to material and structure within Brazili...

Category

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

Materials

Faux Leather, Hardwood

Brazilian Modern Foldable Desk in Hardwood in Patchwork, Jorge Zalszupin, 1970s

$13,000 / set

Brazilian Modern Foldable Desk in Hardwood in Patchwork, Jorge Zalszupin, 1970s

By Jorge Zalszupin

Located in New York, NY

The foldable desk, designed by Jorge Zalszupin and crafted by his own company L’Atelier, showcases innovative use of Brazilian rosewood in patchwork style. This method, characterized...

Category

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

Materials

Hardwood

Bauhaus Tubular Folding Desk in Walnut, Signed by Cova Milano, Italy, 1940s

$2,597

Bauhaus Tubular Folding Desk in Walnut, Signed by Cova Milano, Italy, 1940s

By Cova, Italy 1

Located in Roma, IT

Elegant and rare Italian Bauhaus-style folding desk in chromed metal and walnut wood. This charming desk was produced by Cova Milano in Italy during the 1940s. The table features a ...

Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Steel, Chrome

Midcentury "Platone" White Folding Desk by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli, 1970s

$2,112

Midcentury "Platone" White Folding Desk by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli, 1970s

By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli

Located in Roma, IT

Lovely white "Platone" folding desk. Designed by the visionary Giancarlo Piretti and produced by Anonima Castelli in Italy during the 1970s. The desk is signed on the bottom. In br...

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Aluminum, Steel

Mid-Century Modern Wood Foldable 6M Desk and Chair, Italy, 1960s

$3,305

Mid-Century Modern Wood Foldable 6M Desk and Chair, Italy, 1960s

Located in Brussels, BE

Mid-Century Modern wood foldable 6M desk and chair, Italy, 1960s Measures: Chair : 55 x 50 x 36cm Seat height : 40cm.

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Brazilian Mid-Century Foldable Desk in Hardwood by Jorge Zalszupin, c. 1970s

$9,000

Brazilian Mid-Century Foldable Desk in Hardwood by Jorge Zalszupin, c. 1970s

By Jorge Zalszupin

Located in New York, NY

Available today, with domestic shipping in the NYC metro area included, this Brazilian Mid-Century Foldable Desk in Hardwood by Jorge Zalszupin, c. 1970s, is nothing less than gorgeo...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

American Walnut Ed Wormley for Dunbar Double Pedestal Desk w/ Folding Return

$14,500

American Walnut Ed Wormley for Dunbar Double Pedestal Desk w/ Folding Return

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Rockaway, NJ

American walnut Ed Wormley for Dunbar double pedestal desk w/ folding return. Uniquer folding return desk feature, nice architectural design back, beautiful amber honey tone finish.

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Folding Red Laminate Plywood Desk by Pamio and Toso for Stilwood, Italy, 1970s

$2,231

Folding Red Laminate Plywood Desk by Pamio and Toso for Stilwood, Italy, 1970s

By Stilwood, Roberto Pamio & Renato Toso

Located in Milan, IT

Rare folding desk by Roberto Pamio and Renato Toso for Stilwood. Plywood frame covered with laminate.

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Laminate, Plywood

Long Foldable Schoolhouse Table

$2,600

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 is presented with a long glass shelf that was customized for extra storage. Made fr...

Category

Early 20th Century American American Classical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Unique Mini Desk/Lady's Desk, England 1890

$1,642

Unique Mini Desk/Lady's Desk, England 1890

Located in Berlin, DE

Folding writing surface made of solid wood. With various drawers and compartments for sufficient storage space.

Category

20th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Small Folding Table, Italy, Early 20th Century

$424

Small Folding Table, Italy, Early 20th Century

Located in Roma, IT

Small Folding Table realized in Italy in the early 20th Century. Good overall condition except for some minor signs of time. Dimension opened: H 76xL105.5 cmx105.5.

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Friso Kramer Revolt folding table Ahrend Netherlands 1955

$2,000

Friso Kramer Revolt folding table Ahrend Netherlands 1955

By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel

Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant

This ultra-rare folding table by Friso Kramer, designed in 1955 for Ahrend de Cirkel in Holland, is a true collector’s piece from his renowned *Reform* table program. The Reform seri...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Foldable Patent Secretary with Ink Drawing, English 19th-Century

$3,777

Foldable Patent Secretary with Ink Drawing, English 19th-Century

Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE

This filigree patent secretary, also known as a folding travel desk, is made of mahogany veneer and is decorated on the edges with fine thread inlays of boxwood and ebonized fruitwood.

Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Baroque Wood and Iron Spanish Folding Traveling Table

$4,795

Baroque Wood and Iron Spanish Folding Traveling Table

Located in Leesburg, VA

Baroque Wood and Iron Spanish Folding Traveling Table Anonymous Spain; 18th century Wood, iron Approximate size: 27 (h) x 38 (w) x 19.5 (d) in. An 18th-century Spanish folding tab...

Category

Antique 18th Century Spanish Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

ClassiCon Jean Fold Out Table by Eileen Gray

$4,366 / item

ClassiCon Jean Fold Out Table by Eileen Gray

By Eileen Gray

Located in New York, NY

Jean, named after Eileen Gray‘s intimate friend of many years, the architect Jean Badovici, stood in various modeis in their summer villa E 1027. "Every room has at its disposal one ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

ClassiCon Lou Perou Folding Table by Eileen Gray

$6,177 / item

ClassiCon Lou Perou Folding Table by Eileen Gray

By Eileen Gray

Located in New York, NY

Like the majority of Eileen Gray‘s tables, this one too can transform itself. And as always she found an unexpected solution. The folding section of the tabletop is supported by a si...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Folding Table by Giovanni Offredi for MC Selvini Italy

$991Sale Price|30% Off

Folding Table by Giovanni Offredi for MC Selvini Italy

By Giovanni Offredi

Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio

Table by designer Giovanni Offredi and produced by MC Selvini, 1970s. Works excellent as a freestanding table, desk or against a wall and it can be used in its full width and is then...

Category

20th Century Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Laminate

Chromed Trestles Table and Folding Chair by Elios Colle d'Elsa

$1,770 / set

Chromed Trestles Table and Folding Chair by Elios Colle d'Elsa

Located in Vlimmeren, BE

This leather and steel folding chair was made by the Italian manufacturer Elios Colle d’Elsa around the 1960s. The chair features chrome steel and a natural leather. Seat height is...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Platone Folding Table by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli, Italy, 70s

$2,183

Platone Folding Table by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli, Italy, 70s

By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti

Located in Lucija, SI

The Platone desk was designed to be presented as a set with the Plia chair. It is also held in the permanent collection of the MoMa in NYC. Designed by one of the most popular Itali...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Black Vintage Desk Platone Giancarlo Piretti, 1969, Italy

$4,013

Mid-Century Modern Black Vintage Desk Platone Giancarlo Piretti, 1969, Italy

By Giancarlo Piretti

Located in Vienna, AT

Mid-Century Modern black foldable vintage writing desk "Platone" designed by Giancarlo Piretti 1969 Italy and produced by Anonima Castelli, Italy.

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Antique Victorian English Bramah Leather Fold-out Correspondence Writing Desk

$3,201Sale Price / set|55% Off

Antique Victorian English Bramah Leather Fold-out Correspondence Writing Desk

By Joseph Bramah

Located in Reading, Berkshire

A Beautiful & Luxurious Handcrafted Victorian Bramah Hardwood Fold-out Travelling Writing Companion With Fitted Leather Interior, Ceramic Blotting Tablets. Complete with Beautifu...

Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Antique English Victorian Bramah Leather Fold-out Stationary Writing Desk

$4,433Sale Price|40% Off

Antique English Victorian Bramah Leather Fold-out Stationary Writing Desk

Located in Reading, Berkshire

A Beautiful & Luxurious Handcrafted Victorian Bramah Fold-out Travelling Writing Companion With Fitted Leather Interior, Ceramic Blotting Tablets. Complete with Beautifully Desi...

Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Mahogany Writing Desk with Folding Front Part

$2,809Sale Price|30% Off

19th Century French Mahogany Writing Desk with Folding Front Part

Located in Sofia, BG

French mahogany writing desk with folding front part and hidden drawers in the upper part.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Wooden Writing Desk with Drawers and Folding Door

$8,263

Wooden Writing Desk with Drawers and Folding Door

Located in Marbella, ES

Wooden Writing Desk with Drawers and Folding Door

Category

Antique 19th Century European Secretaires

Materials

Wood

THEODORE ALEXANDER SECRETAIRE DESK & GOTHIC REVIVAL WiNDSOR BROWN LEATHER CHAIR

$5,267 / set

THEODORE ALEXANDER SECRETAIRE DESK & GOTHIC REVIVAL WiNDSOR BROWN LEATHER CHAIR

By Theodore Alexander

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely exquisite, vintage Theodore Alexander folding writing table desk with hidden storage and bro...

Category

20th Century English Gothic Revival Desks

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Zanotta Calamo Desk in White Top with Steel Frame by Gabriele Rosa

$3,267 / item

Zanotta Calamo Desk in White Top with Steel Frame by Gabriele Rosa

By Gabriele Rosa, Zanotta

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The collection includes a new furnishing accessory designed by young designer Gabriele Rosa: the Calamo desk-console table. With a white, black or graphite steel structure with cowhi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Desks

Materials

Steel

Zanotta Calamo Desk in Black Top with Steel Frame by Gabriele Rosa

$3,267 / item

Zanotta Calamo Desk in Black Top with Steel Frame by Gabriele Rosa

By Zanotta, Gabriele Rosa

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The collection includes a new furnishing accessory designed by young designer Gabriele Rosa: the Calamo desk-console table. With a white, black or graphite steel structure with cowhi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Desks

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Vanity/Writing Desk w/ Carved Bamboo Motif Signed James Mont

$8,975

Mid-Century Vanity/Writing Desk w/ Carved Bamboo Motif Signed James Mont

By James Mont

Located in New York, NY

This Mid-Century Modernist fold-top vanity/writing desk, designed by legendary American furniture maker James Mont, epitomizes the fusion of elegant design and functional craftsmansh...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vanities

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Tables Under $2,000

Antique and Vintage Tables

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Folding Writing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal folding writing desk for your home. Each folding writing desk for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, metal and hardwood. There are 251 variations of the antique or vintage folding writing desk you’re looking for, while we also have 8 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect folding writing desk — we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. A folding writing desk is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in mid-century modern, modern and Art Deco styles are sought with frequency. A well-made folding writing desk has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli and Mummenthaler and Meier are consistently popular.

How Much is a Folding Writing Desk?

A folding writing desk can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $3,395, while the lowest priced sells for $1 and the highest can go for as much as $1,919,381.

Questions About Folding Writing Desk

What is a writing desk?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
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?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
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?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
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?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
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?
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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