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's the difference between a desk and a writing table?

Desks typically include drawers or storage compartments, while writing tables (and secretary desks) offer a flatter surface with little to no built-in storage.

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.

What's the difference between a mid-century modern desk and a writing table?

Desks typically include drawers or storage, while writing tables are a flatter, more minimal work surface; check the listing description for storage details.

Large Writing Desk

Mid Century Modern Executive Desk

Elegant Swedish Gustavian Desk with Fluted Decor and a Large Drawer, Circa 1790

$4,524

Elegant Swedish Gustavian Desk with Fluted Decor and a Large Drawer, Circa 1790

Located in Kramfors, SE

Swedish desk from the gustavian period around 1790. The desk is made by hand with a unique frame in solid pine. Original fluted decor around the whole apron and straight tapered legs...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

A rare French Louis XIV large pewter and fruitwood inlaid marquetry desk

$137,461

A rare French Louis XIV large pewter and fruitwood inlaid marquetry desk

By Pierre Gole

Located in PARIS, FR

A rare French Louis XIV large pewter and fruitwood inlaid marquetry desk called “bureau Mazarin” attributed to Pierre Gole (1620 – 1684) Dimensions : h. 32.68 in, w. 70.8 in, d. 35....

Category

Antique Late 17th Century French Louis XIV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze, Pewter

Rare Large Jacaranda Executive Desk by Jorge Zalszupin, L’Atelier São Paulo 1960

$17,500

Rare Large Jacaranda Executive Desk by Jorge Zalszupin, L’Atelier São Paulo 1960

By L'Atelier San Paulo, Jorge Zalszupin

Located in Dronten, NL

A rare, large Jacaranda executive desk by Jorge Zalszupin for L’Atelier São Paulo, circa 1960, representing the pinnacle of Brazilian mid-century modern design. This is the slightly ...

Category

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

Materials

Jacaranda

Very Large Burr Yew Wood Contempory Designer Office Desk Lovely Timber Patina

$4,011

Very Large Burr Yew Wood Contempory Designer Office Desk Lovely Timber Patina

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer this very large vintage burr yew wood library desk writing table This is a very grand piece of English country furniture.

Category

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

Materials

Yew

A large wooden desk or table from franco Albini. Italy 60's

$3,900

A large wooden desk or table from franco Albini. Italy 60's

Located in VILLERS-SUR-MER, FR

An attractive all-wood desk with oak veneer top and solid oak legs. Italian work, 70's.

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Large-Scale Mad Men Roger Sprunger Executive Desk Dunbar, Mid-Century Modern

$5,500

Large-Scale Mad Men Roger Sprunger Executive Desk Dunbar, Mid-Century Modern

By Roger Sprunger

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Large-scale Mid-Century Modern executive desk designed by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar. Gorgeous walnut with stainless steel double pedestal base. Four drawers including one file, two r...

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Large Boomerang shaped Walnut Desk with Green Leather patinated top Italy 1950’s

$13,172

Large Boomerang shaped Walnut Desk with Green Leather patinated top Italy 1950’s

By Gio Ponti

Located in Den Haag, NL

Large Boomerang shaped Walnut Desk with Green Leather patinated top, Italy 1950’s. Depth 84cm (approx 33inch), height 76 cm (approx 30 inch) Width in the back 204cm (approx 80 inch...

Category

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

Materials

Leather, Nutwood

Ico Parisi Rare Large Wood and Laminate Desk with Mirror, Hotel Lorena, 1959.60

$3,962Sale Price|49% Off

Ico Parisi Rare Large Wood and Laminate Desk with Mirror, Hotel Lorena, 1959.60

By Bernini, Ico Parisi

Located in Rome, IT

Ico and Luisa Parisi vanity desk from Hotel Lorena, Grosseto manufacured by Ditta Bernini Italy, 1959-60 this desk is very rare because this is the large version of the desk and...

Category

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

Materials

Mirror, Laminate, Mahogany

White Large Secretaire Desk, Design by Eric Gizard in Paris, made in France

$3,607 / item

White Large Secretaire Desk, Design by Eric Gizard in Paris, made in France

By Éric Gizard

Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE

This large secretary desk is mounted in our French workshops and delivered fully assembled. The overall dimensions of the box itself are Width 120 cm / 47.2'' Height 90 cm / 35...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writi...

Materials

Wood, Ash, Lacquer

Vivai del Sud Large Desk or Dining Table in Bamboo, Rattan, Wicker, Italy 1970s

$4,009

Vivai del Sud Large Desk or Dining Table in Bamboo, Rattan, Wicker, Italy 1970s

By Vivai del Sud

Located in Roma, IT

Spectacular large desk or dining table in bamboo, rattan, and hand-woven wicker. This charming and unique organic table was designed by Vivai del Sud and produced in Italy during the...

Category

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

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Wood

large Italian Ico Parisi desk for Mim Roma in solid wood from the 60's

$9,392

large Italian Ico Parisi desk for Mim Roma in solid wood from the 60's

By Ico Parisi

Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Large 60's desk by Italian designer Ico Parisi for Mim International. Structure in solid wood and veneer. Rounded top, desk composed of a suspended pedestal with three drawers on one...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

19th Century French Mahogany Cylinder Desk

$4,813

19th Century French Mahogany Cylinder Desk

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

A good quality, large 19th Century French writing desk in the Louis XVI style.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Mid 19th Century German Biedermeier Cherrywood Standing Desk

$4,822

Mid 19th Century German Biedermeier Cherrywood Standing Desk

Located in Dusseldorf, DE

Large Biedermeier standing desk or writing desk.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century German Biedermeier Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry

Silvio Cavatorta large consolle -dressing table, with a large mirror, 1950

$6,643

Silvio Cavatorta large consolle -dressing table, with a large mirror, 1950

By Silvio Cavatorta

Located in Rome, IT

elegant consolle- dressing table from Silvio Cavatorta (1899-1957), crafted in the 1950s. The table features an adjustable round mirror on the left side and four drawers with styli...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Large Brutalist Trestle Table, France, 1950's

$12,500

Large Brutalist Trestle Table, France, 1950's

Located in New York, NY

Solid oak table, simple yet sturdy construction on trestle legs, ideal for a writing table or a breakfast nook 44.5x27x20

Category

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

Materials

Oak

Large Regence Style Ormolu Mounted Bureau Plat

$38,074

Large Regence Style Ormolu Mounted Bureau Plat

Located in London, GB

Of classical rectangular form, the four cabriole legs capped by ormolu female masks, with a further two masks to the sides, with three drawers and a leather writing surface

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Antique Large Oak Library Table by Gillows of Lancaster ca. 1830

$11,558

Antique Large Oak Library Table by Gillows of Lancaster ca. 1830

Located in Nottingham, GB

Large Oak Library Table by Gillows of Lancaster, circa 1830–1840 Material: Country oak, leather and brass A substantial early Victorian library table by Gillows of Lancaster, datin...

Category

Antique 19th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Chocolate Gray French large Secrétaire, Eric Gizard, Paris

$3,607 / item

Chocolate Gray French large Secrétaire, Eric Gizard, Paris

By Éric Gizard

Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE

This large secretary desk is mounted in our French workshops and delivered fully assembled. The overall dimensions of the box itself are Width 120 cm / 47.2'' Height 90 cm / 35...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writi...

Materials

Wood, Ash, Lacquer

Yellow large French Secretaire, design Eric Gizard in Paris

$3,607 / item

Yellow large French Secretaire, design Eric Gizard in Paris

By Éric Gizard

Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE

This large secretary desk is designed by the famous parisian Designer Eric Gizard and delivered fully mounted. The overall dimensions of the box itself are Width 120 cm / 47.2''...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writi...

Materials

Wood, Ash, Lacquer

Doge Large Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina

$23,482 / item

Doge Large Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina

By Carlo Scarpa, Cassina

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Doge Large Dining Table designed by Carlo Scarpa. Manufactured by Cassina (Italy) ULTRARATIONAL EMBLEM A sculptural structure that has become an emblem of Italian design, a trademar...

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Large Louis XV Style 19th Century Bureau Plat

$38,074

Large Louis XV Style 19th Century Bureau Plat

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very good quality 19th century French kingwood parquetry inlaid Louis XV style freestanding bureau plate. Having an inset leather top, five oak lined drawers to one side, dummy dra...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Doge Large Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina

$23,482 / item

Doge Large Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina

By Cassina, Carlo Scarpa

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Doge Large Dining Table designed by Carlo Scarpa. Manufactured by Cassina (Italy) ULTRARATIONAL EMBLEM A sculptural structure that has become an emblem of Italian design, a trademar...

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Doge Large Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina

$17,755 / item

Doge Large Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina

By Carlo Scarpa, Cassina

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Doge Large Dining Table designed by Carlo Scarpa. Manufactured by Cassina (Italy) ULTRARATIONAL EMBLEM A sculptural structure that has become an emblem of Italian design, a trademar...

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Doge Large Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina

$17,755 / item

Doge Large Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina

By Cassina, Carlo Scarpa

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Doge Large Dining Table designed by Carlo Scarpa. Manufactured by Cassina (Italy) ULTRARATIONAL EMBLEM A sculptural structure that has become an emblem of Italian design, a trademar...

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Doge Large Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina

$23,481 / item

Doge Large Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina

By Carlo Scarpa, Cassina

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Doge Large Dining Table designed by Carlo Scarpa. Manufactured by Cassina (Italy) ULTRARATIONAL EMBLEM A sculptural structure that has become an emblem of Italian design, a trademar...

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Doge Large Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina

$17,754 / item

Doge Large Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina

By Cassina, Carlo Scarpa

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Doge Large Dining Table designed by Carlo Scarpa. Manufactured by Cassina (Italy) ULTRARATIONAL EMBLEM A sculptural structure that has become an emblem of Italian design, a trademar...

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Doge Large Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina

$23,481 / item

Doge Large Dining Table by Carlo Scarpa for Cassina

By Cassina, Carlo Scarpa

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Doge Large Dining Table designed by Carlo Scarpa. Manufactured by Cassina (Italy) ULTRARATIONAL EMBLEM A sculptural structure that has become an emblem of Italian design, a trademar...

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Light Blue Large Secretaire with Storage Designed by Eric Gizard, Paris

$3,607 / item

Light Blue Large Secretaire with Storage Designed by Eric Gizard, Paris

By Éric Gizard

Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE

This large secretary desk is designed by the famous parisian Designer Eric Gizard and delivered fully mounted. The overall dimensions of the box itself are Width 120 cm / 47.2''...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writi...

Materials

Wood, Ash, Lacquer

Large Vintage Mid-Century Office Table in Palisander, Cognac Leather and Steel

$3,579

Large Vintage Mid-Century Office Table in Palisander, Cognac Leather and Steel

Located in Zagreb, HR

A distinctive mid-century modern office or conference table featuring a blend of rich palisander, cognac leather, and chromed steel accents. Its elongated form and rounded edges give...

Category

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

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Large Spanish Two Faces Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Center table

$6,475

Large Spanish Two Faces Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Center table

Located in Miami, FL

Handsome walnut library piece that can be used as a desk or Work table. Made of walnut having carved gadrooned and lyre legs and a stretcher made of iron. Carved on all sides . 19th...

Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Sea Blue Large and Design Secretaire in Ash Wood by Eric Gizard, Paris

$3,607 / item

Sea Blue Large and Design Secretaire in Ash Wood by Eric Gizard, Paris

By Éric Gizard

Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE

This large secretary desk is mounted in our French workshops and delivered fully assembled. The overall dimensions of the box itself are Width 120 cm / 47.2'' Height 90 cm / 35...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writi...

Materials

Wood, Ash, Lacquer

Frederic Schmit, Paris, Large Louis XVI Style Bureau Plat, 19th Century

$41,337Sale Price|20% Off

Frederic Schmit, Paris, Large Louis XVI Style Bureau Plat, 19th Century

By Frédéric Schmit

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A fine quality 19th century marquetry inlaid French Louis XVI style bureau plat. Having an inset tooled leather top, an ormolu moulding around, three oak lined frieze drawers, with t...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Kingwood, Mahogany

Large 19th Century French Ebonised Writing Desk

$9,782

Large 19th Century French Ebonised Writing Desk

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

Large 19th Century French ebonised three drawer writing desk.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Desks

Materials

Ebony

Very Large Mahogany Writing Slope / Campaign Desk

$1,295

Very Large Mahogany Writing Slope / Campaign Desk

Located in East Aurora, NY

A very rare large 19th century English Mahogany writing slope or lap desk in very good original condition.

Category

Antique 1860s English Early Victorian Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Large Notary Writing Desk Louis XVI Style

$3,092

Large Notary Writing Desk Louis XVI Style

Located in BARSAC, FR

Rare Louis XVI style notary writing desk made of mahogany frieze marquetry and light wood and rosewood fillet friezes. Four solid mahogany fluted legs joined by a spacer shelf. Fre...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Large Antique Napoleon III Writing Desk, Ebonized Wood & Brass, France, 1860

$20,220

Large Antique Napoleon III Writing Desk, Ebonized Wood & Brass, France, 1860

Located in London, Park Royal

A refined French Napoléon III writing desk, crafted in ebonized wood and detailed with fine brass inlay, dating to circa 1860. The piece reflects the decorative precision of the per...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Desks

Materials

Bronze

Large Empire French Writing Desk with Embossed Brown Leather Top & Column Legs

$8,250

Large Empire French Writing Desk with Embossed Brown Leather Top & Column Legs

Located in Atlanta, GA

Large Empire French writing desk or bureau plat with embossed brown leather top, bronze dore mounts, column legs, and three drawers.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Desks

Antique Oak Ladies Writing Desk with Barley Twist Legs and Leather Top

$2,806

Antique Oak Ladies Writing Desk with Barley Twist Legs and Leather Top

Located in Lisse, NL

Artistic and perfectly hand-crafted oak writing desk with large drawer. Beautiful and practical antique ladies writing desk from circa 1920.

Category

Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Desks

Materials

Brass

Danish Mid Century Teak Secretary Desk Vanity with Mirror Kai Kristiansen

$5,965

Danish Mid Century Teak Secretary Desk Vanity with Mirror Kai Kristiansen

By Kai Kristiansen

Located in Baltimore, MD

The upper drop-down cabinet opens to reveal a large writing desk surface, with three small drawers, the center with a hidden small flip up mirror.

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vanities

Materials

Teak

Roomdivider in Teak and Brass by Louis Van Teeffelen

$7,456

Roomdivider in Teak and Brass by Louis Van Teeffelen

Located in Brussels, BE

This unit features: Shelves : 13 X Small W80 D22cm 3 X Medium W80 D32 cm 1 X Large (Writing desk) W80 D40 But also : 1X Double drawers equipped shelve W80 D32 H8 1X...

Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass

French 19th Century Provincial Walnut Farm Table

$4,950

French 19th Century Provincial Walnut Farm Table

Located in Atlanta, GA

The balance between provincial simplicity and graceful line makes this table especially versatile, equally suited as a dining table, library table, or large writing desk. Solidly con...

Category

Antique 19th Century French French Provincial Farm Tables

Materials

Walnut

Swedish Antique Secretary Chest, Solid Pine, Gustavian Style, c. 1850

$5,154

Swedish Antique Secretary Chest, Solid Pine, Gustavian Style, c. 1850

Located in Kramfors, SE

Original paint with a technique called faux painting, on this chest the painter’s free interpretation of mahogany. Large writing desk that makes an excellent work surface with space ...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires

Materials

Pine

Early 19th Century French Provincial Fruitwood Farmhouse Table with Two Drawers

$14,000

Early 19th Century French Provincial Fruitwood Farmhouse Table with Two Drawers

Located in Astoria, NY

With its generous proportions and understated design, the table is equally suited for use as a farmhouse dining table, large writing desk, or worktable. Structurally revised, cleaned...

Category

Antique 1820s French French Provincial Farm Tables

Materials

Iron

Antique English Rustic Pine Farm Table ~ Dining Table with Drawer

$4,980

Antique English Rustic Pine Farm Table ~ Dining Table with Drawer

Located in Dallas, TX

Surrounded by Windsor chairs or upholstered side chairs, it suits rustic, transitional and modern interiors, and works equally well as a library table or a large writing desk. Circa ...

Category

Early 20th Century English Rustic Dining Room Tables

Materials

Pine

French Louis Philippe Style Large Fruitwood Bookcase with Writing Desk

$4,800

French Louis Philippe Style Large Fruitwood Bookcase with Writing Desk

Located in Wichita, KS

Louis Philippe fruitwood cabinet featuring a sleek glass top. Adorned with window-pane style doors at the top, this exquisite piece exudes sophistication while offering convenient ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Shabby Chic and Gold Leaf Distressed Antique Writing Table Desk Large Console

$3,800

Shabby Chic and Gold Leaf Distressed Antique Writing Table Desk Large Console

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Antique distressed finish writing hall centre table or small dining table with figural shape top. It features base with Fine carved finial and now drawer.

Category

20th Century American French Provincial Dining Room Tables

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century French Louis XV Walnut Side Table or Writing Desk with Large Drawer

$2,800

19th Century French Louis XV Walnut Side Table or Writing Desk with Large Drawer

Located in Hopewell, NJ

Elegant and classic 19th century French Louis XV side table crafted in warm walnut with a beautifully aged surface and rich natural patina. The rectangular molded top sits above a ge...

Category

Antique 1860s French Louis XV End Tables

Materials

Walnut

L. & J. G. Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Writing Desk, Circa 1910

$5,995

L. & J. G. Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Writing Desk, Circa 1910

By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period large executive writing desk or library table By L. & J.G.

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Cabinets

Materials

Copper

Early 19th Century Georgian English Travel Writing Box Mahogany

$1,567

Early 19th Century Georgian English Travel Writing Box Mahogany

Located in Münster, DE

Writing box, mahogany, England, around 1830, writing surface with leather overlay, nice interior division Large writing box / travel writing desk England around 1830, folding to tr...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Massive Antique George III 1780 Library Desk Table George Rex Locks

$20,396

Massive Antique George III 1780 Library Desk Table George Rex Locks

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this exquisite George III circa 1780-1800 extra large Library table writing desk with period George Rex stamped locks This piece will honestly ...

Category

Antique 1780s English George III Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique Swedish Country House Secretary Chest, Faux Mahogany Paint, Circa 1840

$5,326

Antique Swedish Country House Secretary Chest, Faux Mahogany Paint, Circa 1840

Located in Kramfors, SE

Made by hand in northern Sweden around 1840 with two large and functional drawers. The writing desk has an interior with drawers and nooks behind it.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Country Secretaires

Materials

Pine

Extraordinary oversized night tables by Barbara Barry for Henredon

$9,200 / set

Extraordinary oversized night tables by Barbara Barry for Henredon

Located in North Canton, OH

Extraordinary pieces. These are extra large night tables with pullout writing desks and the original eglomise back galleries with contoured corners.

Category

Vintage 1980s American Regency Night Stands

Materials

Wood

Scandinavian Modern Table Lamp in Nickel-Plated Metal and Opaline Glass, 1940s

$6,299

Scandinavian Modern Table Lamp in Nickel-Plated Metal and Opaline Glass, 1940s

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

The scale of the lamp makes it suitable for larger surfaces such as sideboards, writing desks, or console tables, where both its functional and sculptural presence can be appreciated...

Category

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Nickel, Metal

Antique 19th century English oak secretary / bureau

$4,009

Antique 19th century English oak secretary / bureau

Located in Eindhoven, NL

A very fine antique secretary/ bureau. With writing desk, 2 large and 2 small drawers and hidden secret letter compartments.

Category

Antique 19th Century English George III Secretaires

Materials

Brass

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Large Writing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the large writing desk you’re looking for at 1stDibs. A large writing desk — often made from wood, metal and mahogany — can elevate any home. If you’re shopping for a large writing desk, we have 341 options in-stock, while there are 14 modern editions to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer large writing desk, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. A large writing desk is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Mid-Century Modern, Modern and Scandinavian Modern styles are sought with frequency. Many designers have produced at least one well-made large writing desk over the years, but those crafted by Jens Risom, &New and Forma Nova are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Large Writing Desk?

A large writing desk can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $5,880, while the lowest priced sells for $212 and the highest can go for as much as $181,692.

Finding the Right Desks-writing-tables for You

Vintage desks and writing tables span centuries of design. The writing table came first, a simple surface built for correspondence, while the drawered desk followed as record-keeping at home and in the office grew more demanding.

Styles to Know

Any desk at least 20 years old falls under this broader vintage category. If you want a tapered-leg, mid-century look specifically, browse mid-century modern desks; Louis XVI and Art Deco secretary desks bridge the writing-table and desk forms. A vintage table lamp adds task lighting to either.

How to Choose the Right Vintage Piece

Writing tables often carry little to no storage of their own, so a separate file cabinet or desk organizer may be worth planning for, alongside a close look at the surface dimensions against the space available. Each piece comes from a vetted 1stDibs seller, with era, designer and condition detailed, and every purchase is covered by the 1stDibs Promise.

Questions About Large 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's the difference between a desk and a writing table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
Desks typically include drawers or storage compartments, while writing tables (and secretary desks) offer a flatter surface with little to no built-in storage.
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.
What's the difference between a mid-century modern desk and a writing table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
Desks typically include drawers or storage, while writing tables are a flatter, more minimal work surface; check the listing description for storage details.

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