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Old World Desks

Italian Rococo Revival Writing Desk, Late 19th Century
Italian Rococo Revival Writing Desk, Late 19th Century

Italian Rococo Revival Writing Desk, Late 19th Century

Located in Southampton, NY

floral designs complete the look, adding a touch of whimsy and old-world charm. The desk bears a "Made

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Rococo Revival Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Paint

Superb Period 1780s era Italian Tombstone Paint Decorated Secretary Desk
Superb Period 1780s era Italian Tombstone Paint Decorated Secretary Desk

Superb Period 1780s era Italian Tombstone Paint Decorated Secretary Desk

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

-painted floral motifs and decorative trim, this desk exudes old-world charm and timeless elegance. The

Category

Antique 1780s Italian Rococo Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Edwardian Maple & Co Pedestal Writing Desk Distressed Brown Embossed Leather
Edwardian Maple & Co Pedestal Writing Desk Distressed Brown Embossed Leather

Edwardian Maple & Co Pedestal Writing Desk Distressed Brown Embossed Leather

By Maple & Co.

Located in Pulborough, GB

with a classic, timeless design. Its distressed brown embossed leather top adds an old-world charm to

Category

Antique 19th Century British Edwardian Pedestals

Materials

Hardwood

Recent Sales

19th Century Louis XV Hardwood Desk with Hidden Drawers
19th Century Louis XV Hardwood Desk with Hidden Drawers

19th Century Louis XV Hardwood Desk with Hidden Drawers

Located in Lakewood, NJ

This 1875 unique Antique executive desk with hidden drawers, is a superb example of old world

Category

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

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century French Faux Leather Book Ink Well
19th Century French Faux Leather Book Ink Well

19th Century French Faux Leather Book Ink Well

Unavailable

H 1.58 in W 6.7 in D 3.94 in

19th Century French Faux Leather Book Ink Well

Located in Antwerp, BE

desk. Perfect old world elegance. Also the perfect gift for the person who has everything.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Inkwells

Venetian Decoupage Table SATURDAY SALE
Venetian Decoupage Table SATURDAY SALE

Venetian Decoupage Table SATURDAY SALE

Unavailable

H 31 in W 44 in D 32 in

Venetian Decoupage Table SATURDAY SALE

Located in West Palm beach, FL

of characters, landscapes and foliage Great table for library or old world table desk. .

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Baroque Center Tables

Materials

Wood

Garcia Natural Carved Pine Executive Office Desk Library Table Rustic Old World
Garcia Natural Carved Pine Executive Office Desk Library Table Rustic Old World

Garcia Natural Carved Pine Executive Office Desk Library Table Rustic Old World

Located in Dayton, OH

Garcia Imports executive desk. Made from pine with European architectural elements. Features fluted

Category

Late 20th Century Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Brass Desk Globe
Brass Desk Globe

Brass Desk Globe

Sold

H 11 in W 9 in D 8 in

Brass Desk Globe

Located in San Diego, CA

Unique old world brass desk globe, circa 2000s. Made of solid brass for long lasting visual appeal

Category

Late 20th Century Indian More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass, Iron

Brass Desk Globe
Brass Desk Globe

Brass Desk Globe

Sold

H 11 in W 9 in D 8 in

Brass Desk Globe

Located in San Diego, CA

Unique old world brass desk globe, circa 2000s. Made of solid brass for long lasting visual appeal

Category

Late 20th Century Indian More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass, Iron

English Made Mahogany Three-Drawer Writing Desk on Legs Library Table
English Made Mahogany Three-Drawer Writing Desk on Legs Library Table

English Made Mahogany Three-Drawer Writing Desk on Legs Library Table

Located in Atlanta, GA

it was hand crafted by a third generation furniture maker. Using Old World methods, this writing desk

Category

2010s English Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

People Also Browsed

Antique Swedish WH Cabinet
Antique Swedish WH Cabinet

Antique Swedish WH Cabinet

$7,200

H 83.08 in W 45.28 in D 18.51 in

Antique Swedish WH Cabinet

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

This antique painted cabinet from Sweden dates back to the 19th century. While its elegant arched crown and curved door decorations show influences from the French Rococo style, its ...

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Cupboards

Materials

Wood

18th c. Painted Danish Cabinet
18th c. Painted Danish Cabinet

18th c. Painted Danish Cabinet

$26,000

H 91.75 in W 71.75 in D 24 in

18th c. Painted Danish Cabinet

Located in Greenwich, CT

An impressive cabinet in original dry-scraped cream/grey paint, consisting of a wonderful overhanging baroque arched cornice on a two door cupboard with single adjustable shelf above...

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Danish Gustavian Cupboards

Materials

Wood

18th Century Antique Swedish Red Painted Baroque Secretary
18th Century Antique Swedish Red Painted Baroque Secretary

18th Century Antique Swedish Red Painted Baroque Secretary

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

A two-tiered wooden cabinet from the 18th century Swedish Gustavian period. The top door opens to reveal a decorative top shelf and three other shelves. The top of the bottom shelf c...

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Cupboards

Materials

Wood

19th Century French Louis XVI Style Oversized Bergere Marquise Armchair
19th Century French Louis XVI Style Oversized Bergere Marquise Armchair

19th Century French Louis XVI Style Oversized Bergere Marquise Armchair

Located in Charleston, SC

19th century French Louis XVI style bergère marquise upholstered armchair in painted wood frame with neoclassical architecture embellished hand-carved foliates, rosettes and tapered ...

Category

Antique 19th Century Bergere Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Paint

French 18th Century Louis XV Painted & Gilt Queen Bed
French 18th Century Louis XV Painted & Gilt Queen Bed

French 18th Century Louis XV Painted & Gilt Queen Bed

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

A quality Louis XV Period carved and gold gilt queen bed frame. The four piece frame has classic carvings of Rococo influenced Louis XV style with flamboyant carvings and gold gilt c...

Category

Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Gold

1894 Steinway & Sons Concert Grand Piano, Louis XV Style, Giltwood
1894 Steinway & Sons Concert Grand Piano, Louis XV Style, Giltwood

1894 Steinway & Sons Concert Grand Piano, Louis XV Style, Giltwood

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

This extraordinary concert grand piano with 88 keys was made by the prestigious firm Steinway & Sons around 1894. The case's decoration was entrusted to the company Cuel & Ci...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Musical Instruments

Materials

Wood, Giltwood

Louis XV Style Chinoiserie Slant-Top Desk
Louis XV Style Chinoiserie Slant-Top Desk

Louis XV Style Chinoiserie Slant-Top Desk

$5,750

H 37.75 in W 30 in D 15.5 in

Louis XV Style Chinoiserie Slant-Top Desk

Located in Pembroke, MA

A stunning, petite French slant-top desk or "bureau de pente" in the Louis XV style, turquoise and gold polychromed with Chinoiserie detailing, and red under-body. Desk opens to rev...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Louis XV Desks

Materials

Bronze

French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Blue Velvet Marquise Bergere
French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Blue Velvet Marquise Bergere

French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Blue Velvet Marquise Bergere

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

A French Louis XVI marquise bergère, commonly known as a chair and a half, from the 19th century. This example features timeless sophistication, beautiful lines, and sparse ornamenta...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Bergere Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Down

Rare Pair 18th Century Venetian Paint Decorated Marble Top Commodes Nightstands
Rare Pair 18th Century Venetian Paint Decorated Marble Top Commodes Nightstands

Rare Pair 18th Century Venetian Paint Decorated Marble Top Commodes Nightstands

$4,360Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 34 in W 27.5 in D 15.5 in

Rare Pair 18th Century Venetian Paint Decorated Marble Top Commodes Nightstands

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This rare pair of 18th century Venetian paint-decorated marble top commodes nightstands exemplifies the opulence and artistry of Italian Rococo furniture. Each bombe-form chest showc...

Category

Antique 1790s Italian Rococo Night Stands

Materials

Marble, Iron

Paint Decorated Continental Italian Foyer Cabinet Console Table Buffet
Paint Decorated Continental Italian Foyer Cabinet Console Table Buffet

Paint Decorated Continental Italian Foyer Cabinet Console Table Buffet

$1,480Sale Price|20% Off

H 33 in W 38.5 in D 12.5 in

Paint Decorated Continental Italian Foyer Cabinet Console Table Buffet

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This exquisite Continental Italian paint decorated foyer cabinet exudes timeless European charm with its hand-painted floral motifs and elegant silhouette. Designed in the style of 1...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Louis XV Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

19th C. Neo Classic Large Bed With Gilt Work & Painted "Boucher" Style Cherubs
19th C. Neo Classic Large Bed With Gilt Work & Painted "Boucher" Style Cherubs

19th C. Neo Classic Large Bed With Gilt Work & Painted "Boucher" Style Cherubs

Located in London, Park Royal

This bed isn’t just fit for a king—it was actually made for royalty! Handcrafted in solid oak in France circa 1880, this remarkable Neo-Classical bed was commissioned a member of Eu...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Louis XV Style Writing Desk with Serpentine Legs Painted with Gold Highlights
Louis XV Style Writing Desk with Serpentine Legs Painted with Gold Highlights

Louis XV Style Writing Desk with Serpentine Legs Painted with Gold Highlights

By La Maison London

Located in London, Park Royal

Louis XV style writing desk made by La Maison London. Painted in a French grey with gold highlights. mounted on Serpentine legs with decorative bronzes ornaments . there is two dr...

Category

2010s British Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Venetian Chest of Drawers, Hand Painted, 18th C
Venetian Chest of Drawers, Hand Painted, 18th C

Venetian Chest of Drawers, Hand Painted, 18th C

$5,100Sale Price|25% Off

H 41.5 in W 49 in D 24.25 in

Venetian Chest of Drawers, Hand Painted, 18th C

Located in Houston, TX

The use of color and the unusual architectural paintings on this Piece make it very unique. It has a faux marble top in apricot Coloration. It is very old and is in the original 18...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Italian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Drop Front Secretary Desk With Bookcase Hutch
Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Drop Front Secretary Desk With Bookcase Hutch

Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Drop Front Secretary Desk With Bookcase Hutch

$1,596Sale Price|46% Off

H 88.38 in W 43 in D 21 in

Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Drop Front Secretary Desk With Bookcase Hutch

By Jasper Furniture Company

Located in Elkhart, IN

A gorgeous Georgian Chinoiserie style bureau with drop front secretary desk and bookcase hutch top In the manner of Jasper Furniture Company USA, Late 20th Century Black lacquered...

Category

Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Brass

LXV Style Dressing Table
LXV Style Dressing Table

LXV Style Dressing Table

$9,543

H 59.06 in W 43.31 in D 24.41 in

LXV Style Dressing Table

By La Maison London

Located in London, Park Royal

Made in the French LXV style, this dressing table has been hand carved in solid wood, featuring the ornamental shell of the Rococo period. The design integrates a large adjustable mi...

Category

2010s British Louis XV Vanities

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Blue Oak Secretary Bureau
19th Century Swedish Blue Oak Secretary Bureau

19th Century Swedish Blue Oak Secretary Bureau

Located in Round Top, TX

This oak secretary is a striking statement piece with panel doors, dramatic bonnet, and traditional lower three large drawers. The entire secretary has been given a professional cust...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires

Materials

Brass

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Old World Desks For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of old world desks for sale on 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, metal and walnut, all old world desks available were constructed with great care. We have 73 antique and vintage old world desks in-stock, while there are 78 modern editions to choose from as well. There are all kinds of old world desks available, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. There are many kinds of old world desks to choose from, but at 1stDibs, modern, mid-century modern and Baroque old world desks are of considerable interest. Dessie Studio, Stephane Lebrun and Jaime Tresserra each produced beautiful old world desks that are worth considering.

How Much are Old World Desks?

Old world desks can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $6,099, while the lowest priced sells for $68 and the highest can go for as much as $775,000.
Questions About Old World Desks
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The best way to refinish an old metal desk is to start by cleaning the desk. Ensure that the surface is free of dust and rust, then prime the desk with one to two coats of primer. And dependent upon its condition, a coat of any metal paint can freshen up an old metal desk. Browse a wide selection of vintage metal desks on 1stDibs.
  • 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.