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.

Primitive Writing Desk

Japanese Lacquer Low Table

Primitive Farmhouse Table

French School Desk

Early American Primitive Antiques

Distressed Desks

Slanted Table

Farmhouse Desk

Early American Writing Table

Antique French Country Primitive Black Distress Painted 1 Drawer Desk Work Table

$1,500

H 29.5 in W 42.25 in D 31.25 in

Antique French Country Primitive Black Distress Painted 1 Drawer Desk Work Table

Located in Philadelphia, PA

. Antique French Country Primitive Black Distress Painted 1 Drawer Desk Work Table. Item features wooden

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Primitive Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

18th Century French Primitive Pine Dining Table / Desk with a Drawer

$3,200

H 28.75 in W 63 in D 33.08 in

18th Century French Primitive Pine Dining Table / Desk with a Drawer

Located in Odense, DK

yet practical element. This trestle table is ideal as a writing desk, a dining table, or as a console

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century French Primitive Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Primitive wooden desk, wabi-sabi, Spain, 1850s

$2,500

H 29.93 in W 39.77 in D 25.6 in

Primitive wooden desk, wabi-sabi, Spain, 1850s

Located in Tokyo, Tokyo

Spanish wooden table with a single central drawer. The simple plank top, tapered legs, and exposed joinery reflect a vernacular, utilitarian approach to furniture making. A quiet yet...

Category

Antique 1850s Spanish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Agnes Desk or Writing Table Made from Reclaimed Pine (custom)

$10,000 / item

H 30 in W 42 in D 17.5 in

Agnes Desk or Writing Table Made from Reclaimed Pine (custom)

By Petersen Antiques

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This custom desk or writing table is made from reclaimed pine with one large drawer that can be

Category

2010s American Primitive Desks and Writing Tables

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Reclaimed Wood

16th Century Primitive Table From the Mediterranean

$13,500

H 31 in W 60 in D 32.5 in

16th Century Primitive Table From the Mediterranean

Located in Fall River, MA

primitive design and weathered appearance speak to its age and historical significance. This piece carries

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Antique 16th Century French Primitive Desks and Writing Tables

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Wood

Primitive Antique Varnished Chestnut Lift Top Child Desk Secretary w/Bench NICE!

$2,200

H 29.5 in W 28 in D 21 in

Primitive Antique Varnished Chestnut Lift Top Child Desk Secretary w/Bench NICE!

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Primitive Antique Varnished Chestnut Lift Top Child Desk Secretary w/Bench NICE!

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20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables

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Chestnut

17th C Style Italian Rustic Primitive Reclaimed Wood Farmhouse Table To Order

$6,075Sale Price / item|22% Off

H 30 in W 60 in D 30 in

17th C Style Italian Rustic Primitive Reclaimed Wood Farmhouse Table To Order

Located in Encinitas, CA

Primitivo rustic refectory style desk table: Our “Primitivo” desk and table line; rustic

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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Primitive Desks and Writing Tables

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Fir, Reclaimed Wood

Rustic Primitive Working Bench, France, Early 19th Century

$4,850

H 32.29 in W 6.7 in D 39.38 in

Rustic Primitive Working Bench, France, Early 19th Century

Located in Antwerp, BE

Rustic working bench that exudes a raw, handcrafted charm, showcasing the wear and patina from decades, if not centuries, of use. Made from solid, heavy wood, the bench features a st...

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Antique Early 19th Century French Rustic Desks and Writing Tables

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Antique Rustic Colonial Cherry Walnut Tall Schoolmasters Desk Stand Table

$895

H 37 in W 36 in D 29 in

Antique Rustic Colonial Cherry Walnut Tall Schoolmasters Desk Stand Table

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique Rustic Colonial Cherry Walnut Tall Schoolmasters Desk Stand Table. Item featured has a lift

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Antique 19th Century Primitive Desks and Writing Tables

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Cherry

Custom Primitive Saint Anthony Table by Dos Gallos Studio

$15,015 / item

H 30 in W 84 in D 40 in

Custom Primitive Saint Anthony Table by Dos Gallos Studio

By Dos Gallos Studio

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Custom walnut dining table or desk with X-stretchers. Narrow profile. 1inch thick top. Can be made

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21st Century and Contemporary American Spanish Colonial Desks and Writin...

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1890-1910 Oak Writing Table, Arts & Crafts, Norway / Denmark

$4,400Sale Price|20% Off

H 31.11 in W 51.58 in D 24.02 in

1890-1910 Oak Writing Table, Arts & Crafts, Norway / Denmark

Located in Skien, NO

Primitive antique writing desk/office table, handcrafted in Norway / Denmark between 1890-1910, is

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Antique Late 19th Century Danish Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Primitive Antique Northern Swedish Trestle Table, Made by Hand in Solid Pine

$2,865

H 27.37 in W 46.26 in D 26.38 in

Primitive Antique Northern Swedish Trestle Table, Made by Hand in Solid Pine

Located in Kramfors, SE

Primitive antique trestle table from northern Sweden made by hand around 1820 in solid pine. The

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Country Desks and Writing Tables

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Pine

Antique Early 19th Century Plantation Desk Secretary + Bookcase Hutch Cabinet

$2,450Sale Price|30% Off

H 73 in W 40 in D 29.5 in

Antique Early 19th Century Plantation Desk Secretary + Bookcase Hutch Cabinet

Located in Dayton, OH

An exceptional mid to early 19th century primitive American Plantation writing desk / hutch

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Antique Early 19th Century American Secretaires

Materials

Poplar, Pine

Antique New Mexican Table/ Chair From J. Sykes

$1,295 / set

H 24.25 in W 41.5 in D 25.5 in

Antique New Mexican Table/ Chair From J. Sykes

Located in Bridgeport, CT

antique writing set including a desk with a thin plank top over a simple frame, accompanied by a wood

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Antique 19th Century American Primitive Tables

Materials

Wood

Recent Sales

19th century American Primitive Writing Desk

Sold

H 11 in W 23.75 in D 19.5 in

19th century American Primitive Writing Desk

Located in Savannah, GA

American Primitive that was crudely made with square nails and iron hinges. All original in as

Category

Antique 1850s American Primitive Decorative Boxes

Materials

Pine

Primitive Antique Early American Cherry Slant Top Writing School Desk

Sold

H 32 in W 27 in D 37 in

Primitive Antique Early American Cherry Slant Top Writing School Desk

Located in Dayton, OH

A charming 19th century slant top writing desk. Made from cherry with turned legs leading to peg

Category

Antique 19th Century American Colonial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry

Primitive Antique Early American Pine Slant Top Writing Desk Country Farmhouse

Sold

H 35 in W 25 in D 38 in

Primitive Antique Early American Pine Slant Top Writing Desk Country Farmhouse

Located in Dayton, OH

American pine slant top writing desk, circa 19th century. Features an aged distressed patina. Great

Category

Antique 19th Century Rustic Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Primitive Swedish Writing Table in Oak

Sold

H 33 in W 48 in D 30 in

Primitive Swedish Writing Table in Oak

Located in Nashville, TN

Primitive Swedish writing table in oak. Original black paint on the top, which opens for storage.

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Antique 1880s Desks and Writing Tables

Vintage Rustic Solid Pine Writing Desk

Sold

H 30 in W 39.25 in L 30 in

Vintage Rustic Solid Pine Writing Desk

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous primitive rustic pine writing desk. The desk features solid wood construction and

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Mid-20th Century American Primitive Desks and Writing Tables

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Pine

Primitive Children's School Desk

Sold

H 31 in W 118 in D 16 in

Primitive Children's School Desk

Located in Culver City, CA

Wonderful early bank of desks with individual flip up storage.

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Antique 19th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

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Wood

Tall White Primitive Desk

Sold

H 42 in W 67 in D 29 in

Tall White Primitive Desk

Located in Culver City, CA

An early standing desk, with worn white paint and original brass hardware. Made in France circa

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Antique 1870s French Country Desks and Writing Tables

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Brass

Primitive Console / Desk, France 1790

Sold

H 27 in W 42 in D 24 in

Primitive Console / Desk, France 1790

Located in Culver City, CA

Primitive Console / Desk France, 1790 Composed of oak, with drawer on each end. 42"L x 24"d x 27"h

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Antique 1790s French Directoire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique Pine Wood Primitive Desk, Spain

Sold

H 29.73 in W 53.75 in D 27.96 in

Antique Pine Wood Primitive Desk, Spain

Located in Tokyo, Tokyo

Antique pine wood desk with a large drawer. From Spain. Circa 1820s. Excellent patina. Perfect for

Category

Antique 1820s Spanish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

18th Century Spanish Wooden Folding Table/ Writing Desk

Sold

H 30.71 in W 48.43 in D 28.94 in

18th Century Spanish Wooden Folding Table/ Writing Desk

Located in Buisson, FR

Beautiful Spanish table with an iron support. This table has a simple and straightforward design, and the support beneath it scrolls from one side to other beneath. As you can see on...

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Antique 18th Century Spanish Primitive Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Original Rustic & Primitive Petite French Writing Table w/Drawer

Sold

H 28.25 in W 34 in D 23 in

Original Rustic & Primitive Petite French Writing Table w/Drawer

Located in BENSENVILLE, IL

Spectacular original early 18th century French writing table with drawer. Oozing with charm and

Category

Antique 1780s French Country Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Primitive / Country Style Wooden School Desk / Table

Sold

H 28 in W 31.25 in D 22.25 in

Primitive / Country Style Wooden School Desk / Table

Located in Oakville, CT

Antique Primitive country / farm style wooden desk / school table with a single drawer. Incredible

Category

Early 20th Century American Country Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Late 18th Century French Primitive Slanted School Desk

Sold

H 30.71 in W 33.08 in D 17.72 in

Late 18th Century French Primitive Slanted School Desk

Located in Basingstoke, Hampshire

A late 18th century French primitive slanted school desk. Featuring its original dry scraped paint

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Contemporary Custom-made Primitve English Country Style Solid Oak Writing Desk

Sold

H 31 in W 62 in D 31 in

Contemporary Custom-made Primitve English Country Style Solid Oak Writing Desk

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

-made solid oak desk designed in the English country manner. The desk is designbed to look antique with

Category

Early 2000s Unknown Primitive Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Early 20th c. Primitive Farmhouse Desk, c.1920-1940

Sold

H 23 in W 49.25 in D 25.25 in

Early 20th c. Primitive Farmhouse Desk, c.1920-1940

Located in San Francisco, CA

About A rustic primitive farmhouse desk with one drawer and metal pull. Painted wood on the bottom

Category

Early 20th Century Rustic Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

French 18th Century Solid Oak Writing Table

Sold

H 28.75 in W 49.13 in D 17 in

French 18th Century Solid Oak Writing Table

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

writing desk or display table. Be sure to view all the images to see the details of this wonderful table

Category

Antique 18th Century French Primitive Desks and Writing Tables

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Wood, Oak

An Americana 19th Century Tavern Table/Desk

Sold

H 29 in W 50 in D 34 in

An Americana 19th Century Tavern Table/Desk

Located in Bellport, NY

A one drawer early 19th century pine wood desk/table. Original iron casters on feet, seats four

Category

Antique 19th Century American Primitive Desks and Writing Tables

Antique American Gray Distress Painted 1 Drawer Small Work Table Desk

Sold

H 26.5 in W 36 in D 17 in

Antique American Gray Distress Painted 1 Drawer Small Work Table Desk

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique American gray distress painted one drawer small work table desk. Item features solid wood

Category

Early 20th Century North American Primitive Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Industrial Zinc Top Work Table

Sold

H 31.5 in W 44.5 in D 30.5 in

Industrial Zinc Top Work Table

Located in Culver City, CA

Primitive work table with large pull out drawer, and original zinc top. Made in Italy circa 1790.

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Primitive Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Zinc

Primitive Desk

Sold

H 30 in W 48 in D 20 in

Primitive Desk

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Primitive American style wood desk fronted by a single drawer and sits on square legs. Distressed

Category

20th Century American Primitive Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Americana Rustic Primitive Pine Desk/Table

Sold

H 30.5 in W 42.5 in D 24.25 in

Americana Rustic Primitive Pine Desk/Table

Located in Malibu, CA

Primitive pine writing desk, with a small center drawer. Roomy surface with natural wear to the

Category

20th Century Primitive Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Primitive Painted Desk

Sold

H 29.5 in W 47 in D 33.5 in

Primitive Painted Desk

Located in Culver City, CA

Two-drawer desk in worn period finish with remnants of the original paint.

Category

Early 20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Swedish Primitive Country Desk

Sold

H 30 in W 45 in D 25 in

Swedish Primitive Country Desk

Located in Hollywood, FL

This is a unique Swedish Primitive Country Desk, Its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints

Category

Antique 1870s Swedish Country Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Primitive Hand Crafted Writing Desk in Pine, Made by a Swedish Carpenter, 1800s

Sold

H 28.55 in W 38.59 in D 29.53 in

Primitive Hand Crafted Writing Desk in Pine, Made by a Swedish Carpenter, 1800s

Located in Odense, DK

This primitive desk, hailing from 19th-century Sweden, reflects the rustic charm and simplicity of

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Antique Pine Wood American Primitive Flip Storage Work Plantation Desk Table

Sold

H 35 in W 26 in D 23.5 in

Antique Pine Wood American Primitive Flip Storage Work Plantation Desk Table

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique pine wood American primitive flip storage work plantation desk table. Item features

Category

Antique 19th Century North American Primitive Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Antique Primitive Colonial Pine Wood 1 Drawer Work Table Desk w/ Backsplash

Sold

H 36 in W 44 in D 22 in

Antique Primitive Colonial Pine Wood 1 Drawer Work Table Desk w/ Backsplash

Located in Philadelphia, PA

. Antique Primitive Colonial Pine Wood 1 Drawer Work Table Desk w/ Backsplash. Circa Late 19th Century

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Other Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Primitive Aged Writing Desk, 1930's

Sold

H 31.5 in W 35.5 in D 18 in

Primitive Aged Writing Desk, 1930's

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This rustic wooden table features a beautifully timeworn patina that speaks to its rich history and authentic charm. Its aged surface reveals subtle imperfections and character marks...

Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Desks

Materials

Wood

1860s Edo Japanese antique wabi sabi low writing desk primitive coffee table

Sold

H 10.04 in W 37.8 in D 14.57 in

1860s Edo Japanese antique wabi sabi low writing desk primitive coffee table

Located in 常陸大宮市, JP

From Tohoku area, Japan. This antique low writing desk is a product of late Edo era. estimate from

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Edo Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Cypress

1860s Edo Japanese antique wabi sabi urushi low writing desk primitive tea table

Sold

H 11.22 in W 36.81 in D 13.66 in

1860s Edo Japanese antique wabi sabi urushi low writing desk primitive tea table

Located in 常陸大宮市, JP

156 to 159 years-old antique low writing desk with 2 drawers. product of Keio period (1865-1868

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Edo Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Mahogany Dovetailed Officer's Writing or Desk Box

Sold

H 8.75 in W 14 in D 10 in

Antique Mahogany Dovetailed Officer's Writing or Desk Box

Located in Doylestown, PA

Antique mahogany writing/correspondence box with dovetail construction, circa late 19th century. A

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Primitive Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Brass

19th Century Five Drawer Wooden Writing Desk

Sold

H 30 in W 59 in D 39.5 in

19th Century Five Drawer Wooden Writing Desk

Located in New Rochelle, NY

American primitive 19th century wooden writing desk with five deep set keyhole drawers that go the

Category

Antique 19th Century American Primitive Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Primitive Teak Desk/Work Table

Sold

H 30 in Dm 32 in

Primitive Teak Desk/Work Table

Located in San Francisco, CA

Bleached Teak made from recycled wood. Single drawer with divider and wood pulls. Stretcher base on sides and crossbar.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Desks and Writing Tables

Primitive compact dining table or desk

Sold

H 30.5 in W 46 in D 38.5 in

Primitive compact dining table or desk

Located in Los Angeles, CA

W46 D38.5 H30.5 KC23.5 Vintage aged solid wood compact dining table or desk. Surface has great

Category

Vintage 1940s Rustic Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Wooden Desk

Sold

H 30.5 in W 38 in D 27 in

Wooden Desk

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Wooden Desk

Category

Antique 1890s American Primitive Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Spanish Primitive Single Drawer Work Table (reference # PAR49)

Sold

H 30 in W 71 in D 25.5 in

Spanish Primitive Single Drawer Work Table (reference # PAR49)

Located in San Francisco, CA

Extremely primitive and rare piece of pine. These pieces usually do not survive because of soft

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Spanish Desks and Writing Tables

Early Primitive Desk with Original Paint

Sold

H 34 in W 37 in D 22 in

Early Primitive Desk with Original Paint

Located in Southampton, NY

Primitive desk with a lift top retains it's original paint and aged patina. Late 18th century

Category

Antique 18th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

19th Century Primitive Americana Pine Desk

Sold

H 42 in W 37.5 in D 29 in

19th Century Primitive Americana Pine Desk

Located in Summerland, CA

19th century primitive Americana pine desk. Slightly slant top opens to storage below with cubby

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

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Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool

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IDE Travertine Stone Side Table, 17.7Ø"x18.5"H - Accent, End Table, Coffee Table

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Pair of Park Night Stands in Poplar Burl by Yaniv Chen for Lemon

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Pair of Park Night Stands in Poplar Burl by Yaniv Chen for Lemon

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$1,395 / item

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Rosso Wall Mirror

By Specchi Veneziani

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This piece is a versatile desk or small dining table crafted in oak, showcasing the elegance of Baroque style with a touch of mid-century modernity. Made in the 1970s by a Danish cab...

Category

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

Materials

Oak

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Primitive Writing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal primitive writing desk for your home. Each primitive writing desk for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, softwood and pine. There are 16 variations of the antique or vintage primitive writing desk you’re looking for, while we also have 4 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer primitive writing desk, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. When you’re browsing for the right primitive writing desk, those designed in Modern styles are of considerable interest. A well-made primitive writing desk has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Dos Gallos Studio, Ken Petersen and Kiki van Eijk are consistently popular.

How Much is a Primitive Writing Desk?

A primitive writing desk can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $2,825, while the lowest priced sells for $495 and the highest can go for as much as $36,610.

Finding the Right Desks-writing-tables for You

Choosing the perfect writing desk or writing table is a profoundly personal journey, one that people have been embarking upon for centuries.

Queen Atossa of Persia, from her writing table circa 500 B.C., is said to have been the originator of the art of handwritten letters. Hers was reportedly the first in a long and colorful history of penned correspondence that grew in popularity alongside literacy. The demand for suitable writing desks, which would serve the composer of the letters as well as ensure the comfort of the recipient naturally followed, and the design of these necessary furnishings has evolved throughout history.

Once people began to seek freedom from the outwardly ornate styles of the walnut and rosewood writing desks and drafting tables introduced in the name of Queen Victoria and King Louis XV, radical shifts occurred, such as those that materialized during the Art Nouveau period, when designers longed to produce furniture inspired by the natural world’s beauty. A prime example is the work of the famous late-19th-century Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí — his rolltop desk featured deep side drawers and was adorned with carved motifs that paid tribute to nature. Gaudí regularly combined structural precision with decorative elements, creating beautiful pieces of furniture in wood and metal.

Soon afterward, preferences for sleek, geometric, stylized forms in furniture that saw an emphasis on natural wood grains and traditional craftsmanship took hold. Today, Art Deco desks are still favored by designers who seek to infuse interiors with an air of luxury. One of the most prominent figures of the Art Deco movement was French decorator and furniture designer Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann. With his use of neoclassical motifs as well as expensive and exotic materials such as imported dark woods and inlays of precious metals for his writing desks, Ruhlmann came to symbolize good taste and modernity.

The rise in appreciation for Scandinavian modernism continues to influence the design of contemporary writing desks. It employs the “no fuss” or “less is more” approach to creating a tasteful, sophisticated space. Sweden’s master cabinetmaker Bruno Mathsson created gallery-worthy designs that are as functional as they are beautiful. Finnish architect Alvar Aalto never viewed himself as an artist, but, like Mathsson, his furniture designs reflected a fondness for organic materials and a humanistic approach. Danish designers such as Hans Wegner introduced elegant shapes and lines to mid-century desks and writing tables, often working in oak and solid teak.

From vintage desks to contemporary styles, 1stDibs offers a broad spectrum of choices for conducting all personal and business writing and reading activities.

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