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Roll Top Desks

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Walnut Roll Top Desk
Located in Manchester, GB
A small and attractive walnut roll top desk with a stamp to the central drawer top - Gillows London
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

  • Walnut Roll Top Desk
  • Walnut Roll Top Desk
  • Walnut Roll Top Desk
  • Walnut Roll Top Desk
H 49.22 in. W 42.13 in. D 29.93 in.
American Victorian Aesthetic Movement Roll Top Desk
By Herter Brothers
Located in New York, NY
American Victorian Aesthetic Movement ebonized roll top lady's desk with gallery top upper section
Category

Antique 19th Century American Aesthetic Movement Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Industrial Roll Top Desk by Herman Miller
By Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A vintage Industrial roll top desk in the style of Herman Miller, featuring a sliding cover that
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Roll Top Writing Desk by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
roll-top compartments flanking a central writing surface with a flip-down back splash, floating on a
Category

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

Materials

Brass

  • Roll Top Writing Desk by Edward Wormley
  • Roll Top Writing Desk by Edward Wormley
  • Roll Top Writing Desk by Edward Wormley
  • Roll Top Writing Desk by Edward Wormley
H 35 in. W 74 in. D 28 in.
English Arts and Crafts Oak Roll Top Desk
Located in New York, NY
English Arts and Crafts oak roll top desk with side drawers and leather top.
Category

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

Materials

Leather, Oak

  • English Arts and Crafts Oak Roll Top Desk
  • English Arts and Crafts Oak Roll Top Desk
  • English Arts and Crafts Oak Roll Top Desk
  • English Arts and Crafts Oak Roll Top Desk
H 43 in. W 60 in. D 37.5 in.
Superb 1920s Oak Roll Top Desk
Located in Dublin, IE
A superb 1920s beautifully patinated oak roll top desk of neat proportions, finely carved and of
Category

Vintage 1920s English Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

  • Superb 1920s Oak Roll Top Desk
  • Superb 1920s Oak Roll Top Desk
  • Superb 1920s Oak Roll Top Desk
  • Superb 1920s Oak Roll Top Desk
H 40 in. W 42 in. D 27 in.
Early 20th Century French Empire Style Roll-Top Desk
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century French Empire style roll-top desk French, early 20th century Dimensions
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

  • Early 20th Century French Empire Style Roll-Top Desk
  • Early 20th Century French Empire Style Roll-Top Desk
  • Early 20th Century French Empire Style Roll-Top Desk
  • Early 20th Century French Empire Style Roll-Top Desk
H 44.49 in. W 33.08 in. D 24.41 in.
18th Century Louis XVI Roll Top Secretaire
Located in Belmont, MA
18th century Louis XVI Roll Top Secretaire, Paris 1780. The secretaire stands out for its
Category

Antique 1780s French Louis XVI Secretaires

Materials

Kingwood

  • 18th Century Louis XVI Roll Top Secretaire
  • 18th Century Louis XVI Roll Top Secretaire
  • 18th Century Louis XVI Roll Top Secretaire
  • 18th Century Louis XVI Roll Top Secretaire
H 41.3 in. W 30.3 in. D 20.1 in.
Rosewood Roll Top Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rosewood tambour roll top desk with brass feet and leather trim. Designed by Edward Wormley for
Category

Vintage 1950s Desks

English Mahogany and Gold Accented Roll Top Desk
Located in New York, NY
English Victorian style mahogany roll top desk that opens to reveal drawers, letter holders, and a
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Ormolu

Large French Neoclassical Mahogany Roll-Top Desk
Located in Troy, NY
French mahogany Empire desk of stately proportions, with a roll top, revealing a double row of
Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Roll Top Danish Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern Danish desk with cylinder top that rolls back to expose the desk area. Large
Category

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

Materials

Teak

  • Roll Top Danish Desk
  • Roll Top Danish Desk
  • Roll Top Danish Desk
  • Roll Top Danish Desk
H 38.25 in. W 35.5 in. D 18.75 in.
Large Francois Linke Roll Top Desk
By François Linke
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large and very fine Francois Linke roll top desk French late 19th-early 20th century Bureau a
Category

Antique Early 1900s Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

  • Large Francois Linke Roll Top Desk
  • Large Francois Linke Roll Top Desk
  • Large Francois Linke Roll Top Desk
  • Large Francois Linke Roll Top Desk
H 49 in. W 58 in. D 32 in.
19th Century William IV Mahogany Roll Top Writing Desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Fine quality english mahogany roll top desk circa 1830. Rare piece of english furniture we found
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Finest quality 19th century French Empire roll top desk
Located in Dallas, TX
Finest quality 19th century Empire mahogany and gilt bronze roll top desk. The drawers lined with a
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Louis XVI Style French Marquetry Roll Top Bureau De Damme
Located in London, by appointment only
A fine 19th century roll top bureau de damme in the Louis XVI style, with fine veneers and panels
Category

Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Bronze

1920s United States Roll Top Office Desk with Drawers and Wheels
Located in Marbella, ES
1920 United States roll top office desk with drawers and wheels.
Category

Early 20th Century North American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

French Empire Style Mahogany Roll Top Desk with Bronze Gilt Trim
Located in New York, NY
French Empire style (19th Century) mahogany roll top desk with bronze trim.
Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Ormolu-Mounted Marquetry Roll-Top Desk Attributed to P. Bernard
By Jean-Henri Riesener
Located in London, GB
three-quarter galleried rectangular top above a roll-top, opening to reveal a leather-lined writing
Category

Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Antique American Arts & Crafts Oak Roll Top Desk, Circa 1890s
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Arts & Crafts desk with unique folding roll top USA, Circa 1890s Beautiful
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Arts and Crafts Desks

Materials

Brass

Edwardian Oak Roll Top Desk by Lebus Desk Co
By Harris Lebus
Located in Manchester, GB
An Edwardian oak roll top desk with the lockplate reading 'Lebus Desk Co'. Of above average quality
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

  • Edwardian Oak Roll Top Desk by Lebus Desk Co
  • Edwardian Oak Roll Top Desk by Lebus Desk Co
  • Edwardian Oak Roll Top Desk by Lebus Desk Co
  • Edwardian Oak Roll Top Desk by Lebus Desk Co
H 51.19 in. W 50.4 in. D 32.68 in.
Oak Roll Top Secretary Desk
Located in Madrid, ES
Oak secretaire / writing desk from circa 1900's. Featuring a roll-up flap with underlying writing
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

  • Oak Roll Top Secretary Desk
  • Oak Roll Top Secretary Desk
  • Oak Roll Top Secretary Desk
  • Oak Roll Top Secretary Desk
H 47.25 in. W 51.19 in. D 29.53 in.
George Nelson Action Office Architect's Roll-Top Desk for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Dallas, TX
Striking black and walnut roll-top architect's desk with three drawers and hidden file storage
Category

Mid-20th Century American Desks

Materials

Aluminum

Petit Roll Top Mahogany Mechanical Desk Writing Table Tapered Legs Mid Century
By Edward Wormley
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Beginning of Mid Century Modern era Petit Roll Top Mahogany Mechanical Desk Writing Table Tapered
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Mahogany

American Antique Reproduction Roll Top Desk with Top Cupboard
Located in EDENSOR PARK, NSW
but looks like an antique, comes with keys to both roll top and below drawers, desk has 9 small
Category

Late 20th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique Roll Top Pedestal Desk by Waring & Gillows
Located in London, GB
A magnificent antique roll top desk, with satinwood inlays. This was made in England by Waring and
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Bernhardt Pedersen Danish Style Mid Century Rosewood Roll Top Desk
By Bernhard Petersen
Located in Countryside, IL
Bernhardt Pedersen Danish style mid-century rosewood roll top desk The desk measures: 35.5 wide x
Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Rosewood

18th Century Louis XVI Bureau à Cylindre or Roll Top Desk
Located in Winter Park, FL
A fine 18th century Louis XVI period bureau à cylindre, or roll top desk, made of solid walnut with
Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique English Burled Walnut & Mahogany Ladies Roll Top Desk Circa 1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique English ladies desk offers burled walnut and mahogany construction with roll top opening
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Desks

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut, Burl

Antique George III Hepplewhite Inlaid Mahogany Roll Top Secretary Desk, C1820
Located in Big Flats, NY
crest having satinwood inlaid elements over double glass door bookcase surmounting roll top desk with
Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Hepplewhite Desks

Materials

Mahogany, Glass

Antique Grand Mahogany Roll Top Derby Desk Company Boston, MA Turn of Century
By Derby Desk Company
Located in West Hartford, CT
the 20th century. This grand mahogany roll top desk features S roll top with hinged wings, 19 drawered
Category

Early 20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique Derby School Paneled Oak Roll Top Desk with Full Interior, C1900
By Derby Desk Company
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique roll top desk offers paneled quarter sawn oak construction with s-top opening to full
Category

Early 20th Century American Desks

Materials

Oak

Danish Mid-Century Modern Solid Teak Pull Out Roll Top Desk Drawers Chair Mint
By Peter Hvidt, Hadsten Traeindustri
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Danish Mid-Century Modern solid teak pull out roll top desk drawers chair mint. Accompanying
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Grand Antique Estate Pedestal Desk, English Roll Top Secretaire, Victorian, 1860
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a grand antique estate pedestal desk. An English, quality mahogany and satinwood roll-top
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Midcentury Desk with Roll-Top, Walnut Veneer, 1950s, Fully Restored
Located in Wrocław, Poland
features a generous writing surface covered with a roll-top. Under the writing top you will find a spacious
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Fine 19th Century François Linke Bronze Mounted Bureau a Cylindre Roll Top Desk
By François Linke
Located in Miami, FL
Bureau a Cylindre or roll top desk is a splendid creation. Mahogany with a deep plum color and richly
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

George III Mahogany Roll-Top Writing Table
Located in New York, NY
sides; raised on square tapering legs ending in brass caps and casters; surmounted by a tambour roll-up
Category

Antique 1790s English George III Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

  • George III Mahogany Roll-Top Writing Table
  • George III Mahogany Roll-Top Writing Table
  • George III Mahogany Roll-Top Writing Table
  • George III Mahogany Roll-Top Writing Table
H 39.25 in. W 36.25 in. D 24.25 in.
Excellent Rosewood Roll Top Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Classic roll top desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with leather footrest. This stately executive
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Teak Roll Top Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A sturdy mid-century piece that can be used as a desk or dresser, with plenty of storage for organization. Gorgeous teak woodgrain and tapered legs make for a stunning design full of...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

  • Mid-Century Modern Teak Roll Top Desk
  • Mid-Century Modern Teak Roll Top Desk
  • Mid-Century Modern Teak Roll Top Desk
  • Mid-Century Modern Teak Roll Top Desk
H 38 in. W 35.5 in. D 18.5 in.
Vintage Drexel Campaign Desk with Gilt X-Base Legs and Low Roll Top
By Drexel
Located in Stamford, CT
Fabulous vintage Campaign style low roll top desk with gilt X-leg base by Drexel. This is such a
Category

Mid-20th Century American Campaign Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid 19th Century Mahogany Roll Top Writing Desk
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Roll bureau or roll secretary. Mid 19th century. Solid mahogany and veneered on oak. Standing
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Oak

  • Mid 19th Century Mahogany Roll Top Writing Desk
  • Mid 19th Century Mahogany Roll Top Writing Desk
  • Mid 19th Century Mahogany Roll Top Writing Desk
  • Mid 19th Century Mahogany Roll Top Writing Desk
H 57.88 in. W 55.91 in. D 34.26 in.
M.W. Jr American Studio Roll Top Desk
By Michael Watson, Jr.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
signed, dated, numbered edition 5/5
Category

Vintage 1970s American Desks

Materials

Birdseye Maple, Maple

  • M.W. Jr American Studio Roll Top Desk
  • M.W. Jr American Studio Roll Top Desk
  • M.W. Jr American Studio Roll Top Desk
  • M.W. Jr American Studio Roll Top Desk
H 41 in. W 45.5 in. D 29.5 in.
Mastercraft Compact Brass Cylinder Roll Top Desk Writing Table
By Mastercraft
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern brass cylinder top faux bamboo base legs, embossed black leather pull out top
Category

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

Materials

Brass

19th C China Trade Roll Top Lap Desk on Stand
Located in Charleston, SC
A early-19th century Asian hardwood lap desk on stand. A similar one is pictured in "The Decorative Arts of The China Trade," page 248. The stand is a replacement made from pearwood.
Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Desks

Materials

Wood

  • 19th C China Trade Roll Top Lap Desk on Stand
  • 19th C China Trade Roll Top Lap Desk on Stand
  • 19th C China Trade Roll Top Lap Desk on Stand
  • 19th C China Trade Roll Top Lap Desk on Stand
H 40 in. W 20.5 in. D 16.75 in.
Mid Century Danish Modern Roll Top Desk or Dresser in Rosewood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A writing desk and cabinet from Denmark circa 1960's. It features beautifully grained rosewood with tons of storage. Writing table extends outwards which isn't shown in photos. Comes...
Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

Roll Black Desk
By Garbarino Collections
Located in Milan, IT
tempered glass and features a cylinder hutch with a roll-top lid of Ebony (also in Walnut Canaletto) that
Category

2010s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Ebony, Leather, Oak

  • Roll Black Desk
  • Roll Black Desk
  • Roll Black Desk
  • Roll Black Desk
H 35.83 in. W 53.15 in. D 29.53 in.
Antique French Walnut Tambour Top Desk
Located in Denton, TX
Rare 19th century French walnut roll top desk in the style of Louis XV. The tambour door locks with
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut

  • Antique French Walnut Tambour Top Desk
  • Antique French Walnut Tambour Top Desk
  • Antique French Walnut Tambour Top Desk
  • Antique French Walnut Tambour Top Desk
H 40.75 in. W 46.5 in. D 26.5 in.
Antique Victorian Walnut Cylinder Roll Up Desk, Scotland 1870, H345
Located in Vancouver, BC
Antique Victorian Walnut Cylinder Roll up Desk, Roll Top Desk, Scotland 1870, H345 Scotland 1870
Category

Antique 1870s Scottish Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Walnut Lectern by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A unique and elegant lectern in walnut with a roll top cover and a single drawer.
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

  • Walnut Lectern by Edward Wormley
  • Walnut Lectern by Edward Wormley
  • Walnut Lectern by Edward Wormley
  • Walnut Lectern by Edward Wormley
H 44.25 in. W 24 in. D 22 in.
Wonderful and Extremely Rare Frattini Secretary for Bernini
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Munich, DE
By pulling the drawer the tambour roll top opens automatic. Then you can double the size of the
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Adams Style Vernis Martin Paint Decorated Antique Cylinder Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Antique Adams style distressed paint decorated cylinder desk. Roll top desk containing storage, 2
Category

Early 20th Century Adam Style Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

French Louis XVI Bureau a Cylindre, Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Mounts
Located in Houston, TX
19th century desk with a Cylindre roll top opening to a leather top that pulls out for ease In use
Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

Antique 19thC English Victorian Hobbs Kneehole Cylinder Roll Writing Bureau Desk
By Hobbs & Co.
Located in Dayton, OH
drawers with roll top that opens to multiple compartments and cubbies, three more drawers, leather top
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Oak

Sheraton Revival Satinwood Cylinder Bureau
Located in Cheshire, GB
galleried superstructure above a roll top with marquetry inlaid floral decoration, enclosing a fitted
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Satinwood

  • Sheraton Revival Satinwood Cylinder Bureau
  • Sheraton Revival Satinwood Cylinder Bureau
  • Sheraton Revival Satinwood Cylinder Bureau
  • Sheraton Revival Satinwood Cylinder Bureau
H 49 in. W 53 in. D 26.5 in.
Antique Adam Decorated Satinwood Ladies Cylinder Desk, Circa 1900
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Adam decorated ladies desk offers satinwood construction with roll top opening to
Category

Early 20th Century Adam Style Desks

Materials

Satinwood

George III Mahogany Tambour Desk
Located in Essex, MA
tambour roll top opening to expose a pull out writing surface with adjustable ratcheted cream colored fine
Category

Antique Late 18th Century English George III Desks

Materials

Mahogany

  • George III Mahogany Tambour Desk
  • George III Mahogany Tambour Desk
  • George III Mahogany Tambour Desk
  • George III Mahogany Tambour Desk
H 41 in. W 38.5 in. D 23 in.
No. 804 Rolltop Desk
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Munich, DE
drawers behind the roll top and on the back there are shelves for books. Nice from every few it can be
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Wood

  • No. 804 Rolltop Desk
  • No. 804 Rolltop Desk
  • No. 804 Rolltop Desk
  • No. 804 Rolltop Desk
H 31.5 in. W 39.38 in. D 25.6 in.
Robert Propst For Herman Miller Action Office Stand-Up Desk
Located in Pasadena, TX
roll top, ebonized side panels, wooden work surface, and pencil drawer. Design allows it to be set at
Category

Vintage 1970s American Desks

Materials

Metal

Vintage Italian Regency Burlwood Laminate Saber Leg Tall Secretary Desk Display
Located in Philadelphia, PA
. Item features tall shapely cabriole/saber legs, broken arch top with finial, roll top desk, burl wood
Category

Late 20th Century North American Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Laminate, Burl

French 18th Century Louis XV Period Kingwood, Tulipwood and Ormolu Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
. The roll top opens to reveal the original pull out writing surface with its original fitted gold
Category

Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

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Roll Top Desks For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are several options of roll top desks available for sale. Frequently made of wood, metal and mahogany, all roll top desks available were constructed with great care. Roll top desks have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. Roll top desks are generally popular furniture pieces, but Mid-Century Modern, Louis XVI and Victorian styles are often sought at 1stDibs. Some roll top desks are too large for some spaces — a variety of smaller roll top desks, measuring 19 inches across, are available at 1stDibs. Many roll top desks are appealing in their simplicity, but Edward Wormley, George Nelson and Herman Miller produced popular roll top desks that are worth a look.

How Much are Roll Top Desks?

The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $4,783, while they’re typically $325 on the low end and $135,000 highest priced.

Finding the Right Desks and 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.

Questions About Roll Top Desks
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A roll top desk kept small essentials and paperwork organized. The roll top design was ideal for business people to secure their desks at the end of the day without filing away their work. Browse a variety of roll top desks on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A roll top desk is a piece of furniture that has a wooden cover that can be pulled down when the desk is not in use. Shop a collection of roll top furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Roll-top desks are originally from the late 18th century in the Georgian era of England. By the middle of the Victorian era, they were found in most offices and produced on a large scale. Shop a range of antique roll-top desks on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Sometimes, roll-top desks are called tambours, sliding roll desks or roll-up desks. However, roll-top is the most commonly used name. The style of desk became popular during the 19th century. You can find a range of roll-top desks on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A variety of factors can determine the exact age of an antique roll top desk. Some things to look for is the type of wood and craftsmanship used to create the desk. Typically, older desks will be made from heavier wood. You can also check for a maker’s marks to determine the age. When in doubt, work with a certified appraiser to determine the authenticity of your roll top desk. You’ll find a variety of expertly vetted roll top desks on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    A roll top desk can be worth anywhere between $3,000 to $6,000, depending on the condition, materials used and time of manufacturing. Roll top desks are expensive, as they are very popular on the antique furniture market and are considered timeless collectibles. Shop a range of antique and vintage roll top desks on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    To tell if a roll-top desk is an antique, look closely at the materials. Real antiques feature hardwoods like cherry, mahogany and black walnut. If you detect the use of engineered woods, the desk is a reproduction. Also, early pieces show off irregular dovetail joints. Joints that appear perfectly uniform indicate that a roll-top desk is a more recent mass-produced piece. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of expertly vetted antique roll-top desks.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    The leather top on a desk is usually just called a leather top. However, some people refer to it as a leather insert or leather writing surface. The thin pieces of leather that go into making leather-top desks are known as skivers. Shop a variety of desks from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021
    Yes, you can paint a leather desk top. You can transform an old leather desk top and add visual appeal with easy-to-use leather paint. If you don’t feel confident in trying this by yourself, get in touch with a furniture restorer or related professional for help. Find a variety of leather desk tops on 1stDibs.