Süe & Mare rosewood and amboyna burl desk 1921
By Sue et Mare
Located in Paris, IDF
, its top highlighted by a twisted wooden rush, its legs with tapered sheathed legs ending in small
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Amboyna
Süe & Mare rosewood and amboyna burl desk 1921
By Sue et Mare
Located in Paris, IDF
, its top highlighted by a twisted wooden rush, its legs with tapered sheathed legs ending in small
Amboyna
Rare and Very Special Late 19th Century Bureau by François Linke
By François Linke
Located in Long Island City, NY
pair of small drawers raised on cabriole legs headed by foliate chutes and ending on paw feet. Stamped
Bronze, Ormolu
PD V2 Desk by Barberini & Gunnell
Located in Geneve, CH
designs, one-off pieces, and limited editions for a small niche of high-end projects; bespoke solutions
Travertine, Stainless Steel
Gallio Desk by Barberini & Gunnell
Located in Geneve, CH
artworks and collectible designs, one-off pieces, and limited editions for a small niche of high-end
Marble, Stainless Steel
$4,459 / item
H 29.93 in W 68.9 in D 26.78 in
Modern Escarpa Desk made with natural oak mate, Handmade by Stylish Club
By Stylish Club
Located in Seroa, PT
you to be adventurous and opt for interior solutions with peculiar features, even if just in the small
Oak
William IV Writing Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
in rich timber and retaining a good, mellow surface. Desirable small scale. The drawer bears an
Mahogany
Jorge Zalszupin For L'atelier, Brazil, 1960s Imbuia Console
By Jorge Zalszupin, L'Atelier San Paulo
Located in London, GB
console table also works as a small desk. It has his iconic patchwork pattern Imbuia wood top with steel
Imbuia
$3,720Sale Price|60% Off
H 58 in W 31 in D 19 in
Important French Brass Inlaid Paint Decorated Rolltop Ladies Writing Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
with additional painted panels, small shelves, and fine brass gallery details, emphasizing both beauty
Marble, Brass
$8,143
H 31.89 in W 41.34 in D 21.26 in
Semi-circular delicate antique mahogany ladies' desk Louis XVI, Paris 1880
Located in Berlin, DE
reception table or as a small desk.
Brass, Bronze
Origami Desk by Barberini & Gunnell
Located in Geneve, CH
designs, one-off pieces, and limited editions for a small niche of high-end projects; bespoke solutions
Glass
$6,406Sale Price|20% Off
H 32.29 in W 35.83 in D 19.69 in
Victorian Mahogany Writing Table by Johnstone & Jeanes, London, 1800s Signed
By Johnstone, Jeanes & Co.
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Elegant Victorian Single Drawer Mahogany Small Writing Table by Renowned London Furniture Makers
Mahogany
$1,995
H 35 in W 23 in D 16 in
Fine Quality Francois Linke Style Bronze Mounted Petite Ladies Desk, 1870s
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
piece. The fall-front opens to reveal a fitted interior with small drawers and writing space, making it
Bronze
1960s French Bleached Brutalist Table or Desk
Located in London, GB
A brutalist desk or small dining table constructed from mixed bleached timbers. The carved single
Elm, Wenge
$7,349
H 31.11 in W 36.62 in D 22.05 in
Mid 19th Century High-Adjustable Architect's Table, Mahogany, France, circa 1850
Located in Greven, DE
drawer in the frame, while small leather-covered trays can be pulled out at the sides. The height
Mahogany
"Japonisme" Writing-Table by G. Viardot, France, circa 1880
By Gabriel Viardot
Located in PARIS, FR
Viardot (1830-1906) career began as a wood carver and he produced small furniture, sculpturally carved
Griotte Marble, Bronze
Italian Walnut Writing Table - Circa 1800
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rectangular hinged top concealing a fitted interior of three small drawers above a writing surface
Walnut
$7,468
H 27.56 in W 82.68 in D 46.46 in
Mid-Century Modern Diagonal Desk By Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti
By Giovanni Offredi
Located in Brussels, BE
. Such is the case of the works done by Offredi for Casa C., in 1960, in Gorgonzola, a small town 14
Metal
$711
H 29.53 in W 17.72 in D 31.5 in
Italian mid-century modern blue formica and black metal desk, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern blue formica and black metal desk, 1960s. Small desk, coming from a
Metal
$13,383 / item
H 29.14 in W 56.3 in D 32.68 in
Franco Albini Table 840 Stadera Wood and Steel by Cassina
By Franco Albini, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
, designed by Franco Albini consists of two trapezoidal planes, one smaller than the other, on a single steel
Steel
$5,228Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.73 in W 53.35 in D 26.19 in
Antique Pedestal Desk, English, Oak, Leather, Merryweather & Son, Late Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
border Trio of drawers across the apron, each dressed with small brass pulls Deeply formed fascia
Leather, Oak
Jacques Adnet Iron and Oak Desk, 1950s France
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
writing surface. Smaller shelves made of walnut slats flank both sides for more storage. A single maple
Iron
Modern Black Lacquer Occasional Table
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
design feature of the mid-century. This piece would work well as a small writing desk or as a side
Brass
$3,070 / item
H 29.93 in W 43.31 in D 23.63 in
French Directoire Style Writing Table, Desk in Cherrywood, 2 Drawers
Located in Landivy, FR
woodworking by small craft workshops in the western countryside of France (Loire and Bretagne).
Wood, Cherry, Oak
$1,969
H 30.91 in W 47.45 in D 29.93 in
ViNTAGE CHROME X FRAME CROCODILE ALLIGATOR LEATHER PATINA WRITING TABLE DESK
By Andrew Martin
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
top of the desk as you can see in the photos, mostly in the top left where there are lots of small
Chrome
$4,902
H 28.75 in W 54.73 in D 31.11 in
Mid Century Maison Jansen Manner Brass & Leather Top Desk Writing Table 1950s
By Maison Jansen
Located in Norwich, GB
are some signs of use, with a small indentation to the back, and the right hand side has some scratch
Brass
$19,559 / item
H 28.75 in W 65.36 in D 30.71 in
Petit Bureau en forme de libre PRO, by Charlotte Perriand for Cassina
By Charlotte Perriand, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
desk adapts perfectly to executive offices, as well as the typically smaller spaces in a home office
Wood
$5,441 / item
H 30.32 in W 55.52 in D 27.56 in
French Directoire style minister's desk in solid wood with leather pad
Located in Landivy, FR
woodworking by small craft workshops in the western countryside of France: Loire Valley and Bretagne. Each
Brass
French Directoire style minister's desk in solid wood
Located in Landivy, FR
techniques of woodworking by small craft workshops in the western countryside of France: Loire Valley and
Brass
Unique wall unit with methacrylate top writing desk
By Italian school XX ct.
Located in Milano, IT
small cabinet with bar inside. Perfect original conditions, Italy, 1950's.
Wood
Charles Dudouyt 1940s French Oak Table
By Charles Dudouyt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
veneer top. Perfect as a small desk or console table. Light stain also available, inquire for details.
Oak
$3,996Sale Price|50% Off
H 37 in W 30.75 in D 21 in
18th Century Kingwood and Walnut Ladies French Secretary Louis XV Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
writing surface opens to reveal a fitted interior with small drawers and compartments, perfect for
Kingwood, Walnut
$19,559 / item
H 28.75 in W 65.36 in D 30.71 in
Petit Bureau en forme de libre PRO, by Charlotte Perriand for Cassina
By Cassina, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
desk adapts perfectly to executive offices, as well as the typically smaller spaces in a home office
Wood
$2,382
H 28.35 in W 33.86 in D 18.9 in
19th Century Transition-Style Writing Desk from the Napoleon III Period
Located in NICE, FR
This small writing desk from the 19th century is crafted in rosewood with inserted brass fillets
Rosewood
Contemporary Tessellated Stone Carlton House Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
fitted with small drawers and two hinged covers, centering a molded top, above a frieze fitted with
Wood
Antique Leather Top Carlton House Desk
Located in London, GB
brass gallery and lovely brass letter apertures that lead down into the small cabinets. This stands on
Leather, Wood
18th Century French Boulle Louis XVI Style Mazarin
Located in Houston, TX
smaller ones flanking a larger central drawer, providing ample storage space for documents and essentials
Wood, Paint
$3,996Sale Price|20% Off
H 57.75 in W 38 in D 22.75 in
Fine Tall Inlaid Dark Mahogany English Carlton House Two-Piece Secretary Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
flanked by inlaid panels, opening to reveal compartments and small drawers, perfect for organizing
Mahogany
$1,977Sale Price|40% Off
H 33.86 in W 19.3 in D 20.87 in
19th Century Hand Carved Walnut Davenport Writing Desk made in England
Located in Sofia, BG
with fawn leather and gilded with small irons, reveals three false drawers and three compartments, the
Walnut
$28,450
H 28.75 in W 39.38 in D 94.49 in
Angelo Mangiarotti for Skipper M4 Series Glass and Marble Desk, Italy 1985
By Fucina, Angelo Mangiarotti, Gruppo Skipper
Located in Naples, IT
steel plates welded to the glass blocking the glass. Small defect on the glass visible in photo
Marble
$34,300Sale Price|28% Off
H 28.5 in W 86.5 in D 39.5 in
Documented 'Kono' Dining Table / Desk by Lella & Massimo Vignelli, 1984, Italy
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
few very minor and hardly visible signs of use and wear including a couple very small minor chips to
Granite, Copper
$1,600
H 29.93 in W 34.65 in D 22.84 in
Mid Century Wooden Brutalist Desk in Solid Oak, Made in France, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
wood adds warmth and character to the piece, while its compact size makes it suitable for smaller
Oak
Ennio Fazioli terni desk for MIM Roma Italy 1958
By Ennio Fazioli
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
small half-circle cutout where you sit. On the left, there's an extra desk part with a drawer and you
Aluminum
$1,887Sale Price|20% Off
H 36.62 in W 28.75 in D 18.12 in
Ladies' Writing Desk From the Early 20th Century in the Style of Louis XV
Located in Opole, PL
features a slanted top that closes with a hinged mechanism. The interior includes small drawers, a shelf
Wood, Rosewood
$3,795 / item
H 30.32 in W 56.7 in D 29.14 in
Contemporary Mid-Century Style Writing Desk with Glass Top
Located in London, London
Desk Inspired by mid-century modern design and meticulously crafted in a small workshop in Italy
Glass, Ash
$3,196Sale Price|20% Off
H 38.25 in W 39.25 in D 22.75 in
18th Century Italian Provincial Circassian Walnut Secretary Slant-lid Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
and compartments for documents, letters, and small essentials, making it as functional today as it was
Walnut
$4,760
H 32 in W 31.5 in D 23.25 in
18th C. Italian Lacca Povera Accent Table or Petite Desk w/its Original Finish
Located in Atlanta, GA
during the 17th and 18th century. This table has a rectangular-shaped top, a small drawer housed in the
Wood
19th Century Cylinder Bureau by François Linke in the Louis XV Style
By François Linke
Located in London, GB
François Linke Index no. 1626 A rare small cylinder bureau, after the celebrated example today in the
Ormolu
Portuguese Style Ebonized Spinet Secretary Desk by Tommy Bahama
By Tommy Bahama
Located in Rio Vista, CA
style case has a flip top opening to reveal a pull-out writing table with a leather surface and small
Brass
$5,334
H 38.59 in W 50.4 in D 30.32 in
Antique Genuine Swedish Rustic Original Blue Writing Desk Table with Drawers
Located in Kramfors, SE
with multiple small drawers and shelves. The interior is wood bare and always has been. This furniture
Pine
$6,500
H 31.11 in W 65.36 in D 30.71 in
19th Century Antique Baroque Dining / Desk Table in Oak, Danish Cabinetmaker
Located in Odense, DK
oak wood complement its ornate legs, while a discreet drawer offers convenient storage for small items
Oak
Kidney Shaped Desk in Walnut by Jonathan Field
By Jonathan Field
Located in London, GB
also a discreet drawer in the desktop for a small notebook and pencils. Bespoke versions can be made
Walnut
Roll Black Desk
By Garbarino Collections
Located in Milan, IT
conceals fixed shelves and a small drawer. The front is equipped with three soft-close drawers and the top
Ebony, Glass, Leather, Oak
$8,890
H 27.56 in W 25.6 in D 18.51 in
Transforming Ladies Desk, so called Secretaire a Culbute, France, 19th Century
Located in Greven, DE
Convertible small desk - so-called Secrétaire à culbute France 19th c. Dimensions: H x W x D: 70
Wood
Lous XVI-Style Writing Desk
By CG capelletti
Located in Milan, IT
. This stunning design is completed with two small pull-out drawers for storing valuables and precious
Wood
$3,300Sale Price|25% Off
H 33.88 in W 63.75 in D 38 in
Mid Century Modern Danish Teakwood Desk by Peter Lovig Nielsen ca. 1970s
By Peter Løvig Nielsen
Located in Shippensburg, PA
a small loss on the writing surface. Minor paint specks. Some minor color variation from sun
Teak
$6,638
H 40.56 in W 34.26 in D 20.87 in
Jürgen Lange, Secretary mod. Privé for Rosenthal Einrichtung, 1980
By Jürgen Lange
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
Lange has created a small piece of furniture that is ideal for writing, thinking, communicating and
Leather, Acrylic, Wood
$24,656Sale Price|20% Off
H 37.01 in W 33.08 in D 18.12 in
18th Century, French Louis XV Wood Flap Writing Desk
Located in IT
compartment equipped with a small folding door that, rotating on the hinges, can be lowered and raised as
Bronze
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.
Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.
Fans of the French film star may be surprised to learn that he had a flair for furniture with sleek lines and disco-era flash.
Like other pieces in the firm’s Candy Box collection, the cheerful limited-edition design showcases French craft.
Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
The designer’s innovative use of an unexpected material gives this console a lift.
The stately piece brings both gravitas and whimsy to any work space.
Use them as tables or stools, indoors or out.