Late 19th Century Hand-Carved Chinese Scholar's Writing Desk and Chair Set
Located in Dekalb, IL
The compact design integrates a bank of 13 small drawers with traditional motifs-arched bridges, robed figures, and pagodas-each panel chiseled in relief by hand.
Glass, Wood
Colombo Mobili Burlwood Secretaire Abattant
By Colombo Mobili
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Colombo Moboli burlwood secretaire a abattant Desk measures: 42 wide x 21 deep x 75.5 inches high This piece is in excellent vintage condition with only a small dent and a couple o...
Wood, Burl
Handcrafted Solid English Oak Twin Dovetail Desk by SUM Furniture
By SUM Furniture
Located in London, GB
Each piece is entirely handmade in very small numbers by our highly skilled craftspeople in England.
Oak, Walnut
English Antique Campaign Ebonized Pedestal Desk, 19th Century
Located in Shippensburg, PA
The contrasting trims and inset pulls were introduced to the desk in a way that refreshes the 19th century carcass, while the upper two smaller drawers had hinged panels added and th...
Brass
Handcrafted English Oak Console Table Desk by SUM Furniture
By SUM Furniture
Located in London, GB
Each piece is entirely handmade in very small numbers by our highly skilled craftspeople in England.
Oak, Walnut
Handcrafted Solid English Oak Twin Dovetail Desk by SUM Furniture
By SUM Furniture
Located in London, GB
Each piece is entirely handmade in very small numbers by our highly skilled craftspeople in England.
Oak, Walnut
1960s Danish Modern Rosewood Roll Top Writing Desk by Bernhardt Pedersen
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Inside, you’ll find three finely fitted small drawers and thoughtfully arranged pigeonhole compartments—perfect for storing stationery, documents, and everyday essentials.
Rosewood
Milo Baughman Rosewood & Chrome Writing Desk, USA, c.1969
By Milo Baughman
Located in San Francisco, CA
A small writing desk by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin.
Chrome
Fine French Walnut and Gilt Metal Mounted Bureau Writing Desk
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer for sake this amazing French Walnut and Gilt Metal-Mounted Bureau, late 19th century, with a three-quarter pierced brass gallery above three small drawers and a ...
Brass
Very Large Mahogany Centrepiece Partners’ Desk in the Chippendale Style
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A very large mahogany centrepiece partners’ desk in the Chippendale style, attributed to Maples or Gillows, of oval form with a replaced green leather top, the frieze with six small ...
Mahogany
$7,810Sale Price|25% Off
Art Deco Desk Attributed To Heals London – Satin Birchwood
By Heal's
Located in London, GB
Stamped on the underside of the central drawer with the item number and likely the inspector's mark—a characteristic feature of earlier production pieces, predating the later, more w...
Leather, Birch
$8,032Sale Price|30% Off
Jordan Mozer Sculptural Postmodern Desk from the D’Alba Residence, circa 1996
By Jordan Mozer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Finish to top shows areas of fading from exposure to sunlight. Few small impressions along outer edges and scroll details.
Aluminum
Jacobean Revival Secretary Desk in Tiger Oak Imperial of Grand Rapids, c. 1920s
Located in Rolling Hills Estates, CA
The slope lowers on slotted-screw brass hinges and pull-out lopers to a fitted interior: serpentine dividers form pigeonholes to either side, with a central compartment over a small ...
Brass
Tambour Door Roll Top Secretary Desk from Mainline by Hooker
By Mainline by Hooker, Hooker Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A reeded tambour door slides up to reveal a pull-out writing surface (with a white laminate top) and organized interior storage — perfect for letters, stationery, or small office ess...
Brass
Burr Walnut Pop-Up Davenport Desk
Located in Cheshire, GB
The curved fall-front opens to reveal a leather-lined writing surface with fitted compartments, small drawers, and integrated inkwell recesses. The pop-up superstructure rises to dis...
Walnut
Mid-Century Danish Freestanding Oak Desk attributed to Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s.
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Asaa, DK
Very good original condition with only light patina consistent with age and use. Few small nicks and scratches. Cleaned and polished, ready for use.
Oak
Four Drawer Matt Black Study Desk with Linoleum Top - Customizable
By &New
Located in Leicester, GB
All &New products are manufactured in Britain in small batches. The result is a collection of furniture that celebrates the handmade qualities that make objects beautiful.
Steel
18th Century Italian Walnut Writing Table with Two Drawers and Turned Legs
Located in Atlanta, GA
The surface bears honest wear—scratches, tonal variation, and small marks—that speak clearly to age and authenticity rather than later intervention.
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage Mahogany Leather Top Saw Horse Campaign Style Desk, c.1960
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
The top features a long drawer flanked by two smaller ones, finished with brass hardware typical on campaign furniture.
Brass
Louis XV Style Tiered Desk In Burr Walnut, 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
Executed in walnut and richly figured burr walnut, this elegant flat desk features a full-width upper tier fitted with four small drawers, a central cupboard door, and two open niche...
Walnut
Desk / Table Fermob CALVI 126 × 63 cm W 49.6 × D 24.8 inch Fenix top - Red Ochre
By Fermob
Located in Varedo, MB
A true concentration of design and technology, this table is ideal for small spaces, cozy dining areas, or as a stylish and functional desk.
Aluminum
Desk / Table Fermob CALVI 126 × 63 cm W 49.6 × D 24.8 inch Fenix top - Deep Blue
By Fermob
Located in Varedo, MB
A true concentration of design and technology, this table is ideal for small spaces, cozy dining areas, or as a stylish and functional desk.
Aluminum
Desk / Table Fermob CALVI 126 × 63 cm W 49.6 × D 24.8 inch Fenix top - Tonka
By Fermob
Located in Varedo, MB
A true concentration of design and technology, this table is ideal for small spaces, cozy dining areas, or as a stylish and functional desk.
Aluminum
Desk / Table Fermob CALVI 126 × 63 cm W 49.6 × D 24.8 inch Fenix top - Clay Grey
By Fermob
Located in Varedo, MB
A true concentration of design and technology, this table is ideal for small spaces, cozy dining areas, or as a stylish and functional desk.
Aluminum
Napoleon III Secretaire Desk by Diehl
By Charles-Guillaume Diehl
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
An unusual amboyna Napoleon III secretaire desk by Diehl, the rectangular top above a single long frieze drawer which opens to reveal a leather-inset secretaire with a pigeonhole fla...
Amboyna
Pierre Jeanneret - PJ-BU-19-A
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Hasselt, VLI
Top fixed on an “X” leg. One side has a small single cabinet door with aluminum detail. The other side four drawers with aluminum recessed pulls.
Teak
Mid Century Modern Teak Desk by Remploy, Formica Top, UK, 1967
By Remploy
Located in Leicester, GB
This sideboard has five drawers, four large ones and two small ones on top. Elegant metal handles. The desk top is finished with a beautiful and hardwearing Formica with an attractiv...
Formica, Teak
Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Pop Up Davenport Desk 19th Century
Located in London, GB
Lifting the desktop accesses a large compartment with storage space for paper and other writing implements, and smaller spaces in the forms of small drawers and pigeonholes.
Walnut
Early 19th Century Biedermeier Cherrywood Ladies Desk, Germany
Located in Darmstadt, DE
A central drawer offers practical storage and allows the piece to function not only as a small writing desk but also as a side table or console in a living or bedroom setting.
Cherry, Softwood
$2,721Sale Price|20% Off
GEORGINAN STYLE ANTiQUE CIRCA 1860 VICTORIAN HAND PAINTED OCCASIONAL TABLE DESK
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this exquisite Georgian style mid Victorian Circa 1860 hand painted Pine occasional table or small desk with...
Wood
Rosewood Regency Kneehole Bureau Cabinet Attributed to Seddon and Morel
By Morel & Seddon
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
What sets the current piece apart even further from the small number of other surviving examples is the use of exceptionally fine ormolu mounts, very much in the manner of Morel and ...
Ormolu
Antique School Desk with Foldable Seat in Soft Pink Patina
Located in Barcelona, ES
Generously sized and suitable for ages from small child through to teenager Rare find in such good condition.
Wood, Pine
$1,333Sale Price|20% Off
Fine Sheraton Revival Satinwood inlaid Writing table
By Maple & Co.
Located in Dereham, GB
Fine Sheraton Revival Satinwood inlaid Writing table circa 1880s Kidney Shaped top , with Black leather inset top, with gold tooling,with Satinwood & Kingwood Cross banding, 3 drawer...
Satinwood
Hand Painted Paul Sormani Ladies Roll Top Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Flip up top containing felt top and 3 small drawers. Brass foot caps and trim. Dimensions: 34 3/4" h x 27 1/2" w x 17" d.
Mahogany
Mid-Century Modular Desk and Storage Unit by Mojmír Požár, UP Závody, 1960s
By M. Požár
Located in Praha, CZ
Many of the items are handmade and may have small imperfections (bubbles, lumps) within the glass and tool marks from the manufacturing process.
Glass, Wood
Antique Italian Inlaid Secretary Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This elegant Italian walnut secretary desk features a slanted fall-front that opens to reveal compartments and small drawers for organized storage. The rich walnut grain adds warmth ...
Wood
1940s Italian Writing Desk in Ash and Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, its functionality is enhanced by ample storage capacity, featuring six smaller drawers and one larger drawer to accommodate stationery.
Brass
Fine Antique French Marquetry Inlaid Bureau De Dame Circa 1890
Located in Bridgeport, CT
The desk with a slight bombe form opens to reveal a horizontal open compartment above three small drawers, a nearly "secret" sliding door flat compartment and a red flocked writing s...
Brass
19th Century Victorian Flame Mahogany Davenport Desk, Attributed to Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Solebury, PA
It maintained its popularity throughout the Regency and Victorian eras, esteemed for its compact practicality in smaller rooms and frequently utilized as a convenient writing desk fo...
Brass
Dainty Art Deco desk France around 1925. Root wood and black lacquer.
Located in Wiesbaden, DE
I find the design of the wood particularly striking - the characterful amboina wood contrasts wonderfully with the black lacquered detail - the chrome-plated round bar offers the opt...
Amboyna
20th Century Inlaid Wood French Writing Table, 1920
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
Structurally sound, it shows some signs of aging and small losses. Overall, it is in fair condition.
Wood
Italian Walnut Neoclassical Table with Single Drawer, circa 1800
Located in Atlanta, GA
The legs are finely tapered and lightly fluted, terminating in small turned feet, giving the table an elegant stance without excess ornament.
Brass
Modular Desk Set with White Glass Top by Mojmir Pozar, 1960s, Set of 3
By M. Požár
Located in Żory, PL
The set consists of three elements: - smaller cabinet: 40x42x60cm - larger cabinet: 120x42x60cm - desk: 120x40x75cm They can be combined in various combinations, as shown in the phot...
Glass, Wood
Provincial Green-Painted Slant-Front Desk with Secret Compartment
Located in New York, NY
When opened, the hinged writing flap reveals a fitted interior of small drawers, pigeonholes, and shaped compartments in warmly patinated natural wood—including a cleverly concealed ...
Wood
English Made Satinwood Adams Paint Decorated Carlton House Desk With Cubbies
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
The signature U-shaped superstructure boasts a fitted arrangement of small drawers and central cupboards, often topped with a delicate pierced brass gallery railing.
Satinwood
French Napoleon III Ebonised & Gilt Bronze Writing Desk Bonheur-du-Jour 1880
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Stunning ebonized Napoleon III writing desk or bonheur du jour Circa 1880 Very on trend with lacquered finish and gilt accents A superb 19th-century French Napoleon III writing desk,...
Bronze
$3,480
Petite Vintage Wood Desk
Located in Fullerton, CA
Given it's size, this piece is a timeless and charming addition to a small work area.
Wood
French Louis XV Style Double-Sided Desk with Brass Inlay and Gilt Bronze Mounts
Located in PARIS, FR
This refined model features five drawers on each façade – four small drawers and one central drawer on the working side, mirrored on the opposite face for perfect symmetry (the rever...
Brass, Bronze
Rare Jørgen Magnussen for Peder Pedersen Dining Table
By Peder Pedersen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Established in 1953 by brothers Ejnar and Lars Peder Pedersen, the company started as a small 150 m² workshop in Allerød, Denmark. Over the decades, it has expanded significantly, no...
Pine
Louis XV Style Kingwood & Ormolu Bureau Plat by Simon Loscertales
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
Overall, it is a particularly fine model—smaller, perfectly proportioned, and highly decorative.
Bronze
Antique Irish Desk in White Oak Unrestored. Structurally Solid Original Finish
Located in Highwood, IL
Even the feel of the Antique Oak after all that use gets silky smooth especially when combined with the natural oils from your hands. All these small nuances add up to make for an in...
Oak
1960s Drexel Genuine Walnut Mid-Century Secretary Chest With Drop-Front Desk.
Located in Seattle, WA
The upper drop-front panel opens smoothly to reveal a functional writing or organizing space, complete with divided interior cubbies and two shallow pull-out trays-ideal for statione...
Walnut
$9,261Sale Price|20% Off
Biedermeier Secretary Desk, Germany, 19th Century
Located in Wrocław, Poland
Interior – Richly Equipped Drawers' Section Upon opening, a spectacular interior is revealed, featuring numerous small drawers, shelves, and a central compartment.
Pine
Continental 18th Century Bombay Slant Front Desk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An 18th century Bombay form slant front desk that opens to reveal an inlaid central door with working key that reveals a compartment with a small drawer. Flanked by two "secret" comp...
Wood
Mahogany Scroll-Base Table with Brazilian Quartz Top
Located in Long Island City, NY
We think this piece makes for a commanding desk or center table. A small bone label on the base reads, “J. Klein Meubles, 31 Rue de Miromesnil”, a furniture manufacturer active in th...
Quartz
1960s Mid Century Walnut and Metal Executive Desk styled after Knoll
By Knoll
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Designed with both style and function in mind, the desk includes a floating storage cabinet with a large file drawer and a smaller utility drawer for organization and convenience.
Metal
Antique Victorian Burr Walnut & Inlaid Davenport Desk 19th Century
Located in London, GB
Lifting the desktop accesses a large compartment with storage space for paper and other writing implements, and smaller spaces in the forms of small drawers and pigeonholes.
Walnut
Late George III Mahogany Desk
Located in Altrincham, GB
Late George III mahogany desk with fitted drawers, the top with inset writing surface and strung decoration above four oak lined drawers, one drawer with further adjustable writing s...
Leather, Mahogany
Demi-Lune Art Deco Desk in Black High Gloss Lacquered Wood, France 1930s
Located in Ulm, DE
Executed in a deep black high-gloss lacquer, the entire structure reflects light beautifully, highlighting the craftsmanship and the smooth, mirror-like finish. Two small drawers ar...
Beech
19th Century Antique Walnut Table in the Style of Adam Weisweiler
By Adam Weisweiler
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Stunning Antique Hand-Crafted 19th Century Carved Museum Walnut Table In The Style of Adam Weisweiler Louis XVI With A Vitruvian Frieze Table is centred on a panelled oblong table...
Walnut
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.