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Small Writing Desks

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Small Desk, 1970.
Small Desk, 1970.

Small Desk, 1970.

Sold|$2,645

Small Desk, 1970.

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Small 1970s desk. Small desk in light wood with chrome-plated metal legs. h: 76cm, w: 60cm, d

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Small Campaign Desk
Small Campaign Desk

Small Campaign Desk

Sold|$2,895 / item

Small Campaign Desk

Located in Westwood, NJ

A Campaign style mahogany campaign desk, the circular crossbanded molded edge top hinged and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Campaign Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Small ebonized writing table / book display
Small ebonized writing table / book display

Small ebonized writing table / book display

Sold|$2,500

Small ebonized writing table / book display

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Small ebonized writing table / book display. Leather writing surface.

Category

20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Leather

19th Century Small Mahogany Writing Table
19th Century Small Mahogany Writing Table

19th Century Small Mahogany Writing Table

Sold|$1,142

19th Century Small Mahogany Writing Table

Located in Eindhoven, NL

Small antique mahogany writing table in perfect condition. Warm color and appearance. Entirely

Category

Antique 1860s British Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Louis XV Style Small Writing Table
Louis XV Style Small Writing Table

Louis XV Style Small Writing Table

Sold|$1,000

Louis XV Style Small Writing Table

Located in Hudson, NY

A fine small scale kingwood and bronze mounted writing table or small end table. The gilt and

Category

Early 20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Kingwood

Small 19th Century Gillows Writing Table
Small 19th Century Gillows Writing Table

Small 19th Century Gillows Writing Table

Sold|$2,104

Small 19th Century Gillows Writing Table

Located in Eindhoven, NL

Beautiful small mahogany writing table and/or wall table. Top is provided with green leather. Table

Category

Antique 1830s English Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Small Early 19th Century Writing Table
Small Early 19th Century Writing Table

Small Early 19th Century Writing Table

Sold|$1,863

Small Early 19th Century Writing Table

Located in Eindhoven, NL

Mahogany Writing table with 2 drawers. Entirely in good and original condition. With beautiful

Category

Antique 1840s European Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Small 19th Century Mahogany Writing Table
Small 19th Century Mahogany Writing Table

Small 19th Century Mahogany Writing Table

Sold|$1,984

Small 19th Century Mahogany Writing Table

Located in Eindhoven, NL

Beautiful antique mahogany writing table with green leather top. Entirely in perfect condition

Category

Antique 1850s Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Small 19th Century Oak Writing Table
Small 19th Century Oak Writing Table

Small 19th Century Oak Writing Table

Sold|$2,038

Small 19th Century Oak Writing Table

Located in Eindhoven, NL

Antique oak writing table with 2 drawers and light brown leather. Standing on brass wheels

Category

Antique 1850s English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Writing Desk with Inlays and Leather Top
Writing Desk with Inlays and Leather Top

Writing Desk with Inlays and Leather Top

Sold|$2,800

Writing Desk with Inlays and Leather Top

Located in Buchanan, NY

A small ladies writing desk with 2 drawers and pull out tablets on both ends. The black tooled

Category

Vintage 1940s Spanish Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Small 1960s Danish Desk
Small 1960s Danish Desk

Small 1960s Danish Desk

Sold|$2,350

Small 1960s Danish Desk

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Small 1960s Danish desk.

Category

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

Small Rio Rosewood Desk
Small Rio Rosewood Desk

Small Rio Rosewood Desk

Sold|$1,520

Small Rio Rosewood Desk

Located in London, GB

Small Rio Rosewood desk with a black steel base

Category

20th Century Danish Desks and Writing Tables

Small English Painted Desk
Small English Painted Desk

Small English Painted Desk

Sold|$1,933

Small English Painted Desk

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Small late 19th C English painted oak 2 drawer desk with leather insert. 1890. Reference: 7679

Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Alvar Aalto Small Desk
Alvar Aalto Small Desk

Alvar Aalto Small Desk

Sold|$3,893

Alvar Aalto Small Desk

By Artek, Alvar Aalto

Located in London, GB

Small desk in birch plywood by Alvar Aalto, designed and made in the 1930s, it is a clear example

Category

Vintage 1930s Finnish Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birch, Plywood

Small 19th Century Desk
Small 19th Century Desk

Small 19th Century Desk

Sold|$2,344

Small 19th Century Desk

Located in Eindhoven, NL

Beautiful little antique desk from the Victorian era. Warm light walnut color. The desk is finished

Category

Antique 1880s Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mogens Koch Small Desk
Mogens Koch Small Desk

Mogens Koch Small Desk

Sold|$3,476

Mogens Koch Small Desk

By Mogens Koch

Located in London, GB

Oak desk designed by Koch and made for the hospital in Sønderborg in 1933. Great condition

Category

Vintage 1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Small 19th Century Victorian Mahogany Writing Table
Small 19th Century Victorian Mahogany Writing Table

Small 19th Century Victorian Mahogany Writing Table

Sold|$1,677

Small 19th Century Victorian Mahogany Writing Table

Located in Eindhoven, NL

Beautiful small Victorian mahogany writing table with 2 drawers and light tan color leather top

Category

Antique 1840s British Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Sears Roebuck & co., Writing Desk, Oak, USA, 1950s
Sears Roebuck & co., Writing Desk, Oak, USA, 1950s

Sears Roebuck & co., Writing Desk, Oak, USA, 1950s

Sold|$6,900

Sears Roebuck & co., Writing Desk, Oak, USA, 1950s

Located in High Point, NC

A small solid oak writing desk from the "Harmony House Ranch-Mode"-series, designed and produced by

Category

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

Materials

Oak

19th Century Inlaid Mahogany Ladies Writing Desk, Denmark
19th Century Inlaid Mahogany Ladies Writing Desk, Denmark

19th Century Inlaid Mahogany Ladies Writing Desk, Denmark

Sold|$4,150

19th Century Inlaid Mahogany Ladies Writing Desk, Denmark

Located in Round Top, TX

Distinctive and elegant, this small ladies writing desk has decorative inlaid brass filigree

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Danish Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

SMALL DESK WITH ASIAN INFLUENCE
SMALL DESK WITH ASIAN INFLUENCE

SMALL DESK WITH ASIAN INFLUENCE

Sold|$3,800

SMALL DESK WITH ASIAN INFLUENCE

Located in Los Angeles, CA

SMALL DESK WITH ASIAN DETAILS.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Small Desk, Anonymous, Denmark, 1950s
Small Desk, Anonymous, Denmark, 1950s

Small Desk, Anonymous, Denmark, 1950s

Sold

Small Desk, Anonymous, Denmark, 1950s

Located in Stockholm, SE

Small desk, anonymous, Denmark. 1950s. Wenge Wood.

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wenge

SMALL DESK IN LIMED OAK
SMALL DESK IN LIMED OAK

SMALL DESK IN LIMED OAK

Sold|$4,500

SMALL DESK IN LIMED OAK

Located in New York, NY

Small scale four drawer desk in limed oak with Micarta top and block handles.

Category

20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Small 19th Century Campaign Desk
Small 19th Century Campaign Desk

Small 19th Century Campaign Desk

Sold|$4,148

Small 19th Century Campaign Desk

Located in Eindhoven, NL

Beautiful small antique teak Campaign desk. The small agency is a real Campaign desk that went

Category

Antique 1840s Indian Campaign Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Small 19th Century Colonial Desk
Small 19th Century Colonial Desk

Small 19th Century Colonial Desk

Sold|$2,344

Small 19th Century Colonial Desk

Located in Eindhoven, NL

Beautiful aged small teak antique desk. Originating from colonial India. Dark brown leather top has

Category

Antique 1860s Indian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Small Desk By Mathieu Mategot
Small Desk By Mathieu Mategot

Small Desk By Mathieu Mategot

Sold|$8,500

Small Desk By Mathieu Mategot

By Mathieu Matégot

Located in Girona, Spain

Small desk by Mathieu Mategot circa 1960. France Original condition Provenence : Hunting lodge

Category

Vintage 1960s French Desks and Writing Tables

Small 19th Century Colonial Desk
Small 19th Century Colonial Desk

Small 19th Century Colonial Desk

Sold|$2,104

Small 19th Century Colonial Desk

Located in Eindhoven, NL

Small teak desk with green leather top. Despite its modest dimensions, it is a practical desk to

Category

Antique 1890s Indian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Small Italian Mid-Century Desk
Small Italian Mid-Century Desk

Small Italian Mid-Century Desk

Sold|$4,500

Small Italian Mid-Century Desk

Located in New York, NY

Small desk composed of four slanted legs ending in brass feet and a thick glass top in the shape of

Category

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

George II Small Mahogany Writing Table, 18th C
George II Small Mahogany Writing Table, 18th C

George II Small Mahogany Writing Table, 18th C

Sold|$1,800

George II Small Mahogany Writing Table, 18th C

Located in Astoria, NY

George II small mahogany writing table, 18th C, with rounded rectangular top above a small drawer

Category

Antique 19th Century George II Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Handsome Mahogany Library Stand or Small Writing Table
Handsome Mahogany Library Stand or Small Writing Table

Handsome Mahogany Library Stand or Small Writing Table

Sold|$795

Handsome Mahogany Library Stand or Small Writing Table

Located in Hopewell, NJ

Great looking mahogany stand with adjustable writing surface, great for a small nook or apartment

Category

Early 2000s American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Small french walnut desk 1900
Small french walnut desk 1900

Small french walnut desk 1900

Sold|$949

Small french walnut desk 1900

Located in LYON, FR

An absolutely irresistible small desk, early 20th century, made of solid walnut. It features

Category

Antique Early 1900s French French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Small 19th Century Oak Desk
Small 19th Century Oak Desk

Small 19th Century Oak Desk

Sold|$2,224

Small 19th Century Oak Desk

By Maple & Co.

Located in Eindhoven, NL

Nice small antique oak desk in good and completely original condition. Brown leather leaf with

Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Small 19th century writing table with 3 drawers
Small 19th century writing table with 3 drawers

Small 19th century writing table with 3 drawers

Sold|$1,196

Small 19th century writing table with 3 drawers

Located in Eindhoven, NL

Beautiful small antique mahogany writing table with 3 drawers. The top is inlaid with green gold

Category

Antique 1870s British Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Small Mid-Century Wood Desk
Small Mid-Century Wood Desk

Small Mid-Century Wood Desk

Sold|$470

Small Mid-Century Wood Desk

Located in Alhambra, CA

Mid-century modern desk with three storage drawers and built in shelving. Made of a lovely pale

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Georgian Small Mahogany Writing Table with One Drawer
Georgian Small Mahogany Writing Table with One Drawer

Georgian Small Mahogany Writing Table with One Drawer

Sold|$1,984

Georgian Small Mahogany Writing Table with One Drawer

Located in Eindhoven, NL

Very nice small writing table. Beautifully built and with 1 drawer. The table is on bronze wheels

Category

Antique 1810s English Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Louis XV Style Small Writing Table, 19th C
Louis XV Style Small Writing Table, 19th C

Louis XV Style Small Writing Table, 19th C

Sold|$1,440

Louis XV Style Small Writing Table, 19th C

Located in Astoria, NY

Louis XV / XVI transitional style leather topped mahogany veneered small writing table or "Table a

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Georgian Small Mahogany Writing Table with Two Drawers
Georgian Small Mahogany Writing Table with Two Drawers

Georgian Small Mahogany Writing Table with Two Drawers

Sold|$2,104

Georgian Small Mahogany Writing Table with Two Drawers

Located in Eindhoven, NL

Beautiful small antique writing table with two drawers, standing on brass wheels. Completely in

Category

Antique Early 1800s English Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

20th Century Carved Walnut Wood French Writing Desk, 1920
20th Century Carved Walnut Wood French Writing Desk, 1920

20th Century Carved Walnut Wood French Writing Desk, 1920

Sold|$3,400

20th Century Carved Walnut Wood French Writing Desk, 1920

Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont

Small French writing desk from the first half of the 20th century. Furniture of excellent quality

Category

Vintage 1920s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Small Vintage 1950s Italian Desk
Small Vintage 1950s Italian Desk

Small Vintage 1950s Italian Desk

Sold|$2,635

Small Vintage 1950s Italian Desk

Located in London, London

Compact sized desk Red formica top  Red and yellow drawers Geometric shape Italy 1950s.

Category

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

Materials

Formica, Wood

Small Dassi Desk, Italy, 1960s
Small Dassi Desk, Italy, 1960s

Small Dassi Desk, Italy, 1960s

Sold|$4,900

Small Dassi Desk, Italy, 1960s

By Dassi

Located in New York, NY

Diminutive desk by Mobilifico Dassi with a glass top and ebonized legs and top trim. Has two

Category

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

Small French Art Deco Desk
Small French Art Deco Desk

Small French Art Deco Desk

Sold|$2,395

Small French Art Deco Desk

Located in Troy, MI

Circa 1930s French desk in polished wood with sleek, curved lines, slender center drawer, three

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Small Dutch Metal Industrial Desk
Small Dutch Metal Industrial Desk

Small Dutch Metal Industrial Desk

Sold|$595

Small Dutch Metal Industrial Desk

By Ahrend de Cirkel

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Minimalist Industrial desk with grey metal frame and original Linoleum top. 7 drawers with brushed

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Veneered Walnut Italian Ico Parisi Writing Desk, circa 1960
Veneered Walnut Italian Ico Parisi Writing Desk, circa 1960

Veneered Walnut Italian Ico Parisi Writing Desk, circa 1960

Sold|$2,400

Veneered Walnut Italian Ico Parisi Writing Desk, circa 1960

By Ico Parisi

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A small Ico Parisi Italian writing desk, circa 1960 in veneered walnut wood, with painted black

Category

Vintage 1960s Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Small 19th Century Oak Victorian Desk
Small 19th Century Oak Victorian Desk

Small 19th Century Oak Victorian Desk

Sold|$1,984

Small 19th Century Oak Victorian Desk

Located in Eindhoven, NL

Beautiful small oak desk from the Victorian era, circa 1860. The desk is completely handmade and of

Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Small 19th Century Oak Victorian Desk
Small 19th Century Oak Victorian Desk

Small 19th Century Oak Victorian Desk

Sold|$2,825

Small 19th Century Oak Victorian Desk

Located in Eindhoven, NL

Beautiful small oak desk from the Victorian era, circa 1860. The desk is completely handmade and of

Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Small 19th Century Antique Writing Table with Two Drawers
Small 19th Century Antique Writing Table with Two Drawers

Small 19th Century Antique Writing Table with Two Drawers

Sold|$1,503

Small 19th Century Antique Writing Table with Two Drawers

Located in Eindhoven, NL

Beautiful small antique writing table with two drawers in perfect condition. The table is on

Category

Antique 1860s English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Small 19th Century Antique Writing Table with Five Drawers
Small 19th Century Antique Writing Table with Five Drawers

Small 19th Century Antique Writing Table with Five Drawers

Sold|$1,683

Small 19th Century Antique Writing Table with Five Drawers

Located in Eindhoven, NL

Beautiful small antique writing table with five drawers in perfect condition. The table is on

Category

Antique 1860s English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Small 19th Century Antique Writing Table with Four Drawers
Small 19th Century Antique Writing Table with Four Drawers

Small 19th Century Antique Writing Table with Four Drawers

Sold|$1,743

Small 19th Century Antique Writing Table with Four Drawers

Located in Eindhoven, NL

Beautiful small antique writing table with four drawers in perfect condition. The table is on

Category

Antique 1860s English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

French 1960's small bamboo desk
French 1960's small bamboo desk

French 1960's small bamboo desk

Sold|$2,200

French 1960's small bamboo desk

Located in Santa Monica, CA

French 1960's small bamboo desk

Category

Vintage 1960s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Wood

Small 1950s Italian Desk in Rosewood
Small 1950s Italian Desk in Rosewood

Small 1950s Italian Desk in Rosewood

Sold|$1,105

Small 1950s Italian Desk in Rosewood

Located in London, London

Small desk. Wood. Painted drawers and cupboard door. 1950s Italy.  

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Small Rustic Oak French Table / Desk
Small Rustic Oak French Table / Desk

Small Rustic Oak French Table / Desk

Sold|$3,000

Small Rustic Oak French Table / Desk

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Small rustic oak French table / desk with large front drawer. Sturdy.

Category

Late 20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Writing Desk by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini Vintage Italy 1970s
Writing Desk by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini Vintage Italy 1970s

Writing Desk by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini Vintage Italy 1970s

Sold|$4,809

Writing Desk by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini Vintage Italy 1970s

By Gianfranco Frattini

Located in Milano, IT

Writing desk with small shutter and pullout top designed by Gianfranco Frattini (1926-2004) for

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Wood, Walnut

Small 19th Century Burl Walnut Desk
Small 19th Century Burl Walnut Desk

Small 19th Century Burl Walnut Desk

Sold|$2,945

Small 19th Century Burl Walnut Desk

Located in Eindhoven, NL

Beautiful small pure antique desk with warm lived-in Patina The walnut has a very warm color

Category

Antique 1860s British Early Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Small 19th Century Burr Walnut Desk
Small 19th Century Burr Walnut Desk

Small 19th Century Burr Walnut Desk

Sold|$3,186

Small 19th Century Burr Walnut Desk

Located in Eindhoven, NL

Beautiful small pure antique desk with beautiful weathered patina. The burr walnut has a very nice

Category

Antique 1830s Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Small 19th Century Victorian Mahogany Desk
Small 19th Century Victorian Mahogany Desk

Small 19th Century Victorian Mahogany Desk

Sold|$2,825

Small 19th Century Victorian Mahogany Desk

Located in Eindhoven, NL

Beautiful little high quality Victorian mahogany desk. Desk has 9 drawers. Finished all around, so

Category

Antique 1860s English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Small 19th Century Victorian Oak Desk
Small 19th Century Victorian Oak Desk

Small 19th Century Victorian Oak Desk

Sold|$2,705

Small 19th Century Victorian Oak Desk

Located in Eindhoven, NL

Beautiful little antique oak desk. Nice light color with the original brown oil cloth sheet. The

Category

Antique 1840s English Early Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Friso Kramer Style Small Industrial Desk
Friso Kramer Style Small Industrial Desk

Friso Kramer Style Small Industrial Desk

Sold|$995

Friso Kramer Style Small Industrial Desk

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Elegant little metal enameled desk with linoleum top, grey body with Mediterranean blue drawers and

Category

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

Materials

Sheet Metal, Steel

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Small Writing Desks For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are several options of small writing desks available for sale. Each of these unique small writing desks was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, metal and hardwood. We have 725 antique and vintage small writing desks in-stock, while there are 39 modern editions to choose from as well. Small writing desks have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. There are many kinds of small writing desks to choose from, but at 1stDibs, mid-century modern, Art Deco and Victorian small writing desks are of considerable interest. Vittorio Dassi, Matthias Demacker and Gio Ponti each produced beautiful small writing desks that are worth considering.

How Much are Small Writing Desks?

Small writing desks can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $3,512, while the lowest priced sells for $83 and the highest can go for as much as $495,000.

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 Small Writing Desks
  • What is a small writing desk called?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    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?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    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 writing desk with drawers called?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    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?
    1 Answer
    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.
  • What was the term in French furniture for a writing desk that often featured a drop-down writing surface?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    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.

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