At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal writing bureau for your home. A writing bureau — often made from
wood,
metal and
animal skin — can elevate any home. There are 928 variations of the antique or vintage writing bureau you’re looking for, while we also have 13 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. Your living room may not be complete without a writing bureau — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. A writing bureau made by
Louis XV designers — as well as those associated with
Louis XVI — is very popular. You’ll likely find more than one writing bureau that is appealing in its simplicity, but
François Linke,
Maison Jansen and
Scarlet Splendour produced versions that are worth a look.
A writing bureau can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $6,497, while the lowest priced sells for $171 and the highest can go for as much as $1,844,713.
Vintage desks and writing tables span centuries of design. The writing table came first, a simple surface built for correspondence, while the drawered desk followed as record-keeping at home and in the office grew more demanding.
Styles to Know
Any desk at least 20 years old falls under this broader vintage category. If you want a tapered-leg, mid-century look specifically, browse mid-century modern desks; Louis XVI and Art Deco secretary desks bridge the writing-table and desk forms. A vintage table lamp adds task lighting to either.
How to Choose the Right Vintage Piece
Writing tables often carry little to no storage of their own, so a separate file cabinet or desk organizer may be worth planning for, alongside a close look at the surface dimensions against the space available. Each piece comes from a vetted 1stDibs seller, with era, designer and condition detailed, and every purchase is covered by the 1stDibs Promise.