What is a writing desk?

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 small writing desk called?

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 with drawers called?

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?

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?

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.

Writing Desk Flaps

Finn Juhl Rosewood

1940s French Desk

Flap Table

Mahogany Chest Of Drawers With Key Hole

19th Century German Desk

Chest Of Drawers With Pull Out Desk

Retro Drawers

Cabinet With Clock

18th Century, French Louis XV Wood Flap Writing Desk

$24,434Sale 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

18th Century, Franch Louis XV Wood Flap Writing Desk Measures: cm H 94 x W 83,5 x D 46; D with the

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Antique Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Empire writing desk in cherry wood, with lifting side flaps, England

$3,315

H 30.32 in W 62.6 in D 27.56 in

Empire writing desk in cherry wood, with lifting side flaps, England

Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)

Antique Empire writing desk in light cherry wood, with lifting side flaps, It has ebonized inlays

Category

Antique 19th Century English Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chestnut

Antique Writing Desk with Flaps, Brass Ornaments, Late 19th Century France

$1,421Sale Price|20% Off

H 28.75 in W 29.53 in D 21.26 in

Antique Writing Desk with Flaps, Brass Ornaments, Late 19th Century France

Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)

Antique writing desk in black lacquered wood, with adjustable flaps on the sides, rich ornaments in

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Tolix Flap Desk Indoor Painted in Black

$950

H 29.53 in W 22.45 in D 41.34 in

Tolix Flap Desk Indoor Painted in Black

By Sebastian Bergne, Tolix

Located in Shakopee, MN

- The flap desk, imagined by Sebastian Bergne, is the ideal size for small spaces. Store documents

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Tolix Flap Desk Indoor Painted in White

$795

H 29.53 in W 22.45 in D 41.34 in

Tolix Flap Desk Indoor Painted in White

By Sebastian Bergne, Tolix

Located in Shakopee, MN

- The flap desk, imagined by Sebastian Bergne, is the ideal size for small spaces. Store documents

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Tolix Flap Desk Indoor Painted in Graphite

$950

H 29.53 in W 22.45 in D 41.34 in

Tolix Flap Desk Indoor Painted in Graphite

By Tolix, Sebastian Bergne

Located in Shakopee, MN

- The tolix flap desk, imagined by Sebastian Bergne, is the ideal size for small spaces. Store

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Desk With Flaps Model AT-305 In Teak & Oak By Hans J. Wegner For Andreas Tuck

$8,164

H 28.55 in W 53.15 in D 29.53 in

Desk With Flaps Model AT-305 In Teak & Oak By Hans J. Wegner For Andreas Tuck

By Andreas Tuck Møbelfabrik, Hans J. Wegner

Located in Lejre, DK

Desk with flaps, model AT-305, designed by Hans J. Wegner and produced by Andreas Tuck in the 1950s

Category

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

Materials

Oak, Teak

Walnut reception desk with rich decorations on the sides and back, Italy

$3,315

H 41.34 in W 51.19 in D 25.6 in

Walnut reception desk with rich decorations on the sides and back, Italy

Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)

with rich gold painted decorations on the sides and back (reception front), it is a writing desk with

Category

Antique 18th Century Italian Desks

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Flap Writing Desk, Walnut, Louis XIII Style, Italy

$4,239

H 38.19 in W 36.23 in D 21.66 in

18th Century Flap Writing Desk, Walnut, Louis XIII Style, Italy

Located in Sant'Arsenio, Campania

18th century flap writing desk Object: Desk with flap Period: eighteenth century Origin

Category

Antique Late 17th Century Italian Louis XIII Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Antique Flap Writing Desk in Walnut, Carved Cross Legs, Early 18th Century Italy

$3,195Sale Price|20% Off

H 39.77 in W 34.26 in D 19.3 in

Antique Flap Writing Desk in Walnut, Carved Cross Legs, Early 18th Century Italy

Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)

Ancient flap, desk in solid walnut, with hand-carved legs and cross base, built, inlaid and briar

Category

Antique 18th Century Italian Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Materials

Walnut

1750s Louis XV Hand-Painted Fir Wood Rustic Sicilian Trumeau

$4,149

H 69.69 in W 31.5 in D 20.48 in

1750s Louis XV Hand-Painted Fir Wood Rustic Sicilian Trumeau

Located in Catania, Sicilia

Regalbuto, it was used as a pantry and, if necessary, also as a writing desk thanks to the front flap. It

Category

Antique Early 18th Century Sicilian Louis XV Credenzas

Materials

Iron

Recent Sales

Writing Desk by Finn Juhl

Unavailable

H 29.53 in W 25.6 in D 25.6 in

Writing Desk by Finn Juhl

By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl

Located in Copenhagen, DK

Model NV-40 A solid and veneerd rosewood writing desk. Tabletop with flaps covering one large and

Category

Vintage 1950s Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Fruitwood Writing Desk

Unavailable

H 33.5 in W 66.75 in D 25 in

Fruitwood Writing Desk

Located in Los Angeles, CA

point later in that century it was turned into a writing desk with two flap lids on each side for

Category

Antique 19th Century German Desks

Materials

Fruitwood

French 1940s School Writing Desk with Extension Flap and Four Drawers.

Sold

H 35 in W 35 in D 20 in

French 1940s School Writing Desk with Extension Flap and Four Drawers.

Located in Santa Monica, CA

French 1940s School Writing Desk with Extension Flap and Four Drawers.

Category

Mid-20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Gianfranco Frattini Secretaire with Wooden Flap

Sold

H 39.77 in W 41.34 in D 19.69 in

Gianfranco Frattini Secretaire with Wooden Flap

By Gianfranco Frattini, Bernini

Located in Milano, IT

consists of four drawers with handles, the flap opens via a brass key, inside we find shelves and small

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Clock Cabinet with Writers Flap from Northern Sweden

Sold

H 95.28 in W 40.95 in D 18.51 in

Clock Cabinet with Writers Flap from Northern Sweden

Located in Kramfors, SE

Clock cabinet with writers flap manufactured around the year 1800. The cabinet is scraped to

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Vintage Bookshelf Oak Veneer, Italy, 1950s

Sold

H 85.83 in W 58.67 in D 17.33 in

Vintage Bookshelf Oak Veneer, Italy, 1950s

Located in Milano, IT

Bookcase with writing desk flap and storage compartment with sliding doors in oak veneered wood.

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Oak

Big Bookshelf with Flap Writing Desk and Cocktail Cabinet, 1950 circa

Sold

H 107.49 in W 129.93 in D 17.72 in

Big Bookshelf with Flap Writing Desk and Cocktail Cabinet, 1950 circa

Located in Milan, IT

storage units which turn to a flap writing desk and a cocktail cabinet with embossed copper door.

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal, Copper

Italian wooden chest of drawers or writing desk with flap, 1900s

Sold

H 39.38 in W 37.01 in D 27.56 in

Italian wooden chest of drawers or writing desk with flap, 1900s

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian wooden chest of drawers or writing desk with flap, 1900s Chest of drawers with flap with

Category

Antique Early 1900s Italian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Vintage secretaire with pull-out desk

Sold

H 37.8 in W 35.44 in D 17.72 in

Vintage secretaire with pull-out desk

Located in Brescia, IT

Scandinavian chest of drawers with flap and writing desk. Timeless elegance for this masterfully

Category

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Secretaires

Materials

Teak

Mid 18th Century Tuscany Flap Desk

Sold

H 31.5 in W 43.31 in D 20.08 in

Mid 18th Century Tuscany Flap Desk

Located in Firenze, FI

Elegant writing desk with walnut veneered drop-leaf top with solid wood parts. Particular for the

Category

Antique 18th Century Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Scriban Cabinet Secretary Writing Desk Flap in Mahogany

Sold

H 89.77 in W 39.38 in D 21.66 in

18th Century Scriban Cabinet Secretary Writing Desk Flap in Mahogany

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

18th century solid two colors mahogany bonnet top secretary writing desk with a flap, two glass

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Empire Style Flap Type Mahogany Writing Table

Sold

H 30.71 in W 39.38 in D 29.53 in

19th Century Empire Style Flap Type Mahogany Writing Table

Located in Liverpool, GB

19th century Empire style flap type mahogany writing table Empire style writing table - "flap type

Category

Antique 19th Century European Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

French Louis XVI style Desk with pull out flap.

Sold

H 30.5 in W 43 in D 21.5 in

French Louis XVI style Desk with pull out flap.

Located in Charleston, SC

A walnut Desk in Louis XVI style which could also be used as a writing table or a console. Has a

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Italian Writing Desk

Sold

H 40 in W 46 in D 18 in

Italian Writing Desk

Located in Bridgehampton, NY

Walnut flap writing desk with three curved drawers. Flap drop conceals interior drawers and secret

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Desks

Materials

Ash

Antique Campaign Secretaire Chest of Drawers Teak Victorian Number 30

Sold

H 39 in W 38.5 in D 17.5 in

Antique Campaign Secretaire Chest of Drawers Teak Victorian Number 30

Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury

secretaire with fall flap to writing desk with various pigeon holes and small pullout / pull-out drawer

Category

Antique 1890s British Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Antique Campaign Secretaire Chest of Drawers Teak Victorian Number 30

Sold

H 39 in W 38.5 in D 17.5 in

Antique Campaign Secretaire Chest of Drawers Teak Victorian Number 30

Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury

central secretaire with fall flap to writing desk with various pigeon holes and small pull out drawer

Category

Antique 1890s British Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

French Louis XVI style desk with pull out flap.

Sold

H 30.5 in W 43 in D 21.5 in

French Louis XVI style desk with pull out flap.

Located in Charleston, SC

A clear Mahogany desk in Louis XVI style which could also be used as a writing table or a

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

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Grand 19th Century English Marine Painting in Stunning Light

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Located in London, GB

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'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö

$1,155Sale Price / item|30% Off

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21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

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Textile

A Large French Louis XV Canapé en Corbeille, Walnut - Louis Delanois JME

$37,893

H 42.13 in W 83.47 in D 32.29 in

A Large French Louis XV Canapé en Corbeille, Walnut - Louis Delanois JME

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Located in Göttingen, NI

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Bespoke Modernist Tubular Steel Table in Chromed Metal and Glossy Lacquered Wood

$3,434 / item

H 29.93 in W 43.31 in D 25.6 in

Bespoke Modernist Tubular Steel Table in Chromed Metal and Glossy Lacquered Wood

By GMD Berlin

Located in Berlin, DE

Bespoke modernist tubular writing table made of chrome plated tubular steel and lacquered wood.

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2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables

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Metal, Chrome

Oak Wood MiMi Desk White by Miduny, Made in Italy

$1,849 / item

H 29 in W 28 in D 56 in

Oak Wood MiMi Desk White by Miduny, Made in Italy

By Ale Preda, Miduny

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Merging clean lines with warm materials, the faceted geometry of the MiMi desk creates a slender, elegant profile punctuated with painted surfaces that capture light. This modern and...

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2010s Italian Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables

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Birch, Oak, Plywood

European Black Rustic Desk

$1,395 / item

H 31 in W 59 in D 24 in

European Black Rustic Desk

Located in Westwood, NJ

Exquisitely designed to blend elegance with functionality. Crafted from high-quality mahogany wood and finished in our luxurious Batavia Black, this desk is a perfect addition to any...

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French Pair of Louis XVI Style Marquise Bergere Giltwood Armchairs

$24,000 / set

H 42 in W 33 in D 26 in

French Pair of Louis XVI Style Marquise Bergere Giltwood Armchairs

Located in Montreal, Quebec

French pair of Louis XVI style marquise bergère armchairs, gilt wood, 19th century. In the clean and classic Louis XVI style, the name Marquise is attributed due to their exceptiona...

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Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Armchairs

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Velvet, Wood

1954 Coen de Vries Desk in Birch with Ebony Base, Red Drawer and Formica Top

$1,295Sale Price|23% Off

H 29.5 in W 33.625 in D 21.75 in

1954 Coen de Vries Desk in Birch with Ebony Base, Red Drawer and Formica Top

By Devo, Coen de Vries

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Great little writing desk in birch wood with ebony x-base, red drawer and Formica top. Coen de Vries is one of the Dutch pioneers of industrial design. Many of Coen de Vries' practic...

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Formica, Birch, Ebony

Louis XV Style Chinoiserie Slant-Top Desk

$5,750

H 37.75 in W 30 in D 15.5 in

Louis XV Style Chinoiserie Slant-Top Desk

Located in Pembroke, MA

A stunning, petite French slant-top desk or "bureau de pente" in the Louis XV style, turquoise and gold polychromed with Chinoiserie detailing, and red under-body. Desk opens to rev...

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Fine 19th Century Gillows Parquetry and Gilt Bronze Kidney Shaped Table

$11,563

H 28.75 in W 38 in D 21.07 in

Fine 19th Century Gillows Parquetry and Gilt Bronze Kidney Shaped Table

By Gillows of Lancaster & London

Located in Benington, Herts

An extremely fine gilt bronze mounted parquetry kidney shaped writing table attributed to Gillows of Lancaster. English Circa 1865 The rosewood lozenge trellis inlaid kidney shape...

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Antique 1860s English Desks

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Bronze

Midcentury Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk Black Lacquer Finish

$3,450

H 29 in W 48 in D 24 in

Midcentury Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk Black Lacquer Finish

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful Paul McCobb planner group #1560 double drawer desk Black Lacquer on maple with aluminum ring knobs solid maple. Desk is in great condition. Very beautiful designed desk on ...

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

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Aluminum

USM Haller Custom Desk Unit 'A' by Fritz Haller and Paul Schaerer

$2,894 / item

H 30 in W 50 in D 20 in

USM Haller Custom Desk Unit 'A' by Fritz Haller and Paul Schaerer

By Usm Haller, Fritz Haller

Located in New York, NY

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$750 / item

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Selection of stools or ottomans. They are priced at $750 each. Clockwise from the top left, they are: 1) Wood and leather strapped stool, probably Mexican, circa 1950s. It measures...

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Napoleon III Style Chairs in Emerald Sheepskin on Gilt Rope & Tassel Frames

$16,800 / set

H 34 in W 32 in D 32 in

Napoleon III Style Chairs in Emerald Sheepskin on Gilt Rope & Tassel Frames

By Napoléon III

Located in Saint Louis, MO

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Antique French Louis XV Style Marquetry Inlay Petite Demilune Writing Desk

$3,200

H 37.5 in W 29.5 in D 20 in

Antique French Louis XV Style Marquetry Inlay Petite Demilune Writing Desk

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique French Louis XV Style Marquetry Inlay Petite Demilune Writing Desk. Item features marble top, green leather pull out writing surface, inlaid all the way around, bronze ormolu...

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$2,127 / item

H 29.75 in W 55 in D 26 in

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Located in Westwood, NJ

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Writing Desk Flaps For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of writing desk flaps for sale on 1stDibs. Each of these unique writing desk flaps was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, hardwood and metal. There are 113 antique and vintage writing desk flaps for sale at 1stDibs, while we also have 36 modern editions to choose from as well. Writing desk flaps have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. Writing desk flaps bearing mid-century modern or Scandinavian Modern hallmarks are very popular at 1stDibs. There have been many well-made writing desk flaps over the years, but those made by Achille Castiglioni, Pier Giacomo Castiglioni and Eric Gizard are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are Writing Desk Flaps?

Prices for writing desk flaps can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, writing desk flaps begin at $395 and can go as high as $224,500, while the average can fetch as much as $4,926.

Questions About Writing Desk Flaps

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 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 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.