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's the difference between a desk and a writing table?

Desks typically include drawers or storage compartments, while writing tables (and secretary desks) offer a flatter surface with little to no built-in storage.

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.

What's the difference between a mid-century modern desk and a writing table?

Desks typically include drawers or storage, while writing tables are a flatter, more minimal work surface; check the listing description for storage details.

Writing Desk With Wheels

Desk Mid Century Wood And Metal

Small French Writing Desk

Metal Table With Wheels

Kartell Wheels

Coffee Table Midcentury Wheels

Bureau Plat Desk Leather

Small Wood Writing Tables

Louis Xvi Bureau Plat

Antique Oak Writing Table with Drawer & Turned Wood Legs On Wheels

$1,495

Antique Oak Writing Table with Drawer & Turned Wood Legs On Wheels

Located in Freehold, NJ

This antique entry table features hardwood constructions, beautiful oak wood grain with original dark finish, single dovetailed drawer with turned wood knob, lower shelf, and antique...

Category

Vintage 1910s American American Craftsman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Pine Industrial Work or Desk Table with metal legs, drawers and wheels

$2,400

Pine Industrial Work or Desk Table with metal legs, drawers and wheels

Located in Miami, FL

Pine Industrial Work or Desk Table with metal legs, drawers and wheels. The drawers and wheels works softly.

Category

Mid-20th Century Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Table with Wheels, Italy, 19th Century

$394Sale Price|25% Off

Mid-Century Table with Wheels, Italy, 19th Century

Located in Roma, IT

Mid-century table with wheels realized by italian manufactory in the mid-20th Century. Central drawer. Good condition.

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Recent Sales

19th Century Louis XVI Mahogany and Leather Small Bureau Plat RESTORED

Unavailable

H 29.14 in W 35.83 in D 19.3 in

19th Century Louis XVI Mahogany and Leather Small Bureau Plat RESTORED

Located in Toledo, Castilla La Mancha

Elegant small Louis XVI writing desk with wheels, leather top with two side drawers and one central, with bronzes.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Kartell "Max" Office/Dining Desk in Black with Wheels

Sold

H 28.75 in W 31.5 in D 63 in

Kartell "Max" Office/Dining Desk in Black with Wheels

By Kartell

Located in Rochester, England

The Kartell "Max" Office/Dining Desk in Black with Wheels combines functionality with modern design. Kartell, known for its innovative furniture, offers a versatile desk that can be ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

1920s United States Roll Top Office Desk with Drawers and Wheels

Sold

H 49.61 in W 53.55 in D 29.93 in

1920s United States Roll Top Office Desk with Drawers and Wheels

Located in Marbella, ES

1920 United States roll top office desk with drawers and wheels.

Category

Early 20th Century North American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Victorian Pedestal Desk on Wheels with Original Wooden Knobs and Leather Top

Sold

H 29.93 in W 42.52 in D 24.02 in

Victorian Pedestal Desk on Wheels with Original Wooden Knobs and Leather Top

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are so excited to present to you this stunning Circa 1900's pedestal desk. The desk has a few losses throughout as you will see on the pictures and this reflects on the price. ...

Category

20th Century British Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Ico Parisi, Set Consisting of a Small Desk with Chair and Coffee Table on Wheels

Sold

H 28.75 in W 41.34 in D 23.63 in

Ico Parisi, Set Consisting of a Small Desk with Chair and Coffee Table on Wheels

By Ico Parisi

Located in Milano, IT

Ico Parisi, set consisting of a small desk with chair and coffee table on wheels with two drawers. The desk and coffee table have their original top in laminate preserved in perfect ...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Hekman Drop-Leaf Marquetry Bookmatched 2-Drawer Writing Desk on Wheels

Sold

H 29 in W 60 in D 22 in

Hekman Drop-Leaf Marquetry Bookmatched 2-Drawer Writing Desk on Wheels

By Hekman Furniture

Located in Germantown, MD

Very original and exquisite Hekman drop-leaf marquetry book matched 2-drawer writing desk. Original wheels, with 2 dovetailed drawers.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

20th Century Italian Chevet Table Circa 1900

$1,950

H 28.5 in W 16.25 in D 12 in

20th Century Italian Chevet Table Circa 1900

Located in Atlanta, GA

This early 20th-century Italian chevet table, circa 1900, is a charming example of functional elegance. Crafted from walnut, the table features a rich, warm tone and a smooth, polish...

Category

20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Side Tables

Materials

Walnut

Vintage American Industrial Work Table, Repurposed Butcher Block Kitchen Island

$4,650 / set

H 34 in W 68.63 in D 25.38 in

Vintage American Industrial Work Table, Repurposed Butcher Block Kitchen Island

Located in Highwood, IL

Vintage American Industrial Work Table, Repurposed Butcher Block Kitchen Island. We're not sure where or how this repurposed Industrial Work Table was originally used, but after some...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Industrial Industrial and Work Tables

Materials

Wood, Maple

Large 20th Century Work Table, Kitchen Island

$4,571

H 35.71 in W 95.67 in D 42.92 in

Large 20th Century Work Table, Kitchen Island

Located in Dusseldorf, DE

Large vintage workbench or work table on castors. Early to mid-20th century. Crafted from solid pine. Good refurbished condition, ready for everyday use. Ideal as a freestanding kitc...

Category

Mid-20th Century Industrial Industrial and Work Tables

Materials

Beech, Pine

Antique Victorian Twin Drawer Oak Writing Table Desk 19th Century

$1,852

H 29.53 in W 41.74 in D 29.53 in

Antique Victorian Twin Drawer Oak Writing Table Desk 19th Century

Located in London, GB

This gorgeous early Victorian antique writing table is crafted from beautiful solid oak and dates from Circa 1860. The rectangular top with rounded corners is fitted with the origi...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique American Empire Style Quartersawn Oak Library Table Console Writing Desk

$1,850

H 30.5 in W 40.5 in D 20.5 in

Antique American Empire Style Quartersawn Oak Library Table Console Writing Desk

Located in Dayton, OH

An American Empire style library table or writing desk from the Golden Oak era, circa 1890. Masterfully constructed from solid quarter-sawn tiger oak that highlights a striking, fie...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American American Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Oak

Industrial oak work table, circa 1950

$1,371

H 31.11 in W 61.42 in D 26.78 in

Industrial oak work table, circa 1950

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

This robust industrial work table, crafted from solid oak and dating from circa 1950, combines functionality with an authentic appearance. The tabletop displays a beautiful weathered...

Category

Vintage 1950s French Industrial Industrial and Work Tables

Materials

Oak

19th Century Regency Pembroke Drop-Leaf Table

$900

H 27.5 in W 37 in D 19.5 in

19th Century Regency Pembroke Drop-Leaf Table

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Unique 19th century English Pembroke drop-leaf table made in the Regency taste. Features a mahogany case supported by faux bamboo legs ending with toupie feet and casters. The table ...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Regency Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Materials

Brass

Large Industrial Cast Iron Factory Trolley Work Cart Pine Plank Table or Island

$6,500

H 31 in W 94.5 in D 39 in

Large Industrial Cast Iron Factory Trolley Work Cart Pine Plank Table or Island

Located in Forney, TX

An incredible 20th century rustic industrial style repurposed dining table - kitchen island. Crafted from a heavy-duty utilitarian cast iron American factory - warehouse trolley ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Industrial and Work Tables

Materials

Steel, Iron

Small late 18th Century Console or Side Table in Oak with three Drawers

$4,114

H 30.32 in W 47.25 in D 25.99 in

Small late 18th Century Console or Side Table in Oak with three Drawers

Located in Jesteburg, DE

A simple but elegant small console or side table with three drawer in silky smooth oak. Beautiful dark patina. Provenance: château in the Haut-Var-region, South France This table w...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Baroque Console Tables

Materials

Oak

19th century Swedish pine workbench

$2,418

H 30.6 in W 50.5 in D 27 in

19th century Swedish pine workbench

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

19th century Swedish pine workbench circa 1890. We are pleased to offer this practical bench of smaller proportions, ready for everyday use. Plain top, fitted with end vice and fro...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Industrial Industrial and Work Tables

Materials

Pine

Large Industrial Worktable or Kitchen Island

$9,000

H 34 in W 103 in D 39 in

Large Industrial Worktable or Kitchen Island

Located in Sheffield, MA

Antique industrial farmhouse kitchen work table or kitchen Island. The large iron base is shown with a plank teak wood top. Top and base can be sold separately. The base will work we...

Category

Antique 19th Century Industrial Industrial and Work Tables

Materials

Iron

19th-Century Walnut Writing Desk with Turned Legs and Spacious Drawer

$914

H 29.93 in W 41.34 in D 25.6 in

19th-Century Walnut Writing Desk with Turned Legs and Spacious Drawer

Located in Pont-Saint-Martin, IT

An elegant 19th-century writing desk crafted in solid walnut wood, distinguished by its refined proportions, graceful turned legs, and timeless classical character. This sophisticate...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Elegant 19th-Century Solid Walnut Table with Turned Legs

$571

H 27.56 in W 33.08 in D 23.23 in

Elegant 19th-Century Solid Walnut Table with Turned Legs

Located in Pont-Saint-Martin, IT

A refined 19th-century occasional table crafted from fine solid walnut, distinguished by its elegant proportions and harmonious design, reflecting the exceptional craftsmanship of th...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Rustic Side Tables

Materials

Walnut

Charming Antique French Provincial Writing Table

$1,800

H 29 in W 43.5 in D 27 in

Charming Antique French Provincial Writing Table

Located in Hopewell, NJ

Antique French writing table from Provence, France with single deep drawer retaining its working lock and key. Elegant carved tapered legs and authentic charming rustic patina with a...

Category

Antique 19th Century French French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

19th Century Antique Carpenter's Workbench in Solid Maple Wood and Steel

$1,550

H 31.825 in W 82.75 in D 39 in

19th Century Antique Carpenter's Workbench in Solid Maple Wood and Steel

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Carpenter's workbench from the 19th Century showcases solid maple wood construction with steel hardware and vise mechanism. The piece features integrated tool storage compartments bu...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Estonian Industrial Industrial and Work Tables

Materials

Steel

Antique Victorian Writing Table / Desk

$2,425

H 29.93 in W 48.04 in D 22.84 in L 29.93 in

Antique Victorian Writing Table / Desk

Located in London, GB

A superb antique Victorian writing table / desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1850-1870 period. This is of outstanding quality and is a very useful size, with ...

Category

Antique 1850s British High Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

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Pair of Modern Walnut Side Tables

$4,554 / set

H 28.5 in W 26 in D 26 in

Pair of Modern Walnut Side Tables

By Theodore Alexander

Located in Westwood, NJ

A Pacific walnut side table, the square top with rounded corners and a reeded edge above a similar under tier, on bobbin turned legs. Dimensions: 26" W x 26" D x 28.5" H.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern End Tables

Materials

Wood

Pair of 70s Style Italian Bamboo and Brass Table Lamps

$5,000 / set

H 31 in Dm 20 in

Pair of 70s Style Italian Bamboo and Brass Table Lamps

Located in New York, NY

Monumental size Bamboo lamps. Crafted in Italy and made to order, these lamps are modern and chic. Production lead time 2-4 weeks. Base diameter 8 inches, hat diameter 20 inches, he...

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Ethnic Straw Armchair by +55design Brazilian Design with Indigenous Craft

$2,860 / item

H 29.93 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in

Ethnic Straw Armchair by +55design Brazilian Design with Indigenous Craft

By Neca Abrantes

Located in Jardim America, SP

This rotating armchair by Neca Abrantes is a striking fusion of contemporary Brazilian design and indigenous handcrafted traditions. Known for her deep passion for native craftsmansh...

Category

2010s Brazilian Swivel Chairs

Materials

Straw

Classic Empire Center Table, Oatmeal

$2,820 / item

H 30 in W 42 in D 42 in

Classic Empire Center Table, Oatmeal

Located in Westwood, NJ

A Classic Empire style grey cerused oak oatmeal stained center table with a carved ogee edge, raised on an octagonal pedestal base. Dimensions: 42" W x 42" D x 30" H. Clearance: 27"

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Empire Center Tables

Materials

Wood

Karel Koželka & Antonín Kropáček Re-upholstered Bentwood Armchairs, Czechia 1940

$3,950 / set

H 31.5 in W 26.78 in D 31.5 in

Karel Koželka & Antonín Kropáček Re-upholstered Bentwood Armchairs, Czechia 1940

By Karel Kozelka & Antonin Kropacek

Located in Almelo, NL

Karel Koželka & Antonín Kropáček re-upholstered bentwood Armchairs, Czechia 1940 We offer re-upholstered Karel Koželka & Antonín Kropáček bentwood armchairs, originally designed in ...

Category

Vintage 1940s Czech Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Bentwood

Pair of Art Deco Style Murano Smoked Glass Wall Sconces, Italy Contemporary

$2,800 / set

H 17.5 in W 10.5 in D 6.5 in

Pair of Art Deco Style Murano Smoked Glass Wall Sconces, Italy Contemporary

Located in Miami, FL

Pair of Art Deco style Murano smoked glass wall lights, contemporary Smoked / fume color and horizontal striation texture Black opaline finial and brass accents Art Deco inspired de...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

19th century italian solid walnut Louis Philippe desk

$1,329Sale Price|20% Off

H 39.38 in W 47.25 in D 27.56 in

19th century italian solid walnut Louis Philippe desk

Located in Nicolosi, IT

19th Century Italian Solid Walnut Louis Philippe Desk This desk is crafted from solid walnut, a prized wood known for its beauty and durability. Its robust structure lends an elegan...

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Louis Philippe Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

19th Century French Bamboo Side Table with Octagonal Top

$975

H 25 in W 19.25 in D 19.75 in

19th Century French Bamboo Side Table with Octagonal Top

Located in High Point, NC

19th century tortoise bamboo side table from France with an octagonal shaped top. This table is darling! The top has bamboo molded edges, surrounding a seagrass top, and supported ...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Art Nouveau Side Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Rush

Napoli Reproduction Club Chair in Natural Cotton Canvas

$3,290 / item

H 33 in W 28 in D 30 in

Napoli Reproduction Club Chair in Natural Cotton Canvas

By Bloom Home Inc

Located in Old Town Orange, CA

Over 2000 items in stock, scroll down and select view all to see our current ready to ship furniture and accessories! Price is per item, this is custom made to order. We do have 1 fl...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Club Chairs

Materials

Canvas, Cotton, Wood

Elegant Italian Small Desk in Cherry and Mahogany

$1,675

H 30.52 in W 33.08 in D 19.69 in

Elegant Italian Small Desk in Cherry and Mahogany

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Writing desk, cherry, mahogany, brass, formica, Italy, 1950s Very elegant desk made in Italy in the 1950s. The framework is executed in cherry. The upper part of this piece is made ...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

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

$1,095

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...

Category

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

Materials

Formica, Birch, Ebony

Cherry Wood Desk with Tapered Legs, Circa 1900

$813Sale Price|20% Off

H 42.52 in W 29.14 in D 27.56 in

Cherry Wood Desk with Tapered Legs, Circa 1900

Located in LYON, FR

Cherry Wood Desk with Tapered Legs, Circa 1900 Maison Lecan presents this charming cherry wood table dating from the early 20th century. With its compact size and clean lines, it f...

Category

Antique 1890s French French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry

Antique quality Georgian revival mahogany writing side dressing table desk C1905

$938Sale Price|30% Off

H 27.96 in W 32.68 in D 17.33 in

Antique quality Georgian revival mahogany writing side dressing table desk C1905

Located in Wisbech, England

Antique quality Georgian revival mahogany writing side dressing table desk C1905. Lovely age colour and patina. No loose joints. Full of age, character and charm. Would look great ...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Vintage Mahogany Pembroke Table, Gordon’s Fine Furniture, Inc.

$750

H 27.25 in W 19.75 in D 26 in

Vintage Mahogany Pembroke Table, Gordon’s Fine Furniture, Inc.

By Gordon Furniture Co.

Located in Vero Beach, FL

Vintage Mahogany Pembroke table, Gordon’s Fine Furniture, Inc. A Classic Pembroke table by Gordon’s Fine Furniture, Inc. made of mahogany with tooled leather writing surface. Sing...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Vico Magistretti for Cassina Carimate Dining Chairs in Leather & Dark Wood

$1,650 / item

H 29.53 in W 18.51 in D 18.51 in

Vico Magistretti for Cassina Carimate Dining Chairs in Leather & Dark Wood

By Vico Magistretti, Cassina

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Vico Magistretti for Casina, 'Carimate' dining chairs, model '115' leather, stained beech, Italy, 1963 This large set of dining chairs belongs to the 'Carimate' line, one of Vico M...

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Leather, Beech

Small French Louis XVI Desk

$3,405 / item

H 30 in W 45 in D 22 in

Small French Louis XVI Desk

By Oliver Home

Located in Westwood, NJ

This desk brings timeless elegance and delicate refinement to your home. Crafted from Acacia wood in a soft Country mahogany finish, this piece showcases a smooth top, and turret cor...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Get Updated with New Arrivals

Save "Writing Desk With Wheels", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Writing Desk With Wheels For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of writing desk with wheels for sale on 1stDibs. Each of these unique writing desk with wheels was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, oak and lacquer. We have 22 antique and vintage writing desk with wheels in-stock, while there are 27 modern editions to choose from as well. Writing desk with wheels have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 19th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Writing desk with wheels are generally popular furniture pieces, but mid-century modern, Victorian and modern styles are often sought at 1stDibs. Emmanuel Gallina, Achille Castiglioni and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni each produced beautiful writing desk with wheels that are worth considering.

How Much are Writing Desk With Wheels?

Writing desk with wheels can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $3,784, while the lowest priced sells for $1,200 and the highest can go for as much as $27,051.

Finding the Right Desks-writing-tables for You

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.

Questions About Writing Desk With Wheels

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's the difference between a desk and a writing table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
Desks typically include drawers or storage compartments, while writing tables (and secretary desks) offer a flatter surface with little to no built-in storage.
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.
What's the difference between a mid-century modern desk and a writing table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
Desks typically include drawers or storage, while writing tables are a flatter, more minimal work surface; check the listing description for storage details.

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