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Desks For Sale
Period: 18th Century and Earlier
Period: 1860s
Georgian Style Walnut Fall-Front Bureau with Marquetry, Late 18th Century
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This elegant fall-front bureau is a beautiful example of late 18th-century English craftsmanship in the Georgian style, dating circa 1780–1800. Traditionally made in mahogany, this p...
Category

18th Century English Georgian Antique Desks

Materials

Bronze

Victorian Secretaire Bookcase Mahogany Cylinder Desk 1860
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Victorian Mahogany Cylinder Bookcase. This Quality Bookcase Stand Upon Bracket Feet. The Lower Doors Being of a Paneled Form. The Cylinder Section Opening to Reveal a Pullout Leather...
Category

1860s Victorian Antique Desks

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century Italian Louis XVI Walnut Antique Desk
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We present this elegant antique Italian desk dating back to the second half of the 18th century, Louis XVI period. An extremely refined desk. Ma...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Louis XVI Antique Desks

Materials

Walnut

English Chippendale Period George II Red Walnut Kneehole Desk Dressing Table
Located in Glasgow, GB
A good Chippendale period mid 18th century red walnut kneehole writing desk dressing table of small proportions and dating to circa 1740-50. With a lift-up top featuring a fully fit...
Category

Mid-18th Century English Chippendale Antique Desks

Materials

Brass

William and Mary Kneehole Desk Walnut Bureau 1700
Located in Potters Bar, GB
William and Mary walnut kneehole bureau Here we have a very unusual designed kneehole bureau Having an arrangement of 6 oak lined drawers and a central cupboard with decorative drop ...
Category

Early 1700s William and Mary Antique Desks

Materials

Walnut

Vargueno, Bargueno, Escritorio, Taquillon, Spanish, Baroque, Walnut, Velvet
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
Spanish writing desks of this period are the most distinctive pieces of Spanish furniture conceived as visual displays of incredible virtuosity. The characteristic decoration of the ...
Category

Early 17th Century Spanish Baroque Antique Desks

Materials

Walnut

16TH CENTURY MUSEUM QUALITY EXHiBITION HAND CARVED ITALIAN CASSONE DESK TABLE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning, very large, Exhibition / Museum quality, hand carved 16th Century southern Italian...
Category

16th Century Italian Antique Desks

Materials

Oak

18th Century Chinoiserie Bureau
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a good quality 18th century and later decorated chinoiserie bureau. The fall front opening to reveal a fully fitted interior and a well, above an arrangement of four draw...
Category

18th Century English Antique Desks

Materials

Oak

George III Inlaid Slant Top Desk
Located in Wilson, NC
George III inlaid slant top desk, the top and fall board crossbanded with satinwood and ebony, the fall board also inlaid with quarter fans and shell, the drawers are also banded wit...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Desks

Materials

Brass

18th Century Dutch Satinwood Marquetry Secretaire a Abattant
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
An 18th century Dutch satinwood abbatant or drop front desk, with gilded beading and inlaid brass stringing. The case also has various exotic woods inlaid into the satinwood. There i...
Category

Late 18th Century Dutch Louis XVI Antique Desks

Materials

Satinwood

Bureau cylindre
Located in PARIS, FR
Bureau à cylindre en acajou et placage d'acajou moucheté toutes faces, filets d'ébène et ornementation de bronze ciselé et doré et de laiton, le dessus de marbre blanc associé en par...
Category

Late 18th Century European Louis XVI Antique Desks

Materials

Bronze

Very Fine 18th Century George I Period Burr Walnut Bureau Bookcase
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A very fine George I period walnut and feather banded bureau bookcase, circa 1720, the moulded cornice above a pair of mirror panelled doors, ope...
Category

Early 18th Century British George I Antique Desks

Materials

Mirror, Burl, Walnut

Mahogany Kneehole Desk
Located in Folkestone, GB
A good quality George III period mahogany kneehole desk with moulded edge top above a long drawer and arrangement of three graduated small drawe...
Category

Late 18th Century English Georgian Antique Desks

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century Dutch Marquetry Bombé Bureau
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a top quality late 18th century Dutch Marquetry Bureau. The bureau is profusely inlaid all over with various birds and flowers, butterflies etc. The fall front opens to r...
Category

Late 18th Century Dutch Antique Desks

Materials

Walnut

George III Period Mahogany Fitted Desk Attributed to Gillows of Lancaster
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
An 18th century mahogany desk or sometimes called architects desk, with fitted top drawer containing a baize lined wiring surface below which is a fitted section contains alphabet inlaid letter boxes The double top drawer slides out on hidden rollers and the baize section then slides back. Original swan neck brass handles and fine flame mahogany. finished with dummy drawers to the back making this a free standing desk. A model is in the Gillow design...
Category

18th Century English Antique Desks

Materials

Brass

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Slant Front Desk
Located in Huntington, NY
An unusual trapezoid-shaped Swedish Gustavian slant front desk. Front opens to reveal an ample work surface with six cascading drawers sitti...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Desks

Materials

Brass, Iron

Large Gilded Bronze Clock with Louis XIV Figure, 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Large gilded bronze clock with Louis XIV figure. Mechanism working with a pendulum and original key End 18th century beginning 19th century...
Category

18th Century French Louis XIV Antique Desks

Materials

Bronze

18th Century Swedish Rococo Slant Front Corner Desk
Located in Huntington, NY
An unusual Swedish Rococo slant front corner desk. Desktop opens to reveal an ample working surface, ten small drawers with brass knobs and a locking cubby door. Interior tastefully ...
Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Rococo Antique Desks

Materials

Brass, Iron

Late 18th century Georgian walnut bureau
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Late 18th century Georgian walnut bureau circa 1790. Fine quality George III period walnut bureau, fitted with a fall and 2 over 3 drawers. Fall drops down onto pull out slides to ...
Category

Late 18th Century English Georgian Antique Desks

Materials

Walnut

PORTUGUESE PAPER STATIONERY 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
STATIONERY D. JOSÉ 18th Century 19th century Portuguese. in chestnut wood, with two drawers and three drawers. Folding lid with drawers and bins. Signs of use. Dim.: 140 x 115 x ...
Category

18th Century Portuguese Renaissance Antique Desks

Materials

Wood

George III Chippendale Period Bureau on its Original Stand
Located in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire
A fine and rare George III Chippendale period bureau on its original stand: superb inlaid interior with a finely carved frieze, mahogany-lined drawers and 2 secret drawers; the 2 mai...
Category

Late 18th Century English Chippendale Antique Desks

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

Louis XV Desk "Bureau De Pente" , Yellow Birch, 18Th Century.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Just in, this French Louis XV Slope Desk "Bureau De Pente" ,in natural Yellow Birch, . This French Provençal desk, also called Secretaire Abattant or f...
Category

Mid-18th Century French Louis XIV Antique Desks

Materials

Wood

18th Century Italian Desk Commode
Located in Miami, FL
Traditional 18th Century Italian desk commode from the Piemonte region made from solid walnut. A fine Italian walnut and inlaid bureau with drop leaf dating back to 18th century, w...
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Desks

Materials

Walnut

Venetian Louis XV Walnut Bureau Secretaire
Located in Vo', Veneto
Shaped Venetian Bureau Secretaire in Walnut Wood Type: Walnut and walnut burl Period: Mid 1700s Origin: Venice - Veneto Dimensions: Centimeters Hei...
Category

1740s Italian Louis XV Antique Desks

Materials

Nutwood

Victorian Partners Desk Mahogany Writing Table 1860
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Victorian mahogany partners desk. Circa 1860 This wonderful desk stands upon a plinth base. We can ship to anywhere in the world - including the US - so please get in touch for shipp...
Category

1860s Victorian Antique Desks

Materials

Mahogany

English Queen Anne, Early 18th Century Red Chinoiserie Lacquer Desk / Commode
Located in Troy, NY
A small early 18th century red lacquer chinoiserie decorated commode with a desk compartment, the hinged slant front - flip top, supported by pull-out...
Category

Early 18th Century English Queen Anne Antique Desks

Materials

Wood

Large Louis XV style flat desk, marquetry and gilt bronze, 19th century work
Located in NICE, FR
Large Louis XV-style 19th-century flat desk in solid beech veneer with inlay, opening with three drawers including a central drawer in the waistband with floral bronze fittings and r...
Category

1860s French Louis XV Antique Desks

Materials

Bronze

French Fruitwood Regence Bureau Slant Front Desk, Early 18th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Regence fruitwood bureau slant front desk with fitted interior, shaped apron with shell carving ending cabriole legs.
Category

Early 18th Century European Régence Antique Desks

Materials

Fruitwood

English Chippendale Mahogany Secretary / Bookcase with Interior Drawers, C. 1770
Located in Charleston, SC
English Chippendale mahogany slant front architects secretary / bookcase with a carved dentil molded edge cornice, upper flanking glass doors with...
Category

1770s English Chippendale Antique Desks

Materials

Brass

18th Century Dutch Marquetry Bureau Bookcase
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality 18th century Dutch marquetry inlaid bureau bookcase. Having a double dome top cornice, two panel doors, a fall front and bombe shaped base. The wonderfully bold and fine quality inlaid marquetry detail of flowers, birds and vases. The bookcase doors...
Category

18th Century Dutch Dutch Colonial Antique Desks

Materials

Walnut

Important George II Figured Walnut Caddy Kneehole Desk Circa 1730-1740, England
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Important George II Figured Walnut Kneehole Desk Circa 1730-1740, England This exceptional piece, attributed to London cabinet maker Giles Grendey, stands as a superb example of fine Georgian craftsmanship. The quarter veneered caddy moulded top with cross banded and feather banded detailing. Set above a lap moulded brushing slide, one long, oak-lined drawer flanked by six short drawers on either side of a central cupboard, all cross...
Category

Early 18th Century English George II Antique Desks

Materials

Walnut, Burl

English Satinwood and Patera Inlaid Knee Hole Desk. Circa 1780
Located in Charleston, SC
English satinwood and ebony string patera inlaid seven-drawer knee hole desk with original brasses, prospect door, and terminating on original bracket feet. Late 18th century.
Category

1780s English George II Antique Desks

Antique Federal Cherrywood Desk and Glassdoor Bookcase
Located in Sheridan, CO
A Late Federal Cherrywood Desk and Bookcase, Circa 1830. This unique piece includes a folding desk and make a fabulous looking compact desk with plenty of storage in bookcase above. This was possibly a clerk's desk. Includes plenty of storage and desk...
Category

Early 18th Century American Federal Antique Desks

Materials

Brass

18th Century Baroque Secretaire, South German, 1750-1760
Located in Belmont, MA
Unique 18th century Baroque secretaire, South German, probably Lake of Constance region, circa 1750-1760. Elaborate bombe shaped Baroque secretaire with beautiful walnut, elmwood an...
Category

1750s German Baroque Antique Desks

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Baroque Secretaire, Lake Constance Region
Located in Belmont, MA
18th century baroque secretaire, Lake Constance region. Two-drawer body on curved square feet, foldable desk, inside six drawers, a wide shelf and a sec...
Category

1750s German Baroque Antique Desks

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Swedish Neoclassical Painted Secretary Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
18th century Swedish neoclassical painted secretary desk will make the perfect addition to your home whether your decor is modern, traditional,...
Category

1790s Swedish Gustavian Antique Desks

Materials

Steel

Cassettone Bureau-Chest Bambocci 16century Italian Renaissance Walnut Lombardy
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
AN EXCEPTIONAL MUSEUM QUALITY, ITALIAN, RENAISANCE WALNUT CASSETTONE WITH A FITTED BUREAU IN THE UPPER PART & EXCEPTIONAL BAMBOCCI CARVING, LOMBARDY - This exceptionally rare, museum quality, piece of early furniture was conceived and crafted as an artwork of the finest quality of its time. Throughout time it has been a luxurious, statement piece which has protected it, and fortunately it has survived in virtually, original condition. - This magnificent cassettone exudes the character and quality of the finest, late-Renaissance furniture. Northern Italian Renaissance furniture often had the sides, legs or angles, 'a Bambocci', incorporating carved figures which were considered unique sculptures in their own right. - The putti on this cassettone are beautifully carved and of sculptural quality. Each angel has one arm raised to heaven, a poignant touch. - The lion’s paw feet are a classical feature and make a great statement. - This cassettone was conceived to have visual impact through the quality of the carving, as well as being very practical with the writing compartment fitted in the top part. - It has survived in very original condition with a few small repairs and losses, and the colour and patina are warm and lustrous. - This cassettone is illustrated Illustrated in C. Alberici, Il Mobile Lombardo, Milan, 1969, p. 45, one of the seminal works on Lombardy furniture, and has been in two renowned collections. The hinged top in two sections faced with a solid moulded edge. The front part has a fall front and opens to reveal a writing compartment. The fall front retains its original lock and is concealed with a false drawer which is above three drawers. All with moulded panels, escutcheons and retaining the original iron handles. The front ends have exceptional, bambocci, carved putti raising their arms to heaven above trailing foliage. Standing on magnificent lion's-head carved feet. The sides are panelled. Exceptional original colour and patina. Literature : Illustrated in C. Alberici, Il Mobile Lombardo, Milan, 1969, p. 45. A Gonzalez-Palacois, Il mobile in Liguria, Genova, 1996 illustrates related pieces Measures: Length 147 ½ cm. 58 in, height 104 cm. 41 in, depth 75 cm. 29½ in, Provenance: Coll. Private Azzate The Collection of Sandro and Lidia Orsi, Ca’ Mera, Varese. Regarded as one of the most beautiful homes in Lombardy, Ca’ Mera, the country house of Sandro and Lidia Orsi was filled with beautiful objects from many different epochs. A renowned antiquarian from Milan, over his lifetime Sandro and his wife Lidia revived the Renaissance and Baroque character of the house and instilled their own unique vision into the interiors, which culminated with the creation of a Kunst – or Wunderkammer. “I have never seen such an example of poetical taste”, Sir John Pope...
Category

16th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Desks

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Mahogany Bureau
Located in Martlesham, GB
A superb quality 18th Century mahogany Georgian bureau, the hinged fall lifting down to reveal a lovely fitted interior consisting of eleven oak ...
Category

1780s British Georgian Antique Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Italian Burl Walnut Venetian Rococo Slant Front Desk, 18th Century
Located in CH
Italian burl walnut Venetian Rococo slant front desk, 18th century. A Louis XV period walnut and burl walnut veneered Bureau. The inside of the s...
Category

Mid-18th Century Italian Louis XV Antique Desks

Materials

Walnut

Period Regency Davenport Desk 1815
Located in Potters Bar, GB
This Handsome Davenport Stands Upon Turned Feet. Having an Arrangement of 4 Oak Lined Graduated Drawers Which Retain Their Original Knobs. Period Regency - circa 1815 The Interior Fe...
Category

18th Century Regency Antique Desks

Materials

Oak

Venetian Painted Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare, Venetian, serpentine painted writing desk. Six drawers with 4 original keys. Hand painted foliate swags decorate the sides which meet relief profiles
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Desks

Materials

Wood, Paint

18th Century English George III Mahogany Kneehole Desk
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a George III mahogany kneehole desk, having a total of 11 drawers and a cupboard to the centre, the desk stands on small ...
Category

Late 18th Century English George III Antique Desks

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century Dutch Marquetry Bureau Bookcase
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very imposing good quality 18th century Dutch Marquetry bureau bookcase, having wonderful flowers, birds, classical scull and urn decoration. ...
Category

18th Century Dutch Antique Desks

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Kentucky Butternut Ladies Desk
Located in Louisville, KY
For those with an eye and love for antiques and an interest in possible provenance, this extraordinary Kentucky-made women's writing desk should peak your interest. It is said that t...
Category

Late 18th Century American American Colonial Antique Desks

Materials

Wood

Italian 18th Century Louis XV Period Walnut, Rosewood and Bone Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fine Italian 18th century Louis XV period walnut, rosewood, and boneTuscan desk. The desk is raised on cabriole legs below the wide central drawer and pullout with a leather writin...
Category

18th Century Italian Louis XV Antique Desks

Materials

Ivory, Rosewood, Walnut

Small Directoire Cylinder Desk In Mahogany
Located in Kent, Dover
A small French Directoire mahogany cylinder desk, with brass detailing throughout. The roll top hiding a witing slope with a tooled leather top and two drawers. Above, a marble galle...
Category

1790s French Directoire Antique Desks

Materials

Marble, Brass

Victorian Davenport Desk Burr Walnut 1860
Located in Potters Bar, GB
You are viewing a gorgeous Victorian Davenport circa 1860 Burr Walnut with 4 Drawers to the side and a lift up pen holder on top Finished with claret tooled leather acting as a writi...
Category

1860s Victorian Antique Desks

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Italian Provincial Carve Knee Hole Desk
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A hand carved walnut or fruitwood Italian desk. The desk with a center drawer with three side drawers on each side. Above the central drawer is a pull out tray for drafting and addit...
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Desks

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Slant Front Desk
Located in Huntington, NY
A Gustavian slant front desk. The upper section has eight small drawers, four cubbies, two sliding columns and a small locking door. The low...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Desks

Materials

Brass, Iron

Early Antique English Georgian Secretary, circa 1750
Located in Big Flats, NY
An early antique English Georgian secretary offers lift top and drop-down desk over two long drawers, circa 1750 Measures - 29.25" x 26" x 16.25".
Category

Mid-18th Century English Georgian Antique Desks

Materials

Wood

Writing Cabinet Scrittoio Escritoire Desk Walnut Italy Florence Renaissance
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
An exceptionally rare, late-Renaissance, Florentine, walnut, writing cabinet, scrittoio, escritoire or desk in two parts This striking, writing cabinet has a classical form, ornam...
Category

Early 1600s Italian Renaissance Antique Desks

Materials

Walnut

Austrian Neoclassic Parquetry Pedestal Desk
Located in Essex, MA
Rectangular top over a long drawer flanked by small drawers over pedestals each with two drawers. Bracket feet. Finished all around in a design of inlay that gives a striped effect.
Category

Late 18th Century Austrian Neoclassical Antique Desks

Materials

Walnut

Original George III circa 1780 Double Sided Walnut Partner Desk Lion Head Handle
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning very rare original George III circa 1780 walnut twin pedestal double sided partner desk with Lion head handles and brown leather surf...
Category

1780s English George III Antique Desks

Materials

Leather, Walnut

18th Century Scandanvian Rococo Giltwood and Walnut Bureau Bookcase
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very impressive 18th Century Rococo carved giltwood and Walnut bureau bookcase, having wonderful scrolling foliate and plume decoration to the cornice, a single mirror door with gi...
Category

Late 18th Century Scandinavian Rococo Antique Desks

Materials

Walnut, Giltwood

Oak Renaissance Cabinet, 1600 Unikat
Located in Kraków, Małopolska
Cabinet We present you a unique Renaissance Cabinet from the sixteenth century, Kabinet comes from Germany. It is made of oak. Cabinet is a box furniture, it consists of an upper c...
Category

16th Century German Renaissance Antique Desks

Materials

Oak

George II Red Walnut Bureau
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a good quality George II red walnut bureau, with a hinged fall enclosing a well fitted interior of drawers and pigeon holes and secret compartments, with four drawers bel...
Category

18th Century Antique Desks

Materials

Walnut

Early Georgian antique walnut bureau
Located in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire
An early eighteenth century veneered walnut bureau of a good original colour and patina.
Category

1720s English George II Antique Desks

Materials

Walnut

George III Satinwood and Marquetry Harlequin Writing Table
Located in Essex, MA
With a serpentine divided top with oval inlaid panel with hunting scene with hounds and hares with floral medallions at the corners , hinged outer sections fitted with a well and central section lifting and fitting into a recess , leather top of Tiffany blue. A button released the pop up desk...
Category

1770s English George III Antique Desks

Materials

Satinwood

Vintage and Antique Desks for Sale — Shop Handcrafted Mid-Century Modern Desks, Art Deco Desks and Other Desks and Tables on 1stDibs

There’s no reason that the corner of your home you’ve dedicated to work shouldn’t also reflect your personality and sense of style. A collection of unique vintage and antique desks can be found on 1stDibs today.

The right desk can be a good fit for your space and help keep you organized when you need it most. For many, the word “desk” can have a negative connotation. Derived from the Latin desca, meaning “table to write on,” the word can understandably evoke memories of stuffy classrooms or monotonous workdays.

As working from home has become more widespread for part of the workforce, many professionals who work remotely park themselves at the dining-room table or at the kitchen countertop to do so. If you’ve got the space, it's healthy to set aside an area in your home designated for work. A good desk can keep you on track and keep your newly minted home office free of clutter and distractions. 

Within your own walls, an office area can be both personal and productive, decorated exactly to your taste or just an unobtrusive addition that aligns with the energy of the space as is. When shopping for a desk, keep height, space and specs in mind. It’s helpful to know if you’ll need the desk to offer storage, such as drawers or a hutch, or if it should fit alongside your bedroom wall as cleanly as possible.

An antique writing desk, for example, will offer a spacious, streamlined work experience with a desktop that affords real estate for your notebooks, pens, laptop and research materials. Secretary desks reveal small inner storage compartments — pigeonholes, cubbies, recesses or drawers — when their hinged leaves are folded out.

Maybe you'd prefer a vintage mid-century modern desk that seamlessly incorporates drawers for storage.

Nebraska-born designer Don S. Shoemaker became inspired by Mexico’s tropical woods, such as cocobolo, a Mexican rosewood, and he decided to work with the material in the postwar years to create desks and other furnishings. Elsewhere, made according to the same high standards as the company’s chairs, celebrated mid-century manufacturer Herman Miller produced desks over the years in a number of versions, created by designers like George Nelson, Gilbert Rohde and Bruce Burdick.

Whether you want a dramatic rolltop-style furnishing akin to the 18th-century secretary commissioned by Louis XVI or a contemporary piece made of everything from linoleum to fallen trees, a new desk and clever arrangement of desktop accessories can brighten the workday in any home. 

For every passion project, year-end report or spontaneous million-dollar app idea, find the desk you need on 1stDibs.

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