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Desks For Sale
Period: 18th Century and Earlier
Period: 1860s
George III Mahogany Pedestal Desk
Located in Essex, MA
In one piece, with rectangular top with inset red leather top with ratcheted additional writing surface, over three short drawers over two banks of three drawers , the reverse with false matching...
Category

1760s English George III Antique Desks

Materials

Mahogany

George I Walnut Secretaire Kneehole Desk
Located in Lymington, GB
An early-18th century English walnut secrétaire kneehole desk. George I-period (1714-1727), circa 1720. Of exceptional waxed honey colour and lovely old patina, with well-matched veneers. With a quarter-veneered top. Six short drawers below a hinged fall revealing a writing section, all surrounding a central recessed cupboard. There is a small, shaped pull-out drawer fitted in the apron. All finely inlaid with herringbone lines. Raised on its original bracket feet. Swan-neck handles probably fitted later in the 18th century. Locks and keys are mostly original. Walnut veneered and crossbanded sides. Nb. Having a fitted secrétaire (secretaire) drawer distinguishes this antique walnut kneehole desk...
Category

Early 18th Century English George I Antique Desks

Materials

Walnut

English Chippendale Mahogany Carved Floral Desk With Bookcase. Circa 1770
Located in Charleston, SC
English Chippendale mahogany desk / bookcase on stand with flanking book matched doors, gadrooned molded edge, fitted interior pigeon holes o...
Category

1770s English Chippendale Antique Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Georgian Mahogany Metamorphic Chest
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A rare English Georgian Mahogany Metamorphic Chest with a slide out drawer that reveals a drafting slope. Chest has the original cast iron handles.. The chest is constructed from bea...
Category

18th Century English George III Antique Desks

Materials

Brass, Iron

1860s French Boulle Writing Desk
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1860s French boulle writing desk. No shelves.
Category

1860s Antique Desks

Materials

Bronze

Small Tuscan walnut flap table from the 1700s
Located in Cesena, FC
Small Tuscan limelight from the 1700s Small 1700s Tuscan walnut flap, panelled and filleted. Measurements: L. cm 110 - D. cm 50 - H. cm 103 Contact us for further clarification or p...
Category

18th Century European Antique Desks

Materials

Nutwood

Georgian Mahogany Bachelors Chest England Circa 1790
Located in Hudson, NY
Very handsome, 18th century bachelors chest with pull out writing surface. Made with dense hard mahogany and oak. It may be small but it is heavy and substantial. We'll make peace wi...
Category

Late 18th Century English Georgian Antique Desks

Materials

Leather, Oak, Mahogany

English Mahogany Campaign Slant Bureau / Bedstead with Original Brasses, C. 1790
Located in Charleston, SC
English mahogany campaign hinged slant front bureau / bedstead with removable faux drawer front panel with the original brasses and escutcheons, fitted interior with a folding bedste...
Category

1790s English Campaign Antique Desks

Materials

Brass

19th Century Classical Charles X Burled Mahogany Secretaire a Abattant
Located in Miami, FL
A dramatic Charles X fall front secretary in astounding burled mahogany veneer. The original fossilized marble top is supported by an elliptical molding. The main body contains one u...
Category

Late 18th Century French Charles X Antique Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Mahogany Bureau
Located in London, England
Mahogany bureau with fitted interior on bracket feet. Circa 1780 H 110cm x W 101cm x D 53cm
Category

1780s British Antique Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Queen Anne Walnut Dome Top Secretary with Mirrored Doors
Located in Milford, NH
A fine two piece Queen Anne walnut dome top secretary with two arched mirrored doors opening to an upper compartment with six valanced open cubbies ...
Category

18th Century English Queen Anne Antique Desks

Materials

Brass

18th Century Spanish Bureau Desk Walnut Wood
Located in Madrid, ES
This is a beautiful Spanish desk from the 18th century, Carlos III era. Made of walnut wood in complete pieces of wood, both on the sides, drawer fronts and...
Category

Mid-18th Century Spanish Baroque Antique Desks

Materials

Bronze

French Bureau Plat Marquetry Leather Top Desk with Orig. Ormolu Mounts, C. 1770
Located in Charleston, SC
French bureau plat marquetry leather top three drawer desk with hearing bone inlays, three opposite side faux drawers, original floral ormolu mounts, brass escutcheons, brass knobs, ...
Category

1770s French Louis XV Antique Desks

Materials

Brass, Ormolu

George III Mahogany Partner’s Desk, circa 1770
Located in London, GB
A George III Mahogany Partner’s Desk with tooled black leather inset top above six frieze drawers, above opposing cupboards enclosing further drawers. English c.1770 Additional info...
Category

18th Century George III Antique Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Architect’s Partner’s Desk, Late 18th Century
Located in London, GB
A Late 18th Century Architect’s Partner’s Desk, of Exceptional Scale With ratchetted rectangular Moroccan red leather top above eleven drawers surrounding a central kneehole, the re...
Category

Late 18th Century Antique Desks

Materials

Abalone

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

18th c. Partners Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
An exceptional 18th-century ebonized petite partners desk, richly adorned with finely cast ormolu mounts. This rare and refined piece is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of...
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Desks

Materials

Bronze

Period Early George III Mahogany Architects Work Table
Located in Hudson, NY
This fine period architects table was made in England, circa 1760 to 1770. Crafted from imported mahogany this was a costly and impressive form of furniture for a gentleman architect working in the country of a fashionable society interested in art, craft, engineering and aware of the burgeoning power of the Industrial revolution taking place throughout the world but very much so in England. Designed to expand, lift for standing work and to examine and hold large worksheets, the piece contains a full...
Category

Mid-18th Century English George III Antique Desks

Materials

Mahogany

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

Victorian Pedestal Desk Mahogany 1860
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Victorian mahogany pedestal desk Circa 1860 This desk stands upon a plinth base Can you ship to anywhere in the world including the US, please get in touch for a shipping quote Featu...
Category

1860s Victorian Antique Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Antique English George III Chippendale Style Mahogany Library Desk
Located in Glasgow, GB
A George III mahogany freestanding library desk in the Chippendale style. Designed to be used in the centre of a room and with storage to front and back similar to a partners’ desk,...
Category

Late 18th Century English George III Antique Desks

Materials

Brass

Large French Directoire Period Traveling Secretary Desk
Located in Pembroke, MA
This French Directoire traveling secretary is made of walnut. Its large size is unusual and would make an impressive statement in a study. The top sec...
Category

Late 18th Century French Directoire Antique Desks

Materials

Brass, Iron

Federal Period Slant-Front Desk in Cherry and Mahogany, Circa 1790
Located in Doylestown, PA
A Federal period slant-front desk with fitted interior over a bank of 4 drawers on bracket feet, in cherry and mahogany, circa 1790.
Category

Late 18th Century American Federal Antique Desks

Materials

Cherry, Mahogany

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

Victorian Serving Table Antique Oak Desk, 1860
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Impressive oak serving table. This serving table stands upon ring turned and fluted legs. Could also function as a desk Featuring 2 mahogany lined drawers which retain their origi...
Category

1860s Victorian Antique Desks

Materials

Oak

Desk – or secretary, cylinder, in mahogany. Late 18th century period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Desk – or secretary – with cylinder, in mahogany. The body opens with two small handles decorated with gadroons to a convex quarter-cylinder flap revealing a paper holder with in the...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Desks

Materials

Wood

French Empire Roll Top Desk Bureau De Roi 1860
Located in Potters Bar, GB
You are viewing a gorgeous French Empire roll top desk Hand crafted from kingwood we date this to circa 1860 Top opens up to reveal leather writin...
Category

1860s Empire Antique Desks

Materials

Wood

Rare Burr Walnut George II 18th Century Kneehole Desk, circa 1730-1740, England
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Rare Burr walnut George II 18th century kneehole desk / bachelor's chest, circa 1730-1740. England The superb quarter veneered burr walnut top is bordered by a fine feather stringing, cross-banded and edged with cross-grain ovolo mouldings. Six oak lined drawers bearing their original locks and handles and escutcheons surround the central burr walnut cupboard...
Category

Early 18th Century English George II Antique Desks

Materials

Walnut, Burl

Victorian Bonheur De Jour Desk Table Amboyna Plaques 1860
Located in Potters Bar, GB
You are viewing a gorgeous Victorian bonheur de jour or desk Crafted from amboyna and ebony, this really is a feat of craftmanship The piece is also decorated with porcelain plaques ...
Category

1860s Victorian Antique Desks

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Louis XV Secretaire, France 1770
Located in Belmont, MA
Exquisite secretaire de dame, France 18th century, beautiful kingwood veneer on front, sides, top, back and the inside. The writing surface is covered with leather. With original bro...
Category

1770s French Louis XV Antique Desks

Materials

Kingwood

Philippe V Desk From the 17th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
This exceptional Felipe V writing desk is a true masterpiece of cabinetmaking. It captivates with its graceful design and meticulous craftsmanship. The piece, with a hinged cover and front, has been fashioned from the rich and warm woods of walnut and rosewood. What sets this piece apart is the intricate geometric decoration, finely inlaid in fruit woods, creating a captivating visual contrast. The details are simply breathtaking: bone inlays delicately worked into the sides and legs of ebonized wood, adding a touch of refinement and sophistication. The ebonization enhances the depth and texture of the wood, adding an extra dimension of elegance to this piece. Originating from Spain and dated to the late 17th century, this writing desk encapsulates the opulence and style of the era. Measuring 84x87x130 cm, it commands a prominent place in any space, serving as both a functional piece and a work of art. This design reveals a clear influence from the typology of San Filippo...
Category

17th Century Antique Desks

Materials

Wood

French Secretaire Desk Napoleon III Inlay 1800s
Located in Potters Bar, GB
You are viewing a gorgeous French antique secretaire desk in kingwood Piece is Napoleon III and features intricate inlay work on all surfaces A secretaire is a type of desk, the writ...
Category

18th Century Antique Desks

Materials

Kingwood

Early 18th Century Walnut Secretaire Kneehole Desk
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
A walnut kneehole desk with quarter veneered top above an unusual fitted secretaire drawer. The kneehole with two banks of drawers all retaining the original brass handles.   
Category

Early 18th Century Antique Desks

Materials

Brass

Bureau Bookcase Oak German Serpentine Front Original Brassware Working Locks
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
A large, museum quality, 18th century, German, oak bureau bookcase with a serpentine front, original brassware and working locks As fine an example of this model of German cabinet f...
Category

1740s German Rococo Antique Desks

Materials

Oak

18th century Louis XVI Writing Desk, cherry veneer, South Germany
Located in Belmont, MA
Rare Louis XVI writing desk, South German 1780, exquisite cherry and plum wood veneer on front back, sides and top. The writing top is framed by...
Category

1780s German Louis XVI Antique Desks

Materials

Cherry

Georgian mahogany artist's or architect's desk
Located in Castle Douglas, GB
18th century mahogany artist's or architect's desk Unusual mahogany artist's or architect's desk. Draughtsmen, architects and amateur artists required suitable, specialist tables f...
Category

18th Century English George II Antique Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Antique George II period mahogany kneehole desk
Located in London, GB
A fine George II period figured mahogany Kneehole Chest, having moulded edged crossbanded cleated top above various drawers retaining original brass bac...
Category

Mid-18th Century English George II Antique Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Louis XVI Style Mahogany Architects Table with Side Cabinet, 20TH Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The unusual table with adjustable height stand and side cabinet with shelves for storage.
Category

1790s French Louis XVI Antique Desks

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century Mahogany Kneehole Desk
Located in Martlesham, GB
18th century mahogany kneehole desk, the rectangular moulded edge top having a brown leather writing surface decorated with blind and gold tooling, a selection of eight graduated oak...
Category

1780s British Georgian Antique Desks

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century Captains Desk
Located in San Francisco, CA
A George III period mahogany kneehole captains desk. Rare example of 18th century campaign furniture. Rich, dense Cuban mahogany inlaid with ivor...
Category

18th Century George III Antique Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Knee Hole Desk, Georgian Mahogany 18th Century
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Georgian Mahogany Kneehole Desk. Standing on bracket feet. This piece features 7 Oak lined drawers and a central recessed cupboard. Each drawer ha...
Category

18th Century Georgian Antique Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Chinese Export Lacquer Bureau on Stand and Toilet Glass Dressing Table
Located in London, by appointment only
A Chinese export lacquer bureau on stand decorated with an unusual polychrome flower design This Chinese lacquer bureau on stand was made in ...
Category

Early 18th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Desks

Materials

Lacquer

Swedish Gustavian Writing Chest
Located in New York, NY
A Swedish Gustavian writing desk in original paint. Tapered legs and a reeded drawer. Interior of 3 reeded drawers.
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Desks

Materials

Wood

Victorian Adjustable Writing Table This is a rare piece and a very useful desk
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Victorian Adjustable Writing Table This is a rare piece and a very useful desk, the table is set on a heavily Carved 3 footed leg, set on this there is a leather top desk with a drawer...
Category

1860s Adam Style Antique Desks

Materials

Leather

Provincial Louis XV Walnut Desk or Vanity
Located in Buchanan, MI
Great looking Louis XV Provincial walnut desk. Two doors flanking center drawer, all up on cabriole legs. Very good color and patination. Would work well as a number of items includi...
Category

18th Century and Earlier French Louis XV Antique Desks

Materials

Walnut

Antique French Desk, Walnut Bonheur De Jour, 1860
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Wonderful French Walnut and Marquetry Bonheur de Jour. Standing on Typical French Swept Legs with Ormolu Mounts and Kingwood Cross banding. The Fall having a raised tablet with bea...
Category

1860s Antique Desks

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Brazilian Desk Chest of Drawers from Sabará Minas Gerais
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
This rare and monumental desk / chest of drawers, hails from the 18th century, a period marked by the flourishing of the Brazilian Baroque in the his...
Category

18th Century Brazilian Other Antique Desks

Materials

Wood

George I Bureau Desk Walnut Chest Drawers
Located in Potters Bar, GB
George I Walnut Bureau. This Bureau Stands Upon Bracket Feet and Features an Arrangement of 2 Over 2 Oak Lined Drawers. 18th Century The Drawers and the Fall Having Herringbone Inlay...
Category

18th Century George I Antique Desks

Materials

Walnut

George II Oak Dressing Table or Desk
Located in San Francisco, CA
George II oak desk or dressing table with a single drawer above three short drawers flanking an arched center kneehole with cabinet door, brass hardware, England, early 18th century.
Category

18th Century English George II Antique Desks

Materials

Oak

Small Leather Topped Desk
Located in New Orleans, LA
An 18th century French painted three-drawer desk. It has a leather top and two doors. The knee hole is very small, as in the period one sat sideways with only the right knee under th...
Category

18th Century and Earlier French Antique Desks

Materials

Wood

C1700 burr walnut kneehole bureau on original bun feet
Located in Bakewell, GB
C1700 burr walnut kneehole bureau on original bun feet. Burr walnut bureau, of fabulous colour and patination complete with good interior and well kneehole configuration with cupboa...
Category

18th Century English Antique Desks

Materials

Walnut

Desk Swedish Early 18th Century Baroque Period Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Desk Swedish Baroque Period Sweden. A rare Swedish Baroque desk in a stunning condition and patina from the Swedish King Fredrik I period. Structu...
Category

Late 17th Century Swedish Baroque Antique Desks

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Mid 18th Century French Louis XVI Period Tulipwood and Ormolu Bureau Plat
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and high quality French 18th century Louis XVI period tulipwood and ormolu bureau plat desk. The three drawer desk is raised by four fine square tapered legs with beautifu...
Category

18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Desks

Materials

Ormolu

18th Century George III Mahogany Kneehole Desk
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a very good quality 18th century George III mahogany kneehole desk, having a well figured mahogany top, above a brushing slide with a single drawer below. The desk has a ...
Category

18th Century English Chippendale Antique Desks

Materials

Mahogany

George I Bureau Desk Walnut Chest Drawers
Located in Potters Bar, GB
George I Walnut Bureau. This Bureau Stands Upon Bracket Feet and Features an Arrangement of 2 Over 2 Oak Lined Drawers. 18th Century The Drawers and the Fall Having Herringbone Inlays. The Interior Having an Assortment of Drawers and Pigeonholes. The Bureau Retails its Original Handles, Escutcheons and Loper Pulls. The Bureau is of a Good Warm Antique Walnut Colour.
Category

18th Century George I Antique Desks

Materials

Walnut

Restored Antique Russian Hardwood & Gilt Metal Partner Desk & Leather Armchair
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Wer are delighted to offer this beautiful fully restored very large Russian Mahogany & Gilt metal extending desk with matching hand dyed brown leather throne...
Category

1860s Russian Victorian Antique Desks

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Italian Venetian 18th Century Lady's Desk, Circa 1770
Located in CH
Italian Venetian 18th century lady's desk, Circa 1770 An Italian Neoclassical Venetian center room desk finished on all four sides. The surfac...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Desks

Materials

Walnut

C18th Mahogany `Grendy` Kneehole Desk
By Giles Grendey
Located in Shipston-On-Stour, GB
 A well made early Geo III mahogany kneehole desk in the manner of Giles Grendy, of unusual form and features. Slightly oversized it holds a presence of quality craftsmanship, with c...
Category

1760s English Georgian Antique Desks

Materials

Brass

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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