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Louis XIII Desks

LOUIS XIII STYLE

Antique Louis XIII furniture is not as lavish as that of his son Louis XIV, who transformed his father’s modest Versailles hunting lodge into a sumptuous palace. Yet the imposing forms of its chairs, dressers, tables and other pieces express grandeur and luxury.

When Henry IV was assassinated in the streets of Paris in 1610, his young son became the king of France. With Louis XIII too young to rule, the widowed Marie de' Medici — a native of Italy and member of the prominent House of Medici — became regent, instilling an Italian influence in the decorative arts. Even after Louis XIII exiled his mother and took power in 1617, this aesthetic informed his court style. As did the consolidation of power, established with his chief minister, Cardinal Richelieu, through his death in 1643.

From sturdy chests and tall cupboards to colossal four-poster beds, almost every piece of Louis XIII furniture was heavily carved or turned from dark-toned wood. Motifs of the period included scrollwork, foliage, fruits, grotesque masks and other images of abundance, often inlaid in marquetry of wood or tortoiseshell. Ornamental scenes, sometimes carved on cabinet panels and other pieces from rare ebony, oak or walnut, were borrowed from engravings by northern European masters like Peter Paul Rubens. Engravings also spread the Louis XIII style during the 17th century, particularly by printmaker Abraham Bosse, who depicted the popular Louis XIII chairs designed with upholstered seats and low, wide backs.

The lofty profiles of the French furniture complemented the architecture under the reign of Louis XIII, such as the Palais du Luxembourg by chief architect Salomon de Brosse and architect Jacques Lemercier’s chapel at the Sorbonne, which showcased the influence of Italian Baroque.

Find a collection of antique Louis XIII armchairs, storage cabinets, decorative objects and other items on 1stDibs.

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Style: Louis XIII
French Louis XIII Style Oak Barley Twist Library Table Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fine 19th century French carved oak library table, or writing table desk made in the grand Louis XIII taste. Features thick barley twist legs conjoined on the bottom with barley twis...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Oak

French Louis XIII Style Oak Barley Twist Library Table Desk
French Louis XIII Style Oak Barley Twist Library Table Desk

French Louis XIII Style Oak Barley Twist Library Table Desk

$3,360 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century French Oak Barley Twist Bureau Plat Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Spectacular 19th century French bureau plat writing table or desk featuring barley twist legs and stretcher. Crafted from oak in the grand Louis XIII style fronted by a large 27 inch...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Oak

19th Century French Oak Barley Twist Bureau Plat Desk
19th Century French Oak Barley Twist Bureau Plat Desk

19th Century French Oak Barley Twist Bureau Plat Desk

$3,840 Sale Price
20% Off
French 19th Century Louis XIII Style Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This French hand carved desk has an angular shaped top over a single drawer in the apron. Four striking and stylized turned legs are connected by a similar stretcher. Cleaned and pol...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Mahogany

French 19th Century Louis XIII Style Desk
French 19th Century Louis XIII Style Desk

French 19th Century Louis XIII Style Desk

$2,200
19th Century French Louis XIII Style Walnut Writing Desk
Located in Astoria, NY
Charming mid-19th-century French rustic writing, kitchen, or side table in the Louis XIII style, sourced from Provence. Handcrafted from solid walnut with two spacious drawers featur...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Walnut

19th Century French Louis XIII Style Walnut Writing Desk
19th Century French Louis XIII Style Walnut Writing Desk

19th Century French Louis XIII Style Walnut Writing Desk

$5,400
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19th Century French Louis XVI Style Mahogany Inlaid Ladies Desk with Vitrine
Located in Sofia, BG
This is a beautiful French antique mahogany inlaid ladies writing desk, circa 1870 in date. The fall front opens to reveal an interior of writing surface, and bank of two drawers. Th...
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Mid-19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

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Mahogany

19th Century French Louis XVI Style Mahogany Inlaid Ladies Desk with Vitrine
19th Century French Louis XVI Style Mahogany Inlaid Ladies Desk with Vitrine

19th Century French Louis XVI Style Mahogany Inlaid Ladies Desk with Vitrine

$2,192 Sale Price
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H 52.37 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in
19th-C. French Carved Oak Barley Twist Desk / Table W/ Lift Top Storage
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a late 19th century Victorian carved oak writing desk with lift top storage. The carved barley twist supports are in very good condition. The apron is heavily carved as well.
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Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

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Oak

19th-C. French Carved Oak Barley Twist Desk / Table W/ Lift Top Storage
19th-C. French Carved Oak Barley Twist Desk / Table W/ Lift Top Storage

19th-C. French Carved Oak Barley Twist Desk / Table W/ Lift Top Storage

$1,995
H 31 in W 47 in D 24 in
French Louis XV Style Desk with Leather Writing Pad, Black with Brass Accents
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Louis XV style desk, with leather writing pad top, from the 19th century. This antique table from France has been designed in the Louis XV...
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19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

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Leather, Wood

French Louis XV Style Desk with Leather Writing Pad, Black with Brass Accents
French Louis XV Style Desk with Leather Writing Pad, Black with Brass Accents

French Louis XV Style Desk with Leather Writing Pad, Black with Brass Accents

$6,720
H 30.75 in W 70 in D 33.5 in
Antique French Louis XIII Style Walnut Writing Desk
Located in Astoria, NY
Late 19th-century French writing desk or side table crafted in the Louis XIII style, sourced from Provence, France. Expertly hand-crafted from solid walnut, it features three storage...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Walnut

Antique French Louis XIII Style Walnut Writing Desk
Antique French Louis XIII Style Walnut Writing Desk

Antique French Louis XIII Style Walnut Writing Desk

On Hold
$4,650
H 31.5 in W 51.25 in D 32.25 in
19th Century French Boulle Louis XVI Style Mazarin / Desk
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality 19th century French Boulle Mazarin desk, having wonderful classical scrolling decoration and subjects inlaid in brass and tortoiseshell t...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Boulle Louis XVI Style Mazarin / Desk
19th Century French Boulle Louis XVI Style Mazarin / Desk

19th Century French Boulle Louis XVI Style Mazarin / Desk

$47,899
H 31.11 in W 58.27 in D 31.5 in
Small 19th Century French Boulle Bureau Plat
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality small late 19th century French Boulle inlaid bureau plat, having an inset leather top, brass inlay and tortoiseshell to the top, frieze and legs, gilded ormolu mounts, a single frieze drawer with a Bramah lock...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Brass

Small 19th Century French Boulle Bureau Plat
Small 19th Century French Boulle Bureau Plat

Small 19th Century French Boulle Bureau Plat

$5,200
H 28.35 in W 29.53 in D 18.9 in
19th Century French Provincial Fruitwood Writing Table Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Diminutive size 19th century French provincial writing table or desk. The table is constructed from fruitwood with a warm patina and lovely wood grain patterns. Fronted by a single s...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Fruitwood

19th Century French Provincial Fruitwood Writing Table Desk
19th Century French Provincial Fruitwood Writing Table Desk

19th Century French Provincial Fruitwood Writing Table Desk

$1,875 Sale Price
25% Off
H 28.5 in W 34.5 in D 23 in
Antique French Desk Library Office Barley Twist Renaissance Revival Oak 19th C
Located in Tyler, TX
EXCELLENT 19th Century Antique French Oak Renaissance Revival Library Office Executive Desk with 10 Drawers and Barley Twist Legs~~c. 1880s With so many people working from home no...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Oak

Antique French Desk Library Office Barley Twist Renaissance Revival Oak 19th C
Antique French Desk Library Office Barley Twist Renaissance Revival Oak 19th C

Antique French Desk Library Office Barley Twist Renaissance Revival Oak 19th C

$6,500
H 53 in W 52 in D 28.5 in
19th Century French Louis XVI Style Painted Writing Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful 19th century French Louis XVI style painted writing desk. This piece has a lovely patina and a nice leather top. Nice! Note: This is a recent patina
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Wood

19th Century French Louis XVI Style Painted Writing Desk
19th Century French Louis XVI Style Painted Writing Desk

19th Century French Louis XVI Style Painted Writing Desk

$7,400
H 30 in W 59 in D 29 in
19th Century Carved Oak Pedestal Desk
Located in High Point, NC
19th century English pedestal desk made from oak. The top is covered in the original brown leather, which has aged beautifully, and is banded by an oak border, which has a gorgeous b...
Category

19th Century English Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Leather, Oak

19th Century Carved Oak Pedestal Desk
19th Century Carved Oak Pedestal Desk

19th Century Carved Oak Pedestal Desk

$3,995
H 31 in W 48 in D 29.38 in
19th Century French Louis XVI Style Satinwood Writing Desk W/ Green Vinyl
Located in Astoria, NY
An elegant late 19th-century French writing desk in the Louis XVI style, sourced from Provence. Expertly handcrafted from satinwood, it features a rectangular top lined with dark gre...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Louis XVI Style Satinwood Writing Desk W/ Green Vinyl
19th Century French Louis XVI Style Satinwood Writing Desk W/ Green Vinyl

19th Century French Louis XVI Style Satinwood Writing Desk W/ Green Vinyl

$3,600
H 29.75 in W 51 in D 27.5 in
French Directoire Style Writing Table, Desk in Cherrywood, 2 Drawers
Located in Landivy, FR
This writing table is a handmade reproduction of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. This period style is remarkable with its straight, classical and timeles...
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2010s French Louis XIII Desks

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Wood, Cherry, Oak

French Directoire Style Writing Table, Desk in Cherrywood, 2 Drawers
French Directoire Style Writing Table, Desk in Cherrywood, 2 Drawers

French Directoire Style Writing Table, Desk in Cherrywood, 2 Drawers

$3,036 / item
H 29.93 in W 43.31 in D 23.63 in
Previously Available Items
Antique French Louis XIII Style Walnut Writing Desk
Located in Astoria, NY
Late 19th-century French writing desk in the Louis XIII style, sourced from Provence, France. Expertly hand-crafted from solid walnut, it features two storage drawers with traditiona...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Walnut

Antique French Louis XIII Style Walnut Writing Desk
Antique French Louis XIII Style Walnut Writing Desk

Antique French Louis XIII Style Walnut Writing Desk

H 30.5 in W 55 in D 29.5 in
Antique French Louis XIII Style Walnut Writing Desk
Located in Astoria, NY
A handsome late 19th-century French writing desk made in the style of Louis XIII, sourced directly from Provence, France. Beautifully hand-crafted from solid walnut wood, it features...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Walnut

Antique French Louis XIII Style Walnut Writing Desk
Antique French Louis XIII Style Walnut Writing Desk

Antique French Louis XIII Style Walnut Writing Desk

H 29.25 in W 51.25 in D 29.5 in
Antique French Louis XIII Style Walnut Barley Twist Writing Desk
Located in Astoria, NY
A handsome late 19th-century French writing desk in the Louis XIII style, sourced directly from Provence, France. Expertly hand-crafted from solid walnut, it features a naturally age...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Walnut

Antique French Louis XIII Style Walnut Barley Twist Writing Desk
Antique French Louis XIII Style Walnut Barley Twist Writing Desk

Antique French Louis XIII Style Walnut Barley Twist Writing Desk

H 30.75 in W 38.75 in D 26 in
Writing table / desk in solid oak late 19th century Louis XIII style with turned
Located in LYON, FR
Full of charm for this desk / writing table from the 1900s in the Louis XIII style. Its top has been completely restored by us. It is ready to integrate into your interior, bringing ...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Oak

Writing table / desk in solid oak late 19th century Louis XIII style with turned
Writing table / desk in solid oak late 19th century Louis XIII style with turned

Writing table / desk in solid oak late 19th century Louis XIII style with turned

H 29.53 in W 47.25 in D 28.75 in
19th Century Louis XIII Style Walnut Barley Twist Library Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous 19th century library table or writing table crafted from walnut. Made in the grand Baroque Louis XIII style featuring a trestle style base constructed with barley twist legs...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Brass

19th Century Louis XIII Style Walnut Barley Twist Library Table
19th Century Louis XIII Style Walnut Barley Twist Library Table

19th Century Louis XIII Style Walnut Barley Twist Library Table

H 28.5 in W 46.5 in D 26.5 in
Antique Women's Wooden Desk, France, circa 1880
Located in Chorzów, PL
Women's desk, made in France in circa 1880. Good condition. Currently under renovation. Wood: oak dimensions: height: 78 cm, width: 80 cm, depth: 61 cm
Category

1880s French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Oak

Antique Women's Wooden Desk, France, circa 1880
Antique Women's Wooden Desk, France, circa 1880

Antique Women's Wooden Desk, France, circa 1880

H 30.71 in W 31.5 in D 24.02 in
19th Century French Carved Oak Sofa Table Writing Desk Barley Twist Louis XIII
Located in Shreveport, LA
19th century French carved oak sofa table writing desk barley twist Black Forest ~Direct from France~ ~Lovely antique French writing desk or sofa table with elegant features~ ~F...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Oak

19th Century French Carved Oak Sofa Table Writing Desk Barley Twist Louis XIII
19th Century French Carved Oak Sofa Table Writing Desk Barley Twist Louis XIII

19th Century French Carved Oak Sofa Table Writing Desk Barley Twist Louis XIII

H 28.5 in W 44 in D 23.5 in
French 19th Century Desk
Located in Stockbridge, GA
French 19th century desk.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Oak

French 19th Century Desk
French 19th Century Desk

French 19th Century Desk

H 30.75 in W 52.5 in D 25.5 in
18th Century, Spanish, Carved Walnut Two-Piece Bargueno Cabinet and Base
Located in Dallas, TX
Complete your library or study with this antique fruitwood "Bargueno" or "Vargueno" from Spain, circa 1780. Built in two-pieces, the Spanish desk features a portable cabinet with forged side handles for traveling purposes, and a separate base with barley twist legs. The top cabinet features front marquetry decor and geometrical diamond inlay motif, embellished with two iron latches and the sides, and a pull down door revealing a theater with multiple drawers and a writing surface. The inside includes two small doors and nine separate compartments for easy storage and sorting mail. The trunk sits on four carved legs with bottom stretcher, and has a large drawer across the front for additional storage. The versatile, useful cabinet is in good condition with a rich walnut patina throughout. The Bargueño or Vargueno desk...
Category

Late 18th Century Spanish Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Iron

18th Century, Spanish, Carved Walnut Two-Piece Bargueno Cabinet and Base
18th Century, Spanish, Carved Walnut Two-Piece Bargueno Cabinet and Base

18th Century, Spanish, Carved Walnut Two-Piece Bargueno Cabinet and Base

H 17 in W 42 in L 17 in
19th Century French Oak Barley Twist Bureau Plat Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome 19th century French bureau plat writing table or desk featuring barley twist legs and stretchers. Made in the grand Louis XIII taste fronted by a large 33 inch storage drawe...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Oak

19th Century French Oak Barley Twist Bureau Plat Desk
19th Century French Oak Barley Twist Bureau Plat Desk

19th Century French Oak Barley Twist Bureau Plat Desk

H 30 in W 41 in D 25.5 in
19th Century French Carved Walnut Barley Twist Writing Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Petite 19th century French carved walnut writing table, library table, or desk. Features thick barley twist legs and a stretcher centered by a two-sided finial. Made in the grand Lou...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Iron

19th Century French Carved Walnut Barley Twist Writing Table
19th Century French Carved Walnut Barley Twist Writing Table

19th Century French Carved Walnut Barley Twist Writing Table

H 30 in W 35.5 in D 23 in
19th Century French Louis XIII Style Barley Twist Oak Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Diminutive 19th century French oak writing table or desk. Featuring a single drawer case supported by carved barley twist legs conjoined by an H-shaped stretcher. The oak top has a l...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Desks

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Louis XIII Style Barley Twist Oak Desk
19th Century French Louis XIII Style Barley Twist Oak Desk

19th Century French Louis XIII Style Barley Twist Oak Desk

H 29.5 in W 31.5 in D 19.5 in

Louis Xiii desks for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Louis XIII desks for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage desks created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, oak and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Louis XIII desks made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Netherlands pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for desks differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,645 and tops out at $4,800 while the average work can sell for $3,933.

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