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Louis XVI Desks

LOUIS XVI STYLE

Reflecting the final era of royal opulence before the upheaval of the French Revolution, antique Louis XVI furniture features more angular shapes than the Rococo curves of the Louis XV style, harkening back to the imposing grandeur of Louis XIV.

Dating between 1750 and 1800, an era that overlapped with the last king of France whose reign was cut short by the guillotine, Louis XVI furniture, known as the goût grec, is emblematic of the neoclassical revision that French furniture underwent during the second half of the 18th century.

Authentic Louis XVI furniture characteristics include clean lines and carved details such as scrolls and acanthus flourishes that were inspired by ancient Greece and Rome. This was informed by a burgeoning interest in antiquity in the 18th century, owing to new archaeological excavations at sites including Pompeii and Herculaneum. It largely eclipsed the more East Asian–influenced ornamentation of Louis XV for something more geometric and symmetrical.

The Louis XVI style was defined by what was being created for the palatial rooms at Versailles and Fontainebleau, particularly for the queen, with cabinetmaker Jean-Henri Riesener being a favorite of Marie-Antoinette’s for his luxurious pieces accented with gilded bronze and marquetry. Furniture maker Jean-Baptiste-Claude Sené was also a major designer of the period, with his pieces for the royal residences adorned with giltwood and neoclassical touches like tapered columns for chair legs and laurel leaf carvings. Cabinetmaker Adam Weisweiler occasionally incorporated into his furniture porcelain panels produced by Sèvres, a popular manufacturer of European ceramics that served the crown with serveware, vases and other decorative objects.

Find a collection of antique Louis XVI seating, tables, cabinets and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Louis XVI
French Desk with Ormolu and Brass Mounts Louis XVI Style
Located in Toronto, CA
French Desk with Ormolu and Brass Mounts Louis XVI Style On offer here a Timeless Piece of French Elegance that is sure to elevate your home o...
Category

20th Century Spanish Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Hardwood

French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Mahogany and Ormolu Writing Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most elegant French 19th century Louis XVI St. mahogany and ormolu writing desk, attributed to F. Linke. The lovely desk is raised by circular ta...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Ormolu

Cylinder Secretary Desk in Lucite Late 1980s Style Louis XVI
Located in Brussels, BE
Amazing very rare limited edition cylinder secretary desk in Lucite late 1980s This is the best secretary kept in town: A fine art, exquisite...
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1980s Vintage Louis XVI Desks

Italian Louis XVI style desk with drawers and pyramid feet plus chairs
Located in Cantù, IT
Italian Louis XVI style desk with drawers and pyramid feet plus chairs
Category

20th Century Italian Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Wood

19th Century Vernis Martin French Secretaire Cabinet Attributed To Paul Sormani
Located in Dublin, IE
A superb late 19th century French flamed mahogany and Vernis Martin secretaire cabinet in the manner of Paul Sormani Paris. The rectangular top with three quarter balustrade gallery,...
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19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Ormolu

French Kingwood and Ormolu-Mounted Bonheur Du Jour, 19th Century
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A French kingwood quarter veneered and ormolu-mounted bonheur du jour with Sevres-style oval floral plaques inset to the cupboard doors, two drawers to t...
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19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Ormolu

French marquetry inlaid Ladies bureau, circa 1880
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality late 19th Century French Rosewood inlaid Bonheur Du Jour, having glazed cupboards and mirror above. A fall front bureau opening to reveal compartments within, drawers ...
Category

1890s French Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Mahogany

French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Mahogany and Ormolu Inlaid Bureau Plat
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A very handsome and impressive French 19th century Louis XVI style mahogany and ormolu inlaid Bureau Plat. The desk is raised on tapered legs with square ormolu topie feet and ormolu...
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19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Ormolu

Pair 19th Century Bonheur Du Jours
Located in Brighton, Sussex
Rare pair of 19th Century French Kingwood and Tulip wood veneered Bonheur du jours, each with pierced three quarter brass galleries, gilded ormolu mounts, three drawers either side o...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Porcelain, Mahogany

French 19th Century Ladies bureau, circa 1880
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality late 19th Century French Kingwood ormolu mounted Bureau de Dame. Having glazed doors above, a fall front opening to reveal d...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Mahogany

French 18th Century Louis XVI Period Mahogany and Ormolu Desk/Writing Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A very high quality French 18th century Louis XVI period mahogany and ormolu desk or writing table, signed C. Mauter. The desk is raised by elegant circular tapered fluted legs with fine fitted ormolu sabots and richly chased fitted foliate chandelles. Above each leg are lovely fluted block reserves with additional finely detailed fitted chandelles. The scalloped shaped apron displays three drawers, each decorated with most attractive ormolu keyhole escutcheons. Each side displays a recessed panel while the back showcases the beautiful mahogany grain. Above is the tan colored fitted leather writing surface with a fine foliate gold tooled band...
Category

18th Century French Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Ormolu

French Mid-19th Century Louis XVI Style Tulipwood, Kingwood and Charmwood Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most elegant and high quality French mid-19th century Louis XVI style tulipwood, kingwood and charmwood two drawer writing desk with two pull outs. The desk is raised by slender sq...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Ormolu

French Louis XVI Style Mahogany Bureau Plate by Krieger
Located in Brighton, Sussex
.A fine quality late 19th century Mahogany Louis XVI style bureau plat, having wonderful scrolling foliate gilded rococo style ormolu mounts to the elegant cabriole legs and drawer f...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Ormolu

21st Century Brocart Dressing Table with Hand-carved Legs
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
The pieces of the Brocart line showcase a refined style that evokes the luxury of the 17th and 18th century French noble courts. They present a base with hand-carved legs and antique...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Wood

Chic & Stylish Mercier Frères, Paris Nutwood and Gilt Bronze Ladies Writing Desk
Located in Lisse, NL
Finest quality and stunning design Louis XVI style desk, circa 1890. Owning and using top quality pieces of furniture from times when European craftsmen were at the top of their game is something that will lift your spirit like very few things can. That is ofcourse is you are able to recognize quality. It will remain a mystery why so many people don't seem to see the quality and the details of even the best quality made antiques. This wonderful antique ladies desk...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Bronze

French 18th Century Louis XV Period Fruitwood and Ormolu Library Table/Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking and large-scale French 18th century Louis XV period ebonized fruitwood and ormolu library table/desk. The desk is raised by elegant cabriole ...
Category

18th Century French Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century French Louis XVI Style Bronze Trim Mahogany Desk
Located in Queens, NY
French Louis XVI-style (late 19th/early 20th Century) mahogany writing desk with bronze trim, gilt embossed leather writing top, with pull-out side extensions and 5 front and back dr...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Brass

Louis XVI Style Brass Mounted Marble Top Cylinder Desk
Located in Milford, NH
A splendid Louis XVI style brass mahogany cylinder desk with brass mounted marble top gallery over three fitted drawers surmounting a cylinder case with compartmentalized interior, i...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Marble, Brass

Fine Italian 18th Century Ormolu-Mounted Parquetry Secretaire a Abattant
Located in Rome, IT
Very fine Italian 18' century ormolu-mounted Parquetry Secretaire a Abattant with a dark Grey marble top. Measures: cm. 170 x 105 x 46.
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18th Century Italian Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Wood

18th c. Dutch Louis XVI Black Painted Writing Desk with Original Brass Casters
Located in Wichita, KS
An exceptional Dutch writing desk from the Louis XVI period wearing aged black paint. Shaped top and sides with one drawer. Fluted and tapered legs ...
Category

18th Century Dutch Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Wood, Paint

French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Mahogany and Ormolu Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A superb and unique French 19th century Louis XVI st. mahogany and ormolu desk. The desk is raised on tapered fluted legs with ormolu chandelles and topie feet with ormolu sabots. At the impressive apron is a single drawer which has a secret mechanism...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Ormolu

French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Mahogany and Ormolu Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A superb French 19th century Louis XVI style mahogany and ormolu desk. The desk is raised by slender tapered legs with ormolu trim ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Ormolu

Antique Louis XV Ormolu Marquetry Bonheur Du Jour Desk Roger Vandercruse 1780
Located in Portland, OR
Antique French Louis XV transitional ormolu-mounted tulipwood & marquetry Bonheur Du Jour, Roger Vandercruse (dit Lacroix) , circa 1770. The desk is finely inlaid on all sides, ther...
Category

1770s French Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Ormolu

French Louis XVI Style Mahogany and Brass Kneehole Desk
Located in Queens, NY
French Louis XVI-style (19/20th Century) mahogany kneehole desk having a vanity panel front and two pedestal sides with fluted trim containing several lockable drawers under a brown ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Metal

Antique Louis XVI Style French Demi Lune Leather Top Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Fine antique Louis XVI style desk crafted in mahogany and kingwood featuring a tooled leather top with a cross banded border and brass gal...
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Brass

Louis XVI Centre Table Marquetry Inlay Desk 1840
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Gorgeous 19th century French Louis XVI marquetry and walnut centre table Ormulo fittings and central drawer Circa 1840 Shaped top - violin form - very elegant The inlay work offset b...
Category

1840s Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Wood

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 Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century Belgian Notary Desk Made of Oak
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Original notary desk or writing furniture from the 19th century in Belgium. Made of solid oak. Standing on lion feet, 2 firmly connected base cabinets, ea...
Category

19th Century Belgian Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Oak, Wood

Louis XVI Style Mahogany Leather Top Desk
Located in Stamford, CT
Mahogany and mahogany veneer rectangular flat desk opening to three drawers in front. Tapered legs chamfered on the corners. Finely chased and gilded bronze ornaments with rows of pe...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XVI 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 Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Mahogany

French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Mahogany, Brass, And Ormolu Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant French 19th century Louis XVI st. Mahogany, brass, and ormolu desk. The desk is raised by fine square tapered legs with elegant mottled fitted ormolu sabots. The straight ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Brass, Ormolu

French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Mahogany, Kingwood, Satinwood, & Ormolu Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most elegant and high quality French mid 19th century Louis XVI st. Mahogany, Kingwood, Satinwood and Ormolu center table/desk, signed Grimard, Paris. The table is raised by four slender circular tapered fluted legs ending with topie shaped supports with Ormolu sabots and top reeded Ormolu bands. The four legs are joined by an 'X' shaped stretcher decorated by an Ormolu band in a woven pattern on both sides of the stretcher and leading to two circular reserves with Ormolu rosettes above a Rosewood mottled tier. The top of the legs are decorated by a richly carved pierced Ormolu bands with intertwined berried laurel and beaded designs all over Ormolu chandelles in each flute. At the apron are two drawers, each with all of their original locks, and decorated with rectangular Ormolu bands and berried laurel keyhole escutcheons. At the four rounded corners are fanciful rosettes framed...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Ormolu

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 Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Cherry

Donald Ross 19th Century Inlaid Porcelain & Ormolu Mounted Desk Bonheur Du Jour
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Donald Ross 19th Century Inlaid Porcelain & Ormolu Mounted Desk Bonheur Du Jour Dimensions : 50" Tall X 42" Wide X 23" Deep This gorgeous desk was made in England in the late 19t...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Mahogany, Rosewood, Satinwood

Antique Walnut and Marquetry Writing Desk
Located in London, GB
This elegant writing desk was created in France in the late 18th century, during the reign of King Louis XVI (1774-1792). The desk is designed in a refined neoclassical style which w...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Writing Table
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality French Louis XVI style bureau plat, having an inset leather top, gilded ormolu mounts, a single frieze drawer, raised...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Ormolu

French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Mahogany, Ormolu Desk, Signed Linke
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A high quality French 19th century Louis XVI st. Mahogany, Ormolu desk, signed Linke. The three drawer rectangular desk with pullouts on either side is raised by four slender square ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Ormolu

Desk in Wood, 1900, Made in France
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
It is an elegant and sophisticated dream desk. The quality of the furniture and the exotic wood used make it unique. It is an icon of distinction. You want to live in the golden yea...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Bronze

Desk cylinder in mahogany and bronze louis XVI style
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very nice desk cylinder in mahogany and bronze louis XVI style executed by PELLAET 31 rue Caumartin PARIS . A very good cabinet maker in this time the desk cylinder has three belt d...
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Bonheur Du Jour, circa 1880
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality late 19th Century French Bon hour du jour. The pair of doors above having wonderful parquetry inlaid diamond shaped inlay, a sliding tablet opening to write upon...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century French Porcelain Mounted Ladies Writing Desk
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A beautiful French 19th century Sevres style porcelain mounted bureau plat, having an inset leather top with a three quarter brass gallery, three frieze drawers, inset porcelain pane...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Porcelain, Mahogany

18th Century Scriban Commode with Cylinder of Louis XV Period in Marquetry
Located in Marseille, FR
18th century commode scriban cylinder Louis XV period inlaid. Richly curved. 4 drawers. Many species of fruitwood, rich register of gilded bronze. Inne...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Mahogany

French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Tulipwood Kingwood and Ebony Drop Front Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A very handsome and high quality French 19th century Louis XVI St. tulipwood, kingwood and ebony drop front desk. The desk is raised by four square columns joined by a bottom tier an...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Ormolu

French 19th Century Belle Époque Period Mahogany, Brass and Ormolu Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking and very high quality French 19th century Louis XVI st. Belle Époque period Mahogany, brass and ormolu desk after a model by Jean-Henri Riesener and attributed to François...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Brass, Ormolu

English 19th Century Louis XVI St. Kingwood, Tulipwood and Ormolu Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and very high quality English early 19th century Louis XVI st. Kingwood, Tulipwood, and ormolu desk signed HOBBS. The five drawer desk is raised by beautiful and unique to...
Category

19th Century English Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Ormolu

French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Desk Signed JANSEN
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A high-quality French late 19th century Louis XVI st. two drawer desk signed JANSEN. The desk is raised by four fluted tapered legs ending with ormolu sabots, topped by chased ormolu...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Ormolu

Louis XVI Oak Secretair
Located in Vista, CA
Stunning tall oak secretair on top, beautifully carved drawers resting on paw feet.
Category

Late 18th Century European Antique Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Oak

Louis Xvi desks for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Louis XVI desks for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, 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, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Louis XVI desks made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original desks, popular names associated with this style include John Vesey, Antoine Krieger, Comatec, and Conrad Mauter. 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 $975 and tops out at $192,403 while the average work can sell for $9,500.

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