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Renaissance Desks

RENAISSANCE STYLE

Spanning an era of cultural rebirth in Europe that harkened back to antiquity, the Renaissance was a time of change in design. From the late 1400s to the early 1600s, Rome, Venice and Florence emerged as artistic centers through the expansion of global trade and a humanist belief in the arts being central to society. Antique Renaissance furniture was ornately carved from sturdy woods like walnut, its details standing out against the tapestries and stained glass adorning the walls.

Renaissance chests, which were frequently commissioned for marriages, were often decorated with gilding or painted elements. Those that were known as cassoni were crafted in shapes based on classical sarcophagi. As opposed to the medieval era, when furniture was pared down to the necessities, a wide range of Renaissance chairs, tables and cabinets were created for the home, and the designs regularly referenced ancient Rome.

Large torchères of the Renaissance era that were used as floor lamps were inspired by classical candelabras, while marble surfaces evoked frescoes. The inlaid boxes being imported from the Middle East informed the intarsia technique, which involved varying hues of wood in mosaic-like patterns, such as those by architect Giuliano da Maiano in the Florence Cathedral.

Tapestry-woven cushion covers accented the variety of Renaissance seating — from conversation to study chairs — while bookcases for secular use reflected the migration of culture and knowledge from the church into the home. The aesthetics of the Italian Renaissance later spread to France through the publishing of work by renowned designers, including Hugues Sambin and Jacques Androuet du Cerceau. Centuries later, the 19th-century Renaissance Revival would see a return to this influential style.

Find a collection of antique Renaissance case pieces, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Renaissance
Vintage Chippendale Style Mahogany Desk
Located in Annville, PA
A fine quality Vintage Chippendale Style Mahogany Desk with a richly restored top and sympathetically restored drawer area. The solid brass p...
Category

1980s North American Vintage Renaissance Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Mahogany Executive Desk
Located in Annville, PA
Ideal for use either at work or in a home office the Niagara Furniture Mahogany Executive Desk with a tooled leather top is both beautiful and functional. Built in three sections for...
Category

2010s Renaissance Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Mahogany Writing Table Green Leather
Located in Annville, PA
An elegant Mahogany Writing Table Green Leather by Niagara Furniture which is a perfect fit for use either at home or in the offic...
Category

2010s Renaissance Desks

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Large Burled Executive Desk
Located in Annville, PA
Equally suited for use either at the workplace or in a home office the Niagara Furniture Large Burled Executive Desk with tooled leather top is both decorative and functional. Built ...
Category

2010s Renaissance Desks

Materials

Wood

Penhurst Mahogany Desk
Located in Annville, PA
The Penhurst Mahogany Desk in the Niagara Furniture collection. This desk matches a number of other pieces which we produce, please see the links below for related products. The fant...
Category

2010s Renaissance Desks

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Burled Oval Partners Desk
Located in Annville, PA
One of the most complicated items that we produce at Niagara furniture our Burled Oval Partners Desk is also one of the most popular. The top section of the desk consists of a three-...
Category

2010s Renaissance Desks

Materials

Wood

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 Antique Renaissance Desks

Materials

Walnut

Hidden Drawer Desk
Located in Annville, PA
The Niagara Furniture Hidden Drawer Desk, a luxury piece of fine furniture with a hidden surprise inside. This tall chest was originally designed f...
Category

2010s Renaissance Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Hidden Drawer Desk
Hidden Drawer Desk
$2,405 / item
Mahogany Writing Table Red Leather
Located in Annville, PA
An elegant Mahogany Writing Table Red Leather top by Niagara Furniture is a perfect fit for use either at home or in the office. Features include a three panel green genuine full gra...
Category

2010s Renaissance Desks

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Antique 1850 Renaissance Revival Burr Walnut Pugin Gothic Writing Table Desk
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this stunning Renaissance Revival circa 1850 burr walnut writing table after Pugin What a piece! This writing table or desk is stunning, it offers huge amo...
Category

1850s English Antique Renaissance Desks

Materials

Walnut

French Henri IV / Renaissance Chest Desk in carved wood 17th - France
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very beautiful Rrenaissance / Henry IV chest from the 17th century, transformed into a desk in the 19th century. Magnificent details are hand carved. The wood has a superb patina. Fo...
Category

17th Century French Antique Renaissance Desks

Materials

Wood

Mahogany Writing Table
Located in Annville, PA
An elegant Mahogany Writing Table by Niagara Furniture which is a perfect fit for use either at home or in the office. Features include a three panel brown genuine leather tooled top...
Category

2010s Renaissance Desks

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Vintage desk Neo-Renaissance 1950 Walnut
Located in Würzburg, DE
✓ Solid construction ✓ High-quality carpentry work ✓ Perfect as an executive desk Dimensions: W: 159cm H: 79cm D: 80cm Article: Desk Item no.: 882 Epoch: 50s Material: Walnut solid...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Renaissance Desks

Materials

Walnut

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 Antique Renaissance Desks

Materials

Walnut

RARE ARMORED OFFICE DRAWER Indo-Portuguese, from the 17th century
Located in Madrid, ES
RARE ARMORED OFFICE DRAWER Indo-Portuguese, from the 17th century. in teak, ebony and sissoo. Ornamented with rosettes, fleurs-de-lis and quartered shield ...
Category

17th Century Portuguese Antique Renaissance Desks

Materials

Wood

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 Antique Renaissance Desks

Materials

Wood

French Desk
Located in Annville, PA
This Chippendale style Mahogany and Leather French Desk is produced by Niagara Furniture. A high quality writing desk that sets the standard for beauty and function among antique rep...
Category

2010s Renaissance Desks

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

French Desk
French Desk
$4,165 / item
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 Antique Renaissance Desks

Materials

Oak

Important and Rare Joseph Bertin - Milan - Ebene Desk 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Joseph Bertin - Milan - Ebene Desk 19th Century Magnificent ebene desk by the cabinetmaker Joseph Bertin from the 19th century with the manufacturer's signature and stamp. This des...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Desks

Materials

Wood

Related Items
English Mahogany Leather Top Writing Desk, Circa 1780
Located in Charleston, SC
English mahogany two-drawer leather top writing desk with carved molded edge, original brasses and terminating on chamfered tapered legs, Late 18th century. Desk is finished on all ...
Category

1790s English Antique Renaissance Desks

English Mahogany Leather Top Writing Desk, Circa 1780
English Mahogany Leather Top Writing Desk, Circa 1780
$12,500
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French Louis XVI Style Mahogany Writing Desk with Leather Top
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A large French writing desk or library desk in the Neoclassical Louis XVI style, sourced from Provence, France. Expertly hand-crafted from solid mahogany, the desk features a rectang...
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French Louis XVI Style Mahogany Writing Desk with Leather Top
French Louis XVI Style Mahogany Writing Desk with Leather Top
On Hold
$6,200
H 29.75 in W 71 in D 35.5 in
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Executive Desk
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century walnut executive desk This desk measures: 62 wide x 28 deep x 28.5 high, with a chair clearance ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Renaissance Desks

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Metal

Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Executive Desk
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$4,595
H 28.5 in W 62 in D 28 in
Large Floating Walnut Modern Executive Desk on one inch Lucite Base.
Located in Kansas City, MO
Amazingly cool, mid century modern desk. Rectangular form with rounded corners. Heavyweight construction floating on a super sturdy one inch thick acrylic base. Expertly restored ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Renaissance Desks

Materials

Steel

1968 Executive Desk
Located in Hanover, MA
Executive desk formerly belonging to noted architect George M. Notter, (1933–2007) of the Boston firm Anderson Notter Finegold (now known as Finegold Alexander Architects). Current institutional memory at the firm suggests it was a special order from Herman Miller for the then new New York offices of MGM, however Herman Miller's archivist was unable to confirm. Styling, particularly the distinctive slim milled aluminum tracks through which the entire drawer carriage glides is clearly similar to Warren Platner's designs for Lehigh-Leopold which were then among the most costly of executive office furnishings. The bent flat bar chromed steel base with its distinctive pigeon toe splay is somewhat similar to a table base in Stow Davis' Electa Series, designed by Alexis Yermakov circa 1971. Walnut laminate top is very clean with no issues. One corner edge shows a small separation. The only identifying markings are within the milled aluminum channel: G.P. F.I. 2 And the date Dec. 20, 1968. See image 18. Between the rectangular laminate top and the chrome base is a heavy blackened steel plate. Underneath the bent chrome pigeon toe feet are bars of a thick phenolic material which act as floor protector. We can have keys made to fit the two locking drawers. Tim Anderson...
Category

1960s American Vintage Renaissance Desks

Materials

Aluminum, Steel, Chrome

1968 Executive Desk
1968 Executive Desk
$6,500
H 30 in W 72 in D 36 in
Dillingham Mid Century Walnut Executive Desk
Located in Esperance, NY
For sale is this nice vintage desk made by Dillingham
Category

1970s American Vintage Renaissance Desks

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Walnut

Chippendale Style Mahogany Winthrop Secretary Writing Desk Bookcase Bureau 84"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Chippendale slant top secretary desk / bookcase. Made of mahogany featuring upper bookcase curio cabinet with fretwork doors and open pediment with finial, supported by a serpentine / oxbow secretary desk / dresser that opens to a writing surface with multiple cubbies and drawers. The piece is supported by carved ball and claw feet and also features hidden compartments inside the secretary. These desks are often referred to as Governor Winthrop desks...
Category

Early 20th Century American Renaissance Desks

Materials

Brass

19th Century Mahogany Chinese Chippendale Desk
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a good quality carved Chinese Chippendale style kneehole desk. The top of the desk has an intricately fretted gallery which is in perfect condition. Below this the desk h...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Renaissance Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Large Midcentury Italian Executive Desk by Vittorio Dassi
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This impressive executive desk by the 1950s Italian designer, Vittorio Dassi, features a very comfortable 1.5 cm thick floating glass top, unde...
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1950s Italian Vintage Renaissance Desks

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Brass

Large Midcentury Italian Executive Desk by Vittorio Dassi
Large Midcentury Italian Executive Desk by Vittorio Dassi
$10,033
H 30.71 in W 68.9 in D 34.65 in
Large and impressive Teak Executive Desk by D-Scan
Located in South Charleston, WV
39 1/8 deep, 72.5" wide and 28.25" tall. A large, well-crafted, and impressive 1970s danish modern teak executive desk by D-Scan. This is a very heavy desk. Clean Danish modern-inspired design distinguished by 3.75” wide solid teak legs with exposed finger joinery in the style of Niels Bach or Peter Hvidt. Expansive top features very handsome highly figured grain. Finished on all sides, allowing for flexible room placement. Five drawers with flush-mount solid brass hinged ring pulls. Top right drawer locks, though key is no longer extant. Bottom right drawer has rails for hanging file folders. Privacy panel is inset 14” from the back, providing plenty of room for opposing chairs...
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1970s Singaporean Vintage Renaissance Desks

Materials

Teak

Large and impressive Teak Executive Desk by D-Scan
Large and impressive Teak Executive Desk by D-Scan
$3,250
H 28.25 in W 72.5 in D 39.13 in
Straight Leg Chippendale Style Library Writing Desk by Leighton Hall
Located in Suwanee, GA
This is a new traditional mahogany Library Writing Desk. It’s design was inspired by Chippendale desks from the Regency period and features classi...
Category

2010s American Renaissance Desks

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Mahogany

English Mahogany Pedestal Desk
Located in Woodbury, CT
This Georgian styled desk with raised panel sides and three-piece leather top with gilded tooling is generously sized without being overly dramatic. At 60” by 36”, there is enough su...
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21st Century and Contemporary British Renaissance Desks

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English Mahogany Pedestal Desk
English Mahogany Pedestal Desk
$15,500
H 31 in W 60 in D 36 in
Previously Available Items
Kittinger George Washington Style Desk
Located in Annville, PA
The absolute highest quality piece of American cabinet making is exemplified in this VINTAGE Kittinger George Washington Style Desk. From the recently refinished top to the brass cap...
Category

1980s North American Vintage Renaissance Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage Mahogany Ladies Desk
Located in Annville, PA
This Vintage Mahogany Ladies Desk has a lot of outstanding qualities. Made of mahogany solids and hand cut satinwood inlaid veneers, the desk features two wide drawers resting over top of beautifully tapered legs. The interior of the Antique Inlaid Secretary...
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2010s Renaissance Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage Mahogany Ladies Desk
Vintage Mahogany Ladies Desk
H 42 in W 19 in D 36 in
Burled Oval Partners Desk
Located in Annville, PA
One of the most complicated items that we produce at Niagara furniture our Burled Oval Partners Desk is also one of the most popular. The top section of the desk consists of a three-...
Category

2010s Renaissance Desks

Materials

Wood

Burled Oval Partners Desk
Burled Oval Partners Desk
H 30 in W 71 in D 40 in
Women's Desk, Northern Europe, circa 1860
Located in Chorzów, PL
Women's Desk, Northern Europe, circa 1860. Very good condition. Wood: walnut Dimensions height 110 cm width 86 cm depth 52 cm.
Category

1860s Swedish Antique Renaissance Desks

Materials

Walnut

Women's Desk, Northern Europe, circa 1860
Women's Desk, Northern Europe, circa 1860
H 43.31 in W 33.86 in D 20.48 in
Antique 1850 Renaissance Revival Burr Walnut Pugin Gothic Writing Table Desk
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this stunning Renaissance Revival circa 1850 burr walnut writing table after Pugin What a piece! This writing table or desk is stunning, it offers huge a...
Category

1850s English Antique Renaissance Desks

Materials

Walnut

Shell Shapped Nail '1' for Spanish Desks or Bargueños, Second Half 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Shell shaped nail for Spanish desks or Bargueños. Wrought iron, Second half 20th century, after 16th century models. 20th century, inspired by models from the 16th century. Multipl...
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20th Century Spanish Renaissance Desks

Materials

Wrought Iron

19th Century Italian Renaissance Style Carved Walnut Cabinet with Writing Desk
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Majestic antique Italian renaissance style writing desk. Rare and precious solid carved walnut wood. Comfortable size for a practical us...
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1880s Italian Antique Renaissance Desks

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Walnut

Renaissance Style Desk from the Late 19th Century
Located in Chorzów, PL
An antique, massive desk with an extension was made of oakwood at the end of the 19th century. The furniture made in the Renaissance style has side cabinets and three roomy drawers, ...
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1890s Danish Antique Renaissance Desks

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Antique Desk in the Neo-Renaissance Style from circa 1920
Located in Chorzów, PL
The old, Classic desk was created circa 1920 from oakwood. The furniture in the neo-Renaissance style has drawers and shelves and simple decorations. Perfect for home or business off...
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1920s German Vintage Renaissance Desks

Materials

Oak

16th Century Italian Renaissance Period Walnut Library Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare late 16th century Renaissance period walnut library table or writing table from Umbria, Italy. Known as an "Asso di Coppe" table constructed in a trestle style with an exposed m...
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16th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Desks

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Walnut

Antique 19th Century French Henry II Style Walnut Trestle Table Library Desk
Located in Dayton, OH
French library table in Henry II style, circa 1890s. Made from walnut with a long carved central drawer over turned legs and trestle base. Brass drawer pull features two delphins (do...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Renaissance Desks

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Abalone

Italian Florentine Style Walnut Podium Desk, circa 1920
Located in San Francisco, CA
A 16th century Florentine style, podium height drop front desk. Beautifully carved solid walnut, having a fitted interior, and 32 inch writing surface when open. Italian, early 20t...
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Early 20th Century Italian Renaissance Desks

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Renaissance desks for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Renaissance 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 and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, mahogany and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Renaissance desks made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and Portugal pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original desks, popular names associated with this style include and Europa Antiques. 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 $1,619 and tops out at $87,912 while the average work can sell for $4,850.

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