Skip to main content

Desks and Writing Tables

41
1,673
90
to
783
3,135
2,907
6,245
6,245
6,245
1,599
317
308
293
216
216
195
147
102
92
85
59
57
53
49
34
22
10
488
1,797
3,959
589
2,232
703
89
31
89
195
158
596
645
387
133
31
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
5,576
2,385
1,264
980
898
4,627
1,394
988
877
845
35
30
29
28
27
Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Item type: Antique and Vintage
Saginaw Furniture Mid Century Walnut Bookcase Secretary Desk
Located in Countryside, IL
Saginaw Furniture Mid Century Walnut Bookcase Secretary Desk This bookcase measures: 43 wide x 19 deep x 55 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Louis XV Style Small Writing Table, 19th C
Located in New York, NY
Louis XV / XVI transitional style leather topped mahogany veneered small writing table or "Table a ecrire" late 19th century, and with rectangular leather inset top with three-sided ...
Category

Late 19th Century Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Antique Pedestal Desk, English, Oak, Leather, Nine Drawer, Edwardian, Circa 1910
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique pedestal desk. An English, blonde oak and leather nine drawer clerk's desk, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910. Fine Edwardian example with a delightful ...
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

English Ship Captain's Desk
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
English ship captain’s desk of burl walnut. Circa 1850. Inside drawers are false fronts and do not pull. Fully restored except inside drawer. Beautiful nautical piece in great condit...
Category

19th Century British Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

19th Century Louis XVI Style Leather Top Writing Desk
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A lovely 19th century French leather-topped writing desk in warm-coloured walnut and veneer. Hand-crafted in the Louis XVI style, this charming desk has two lockable drawers complete...
Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Mid Century Danish Teak Executive Desk With Floating Top
Located in Chicago, IL
57” x 29.5” x 29.5”H; knee hole 28.5” x 25”H Striking Danish teak desk with a floating top. •extra large work surface •six drawers, two of which lock •long tapered legs •finished b...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Kittinger Vintage Leather Top Inlaid Federal Style Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome vintage writing desk crafted in walnut in classic form featuring three tooled leather panels on a case with three drawers in front, the reverse side with false drawers, bra...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Walnut

VINTAGE THEODORE ALEXANDER MiLITARY CAMPAIGN STYLE WRITING DESK BROWN LEATHER
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely Military Campaign style home office desk / workstation made by Theodore Alexander and finished w...
Category

20th Century English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Vintage Desk by Borge Morgensen
Located in Brescia, IT
Swedish teak coffee table from the 1960s. ...
Category

1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Jens Risom Executive Walnut Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
American walnut executive desk designed by Jens Risom with four drawers on the right, one drawer in the middle, and one drawer and a filing drawer on the left. Both sides have writin...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

20th Century French Bronze Mounted, Ormolu, Leather Top, Vintage, Bureau Plat!!
Located in Austin, TX
Gorgeous 20th Century French Bronze Mounted, Ormolu, Leather Top, Vintage, Bureau Plat!! Bureau Plat, Writing Table, French Bronze Mounted, Ormolu, Leather Top, Vintage! This is a ...
Category

20th Century French French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Danish Mid Century Teak Box Wooton Folding Desk Writing Table File Cabinet MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Danish Mid Century Teak Box Wooton Folding Desk Writing Table File Cabinet MINT!
Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

20th French Louis XV Style Walnut Desk or Library table with Drawer
Located in Miami, FL
This elegant fruitwood desk was created in France, circa 1920. Made of blond walnut timber, the large writing table sits on four legs The front has a wide opening with plenty of kne...
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Retro desk by Nils Jonsson with drawers
Located in Brescia, IT
1960s teak office extension table. An original desk from the 1960s that embodies the essence of the golden age of Nordic design. The main plane, with its clean lines and large surfa...
Category

1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Antique Victorian Writing Table / Desk
Located in London, GB
A smart and very well made antique Victorian writing table / desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1870-1880 period. It is of superb quality and is a very useful ...
Category

1870s British Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Vintage Danish Modern Teak Writing Desk
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Vintage Danish Modern Teak Writing Desk. Featuring a straight line design, rectangular top, six drawers with wooden pulls for storage, modern legs, and a finish...
Category

Late 20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Teak

Art Deco Desk And Chairs Set By Jules Leleu And Maxime Old
Located in New Orleans, LA
This timeless chair and desk set features the iconic designs of two French Art Deco greats, Jules Leleu and Maxime Old. Together, the chic set epitomizes the fluid elegance of this p...
Category

20th Century French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Velvet, Mahogany, Lacquer

Pierre Guariche. Desk in teak and lacquered metal. 1960s. LS56631534M
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pierre Guariche, by. Desk in teak with its lacquered metal base. Black laminate top. French work realized in the 1960s. Dimensions: H 75 x W 161 x D 71 cm Reference: LS56631534M
Category

1960s French Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Danish Modern Executive Freestanding Rosewood Desk, 1960s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Executive Freestanding Rosewood Desk, 1960s. Elegant and stylish double sided writing desk in very expressive book matched rosewood/palisander veneer manufactured in De...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

VINTAGE HARRODS KENNEDY BROWN LEATHER ARITECTURAL WRiTING TABLE OR DESK
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage, Harrods London retailed, REH Kennedy made, architects writing table with large single t...
Category

20th Century English Campaign Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Pierre Jeanneret Desk and Office Chair from Chandigarh
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Beautiful set of Pierre Jeanneret desk and chair. The simplicity of the design, yet robust and functional has inspired many versions all over the world, but these original pieces sti...
Category

1950s Indian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cane, Teak, Upholstery

Mid-Century Modern Two-Drawer Teak Desk
Located in Hudson, NY
The vintage modern two-drawer teak desk, shown here, is perfect in both scale and design. Featuring a waterfall top and sides, the knee-hole opening and side drawers make it extreme...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Teak

DANISH Mid Century Modern TEAK Double Sided DESK + Bookcase, 1960's
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Absolutely Stunning Mid Century Modern Danish Teak Double Sided Desk, Made in Denmark, circa 1960s. This beauty offers three drawers along each side and an open area bookcase / displ...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Teak

Antique Georgian Style Burr Yew Pedestal Desk
Located in London, GB
A smart and very well made antique Georgian style burr yew pedestal desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1960’s. This is of lovely quality, the side and back are...
Category

1960s British Georgian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Yew

20th Century Yellow Formica children's school desk with two leaves
Located in Miami, FL
Yellow formica and black metal desk, Italian modernism, ca. 1960. Small desk from a hotel room with a matte black tubular metal frame and a rectangular-shaped top made of yellow Form...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Formica

Elegant Mid-Century Desk Designed by Severin Hansen Jr. 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
This desk is an iconic example of Danish midcentury design, created by the talented designer Severin Hansen and manufactured by the renowned Haslev Møbelfabrik in the 1950s. The desk...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Iconic "Lady Desk" by Helmut Magg for WK Möbel, Midcentury, 1950s
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This is the famous desk designed by Helmut Magg, also known as „Lady Desk”. Produced by Neue Gemeinschaft für Wohnkultur, WK Möbel in 1950s. The design is simple yet very elegant. It...
Category

1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ash

Vintage Oak Desk From France, Circa 1960
Located in Nashville, TN
Vintage Pair Of Leather Lounge Chairs By OPE, From Sweden, Circa 1970. Stained oak veneer construction with age related use and patina.
Category

1960s European Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Writing Desk or Library Table
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Solid quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper hardware. M...
Category

Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Copper

Mid Century Corner Desk Sequence by Sun Glow
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Unique mid century corner desk. Sequence line for Sun Glow. Sleek sophisticated lines. Petite brass drawer pull. 39" from back corner to sitting area. Curbside to NYC/Philly $400
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Italian 19th Century Walnut and Mahogany Writing Table with Slant Front Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
A petite Italian two-toned walnut and mahogany writing desk from the 19th century with slant front, turned three-quarter gallery and carved apron. This petite Italian two-toned walnu...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Felt, Mahogany, Walnut

Handsome Executive Desk by J. Svenstrup in Teak, Danish, Mid Century
Located in Bristol, GB
A handsome executive desk with six drawers at the front and three open compartments to the rear for extra storage. This desk displays the classic, simple and sophisticated aesthetic ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Sculptural Mid-Century Desk by F.lli Strada: Italian Design in Exotic Wood
Located in Rome, IT
Discover the epitome of Italian craftsmanship with this stunning desk, meticulously designed and produced in the 1950s by F.lli Strada. This piece is a standout example of mid-centur...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Petite Late 19th Century Queen Anne Slant Front Mahogany Desk Secretary Table
Located in West Hartford, CT
Stunning antique slant front desk with secretary feature when top is open. Dimensions above are when top s closed. There is some age appropriate wear as shown in the pictures but th...
Category

Late 19th Century English Queen Anne Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Late Victorian Carlton House Desk in Satinwood
Located in Whaley Bridge, GB
Sn5033 Exceptional quality Sheraton Revival satinwood and marquetry desk attributed to Edwards and Roberts, having original tooled leather writing surface flanked by two floral inlai...
Category

19th Century English Sheraton Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Satinwood

Kroma Desk by Antonia Astori for Driade, 1980s
Located in Ixelles, Bruxelles
Kroma Desk by Antonia Astori for Driade, 1980s Designer - Antonia Astori Producer - Driade Model - Kroma Design Period - Eighties Measurements - Width 180 cm x Depth 73 cm x Height ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

English Regency Period Rosewood Writing Slope Lap Desk circa 1815
Located in Shippensburg, PA
A RARE AND FINE REGENCY ROSEWOOD WRITING SLOPE England, ca. 1815 Includes a quill by Isaac Parkes Item # 801EZX27 An inordinately fine box, the exterior is dressed with full width...
Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Studio BBPR for Olivetti Sintesis "Arco" Office 3-Drawer Desk w/ Key!, Italy 60s
Located in Basel, BS
The "Arco" Desk Mod, created by Studio BBPR for Olivetti Sintesis in 1963, features a sturdy iron frame and base on one side, along with a case containing three drawers. Original K...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Paul Evans Cityscape Executive Desk, Signed
Located in Dallas, TX
Magnificent large Cityscape desk signed by Paul Evans. The desk has three drawers, sits on top of a satin chrome paneled base. Top is a parquet pattern burl wood. This desk is in bea...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Superb Sheraton Revival Satinwood Desk
Located in Whaley Bridge, GB
Sn4637 Fine late Victorian satinwood bureau, having arched tambour top which open to reveal pigeons holes, small inlaid drawers and slide out, green leather writing surface, all abov...
Category

1890s English Sheraton Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Satinwood

Bruce Talbert attributed for Cox & Sons. A good period Gothic Revival oak desk
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert attributed possibly for Cox and Sons. A good period Gothic Revival oak desk with the original leather writing area and Y shaped supports below united by a high stretche...
Category

1870s English Gothic Revival Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Wide Danish Executive Desk in Teak, Mid Century
Located in Bristol, GB
A roomy executive desk from Denmark in teak with six drawers at the front and three open compartments to the rear to store books. Simple and classically mid century in design with a ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

David Waddington. An Aesthetic Movement ebonized and parcel gilt writing desk
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement ebonized and parcel gilt writing desk with cantered corners and incized floral decoration and a tower turned gallery. Stamped David Waddington Ulphosterer Bolto...
Category

1880s English Aesthetic Movement Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid - Century Modern Rosewood Desk by Torbjørn Afdal, Norway 1960s
Located in Bergen, NO
Selling a wonderful desk in rosewood designed by Torbjørn Afdal for Bruksbo Tegnekontor, produced by Haug Snekkeri, Drawer section with four drawers, the key is missing but all draw...
Category

Mid-20th Century Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Biedermeier Oval Desk in the style of Josef Danhauser
Located in New York, NY
Very rare find. One of the most striking desks we've ever encountered. Presenting an iconic second period Biedermeier writing desk. Solid wood with burled birch veneer and eboniz...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birch

Antique Burr Walnut Leather Top Writing Table / Desk
Located in London, GB
A smart and very well made antique burr walnut leather top writing table / desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1930’s. The quality is superb, this is a lovely c...
Category

1930s British Queen Anne Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Swedish Mid-Century Teak and Beech Vanity/Desk
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Teak & beech vanity/desk, circa 1950's. Unique shape with triangular storage cubbies and sleek drawer. A combination of teak veneer and contrasting beech throughout. Cross bars add s...
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Beech, Teak

Faux Bamboo Campaign Style Burlwood Desk or Writing Table
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Ernest Hemingway style beautifully made desk or writing table with chinoiserie faux bamboo, burl wood inlay, finished back, and drawers (one opens for a keyboard) The desk features ...
Category

1950s American Campaign Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Faux Bamboo, Burl

Most Unusual Industrial Adjustable Architects Desk/ Drafting Table
Located in Buffalo, NY
Most unusual industrial adjustable architects desk/ drafting table, amazing design and lines. Height adjustable from 29"-38"...adjustable desk tilt-top, large hidden drawer measuring...
Category

1950s American Industrial Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Mid Century Lane Campaign Console Desk Brass Gallery Burl Walnut
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Lane Mid-Century Modern burl walnut serving or console table with brass gallery back A truly stunning piece made by a great designer. The burled walnut has a stunning patina, the bra...
Category

20th Century North American Campaign Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Modern Walnut Executive Desk by Castillian Alma
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Introducing the Castillian Alma Executive Desk - a pinnacle of mid-century modern design that combines functionality with understated elegance. Crafted from rich walnut, this desk of...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Regency period mahogany end support writing table
Located in London, GB
A fine quality early 19th century Regency period mahogany end support writing table, having brass line inlay throughout. The table having a green tooled leather writing surface with...
Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Stickley Brothers Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Desk or Library Table, Restored
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By Stickley Brothers (original label present) USA, Circa 1910 Solid quarter sawn oak, with or...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Copper

19th Century Italian Rustic Kitchen Table or Writing Table in Poplar Wood
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Beautiful very nice Italian solid poplar and oak wood kitchen table, 1850s. The table is very simple and linear, characterized by solid legs. Equipped with a two large drawers. This ...
Category

1850s Italian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Poplar, Oak

Antique Victorian Mahogany Inlaid Kidney Desk C1880 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a delightful antique Victorian flame mahogany kidney shaped kneehole desk, Circa 1880 in date. The free standing desk features satinwood and box woodline inlay and banding. ...
Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

Paolo Parigi
Located in London, Lambeth
Drafting table or desk. Designed by Paolo Parigi for Heron Parigi, 1975 Italy. Structure in black high pressure laminate and green metal. Forming an archi...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Antique Chippendale Style Walnut Drop Front Secretary Ladies Writing Desk
Located in Miami, FL
An antique early 20th century ladies' secretary desk. Made from walnut with a maple writing surface. Features a drop front with neoclassical brass hardware over large central drawer ...
Category

Early 20th Century European Chippendale Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Desk table Patrice Maffei for Kappa brushed steel smoked glass 1970
Located in Paris, IDF
A rare brushed stainless steel desk table designed by French designer Patrice Maffei for Kappa editor in the 1970s, it features two locki...
Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Antique and Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Choosing the perfect writing desk or writing table is a profoundly personal journey, one that people have been embarking upon for centuries.

Queen Atossa of Persia, from her writing table circa 500 B.C., is said to have been the originator of the art of handwritten letters. Hers was reportedly the first in a long and colorful history of penned correspondence that grew in popularity alongside literacy. The demand for suitable writing desks, which would serve the composer of the letters as well as ensure the comfort of the recipient naturally followed, and the design of these necessary furnishings has evolved throughout history.

Once people began to seek freedom from the outwardly ornate styles of the walnut and rosewood writing desks and drafting tables introduced in the name of Queen Victoria and King Louis XV, radical shifts occurred, such as those that materialized during the Art Nouveau period, when designers longed to produce furniture inspired by the natural world’s beauty. A prime example is the work of the famous late-19th-century Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí — his rolltop desk featured deep side drawers and was adorned with carved motifs that paid tribute to nature. Gaudí regularly combined structural precision with decorative elements, creating beautiful pieces of furniture in wood and metal.

Soon afterward, preferences for sleek, geometric, stylized forms in furniture that saw an emphasis on natural wood grains and traditional craftsmanship took hold. Today, Art Deco desks are still favored by designers who seek to infuse interiors with an air of luxury. One of the most prominent figures of the Art Deco movement was French decorator and furniture designer Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann. With his use of neoclassical motifs as well as expensive and exotic materials such as imported dark woods and inlays of precious metals for his writing desks, Ruhlmann came to symbolize good taste and modernity.

The rise in appreciation for Scandinavian modernism continues to influence the design of contemporary writing desks. It employs the “no fuss” or “less is more” approach to creating a tasteful, sophisticated space. Sweden’s master cabinetmaker Bruno Mathsson created gallery-worthy designs that are as functional as they are beautiful. Finnish architect Alvar Aalto never viewed himself as an artist, but, like Mathsson, his furniture designs reflected a fondness for organic materials and a humanistic approach. Danish designers such as Hans Wegner introduced elegant shapes and lines to mid-century desks and writing tables, often working in oak and solid teak.

From vintage desks to contemporary styles, 1stDibs offers a broad spectrum of choices for conducting all personal and business writing and reading activities.

Recently Viewed

View All