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Desks and Writing Tables

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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Period: Late 20th Century
Period: 19th Century
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

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

Italian Midcentury Bamboo and Rattan Desk or Vanity with two Drawers, 1970s
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Beautiful desk, or can also be used as a vanity - dressing table. Made from bamboo wood and rattan, in Italy in the 1970s. The desk is beautiful to look at from all sides and can als...
Category

1970s Italian French Provincial Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Vintage bamboo and rattan desk / dressing table by Dal Vera, Italy 1970s
Located in Hastings, GB
Vintage bamboo and rattan desk / dressing table by Dal Vera, Italy 1970s. Two drawers with brass ring-pull handles. Bamboo foot rest, rattan modesty panel. There's a slight natural c...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Bohemian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

John Widdicomb Mid-Century Hollywood Regency Campaign Burl Wood Executive Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency Campaign executive desk By John Widdicomb USA, Circa 1970s Gorgeous burl wood, with original brass hardware. Measures: 72"W x ...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Late Victorian Oak Writing Table This is a good solid quality piece
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Late Victorian Oak Writing Table This is a good solid quality piece made about 1900, with low stretchers and standing on turned legs, the table has 5 drawers the centre one having ...
Category

1890s Arts and Crafts Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique Burr Walnut Carlton House Desk
Located in London, GB
A superb antique burr walnut Carlton House desk, made in England and dating from around the 1890-1910 period. This is of outstanding quality with many lovely features. It is a great...
Category

1890s British Sheraton Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Unusual William IV Work and Writing Table
Located in Whaley Bridge, GB
Sn582A Excellent and very unusual William IV sewing table in rosewood, having 3 dummy drawers to frieze and one drawer which opens to reveal writing section with black leather and pe...
Category

1830s English William IV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

French 19th Century Walnut Desk with Carved Apron and Lateral Drawer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French walnut desk from the 19th century with carved apron and lateral drawer. This elegant French walnut desk from the 19th century is a splendid example of classic craftsmanship,...
Category

19th Century French Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

19th century William IV mahogany roll top writing desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Fine quality English mahogany roll top desk circa 1830. Rare piece of English furniture we found on our travels to Sweden. Tambour roll top is in good working order. Top rolls back ...
Category

Mid-19th Century English William IV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

1800's Antique Breton, Highly Carved, Rare, 6 Drawers, French Desk
Located in Austin, TX
Antique Desk, Breton, Highly Carved, Rare, 6 Drawers, French, 19th C, 1800s!! Gorgeous Antique Desk, Breton. Highly Carved, Rare, 6 Drawers, French, 19th C, 1800s!! This antique des...
Category

19th Century French Other Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Desk + chair set in light cane, Italy 1980
Located in Roma, RM
Desk + chair set in light cane, Italy 1980 Product details Desk dimensions 80 W x 88 H x 41 D cm Chair dimensions 42 W x 89 H x 52 D cm
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cane

Italian Late Neoclassic Walnut 2-Drawer Library Table / Kitchen Island, ca. 1840
Located in Atlanta, GA
Large and tall in scale this table has a rectangular top with rounded corners atop a conforming frame housing two drawers and raised on turned and tapering legs, its size and storage...
Category

1840s Italian Neoclassical Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique 19th Century Georgian Mahogany Writing Table Desk Side Dressing Bed
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Introducing an Antique Fine Quality 19th Century Georgian Mahogany Writing Table, which also serves as a desk, dressing lamp, or large bedside table, showcasing a classical Georgian ...
Category

19th Century Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

Antique Victorian Burl Walnut Inlaid Marquetry Carved Davenport Desk 1860
Located in Portland, OR
A fine antique burl walnut & inlaid marquetry Davenport desk, circa 1860. The davenport is made from the finest figured burl walnut, to the top is a lift up lid with a fitted interio...
Category

1860s English Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Burl, Walnut, Satinwood, Maple, Leather

Early 19th century Regency davenport writing desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Fine quality regency davenport, circa 1820. Spindle gallery to the top leading to the original leather writing surface. Top opens to reveal a richly colored interior with 2 drawers....
Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Palisander

19th Century Bureau De Dame
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
19th Century French Bureau De Dame in good condition with brass gallery to the top and decorative inlay to the fall that pulls down to reveal three small drawers and fitted leather w...
Category

1890s Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Table en bois laqué noir à décor central marqueté de laiton, Napoléon III
Located in ROYÈRE-DE-VASSIVIÈRE, FR
Table en bois laqué noir à décor central marqueté de laiton, Napoléon III elle ouvre à un tiroir en façade (serrure mais absence de la clé) Repose sur quatre pieds fuselés et cannelé...
Category

1870s French Napoleon III Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Unusual Italian C.1970s Modernist Jewellery table
Located in London, GB
A late 1970s Northern Italian Modernist desk in marble, steel and leather custom built for a high end jewellers in Milan.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Steel

Large Italian Desk by Hans von Klier for Skipper, 1970s
Located in Lasne, BE
Desk with leather and wood top and chromed metal legs designed by Hans Von Klier in the 70s. Wear due to time and age of the desk.
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Marc van Rampelberg Freestanding Desk in Solid Iroko
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marc van Rampelberg, freestanding writing desk, iroko, Kenya, 1980s. This solid Iroko freestanding desk is manufactured in Kenya and designed by the Belgian designer Marc van Rampe...
Category

1980s Kenyan Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Standard Furniture Mid Century Walnut and Brass Executive Desk
Located in Countryside, IL
Standard Furniture Mid Century Walnut and Brass Executive Desk This desk measures: 66 wide x 36 deep x 29 high, with a chair clearance of 24.5 inches All pieces of furniture can be...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Late Victorian Dutch Marquetry Writing Desk
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Late 19th century Dutch Marquetry Writing Desk with 6 drawers. Intricately crafted with traditional marquetry techniques it is adorned with stunning inlay patterns of different color...
Category

19th Century American Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Kingwood, Oak

Blue Painted Pine Farm Table Writing Table With 2 Drawers, Sweden circa 1860-80
Located in Round Top, TX
The cheerful blue painted finish has a distressed patina revealing years of use in this small farm table from Sweden. Notice the two usable drawers with brass pulls that add function...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Country Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

French Louis XV Style Figural Bronze Ormolu Leather Top Bureau Plat Writing Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Louis XV Style Figural Bronze Ormolu Leather Top Bureau Plat Writing Desk. Item featured is a large impressive size, stunning bronze figural female bust mounts on all ...
Category

Late 20th Century Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Mazarin Style Center Desk with Drawers in Walnut -1X54
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Add a touch of timeless elegance to your study or office with this exquisite Mazarin style center desk from the 19th century. Crafted from rich walnut wood, this desk features a clas...
Category

1850s French Napoleon III Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Desk from maker Maple & Co
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Beautiful small mahogany desk in perfect condition. The desk has 9 drawers and a tan-colored gold-edged leather top. Original wooden knobs on the drawers. Nice warm color. Desk is fr...
Category

1850s Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Stunning Mid-Victorian Oak Twin Pedestal Partners Desk
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer for sale this stunning restored mid Victorian twin partners desk , the moulded top inset with tooled green leather above an arrangement of four frieze drawers and...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Oak

Rena Dumas & Peter Coles In Collaboration With Hermès "Pippa"
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Rena Dumas (1937-2009) & Peter Coles (1955-1985) in collaboration with Hermès Pippa Travel desk and folding stool Pearwood, leather and brass Edition Hermès Stamped 'P.R. Hermès Pari...
Category

Late 20th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

A George IV Chinese Amboyna Desk
Located in Conwy, GB
The shaped cornice above a fitted bureau-bookcase enclosed behind solid doors, the central desk drawer has a ratcheted writing slope and is flanked by three graduated drawers to each...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Amboyna

19th Century Louis XVI Bureau à Cylindre or Roll Top Desk
Located in Winter Park, FL
A fine early 19th century Louis XVI period bureau à cylindre, or roll top desk, made of solid walnut with marquetry veneers of walnut, mahogany and cherry. Pine as a secondary wood. ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Mario Botta “Tesi” Dining Table for Alias, Italy 1980
Located in Argelato, BO
A very rare desk/dining table designed by Mario Botta, model “Tesi”, manufactured by Alias in, Italy around 1980. This eye-catching piece has a clear glass rectangular top allows th...
Category

1980s Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Executive Desk By Poul Norreklit for Georg Petersen Møbelfabrik in Denmark
Located in San Diego, CA
Poul Nørreklit desk model GP 160 by Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik, Denmark This is a rare and collectible lucite and rosewood desk. Lucite slab sides wit...
Category

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

Materials

Lucite, Rosewood

19th Century Louis XV Style Writing Desk or Center Table
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
Extremely elegant Louis XV Style writing desk or center table, with a gracefully adorned floral marquetry and intricate borders on the tray, revealing a single drawer and elegantly c...
Category

19th Century French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Fruitwood

Fine American-Made Leather Top Brass Ormolu Louis XV Style Bureau Plat Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a beautiful American-made desk with age -crackled leather and a nice original ebonized frame and gold pinstriping with brass ormolu. Measures 67 wide x 30 tall x 33.25 deep...
Category

1980s American Louis XV Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Victorian Burr Walnut Davenport Writing Table Desk - C. 1870
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Presenting an exquisite Victorian Burr and Figured Walnut Davenport Writing Table Desk dating back to approximately 1870. This charming piece exudes age and character, making it a ra...
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Art Nouveau Mahogany stepped desk
Located in Paris, FR
Elegant stepped desk in mahogany and mahogany veneer. Gilt bronze frame opening with a drawer inlaid with leaf and flower stems. The front features a drawer with an ormolu catch and ...
Category

1890s French Art Nouveau Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Lovely Mid-Victorian Burr Walnut Kidney Shaped Table
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer for sale this lovely mid-Victorian burr walnut kidney shaped stretcher table, the top inset with tooled red leather above a carved base , in amazing condition . D...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Walnut

19th Century French Renaissance Revival Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Renaissance Revival Desk is a magnificent example of master cabinetmaking by French artisans from the 1850s to the end of the century. Utilizing hand-select old-...
Category

1870s French Renaissance Revival Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

19th Century French Walnut writing table
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Beautiful antique walnut writing table with brown leather top. The table has 3 drawers on one side and the other sides are not drawers but look like they are. The table is richly dec...
Category

1870s French Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique French Louis XVI Gold Bronze Mounted Kingwood Writing Table, Circa 1885
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Louis XVI Gold Bronze Mounted Kingwood Writing Table, Circa 1885.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Fine Quality Antique 19th Century Oak Writing Table - Desk Side Dressing Bed
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Introducing an Antique Fine Quality 19th Century Oak Writing Table, which also serves as a desk, dressing lamp, or large bedside table, showcasing a classical Georgian design. Recen...
Category

19th Century Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

20th Century Palisander Mahogany Wood Marble French Napoleon III Bureau, 1870s
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
French bureau from the end of the 19th century. Finished for the center furniture from the Napoleon III era, finely veneered in palisander and mahogany. Slightly rounded and moved bu...
Category

1870s French Napoleon III Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble

French Louis Philippe Desk Writing Table Secret Drawers, 19th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
French 19th century Louis Philippe exotic wood desk, the top is recovered of coated fabric. This secretary can be all locked. When the desk part is closed, the three top drawers cann...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Scandinavian Modern Teak Writing Desk by Jesper
Located in Trenton, NJ
Introducing an exceptional vintage centerpiece for your workspace – this Scandinavian Modern Teak Desk. Drawing inspiration from iconic mid-century Danish design, this desk embodies ...
Category

Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Teak

Stunning Victorian Partners Pedestal Desk
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer for sale this amazing Victorian hardwood partners' pedestal desk, circa 1870, gilt-tooled green leather inset writing surface, triple frieze drawers with Bramah l...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Walnut

19th Century Satinwood & Marquetry Desk Stamped by Gillows
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A fine quality mid 19th Century well-figured satinwood and marquetry pedestal desk. Marquetry boxwood, rosewood & ebony line inlaid and satinwood throughout, having brass galleried t...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

19 century kis barokk iroasztal
Located in Kerepes, HU
Annak ellenére hogy kis méretű es élig kevés hely foglal, több funkció is tud teljes mertekben használni: toalettasztal, kis író asztal egy előtérben meg egy kényelmes dolgozó laptop...
Category

Late 19th Century Hungarian Baroque Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Other

Superb Quality Antique Regency Mahogany Free Standing Writing Desk
Located in Suffolk, GB
Superb quality antique regency mahogany free standing writing desk having a superb quality mahogany top with a reeded edge and a red leather writing surface above two drawers and two...
Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Other

Set of two Andalusian chairs in yellow ocre polychrome wood with birds
Located in BILBAO, ES
Set of two Andalusian chairs in yellow ocre polychrome wood with birds From the 1980´s Very Romantic with a chalky classic finish for interiors with ...
Category

1980s Portuguese Baroque Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Victorian Sycamore Partners Desk
Located in Altrincham, GB
A fabulous Victorian partners desk in beautiful mellow sycamore - double pedestal with front drawers and cupboard rear with tooled leather insert top c1860 - 66"ww x 36"d x 32"h (25...
Category

1870s English Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Sycamore

Mahogany and burr leather top pedestal desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mahogany and burr leather top pedestal desk circa 1990. Good example of a 19th century designed desk. Which is in 3 sections, being the top and 2 pedestals. Top surface with green ...
Category

Late 20th Century English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Oak Desk, England circa 1820
Located in Culver City, CA
Oak Desk England circa 1820 Estate made desk with two front drawers, stretcher, and angled surface. 58.75”L x 32.75”d x 32”h
Category

1820s English Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Neoclassical Bureau Plat, France around 1800
Located in Greding, DE
French bureau plat on square tapered legs with brass sabots and small castors. The desk is veneered in mahogany and the writing surface is covered in congac-colored leather. The keyh...
Category

Early 1800s French Neoclassical Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

French Petite Wooden Mid-Century Desk
Located in London, GB
A stylish petite desk. France, c1970s. In the manner of Maison Regian. Likely to be elm or very well simulated elm wood. Ideal as a desk or vanity unit. Good condition gene...
Category

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

Materials

Elm

Biedermeier Secretary Desk, Austria, 19th Century
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This beautiful Secretary comes from Austria and was made in 19th century. The piece is made of oak wood, veneered with mahogany veneer. When opening the main section the doors transf...
Category

19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple, Oak

Regency Mahogany writing table with Rachet top
By King & Sons
Located in Dereham, GB
Regency Mahogany writing table with Rachet top Mahogany top with removeable book rest, Top lifts up and adjusts the height with the rachet support, inside fitted with pen tray and i...
Category

Early 19th Century British Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Desk By Guy Lefèvre - Metal & Wood - Ca 1970
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Elegant desk by Guy Lefèvre dating from the 1970s. Its chrome metal structure and black lacquered wooden box are typical of the French style of the 1970s. Just like Maison Jansen, Ro...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

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.

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