Skip to main content

Desks and Writing Tables

2
625
to
82
300
286
625
625
625
76
69
47
18
14
11
8
8
7
6
6
2
1
1
1
489
1,806
3,971
1,760
588
2,227
717
32
92
197
162
593
640
395
138
31
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
597
202
125
124
124
532
265
180
130
30
14
6
5
4
4
Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Period: Late 19th Century
Period: Early 1900s
Antique Victorian Inlaid Mahogany Pedestal Desk, 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a superb antique Late Victorian Flame mahogany string inlaid and satinwood crossbanded pedestal kneehole desk, circa 1880 in date. It is made from fabulous flame mahogany...
Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

Fine English 19th Century Adam Style Polychrome Painted Satinwood Vanity Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine English 19th century Adam style Polychrome painted satinwood vanity table. The ornately decorated cabinet surmounted with an easel mirror flanked by a pair of storage compartments centered with oval paintings, all above five top drawers, the front serpentine apron with a large drawer and raised on four tapering legs conjoined with an "X" stretcher centered with an oval storage...
Category

Late 19th Century Adam Style Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mirror, Satinwood

Provincial French Tea Table with Drawer, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant tea table was crafted of in late-19th-century France in the Louis XV-style, defined by its scalloped apron and thin cabriole legs. The s-form legs curve outwards from th...
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Fruitwood, Walnut

Very Fine 19th Century Louis XVI Roll Top Desk by Paul Sormani
Located in Dallas, TX
A very fine 19th century French Louis XVI kingwood and tulipwood marquetry rolltop desk. Fine gilt bronze mounts with a beautiful marble top. Signed Paul Sormani.
Category

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

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Antique Diminutive Burl & Mahogany Davenport Desk with Watercolor Panels, c1880
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique diminutive davenport desk offers burl and mahogany construction with upper pierced bronze gallery over slant front desk having watercolor...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Davenport Desk, Germany, 1870
Located in Belmont, MA
Introducing a delightful German Davenport desk dating back to 1870. This small and narrow desk showcases a distinctive design with an inclined top table and a convenient box with a lid. Its unique shape corresponds to the renowned typology known as the Davenport desk, named after Captain Davenport...
Category

1870s German Louis Philippe Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Mahogany Davenport Writing Desk
Located in Benington, Herts
This attractive mahogany Edwardian Davenport / writing desk, circa 1900s has been constructed from quality solid mahogany having a raised back above a fall front moulded edge writing slope with a raised and fielded panelled cupboard door standing on bracket feet. The Davenport's top section has a brass hinged mahogany lift up lid to reveal an original lead lined storage...
Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Spanish Baroque Oak Desk, Console
Located in Wiesbaden, DE
19th century Spanish antique oak desk, writting table with two drawers. This elegant console was crafted in Spain, circa 1900, it featur...
Category

Late 19th Century Spanish Renaissance Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

French Renaissance Revival Writing Table
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
French Renaissance Revival Writing Table.
Category

1870s French Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Louis XVI Style Tulipwood Bureau Plat
Located in Essex, MA
With a rectangular top with inset deep burgundy leather with bronze outer border over three drawers and opposing false drawers raised on cabriole legs and sabot feet. With key.
Category

1880s French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

SALE 19th Century French Louis XVI Mahogany Inlaid Ladies Desk Brass Ornaments
Located in Sofia, BG
This is a beautiful antique French mahogany inlaid Ladies writing desk made circa 1890. The fall front opens to reveal an interior of leather writing surface, and bank of three drawe...
Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

Lovely Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Cushion Drawer Brown Leather Partner Desk
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this very fine fully, Antique circa 1900, Burr Walnut twin pedestal partner desk with hand dyed brown leather top. It’s been lightly restored to...
Category

Early 1900s English Late Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Louis XVI Style Desk Made by Paul Sormani
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Elegant Louis XVI style desk made by Paul Sormani (1817-1877). Made of veneered wood and gilt bronze sheathed on top of a patiné havane leather. Molded and decorated on all sides wit...
Category

1870s French Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Oak Art Nouveau Pedestal Desk by J.J. Terburg & Zoon Arnhem, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Art Nouveau pedestal desk. Design by J.J. Terburg & Soon Arnhem. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid oak with hand-carved floral decorative elements a...
Category

Early 1900s Dutch Art Nouveau Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Arts and Crafts Desk in Oak
Located in Whaley Bridge, GB
Sn5363 Stylish Arts and Crafts solid oak desk, having oversailing top and a frieze drawer above carved book compartments, standing on substantial soli...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Bonheur Du Jour Cylinder Desk Louis XVI Style
Located in SAINTE-COLOMBE, FR
Bonheur Du Jour cylinder desk Louis XVI Style This beautifully crafted Bonheur Du Jour Cylinder desk in mahogany is in the style of Paul Sorman...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Louis XVI Walnut Double-Faced Writing Table
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century French Louis XVI walnutdouble-faced writing table will make the perfect addition to any well-appointed room! Ideal as an end table, a center table, or a library table as...
Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Antique Writing Desk, French, Decorative Centre Table, Louis XV Taste, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique writing desk. A French, kingwood reverse breakfront decorative centre table in Louis XV revival taste with marquetry top, dating to the late Victorian period, circ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Charles Bevan for Marsh & Jones. A Small Walnut Writing Table on Turned Supports
Located in London, GB
Charles Bevan. Probably made by Gillows of Lancaster. A small good quality Walnut Writing Table with a molded edge and a Burr Walnut top surrounded by an ebonized line detail with ...
Category

1880s English Aesthetic Movement Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Quality Mahogany Desk Writing Side Occasional Table C1900
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique quality mahogany desk writing side occasional table C1900. Neat compact dimensions. Possibly European continental origins. No loose joi...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

French Foldable Dining or Writing Table, Beech and Chestnut, circa 1970
Located in Labrit, Landes
Little chestnut dining table. The two end are foldable and the little width of this table is 32.28 in. (82 cm) The table top was made circa 1970. It was laid on a beech base dating...
Category

Late 19th Century French French Provincial Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Beech, Chestnut

Antique Victorian Oak & Mahogany Desk, Writing Table, English, Circa 1880
Located in Richmond, Surrey
Antique Victorian oak & mahogany desk, writing table, English Beautiful antique oak & mahogany Victorian desk, writing table. Made up of one large single central draw, and two dummy...
Category

1880s British Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Oak

19th Century Sheraton Revival Inlaid Desk
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality 19th Century Edwardian period, Sheraton Revival inlaid desk. Having a fire screen that pulls up, secret compartments that pop out from the sides for ink and pens....
Category

Late 19th Century English Sheraton Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Rare English "Adam" Influenced Hepplewhite Style Carved Mahogany Cylinder Desk
Located in Charleston, SC
Exceptional quality antique English "Adam" influenced Hepplewhite style carved and pierced mahogany cylinder desk with pull out baize covered slide and fitted interior. Please note ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Hepplewhite Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Baize

Large and Impressive Early 20th Century Mahogany Desk
Located in Martlesham, GB
A large and impressive early 20th century mahogany desk, the moulded edge top having a green leather writing surface divided into three shaped sections, the front of the desk having ...
Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Fine Sheraton Revival Satinwood Inlaid Carlton House Desk. with Letter Boxes, Ci
Located in Dereham, GB
Fine Sheraton Revival Satinwood inlaid Carlton House desk. with Letter boxes. circa 1880s Profusely inlaid with : swags, shells, urns, bell flowers & foliage decoration, Satinwood, with Rosewood banding, boxwood line inlay, Curved back, Black leather inset top, with gold tooling, 4 drawers & 5 pigeon holes Pair letter slots...
Category

1880s English Sheraton Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Satinwood

19th Century American Mahogany Serpentine Slant Front Secretary Desk
Located in Germantown, MD
A late 19th Century American mahogany serpentine slant front secretary bureau desk. Nice quality mahogany, dovetails drawers and ball and claw feet.
Category

1880s American Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Edwardian English Marquetry Side Table, c. 1900
Located in High Point, NC
William and Mary style burl walnut table with exquisite marquetry detailing, circa 1900. The top is banded and has a beveled edge surrounding a profuse floral and bird design marque...
Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Boxwood, Olive, Walnut

Fine English 19th Century Mahogany Secretary-Desk
Located in Long Island City, NY
A fine English table with a "hidden" writing desk/ secretary opening via three articulated compartments.
Category

Late 19th Century British Edwardian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Oversized Victorian 1870 Burr Quarter Cut Walnut Knee Hole Pedestal Partner Desk
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning circa 1870 solid walnut twin pedestal oversized knee hole desk This desk is sublime, the walnut patina on the drawers is rich and ...
Category

1870s English Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Burl

1850s European Empire Mahogany Pair Armchairs with Griffin God Face and Feet
Located in BILBAO, ES
1850s European Empire Mahogany pair armchairs with Griffin God face and feet.. Upholstery with Osborne & Little with heraldic pattern in cross stich fabric. Dimensions Chair H...
Category

1880s Portuguese Baroque Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Black Lacquered Desk
Located in New York, NY
Louis XV style black lacquer Bureau plat French 19th century Louis XV style black lacquer Bureau plat, raised on bronze mounted cabriole legs, the sca...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Style Hand Carved Walnut Center Table
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This Louis XVI style walnut writing table from the late 19th century features a hand carved element of a classic crossed torch and quiver with a crown of laurels. Its beveled top res...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Stripped 19th Century French Oak Renaissance Style Table with Marble Top
Located in Dallas, TX
As is the case with most French Renaissance style furniture, this beautiful stripped oak table with marble top features elaborate sculptural ornamen...
Category

Late 19th Century French Renaissance Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal, Brass

19th Century French Carved Oak Dolphin Library Table Desk Renaissance Gothic
Located in Shreveport, LA
19th century French carved oak Dolphin library table desk Renaissance Gothic. Direct from France, an elegant antique French carved ...
Category

1890s French Renaissance Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Very Fine Gilt Bronze Mounted Tulipwood and Amaranth Desk by L. Cueunieres
Located in Madrid, ES
A very fine gilt bronze mounted tulipwood and amaranth desk. by L. Cueunières (active from 1870). A french ormolu-mounted mahogany bureau plat. By l. Cueunieres, third quarter 19t...
Category

1880s Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Fruitwood

Very Fine Ormolu, Porcelain and Marquetry Writing Desk by Henry Dasson
Located in London, GB
Very fine ormolu, porcelain and marquetry writing desk by Henry Dasson French, 1890 Height 74cm, depth 80cm, depth 50cm By Dasson, Henry (French, 1825-1896), a leading ébéniste of the French Belle Époque, this beautiful, delicate, and diminutive writing desk...
Category

Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century Chinese Elm Wood Wine Table
Located in New York, NY
A classic and beautifully constructed antique Chinese wine table, with a rectangular top over an arched skirt. Sitting on carved feet, with ...
Category

Late 19th Century Qing Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Elm

Antique French Commode or Buffet with Pull-Out Desk Drawers Beautiful Rosewood
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Commode or Buffet, made from one of the rarest woods, palisander, or more commonly referred to as, Madagascar Rosewood. Not only is ...
Category

1890s French Louis Philippe Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Rosewood, Leather

Oak Arts & Crafts Pedestal Desk by Alexander J. Kropholler, 1890s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare Arts & Crafts pedestal desk. Design by Alexander J. Kropholler. Striking Dutch design from the 1890s. Executed in solid oak and original wrought iron, this stunning and one of a kind museum piece has a hand-carved quotation " A Little Learning Is A Dangerous Thing" by Alexander Pope (1688-1744), one of the leading Neoclassical or Augustan poets of the first half of the 18th Century. Two original hand-carved owls and hand-carved elements on top of the desk. Original lock and key and in good working order. Measurement from ground to writing top is 76 cm or 29.92 in. This wonderful Arts & Crafts desk by Alexander J. Kropholler is in very good refinished condition with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. We offer the matching bookcase...
Category

1890s Dutch Arts and Crafts Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique French Oak Writing Desk Late 19th Century
Located in Toledo, OH
A late 19th century French two part writing desk. Oak construction with extensive hand carved detail, features a wall hanging upper section with scroll...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique English Victorian Double Sided Oak Twin Pedestal 18 Drawer Kneehole Desk
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning circa 1880 Victorian English oak antique knee hole 18 drawer desk A wonderful desk, ...
Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Oak

19th Century, Bureau Plat, by Francoise Linke.
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality French kingwood and marquetry, ormolu-mounted Bureau plat, signed Linke. Having three frieze drawers to one side, dummy drawers to the reverse, inset Moroccan leather...
Category

1890s French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Kingwood

Fine French 19th-20th Century Louis XV Style Giltwood Carved Center Hall Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine French 19th-20th century Louis XV style giltwood carved center gall table with marble top. The rectangular shaped frame intricately carved frame with an "X" stretcher centered...
Category

Early 1900s French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble

19th Century Rustic Desk ~ Sofa Table
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century Rustic desk ~ sofa table was hand-crafted from solid oak to last for centuries! The thick plank top has four mitered corners eliminating sha...
Category

Late 19th Century Dutch Dutch Colonial Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique English Leather-Top Mahogany Partner's Desk, Circa 1880
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English leather-top mahogany partner's desk, Circa 1880.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Late 19th Century Georgian Style Burl Walnut and Leather Top Desk
Located in Charleston, SC
Gorgeous wear and patina on this burl walnut and leather top Georgian style desk from late 19th century. Early Georgian style with burl walnut and leather top raised on pad feet with...
Category

Late 19th Century English George I Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Porcelain and Ormolu Mounted Bonheur Du Jour by Donald Ross
Located in London, GB
Porcelain and ormolu mounted bonheur du jour by Donald Ross. English, late 19th century. Measures: height 136cm, width 108cm, depth 62cm This beautifu...
Category

Late 19th Century English High Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

"Buerau Plat" Desk by Linke
Located in Madrid, ES
"Buerau Plat" desk by Linke "Bureau Plat" desk by linke elegant 19th century desk in light and stained wood. line of sinuous curves.measures:120x66x75cm.
Category

1890s Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Fruitwood

Antique Fall Front Bureau, Scottish, Writing Desk, Georgian Revival, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique fall front bureau. A Scottish, mahogany writing desk in Georgian revival taste by Japp of Montrose, dating to the late Victorian p...
Category

Late 19th Century Scottish Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Turn of the Century French Patinated Ecritoire with Display Glass Top
Located in High Point, NC
A patinated ecritoire produced during the turn of the century in France, this desk organizer is as functional as remarkable. Featuring a slant-top case crowned by a unique glass disp...
Category

Early 1900s French French Provincial Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

A fine 19th c French Louis XV signed Bureau Plat
Located in Dallas, TX
A very Fine 19th century French Louis XV mahogany and gilt bronze mounted bureau blat signed Jemont Paris. Finest gilt bronze mounts with two side pull outs . Original leather top . French polished . Jemont exhibited alongside the likes of Francois Linke at the 1900 Paris Exposition .
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

English Decorative Chinoiserie Bureau Writing Desk
Located in Staffordshire, GB
Circa 1900 English decorative chinoiserie bureau writing desk - Bonheur Du Jour. Great colour and patina with chinoiserie decoration. sku 1006...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century Napoleon III Walnut Partner's Desk with Faux Leather
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century Napoleon III walnut partner's desk with faux leather is a stunning transitional piece that embodies styles influenced by the three greatest eras of human endeavor! The u...
Category

1870s French Napoleon III Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Faux Leather, Walnut

French Leather Top Writing Table
Located in New York, NY
A striking 19th-century walnut French writing table with one drawer and a black leather top. The table has developed a rich, warm patina and its size make it perfect as a small desk...
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Antique French Writing Desk Table Renaissance Revival Dolphin Style Carved Oak
Located in Tyler, TX
Beautiful versatile size antique French oak renaissance revival writing desk or table with drawer and double pedestal. ~~c. 1890 W...
Category

1890s French Renaissance Revival Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique French Carved Secretary Petite Desk Barley Twist Walnut Bookcase
Located in Shreveport, LA
19th century French Carved Secretary Petite Writing Desk Barley Twist Louis XIII. Direct from France, a beautifully appointed petite drop front walnut secretary...
Category

1890s French Louis XIII Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Exhibition Bureau a Cylindre by Henry Dasson
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional late 19th century gilt bronze Mounted Louis XV/XVI Style Exhibition Bureau a Cylindre By Henry Dasson Henry Dasson – Thought to be made especially for Dasson’s stand at the Paris Exhibition of 1889. The rectangular top with pierced three-quarter gallery, above three frieze drawers, with the center drawer opening to a hidden leather book holder...
Category

Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

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