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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Period: 19th Century
Period: 1920s
19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Desk. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Hello, This exceptional walnut Biedermeier desk is the best example of top-quality Viennese piece from circa 1825. Viennese Biedermeier is distinguished by their sophisticated propo...
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Desk. Vienna, c. 1825.
19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Desk. Vienna, c. 1825.

19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Desk. Vienna, c. 1825.

English Pine Two Drawer Table
Located in Wilson, NC
English pine two drawer table in England, they refer to this as ''pitch pine'', here we call it ''heart pine'', by whatever term, it is beautiful wood...
Category

1870s English Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

English Pine Two Drawer Table
English Pine Two Drawer Table

English Pine Two Drawer Table

French 19th Century Writing Table Carved Oak Desk Lion Mask Louis XIII Style
Located in Labrit, Landes
Writing table or desk Henri II (also named Louis XIII style) 19th century with lion masque drawer handle Table height: 27.56 in. (70 cm) Hand carved oak R...
Category

1880s French Louis XIII Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

French 19th Century Writing Table Carved Oak Desk Lion Mask Louis XIII Style
French 19th Century Writing Table Carved Oak Desk Lion Mask Louis XIII Style

French 19th Century Writing Table Carved Oak Desk Lion Mask Louis XIII Style

Fine Quality Antique Victorian Freestanding Maple & Co. Inlaid Writing Desk
Located in Suffolk, GB
Fine quality Victorian freestanding Maple & Co. inlaid writing desk having original pierced brass galleries, mirror to the centre with a pretty inlaid rail above flanked by two faux ...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Satinwood

Fine Quality Antique Victorian Freestanding Maple & Co. Inlaid Writing Desk

Fine Quality Antique Victorian Freestanding Maple & Co. Inlaid Writing Desk

19th Century French Oak Writing Desk
Located in High Point, NC
19th century oak desk from France. The top is banded and has beveled and hand carved decorated edges. The top follows down to molded and hand carved decorated aprons on all four si...
Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

19th Century French Oak Writing Desk
19th Century French Oak Writing Desk

19th Century French Oak Writing Desk

American Federal Mahogany Side Table with Fitted Interior Desk on Casters, 1820
Located in Hollywood, SC
American Federal Mahogany one drawer side table with fitted interior desk, walnut diamond escutcheons, original four wooden knobs, and resting on turned bulbous ringed legs with the original brass casters. Secondary wood consist of white pine and tulip poplar...
Category

1820s American Federal Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

American Federal Mahogany Side Table with Fitted Interior Desk on Casters, 1820
American Federal Mahogany Side Table with Fitted Interior Desk on Casters, 1820

American Federal Mahogany Side Table with Fitted Interior Desk on Casters, 1820

Dining Table of Mahogany with Extension Plates, 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
Dining table of mahogany with extension plates, in great antique condition from the 1840s. Fully extendend the table measurese 151 cm.
Category

1840s Danish Other Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Dining Table of Mahogany with Extension Plates, 1840s
Dining Table of Mahogany with Extension Plates, 1840s

Dining Table of Mahogany with Extension Plates, 1840s

French 19th Century Provençal Hand-Carved Walnut Knee Hole Desk with 5 Drawers
Located in Santa Monica, CA
French 19th century Provençal hand-carved walnut knee hole 5 drawer desk with cabriole legs.
Category

19th Century Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

French 19th Century Provençal Hand-Carved Walnut Knee Hole Desk with 5 Drawers
French 19th Century Provençal Hand-Carved Walnut Knee Hole Desk with 5 Drawers

French 19th Century Provençal Hand-Carved Walnut Knee Hole Desk with 5 Drawers

19th Century English Regency Mahogany Leather Top Writing Desk
Located in Charleston, SC
19th Century English Regency Mahogany Leather Top Writing Desk. There is a small blemish in the leather as shown in the pictures.
Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

19th Century English Regency Mahogany Leather Top Writing Desk
19th Century English Regency Mahogany Leather Top Writing Desk

19th Century English Regency Mahogany Leather Top Writing Desk

Antique French Inlaid Bureau Plat Desk
Located in London, GB
An absolutely exquisite antique French inlaid bureau plat desk. This was made in France, it dates from around the 1880-1890 period. It is one of ...
Category

1880s French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Antique French Inlaid Bureau Plat Desk
Antique French Inlaid Bureau Plat Desk

Antique French Inlaid Bureau Plat Desk

Antique English Satinwood Parquetry Writing Desk circa 1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Satinwood Parquetry Writing Desk circa 1890
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Satinwood

Antique English Satinwood Parquetry Writing Desk circa 1890
Antique English Satinwood Parquetry Writing Desk circa 1890

Antique English Satinwood Parquetry Writing Desk circa 1890

English Victorian Gothic Revival Carved Oak Table
Located in New York, NY
English Victorian Gothic Revival (late 19th Century) carved oak rectangular table resting on two wide carved legs connected at center under the tabletop by two arching carved open su...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Wood

English Victorian Gothic Revival Carved Oak Table
English Victorian Gothic Revival Carved Oak Table

English Victorian Gothic Revival Carved Oak Table

Oak Art Deco Modernist Writing Table by Hendrik Wouda for Pander, 1924
By Hendrik Wouda, H.Pander & Zonen
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare Art Deco Modernist writing table. Design by Hendrik Wouda for H. Pander & Zonen Den Haag. Striking Dutch design from 1924.Solid oak and original oak veneer...
Category

1920s Dutch Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Oak Art Deco Modernist Writing Table by Hendrik Wouda for Pander, 1924
Oak Art Deco Modernist Writing Table by Hendrik Wouda for Pander, 1924

Oak Art Deco Modernist Writing Table by Hendrik Wouda for Pander, 1924

Antique English Mahogany Writing Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A rectangular desk with a 3/4 mahogany gallery on the top. With two frieze drawers with moldings and knob pulls. Raised on ball topped ribbed tapering legs with turned feet on brass ...
Category

19th Century Unknown Country Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Antique English Mahogany Writing Table
Antique English Mahogany Writing Table

Antique English Mahogany Writing Table

Gustavian White Painted Partner's Desk Writing Table, Sweden circa 1820-40
Located in Round Top, TX
Antique Swedish Gustavian white painted "partner's desk" with two drawers on each side of the table. Traditional tapered fluted legs with diamond accent above. Floor to skirt height:...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Paint

Gustavian White Painted Partner's Desk Writing Table, Sweden circa 1820-40
Gustavian White Painted Partner's Desk Writing Table, Sweden circa 1820-40

Gustavian White Painted Partner's Desk Writing Table, Sweden circa 1820-40

19th Century Country French Provincial Walnut Writing Table Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome 19th century country French provincial diminutive writing table or desk carved from walnut. The top and frieze have a gracefully curved serpentine shape with a small storage...
Category

19th Century French French Provincial Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Country French Provincial Walnut Writing Table Desk
19th Century Country French Provincial Walnut Writing Table Desk

19th Century Country French Provincial Walnut Writing Table Desk

Early 19th Century Rosewood 'Collapsible' Campaign Pedestal Desk
Located in London, GB
An Ingenious 'Collapsible' Campaign Pedestal Desk Constructed from rosewood, each pedestal supported on tapering feet, one enclosing two drawer...
Category

19th Century English Campaign Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Early 19th Century Rosewood 'Collapsible' Campaign Pedestal Desk
Early 19th Century Rosewood 'Collapsible' Campaign Pedestal Desk

Early 19th Century Rosewood 'Collapsible' Campaign Pedestal Desk

Beautiful Victorian Oak Pedestal Desk Made By Howard&Sons
By Howard & Sons Ltd
Located in Crawley, GB
Beautiful small oak pedestal desk made be Howard&Sons between 1860-1890 , with brown leather and gilt tooled inset top above an arrangement of ...
Category

Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Oak

Beautiful Victorian Oak Pedestal Desk Made By Howard&Sons
Beautiful Victorian Oak Pedestal Desk Made By Howard&Sons

Beautiful Victorian Oak Pedestal Desk Made By Howard&Sons

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

19th Century Italian Rustic Kitchen Table or Writing Table in Poplar Wood
19th Century Italian Rustic Kitchen Table or Writing Table in Poplar Wood

19th Century Italian Rustic Kitchen Table or Writing Table in Poplar Wood

Writing Desk Table in Walnut, Drawers and Pull-Out Shelves, 19th Century Italy
Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)
Antique piece of furniture, writing desk in walnut, hand-carved with turned legs, it was used as a bedroom due to its small size, it has twelve drawers, roller shutter...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Writing Desk Table in Walnut, Drawers and Pull-Out Shelves, 19th Century Italy
Writing Desk Table in Walnut, Drawers and Pull-Out Shelves, 19th Century Italy

Writing Desk Table in Walnut, Drawers and Pull-Out Shelves, 19th Century Italy

Faux Bamboo Escritoire or Writing Desk Table of Long-Leaf Pine from France
Located in Austin, TX
A fine French faux bamboo escritoire or writing table desk, c.1870-1910, featuring a fitted (and removable) top tier secretary cupboard with gallery...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Pine

Faux Bamboo Escritoire or Writing Desk Table of Long-Leaf Pine from France
Faux Bamboo Escritoire or Writing Desk Table of Long-Leaf Pine from France

Faux Bamboo Escritoire or Writing Desk Table of Long-Leaf Pine from France

1800s Antique French Oromlu-Mounted, Burlwood, 3-Piece Set, Desk, Office Suite!!
Located in Austin, TX
Extraordinary Set, truly outstanding quality, monumental! Antique Desk, Office Suite, French Ormolu-Mounted Burlwood, 3-Piece Set, 1800's, 19th Century!! This set is made in classic...
Category

19th Century French Other Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

1800s Antique French Oromlu-Mounted, Burlwood, 3-Piece Set, Desk, Office Suite!!
1800s Antique French Oromlu-Mounted, Burlwood, 3-Piece Set, Desk, Office Suite!!

1800s Antique French Oromlu-Mounted, Burlwood, 3-Piece Set, Desk, Office Suite!!

Gillows - Mid 19thC Mahogany Twin Pedestal Desk
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Altrincham, GB
Gillows - Mid 19thC Mahogany Twin Pedestal Desk shaped rectangular top with dark blue tooled leather inset flanking a central raised sloped writing surface enclosing a hinged storage compartment, two frieze drawers with blind fretwork decoration above the pedestals each supporting three drawers with brass bail handles, each pedestal with locking bars...
Category

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

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Gillows - Mid 19thC Mahogany Twin Pedestal Desk
Gillows - Mid 19thC Mahogany Twin Pedestal Desk

Gillows - Mid 19thC Mahogany Twin Pedestal Desk

19th Century French bronze mounted leather top writing desk / tric trac table
Located in Charleston, SC
19th Century French bronze mounted leather top writing desk / tric trac table featuring a removable top that has an inset tooled leather desk on one side and a baize lined card playi...
Category

19th Century French Directoire Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French bronze mounted leather top writing desk / tric trac table
19th Century French bronze mounted leather top writing desk / tric trac table

19th Century French bronze mounted leather top writing desk / tric trac table

Superb 1920s Oak Roll Top Desk
Located in Dublin, IE
A superb 1920s beautifully patinated oak roll top desk of neat proportions, finely carved and of gorgeous quality. The moulded top of rectangular fo...
Category

1920s English Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Superb 1920s Oak Roll Top Desk
Superb 1920s Oak Roll Top Desk

Superb 1920s Oak Roll Top Desk

19th Century Biedermeier Ash Table. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Hello, This fine Biedermeier ash table was made in Vienna circa 1825. Viennese Biedermeier pieces are distinguished by their sophisticated proportions, rare and refined design, exce...
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ash

19th Century Biedermeier Ash Table. Vienna, c. 1825.
19th Century Biedermeier Ash Table. Vienna, c. 1825.

19th Century Biedermeier Ash Table. Vienna, c. 1825.

19th Century French Oak Library Table
Located in High Point, NC
19th century oak library table from France. The top has a lovely hand beveled and carved decorated edge, and follows down to carved dec...
Category

19th Century French Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

19th Century French Oak Library Table
19th Century French Oak Library Table

19th Century French Oak Library Table

19th Century Barley Twist Mahogany Desk Console or Library Table by Imperial
Located in Southampton, NJ
A stunning 19th Century single drawer desk or library console table having turned mahogany legs and frame with outstanding grain throughout having hand carved aprons with gold detail...
Category

Late 19th Century American Louis XIII Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Barley Twist Mahogany Desk Console or Library Table by Imperial
19th Century Barley Twist Mahogany Desk Console or Library Table by Imperial

19th Century Barley Twist Mahogany Desk Console or Library Table by Imperial

Inlaid Satinwood Double Pedestal Desk
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a very attractive and unusual Mid-19th Century satinwood double pedestal desk. True 19th century satinwood is an expensive, very desirable and rare. The wood is fine grained, but figured, and used principally in veneer work and in inlay. The combination of the the pale satinwood outlined with the graphic faux ebony outlining of the drawers and top, combined with the scrolling detailed inlay, creates a unique piece with great visual interest. Currently the drawers must be opened with a key. We have ordered appropriate 19th century-style bail pulls...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Inlaid Satinwood Double Pedestal Desk
Inlaid Satinwood Double Pedestal Desk

Inlaid Satinwood Double Pedestal Desk

Antique French Desk Writing Table Renaissance Wide Drawer Oak Barley Twist
Located in Tyler, TX
GORGEOUS 19th century Antique French Oak Renaissance Revival Desk or Writing Table with Wide Drawer, 3" Barley Twist Legs, Stretcher and Up Finial ~~circa 1880s With so many p...
Category

1880s French Renaissance Revival Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique French Desk Writing Table Renaissance Wide Drawer Oak Barley Twist
Antique French Desk Writing Table Renaissance Wide Drawer Oak Barley Twist

Antique French Desk Writing Table Renaissance Wide Drawer Oak Barley Twist

George III Style Mahogany And Brass Inlaid Carleton House Desk
Located in Essex, MA
Rectangular top with central leather liner hinged writing surface surrounded by drawers and doors. The back finished Frieze drawers all with brass inlays. Raised on square tapered le...
Category

1850s English George III Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

George III Style Mahogany And Brass Inlaid Carleton House Desk
George III Style Mahogany And Brass Inlaid Carleton House Desk

George III Style Mahogany And Brass Inlaid Carleton House Desk

Rustic Wabi Sabi Desk, France, 19th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
Art Populaire; Rustic; Monoxylite; Console; Dining Table; Table; France; Auvergne; Wabi Sabi; Naive; Folk Art; Travail Populaire; Desk; Console Table; 19th-century writing table or...
Category

19th Century French Rustic Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Rustic Wabi Sabi Desk, France, 19th Century
Rustic Wabi Sabi Desk, France, 19th Century

Rustic Wabi Sabi Desk, France, 19th Century

French 19th Century Lady's Work Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This petite work table from 19th century France is full of charming elements within a compact design. Details allude to this piece serving as a correspondence and sewing table. Unloc...
Category

19th Century French Empire Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

French 19th Century Lady's Work Table
French 19th Century Lady's Work Table

French 19th Century Lady's Work Table

19th Century walnut desk by Gillows
Located in Martlesham, GB
An exhibition quality 19th Century walnut Bonheur Du Jour / desk by Gillows, the top having a brass gallery running along all three sections, a cupboard at the centre with a glazed d...
Category

1860s British Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

19th Century walnut desk by Gillows
19th Century walnut desk by Gillows

19th Century walnut desk by Gillows

Spanish Rustic Neoclassic Faded Walnut 1-Drawer Table, early 19th century
Located in Atlanta, GA
Having a three board top slightly overhanging the rectangular case, the case housing one drawer missing bottom left corner, the opposite side with decorative shaped wooden corners at...
Category

1810s Spanish Neoclassical Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Spanish Rustic Neoclassic Faded Walnut 1-Drawer Table, early 19th century
Spanish Rustic Neoclassic Faded Walnut 1-Drawer Table, early 19th century

Spanish Rustic Neoclassic Faded Walnut 1-Drawer Table, early 19th century

19th Century French mahogany and marble top centre table
Located in Martlesham, GB
19th Century French mahogany and marble top centre / occasional table in the manor of Francois Linke (1855 – 1946) having the original inset rouge marble top, with a single oak lined...
Category

1890s French Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble

19th Century French mahogany and marble top centre table
19th Century French mahogany and marble top centre table

19th Century French mahogany and marble top centre table

Antique Victorian Leather Top Knee Hole Desk
Located in London, GB
A wonderful antique Victorian leather top knee hole desk. This was made in England, it dates from around 1860-1880. It is of superb quality and is a lovely size. This is all one pie...
Category

1860s British Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Antique Victorian Leather Top Knee Hole Desk
Antique Victorian Leather Top Knee Hole Desk

Antique Victorian Leather Top Knee Hole Desk

19th Century, Italian Inlaid Wood Centre Table by Luigi and Angiolo Falcini
By Luigi and Angelo Falcini
Located in IT
19th Century, Italian Inlaid Wood Centre Table by Luigi and Angiolo Falcini This valuable center table in rosewood veneer and inlaid, was ma...
Category

Mid-19th Century European Napoleon III Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

19th Century, Italian Inlaid Wood Centre Table by Luigi and Angiolo Falcini
19th Century, Italian Inlaid Wood Centre Table by Luigi and Angiolo Falcini

19th Century, Italian Inlaid Wood Centre Table by Luigi and Angiolo Falcini

Louis XVI-Style Ormolu Mounted Mahogany Bureau Plat
Located in Dallas, TX
a Louis XVI-style ormolu mounted mahogany bureau plat / desk with rectangular blue-grey leather inset top (new / recently installed) and brass mounted molded edge above three drawers...
Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Louis XVI-Style Ormolu Mounted Mahogany Bureau Plat
Louis XVI-Style Ormolu Mounted Mahogany Bureau Plat

Louis XVI-Style Ormolu Mounted Mahogany Bureau Plat

Antique English Chippendale Mahogany Desk circa 1880
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Chippendale Mahogany Desk circa 1880
Category

1880s English Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Antique English Chippendale Mahogany Desk circa 1880
Antique English Chippendale Mahogany Desk circa 1880

Antique English Chippendale Mahogany Desk circa 1880

19th Century French Kingwood Ormolu Mounted Desk
Located in Martlesham, GB
A superb quality large 19th century French Kingwood and ormolu mounted bureau-plat desk, having a rectangular shaped top with an ormolu moulded edge, decorative shell engraved corner...
Category

1860s French Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Kingwood

19th Century French Kingwood Ormolu Mounted Desk
19th Century French Kingwood Ormolu Mounted Desk

19th Century French Kingwood Ormolu Mounted Desk

19th Century English Mahogany Sideboard w/ Serpentine Front
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th Century English Mahogany Sideboard with Serpentine Front, Crossbanding, & Spade Feet
Category

19th Century English Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century English Mahogany Sideboard w/ Serpentine Front
19th Century English Mahogany Sideboard w/ Serpentine Front

19th Century English Mahogany Sideboard w/ Serpentine Front

Antique Georgian Tiger Oak Bureau, Desk, Writing Table, Scotland 1810, H975
Located in Vancouver, BC
Antique Georgian Tiger Oak Bureau, Desk, Writing Table, Secretary, Scotland 1810, H975 Scotland 1810 Solid Oak Original finish Rectangular solid oak top Locking fall front writing s...
Category

19th Century North American Georgian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique Georgian Tiger Oak Bureau, Desk, Writing Table, Scotland 1810, H975
Antique Georgian Tiger Oak Bureau, Desk, Writing Table, Scotland 1810, H975

Antique Georgian Tiger Oak Bureau, Desk, Writing Table, Scotland 1810, H975

French Art Deco Desk in Pommelle Sapelle
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
An exceptional quality French Art Deco desk, produced around 1925 using solid Pomelle Sapele the desk has five drawers with bronze handles and crisply carved detail, the desk is free...
Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Other

French Art Deco Desk in Pommelle Sapelle
French Art Deco Desk in Pommelle Sapelle

French Art Deco Desk in Pommelle Sapelle

Antique Desk, Carved, Empire, Tooled Leather Top, Elegant, 19th C., 1800's!!
Located in Austin, TX
Elegant Antique Desk, Carved, Empire, Tooled Leather Top, 19th C., 1800's!! 19th Century Empire Caved Desk With Tooled Leather Top, Height: 28 in. by Width: 52 in. by Depth: 22 in. Wear and imperfections commensurate with being moved, age and use. t15 As per Worth Point, Empire style furniture tends to be massive in scale, imposing, and abundantly adorned, reflecting Napoleon's magnificence. Empire furniture has simple geometric shapes with distinct angles. Decorations and motifs are symmetrically placed on both sides. Like Neoclassic style furniture, ancient Roman and Greek elements strongly influence Empire pieces. The Empire style furniture is characterized by war and the classical world—coat of arms, trophies, and spires became common motifs. Roman mythological themes frequently appeared in furniture designs such as eagles, winged lions, and deities. These were commonly seen as chair armrests and table legs. Unique motifs that appeared during the Empire period were initials "N" and "J" encircled by laurel wreaths. Bees, swans, bows, and arrows, and the lyre came into fashion prominent. The furniture uses imported dense woods, such as mahogany and ebony. Empire style chairs are stiff and sculptural. Typical Empire style chairs include square, rectangular, or rolled-over chair backs. The Empire tables are bulkier and more circular than neoclassical. Tables of this period range from massive dining tables to small guéridon tables...
Category

19th Century European Empire Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Antique Desk, Carved, Empire, Tooled Leather Top, Elegant, 19th C., 1800's!!
Antique Desk, Carved, Empire, Tooled Leather Top, Elegant, 19th C., 1800's!!

Antique Desk, Carved, Empire, Tooled Leather Top, Elegant, 19th C., 1800's!!

Large Victorian Partner Desk, England, 19th Century, Mahogany with Leather
Located in Berlin, DE
Large Victorian Partner Desk, England, 19th Century, Mahogany with Leather England, 19th century. Mahogany. Rectangular writing tablet with rounded corners and embossed leather cove...
Category

1870s Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Large Victorian Partner Desk, England, 19th Century, Mahogany with Leather
Large Victorian Partner Desk, England, 19th Century, Mahogany with Leather

Large Victorian Partner Desk, England, 19th Century, Mahogany with Leather

Antique Swedish Neoclassical Satin Birch Desk
Located in London, GB
A magnificent antique satin birch Biedermeier leather top desk of the highest order. This was made in Sweden, it dates from around the 1880-1900 period. It has a strong neoclassical...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Birch

Antique Swedish Neoclassical Satin Birch Desk
Antique Swedish Neoclassical Satin Birch Desk

Antique Swedish Neoclassical Satin Birch Desk

Antique Edwardian Inlaid Writing Table / Desk
Located in London, GB
A beautiful and quite unusual antique Edwardian leather top writing table. This was made in England, it dates from around 1890-1900. This is very well made and is a useful size, the...
Category

1890s British Edwardian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Antique Edwardian Inlaid Writing Table / Desk
Antique Edwardian Inlaid Writing Table / Desk

Antique Edwardian Inlaid Writing Table / Desk

Oak Art Deco Modernist Partner Desk by Hendrik Wouda for Pander, 1924
By Hendrik Wouda, H.Pander & Zonen
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare Art Deco Modernist partner desk. Design by Hendrik Wouda for H. Pander & Zonen Den Haag. Striking Dutch design from ...
Category

1920s Dutch Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Oak Art Deco Modernist Partner Desk by Hendrik Wouda for Pander, 1924
Oak Art Deco Modernist Partner Desk by Hendrik Wouda for Pander, 1924

Oak Art Deco Modernist Partner Desk by Hendrik Wouda for Pander, 1924

Exceptional Louis XV 19th Century Ormolu Mounted Secretaire By Befort Jeune
By Befort Jeune
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions: Height: 42 3/4 in Width: 29 3/4 in Depth: 16 1/2 in This exceptional Befort Jeune Louis XV style 19th century marble top mahogany sceretaire desk with bronze mounts is ...
Category

19th Century French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Exceptional Louis XV 19th Century Ormolu Mounted Secretaire By Befort Jeune
Exceptional Louis XV 19th Century Ormolu Mounted Secretaire By Befort Jeune

Exceptional Louis XV 19th Century Ormolu Mounted Secretaire By Befort Jeune

19th Century Neoclassical Style English Oak Library Table Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic 19th century English library table, writing table, or desk hand-crafted from oak. The table features a trestle style base with Greco-Roman corinthian columns in the neoclass...
Category

19th Century English Neoclassical Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

19th Century Neoclassical Style English Oak Library Table Desk
19th Century Neoclassical Style English Oak Library Table Desk

19th Century Neoclassical Style English Oak Library Table Desk

English Pine One Drawer Writing Table
Located in Wilson, NC
English pine one drawer writing table which was most likely painted originally and stripped and wax finished in the last 30 years. It has a pl...
Category

1890s English Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

English Pine One Drawer Writing Table
English Pine One Drawer Writing Table

English Pine One Drawer Writing Table

Antique 6ft/184cm Ormolu Mounted French Empire Revival Pedestal Desk 1920s
Located in London, GB
This is an exquisite antique French Empire Revival pedestal desk, Circa 1920 in date. This desk has been beautifully crafted from flame mahogany. The top has a decorative ormolu bod...
Category

1920s French Empire Revival Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Antique 6ft/184cm Ormolu Mounted French Empire Revival Pedestal Desk 1920s
Antique 6ft/184cm Ormolu Mounted French Empire Revival Pedestal Desk 1920s

Antique 6ft/184cm Ormolu Mounted French Empire Revival Pedestal Desk 1920s

Regency Rosewood Writing Table
Located in Hudson, NY
Ebonized and Parcel-Gilt with black leather top and gilded greek key design trim. 2 drawers on front and 2 false drawers on backside. With original castors and hardware.
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Regency Rosewood Writing Table
Regency Rosewood Writing Table

Regency Rosewood Writing Table

19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Table. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Hello, This exceptional Biedermeier single drawer table was made during the early Viennese Biedermeier period, circa 1825. Viennese Biedermeier is distinguished by their sophisticat...
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Table. Vienna, c. 1825.
19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Table. Vienna, c. 1825.

19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Table. Vienna, c. 1825.

Antique Victorian Leather Top Pedestal Desk
Located in London, GB
A superb antique Victorian period pedestal desk. This was made in England, it dates from around 1860-1880. It is of fantastic quality and has a lovely design. The top has an inverte...
Category

1860s British Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Antique Victorian Leather Top Pedestal Desk
Antique Victorian Leather Top Pedestal Desk

Antique Victorian Leather Top Pedestal Desk

French Charles X Writing Desk
Located in New Orleans, LA
The epitome of French elegance and style, this French Charles X-style writing desk takes the classic design of English Davenport desks to new heights. The table is exquisitely crafted of the finest Ceylon ebony...
Category

19th Century French Charles X Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

French Charles X Writing Desk
French Charles X Writing Desk

French Charles X Writing Desk

A Regency Rosewood Kidney Shaped Writing Table
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
A regency period rosewood lyre eneded kidney shaped writing table, with brass lyres and leathered top.
Category

19th Century European Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

A Regency Rosewood Kidney Shaped Writing Table
A Regency Rosewood Kidney Shaped Writing Table

A Regency Rosewood Kidney Shaped Writing Table

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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