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Desks and Writing Tables

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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Period: 18th Century and Earlier
Period: 1890s
Antique Sheraton Revival Satinwood Desk
Located in London, GB
A stunning antique Sheraton Revival Satinwood desk. This dates from around the 1890-1910 period, and it was made in England. The quality is fantastic, this has beautiful brass handl...
Category

1890s British Sheraton Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Satinwood

18th Century Painted Oak Bureau Bible Box on Stand
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A wonderful characterful late 18th century portable painted carved oak bureau or bible box on a stand. There is carved detail throughout, in a mainly fl...
Category

18th Century British Georgian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Louis XVI Ormolu-Mounted Tulipwood and Amaranth Bureau Plat
By Philippe Claude Montigny
Located in Kittery Point, ME
In the style of Montigny (Philippe-Claude Montigny, mai^tre in 1770), the rectangular tooled leather-lined top surrounded with a later ormolu border, above two frieze drawers and sim...
Category

18th Century and Earlier French Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

A rare French Louis XIV large pewter and fruitwood inlaid marquetry desk
Located in PARIS, FR
A rare French Louis XIV large pewter and fruitwood inlaid marquetry desk called “bureau Mazarin” attributed to Pierre Gole (1620 – 1684) Dimensi...
Category

Late 17th Century French Louis XIV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze, Pewter

Tiger Oak Overmantle Oval Beveled Mirror Mission, America 1920, H700
Located in Vancouver, BC
Tiger Oak Overmantle Oval Beveled Mirror Mission, America 1920, H700 America 1920 Solid Tiger Oak Original finish Large oval beveled glass mirror With platform below Supports on the...
Category

1890s American Mission Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

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

George II Walnut & Oyster Veneer Bureau
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a good quality George II walnut & oyster veneer bureau, having a fall front opening to a fully fitted interior, comprising eight drawers, a central cupboard, pigeon holes...
Category

18th Century Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

George III Kidney Shaped Open Writing Table
Located in Altrincham, GB
George III Kidney Shaped Open Writing Table with High Stretcher between End Supports on Sabre Legs and Brass Castors 40"w x 21"d x 27.5"h
Category

1770s English George III Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Italian 18th Century Walnut Desk with Carved Reeded Apron, Drawers and Doors
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian walnut desk from the 18th century with three drawers, pull-out, two doors and curving legs. This exquisite Italian walnut desk from the 18th century combines timeless styl...
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, 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

English partner writing table with green leather decorated surface, ca. 1870
Located in Meulebeke, BE
UK / 1870 / English writing table / wood and leather / antiques A beautiful mid 19th Century partners writing desk / table, made in the UK. The moulded edge top has a green leather...
Category

1780s British Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

18th century solid walnut Spanish table
Located in Malton, GB
This is a stunning genuine 18th century Spanish walnut table. The top is a single piece of walnut full of character and patina. The base design of the legs is gorgeous and have hones...
Category

18th Century Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

18th century Italian Paint Decorated Writing Desk with Drawer Circa 1760s
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous smaller true gem of a desk from the middle part of the 1700s from Italy. The desk is made of walnut and pine and has a single drawer with all the traits one expect...
Category

1760s Italian Neoclassical Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut, Pine

Lacquered and Veneered Bureau de Dame, 18th to 19th C.
Located in Atlanta, GA
Petite in stature with three slides over two drawers. Probably originally had a superstructure because there are visible patches where something would have been attached. It might al...
Category

Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood

18th Century Spanish Oak and Walnut Library Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome 18th century Spanish colonial library table or refectory table fronted by a single drawer. The carved oak case is supported by turned b...
Category

18th Century European Spanish Colonial Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Circa 18th Century English Unusual Size Painted Knee Hole Desk or Side Table
Located in London, GB
A charming diminutively sized English kneehole desk. It was not originally made for a child but could be used as such as well as for an adult. Repainted sympathetically in a dark blu...
Category

Late 18th Century British Georgian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Arts & Crafts American Oak Library Table Desk With Barley Twist Legs
Located in Southampton, NJ
American antique Arts & Crafts solid quarter sawn Oak library table with original finish. Unusual in its distinct Mission & English influences. Boasts a single drawer with impressive...
Category

1890s American Arts and Crafts Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique English Georgian Walnut Slant Front Secretary Desk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An antique slant front secretary desk with graduated drawers (one over two short, over two long) with retracting supporting brackets...
Category

Mid-18th Century English Georgian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Walnut

19th Century mahogany inlaid writing desk
Located in Martlesham, GB
A superb quality 19th Century mahogany inlaid writing desk, the super structure comprising of three mahogany lined drawers either side with the original turned brass knob handles and...
Category

1890s British Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century French Boulle Louis XVI Style Mazarin
Located in Houston, TX
The 18th Century French Boulle Louis XVI Style Mazarin exudes timeless elegance and exquisite craftsmanship. Adorned with intricate detailing characteristic of the Boulle style, this...
Category

18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Paint

"Roller" desk Louis XVI from the late 1700s with floral inlays
Located in Cesena, FC
Emilian "roller" writing desk of great quality, the manufacture is along the lines of Rolo, late 1700s Louis XVI. Entirely veneered in walnut, with beautiful floral inlays, Bois de ...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Large Victorian Shaped Ornamental Bevelled Mirror Scotland 1890, H607A
Located in Vancouver, BC
Antique Large Victorian Shaped Ornamental Bevelled Mirror, Scotland 1890, H607A Solid Oak Original finish Carved pediment on top Moulded cornice below Bevelled edge mirror to the ce...
Category

1890s Scottish Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Louis XVI writing desk with pull-out surface, featuring an inlaid compass rose
Located in Cesena, FC
Elegant Louis XVI writing desk with pull-out writing surface, inlaid on the top with a compass rose. Elegant writing desk with pull-out writing surface, inlaid on the top with a com...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Maple

Antique French Louis XV Style Bureau
Located in London, GB
A stunning antique French bureau, dating from around the 1890-1910 period. It is of extremely fine quality, standing on slender yet sturdy cabriole legs and with gorgeous inlaid flo...
Category

1890s French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Pine Standing Desk with Slant Top, Denmark, 1890s
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Antique Danish slant top desk, circa 1890s. Made for a rural schoolmaster, this pine desk retains its original character with minor mars and stains, protected by a smooth finish. Fea...
Category

1890s Danish Country Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Late 18th Century Mahogany Veneered Architect's Table, Stamped
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
Late 18th Century Mahogany Veneered Architect's Table, Stamped France, 1790-1800 A late 18th century Directoire mahogany architect's table also called as table Tronchin...
Category

1790s French Directoire Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Antique mahogany campaign desk
Located in Salisbury, GB
Military campaign desk This large Military campaign desk was made in the last quarter of the 19th century. It is made of mahogany with brass inset corners and flush brass handles. Th...
Category

1890s English Campaign Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

ANTIQUE 1684 DATED HAND CARVED 17TH CENTURY LIFT TOP WRITiNG TABLE DESK BIBLE
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning, late 17th century, hand caved 1684 lift top writing work table traditionally used for bible s...
Category

1680s English Charles II Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique Edwardian Desk / Writing Table
Located in London, GB
A lovely antique Edwardian desk / writing table, made in England and dating from around the 1890-1910 period. It is of superb quality, with a beautiful and elegant design. The top h...
Category

1890s British Edwardian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Antique Chippendale Style Leather Top Desk
Located in London, GB
A fantastic antique Chippendale style leather top desk in the Chippendale style. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1890-1910 period. It is very well made, sitting o...
Category

1890s British Chippendale Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Antique Victorian Oak Leather Top Writing Table / Desk
Located in London, GB
An impressive antique Victorian oak leather top writing table / desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1870-1890 period. It is of superb quality, solid oak through...
Category

1890s British Late Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

18th Century Louis XVI Style Blue Painted Table / Desk from France
Located in Houston, TX
The 18th Century Louis XVI Style Blue Painted Table from France embodies the spirit of the era with its symmetrical and balanced design. Each detail, from the delicate floral motifs ...
Category

18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Walnut, Paint

Louis XV Leather Top Cocobola Wood Writing Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare and remarkable Louis XV style ladies writing desk handcrafted in exotic cocobola wood with a leather top on a one drawer case over elegant cabriole legs with ormolu front feet.
Category

18th Century French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cocobolo

George III Period Mahogany Writing Table
Located in Montreal, QC
George III Period Mahogany Desk two drawer resting on on square tapered legs castors and the top inset with gold-tooled red leather. England: circa 1790
Category

1790s English George III Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century Louis XVI desk with sheath legs.
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Beautifully scaled mahogany and mahogany veneer bureau plat from the Louis XVI period Double-sided decoration, with lateral pulls., resting on elegant tapered legs, with brass beadin...
Category

1790s French Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Scottish, George III Mahogany and Sycamore Banded Cylinder Bureau
Located in Woodbury, CT
Scottish George III mahogany and sycamore banded cylinder bureau / desk. The revolving cover encloses a leather inset, articulating writing surface and an arrangement of pigeon hole...
Category

Late 18th Century English George III Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Sycamore, Satinwood, Yew, Burl

Late 17th Century Catalan Oak Console Table or Writing Desk
Located in Houston, TX
Late 17th century Catalan oak console table, or writing desk, from Spain. Hand-carved in oak circa 1680-1709. Constructed with mortise and tenon joints. Thick plank top resting upon ...
Category

Late 17th Century Spanish Baroque Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Louis XVI Tulipwood Leather Top Bureau Plat Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive late 18th century French writing desk with a tooled black leather top, probably original, on a case with three drawers in front, having wreath escutcheons, and reverse of ...
Category

18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Tulipwood

George III Mahogany Writing Table
Located in Essex, MA
Rectangular with old brown leather top and cross banded edge. Three drawer and false drawers on reverse. String inlay and brass bail handles on the drawers. Raised on square tapered ...
Category

1790s English George III Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

18th century walnut knee Hole desk
Located in Penzance, GB
This is a really nice 18th century figured walnut Knee Hole desk .This desk has oak linings, cock beaded drawers and is sitting on bracket feet ,the veneer is well figured and is a good colour .The top has a two piece mirrored...
Category

Early 18th Century English Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Walnut Writing Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
A Queen Anne era Walnut writing table, with bordered edge and book matched burl walnut veneer with mixed wood inlays to the top with rounded corners to the front, shaped inlay apron,...
Category

Mid-18th Century Unknown Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

George II Irish Mahogany Rent Table
Located in New York, NY
George II Mahogany Rent table with lettered inlaid drawer front & swiveling leather top ( see video) raised on carved cabriole legs terminating in carved scroll feet. with key leathe...
Category

Early 18th Century Irish George II Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique Georgian Style Kidney Shaped Desk
Located in London, GB
A beautiful antique kidney shaped desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1890-1910 period. This actually has a brass plaque in the top drawer from when it was pres...
Category

1890s British Sheraton Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

18th-C. French Louis XV Style Carved Oak Tooled Leather & Bronze Writing Desk
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a special piece! It is a late 18th century carved oak and gilt bronze writing desk. It has two drawers and two identical faux drawers. Each foot is capped in bronze. The felt...
Category

Late 18th Century French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Carved Floral Back 18th Century Country French Carved Walnut Writing Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a rare form of Country French desk. The desk features what appears to be oak and walnut construction and a parquet top with antique age cracks in the top. WE CAN REPAIR THIS ...
Category

1780s French French Provincial Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Neo Renaissance Walnut Table, 1890s
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Walnut table in Neo-Renaissance style dating from the late 19th century. Packaging with bubble wrap and cardboard boxes is included. If the wooden packaging is needed (fumigated crat...
Category

1890s Italian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

18th C. Continental Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Bureau Plat W Gilt Bronze Ormolu
Located in Southampton, NY
18th C. Continental Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Bureau Plat with Gilt Bronze Ormolu sourced by designers Parish Hadley. Black lacquer with fine gilt bronze ormolu. Chinoiserie decorati...
Category

18th Century European Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Circa 1790 George III Mahogany Writing Table
Located in Chicago, IL
This George III table has gold embossed trim around a beautifully weathered dark green-blue leather tabletop. The square body has been made entirely from mahogany with a mahogany ven...
Category

18th Century English George III Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Georgian Solid Mahogany Desk
Located in Malton, GB
This is a simple very well made Georgian desk. Made from solid mahogany and as far as I can tell totally original. The drawers all run smooth and close flush. The overall condition i...
Category

Late 18th Century Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Regence Ebonized And Ormolu Mounted Bureau Plat
Located in Essex, MA
With a rectangular top with inset black tooled leather surrounded by a brass inlaid ebonized border with brass edge. The frieze with three drawers with cast bronze handles and three ...
Category

1730s French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

17-1800's Antique Italian Walnut Trestle Library, Carved, Border Table / Desk!!
Located in Austin, TX
Outstanding Antique Table / Desk, Italian Walnut Trestle Library, Carved, Border, 18th /19th Century, 1700's-1800's! This antique library table/desk is a stunning example of Italian...
Category

Early 18th Century Italian Other Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Fruitwood Secretary 1770
Located in Pomona, CA
French Fruitwood Bureau/ Secretary c1770. The desk has a secret storage area behind the removable center pigeonhole"
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Fruitwood

French Louis XV Style Diminutive Kingwood Writing Table by J. Lapie
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Christies label- London, 1994. A finely made French 18th c. writing table with ormolu mounts and beautiful variegated marble top. The three fine drawers with shaped front inlays and ...
Category

18th Century French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Circa 1780 English George III Patinated Oak Antique Writing Table
Located in Shippensburg, PA
GEORGE III PROVINCIAL PATINATED OAK THREE-DRAWER WRITING TABLE England, circa 1780 with scrolled cupid's bow apron Item # 312EKH07Q A beautifully patinated writing table from the G...
Category

18th Century English George III Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Early 18th Century Italian Side Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very handsome early 18th century Italian Side Table - Writing Table. Beautifully constructed from walnut with a wonderful solid board top, a single drawer and slightly splayed leg...
Category

Early 18th Century Italian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Mahogany Writing Table / Server Turned Legs Wheels, c. 1890
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Handsome Antique Writing Table or Server featuring turned legs on castors, c. 1890. Two drawers with lovely pulls, a gilt embossed leather top and interesting period casters. Perfect...
Category

1890s Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century Swedish Rococo Desk
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Fine and rather unusual 18th century Swedish rococo desk in it's original finish with one lid to the interior compartment. Ca 1760 Sweden
Category

18th Century Swedish Rococo Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

17th Century Spanish Writing Table - Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
An outstanding and very handsome 17th century Spanish Writing Table - Desk from the Catalan region of Spain. Beautifully constructed from stunning walnut & chestnut with drawers, a ...
Category

17th Century European Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chestnut, Walnut

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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