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Desks and Writing Tables

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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Period: Early 20th Century
Period: 18th Century and Earlier
Table, 20th Century, Fuctionalist Style
Located in Lučenec, SK
This table is of a sought-after style. It is suitable for an office or private study.
Category

1920s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

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

Fine 18th Century Mahogany Free Standing Library Desk
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
A fine quality late 18th century mahogany free standing library desk, the flame mahogany cupboards with ebony fluting to the sides of the kneehol...
Category

18th Century English Georgian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Derby School Paneled Oak Roll Top Desk with Full Interior, C1900
By Derby Desk Company
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique roll top desk offers paneled quarter sawn oak construction with s-top opening to full interior over base with flanking drawer towers h...
Category

Early 20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

American Drafting Table
Located in New York, NY
Adjustable wood top, cast iron base drafting table. This table adjusts in height from tallest position (42") to lowest (30.5") and the to...
Category

Early 20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

French, Oak Child's School Desk c. 1900's
Located in London, GB
This French 1900's Oak child's school desk is a rare find that exudes immense character. The desk bears the markings of many children who have used it over the years, adding to its c...
Category

Early 1900s French French Provincial Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Early 20th C. Louis XVI Petite Desk/ Writing Table
Located in East Hampton, NY
A wonderful early 20th Century French Louis XVI style writing desk in ebonized black finish. Dating to around the 1940’s with original brass mounts and leather top. This is the epi...
Category

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Antique A. Lietz Co. Maple Wood and Cast Iron Drafting Table c.1940-1947
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT A fully adjustable industrial drafting table with Maple wood top and cast iron base and knobs. Cast iron bases have the maker's mark on both sides. Two original metal labels o...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

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

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

Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by Robert Slezák, Walnut, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
Located in Horomerice, CZ
Dimensions of the table: Height: 76 cm (29.9 in) Width: 150 cm (59.1 in) Depth: 75 cm (29.5 in) Leg space: Height: 71 cm (28 in) Width: 57 cm (22.4 in) Luxurious desk design in Cau...
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel, Chrome

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

French 18th Century Louis XVI Period Marquetry Desk
Located in San Antonio, TX
An exceptional French 18th century Louis XVI Period Marquetry Desk. This desk is known as a “bureau a cylindre”, referring to its curved pivoted opening in the middle. The woodwork o...
Category

18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Art Deco Secretaire by Jacques Adnet
Located in Miami, FL
This secretaire desk was designed by Jacques Adnet, and was made in Tamo Ash Wood. The style of this secretaire features sleek lines, geometric shapes and a ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Ash

Antique quality late 18th Century mahogany writing side dressing table desk
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique quality late 18th Century mahogany writing side dressing table desk. Lovely age colour and patina. No loose joints. Full of age, character...
Category

Late 18th Century Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique Edwardian Quality Freestanding Mahogany Inlaid Pedestal Desk
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Edwardian quality freestanding mahogany inlaid pedestal desk having a quality attractive mahogany inlaid satinwood crossbanded top with a green leather writing surface above ...
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Other

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

18th Century George III Period Mahogany Architect's Desk
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A stunning late 18th century, George III period solid mahogany architect's desk. Finished in the round, the top slants up for reading, or cantilevers up for either reading or writing...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

20th Century Inlaid Wood French Napoleon III Style Writing Desk, 1920s
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
Elegant French writing desk from the first half of the 20th century in Napoleon III style. Finished for the center piece of furniture with rich floral inlays in walnut, maple, mahoga...
Category

1920s French Napoleon III Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

A Stunning Edwardian Leather Top Desk after Edward and Roberts
Located in Dublin, IE
A stunning Edwardian richly patinated and beautifully figured mahogany desk in the manner of Edward and Roberts, London. This fabulous piece is of exceptional quality, stunningly ca...
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Spanish Renaissance Table In Walnut-17th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Spanish renaissance table in walnut from the 17th century from Catalonia rare table which has a very beautiful one-piece walnut top with a corbin beak the table has its original hi...
Category

17th Century Spanish Renaissance Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Early 20th century satinwood sheraton revival desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century satinwood sheraton revival desk circa 1910. Fine quality petit sheraton revival pedestal desk, comprising of 3 sections, top surface and 2 pedestals. Shaped top ...
Category

Early 20th Century English Sheraton Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Satinwood

Antique Watchmaker’s or Jeweler’s Workbench or Desk, 1920s
Located in Brussels , BE
A wonderful 1920s watchmaker’s or jeweler’s multi-drawer wood workbench that’s a good height and size to serve as a standing desk when not seated on a tall stool or chair. We can als...
Category

1920s Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Desk or Library Table, Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Gorgeous quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper hardwa...
Category

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

Materials

Copper

English Edwardian Fully Fitted Oak Serpentine Roll Top Desk - Twin Pedestal
Located in Leicester, GB
Beautiful English Edwardian double pedestal, roll top oak desk. Handsomely made by ‘HLL’ Harris Lebus, London ‘Entirely English Make’. Classic English solid oak desk from the early 1...
Category

1910s British Edwardian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique French Regence Stripped Oak Desk ~ Writing Table
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Regence Stripped Oak Desk ~ Writing Table is a delightful little desk that is ideal for efficient floor plans, home offices, or just as a convenient table for any room...
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XIV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Stickley Brothers Style Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Drop Front Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mission or Arts & Crafts slant front writing desk or secretary desk In the manner of Stickley Brothers USA, Circa 1900 Quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper h...
Category

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

Materials

Copper

Diminutive Leather Top Desk with Pull-Out Sides and Bronze Mounts Stamped Jansen
Located in Stamford, CT
An early Louis XVI style leather top desk with pull-out sides and bronze mounts with a single centre drawer stamped Jansen. Pull outs measure 15.5 x 9 inches each.
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

English Edwardian Writing Table Bureaux
Located in Leicester, GB
Stunning English Edwardian slim cabinet bureaux in Mahogany. Beautiful inlay decoration. The writing table can be opened and closed with a key and a lock. Inside the writing table th...
Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

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

Early 20th Century Brushed Steel And Marble Writing Desk Vanity
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Early 20th century, industrial, brushed steel desk features a contrasting white marble top with beveled edge and five drawers with brass trim underneath them. This petite piece works...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass, Steel

Stickley Brothers Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Desk or Library Table
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By Stickley Brothers USA, Circa 1900 Quarter sawn oak, with original copper hardware. Measures: 60"W...
Category

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

Materials

Copper

Swedish Art Nouveau Style Oak Writing Desk
Located in Madrid, ES
Kidney-shaped oak writing desk with double chest of drawers with 8 drawers on each side. Wrought iron handles. Sides with magazine racks.
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

French Louis XV Bureau Plat Desk or Writing Table with Embossed Leather
Located in Hopewell, NJ
An outstanding French Louis XV desk having embossed leather top and a faux front on its back so will look lovely in the center of any room. The writing desk has three spacious drawer...
Category

Early 1900s French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique French Walnut Bureau Plat Desk
Located in London, GB
A stunning antique French walnut bureau plat desk, dating from around the 1900-1910 period. It is of outstanding quality, this has fantastic gilt metal ormolu mounts all over, inclu...
Category

Early 1900s French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Original Jugendstil Herrenschreibtisch+Armlehnstuhl, J. W. Müller (Wien um 1905)
By J.W. Müller
Located in Wien, AT
Objekt: Jugendstil Herrenschreibtisch (freistehend, 9 Schubladen) + Armlehnstuhl Entwurf: J. W. Müller (K.u.K. Hoftischlerei, Wien um 1905) Modell-Nummer: - Ausführung: J. W. Müller ...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

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

Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Trestle Library Table or Writing Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission oak Arts & Crafts trestle library table or writing desk By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Measures: 48"W x 30"D x 29"H. Very good original...
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Antique Fine Quality C1900 Inlaid Mahogany Ladies Writing Table Desk Dressing
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique Fine Quality circa 1900 Inlaid Mahogany Ladies Writing Table, versatile as a desk, dressing, or side table, boasting a simple yet elegant classical design. This remarkable p...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

"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

Joseph Heusgens Unique Double-Sided Desk, Belgium
Located in Brussels, BE
Joseph Heusgens Architect (1916 - ) unique double-sided desk with patented system, with plans, patent papers and correspondence.
Category

Early 20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Early 20thC Louis XVth Style Kingwood Bureau Plat
Located in Altrincham, GB
Early 20thC Louis XVth Style Kingwood Bureau Plat with fine gilt bronze mounts applied to cabriole legs by - Lysberg & Hansen – Copenhagen - 56"w x 30"h x 30"d - The Copenhagen firm ...
Category

1910s Danish Louis XV Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

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

Art Deco Amsterdamse School Corner Desk by Daniel van Dorp for Reens, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare Art Deco Amsterdamse School desk. Design by Daniel van Dorp for Gebroeders Reens Amsterdam. Striking Dutch design from the 1920s. Solid macassar ebony with...
Category

1920s Dutch Art Deco Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Faux Leather, Macassar

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

Mahogany lady’s writing desk
Located in Cheshire, GB
Mahogany and boxwood strung lady`s writing desk, the raised three quarter gallery above three drawers flanked by cupboards to the fold over replaced blue leather writing service. The...
Category

Early 20th Century British Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Trestle Library Table or Writing Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission oak Arts & Crafts trestle library table or writing desk By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Measures: 48"W x 30"D x 29"H. Professionally res...
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Early 20th Century Metamorphic Writing Desk by J.C Vickery of London
Located in Martlesham, GB
Early 20th century mahogany metamorphic writing table by J.C Vickery of Regent St, London, the moulded edge hinged top lifting up and folding over to reveal the rising writing desk top, which consists of various writing instruments including ink wells, various compartments and a time piece, the writing slope also lifts up to reveal further storage space, the underneath of the writing slope is marked “J.C VICKERY” Standing on elegant cabriole legs. Circa 1910. JC Vickery is a British consumer goods company founded in 1890 London. John Collard Vickery and his then partner, Arthur Thomas Hobbs, bought up the long established business of William Griggs...
Category

1910s European Edwardian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

STUNNING REGENCY STYLE NEOCLASSICAL BRASS & WALNUT WRiTING TABLE DESK CIRCA 1920
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning, Regency Neoclassical style Walnut & Satinwood writing table with X framed solid br...
Category

1920s Regency Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Desk
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Gustavian style 3 drawer desk. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1920s Swedish Gustavian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

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

Empire Mahogany Desk With Hunter Green Leather Top, Circa 1930
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Empire mahogany desk with tooled hunter green leather top. The desk with bronze banding and trim, bronze finely fluted corner medallions, fluted and tapering legs with bronze caps an...
Category

Early 20th Century American Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Mahogany inlaid writing desk
Located in Cheshire, GB
Mahogany inlaid desk. The top with inset green leather surrounded by a mahogany inlaid border. Above an arrangement of drawers with similar inlaid decoration and brass handles. Raise...
Category

Early 20th Century British Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique American Empire Style Mahogany Library Writing Table Office Desk Vanity
Located in Dayton, OH
An antique American Empire style dressing table, circa 1930s. Originally featured a mirror along the back which was eventually removed to use as an office desk. Made from mahogany ...
Category

Early 20th Century American American Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by Robert Slezak, Beech, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
Located in Horomerice, CZ
Dimensions of the table: Height: 74 cm (29.1 in) Width: 145 cm (57.1 in) Depth: 72 cm (28.3 in) Leg space: Height: 69 cm (27.2 in) Width: 72.5 cm (28.5 in) This table was designed ...
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome, Steel

Gothic Revival Hand-Carved Oak Pedestal Desk, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare Gothic Revival pedestal desk. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s The craftsmanship of this impressive piece of furniture is outstanding! Executed in so...
Category

Early 1900s Dutch Gothic Revival Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique oak partner desk
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Beautiful antique oak partner desk with 9 drawers on both sides, 1 of which is a double archive drawer. Dark green gold-edged leather top. Desk is in perfect condition. Nice warm col...
Category

1910s British Edwardian Vintage Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

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

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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