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Desks and Writing Tables

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Desks and Writing Tables For Sale
Period: 19th Century
Period: 1920s
Antique William IV Writing Table / Desk
Located in London, GB
An outstanding antique William IV writing table / desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1830-1840 period. It is of the utmost quality, this stands on bold legs wi...
Category

1830s British William IV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Louis XVI style French bureau plat after Zweiner
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality, elegant late 19th century French Louis XV style Kingwood serpentine shaped bureau plat, having an inset suede covered writing surface, a single frieze drawer, wonderful gilded ormolu mounts with entwined leaf decoration, the central mount representing a military helmet and flag. Raised on elegant cabriole legs terminating in scrolling ormolu feet. Attributed to Joseph- Emmanuel Zweiner. Joseph-Emmanuel Zwiener (b. 1849) was a preeminent cabinetmaker (ébéniste) of German descent, who became one of the most famous furniture...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

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

Art Populaire Writing Table, France, 19th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
Art Populaire; Folk Art; Monoxylite; Wabi Sabi; Writing Desk; Rustic; Travail Populaire; Antique; 19th Century; Writing Table; 19th-century folk art writing desk, a timeless piece ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Rustic Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Gilt-Bronze Mounted Burr Walnut Writing Table, Probably by Gillows
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Gilt-Bronze Mounted Burr Walnut Writing Table, Probably by Gillows. The rectangular top has a gilt-bronze surround above a serpentine frieze fronted by a central drawer. The corn...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Burr Oak Regency Galleried Writing Desk, Circa 1820
Located in Lincoln, GB
This unusual regency burr oak writing desk is of exceptionally fine quality. The skiver raises towards you for ease of use. The piece is extremely rare due to the burr oak and in gre...
Category

Early 19th Century Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Regency Library Table
Located in New Orleans, LA
This handsome Regency library desk is crafted of rich mahogany and features the straightforward design prevalent in England during the early 19th ...
Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

19th Century Miles and Edwards Writing Table
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th century Miles and Edwards writing table of unusual shaped top, with leather scribe on barley twist leg.
Category

19th Century Irish Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Bureau Plat with Floral and Blue Porcelain Plaques
Located in London, GB
A very fine bureau plat in the manner of Edward Holmes Baldock. After a model by C.C. Saunier. English made, in the Louis XVth taste, constructed in kingwood, with purpleheart crossbanding and adorned with bleu celeste porcelain plaques with hand-painted floral decoration and extensive fire gilt bronze mounts; rising from cabriole legs with brass sabots and bronze enrichments, in the apron, the one large central drawer is flanked by two smaller drawers with twenty four ‘Sevres’ porcelain plaques enclosed in symmetrical gilt bronze boss studded frames, chased and with a sand form ground. The serpentine top framed with a conforming bronze guard...
Category

19th Century English Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Exhibition Quality Amboyna 6 Drawer Writing Table
Located in Seaford, GB
We are pleased to offer one of the finest pieces of furniture we have ever bought. A wonderful Partners Writing Table or Desk. It has a makers stamp on each drawer of ‘La Porte Barme...
Category

Mid-19th Century German Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Louis XVI Style Ladies Desk, after Francoise Linke, 19th Century
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality late 19th century French Louis XVI style ladies writing desk, having an inset leather top, wonderful Fine gilded ormolu mounts, a single frieze drawer opening to revea...
Category

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

Materials

Kingwood

19th Century Marquetry Writing Table in the manner of Holland & Sons
Located in London, GB
A good writing table in the Manner of Holland & Sons Constructed in mahogany, with specimen wood inlays, and gilt bronze mounts; of rectangular form, with bowed ends, rising from ri...
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French 19th Century Charles X Period Rosewood and Brass Inlaid Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning French 19th century Charles X period Rosewood and brass inlaid desk. The unique and most decorative desk is raised by eight lovely topie shaped feet below beautiful square...
Category

19th Century French Charles X Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Regency Rosewood Writing Table with Later Marble Top
Located in New York, NY
Early 19th century Regency rosewood writing table with later marble top.
Category

19th Century British Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble

Regency Brass-Inlaid Ebony Desk Compendium
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A Regency brass-inlaid ebony desk compendium of rectangular form with a carrying handle flanked by cut glass inkwells between two pen trays, with a ce...
Category

1810s English Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

A Victorian fine satinwood ladies’ writing table attributed to Holland and Sons
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A Victorian fine satinwood ladies’ writing table attributed to Holland and Sons, the shaped top set above a narrow frieze with two disguised drawers, all raised on four turned and gi...
Category

19th Century English Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Satinwood

Early 19th Century Brass-Mounted Pollard Oak Writing Table
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
An unusual early 19th century brass-mounted pollard oak writing table, attributed to Gillows, the hinged rectangular leather-inset writing top with an adjustable writing slope on a r...
Category

1810s English Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Biedermeier Cigar Desk
Located in Pompano Beach, FL
Biedermeier cigar desk made of solid oak with etched glass flip top with interior compartments.
Category

19th Century Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique French Napoleon III Ormolu Mounted Table Desk & Jardiniere, Circa 1865
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Napoleon III Ormolu mounted table desk and jardiniere, Circa 1865-1875.
Category

19th Century French Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Regency Amboyna and Gilt Library Table Attributed to Seddon and Morel
By Morel & Seddon
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A Regency amboyna and gilt library table attributed to Seddon and Morel, with a rectangular top set upon solid end supports with a turned, reeded an...
Category

1810s English Regency Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Louis Le Gaigneur Writing-Table
Located in London, GB
A Regency ormolu-mounted rosewood writing-table attributed to Louis Le Gaigneur, circa 1820.
Category

1820s Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

French 19th Century Louis XV St. Kingwood and Ormolu Desk Possibly by François L
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and extremely high quality French 19th century Louis XV st. Kingwood and ormolu desk possibly by François Linke. The desk is raised by elegant cabriole legs with handsome ...
Category

19th Century French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Large double-sided Renaissance-style writing desk with secrets by Leglas-Maurice
By François Leglas-Maurice
Located in Paris, FR
Large double-sided Renaissance-style writing-desk with secrets, stamped and inscribed by François-Pierre Leglas-Maurice. It won a gold medal at the 1...
Category

Late 19th Century French Revival Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Fruitwood, Pearwood

Aesthetic Movement Moorish Style Inlay Writing Table Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare late 19th century English aesthetic movement writing table or desk featuring Middle Eastern Moorish style carved details and inlay. The small desk features a rectangular top centered by a mother of pearl medallion having a geometric arabesque design. The border of the table has a small galleried edge with geometric inlay and ebonized wood square corners. The desk is fronted by a wide drawer with carved scroll decoration and two round pulls. The case has dramatic, intricate open fretwork designs in a Moroccan school...
Category

19th Century English Moorish Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

French Louis XV 19th Century Walnut Hoof Foot Desk or Writing Table
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant French Louis XV 19th century walnut three-drawer (dovetailed) desk from Avignon with embossed leather top, original key and cabriole legs. This remarkable desk, crafted from ...
Category

19th Century French Louis XV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

French Provincial Petite Desk or Side Table with 4 Sided Scalloped Apron
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Lovely antique French side table or desk from the late 19th century; a beautiful example of the French Country design aesthetic. The table or desk has a beautiful carved scalloped ap...
Category

19th Century French French Provincial Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Spanish Baroque Chestnut writing table or desk with turned legs
Located in Casteren, NL
This beautiful antique late 19th-century Spanish Baroque desk or writing table is made of solid chestnut wood with bold-turned legs joined by wrought iron stretchers. The table featu...
Category

Late 19th Century Spanish Baroque Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

19th Century English Queen Anne Writing Desk Red Lacquered Chinoiserie Japanned
Located in Hyattsville, MD
19th Century English Queen Anne Red Lacquered Chinoiserie Desk, No key. Draw is working smoothly. Produced in England or North America, but the exact origin is unknown to us. W 35.5 x D 23 x H 29.25 in H 22 1/4 in (Floor to Table Skirt) Pick up in Hillandale MD 20903 USA. We also have a pair of matching accent chairs...
Category

Early 19th Century English Queen Anne Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Paint

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

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

Materials

Brass

Georgian Desk Mahogany Writing Table Circa 1800
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Georgian Mahogany Writing Table. This Writing Table is Raised upon Tapered Legs with Boxwood Line Inlays. Having an Arrangement of 3 Oak Lined Drawers (note the fine dovetails) Circa...
Category

Early 1800s Georgian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Antique 6ft 6" Victorian 6 Drawer Partners Writing Library Table Desk 19th C
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous Victorian antique partners library table is crafted from beautiful flame mahogany and dates from Circa 1860. It features...
Category

1860s English Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Antique 6ft George III Mahogany Crossbanded Partners Pedestal Desk 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a fine antique George III flame mahogany inlaid and crossbanded pedestal partners desk, circa 1810 in date. The desk is made from beautiful flame mahogany with highly deco...
Category

1810s English George III Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century French Louis XIV Style Carved Walnut Library Table Writing Desk
Located in Forney, TX
A finely carved French Louis XIV style walnut writing table. circa 1870 Hand carved in France in the late 19th century, exceptionally executed in grand King Louis 14th taste, hand-c...
Category

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

Materials

Faux Leather, Walnut

Antique Victorian Writing Table / Desk
Located in London, GB
A smart and very useful antique Victorian writing table / desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1860-1880 period. I...
Category

1860s British High Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

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

19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple, Oak

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

Louis XV Style Rocaille Side Table In Walnut
Located in SAINT-CLÉMENT-DE-LA-PLACE, FR
This table is molded. Its scalloped belt opens to a drawer. The drawer is dovetail mounted to ensure perfect solidity. The drawer can be opened daily and hold many objects. It slide...
Category

1870s French Napoleon III Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

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

British Campaign Writing Table
Located in New Orleans, LA
This rare early 19th century rosewood campaign desk displays exquisite beauty and remarkable design functionality characteristic of British military furniture. Adorned with gilt bron...
Category

Early 19th Century English Campaign Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Wood and Marble Antique French Secrétaire Bureau Desk, 1820s
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
Antique French secrétaire from the first half of the 19th century. Furniture of beautiful line and great elegance veneered in walnut, palisander, maple and exotic wood adorned with g...
Category

1820s French Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble

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

Early 1800s French Neoclassical Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Victorian late 19th century carved oak pedestal desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Victorian late 19th century carved oak pedestal desk circa 1890. Good quality pedestal oak desk, comprising of 3 sections.  Shaped top with original leather insert.  Single drawer a...
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Antique Victorian Leather Top Partners Desk / Writing Table
Located in London, GB
A superb antique Victorian leather top partners desk / writing table. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1860-1880 period. It is of great quality and is an impressiv...
Category

1860s British High Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

19th century Chinese canton black lacquered desk cabinet
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century Chinese canton black lacquered desk cabinet, circa 1830. Stunning quality Chinese export desk, circa 1830. Main feature is the rare alabaster doors which have been hand...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Alabaster

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

A George IV Mahogany Writing Desk with a Fossil Marble Top
Located in Conwy, GB
The marble top above twin frieze drawers with turned handles, raised on tapering reeded leg with original brass castors. In the manner of Gillows.
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble

Small 19th century writing table with 3 drawers
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Beautiful small antique mahogany writing table with 3 drawers. The top is inlaid with green gold-edged leather. Writing table has inlay work. This is done with ebony and satinwood. T...
Category

1870s British Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Exceptional Empire Mahogany Centre Desk, circa 1850s -1X30
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Step into the grandeur of the Empire era with this Exceptional Empire Mahogany Centre Desk, crafted around 1850. Boasting impressive dimensions of H78 x 170 x 85 cm, this monumental ...
Category

1850s Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Unusual Antique Victorian Quality Figured Mahogany Kneehole Architects Desk
Located in Suffolk, GB
Unusual Antique Victorian quality figured mahogany kneehole architects desk having a quality figured mahogany lift up top opening to reveal a large writing surface crossbanded in mah...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Other

English 19th Century Oak Pedestal Desk
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Very Good Quality, One Piece, Mid 19th Century Oak Pedestal Desk Of Eleven Drawers Having Replacement Gilt Tooled Leather Top And Original Turned W...
Category

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

Materials

Oak

19th Century French Walnut Louis XVI Desk
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Beautiful 19th Century French Walnut Louis XVI Desk with immaculate new embossed leather writing surface. French Louis XVI bureau plat table desk with five spacious drawers and lovel...
Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Swedish Painted Writing Table
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Early 19th C Swedish painted one drawer writing table. 1820. Clearance is 24.5". Ref: C. Reference: 8362 Dimensions 40 inches (102 cms) Wide 21 inches (53 cms) Deep 29.5 inches (...
Category

19th Century Swedish 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

Good French crotch mahogany late 19th Century leather top desk having round legs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Good French crotch mahogany late 19th Century leather top desk having round legs with bronze mounts. This desk is finished on the backside. Kneehole measurements: 25.5" x 24"
Category

19th Century French French Provincial Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Renaissance Writing Desk ~ End Table
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Renaissance Writing Desk ~ End Table is a work of the sculptor's art, that also serves as a convenient student desk, writing table or library table. Hand-carved ...
Category

1870s French Renaissance Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Rare 19th century carved mahogany Swedish pedestal desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Rare 19th century carved mahogany swedish pedestal desk circa 1880. Beautiful desk and rare to be made from mahogany for a swedish piece, believed to be from skottorp castle in the ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Victorian Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

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

A George IV Century Holland and Sons Writing Table
Located in London, GB
A very fine mahogany writing table on four masculine legs, terminating in cope castors with two drawers above, deep rich timber top with stamp. England, 1820 H 80 x W 122 x D 57 cm...
Category

1820s English George IV Antique Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

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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