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Chesterfield Desks and Writing Tables

CHESTERFIELD STYLE

The expansion of the British Empire brought Chesterfield sofas around the world, such as in Canada, where the word “chesterfield” refers to any type of sofa. Antique Chesterfield-style furniture now includes seating in a range of sizes and aesthetics, from velvet love seats and linen-upholstered club chairs to ottomans accompanying classic leather sofas.

Popular lore dates the Chesterfield sofa to Philip Dormer Stanhope, fourth earl of Chesterfield. The arbiter of taste and manners in 18th-century England was best known for publishing guides on how to behave in society to attain success. The story goes that he commissioned a sofa in the mid-1700s designed so he could sit on it while not wrinkling his clothes. He later bequeathed it to his godson, and the seating style spread in popularity, eventually becoming an icon of British interior design.

Although this origin is not recorded, it resonates with the iconic sofa’s urbane sophistication. Traditionally made with tall rolled arms the same height as the back, deep buttoning on dark brown leather upholstery, tacked trim and an imposing yet elegant profile, it evokes English estates and the gentlemen’s clubs of London. It became a staple amid the Victorian era’s embrace of comfort. Tartan versions were in Queen Victoria’s drawing room at Balmoral Castle, giving the space a Scottish flair.

Some Chesterfield sofas are slimmed down in shape, others have taller legs for a lighter appearance. And while leather Chesterfield sofas are a more common variant — and can easily elevate a workspace as luxury office furniture — a velvet Chesterfield sofa possesses a singular chameleonic property, softening and emboldening the spaces it inhabits. Whether it’s the focal point of a living room, hotel lobby or trendy restaurant, the Chesterfield remains a status symbol, channeling the sophisticated tastes of its namesake.

Find a collection of antique Chesterfield seating, including sofas, settees, armchairs and lounge chairs, on 1stDibs.

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Style: Chesterfield
Large original 20th Century Classical English Writing Desk, circa 1910-1920
Located in Berlin, DE
Solid wood and mahogany stained body. Leather-covered worktop. Freely adjustable in the room. Desk consists of three parts (2 containers + worktop). The desk is an absolute classic a...
Category

20th Century English Chesterfield Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Large original 20th Century Classical English Writing Desk, circa 1910-1920
Large original 20th Century Classical English Writing Desk, circa 1910-1920

Large original 20th Century Classical English Writing Desk, circa 1910-1920

$2,234
English Regency Desk with Foldable Desk / Writing Table 20th Century
Located in Berlin, DE
Extraordinary English regency desk with hinged sides and red leather top. 5 drawers in the front and 5 panels on the back. The leather top is provided with very thick embossing. The ...
Category

20th Century English Chesterfield Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

English Regency Desk with Foldable Desk / Writing Table 20th Century
English Regency Desk with Foldable Desk / Writing Table 20th Century

English Regency Desk with Foldable Desk / Writing Table 20th Century

$3,310
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Antique British Folding Desk with Bobbin Legs, Early 20th Century
Located in Odense, DK
This charming British desk/side table showcases a refined simplicity and craftsmanship rooted in early 20th-century Edwardian design. Made from oak and birch, the table features beau...
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Early 20th Century English Chesterfield Desks and Writing Tables

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Antique British Folding Desk with Bobbin Legs, Early 20th Century
Antique British Folding Desk with Bobbin Legs, Early 20th Century

Antique British Folding Desk with Bobbin Legs, Early 20th Century

$1,380
H 29.53 in W 42.52 in D 24.41 in
Mid-20th Century Wood Bureau a Gradin/Writing Desk Table
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The piece's clean, rectangular silhouette and streamlined profile convey a refined elegance, expertly constructed from high-quality wood. Featuring six drawers - three on the front ...
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Mid-20th Century French Chesterfield Desks and Writing Tables

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Mid-20th Century Wood Bureau a Gradin/Writing Desk Table
Mid-20th Century Wood Bureau a Gradin/Writing Desk Table

Mid-20th Century Wood Bureau a Gradin/Writing Desk Table

$2,920
H 38.19 in W 46.86 in D 22.45 in
Classic English Partner Desk/Writing Desk 20th Century, Mahogany
Located in Berlin, DE
Classic English Partner Desk/Writing Desk 20th Century, Mahogany Solid mahogany, partially veneered. Baluster-shaped and grooved/channelled legs ending with brass castors. Frame bo...
Category

20th Century English Chesterfield Desks and Writing Tables

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Leather, Mahogany

Classic English Partner Desk/Writing Desk 20th Century, Mahogany
Classic English Partner Desk/Writing Desk 20th Century, Mahogany

Classic English Partner Desk/Writing Desk 20th Century, Mahogany

$4,491
H 32.29 in W 44.1 in D 70.87 in
Mid 20th Century Vintage Heywood Wakefield Writing Desk
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Upgrade your workspace with the Vintage MCM Heywood Wakefield Writing Desk. This iconic mid-century modern piece combines sleek lines an...
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Mid-20th Century American Chesterfield Desks and Writing Tables

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Wood

Mid 20th Century Vintage Heywood Wakefield Writing Desk
Mid 20th Century Vintage Heywood Wakefield Writing Desk

Mid 20th Century Vintage Heywood Wakefield Writing Desk

$1,350
H 30 in W 44 in D 22 in
19th Century Chippendale Burl Walnut Partner's Writing Desk
By Thomas Chippendale
Located in Hixson, TN
19th century Chippendale burl walnut partners writing desk This desk has functional drawers on both sides, a true partner's desk. This desk is...
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Mid-19th Century English Antique Chesterfield Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut, Burl

19th Century Chippendale Burl Walnut Partner's Writing Desk
19th Century Chippendale Burl Walnut Partner's Writing Desk

19th Century Chippendale Burl Walnut Partner's Writing Desk

$18,000
H 32.5 in W 67 in D 42.5 in
20th Century Swedish Writing Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 20th-century Swedish writing desk exudes the timeless simplicity and elegance of Scandinavian design. Crafted from pine, the desk features clean, minimalist lines and a lightly ...
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20th Century Swedish Chesterfield Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine, Paint

20th Century Swedish Writing Desk
20th Century Swedish Writing Desk

20th Century Swedish Writing Desk

$3,950
H 29.625 in W 44.875 in D 22.625 in
Small Folding Table, Italy, Early 20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Small Folding Table realized in Italy in the early 20th Century. Good overall condition except for some minor signs of time. Dimension opened: H 76xL105.5 cmx105.5.
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Chesterfield Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Small Folding Table, Italy, Early 20th Century
Small Folding Table, Italy, Early 20th Century

Small Folding Table, Italy, Early 20th Century

$425
H 29.93 in W 23.23 in D 23.23 in
English Hepplewhite Mahogany Three Drawer Writing Table. Circa 1790
Located in Charleston, SC
English Hepplewhite mahogany three drawer writing table with circular brasses and terminating on squared tapered legs. Late 18th Century
Category

1790s English Antique Chesterfield Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

English Hepplewhite Mahogany Three Drawer Writing Table. Circa 1790
English Hepplewhite Mahogany Three Drawer Writing Table. Circa 1790

English Hepplewhite Mahogany Three Drawer Writing Table. Circa 1790

$7,800
H 28 in W 33 in D 17.5 in
20th Century Italian Rosewood Writing Table - Desk by Osvaldo Borsani & Tecno
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A large vintage Mid-Century modern Italian writing table made of hand crafted polished Rosewood designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, in good condition. The sculptural desk is compo...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Chesterfield Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Chrome

20th Century Italian Rosewood Writing Table - Desk by Osvaldo Borsani & Tecno
20th Century Italian Rosewood Writing Table - Desk by Osvaldo Borsani & Tecno

20th Century Italian Rosewood Writing Table - Desk by Osvaldo Borsani & Tecno

$11,900
H 28.5 in W 113.75 in D 35.5 in
Impressive 20th Century English Style Writing Table, Beech Wood
Located in Berlin, DE
Impressive 20th century English style writing table, Writing table in The English style. Maple Roots with thread intarsia on solid pinewood. Partially ebonized. Strongly bowed, fou...
Category

20th Century German Chesterfield Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine, Leather, Maple

Impressive 20th Century English Style Writing Table, Beech Wood
Impressive 20th Century English Style Writing Table, Beech Wood

Impressive 20th Century English Style Writing Table, Beech Wood

$7,731
H 31.5 in W 71.46 in D 38.19 in
20th Century French Writing Table Hand Carved and Painted in Louise xvi Style
Located in Sofia, BG
French wooden hand painted table with cognac velvet top. The table is hand carved with typical details for Louise XVI style like the gilt wood ribbons at the front and the fluted leg...
Category

Early 20th Century French Chesterfield Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

20th Century French Writing Table Hand Carved and Painted in Louise xvi Style
20th Century French Writing Table Hand Carved and Painted in Louise xvi Style

20th Century French Writing Table Hand Carved and Painted in Louise xvi Style

$1,163 Sale Price
20% Off
H 29.53 in W 35.44 in D 23.63 in
20th Century Italian Walnut Writing Table, Desk Set with a Chair by Gio Ponti
By Gio Ponti
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century modern Italian freestanding writing table, desk set with two drawers and a stripped chair made of hand crafted Walnut, in good condition. The large table is com...
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Mid-20th Century Italian Chesterfield Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

20th Century Italian Walnut Writing Table, Desk Set with a Chair by Gio Ponti
20th Century Italian Walnut Writing Table, Desk Set with a Chair by Gio Ponti

20th Century Italian Walnut Writing Table, Desk Set with a Chair by Gio Ponti

$26,900 / set
H 32 in W 55 in D 28.5 in
Previously Available Items
Large Classic 20th Century English Writing Desk mahogany
Located in Berlin, DE
Body made of solid wood and stained mahogany. Leather covered worktop. Freely adjustable in every room. Desk consists of three parts (2 containers + worktop). The desk is an absolute...
Category

20th Century Chesterfield Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Large Classic 20th Century English Writing Desk mahogany
Large Classic 20th Century English Writing Desk mahogany

Large Classic 20th Century English Writing Desk mahogany

H 29.53 in W 73.23 in D 42.92 in

Chesterfield desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Chesterfield desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage desks and writing tables created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chesterfield desks and writing tables made in a specific country, there are England, Europe, and United Kingdom pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for desks and writing tables differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,662 and tops out at $4,349 while the average work can sell for $3,005.

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