Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

6 Results

CLASSICAL ROMAN STYLE

During Mount Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 A.D., Pompeii and Herculaneum in today’s Italy were preserved as they were on the day of their destruction. Particularly at Herculaneum, furnishings were carbonized beneath volcanic ash. This was pivotal to understanding how Classical Roman furniture was designed. Archaeological investigations and printed reproductions of discoveries would influence styles evoking this ancient civilization, from the Renaissance to neoclassicism.

While knowledge of Classical Roman furniture comes from rare surviving pieces, it is also derived from frescoes and sculptures portraying Roman life. Much of Roman art, architecture and design was informed by Greece — Roman architect, military engineer and writer Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, whose timeless De architectura is taught in contemporary architecture classes and pays tribute to classical architecture, visited Greece while working under Julius Caesar and admired the country’s architectural developments. The Roman solium references the Greek thronos, a stately chair of honor with an upright form and footstool. As the Roman Empire spread across Europe and into North Africa and Western Asia, the expansion of trade for silver, silk, marble and wood allowed for more luxurious designs.

Classical Roman furniture was made from bronze, wood and stone — in particular, marble — with ornate touches like tortoiseshell veneers, bone and glass inlays and claw feet. Ornaments depicting lion heads and mythological figures were sculpted from silver, bronze and ivory. Compared to the decorative attention given to the mosaic floors and wall paintings, however, furniture for even a wealthy house was minimal. It focused on the necessities for guests arriving for both socializing and business and the rooms housing family, relatives and enslaved people.

The triclinium dining room had banquet couches, items so prized they were sometimes interred with the deceased. Tall bronze or terracotta candelabras held oil lamps for lighting. Carved marble tables reflected status, while the lararium home shrine demonstrated faith.

Find a collection of Classical Roman decorative objects, tables, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.

Style: Classical Roman

Elegant antique English desk / writing table from the mid-19th century

$1,366

Elegant antique English desk / writing table from the mid-19th century

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This elegant and practical antique English desk, writing table, or side table is crafted from mahogany and dates from the mid-19th century. Its refined proportions and timeless desig...

Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique English writing desk from the late 19th century with a warm colour

$2,841

Antique English writing desk from the late 19th century with a warm colour

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This antique English writing desk has a warm wood tone and a dark brown leather top with elegant gold accents. The desk features two large, deep drawers, castors beneath the legs, an...

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Antique English writing desk from the 19th century with a red leather top

$2,841

Antique English writing desk from the 19th century with a red leather top

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This antique English writing desk, also suitable as a bureau or library table, dates from the early 19th century and features a red leather top and a beautiful appearance. It is fitt...

Category

Early 19th Century Antique Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Antique standing desk/ counter/ English writing table from the 19th century

$1,275

Antique standing desk/ counter/ English writing table from the 19th century

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This beautiful and unique antique English freestanding piece of furniture dates back to the 19th century. A distinctive and atmospheric item that fits perfectly into almost any inter...

Category

20th Century Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Classic wooden desk in English style with 4 drawers and a blue leather top

$1,195

Classic wooden desk in English style with 4 drawers and a blue leather top

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This large classic wooden desk in English style is fitted with four drawers and features a blue leather writing surface. It also includes pull-out extension leaves on both sides, all...

Category

20th Century Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Antique English wooden desk from the late 19th century with a leather top

$1,702

Antique English wooden desk from the late 19th century with a leather top

Located in Harderwijk, NL

Work in luxury or create a timeless focal point in your office or living room with this beautiful desk. Its charm and sophisticated appearance make it a truly versatile piece that fe...

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

19th Century Walnut Inlaid Partner’s Desk with Leather Writing Surface

$4,650

H 29.14 in W 46.86 in D 25.6 in

19th Century Walnut Inlaid Partner’s Desk with Leather Writing Surface

Located in LA CIOTAT, FR

A beautifully crafted 19th-century walnut partner’s desk, showcasing refined craftsmanship and elegant proportions. This impressive freestanding desk is veneered in richly figured wa...

Category

19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Antique 19th Century mahogany twin pedestal desk, dressing writing table

$1,915Sale Price|30% Off

H 29.53 in W 57.49 in D 24.81 in

Antique 19th Century mahogany twin pedestal desk, dressing writing table

Located in Wisbech, England

Antique, fine-quality large 19th Century mahogany twin-pedestal desk, dressing, or writing table. Exhibiting a lovely age, color, and patina, it stands on concealed brass and ceramic...

Category

19th Century Antique Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

Antique Victorian Twin Drawer Oak Writing Table Desk 19th Century

$1,872

H 29.53 in W 41.74 in D 29.53 in

Antique Victorian Twin Drawer Oak Writing Table Desk 19th Century

Located in London, GB

This gorgeous early Victorian antique writing table is crafted from beautiful solid oak and dates from Circa 1860. The rectangular top with rounded corners is fitted with the origi...

Category

19th Century English Antique Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

19th Century Victorian English Partner Desk Column Shaped Legs Writing Table

$5,113

H 29.53 in W 47.64 in D 35.44 in

19th Century Victorian English Partner Desk Column Shaped Legs Writing Table

Located in Berlin, DE

19th century Victorian English partner desk column shaped legs writing table Column shaped table legs. Desk with 2 drawers, slightly protruding tabletop. Writing surface with exce...

Category

19th Century English Antique Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

English Mahogany Writing Table, Early 19th Century

$44,500

H 29.75 in W 59.88 in D 42 in

English Mahogany Writing Table, Early 19th Century

Located in New Orleans, LA

This exquisite writing desk is crafted of rich mahogany and features the straightforward design prevalent in England during the early 19th century. A luxurious leather-covered top pr...

Category

19th Century English Antique Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Wooden Writing Desk with Drawers and Black Lacquered Legs

$2,961

H 30.91 in W 71.07 in D 27.96 in

Wooden Writing Desk with Drawers and Black Lacquered Legs

Located in Madrid, ES

Large desk veneered with dark wood, front with four drawers with gold-colored pulls. Legs of black lacquered metal.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Antique 19th C. English Regency Maple & Oak Tooled Leather Top Partner's Desk

$4,250

H 32 in W 52 in D 29 in

Antique 19th C. English Regency Maple & Oak Tooled Leather Top Partner's Desk

Located in Dayton, OH

This exceptional antique English Regency style dual-sided partner's desk showcases premium 19th-century cabinetmaking craftsmanship constructed from a high-quality combination of sol...

Category

Early 19th Century British Antique Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Maple, Oak

Mid-19th Century Gustavian Writing Desk

$3,500

H 29.5 in W 41.75 in D 23.25 in

Mid-19th Century Gustavian Writing Desk

Located in Atlanta, GA

An elegant mid-19th century Gustavian writing desk featuring refined Scandinavian lines and a beautifully weathered painted finish. The desk is raised on slender tapered legs and des...

Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique English Mahogany Pedestal Desk with Leather Top, 19th Century

$3,200

H 29 in W 48 in D 26.5 in

Antique English Mahogany Pedestal Desk with Leather Top, 19th Century

Located in Bridgeport, CT

English mahogany pedestal desk with tooled gilt oxblood leather writing surface, and featuring three frieze drawers and six total drawers split between both sides with brass ring pul...

Category

19th Century English Antique Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

French 19th Century Louis XVI Mahogany Leather Top Writing Desk

$4,200

H 30.75 in W 59 in D 29.5 in

French 19th Century Louis XVI Mahogany Leather Top Writing Desk

Located in Carmine, TX

Louis XVI Style Mahogany Writing Desk – An elegant Louis XVI-style desk crafted in rich mahogany, featuring a green leather writing surface with gilt tooling, five dovetailed drawers...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Elegant 19th-Century Solid Walnut Writing Desk with Turned Legs

$569

H 31.5 in W 33.08 in D 21.66 in

Elegant 19th-Century Solid Walnut Writing Desk with Turned Legs

Located in Pont-Saint-Martin, IT

An elegant 19th-century writing desk handcrafted in solid walnut wood, admired for its graceful proportions, refined craftsmanship, and timeless appeal. Designed with both beauty and...

Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Swedish Writing Desk

$3,450

H 29.9 in W 41.3 in D 27.9 in

19th Century Swedish Writing Desk

Located in Atlanta, GA

This elegant 19th-century Swedish writing desk exemplifies the timeless charm of Gustavian design, combining functionality with understated beauty. Crafted from solid pine wood, the ...

Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

19th Century English William IV Fruitwood Writing Table or Desk

$2,800

H 29 in W 43.75 in D 28.5 in

19th Century English William IV Fruitwood Writing Table or Desk

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Handsome 19th century English William IV writing table or desk crafted from mixed fruitwood and oak. The table has storage drawers on each end with patinated brass pulls. The top has...

Category

19th Century English Antique Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Early 19th Century Gustavian Writing Desk

$2,950

H 29 in W 36.25 in D 22 in

Early 19th Century Gustavian Writing Desk

Located in Atlanta, GA

A charming early 19th century Gustavian writing desk featuring elegant provincial craftsmanship and beautifully aged painted surfaces. The desk is designed with clean neoclassical li...

Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique 4ft Victorian Partners Writing Table Desk 19th Century

$4,289

H 30.32 in W 47.64 in D 34.65 in

Antique 4ft Victorian Partners Writing Table Desk 19th Century

Located in London, GB

A superb antique Victorian Partners flame mahogany writing table, circa 1860. The rectangular top features a moulded edge with a striking inset gold-tooled green leather writing sur...

Category

1860s English Antique Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Previously Available Items

Elegant English style desk with green leather top, gold details and drawers

Sold

H 31.11 in W 47.64 in D 27.56 in

Elegant English style desk with green leather top, gold details and drawers

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This elegant English-style desk features a green leather writing surface, beautiful gilt details, five drawers, and a working lock with key. The place where you make decisions every...

Category

20th Century Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Antique English Writing Table with Blue Leather Top, Mid-19th Century

Sold

H 31.5 in W 96.46 in D 35.44 in

Antique English Writing Table with Blue Leather Top, Mid-19th Century

Located in Harderwijk, NL

Offered here this long, unique antique English writing table / partner desk with a blue leather top, dating from the mid-19th century. This magnificent antique English desk is a luxu...

Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Antique Victorian English Oak Writing Desk / Partner Desk with a Leather Top

Sold

H 31.89 in W 72.05 in D 59.45 in

Antique Victorian English Oak Writing Desk / Partner Desk with a Leather Top

Located in Harderwijk, NL

Offered here is this large, unique, and antique Victorian English oak writing desk / library table / partner desk with a leather top. This exceptional library table is a stunning and...

Category

19th Century Antique Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood, Oak

19th-Century Antique English Writing Desk with Black Leather Top

Sold

H 31.89 in W 53.55 in D 36.62 in

19th-Century Antique English Writing Desk with Black Leather Top

Located in Harderwijk, NL

What a beautiful, luxurious, and timeless antique writing desk this is! It is in good and proper condition, especially considering its age. We have adjusted it to a modern height, en...

Category

19th Century Antique Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Classical Roman desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Classical Roman desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th 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 animal skin, leather and other materials. 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 $2,747 and tops out at $2,747 while the average work can sell for $2,747.