Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

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

Antique English oak secretary from the 18th century with a stepped interior

$1,371

Antique English oak secretary from the 18th century with a stepped interior

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This subtle antique English secrétaire from the 18th century is made of oak wood and is not only a beautiful decorative piece, but also practical and versatile. Of course, it can be ...

Category

18th Century Antique Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Oak

Vintage German design desk by Hartmut Lohmeyer for Wilkhahn with 6 drawers

$1,750

Vintage German design desk by Hartmut Lohmeyer for Wilkhahn with 6 drawers

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This beautiful German design desk from the 1960s was designed by Hartmut Lohmeyer for Wilkhahn. It features six drawers, providing ample storage space for all your belongings. This e...

Category

20th Century Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

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

$1,306

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

Antique English desk / writing table in mahogany from the mid-19th century

$1,400

Antique English desk / writing table in mahogany from the mid-19th century

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This elegant and practical antique English desk writing table side table is made of mahogany and dates from the mid 19th century. Side tables are the perfect combination of style an...

Category

19th Century Antique Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

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

$2,911

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

20th century wooden desk / partner desk in English style

$1,225

20th century wooden desk / partner desk in English style

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This 20th-century wooden desk / partner desk is designed in an English style and has a luxurious appearance. The place where you make your daily decisions deserves a desk that has b...

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

$1,225

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

$1,744

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

Beautiful original antique English writing desk from the 19th century

$4,159

Beautiful original antique English writing desk from the 19th century

Located in Harderwijk, NL

This beautiful original antique English partner's desk on castors features six drawers and a green leather writing surface. Dating back to the 19th century, it is finished with elega...

Category

19th Century Antique Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cowhide, Leather, Wood

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

$3,532

H 32.29 in W 44.1 in D 70.87 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 Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

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

$1,886

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 Swedish Writing Desk

On Hold|~~$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 mahogany inlaid writing desk

$2,469Sale Price|20% Off

H 40 in W 39 in D 24.5 in

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 Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Studio BBPR for Olivetti Small 'Spazio' Desk with Drawers

$2,200

H 27.56 in W 37.21 in D 17.52 in

Studio BBPR for Olivetti Small 'Spazio' Desk with Drawers

By Olivetti, Studio BBPR

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Studio BBPR for Olivetti, 'Spazio' desk with drawers, steel, vinyl, plastic, Italy, design 1959/60, production 1960s In 1954, Olivetti, the Italian office equipment manufacturer, h...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

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

$5,238

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

Bamboo Writing Desk with Drawers, 1980s

$1,960

H 31.5 in W 35.44 in D 24.02 in

Bamboo Writing Desk with Drawers, 1980s

Located in Roma, RM

BAMBOO WRITING DESK WITH DRAWERS 1980 Product details Dimensions: 90L x 80H x 61D cm.

Category

1980s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bamboo

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

19th Century Walnut Partners Desk

$35,000

H 32 in W 72 in D 42 in

19th Century Walnut Partners Desk

Located in Savannah, GA

This is a walnut and Kashmir walnut partners desk made in England, circa 1890. The top of the desk is Walnut with 3 shaped pieces of beautiful brown lea...

Category

1890s English Antique Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique 19th Century Mahogany Writing Desk – Fine Quality Dressing or Side Table

$1,915Sale Price|30% Off

H 29.14 in W 41.74 in D 28.35 in

Antique 19th Century Mahogany Writing Desk – Fine Quality Dressing or Side Table

Located in Wisbech, England

Antique 19th Century Mahogany Writing Desk – Elegant Dressing Table or Side Table with Octagonal Legs and Brass Castors This fine quality 19th-century antique mahogany writing desk ...

Category

19th Century Antique Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

19th Century English Chinoiserie Ladies Secretaire Writing Table

$8,800

H 53.5 in W 35.5 in D 21.5 in

19th Century English Chinoiserie Ladies Secretaire Writing Table

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Extraordinary 19th century English ladies secretaire desk or writing table. The two part desk was made in the Chinoiserie revival period of Europe ...

Category

19th Century English Antique Classical Roman Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Previously Available Items

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.