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Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

FOLK ART STYLE

Folk art is a genre of art that shares the creator’s traditions, offering not just an artistic display but an opportunity to learn about a culture. Antique, new and vintage folk art typically reflects a heritage or location. It can include utilitarian objects and handmade art as diverse as weather vanes, duck decoys, portraiture and paintings, carnival art and quilts.

Quilts are a quintessential part of American folk art but their roots are international, with quilting dating back to Ancient Egypt. The practice spread to Europe and was especially prominent in the Middle Ages, with one of the oldest surviving examples being the Tristan quilt made in Sicily in the 14th century. They were made as bedcovers and clothing, including as a layer for knights to wear beneath their armor. Native American folk art includes functional objects reflecting their heritage, such as baskets, textiles and wooden pieces.

Elsewhere, the vast range of work associated with Mexican folk art includes masks made by Mexican craftspeople for traditional celebrations and ceremonial dances. Mexican masks are part of the country’s folk-art traditions that go back thousands of years and play a role in festivals and theater.

Works in the folk art tradition are valuable because of the skills involved, like weaving, hand-carving wood and even stonework. Many folk artists are self-taught, while some train as apprentices within their community. By using available materials and taking a personal approach to their creations, artists ensure each piece is unique and conveys a story.

During the Great Depression, artistic materials in America were hard to come by, so artisans used discarded wood from cigar boxes and shipping crates to make highly stylized, notched pieces — most often picture frames and boxes — that are today sought after by collectors. This folk art style is called tramp art and was popular from roughly 1870 until the 1940s.

Folk art brings vibrant culture and traditions into your home. Browse an extensive collection of antique, new and vintage folk art on 1stDibs.

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Style: Folk Art
19th Century Masonic Table with Leather Bible Compartment Flip Lid Compass Legs
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Rare and fabulous 19th century faux book with compass legs as legs. Mustard paint on the legs with Gilt on the pages of the leather bound book. Looks to be original tassle.. Possibly...
Category

1860s American Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Hardwood, Paint

19th Century Masonic Table with Leather Bible Compartment Flip Lid Compass Legs
19th Century Masonic Table with Leather Bible Compartment Flip Lid Compass Legs

19th Century Masonic Table with Leather Bible Compartment Flip Lid Compass Legs

$3,880 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Wrought Iron and Walnut Handpainted "Pledge of Allegiance" School Desk
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a statement piece for all American Patriots. Its the Pledge Of Allegiance handpainted on an antique school desk. The desk dates the early 20th century. Its made of wrought Ir...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique Wrought Iron and Walnut Handpainted "Pledge of Allegiance" School Desk
Antique Wrought Iron and Walnut Handpainted "Pledge of Allegiance" School Desk

Antique Wrought Iron and Walnut Handpainted "Pledge of Allegiance" School Desk

$1,400
Antique Swedish Writing Table Desk, Genuine Red and Blue Painted Folk Art
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish folk art writing table from the village of Alfta in Hälsingland in northern Sweden. The desk is made in Swedish pine and is in untouched original condition. A notable...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Antique Swedish Writing Table Desk, Genuine Red and Blue Painted Folk Art
Antique Swedish Writing Table Desk, Genuine Red and Blue Painted Folk Art

Antique Swedish Writing Table Desk, Genuine Red and Blue Painted Folk Art

$3,786
Scandinavian Antique Table of Pine Wood with Green Patinated Frame, 19th Century
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Antique Scandinavian country side working table from the 19th century made of pine wood. The frame of table is hand painted with matte green pai...
Category

19th Century Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine, Paint

Scandinavian Antique Table of Pine Wood with Green Patinated Frame, 19th Century
Scandinavian Antique Table of Pine Wood with Green Patinated Frame, 19th Century

Scandinavian Antique Table of Pine Wood with Green Patinated Frame, 19th Century

$2,366
Vintage Coastal Shell Encrusted Writing Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A remarkable piece of functional folk art, this vintage writing desk channels the whimsical charm of a seaside grotto. The desk’s classic frame, featuring elegant cabriole legs, is c...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Shell, Wood, Paint

Vintage Coastal Shell Encrusted Writing Desk
Vintage Coastal Shell Encrusted Writing Desk

Vintage Coastal Shell Encrusted Writing Desk

$4,750
Rare Early American Country Pyrography Desk
Located in Forney, TX
A rare, one-of-a-kind antique American folk decorated desk with beautifully aged distressed patina found in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. Hand-crafted in the Southern United States in the late 19th century, featuring elaborate hand carving and pyrography wood burning decoration in classical motif, kneehole desk form with raised gallery dated "1899", having a topped with a single door cabinet, supported by two columns of three drawers. Provenance / Acquisition: Found in a Mt. Juliet, Tennessee farmhouse Acquired from highly reputable auction house, Bright Star Antiques, Sulfur Springs, Texas. Specializing in early American antiques...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Rare Early American Country Pyrography Desk
Rare Early American Country Pyrography Desk

Rare Early American Country Pyrography Desk

$4,500
Burl Top Ash Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very desirable early to mid-19th century ash table, the top comprising two bookmatched planks of highly figured burl ash, having double thickness carved rope twist applied edge, the ...
Category

1830s European Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ash

Burl Top Ash Table
Burl Top Ash Table

Burl Top Ash Table

$29,000
Table Pine Dining Desk Classical Leg Vernacular Folk
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
Pine farmhouse table with a single plank top Rare to find a piece of vernacular or folk furniture with sophisticated features like the leg turnings on this table Length 206cm 81...
Category

19th Century French Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Table Pine Dining Desk Classical Leg Vernacular Folk
Table Pine Dining Desk Classical Leg Vernacular Folk

Table Pine Dining Desk Classical Leg Vernacular Folk

$6,707
Early 19th Century Folk Art Side Table or Desk, Scandinavia
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Danish or Swedish Rectangular Folk Art Table or Desk. The table has tonnes of charm, wear and tear to the finish that gives thus table an unbeatable patina. Most of the original pai...
Category

Early 19th Century Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Early 19th Century Folk Art Side Table or Desk, Scandinavia
Early 19th Century Folk Art Side Table or Desk, Scandinavia

Early 19th Century Folk Art Side Table or Desk, Scandinavia

$1,600
Related Items
Industrial Modern Wrought Iron Tilt Top Drafting Desk / Table
By Jorge A. Marien
Located in East Freetown, MA
Extraordinary modern wrought iron and glass tilt top drafting desk/table. Glass top is framed by wrought iron and tilts when the steampunk style handles are loosened. Table can be used as a dining or large entrance table.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Central Asian Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Industrial Modern Wrought Iron Tilt Top Drafting Desk / Table
Industrial Modern Wrought Iron Tilt Top Drafting Desk / Table

Industrial Modern Wrought Iron Tilt Top Drafting Desk / Table

$639 Sale Price
60% Off
H 30 in W 50 in D 30 in
Vintage Writing Desk 1960s Mahogany Veneered Enameled Metal
Located in Milano, IT
Desk with double column side drawers in enamelled metal and mahogany veneered wood with Formica-covered top.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Vintage Writing Desk 1960s Mahogany Veneered Enameled Metal
Vintage Writing Desk 1960s Mahogany Veneered Enameled Metal

Vintage Writing Desk 1960s Mahogany Veneered Enameled Metal

$887
H 31.7 in W 54.34 in D 25.4 in
Antique Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Red Leather Bureau Plat Writing Table Desk
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Chinoiserie black lacquer red leather bureau plat writing table desk Additional information: Materials: LacquerLeatherWood Color: Black P...
Category

19th Century Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Antique Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Red Leather Bureau Plat Writing Table Desk
Antique Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Red Leather Bureau Plat Writing Table Desk

Antique Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Red Leather Bureau Plat Writing Table Desk

$5,500
H 30 in W 62 in D 34 in
Vintage Kittinger Directoire Style Writing Desk
By Kittinger Furniture Company
Located in Houston, TX
1960s Vintage Kittinger Directoire style writing desk composed of satinwood and features ebony inlay and brass hardware. Maker's mark located inside the center drawer.
Category

Late 20th Century North American Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage Kittinger Directoire Style Writing Desk
Vintage Kittinger Directoire Style Writing Desk

Vintage Kittinger Directoire Style Writing Desk

$8,800
H 30.5 in W 46.75 in D 21.75 in
English 19th Century Work Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This stunning work table has a thick 1 ¾” thick pine top and would make a gorgeous kitchen island. Crafted from solid pine and oak, it remains incredibly sturdy and level. The brilli...
Category

19th Century English Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Hardwood

English 19th Century Work Table
English 19th Century Work Table

English 19th Century Work Table

$5,995
H 32.13 in W 70.75 in D 40.88 in
Vintage Danish Modern Writing Desk by Domino Møbler
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern office desk with two banks of drawers. Danish made teak wood desk for home or office use. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Category

1960s Vintage Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Vintage Danish Modern Writing Desk by Domino Møbler
Vintage Danish Modern Writing Desk by Domino Møbler

Vintage Danish Modern Writing Desk by Domino Møbler

$1,610
H 29 in W 53 in D 23 in
19th Century Pine Lancashire Mill Dining Table
Located in Staffordshire, GB
19th century pine Lancashire Mill table Original finish in reclaimed condition with great color, wear & patination. Fantastic proportions with elegant narrow legs and stretcher ...
Category

1890s English Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

19th Century Pine Lancashire Mill Dining Table
19th Century Pine Lancashire Mill Dining Table

19th Century Pine Lancashire Mill Dining Table

$3,960
H 31.5 in W 59.06 in D 28.75 in
Antique Victorian Partners Desk / Writing Table
Located in London, GB
A large and very impressive antique Victorian partners desk / writing table. This was made in England, it dates from around 1830-1850. ...
Category

1830s British Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Antique Victorian Partners Desk / Writing Table
Antique Victorian Partners Desk / Writing Table

Antique Victorian Partners Desk / Writing Table

$4,296
H 29.93 in W 59.85 in D 37.01 in
19th Spanish Side Table with Cared Turned Legs and Iron Stretcher
Located in Miami, FL
19th Spanish side table with turned legs and iron stretcher. The top has a beautiful grain and patina.
Category

Mid-19th Century Spanish Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

19th Spanish Side Table with Cared Turned Legs and Iron Stretcher
19th Spanish Side Table with Cared Turned Legs and Iron Stretcher

19th Spanish Side Table with Cared Turned Legs and Iron Stretcher

$1,475
H 20.08 in W 19.49 in D 15.56 in
Antique Burr Walnut Leather Top Desk
Located in London, GB
A beautiful antique burr walnut leather top desk in the Queen Anne style. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1930’s. It is of superb quality, with beautiful and intr...
Category

1930s British Vintage Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Antique Burr Walnut Leather Top Desk
Antique Burr Walnut Leather Top Desk

Antique Burr Walnut Leather Top Desk

$1,476
H 29.93 in W 42.92 in D 20.87 in
Rare Fine Antique Early Victorian Military Campaign Writing Slope Davenport Desk
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this early Victorian Military Campaign writing slope in the form of a Davenport desk circa 1840-1860 in solid mahogany I’ve only ever seen one o...
Category

1840s English Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Rare Fine Antique Early Victorian Military Campaign Writing Slope Davenport Desk
Rare Fine Antique Early Victorian Military Campaign Writing Slope Davenport Desk

Rare Fine Antique Early Victorian Military Campaign Writing Slope Davenport Desk

$3,960
H 29.93 in W 19.3 in D 14.57 in
Antique Spanish Colonial Revival Table with Barley Twist Legs Late 19th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Late 19th Century Spanish Colonial Revival Table with Barley Twist Legs & Iron Stretchers Age: 1850 - 1900 Furniture Style: Spanish Colonial Revival (1890 - 1930) Overall Dimensio...
Category

Late 19th Century South American Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Antique Spanish Colonial Revival Table with Barley Twist Legs Late 19th Century
Antique Spanish Colonial Revival Table with Barley Twist Legs Late 19th Century

Antique Spanish Colonial Revival Table with Barley Twist Legs Late 19th Century

$6,550
H 29.5 in W 53.5 in D 33.5 in
Previously Available Items
Folk Art Secretary Style Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 20th century. Handmade and hand painted. Roof drops down to a desk or storage. Extra storage below. Desk Height - 29.5"
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Folk Art Secretary Style Desk
Folk Art Secretary Style Desk

Folk Art Secretary Style Desk

H 42.25 in W 17.5 in D 40 in
Primitive Hand Crafted Writing Desk in Pine, Made by a Swedish Carpenter, 1800s
Located in Odense, DK
This primitive desk, hailing from 19th-century Sweden, reflects the rustic charm and simplicity of traditional craftsmanship. Meticulously crafted in pine wood, the desk showcases th...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Primitive Hand Crafted Writing Desk in Pine, Made by a Swedish Carpenter, 1800s
Primitive Hand Crafted Writing Desk in Pine, Made by a Swedish Carpenter, 1800s

Primitive Hand Crafted Writing Desk in Pine, Made by a Swedish Carpenter, 1800s

H 28.55 in W 38.59 in D 29.53 in
Antique Swedish Pine Folk Art Trestle Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish trestle table from Northern Sweden made during the mid 1700s. The table is solid and primitive with a simple construction...
Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Antique Swedish Pine Folk Art Trestle Table
Antique Swedish Pine Folk Art Trestle Table

Antique Swedish Pine Folk Art Trestle Table

H 28.94 in W 51.58 in D 28.75 in
19th Century Spanish Provincial Desk Table
Located in Allerum, SE
19th century Spanish provincial bleached walnut desk table with one drawer and great patination to the surface. Ca 1820 Spain.
Category

Early 19th Century Spanish Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Spanish Provincial Desk Table
19th Century Spanish Provincial Desk Table

19th Century Spanish Provincial Desk Table

H 29.93 in W 54.34 in D 29.14 in
Rustic Tramp Art Notch Carved Secretary Desk
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Tramp Art secretary desk with two drawers, a low back and side gallery, and notch-carved edges and legs.
Category

20th Century Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Rustic Tramp Art Notch Carved Secretary Desk
Rustic Tramp Art Notch Carved Secretary Desk

Rustic Tramp Art Notch Carved Secretary Desk

H 34.75 in W 31.25 in D 19.75 in
Swedish Folk Art Desk from Dalarna
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Swedish folk art desk from the area of Dalarna, scraped to original paint. This would make a wonderful decorators piece.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Swedish Folk Art Desk from Dalarna
Swedish Folk Art Desk from Dalarna

Swedish Folk Art Desk from Dalarna

H 33.27 in W 29.93 in D 22.45 in
Vintage Thai School Desk with Painted Desktop, North Thailand, Mid-20th Century
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Vintage Thai school desk with painted desktop, North Thailand, mid-20th century. If there are any doubts about the universality of human experience this d...
Category

1950s Thai Vintage Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Paint

Vintage Thai School Desk with Painted Desktop, North Thailand, Mid-20th Century
Vintage Thai School Desk with Painted Desktop, North Thailand, Mid-20th Century

Vintage Thai School Desk with Painted Desktop, North Thailand, Mid-20th Century

H 27.5 in W 23.5 in D 15 in
Folk Art Root Table
Located in Houston, TX
Folk Art root table featuring serpent motif. Rare form with bottom shelf, original untouched finish and nice shaped backsplash. Desk top height is 29 inches.
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Folk Art Root Table
Folk Art Root Table

Folk Art Root Table

H 34 in W 24 in D 15.25 in
Small Asian Red And Yellow Painted Folk Art Desk-Top Writing Desk
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small Asian red and yellow painted folk art desk-top writing desk The desk top is collapsable, please see detailed images listed.
Category

1960s Southeast Asian Vintage Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Small Asian Red And Yellow Painted Folk Art Desk-Top Writing Desk
Small Asian Red And Yellow Painted Folk Art Desk-Top Writing Desk

Small Asian Red And Yellow Painted Folk Art Desk-Top Writing Desk

H 11.6 in W 23 in D 10.8 in
Late 18th Century Northern Swedish Blue Folk Art Trestle Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Blue folk art trestle table from northern Sweden. The table is made with a drawer and all parts are original to the table. Scraped to the original blue pai...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Late 18th Century Northern Swedish Blue Folk Art Trestle Table
Late 18th Century Northern Swedish Blue Folk Art Trestle Table

Late 18th Century Northern Swedish Blue Folk Art Trestle Table

H 29.53 in W 49.22 in D 31.5 in
Clock Cabinet with Writers Flap from Northern Sweden
Located in Kramfors, SE
Clock cabinet with writers flap manufactured around the year 1800. The cabinet is scraped to original paint. It is also possible to disassemble the cabinet, see pictures. The bottom...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Clock Cabinet with Writers Flap from Northern Sweden
Clock Cabinet with Writers Flap from Northern Sweden

Clock Cabinet with Writers Flap from Northern Sweden

H 95.28 in W 40.95 in D 18.51 in
Table Desk Swedish, 19th Century, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Table desk Swedish, 19th century, Sweden. A table or desk made in Sweden during the 19th century in wood. Beautiful patina.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Table Desk Swedish, 19th Century, Sweden
Table Desk Swedish, 19th Century, Sweden

Table Desk Swedish, 19th Century, Sweden

H 29 in W 67 in D 19 in

Folk Art desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique folk art desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 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, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, pine and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art desks and writing tables made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Sweden 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 $1,700 and tops out at $29,000 while the average work can sell for $4,203.

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