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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
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
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
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

$3,834
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
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

$6,872
Related Items
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
Early 19th Century Goncalo Alves partners desk
Located in Martlesham, GB
A superb quality large early 19th Century Goncalo Alves (also known as tigerwood) partners desk, the moulded edge top having a olive green coloured leather writing surface decorated ...
Category

1840s British Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Early 19th Century Goncalo Alves partners desk
Early 19th Century Goncalo Alves partners desk

Early 19th Century Goncalo Alves partners desk

On Hold
$6,803
H 30 in W 71.5 in D 44 in
Modern Burl Dining Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Modern burl wood dining table, with Parsons style legs, one drawer, a 'rustic' warm brown finish with subtle distressing and a hand-rubbed finish. Dimen...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Modern Burl Dining Table
Modern Burl Dining Table

Modern Burl Dining Table

$5,360 / item
H 30 in W 72 in D 36 in
Maitland-Smith Vintage Egyptian Style Writing Desk
By Maitland Smith
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout mid century writing desk having a tessellated marble top on a case with two drawers and brass borders over four dramatic bronze Egyptian style cat legs. Signed Maitland-Smit...
Category

20th Century Philippine Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

Maitland-Smith Vintage Egyptian Style Writing Desk
Maitland-Smith Vintage Egyptian Style Writing Desk

Maitland-Smith Vintage Egyptian Style Writing Desk

$8,450
H 30 in W 50 in D 30 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
19th Century Spanish Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Desk
Located in Miami, FL
Handsome oak library piece that can be used as a desk or Work table. Made of oak having carved gadrooned edges. A stretcher made of iron. Carved on all sides and five drawers ox bow ...
Category

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

Materials

Oak

19th Century Spanish Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Desk
19th Century Spanish Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Desk

19th Century Spanish Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Desk

$5,975
H 30.71 in W 55.12 in D 31.5 in
19th Century Mahogany Writing or Side Table
Located in Whaley Bridge, GB
Sn5242 Attractive mahogany table, having original leather writing surface showing extensive usage and good antique character above frieze drawer fitted with original working lock and...
Category

19th Century Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Mahogany Writing or Side Table
19th Century Mahogany Writing or Side Table

19th Century Mahogany Writing or Side Table

$2,364 Sale Price
20% Off
H 27.953 in W 32.677 in D 20.866 in
Italian Antique Rustic Table Desk Writing Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Very charming and elegant Italian table or desk writing table with stylish carved legs, wood and central drawer. Ideal in any room as a small stand alone corner desk as well as next ...
Category

20th Century Italian Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Italian Antique Rustic Table Desk Writing Table
Italian Antique Rustic Table Desk Writing Table

Italian Antique Rustic Table Desk Writing Table

$1,917
H 31.11 in W 35.44 in D 21.26 in
French Antique Writing Desk / Writing Table in Mahogany
Located in Whaley Bridge, GB
Sn5624 Fine quality late XIXth century French mahogany writing desk of generous proportions, having original tooled green leather to the top which has a brass edge flanked by two sli...
Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

French Antique Writing Desk / Writing Table in Mahogany
French Antique Writing Desk / Writing Table in Mahogany

French Antique Writing Desk / Writing Table in Mahogany

$4,508 Sale Price
20% Off
H 29.92 in W 51.57 in D 27.95 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

$898
H 31.7 in W 54.34 in D 25.4 in
Antique 19th Century Mahogany Writing Desk – Fine Quality Dressing or Side Table
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
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 Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

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

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

$1,919 Sale Price
30% Off
H 29.14 in W 41.74 in D 28.35 in
Antique Victorian Writing Table / Desk
Located in London, GB
A smart and very well made antique Victorian writing table / desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1860-1880 period. This is of wonderful quality and is a very us...
Category

1860s British Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood, Ebony

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

Antique Victorian Writing Table / Desk

$1,718
H 29.93 in W 48.04 in D 24.41 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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