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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
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

Table Pine Dining Desk Classical Leg Vernacular Folk
Located in Eversholt, Bedfordshire
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

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

19th Century Spanish Provincial Desk Table
Located in Helsingborg, 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 Swedish Folk Art Desk with Untouched Originalpaint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish Folk Art desk with untouched originalpain from Skelleftea Vasterbotten, Northern Sweden. Made between 1840-1850 Decorative Folk Art Desk with two drawers in ve...
Category

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

Materials

Pine

19th Century Masonic Table W Leather Book 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

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

Antique Folk Art Swedish Country Desk or Work Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish work or dining table from the mid-1800s. The table is in untouched original condition with a bare wood, never painted tabletop. The leg frame is painted with the orig...
Category

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

Materials

Pine

Antique Swedish Painted Folk Art Writing Table
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

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

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

Related Items
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 Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Gorgeous Quality 19th Century Desk
Located in Dublin, IE
A gorgeous quality 19th century mahogany desk. The moulded top fitted with green gilt embossed tooled leather writing skiver surface, raised over frieze with two cockbeaded drawers, ...
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19th Century English Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

  • Gorgeous Quality 19th Century Desk
  • Gorgeous Quality 19th Century Desk
  • Gorgeous Quality 19th Century Desk
  • Gorgeous Quality 19th Century Desk
H 29.25 in. W 46.25 in. D 25.5 in.
Travertine Dining Table Or Work Desk, 1970s
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
This non branded Italian 1970s dining table, with its typical curvy edges, is bases on a rectangular travertine column base. This nature stone table is very flexible in its natural color palette both desk, dining table for 4...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Travertine

  • Travertine Dining Table Or Work Desk, 1970s
  • Travertine Dining Table Or Work Desk, 1970s
  • Travertine Dining Table Or Work Desk, 1970s
  • Travertine Dining Table Or Work Desk, 1970s
H 29.14 in. W 70.87 in. D 35.44 in.
Antique 19th Century English Leather Inset Library Table, C.1840
Located in London, GB
Antique 19th century English Mahogany and leather inset library table C.1840. A neatly proportioned library desk with two drawers, standing on beautifully turned legs, terminating...
Category

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

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Antique Pine Farm Table Trestle Dining Table, Sweden circa 1880
Located in Round Top, TX
At almost 9' long, this wonderful old farm table from the Swedish countryside is a great find due to the much sought after length. The natural pine top is contrasted by a slightly da...
Category

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

Materials

Pine

19th Century Solid Oak Baroque Trestle Desk Writing Table or Console
Located in Miami, FL
An 19th century Spanish baroque desk, or writing table made of solid oak with lyre shaped legs joined by solid wood stretched. Two drawers with original iron drawer pulls. The top is...
Category

1890s Spanish Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Library Table, 19th Century, English with Embossed Leather Top
Located in Toronto, CA
A large scale mahogany English Library table with embossed brown leather top and subtle gold tooling. Four turned legs with brass casters, there are three drawers and brass hardware ...
Category

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

Materials

Wood, Leather

Vintage Antique Early Swedish Rustic Solid Pine Farm Trestle Base Dining Table
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Vintage Antique Unique early Swedish rustic solid Pine sun bleached farm house trestle dining table. This table has a solid pine base with 82.75" x 34.5" x 1/2" thick Pine top. Very ...
Category

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

Materials

Pine

Early 19th Century Swedish Blue Gustavian Table or Desk
Located in Kramfors, SE
Provincial gustavian table or desk from northern Sweden. The table is made in painted pine and has distressed light blue paint. Made around 1820, the table has straight tapered legs ...
Category

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

Materials

Pine

Early American Raise Top School Desk
Located in Sheffield, MA
An American raise top school desk with great aged wear. Make a wonderful stand for an entry hallway, kitchen or mud room stand to hold miscellaneous keys an...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

  • Early American Raise Top School Desk
  • Early American Raise Top School Desk
  • Early American Raise Top School Desk
  • Early American Raise Top School Desk
H 30 in. W 20.25 in. D 19.75 in.
19th Century Poplar Federal Slant Front Flip Top Schoolmasters Desk
Located in Southampton, NJ
A stunning piece of history in this circa 1860 American Slant Front Schoolmasters desk constructed with Poplar wood with hand carved geometric legs t...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Antique Swedish Pine Country Rococo Desk
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish rococo desk made during the late 1700s in painted pine. The desk has traces of the distressed original first paint. The legs are typical rococo with a large elegant c...
Category

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

Materials

Pine

  • Antique Swedish Pine Country Rococo Desk
  • Antique Swedish Pine Country Rococo Desk
  • Antique Swedish Pine Country Rococo Desk
  • Antique Swedish Pine Country Rococo Desk
H 31.11 in. W 46.86 in. D 27.17 in.
Previously Available Items
Rustic Tramp Art Notch Carved Secretary Desk
Located in New York, 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
  • Rustic Tramp Art Notch Carved Secretary Desk
H 34.75 in. W 31.25 in. D 19.75 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

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
  • 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

Painted Folk Art Writing Table
Located in Stamford, CT
Painted Folk Art writing table detailed with flowers and figures throughout. Please note of wear consistent with age including paint loss and finish loss.
Category

20th Century Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

  • Painted Folk Art Writing Table
  • Painted Folk Art Writing Table
  • Painted Folk Art Writing Table
  • Painted Folk Art Writing Table
H 39.50 in. W 27.50 in. D 21.25 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
  • 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

19th Century Gustavian Styled Swedish Folk Art Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Gustavian styled Swedish folk art table. The legs have corner consoles and the surface has been dry scarped to its original paint. Manufactured during the early 19th century. Height ...
Category

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

Materials

Pine

  • 19th Century Gustavian Styled Swedish Folk Art Table
  • 19th Century Gustavian Styled Swedish Folk Art Table
  • 19th Century Gustavian Styled Swedish Folk Art Table
  • 19th Century Gustavian Styled Swedish Folk Art Table
H 29.93 in. W 42.92 in. D 30.71 in.
Gustavian Swedish Table with Drawer with Original Blue Paint, circa 1790
Located in New York, NY
Swedish Gustavian Allmoge table with center drawer, origin: Sweden, circa 1790, original blue / green paint and black top. Pure form on elegantly tapered...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Softwood, Paint

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 de...
Category

1950s Thai Vintage Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Paint

Wiring Desk Swedish 19th Century Original Paint Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Wiring desk Swedish 19th century original paint, Sweden. A smaller writing desk made during the 19th century in Sweden. It has a light original paint with a lot of the light wood shi...
Category

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

Materials

Pine

Desk Swedish 19th Century Black Rustic Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Desk Swedish 19th century black Rustic Sweden. A desk made during the 19th century in Sweden. Painted in our Laserow black. Brass hardware. Height from floor to drawer 22 inches.   
Category

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

Materials

Wood

  • Desk Swedish 19th Century Black Rustic Sweden
  • Desk Swedish 19th Century Black Rustic Sweden
  • Desk Swedish 19th Century Black Rustic Sweden
  • Desk Swedish 19th Century Black Rustic Sweden
H 27.5 in. W 47 in. D 27.5 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 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, 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 £2,450 and tops out at £22,984 while the average work can sell for £3,385.

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