Skip to main content

French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

FRENCH PROVINCIAL STYLE

Removed from the fashions of the court, French Provincial style developed in the provinces of the country, such as Provence, Normandy, the Loire Valley and Bordeaux. Dating to the 17th and 18th centuries, French Provincial furniture was not as ostentatious as the designs being produced for the royal palaces, but elegant S-shape cabriole legs and ornate carvings elevated the sturdy chairs, sofas, tables and bedroom furniture intended for everyday use.

Although it varies by region, antique French Provincial furniture is unified by solid construction and an artisanal attention to design. While this furniture often followed the metropolitan trends — including the Rococo or neoclassical aesthetics of Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI — since it was produced in the French countryside it was more subdued with nods to its rustic settings.

Local materials like fruitwoods, oak, beech and walnut were used to construct large French Provincial armoires for storage and comfortable armchairs with rush-woven seats. Wrought-iron elements and carvings like floral details and scallop patterns were common as ornamentation. Furniture was frequently painted white or other muted colors that coordinated with gilt and would acquire a patina of age over time. Other wood was just stained with vibrant fabric such as toile de Jouy, which sometimes depicted pastoral scenes, adding color as upholstery.

The style arrived in the United States after World War I, with soldiers returning home wanting furniture like what they had seen in the rural homes and castles of France. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, designer John Widdicomb split from his family business, the Widdicomb Furniture Company, and had been focusing on Louis XV– and French Provincial–style furnishings since the early 1900s. Other American manufacturers such as Baker, Drexel, Henredon and Thomasville also responded to demand. Today antique French Provincial pieces and reproductions continue to be popular.

Find a collection of antique French Provincial dining tables, seating, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

3
to
1
2
1
3
3
3
12
9
6
5
4
3
1
9
24
32
2
10
13
3
3
3
2
1
1
3
1
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
3
1
1
3
3
Style: French Provincial
Period: Early 1900s
French, Oak Child's School Desk c. 1900's
Located in London, GB
This French 1900's Oak child's school desk is a rare find that exudes immense character. The desk bears the markings of many children who have used it over the years, adding to its c...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

French, Oak Child's School Desk c. 1900's
French, Oak Child's School Desk c. 1900's

French, Oak Child's School Desk c. 1900's

Turn of the Century French Patinated Ecritoire with Display Glass Top
Located in High Point, NC
A patinated ecritoire produced during the turn of the century in France, this desk organizer is as functional as remarkable. Featuring a slant-top case crowned by a unique glass disp...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Turn of the Century French Patinated Ecritoire with Display Glass Top
Turn of the Century French Patinated Ecritoire with Display Glass Top

Turn of the Century French Patinated Ecritoire with Display Glass Top

Turn of the Century French Wooden Desk
Located in High Point, NC
The unique design of this vintage wooden writing desk combines a distinguished character with charming eccentricity. Built in France at the...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Turn of the Century French Wooden Desk
Turn of the Century French Wooden Desk

Turn of the Century French Wooden Desk

Related Items
Antique Derby School Paneled Oak Roll Top Desk with Full Interior, C1900
By Derby Desk Company
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique roll top desk offers paneled quarter sawn oak construction with s-top opening to full interior over base with flanking drawer towers h...
Category

Early 20th Century American French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique Derby School Paneled Oak Roll Top Desk with Full Interior, C1900
Antique Derby School Paneled Oak Roll Top Desk with Full Interior, C1900

Antique Derby School Paneled Oak Roll Top Desk with Full Interior, C1900

H 50.5 in W 60 in D 32 in
Pair of 19th Century French Vernis Martin Cylinder Top Desks
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a good quality rare pair of 19th century French Vernis Martin cylinder top desks, each having marble tops with brass gallery, above a hand painted cupboard, flanked by mi...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of 19th Century French Vernis Martin Cylinder Top Desks
Pair of 19th Century French Vernis Martin Cylinder Top Desks

Pair of 19th Century French Vernis Martin Cylinder Top Desks

H 60.24 in W 31.89 in D 20.08 in
French 1900 desk in solid walnut
Located in LYON, FR
Very pretty little desk with two drawers in solid walnut from the 1900s. A decorative key will be provided for the right drawer. Very pretty patina and crazy charm of the veining of ...
Category

20th Century European French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

French 1900 desk in solid walnut
French 1900 desk in solid walnut

French 1900 desk in solid walnut

H 28.75 in W 44.69 in D 28.35 in
A Mid Century French oak desk in the manner of Charles Dudouyt, circa 1940.
By Charles Dudouyt
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French oak desk in the manner of Charles Dudouyt. The desk features 5 front drawers and a metal stretcher at the base. Circa 1940.
Category

1940s French Vintage French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

A Mid Century French oak desk in the manner of Charles Dudouyt, circa 1940.
A Mid Century French oak desk in the manner of Charles Dudouyt, circa 1940.

A Mid Century French oak desk in the manner of Charles Dudouyt, circa 1940.

H 29.5 in W 43.25 in D 25.5 in
Italian Wooden Desk from the 60's
Located in bari, IT
Wooden desk from the measurements contained with chest of drawers, Italian, 60s.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Italian Wooden Desk from the 60's
Italian Wooden Desk from the 60's

Italian Wooden Desk from the 60's

H 31.11 in W 51.19 in D 35.44 in
Antique Horner School Oak S-Roll Top Desk C1910
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Ask About Lower In-House Shipping Rates - Reliable Service & Fully Insured*** An antique desk in the manner of Horner offers paneled oak construction with s-roll top opening to in...
Category

Early 20th Century French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique Horner School Oak S-Roll Top Desk C1910
Antique Horner School Oak S-Roll Top Desk C1910

Antique Horner School Oak S-Roll Top Desk C1910

H 50.5 in W 50 in D 32 in
Henredon French Provincial Louis XV Oak Writing Desk
By Henredon
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Provincial Louis XV style writing desk By Henredon USA, Circa 1960s Carved oak, with original brass hardware. Measures: 40"W x 24"D x 29.5"H. Ver...
Category

1960s American Vintage French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Henredon French Provincial Louis XV Oak Writing Desk
Henredon French Provincial Louis XV Oak Writing Desk

Henredon French Provincial Louis XV Oak Writing Desk

H 29.5 in W 40 in D 24 in
Stripped 19th Century French Oak Renaissance Style Table with Marble Top
Located in Dallas, TX
As is the case with most French Renaissance style furniture, this beautiful stripped oak table with marble top features elaborate sculptural ornamen...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal, Brass

Stripped 19th Century French Oak Renaissance Style Table with Marble Top
Stripped 19th Century French Oak Renaissance Style Table with Marble Top

Stripped 19th Century French Oak Renaissance Style Table with Marble Top

H 29.375 in W 37 in D 22 in
Mid-Century Green Wooden Desk by Derk Jan de Vries, The Netherlands 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-century green wooden desk by Derk Jan de Vries - The Netherlands 1960s With desk chair.
Category

1960s Vintage French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Wool

Mid-Century Green Wooden Desk by Derk Jan de Vries, The Netherlands 1960s
Mid-Century Green Wooden Desk by Derk Jan de Vries, The Netherlands 1960s

Mid-Century Green Wooden Desk by Derk Jan de Vries, The Netherlands 1960s

H 27.56 in W 39.38 in D 22.45 in
French Directoire Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage French directoire desk. Wonderful shape with inset green leather top. Great storage too. Add some French Architecture to your home.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

French Directoire Desk
French Directoire Desk

French Directoire Desk

H 31 in W 60 in D 30 in
Mid-Century Green Wooden Desk by Derk Jan de Vries - The Netherlands 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Green Wooden Desk by Derk Jan de Vries - The Netherlands 1960s.
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Green Wooden Desk by Derk Jan de Vries - The Netherlands 1960s
Mid-Century Green Wooden Desk by Derk Jan de Vries - The Netherlands 1960s

Mid-Century Green Wooden Desk by Derk Jan de Vries - The Netherlands 1960s

H 27.56 in W 39.38 in D 22.45 in
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Desk, Italy, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern wooden desk, Italy, 1960s.  
Category

1960s Italian Vintage French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Wooden Desk, Italy, 1960s
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Desk, Italy, 1960s

Mid-Century Modern Wooden Desk, Italy, 1960s

H 30.71 in W 50.01 in D 24.22 in
Previously Available Items
Turn of the Century French Wooden Desk
Located in High Point, NC
The unique design of this vintage wooden writing desk combines a distinguished character with charming eccentricity. Built in France at the...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Turn of the Century French Wooden Desk
Turn of the Century French Wooden Desk

Turn of the Century French Wooden Desk

H 47 in W 52.7 in D 37.1 in
1900s French Bleached Oak Desk
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden desk made in France, circa 1900. This desk is composed of a lower shelf, two drawers, and a sloped writing surface. The oak has been treated with a sensitive bleaching proce...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

1900s French Bleached Oak Desk
1900s French Bleached Oak Desk

1900s French Bleached Oak Desk

H 42.9 in W 47.2 in D 32.7 in
19th century French Oak Sofa Table Writing Desk Carved Black Forest Barley Twist
Located in Shreveport, LA
19th century French Oak Sofa Table Writing Desk Carved Black Forest Barley Twist. Direct from France, a lovely antique French writing desk or...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

19th century French Oak Sofa Table Writing Desk Carved Black Forest Barley Twist
19th century French Oak Sofa Table Writing Desk Carved Black Forest Barley Twist

19th century French Oak Sofa Table Writing Desk Carved Black Forest Barley Twist

H 29 in W 39 in D 23.5 in
1900s French Wooden Bistro Table
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden console table made in France, circa 1900. Gripping the floor with its large bracket feet connected by a metal side stretcher for the extra support, this original table boasts a pair of baluster legs that elevate a patinated mauve table...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

1900s French Wooden Bistro Table
1900s French Wooden Bistro Table

1900s French Wooden Bistro Table

H 30.3 in W 68.5 in D 20.5 in
Antique French Writing Desk Bureau Plat with Tiffany Blue Leather Top
Located in West Hartford, CT
Antique 19th century French writing desk has five dovetailed drawers and features a Tiffany blue colored leather top and a wonderful aged patina only acquired through its age and use.
Category

Early 1900s Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Fruitwood

Antique French Writing Desk Bureau Plat with Tiffany Blue Leather Top
Antique French Writing Desk Bureau Plat with Tiffany Blue Leather Top

Antique French Writing Desk Bureau Plat with Tiffany Blue Leather Top

H 39 in W 50 in D 28 in
1900s French Faux Bamboo Writing Table
Located in High Point, NC
This wooden occasional table was produced in France, circa 1900. A low bamboo and golden wheat wood table with a perfect tone match, this occasional table features a practical front ...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Faux Bamboo, Hardwood

1900s French Faux Bamboo Writing Table
1900s French Faux Bamboo Writing Table

1900s French Faux Bamboo Writing Table

H 29.1 in W 36.2 in D 26 in
1900s French Bamboo Desk
Located in High Point, NC
This one of a kind antique desk was produced in France, circa 1900. A wooden desk with a bamboo frame, this aerial piece recalls a scaffolding structure, balanced in an audacious com...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Wood

1900s French Bamboo Desk
1900s French Bamboo Desk

1900s French Bamboo Desk

H 20.9 in W 27.6 in L 20.9 in
1900s French Wooden Writing Table
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden occasional table from France, produced circa 1900. An antique multipurpose table in a dark wood with its original patination which features two sliding drawers with swinging...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

1900s French Wooden Writing Table
1900s French Wooden Writing Table

1900s French Wooden Writing Table

H 31.5 in W 47.4 in D 26.4 in
Turn of the Century French Country Pine Table
Located in High Point, NC
A pine table from France, circa 1900. A simple tabletop on four slim legs sits over a large drawer. Spacious and practical, the drawer pulls out with two wooden knobs. A slight splay...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Softwood

Turn of the Century French Country Pine Table
Turn of the Century French Country Pine Table

Turn of the Century French Country Pine Table

H 29.9 in W 35.4 in D 23.6 in
Antique Belgian Curly Pine Desk
Located in High Point, NC
A beautiful curly pine desk from Belgium, from early 1900s. Simple geometric shape is divided by frame and panels, a traditional construction technique which emphasises the unique pa...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Antique Belgian Curly Pine Desk
Antique Belgian Curly Pine Desk

Antique Belgian Curly Pine Desk

H 35.4 in W 54.3 in D 26.8 in
Antique French Bleached Oak Table
Located in High Point, NC
A simple oak table with center drawer, from France, circa 1900. Rustic yet refined, this oak table is crafted after the traditions of local craftsmen. Away from the capital, carpente...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique French Bleached Oak Table
Antique French Bleached Oak Table

Antique French Bleached Oak Table

H 30.3 in W 47.2 in D 27.2 in
Antique Patinated French Clawfoot Desk
Located in High Point, NC
A compact desk with flip top storage space and two doors. From turn of the century France, a beautiful rustic patina is complimented by wrought iron hardware and cast iron clawfeet. ...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Antique Patinated French Clawfoot Desk
Antique Patinated French Clawfoot Desk

Antique Patinated French Clawfoot Desk

H 37.4 in W 43.3 in D 20.9 in

French Provincial desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique French Provincial desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, 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, case pieces and storage cabinets, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used French Provincial desks and writing tables made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original desks and writing tables, popular names associated with this style include Baker Furniture Company, Camard, Dal Vera, and Dos Gallos Studio. 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 $675 and tops out at $30,579 while the average work can sell for $3,051.

Recently Viewed

View All

More Ways To Browse

Antique Victorian Pedestal Desk
Folding Table Drawers
Inlaid Walnut Writing Desk
George Iii Writing Desk
Desk Small Art Deco
Ormolu Small Table
Contemporary Desks With Drawers
Antique Walnut Veneer Writing Desk
Campaign Desks
All Marble Desk
Italian Walnut Modern Desk
Vintage White Desk With Drawers
Oak Desk Victorian
Antique Metal Legs For Tables
Antique Kneehole Writing Desk
Trestle Writing Table
Small Round Desk
Louis Xv Oak Table
View All Popular Desks and Writing Tables Searches