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Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

NEOCLASSICAL STYLE

Neoclassical design emerged in Europe in the 1750s, as the Age of Enlightenment reached full flower. Neoclassical furniture took its cues from the styles of ancient Rome and Athens: symmetrical, ordered, dignified forms with such details as tapered and fluted chair and table legs, backrest finials and scrolled arms.

Over a period of some 20 years, first in France and later in Britain, neoclassical design — also known as Louis XVI, or Louis Seize — would supersede the lithe and curvaceous Rococo or Louis XV style.

The first half of the 18th century had seen a rebirth of interest in classical antiquity. The "Grand Tour" of Europe, codified as a part of the proper education of a patrician gentleman, included an extended visit to Rome. Some ventured further, to sketch the ruins of ancient Greece. These drawings and others — particularly those derived from the surprising and rich archaeological discoveries in the 1730s and ’40s at the sites of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum — caused great excitement among intellectuals and aesthetes alike.

Neoclassical furniture is meant to reflect both grace and power. The overall appearance of neoclassical chairs, tables and cabinetry is strong and rectilinear. These pieces are, in effect, classical architecture in miniature: chair and table legs are shaped like columns; cabinets are constructed with elements that mirror friezes and pediments.

Yet neoclassicism is enlivened by gilt and silver leaf, marquetry, and carved and applied ornamental motifs based on Greek and Roman sculpture: acanthus leaves, garlands, laurel wreaths, sheaves of arrow, medallions and chair splats are carved in the shapes of lyres and urns. Ormolu — or elaborate bronze gilding — was essential to French design in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cornerstone of the neoclassical and Empire styles.

As you can see from the furniture on these pages, there is a bit of whimsy in such stately pieces — a touch of lightness that will always keep neoclassicism fresh.

Find antique neoclassical furniture today on 1stDibs.

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Style: Neoclassical
Italian NeoClassic Oak Parquetry Desk, Natural
Located in Westwood, NJ
An Italian NeoClassic style starburst pattern parquetry desk with tapered legs. It has one center drawer flanked by two smaller drawers with Verde Bronze finished handles. Shown in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

French Neoclassical Parma Console Table Hand Carved Handmade Portugal Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Parma console, Neoclassical collection, handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. A French Neoclassical style console table, Parma is handcarved in linden wood. An exclusive a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Onyx, Silver Leaf, Steel, Stainless Steel

English Neoclassical Style Mahogany Library Table or Writing Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic English library table or writing table hand-crafted from solid mahogany. The table features a large trestle base with Greco-Roman style corinthian column legs in the neoclas...
Category

20th Century English Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Nancy Corzine Neoclassical Giltwood & Black Marble Top Executive Desk
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Nancy Corzine Neoclassical Giltwood & Black Marble Top Executive Desk
Category

1990s Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble

18th Century Italian Neoclassical Walnut Writing Desk
Located in Carmine, TX
Stunning writing desk hand-made in Italy in the mid 1700s using walnut. This really is the mother of all Italian scrivanie (writing desks): its lines, details and overall look make i...
Category

Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Portable "Laptop" Desk with Storage Compartments and Inkwell
Located in Soquel, CA
Portable "Laptop" Desk with Storage Compartments and Inkwell Box with storage for paper, pens, ink, and other writing supplies. Multiple lids/compar...
Category

Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Hardwood

Neo-Classical R.J. Horner Style Desk / Table Green Leather Top & Dolphin Base
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a late 19th century Neo-classical R.J. Horner style ebonized desk with carved dolphin base and tooled green leather top. It has wonderful patina! The desk is very heavy and m...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Oak

Italian Neoclassical Bleached Walnut Desk
Located in Houston, TX
Italian neoclassical bleached walnut desk circa 1825-1845. 19th century walnut veneered desk with five drawers. Simple lines and squared legs in a...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf

Secretary Desk, Tambour Roll Top
Located in Clermont, FL
Secretary desk by Bombay Furniture Co. Beautiful veneer mahogany finish. Dated 2004. Table maintains it s sturdy structure, with good wood surface ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

French Empire style mahogany bronze mounted writing desk, leather top circa 1940
Located in Miami, FL
A French Empire style mahogany bronze mounted writing desk with leather top, circa 1940.
Category

Early 20th Century European Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Antique 19th Century Greek Key Mahogany Console Sideboard with Green Marble Top
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A rare beauty in a handsome mahogany base console or sideboard having neoclassical timeless Greek key design around the periphery, two recessed drawers, carved acanthus leaves on the...
Category

19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble

French Neoclassical Console Table Exilis Hand Carved Handmade Portugal
Located in Lisboa, PT
Console Exilis Neoclassical collection, handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. A French Neoclassical Style console table, Hand Carved in Linden Wood. An exclusive and sumpt...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Onyx, Steel, Silver Leaf, Stainless Steel

Early 20th-Century Neoclassical Writing Desk Inlaid with Brass
Located in Opole, PL
Early 20th-Century Neoclassical Writing Desk Inlaid with Brass We present you a Neoclassical writing desk from the early 20th century. It is...
Category

Early 20th Century European Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Danish 18th Century Writing Desk By Royal Architect C. F. Harsdorff
By Caspar Frederik Harsdorff
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
18th Century writing desk with five drawers. The desk is designed by the Danish royal neoclassical architect Caspar Frederik Harsdorff.
Category

Late 18th Century Danish Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Neoclassical Style Mahogany-Stained Wood and Leather-Lined Writing Table
Located in New York, NY
The tan leather-lined rectangular top over a frieze fitted with three drawers with brass pulls; raised on spiral-fluted tapering legs.
Category

Late 20th Century Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Restored 1970 Empire Desk: Light Walnut & Ebonized Finish with Green Leather Top
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the elegance of this vintage Empire desk, meticulously hand-crafted from wood and professionally restored by our in-house team. In great condition, the desk boasts a rectang...
Category

1970s European Vintage Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Dennis & Leen Belgian Louis XVI Neoclassical Style Library Table Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Exquisite library table or desk designed by Dennis & Leen Los Angeles, CA. Known as the Belgian Louis XVI table it features neoclassical style motifs on the apron and legs. Decorated...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

"Universal" Table from Thomas Sheraton's Design Book
Located in Stamford, CT
A "universal" table documented in the Thomas Sheraton's Design book. This mahogany table has two pullout leaves with a central tabletop that drops down. There are two drawers, one ha...
Category

19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Custom Made Metal Vanity or Desk by BH&A
Located in Sheffield, MA
Custom made and designed by us. this versatile modern and traditional styled piece can be used as end table, vanity, desk or dressing table. Table has distressed metal top insert and a drawer. Matching vanity stool available. Can work well in neoclassica, Hollywood Regency, neoclassical revival or modern setting. Size and finish to your specifications. Check with us for quote for other top inserts. Matching custom vanity stool...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

19th Century Neoclassical Style English Oak Library Table Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic 19th century English library table, writing table, or desk hand-crafted from oak. The table features a trestle style base with Greco-Roman corinthian columns in the neoclass...
Category

19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Primitive Antique Early American Country Farmhouse Slant Top School Writing Desk
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Primitive early American schoolhouse / country / farmhouse writing desk. Made of poplar featuring a slanted top and dovetailed joinery. ...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Poplar

Spanish Rustic Neoclassic Faded Walnut 1-Drawer Table, early 19th century
Located in Atlanta, GA
Having a three board top slightly overhanging the rectangular case, the case housing one drawer missing bottom left corner, the opposite side with decorative shaped wooden corners at...
Category

1810s Spanish Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique French Rustic Neoclassical Executive Desk ~ Conference Table
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Rustic Neoclassical Executive Desk ~ Conference Table was crafted on a truly grand scale from dense, old-growth oak which has been painstakingly stripped by our expert...
Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

1960s Hollywood Regency Neoclassical Revival Karges Writing Desk
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage 1960s Hollywood Regency desk for sale. Manufactured by Karges in the 1960s, and in beautiful vintage condition. Really special writing desk that ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

An 19th Century Italian Desk with Beautiful Detail
Located in New York, NY
An exceptionally beautiful Italian writing table with three drawers and a leather top pull-out writing surface. The desk is constructed in a walnut, with a lighter secondary wood. ...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Classic French Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
Classic French Black Desk with a tooled inset leather top writing surface, the ebonized and polished finish with brass trim and capitals, with frieze drawer and raised on square tape...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique Parquetry, Ormolu and Leather Bureau Plat by Ross
Located in London, GB
Antique parquetry, ormolu and leather bureau plat by Ross English, 19th Century Height 76cm, width 120cm, depth 69cm Made by the renowned English furniture maker Donald Ross, this desk is a demonstration of some of his finest work. The desk is decorated with the iconic dotted parquetry trellis, and the centre is inset with a brown leather panel. Gold, debossed detailing adorns the border of the leather panel, its soft texture providing a smooth surface on which to write. An ormolu border frames the desk table top, the four edges mounted with motifs of male bearded masks among acanthus leaves. Below are two lockable drawers, each one decorated in a similar manner to the desk table top. The pair of storage compartments are separated by a central ormolu mount cast in the form of flowing acanthus leaves and foliage garlands. Four tapering legs support the desk, each one terminating in socket castors marked ‘JC’. Ross’ masterpiece is also labelled with a brass label ‘KG 8913’. In the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London is a bedside table by Donald Ross of a very similar design to the desk in Mayfair Gallery...
Category

19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Neoclassical Style Gitwood & Ebonized Walnut Desk, Modern
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Neoclassical Style Gitwood & Ebonized Walnut Desk, Modern.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Neoclassical Style Parcel Gilt Carved Mahogany Library or Center Table
Located in Milford, NH
A beautiful example of a neoclassical style rectangle parcel gilt carved mahogany library, writing or center table with figured mahogany veneer top with rounded corners, two small do...
Category

19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Maitland Smith Neoclassical Black Leather and Bronze Desk
Located in Miami, FL
A very unique Neoclassical Maitland Smith desk of gold embossed black leather with gilded bronze lion paws and seraphim on each leg. There are two ...
Category

20th Century American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Vintage American Mahogany Escritoire Writing Desk
Located in Plainview, NY
A beautiful and timeless 1970's American escritoire desk. The writing desk is made of solid mahogany and is sturdy. The desk shows fine carving details and offers 5 regular drawers a...
Category

Late 20th Century Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

French 1940s Leather Top Mahogany Desk
Located in Buchanan, NY
Unusual and handsome mahogany French desk from the 1940s-1950s with a distressed leather top. There is one large central drawer as well as two side drawers on either side and the bac...
Category

1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Mahogany Wood “Architect Desk” Table, France, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Mahogany wood “architect desk” table, France, 19th century. On four solomonic legs with a central knot stands the table, which has two drawers on the skirt, some boards on the sides...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Other

French Neo Classic Inspired Modern Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
French neo classic inspired modern desk, enjoy your workspace as never before with this exquisite desk crafted of Fumed Figured Tiger Maple. The desktop is distinguished by an inset ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Italian NeoClassic Oak Parquetry Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
An Italian Neo-Classic style oak parquetry desk with a starburst patterned oak parquetry top to bottom. It has a central drawer flanked by two further additions. It rests on tapered ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

French Neoclassical Parma Console Table Hand Carved Handmade Portugal Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Parma Console, Neoclassical Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. A French Neoclassical style console table, Parma is han...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble

Traditional English Leather Top Black Lacquered Writing Desk
Located in North York, ON
Traditional English leather top black lacquered writing desk. Newly made in the USA with iconic English traditional styling. Featuring imported Italian burgundy leather top with a po...
Category

2010s American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

1800s Hancrafted Tall Slant Top Secretary Desk
Located in Germantown, MD
1800s Hancrafted tall slant top secretary desk. Wood appears to be flame maple. Solid dove tail joints. Turned legs and carved apron. Some wea...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

French Charles X Curule Leg Desk Writing Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stunning French Charles X curule leg desk featuring neoclassical empire style cues. Fronted by three drawers the case is decorated in the Charles X tas...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Small Neoclassical Desk, Northern Germany, 1810-20
Located in Belmont, MA
This small Neoclassical Desk or side table dates back to around 1810-20. the rectangular table has one drawer. It has a pretty mahogany veneer ...
Category

Early 19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Italian Neoclassic Oval Walnut Dining Table
Located in Dallas, TX
Amazing Italian neoclassic oval walnut dining table, recalling the glory days of ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, this stunning dining t...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Roller Blind Writing Desk Jerry, 1930s, Bohemia
Located in Prague 8, CZ
This so-called “American” roller blind desk was made in Bohemia by Jerry company in the 1930s. It is made of stained oak wood. This is one of the most int...
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Oak

19th Century American Birdseye Maple Desk
Located in New York, NY
American 19th Century Birdseye Maple Desk attributed to H. Stowell & Son Cabinet Makers, (1828-98) Vermont 1850-60. Beautiful writing desk consisting of three stepped upper panels (...
Category

1860s American Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birdseye Maple

Gorgeous Custom Bennetts Desk with Antiqued Painted Finish and Walnut Top
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Stunning custom Discoveries writing desk by Bennetts Furniture having an off-white antiqued painted dragged finish offset with rich walnut inlay ha...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Exceptional John Vesey Stainless Steel and Bronze Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Reminiscent of neoclassical French Louis XVI style with fluted columns-as-legs, bronze acanthus feet and corners embossed with gilt swag, this extraordinary and rare writing table is...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze, Stainless Steel

Maison Jansen Diminutive Bronze Mounted Writing Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Elegant mahogany and bronze mounted writing table by Maison Jansen. Features a diminutive size leather topped case covered with a pane of ...
Category

20th Century French Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

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 Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Italian Neoclassical Writing Table, 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
Fine quality 19th century Italian writing table of elegant proportions with amazing neoclassical details. A near-square burled walnut top is the perfect work surface and has a beauti...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Directoire Style Small Bureau Plat
Located in Sheffield, MA
Directoire Maison Jansen style desk. Label inside drawer inscribed "A. Alavoine and Co., NY and Paris." Leather inset writing surface, drawer ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Fine 19th Century French Neoclassical Style Amboyna and Gilt Bronze Mounted Writ
Located in Benington, Herts
An extremely fine and unusual French Amboyan and gilt bronze bureau plat - writing table inspired by the Neoclassical designs. French circa 1880-1900. A superb amboyna writing ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Classic by Carpanelli Zebrano Writing Desk
Located in Desio, IT
The structure of this elegant writing desk is solid wood plated with cherry-wood, zebrano, briar-wood and other precious woods. In the cylindrical...
Category

2010s Italian Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Small French Directoire Cherry Secretary, Cherry Stained, Cream Leather Pad
Located in Landivy, FR
This Secretary is a handmade modernized interpretation of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. This period is remarkable with its straight, classical and timel...
Category

2010s French Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood, Cherry, Lacquer

Vintage Neoclassical Dressing Table
Located in Sheffield, MA
The vintage neoclassical dressing table, vanity, desk or night table has gilt detailing, fluted legs, brass pulls and curved stretchers. Dr...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Table for Spanish Desk, Pine and Beech Tree Wood, Iron, 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Bargueñera table with spiral leg. Pine and beech wood, iron. Century XVIII. Rectangular board table made of pine wood and turned beech wood legs in the shape of spiral columns, whi...
Category

18th Century Spanish Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron, Other

Pair of Italian Burl Wood Writing Tables
Located in Atlanta, GA
Fabulous and intricate pair of 20th century neoclassical writing desks or side tables styled in burl wood veneers and string inlays. Each has a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Austrian Neoclassic Parquetry Pedestal Desk
Located in Essex, MA
Rectangular top over a long drawer flanked by small drawers over pedestals each with two drawers. Bracket feet. Finished all around in a design of inlay that gives a striped effect.
Category

Late 18th Century Austrian Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Neoclassical Italian Marquetry Cherry Table
Located in San Francisco, CA
A 18th century Italian marquetry Cherry table with a single drawer. Exquisitely handcrafted writing or gaming table, inlaid from it's top down it's legs that are slender and tapered...
Category

Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry

1930s Larkin Soap Secretary Desk
Located in Germantown, MD
Antique oak, slant front secretary made by Larkin. Measures 30.5" in width x 16" in depth x 46.5" in height. Good vintage condition with three functional drawers. Some wear and tear ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Neoclassical desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical 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, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical desks and writing tables made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States 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 Donald Ross, GF Modern, Greenapple, and John Vesey. 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 $674 and tops out at $138,000 while the average work can sell for $5,693.

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