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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
Neoclassical Style Lacquered Burl Wood Desk
Located in Houston, TX
20th century lacquered burl wood desk with three drawers supported with black columns and gilded capitals. Measure: Leg clearance height 25".
Category

20th Century Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Giltwood, Burl

Neoclassical Style Lacquered Burl Wood Desk
Neoclassical Style Lacquered Burl Wood Desk

Neoclassical Style Lacquered Burl Wood Desk

$11,800
1930s Larkin Soap Secretary Desk
By Larkin & Co.
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

1930s Larkin Soap Secretary Desk
1930s Larkin Soap Secretary Desk

1930s Larkin Soap Secretary Desk

$1,116 Sale Price
46% Off
Antique Parquetry, Ormolu and Leather Bureau Plat by Ross
By Donald 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

Antique Parquetry, Ormolu and Leather Bureau Plat by Ross
Antique Parquetry, Ormolu and Leather Bureau Plat by Ross

Antique Parquetry, Ormolu and Leather Bureau Plat by Ross

$38,920
Antique French Neoclassic Two Drawer Inlaid Writing Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome 19th century French Restoration period writing desk handcrafted in exotic woods including mahogany and walnut having a top with four elmwood panels on a case with two drawer...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

Antique French Neoclassic Two Drawer Inlaid Writing Desk
Antique French Neoclassic Two Drawer Inlaid Writing Desk

Antique French Neoclassic Two Drawer Inlaid Writing Desk

$6,850
Neoclassical Style Mahogany Card, Dressing, and Writing Table
Located in London, GB
Neoclassical style mahogany card, dressing, and writing table French, 19th century Measures: Height 75cm, width 70cm, depth 45cm This charming table is an ingenious piece of des...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Neoclassical Style Mahogany Card, Dressing, and Writing Table
Neoclassical Style Mahogany Card, Dressing, and Writing Table

Neoclassical Style Mahogany Card, Dressing, and Writing Table

$11,815
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

19th Century American Birdseye Maple Desk
19th Century American Birdseye Maple Desk

19th Century American Birdseye Maple Desk

$14,000
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

Portable "Laptop" Desk with Storage Compartments and Inkwell
Portable "Laptop" Desk with Storage Compartments and Inkwell

Portable "Laptop" Desk with Storage Compartments and Inkwell

$1,660
Italian Neoclassical Marquetry Partner Desk, 1800
Located in El Monte, CA
This is a handsome Italian Neoclassical partner desk, crafted circa 1800, that features detailed marquetry work. The desktop features a central foliate inlay medallion that is framed...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Italian Neoclassical Marquetry Partner Desk, 1800
Italian Neoclassical Marquetry Partner Desk, 1800

Italian Neoclassical Marquetry Partner Desk, 1800

$11,000
19th Century Italian Writing Desk in Solid Walnut and Weneer Walnut, Restored
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Mid-19th century Italian writing desk in solid blond walnut and weneer walnut, restored and finished with shellac and wax; new top in real leather. Bottom of the drawers and back of ...
Category

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

Materials

Leather, Pine, Walnut

19th Century Italian Writing Desk in Solid Walnut and Weneer Walnut, Restored
19th Century Italian Writing Desk in Solid Walnut and Weneer Walnut, Restored

19th Century Italian Writing Desk in Solid Walnut and Weneer Walnut, Restored

$6,981
Neoclassical Marquetry Bureau De Dame in the Style of Giuseppe Maggiolini, Italy
Located in Dallas, TX
Italian Neoclassical style freestanding slant front desk, in the manner of Giuseppe Maggiolini, late 19th c. Exquisite marquetry veneer in rosewood, satinwood and other decorative woods. The rectangular top with inlaid marquetry foliate sits above a sloping fall front centered by a foliate cartouche and corner cartouches, the kneehole. Open to reveal a nicely fitted interior with an arrangement of open compartments flanked by two short drawers and an inlaid hinged writing surface. Below this there are two large graduated drawers. Side panels inlaid with conforming scrollwork all rising on four elegant squared tapering legs finished with the original brass castor cups. The shape and the inlaid designs are similar to those on pieces of furniture produced by Giuseppe Maggiolini (1738-1814), the foremost cabinet-maker in late 18th-century Milan. Maggiolini and his workshop specialized in marquetry scenes inspired by antiquity, based on drawings by late 18th-century artists and designers such as Andrea...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Neoclassical Marquetry Bureau De Dame in the Style of Giuseppe Maggiolini, Italy
Neoclassical Marquetry Bureau De Dame in the Style of Giuseppe Maggiolini, Italy

Neoclassical Marquetry Bureau De Dame in the Style of Giuseppe Maggiolini, Italy

$12,000
Russian Neoclassic Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Russian neoclassic style desk with brass details on the frieze in a classic diamond pattern influenced by 19th century Russian designs, with an i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Russian Neoclassic Desk
Russian Neoclassic Desk

Russian Neoclassic Desk

$8,475 / item
Neoclassical style chrome and brass desk. Italian work. Circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and chic neoclassical style desk is made of chrome and brass. The desk has fluted legs and brass crosses decorated the piece all around the top part. This is an Italia...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Neoclassical style chrome and brass desk. Italian work. Circa 1970
Neoclassical style chrome and brass desk. Italian work. Circa 1970

Neoclassical style chrome and brass desk. Italian work. Circa 1970

$4,571
19th Century Country Tirolean Desk, Solid & Turned Larch, Restored wax-polished
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Late 19th century country Tirolean Desk in solid and turned larch, original painted wrought iron handles and hinges, restored and wax-polished Measures cm: H 72, W 122, D 50.
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

19th Century Country Tirolean Desk, Solid & Turned Larch, Restored wax-polished
19th Century Country Tirolean Desk, Solid & Turned Larch, Restored wax-polished

19th Century Country Tirolean Desk, Solid & Turned Larch, Restored wax-polished

$2,766
Italian Parquetry Inlaid Writing Table Desk, 18th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
An exceptional parquetry inlaid writing table with Neoclassical designs, inlay with satinwood, black walnut, and fruitwood. Having a single center drawer, and supported on tapering l...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Fruitwood, Satinwood, Walnut

Italian Parquetry Inlaid Writing Table Desk, 18th Century
Italian Parquetry Inlaid Writing Table Desk, 18th Century

Italian Parquetry Inlaid Writing Table Desk, 18th Century

$12,800
Classical Faux Porphyry Library Table
Located in New York, NY
Classical faux porphyry library table Northern European, 19th century Measures: Height 31 1/4 in, width 47 1/4 in, depth 25 3/4 in. 2206.
Category

19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Classical Faux Porphyry Library Table
Classical Faux Porphyry Library Table

Classical Faux Porphyry Library Table

$18,500
French Neoclassical Parma Console Table Hand Carved Handmade Portugal Greenapple
By Greenapple, GF Modern
Located in Lisboa, PT
Neoclassical Parma Console Table, Neoclassical collection, handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. A French Neoclassical style console table, Parma is handcarved in linden wo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Onyx, Quartz, Travertine, Carrara Marble

French Neoclassical Parma Console Table Hand Carved Handmade Portugal Greenapple
French Neoclassical Parma Console Table Hand Carved Handmade Portugal Greenapple

French Neoclassical Parma Console Table Hand Carved Handmade Portugal Greenapple

$12,029 Sale Price
20% Off
French Neoclassical Console Table Exilis Hand Carved Handmade Portugal
By GF Modern, Greenapple
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, Silver Leaf

French Neoclassical Console Table Exilis Hand Carved Handmade Portugal
French Neoclassical Console Table Exilis Hand Carved Handmade Portugal

French Neoclassical Console Table Exilis Hand Carved Handmade Portugal

$17,803
French Neoclassical Parma Console Table Hand Carved Handmade Portugal Greenapple
By GF Modern, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Neoclassical Parma Console Table, Neoclassical collection, handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. A French Neoclassical style console ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Carrara Marble, Onyx, Quartz, Travertine

French Neoclassical Parma Console Table Hand Carved Handmade Portugal Greenapple
French Neoclassical Parma Console Table Hand Carved Handmade Portugal Greenapple

French Neoclassical Parma Console Table Hand Carved Handmade Portugal Greenapple

$12,029 Sale Price
20% Off
Period English Regency Desk or Sofa Table in Style of Thomas Hope
By Thomas Hope
Located in Essex, MA
Period English mahogany desk or sofa table in style of Thomas Hope Mahogany with figured mahogany inlays Original canopic figures in Egyptian Revival neoclassic Exquisitely carv...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Period English Regency Desk or Sofa Table in Style of Thomas Hope
Period English Regency Desk or Sofa Table in Style of Thomas Hope

Period English Regency Desk or Sofa Table in Style of Thomas Hope

$6,800
Russian Neoclassic Mahogany Writing Table
By Ptorngren
Located in Queens, NY
Russian Neoclassic (circa 1800) brass mounted mahogany writing table with green leather inset top above 3 frieze drawers, locks stamped "Ptorngren" or "PTGF".
Category

19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Russian Neoclassic Mahogany Writing Table
Russian Neoclassic Mahogany Writing Table

Russian Neoclassic Mahogany Writing Table

$33,500
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

Italian Neoclassical Writing Table, 19th Century
Italian Neoclassical Writing Table, 19th Century

Italian Neoclassical Writing Table, 19th Century

$3,950
Russian Neoclassic Mahogany Lyre Writing Table
Located in Queens, NY
Russian Neoclassic (18/19th Century) brass mounted mahogany writing table with oval top above a frieze drawer on lyre trestle supports joined by a stretcher.
Category

Early 19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Russian Neoclassic Mahogany Lyre Writing Table
Russian Neoclassic Mahogany Lyre Writing Table

Russian Neoclassic Mahogany Lyre Writing Table

$32,500
Russian Walnut Marquetry Kidney Desk
Located in Queens, NY
Russian style (18/19th Century) walnut kidney shaped desk with marquetry inlay and open design pedestal sides with a stretcher and drawer.
Category

19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Russian Walnut Marquetry Kidney Desk
Russian Walnut Marquetry Kidney Desk

Russian Walnut Marquetry Kidney Desk

$9,000
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

Other, Iron

Table for Spanish Desk, Pine and Beech Tree Wood, Iron, 18th Century
Table for Spanish Desk, Pine and Beech Tree Wood, Iron, 18th Century

Table for Spanish Desk, Pine and Beech Tree Wood, Iron, 18th Century

$3,127
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

Small Neoclassical Desk, Northern Germany, 1810-20
Small Neoclassical Desk, Northern Germany, 1810-20

Small Neoclassical Desk, Northern Germany, 1810-20

$5,300
Mixed Woods Marquetry Inlaid Writing Table, Northern Italian, Late 18th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
Fine Magilini style walnut and intricately inlaid fruitwood, walnut, black walnut, satinwood and rosewood center or writing table with one drawer on elegant tapering legs. Beautiful ...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mixed Woods Marquetry Inlaid Writing Table, Northern Italian, Late 18th Century
Mixed Woods Marquetry Inlaid Writing Table, Northern Italian, Late 18th Century

Mixed Woods Marquetry Inlaid Writing Table, Northern Italian, Late 18th Century

$22,000
Italian Venetian 18th Century Lady's Desk, Circa 1770
Located in CH
Italian Venetian 18th century lady's desk, Circa 1770 An Italian Neoclassical Venetian center room desk finished on all four sides. The surfac...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Italian Venetian 18th Century Lady's Desk, Circa 1770
Italian Venetian 18th Century Lady's Desk, Circa 1770

Italian Venetian 18th Century Lady's Desk, Circa 1770

$7,500
Louis XVI Style French Marquetry Roll Top Bureau De Damme
Located in London, by appointment only
A fine 19th century roll top bureau de damme in the Louis XVI style, with fine veneers and panels of floral and musical inspired marquetry, the superst...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Louis XVI Style French Marquetry Roll Top Bureau De Damme
Louis XVI Style French Marquetry Roll Top Bureau De Damme

Louis XVI Style French Marquetry Roll Top Bureau De Damme

$22,240
Antique English Victorian Marquetry Writing Desk by Donald Ross
By Edwards & Roberts, Donald Ross
Located in London, GB
Antique English Victorian marquetry writing desk by Donald Ross English, c. 1890 Measures: Height 75cm, width 108cm, depth 64cm This superb mahogany writing desk by Donald Ross ...
Category

1890s English Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Antique English Victorian Marquetry Writing Desk by Donald Ross
Antique English Victorian Marquetry Writing Desk by Donald Ross

Antique English Victorian Marquetry Writing Desk by Donald Ross

$44,480
Antique English Gilt Bronze and Marquetry Desk by Donald Ross
By Edwards & Roberts, Donald Ross
Located in London, GB
Antique English gilt bronze and marquetry desk by Donald Ross English, c. 1890 Measures: Height 75cm, width 108cm, depth 63cm This elegant mahogany writing desk by Donald Ross f...
Category

1890s English Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Antique English Gilt Bronze and Marquetry Desk by Donald Ross
Antique English Gilt Bronze and Marquetry Desk by Donald Ross

Antique English Gilt Bronze and Marquetry Desk by Donald Ross

$44,480
Baroque Figuerd Office Desk with Gold Leaf Details and Veneer by Modenese Luxury
By Modenese Gastone
Located in PADOVA, Italy
Furnish your presidential office with a top quality Italian desk from Modenese Gastone Luxury Interiors. This solid wood presidential desk features drawers with Blumotion soft-closin...
Category

2010s Italian Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Gold Leaf

Baroque Figuerd Office Desk with Gold Leaf Details and Veneer by Modenese Luxury
Baroque Figuerd Office Desk with Gold Leaf Details and Veneer by Modenese Luxury

Baroque Figuerd Office Desk with Gold Leaf Details and Veneer by Modenese Luxury

$16,546 / item
Antique French Gilt Bronze-Mounted Mahogany Side Table
By Jean-Henri Riesener
Located in London, GB
The beautiful neoclassical style designs of Jean-Henri Riesener (1735-1806), perhaps the most celebrated cabinetmaker of all time, are the inspiration for this wonderful antique side...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Ormolu, Bronze

Antique French Gilt Bronze-Mounted Mahogany Side Table
Antique French Gilt Bronze-Mounted Mahogany Side Table

Antique French Gilt Bronze-Mounted Mahogany Side Table

$13,205

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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