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
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
French Leather Top Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
A French neoclassic style mahogany, cerejeira veneered and crossbanded writing desk, the rectangular burnished leather inlaid top above one long and one short frieze drawers, and an ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Wood
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
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
Writing Table, Mahogany, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Rectangular board table decorated with a strip of vegetal motifs on the outer edge, waist enhanced with carved bands with oval and vegetable motifs of classicist influence and legs d...
Category
19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
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
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
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
Classic by Carpanelli Zebrano Writing Desk
By Carpanelli
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
Litchfield Writing Desk in Cherry with Leather Inlay Top and Cock Beaded Drawers
Located in Tiverton, RI
The solid cherry Litchfield writing desk has a gold embossed inlaid leather top with country farmhouse style legs and 3 cock beaded drawers with antique brass bail pulls. The leather...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary North American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Baroque Figuerd Office Desk with Gold Leaf Details and Veneer by Modenese Luxury
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
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
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
Antique Classical American Philadelphia Desk in Mahogany with Double Pedestal
Located in Miami, FL
A very handsome and functional classical American bureau desk in dark Cuban mahogany, likely from Philadelphia. Offers three drawers along the apron, o...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Antique English Gilt Bronze and Marquetry Desk by 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 Victorian Marquetry Writing Desk by 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
Russian Neoclassic Mahogany Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
A large Russian neoclassic mahogany desk with brass trim and moldings, on square tapered and fluted legs.
Category
19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
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
Continental Neoclassic Writing Table
Located in New York, NY
Continental neoclassic walnut writing table with fall front fitted secretaire drawer on replaced legs (early 19th century and later).
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
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
Wood Console with Solid Top and Shaped Cylindrical Base
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Warren console shown is with solid wood top and shaped base - and can be utilized as a desk during these work at home times. All hand carved and finished in our shop in Brooklyn....
Category
2010s American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Wood Console Table with Solid Top and Round Base with Posts
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Tilden console shows form and function at it's best. A solid wood top with solid wood side opposite to a cylindrical base with posts - all carefully crafted and finished in New Y...
Category
2010s American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Late 18th Century Original Neoclassical Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Neoclassical desk from northern Sweden. The desk or table is in pine and from circa 1790. Original condition. Original and distressed paint from the late 1700s with marks of wear, se...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
John Vesey Stainless Steel Bronze Neoclassical Desk
By John Vesey
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Extraordinary mid-century modern stainless steel and bronze writing table, desk, or bureau plat designed by John Vesey (American 1924-1992). Made in the grand neoclassical French Lou...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Steel
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
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
Asa Pingree Physalia Desk in Walnut, White Oak, Ebonized Maple or Fog Gray Ash
By Asa Pingree
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The soft curves of the Physalia desk will feel equally smooth under your pen or your stockinged heels. The tabletop’s sturdy planks are joined together with loose tenons that will ma...
Category
2010s American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak, Ash, Maple, Walnut
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 superstructure with a pierced brass ga...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Bronze
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
Ormolu-Mounted Marquetry Roll-Top Desk Attributed to P. Bernard
By Jean-Henri Riesener
Located in London, GB
After the model by Jean-Henri Riesener (French, 1734-1806).
Of the Napoleon III period, in the Louis XVI style, with fruitwood and ebony inlaid in bois de citronnier, mahogany and amaranth, with a three-quarter galleried rectangular top above a roll-top, opening to reveal a leather-lined writing slide with four short drawers and five pigeon holes, the frieze centred by a push button drawer...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu
Mid-19th Century Austrian Country Tyrol Writing Table Desk, Solid Fir, Restored
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Mid-19th century Austrian country Tyrol writing table desk, solid fir, restored and wax-polished.
Measures cm: H 74, W 102, D 56.
Category
Mid-19th Century Austrian Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Fir
French Maison Jansen Style Steel and Bronze Table with Glass Top
Located in Houston, TX
French Maison Jansen style steel and bronze table, circa 1970. New glass top.
Category
1970s French Vintage Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze, Steel
Antique gilt bronze mounted occasional table with marquetry panels
Located in London, GB
This exquisite marquetry occasional table was crafted in France in the 19th Century, and fashioned in the Transitional style, incorporating both Neoclassical and Rococo elements. The...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Bureau or Desk, Rosewood, Wood, Metal, Jeanselme Fils Godin et Cie, 19th Century
By Jeanselme Pere & Fils
Located in Madrid, ES
Bureau or desk. Rosewood, wood, metal. Jeanselme Fils Godin et Cie, Paris, France, 19th century.
Stamped (signed).
Cover sample desk designed perhaps to go near a wall that has two...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
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, Bronze, Ormolu
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
Walnut, Leather, Pine
Custom 75" Table with Carved Lyre Mahogany Trestle Base and Inset Marble Top
Located in Miami, FL
Carved Honduran mahogany table with trestle base composed of two lyres embellished with acanthus leaves and joined by a stretcher, with inset Rosso Alicante marble...
Category
1970s American Vintage Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble
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
Russian Neoclassic Mahogany Lyre Writing Table
Located in New York, 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
19th Century Neoclassic Austrian Square Table Solid Walnut Restored Wax Polished
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Mid-1800 neoclassic Austrian square table in solid walnut restored and polished to wax
Measures cm: H 80, W 100, D 90
Suitable for furnishing any room in your home, kitchen, di...
Category
Mid-19th Century Austrian Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
French Neoclassical Regency Style Mahogany One-Drawer Lyre Desk Console Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Classical / Regency style mahogany lyre base one-drawer console table. Item features a mahogany wood frame, carved lyre form legs, stretcher base, single dovetail constructed...
Category
Early 20th Century European Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
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
Russian Neoclassic Mahogany Writing Table
By Ptorngren
Located in New York, 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 Walnut Marquetry Kidney Desk
Located in New York, 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
Galvanized Metal and Wood Writing Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unique writing desk is a rare find. The galvanized metal surface adds an industrial edge to a rustic American style. The unique surface provides a durable and practical workspac...
Category
19th Century Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
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
Baker Neoclassical Rosewood Petite Desk, Manor House Collection
Located in New York, NY
Baker Neoclassic style rosewood petite writing desk purchased from the Baker-Furniture in NYC in 1969. It is one of the pieces Baker selected for th...
Category
1960s North American Vintage Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
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
Circa 1900s Partners desk with original tooled leather top - Swedish birch
Located in London, GB
A very handsome and well proportioned partners desk from the 1900s. It is Swedish and made from a lovely warm honey coloured birch.
It has drawers on both sides so will free stand i...
Category
1920s Swedish Vintage Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
French Neoclassic Writing Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
A fine French neoclassic carved and inlaid top writing table. With a beautifully inlaid parquetry banded top, finely carved palmettes motifs to sides, acanthus carved and wrapped tur...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
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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