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Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

RENAISSANCE STYLE

Spanning an era of cultural rebirth in Europe that harkened back to antiquity, the Renaissance was a time of change in design. From the late 1400s to the early 1600s, Rome, Venice and Florence emerged as artistic centers through the expansion of global trade and a humanist belief in the arts being central to society. Antique Renaissance furniture was ornately carved from sturdy woods like walnut, its details standing out against the tapestries and stained glass adorning the walls.

Renaissance chests, which were frequently commissioned for marriages, were often decorated with gilding or painted elements. Those that were known as cassoni were crafted in shapes based on classical sarcophagi. As opposed to the medieval era, when furniture was pared down to the necessities, a wide range of Renaissance chairs, tables and cabinets were created for the home, and the designs regularly referenced ancient Rome.

Large torchères of the Renaissance era that were used as floor lamps were inspired by classical candelabras, while marble surfaces evoked frescoes. The inlaid boxes being imported from the Middle East informed the intarsia technique, which involved varying hues of wood in mosaic-like patterns, such as those by architect Giuliano da Maiano in the Florence Cathedral.

Tapestry-woven cushion covers accented the variety of Renaissance seating — from conversation to study chairs — while bookcases for secular use reflected the migration of culture and knowledge from the church into the home. The aesthetics of the Italian Renaissance later spread to France through the publishing of work by renowned designers, including Hugues Sambin and Jacques Androuet du Cerceau. Centuries later, the 19th-century Renaissance Revival would see a return to this influential style.

Find a collection of antique Renaissance case pieces, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Renaissance
Large Spanish Two Faces Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Center table
Located in Miami, FL
Handsome walnut library piece that can be used as a desk or Work table. Made of walnut having carved gadrooned and lyre legs and a stretcher made of iron. Carved on all sides . 19th...
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Large Spanish Two Faces Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Center table
Large Spanish Two Faces Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Center table

Large Spanish Two Faces Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Center table

Antique French Carved Oak Dolphin Library Table Desk Renaissance Gothic c1890
Located in Shreveport, LA
19th century French Carved Oak Dolphin Library table desk Renaissance Gothic. Direct from France, an elegant antique French carved ...
Category

1890s French Antique Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique French Carved Oak Dolphin Library Table Desk Renaissance Gothic c1890
Antique French Carved Oak Dolphin Library Table Desk Renaissance Gothic c1890

Antique French Carved Oak Dolphin Library Table Desk Renaissance Gothic c1890

19th Century Spanish Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Desk
Located in Miami, FL
Handsome oak library piece that can be used as a desk or Work table. Made of oak having carved gadrooned edges. A stretcher made of iron. Carved on all sides and five drawers ox bow ...
Category

Early 19th Century Spanish Antique Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

19th Century Spanish Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Desk
19th Century Spanish Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Desk

19th Century Spanish Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Desk

Late 19th Century French Henri II Style Walnut Writing Table or Desk with Drawer
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This late 19th century French Henri II Renaissance style hand pegged walnut writing table or side table is finished on all sides, allowing it to be placed in the center of a room. It...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Late 19th Century French Henri II Style Walnut Writing Table or Desk with Drawer
Late 19th Century French Henri II Style Walnut Writing Table or Desk with Drawer

Late 19th Century French Henri II Style Walnut Writing Table or Desk with Drawer

18th Large Spanish Dining or Desk Table with Carved Legs and Iron Stretcher
Located in Miami, FL
19th Spanish refectory desk table with solomonic legs and iron stretcher Original perfect condition Top table in perfect shape. Very heavy piece Between legs 81.10 in
Category

1790s Spanish Antique Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

18th Large Spanish Dining or Desk Table with Carved Legs and Iron Stretcher
18th Large Spanish Dining or Desk Table with Carved Legs and Iron Stretcher

18th Large Spanish Dining or Desk Table with Carved Legs and Iron Stretcher

Antique Italian Renaissance Library Table in Carved Walnut, 17th C. and Later
Located in Dallas, TX
Measuring over 7.5 feet long, this handsome Italian library table could function as a console or large desk. Originally hand-carved from walnut, the table has some elements that are ...
Category

17th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Iron

Antique Italian Renaissance Library Table in Carved Walnut, 17th C. and Later
Antique Italian Renaissance Library Table in Carved Walnut, 17th C. and Later

Antique Italian Renaissance Library Table in Carved Walnut, 17th C. and Later

Antique French Carved Oak Dolphin Library Table Desk Renaissance Gothic c1890
Located in Shreveport, LA
19th century French carved oak Dolphin library table desk Renaissance Gothic. Direct from France, an elegant antique French carved ...
Category

1890s French Antique Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique French Carved Oak Dolphin Library Table Desk Renaissance Gothic c1890
Antique French Carved Oak Dolphin Library Table Desk Renaissance Gothic c1890

Antique French Carved Oak Dolphin Library Table Desk Renaissance Gothic c1890

19th Century Spanish Two Faces Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Desk
Located in Miami, FL
Handsome oak library piece that can be used as a desk or Work table. Made of oak having carved gadrooned edges. A stretcher made of iron. Carved on all sides and five drawers ox bow ...
Category

Early 19th Century Spanish Antique Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

19th Century Spanish Two Faces Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Desk
19th Century Spanish Two Faces Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Desk

19th Century Spanish Two Faces Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Desk

Late 17th Century Spanish Renaissance Style Walnut Writing Table, Iron Stretcher
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This late 17th century Spanish Renaissance writing table is constructed of solid walnut and features an impressive 30-inch wide top made from a single plank of walnut. The top joins ...
Category

Late 17th Century French Antique Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Late 17th Century Spanish Renaissance Style Walnut Writing Table, Iron Stretcher
Late 17th Century Spanish Renaissance Style Walnut Writing Table, Iron Stretcher

Late 17th Century Spanish Renaissance Style Walnut Writing Table, Iron Stretcher

20th Century Spanish Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Desk
Located in Miami, FL
Handsome oak library piece that can be used as a desk or work table. Made of oak having carved gadrooned edges. A stretcher made of wood. Carved on all sides and three drawers, Early...
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

20th Century Spanish Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Desk
20th Century Spanish Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Desk

20th Century Spanish Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Desk

Antique Italian Carved Walnut Wood Table Console Desk
Located in Carimate, Como
A magnificent and impressive Italian antique walnut table with three full width shelves that can be opened from both sides with greatly carved and beveled top and beautiful carved tu...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique Italian Carved Walnut Wood Table Console Desk
Antique Italian Carved Walnut Wood Table Console Desk

Antique Italian Carved Walnut Wood Table Console Desk

Antique Italian Walnut Desk Side Table with Cabriole Carved Legs
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful antique Italian solid walnut side table with four beautiful walnut cabriole carved legs and detailed by the shaped corners, beveled top and central drawer with brass handle...
Category

20th Century Italian Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique Italian Walnut Desk Side Table with Cabriole Carved Legs
Antique Italian Walnut Desk Side Table with Cabriole Carved Legs

Antique Italian Walnut Desk Side Table with Cabriole Carved Legs

French Renaissance Style Library Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
A fine French Renaissance walnut carved library table. This elaborately carved table is a wonderful homage to the early European craftsman. The Fine table is decorated with carvi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

French Renaissance Style Library Table
French Renaissance Style Library Table

French Renaissance Style Library Table

19th Century Spanish Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Desk
Located in Miami, FL
Handsome oak library piece that can be used as a desk or Work table. Made of oak having carved gadrooned edges. Carved on all sides and five drawers ox bow ends, 19th century. Worka...
Category

Early 19th Century Spanish Antique Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

19th Century Spanish Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Desk
19th Century Spanish Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Desk

19th Century Spanish Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Desk

18th Large Spanish Dining or Desk Table with Solomonic Legs and Iron Stretcher
Located in Miami, FL
19th Spanish refectory desk table with solomonic legs and iron stretcher Original perfect condition Top table in perfect shape. Very heavy piece
Category

1790s Spanish Antique Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

18th Large Spanish Dining or Desk Table with Solomonic Legs and Iron Stretcher
18th Large Spanish Dining or Desk Table with Solomonic Legs and Iron Stretcher

18th Large Spanish Dining or Desk Table with Solomonic Legs and Iron Stretcher

Country Estate Partners Desk
Located in Annville, PA
Deceptively simple at first glance the Country Estate Partners Desk by Niagara Furniture is remarkably sophisticated in its attention to detail throughout. The top section of the des...
Category

2010s Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Country Estate Partners Desk
Country Estate Partners Desk

Country Estate Partners Desk

Large Spanish Two Faces Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Center table
Located in Miami, FL
Handsome walnut library piece that can be used as a desk or Work table. Made of walnut having carved gadrooned and lyre legs and a stretcher made of iron. Carved on all sides . 19th...
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Large Spanish Two Faces Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Center table
Large Spanish Two Faces Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Center table

Large Spanish Two Faces Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Center table

19th Century Spanish Two Faces Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Desk
Located in Miami, FL
Handsome oak library piece that can be used as a desk or Work table. Made of oak having carved gadrooned edges. A stretcher made of iron. Carved on all sides and five drawers ox bow ...
Category

Early 19th Century Spanish Antique Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

19th Century Spanish Two Faces Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Desk
19th Century Spanish Two Faces Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Desk

19th Century Spanish Two Faces Baroque Style Oak Library Table or Desk

Spanish Renaissance Style Walnut & Wrought Iron Vargueno
Located in Queens, NY
Spanish Renaissance style (17th Century and Later) wrought iron mounted walnut vargueno on later stand with a fall front enclosing 3 long drawers.
Category

17th Century Spanish Antique Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Spanish Renaissance Style Walnut & Wrought Iron Vargueno
Spanish Renaissance Style Walnut & Wrought Iron Vargueno

Spanish Renaissance Style Walnut & Wrought Iron Vargueno

Antique 19th C Spanish Renaissance Carved Oak Wood 2 Drawer Library Table Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique 19th C. Spanish Renaissance Carved Oak Wood 2 Drawer Library Table Writing Desk. Item features a scrolling cast iron stretcher base, 2 drawers (locks removed), carved paw fee...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Oak

Antique 19th C Spanish Renaissance Carved Oak Wood 2 Drawer Library Table Desk
Antique 19th C Spanish Renaissance Carved Oak Wood 2 Drawer Library Table Desk

Antique 19th C Spanish Renaissance Carved Oak Wood 2 Drawer Library Table Desk

20th Century Spanish Walnut Side Table or Console Table with Triple Leg
Located in Miami, FL
Handsome walnut table that can be used as a center table ,side or console table. Fluted legs in each side and wood stretcher.
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

20th Century Spanish Walnut Side Table or Console Table with Triple Leg
20th Century Spanish Walnut Side Table or Console Table with Triple Leg

20th Century Spanish Walnut Side Table or Console Table with Triple Leg

Early 17th Century Spanish Walnut Folding Center Table
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This particular type of table was invented by 16th century Spanish cabinetmakers. This elegant table can easily be taken apart. Its rectangular top is assembled to the legs with i...
Category

Early 17th Century Spanish Antique Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Early 17th Century Spanish Walnut Folding Center Table
Early 17th Century Spanish Walnut Folding Center Table

Early 17th Century Spanish Walnut Folding Center Table

Exceptional Early 17th Century Spanish Walnut Vargueno Desk on Stand
Located in Benington, Herts
An exceptionally fine example of an early 17th Century Spanish renaissance walnut vargueno / bargueno escritorio writing desk on trestle stand. Sp...
Category

17th Century Spanish Antique Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Exceptional Early 17th Century Spanish Walnut Vargueno Desk on Stand
Exceptional Early 17th Century Spanish Walnut Vargueno Desk on Stand

Exceptional Early 17th Century Spanish Walnut Vargueno Desk on Stand

Antique Italian Tuscan Renaissance Refectory Style Hand Crafted Oak Farm Table
Located in Encinitas, CA
Antique Italian Tuscan Renaissance refectory style handcrafted oak farm table. Nice small functional table for kitchen or home office handcrafted i...
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Antique Italian Tuscan Renaissance Refectory Style Hand Crafted Oak Farm Table
Antique Italian Tuscan Renaissance Refectory Style Hand Crafted Oak Farm Table

Antique Italian Tuscan Renaissance Refectory Style Hand Crafted Oak Farm Table

Antique Swiss Renaissance Merchants or Bankers Table Made in Pine and Fruitwood
Located in Casteren, NL
This beautiful bankers table or merchants table originates in Switzerland and dates circa 1800. The tabletop and drawer were made from fruitwood, the legs are pine. The drawer's fron...
Category

Early 19th Century Swiss Antique Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Fruitwood, Pine

Antique Swiss Renaissance Merchants or Bankers Table Made in Pine and Fruitwood
Antique Swiss Renaissance Merchants or Bankers Table Made in Pine and Fruitwood

Antique Swiss Renaissance Merchants or Bankers Table Made in Pine and Fruitwood

Small European Renaissance Style Dining Table or Writing Desk in Oak
Located in Miami, FL
A handsome table in oak with beautifully-carved trestle base and stretcher. Note: You should always request a shipping quote. Quoted amounts are an estimate of what it might cost to ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Small European Renaissance Style Dining Table or Writing Desk in Oak
Small European Renaissance Style Dining Table or Writing Desk in Oak

Small European Renaissance Style Dining Table or Writing Desk in Oak

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 Renaissance 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

Oak Renaissance Cabinet, 1600 Unikat
Located in Kraków, Małopolska
Cabinet We present you a unique Renaissance Cabinet from the sixteenth century, Kabinet comes from Germany. It is made of oak. Cabinet is a box furniture, it consists of an upper c...
Category

16th Century German Antique Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Oak Renaissance Cabinet, 1600 Unikat
Oak Renaissance Cabinet, 1600 Unikat

Oak Renaissance Cabinet, 1600 Unikat

Antique Petite French Carved Oak Dolphin Table Desk Renaissance Gothic 19th C
Located in Shreveport, LA
Antique Petite French carved oak dolphin table desk Renaissance Gothic 19th c ~Direct from France~ An elegant antique French carved library table or "bure...
Category

19th Century French Antique Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique Petite French Carved Oak Dolphin Table Desk Renaissance Gothic 19th C
Antique Petite French Carved Oak Dolphin Table Desk Renaissance Gothic 19th C

Antique Petite French Carved Oak Dolphin Table Desk Renaissance Gothic 19th C

Antique Italian Renaissance Revival Walnut Figural Library Table Writing Desk 52
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Neo-Renaissance Revival parlor / library table or writing desk, circa 1870s Made of walnut featuring Neoclassical styling with high relief figural carvings of cherubs / putti...
Category

1870s Antique Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Italian Renaissance Revival Walnut Figural Library Table Writing Desk 52
Antique Italian Renaissance Revival Walnut Figural Library Table Writing Desk 52

Antique Italian Renaissance Revival Walnut Figural Library Table Writing Desk 52

Table, Centre, Dining, Writing, Walnut, Octagonal, French, Renaissance
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
- This table is a rare and attractive octagonal form with characteristic Renaissance legs. - It can serve as centre, dining or writing table. - The...
Category

1620s French Antique Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Table, Centre, Dining, Writing, Walnut, Octagonal, French, Renaissance
Table, Centre, Dining, Writing, Walnut, Octagonal, French, Renaissance

Table, Centre, Dining, Writing, Walnut, Octagonal, French, Renaissance

An attractive Italian 19th century Oak trestle table/desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An attractive Italian 19th century Oak trestle table/desk. The honey colored Oak table is raised by slanted pierced supports with scrolled designs and a bottom central 'Fleur d...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

An attractive Italian 19th century Oak trestle table/desk
An attractive Italian 19th century Oak trestle table/desk

An attractive Italian 19th century Oak trestle table/desk

Mid-19th Century Tuscan Renaissance Antique Table Desk Hand Carved Solid Walnut
By Dini & Puccini
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Tuscany Renaissance antique table desk in hand carved solid walnut, restored and wax-polished, 1850 circa. This type of table was born during the C...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Mid-19th Century Tuscan Renaissance Antique Table Desk Hand Carved Solid Walnut
Mid-19th Century Tuscan Renaissance Antique Table Desk Hand Carved Solid Walnut

Mid-19th Century Tuscan Renaissance Antique Table Desk Hand Carved Solid Walnut

19th Century French Renaissance Desk with Three drawers
Located in Miami, FL
19th Century French Renaissance desk with dolphins is a remarkably sculpted work with fully carved apron all around, making it a great choice for placement in the center of the room ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

19th Century French Renaissance Desk with Three drawers
19th Century French Renaissance Desk with Three drawers

19th Century French Renaissance Desk with Three drawers

English Renaissance Walnut Table Desk
Located in Queens, NY
English Renaissance (17th Century) walnut table desk with spool legs and 2 drawers with stretcher.
Category

Early 17th Century English Antique Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

English Renaissance Walnut Table Desk
English Renaissance Walnut Table Desk

English Renaissance Walnut Table Desk

Carved desk from Spain with hand carving and iron stretcher
Located in Houston, TX
The exceptional wood used in this piece reflects great Quality. The craftsmanship executed is also Very good. It has a gadrooned edge and the top has No marks or problems. It has a ...
Category

Late 19th Century Spanish Antique Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Carved desk from Spain with hand carving and iron stretcher
Carved desk from Spain with hand carving and iron stretcher

Carved desk from Spain with hand carving and iron stretcher

17th Century Spanish Walnut Table
Located in Brussels, Brussels
a fine Spanish table in walnut from the 17th century from the Renaissance period Table that can be used as a desk, dining room table or large console which has the great advantage o...
Category

17th Century Spanish Antique Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

17th Century Spanish Walnut Table
17th Century Spanish Walnut Table

17th Century Spanish Walnut Table

Walnut Table "a lira" - Tuscany, 17th century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Walnut Table "a lira" - Tuscany, XVII century Table “a lira” Walnut Tuscany, XVIIth century 71 X 90 X 49,5 cm Beautiful patina.
Category

17th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Walnut Table "a lira" - Tuscany, 17th century
Walnut Table "a lira" - Tuscany, 17th century

Walnut Table "a lira" - Tuscany, 17th century

18th Century Italian Walnut Desk and Three Chairs
Located in Hixson, TN
A marvelous 18th century Italian writing table with the three chairs from Florence, Italy. This desk is an example of country Italian furniture. Simple but elegant. Strong but utilit...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

18th Century Italian Walnut Desk and Three Chairs
18th Century Italian Walnut Desk and Three Chairs

18th Century Italian Walnut Desk and Three Chairs

Italian Renaissance Revival Library Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian Renaissance Revival Library table, Mid/late 19th century In satinwood, burl, ebony, and other timber with marquetry veneer...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ebony, Satinwood, Burl

Italian Renaissance Revival Library Table
Italian Renaissance Revival Library Table

Italian Renaissance Revival Library Table

English Renaissance Walnut Console Table
Located in Queens, NY
English Renaissance-style (19th Century) walnut carved console table with drawer and stretcher on turned legs.
Category

19th Century English Antique Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

English Renaissance Walnut Console Table
English Renaissance Walnut Console Table

English Renaissance Walnut Console Table

Renaissance desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Renaissance 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, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, walnut and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Renaissance desks and writing tables made in a specific country, there are Europe, Spain, and France 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 $1,495 and tops out at $87,912 while the average work can sell for $4,957.

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