Small Writing Desks
to
34
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
385
345
702
34
5
179
33
33
28
24
24
23
20
17
7
6
5
4
3
3
2
1
1
50
229
423
39
69
280
26
9
5
11
31
28
95
59
14
1
3
605
192
119
107
101
598
190
150
112
87
740
708
711
11
10
8
6
5
Sort By
Vintage French Louis XV Style Marquetry Inlay Bronze Ormolu Small Writing Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Louis XV style marquetry inlay bronze ormolu small writing desk. Item features
Category
Mid-20th Century Spanish Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass, Satinwood
H 37.5 in W 28.5 in D 19.5 in
Italian Small Writing Desk in Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Small writing desk, mahogany, brass, Italy, 1950s.
Sculptural Italian desk with beautiful curved
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Tables
Materials
Brass
French Louis XV Small Writing Desk With Leather Top Pullout
Located in West Hartford, CT
This French Louis XV petite desk embodies the elegance of 18th-century French craftsmanship
Category
Early 20th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Rare Exquisite Maple Small Writing Desk or Dressing Table with White Marble
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Exquisite and rare versatile writing desk or dressing table of lively grained maple having inlay
Category
Antique 19th Century French Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble
Small Wooden Writing Desk with Metal Structure, Italy, 1960s
Located in Madrid, ES
Small writing desk of wood and metal, Formica table top. Front of the two drawers painted in black
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
1800s New England Pine Writing Desk
Located in Germantown, MD
Small writing desk from the 1800s in New England. Original patina. Good steady condition
Category
Mid-20th Century American American Colonial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Antique French Louis XV Style Bronze Mount Marquetry Inlay 1 Drawer Writing Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Louis XV Style Bronze Mounted Marquetry Inlay One Drawer Small Writing Desk. Item
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
H 28.5 in W 31.5 in D 19.5 in
19th Century Transition-Style Writing Desk from the Napoleon III Period
Located in NICE, FR
This small writing desk from the 19th century is crafted in rosewood with inserted brass fillets
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
H 28.35 in W 33.86 in D 18.9 in
Italian Midcentury Desk/Dressing Table Attributed Carlo de Carli, Italy 1950
By Carlo De Carli
Located in London, GB
An Italian designed small writing desk in walnut,. Fantastic proportions on sculptural legs
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
H 27.56 in W 36.62 in D 17.72 in
Italian Occasional Table with Floral Medallion Inlay Adorning Top, Early 19th C
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian occasional table or small writing desk from the early 19th century. This antique table
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
H 30.5 in W 34 in D 28 in
18th Century Louis XV Walnut Table or Ladies Desk
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
walnut, and opening with a single apron drawer, it would make a fabulous end table, or small writing desk
Category
Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Modern Black Lacquer Occasional Table
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
design feature of the mid-century.
This piece would work well as a small writing desk or as a side
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Louis XV Style Tall Standing Desk / Table by Alfred Emmanuel Louis Beurdley
By Alfred Emmanuel Louis Beurdeley
Located in Dallas, TX
a Louis XV style Second Empire (Napoleon III) small writing desk / table (lectern, stand, or podium
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
H 47.5 in W 29.5 in D 22 in
18th Century Provencal Hand Carved Walnut Wood Antique Writing Desk Side Table
Located in West Hollywood, CA
table or small writing desk.
These tables were special commission at the time for either “un Mas
Category
Antique 18th Century French Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
H 29.5 in W 34.5 in D 24 in
Spanish 19th C. Desk or Console Table with Beautiful Lyre-Carved Legs
Located in Atlanta, GA
an attractive console, entry table, or a small writing desk.
Category
Antique 19th Century Spanish Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Smaller secession writing desk
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Smaller secession writing desk in very nice original condition.
Category
Vintage 1910s Hungarian Jugendstil Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
writing desk model Roman Small
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Roman is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian functionalism.
Entirely made in France, each piece is individually produced according to you...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writi...
Materials
Walnut
writing desk model Roman Small
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Roman is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian functionalism.
Entirely made in France, each piece is individually produced according to you...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writi...
Materials
Oak
Small Wooden Italian Writing Desk with Brass Details
Located in Madrid, ES
Writing desk made in Italy, circa 1960s. The desk has been partially restored and has a tabletop
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Direttorio Writing Desk
By Morelato
Located in Milan, IT
Strict and classic lines for the small and large Direttorio Writing desks. Pieces, which combine
Category
2010s Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Leather
Italian Antique Walnut Rustic Small Console Table Desk Writing Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Very charming and elegant Italian small antique console table or desk writing table with stylish
Category
20th Century Italian Rustic Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Italian Antique Walnut Rustic Small Console Table Desk Writing Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Very charming and elegant Italian small antique console table or desk writing table with stylish
Category
20th Century Italian Rustic Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
H 30.32 in W 24.41 in D 16.54 in
Small Teak "Varie" Writing Desk By Arne Wahl Iversen
By IKEA, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark
Designer: Arne Wahl Iversen
Manufacturer: IKEA
Era: 1960s
Materials: Teak
Measurements: 39.5 wide x 17.75 deep x 29.5 tall.
Condition: In excellent original c...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Small English Victorian Inlaid Mahogany Writing Table / Desk c.1900
Located in Leicester, GB
A beautiful small English Victorian mahogany writing table. An elegant fitted desk from the earlier
Category
Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Small Antique Kneehole Desk, English, Writing Table, Georgian Revival, Edwardian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a small antique kneehole desk. An English, mahogany writing table with Georgian revival
Category
Early 20th Century British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
H 27.37 in W 31.3 in D 13.78 in
Small Ladies' Writing Desk From the Early 20th Century in Brown
Located in Opole, PL
Small Ladies' Writing Desk From the Early 20th Century in Brown
A small, simple ladies' writing
Category
Early 20th Century British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Fabric, Wood
1960s Italian Art Deco Midcentury Walnut Brass Small Desk Writing Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant Italian Art Deco Mid-Century Modern small desk or writing table secretaire, in
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
H 27.56 in W 35.44 in D 16.54 in
Zanotta Small Quaderna Table/Writing Desk in White Plastic Laminate, Superstudio
By Superstudio, Zanotta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Small Quaderna Table/Writing Desk in White Plastic Laminate, Superstudio
Honeycomb core
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Plastic
H 75 in W 180 in D 90 in
Vintage Brandt Flip Top Piano Style Small Wooden Writing Desk Table
By Brandt
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage brandt flip top Piano style small wooden writing desk table. Item features rolling casters
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Antique very fine quality small 19th Century mahogany writing side table desk
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique very fine quality small 19th Century mahogany writing side table desk. Lovely age colour
Category
Antique 19th Century Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
H 28.75 in W 20.08 in D 16.93 in
Antique French Cherry Wood Kitchen Table or Small Desk or Writing Table Restored
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Country French Small kitchen table or nice size small writing table or desk. Single drawer
Category
Antique 1890s French Country Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Cherry
H 30.5 in W 53.13 in D 32.75 in
Italian Smaller-Sized Table or Writing Desk w/Shapely Hourglass Legs, 19th C.
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian small sized table, or writing desk, from the 19th century. This antique table from Italy
Category
Antique 19th Century Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
H 30.5 in W 32 in D 20.5 in
Small Functionalist Desk
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Small functionalist desk around 1930s professionally stained and repolished.
Category
Vintage 1930s Slovak Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Small Campaign Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Campaign style mahogany campaign desk, the circular crossbanded molded edge top hinged and
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Small art deco desk
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Small art deco desk. Professionally stained and repolished.
Category
Vintage 1930s Czech Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Beech
Antique Mahogany Ladies Writing Desk Table France
Located in Munich, DE
This charming small ladies writing desk – so called 'Écritoire de Dames' was made in France circa
Category
Antique 1890s French Belle Époque Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
20th Century Inlaid Wood French Writing Desk, 1920s
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
Small French writing desk from the early 20th century. Furniture finished from the center inlaid in
Category
Vintage 1920s French Napoleon III Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Sears Roebuck & co., Writing Desk, Oak, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A small solid oak writing desk from the "Harmony House Ranch-Mode"-series, designed and produced by
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Small French Louis XVI Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
home offices, bedrooms, or sophisticated writing nooks, this desk infuses any space with enduring
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Small William and Mary walnut tripod writing table
Located in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
Small William and Mary walnut, crossbanded and featherbanded tripod writing table
The rectangular
Category
Antique 1680s English William and Mary Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Wood Small Desk by Goons
Located in Geneve, CH
Wood small desk by Goons
Dimensions: W 80 x D 50 x H 74 cm
Materials: Wood
Dimensions can be
Category
2010s French Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Thick Glass Top Glass Base Writing Table Compact Desk
By Pace Collection
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Slick Mid-Century Modern all thick 3/4" glass design writing table or small desk.
Category
20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Glass
Small Lady's Desk, English Regency 1830
Located in Belmont, MA
This beautiful small lady's desk comes from England and was made during the Regency period around
Category
Antique 1820s English Restauration Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Kingwood
19th Century Small Empire Desk, France
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
Small Empire Desk, France, 1840
A simple yet elegant Empire-style desk, crafted in 1840. Made of
Category
Antique 1840s Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Small Gui Desk by Estudio Prosa
Located in Geneve, CH
Small Gui Desk by Estudio Prosa
Dimensions: W 124 x D 60 x H 78 cm
Materials: Wood.
The Prosa
Category
2010s Brazilian Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Small Mahogany Pedestal Desk 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
elegant mahogany pedestal desk from the 19th century from England
Very beautiful pedestal desk
Category
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Fine Quality Mahogany Writing Card Table Desk Side Dressing
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
, writing table or desk with a drawer, but has the added benefit of converting into a baize covered card
Category
Early 20th Century Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Small desk in solid sapele – France 1960
Located in Girona, Girona
Small desk in solid sapele with waxed finishing and original burgundy red formica, chrome bar on
Category
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Formica, Sapele Wood
Small 19th Century Desk With Straight Legs
Located in Brussels, Brussels
lovely little chestnut desk or table from the 19th century
very beautiful top with a beautiful
Category
Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chestnut
Small George III Mahogany Roll Top Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
A small George III roll top desk with tambour front. Mahogany with satinwood inlay around drawers
Category
Antique Late 18th Century English George III Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
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
Category
Antique Early 19th Century German Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Elegant Italian Small Desk in Cherry and Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Writing desk, cherry, mahogany, brass, formica, Italy, 1950s
Very elegant desk made in Italy in
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
19th Century English Regency Painted Gesso Gilded Distressed Small Writing Table
Located in Norwich, GB
19th Century English Regency painted & gilt gesso distressed small writing table. Circa 1820.
The
Category
Antique Early 19th Century British Regency Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Gesso, Pine, Paint
H 28.94 in W 29.73 in D 18.9 in
Italian Antique Walnut Rustic Table Desk Writing Table with Portoro Marble Top
Located in Carimate, Como
Very charming and elegant small Italian antique desk writing table or console table with stylish
Category
20th Century Italian Rustic Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Brass
H 30.71 in W 38.19 in D 15.75 in
Midcentury Italian Small Desk 1960s Gio Ponti Style
By Gio Ponti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Italian midcentury small desk in style of Gio Ponti.
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
20th Century Italian Small Mahogany Schirolli Mantova Writing Table by Gio Ponti
By Gio Ponti, Schirolli
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
formica top and three drawers, each featuring a manufacturer label. The small freestanding desk has four
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Laminate, Formica, Mahogany
H 30.75 in W 43.25 in D 25.5 in
1950s Elegant Italian Small Desk in Ash and Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Writing desk, ash, walnut, brass, formica, Italy, 1950s
Very elegant desk made in Italy in the
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ash, Walnut
1960s Italian Art Deco Mid-Century Walnut Brass Glass Top Desk Writing Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant Italian Mid-Century Modern small desk or writing table with stylish legs and veneer
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
H 30.32 in W 31.89 in D 19.3 in
1940's Small elegant desk with extraordinary side uprights
By Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Milano, IT
COD-2791
Guglielmo Ulrich (1904 -1977)
Small elegant desk with extraordinary side uprights, four
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
1960s Italian Art Deco Mid-century Walnut Brass Glass Top Desk Writing Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant Italian Art Deco Mid-Century Modern small desk or writing table with 4 beautifully
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
H 31.89 in W 36.23 in D 20.08 in
- 1
- ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Small Writing Desks", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.
Small Writing Desks For Sale on 1stDibs
An assortment of small writing desks is available at 1stDibs. The range of distinct small writing desks — often made from wood, metal and steel — can elevate any home. There are 209 antique and vintage small writing desks for sale at 1stDibs, while we also have 17 modern editions to choose from as well. Small writing desks have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. Small writing desks made by Mid-Century Modern designers — as well as those associated with Victorian — are very popular at 1stDibs. Large small writing desks can prove too imposing for some spaces, so the smaller small writing desks available at 1stDibs — each spanning 19.69 inches in width — may make for a better choice. Many small writing desks are appealing in their simplicity, but Matthias Demacker, Jean Pauchard and Tolix produced popular small writing desks that are worth a look.
How Much are Small Writing Desks?
Prices for small writing desks can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, small writing desks begin at $325 and can go as high as $18,000, while the average can fetch as much as $2,477.
Finding the Right Desks And Writing Tables for You
Choosing the perfect writing desk or writing table is a profoundly personal journey, one that people have been embarking upon for centuries.
Queen Atossa of Persia, from her writing table circa 500 B.C., is said to have been the originator of the art of handwritten letters. Hers was reportedly the first in a long and colorful history of penned correspondence that grew in popularity alongside literacy. The demand for suitable writing desks, which would serve the composer of the letters as well as ensure the comfort of the recipient naturally followed, and the design of these necessary furnishings has evolved throughout history.
Once people began to seek freedom from the outwardly ornate styles of the walnut and rosewood writing desks and drafting tables introduced in the name of Queen Victoria and King Louis XV, radical shifts occurred, such as those that materialized during the Art Nouveau period, when designers longed to produce furniture inspired by the natural world’s beauty. A prime example is the work of the famous late-19th-century Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí — his rolltop desk featured deep side drawers and was adorned with carved motifs that paid tribute to nature. Gaudí regularly combined structural precision with decorative elements, creating beautiful pieces of furniture in wood and metal.
Soon afterward, preferences for sleek, geometric, stylized forms in furniture that saw an emphasis on natural wood grains and traditional craftsmanship took hold. Today, Art Deco desks are still favored by designers who seek to infuse interiors with an air of luxury. One of the most prominent figures of the Art Deco movement was French decorator and furniture designer Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann. With his use of neoclassical motifs as well as expensive and exotic materials such as imported dark woods and inlays of precious metals for his writing desks, Ruhlmann came to symbolize good taste and modernity.
The rise in appreciation for Scandinavian modernism continues to influence the design of contemporary writing desks. It employs the “no fuss” or “less is more” approach to creating a tasteful, sophisticated space. Sweden’s master cabinetmaker Bruno Mathsson created gallery-worthy designs that are as functional as they are beautiful. Finnish architect Alvar Aalto never viewed himself as an artist, but, like Mathsson, his furniture designs reflected a fondness for organic materials and a humanistic approach. Danish designers such as Hans Wegner introduced elegant shapes and lines to mid-century desks and writing tables, often working in oak and solid teak.
From vintage desks to contemporary styles, 1stDibs offers a broad spectrum of choices for conducting all personal and business writing and reading activities.
Questions About Small Writing Desks
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A small writing table is also called a davenport table or davenport desk. They normally feature a sloped or inclined top attached with hinges to the back of the table. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage davenport desks.
- What is a writing desk?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
A writing desk may refer to a desk with a top, often sloping, for writing on or to a portable case with compartments to hold writing materials and a surface for writing.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A writing desk with drawers is also called a secretary. It is a desk with drawers, one of which can be pushed out and the front of the desk lowered to create a flat writing surface. These writing desks have been made in a variety of styles over the years. Shop for a variety of writing tables with drawers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023What an old-fashioned writing desk is called varies by design. Pieces with drop-down fronts are secretary desks (these are typically made of two parts: a chest of drawers on the bottom and a hutch or cupboard with shelves on the top), while ones that rest on two pillars, cabinets or bookcases are pedestal desks. A desk with a small writing surface positioned in front of drawers and cubbies is a bureau à gradin. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of desks.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023In French, the term for a writing desk that often featured a drop-down writing surface is secretaire. This type of desk is called a secretary desk in English. Simply put, a secretary desk is a multifunctional piece of furniture with a hinged writing surface that folds open or drops down. When the leaf is folded out, small inner storage compartments, which are called pigeonholes, cubbies, recesses or drawers, are revealed. On 1stDibs, shop antique secretary desks from some of the world's top sellers.
Read More
20 Inviting Dining Rooms Perfectly Arranged for Entertaining
Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.
This Alain Delon–Designed Table Is Almost as Handsome as He Was
Fans of the French film star may be surprised to learn that he had a flair for furniture with sleek lines and disco-era flash.
Uchronia’s Plant Stand Gives Pots a Pretty Perch with All the Trimmings
Like other pieces in the firm’s Candy Box collection, the cheerful limited-edition design showcases French craft.
The Ultimate Guide to Types of Tables for the Home
Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.
Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
Inspired by the Cosmos, Sandra Nunnerley’s Nova Table Has a Futuristic Feel
The designer’s innovative use of an unexpected material gives this console a lift.
This 19th-Century Gilded Desk Displays a Fanciful Kingdom in Marquetry
The stately piece brings both gravitas and whimsy to any work space.
In Guadalajara, These Luscious Side Tables Are Chiseled from Volcanic Rock
Use them as tables or stools, indoors or out.