Used Writing Desks
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Boulle Writing Desk
Located in New York, NY
Well-proportioned French black lacquer and Boulle writing desk with metal gallery raised back
Category
Antique 19th Century French Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Tortoise Shell
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
Mahogany Writing Desk
Located in Cheshire, GB
Mahogany and fruitwood inlaid ladies writing desk. The superstructure with central shelf flanked by
Category
Early 20th Century British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Art deco walnut writing desk
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Art deco walnut writing desk. Professionally stained and repolished.
Category
Vintage 1930s Slovak Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
19thC English Pine Writing Desk
Located in Staffordshire, GB
circa 1890
19thC English pine writing desk
Measures: W119 x D73 x H68cm.
Category
Antique 19th Century Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Writing desk in teak, Denmark 1960
Located in Torino, IT
Writing desk in teak, Denmark 1960
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Writing Desk by Henry Kjærnulf
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Striking writing desk in oak with drawers. By Henry Kjærnulf.
Refreshing design with bold
Category
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
1970’s French Elm Writing Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
Postmodern French writing desk. Made of Elm.
Category
Vintage 1970s French Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Elm
Art Deco Teak Writing Desk
Located in West Hollywood, CA
An elegant Art Deco teak writing desk of fine quality, with a solid teak top. The desk displays a
Category
20th Century Indian Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
French Empire Style Writing Desk
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Large French burr elm empire style writing desk. 1900.
Kneehole is 23.5" wide x 27" high
Category
Early 20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Elm
Elegant French Style Writing Desk
Located in Riverdale, NY
Elegant French style writing desk with Louis XV lines in blond wood with silver leaf-painted table
Category
Vintage 1950s American Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Bamboo Writing Desk with Drawers, 1980s
Located in Roma, RM
BAMBOO WRITING DESK WITH DRAWERS 1980
Product details
Dimensions: 90L x 80H x 61D cm.
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bamboo
Antique Carved Wood Writing Desk
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Spectacular Antique Carved Wood Writing Desk. In good condition. This table has so many carved
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Unknown Renaissance Revival Desks and Writing...
Materials
Wood
Vintage Writing Desk Italian Production, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Writing Desk with drawers. Wooden frame and chromed metal supports.
Italian production
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Regency Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
19th Century Swedish Writing Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant 19th-century Swedish writing desk exemplifies the timeless charm of Gustavian design
Category
Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Ancient Writing Desk, Italy, 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Ancient Writing Desk realized in northern Italy in 19th Century.
With drawers and doors.
Shaped
Category
Antique 19th Century Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
20th Century Swedish Writing Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 20th-century Swedish writing desk exudes the timeless simplicity and elegance of Scandinavian
Category
20th Century Swedish Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine, Paint
Minimal Writing Desk by Hans Olsen
By Hans Olsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dark walnut and teak minimal writing desk by Hans Olsen. Table features a teak surface wrapped in a
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak, Walnut
Louis XV Style Ebonized Writing Desk
Located in Locust Valley, NY
An ebonized writing desk in Louis XV style with cabriole legs and ormolu mounts to the feet, two
Category
20th Century Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu
English Decorative Chinoiserie Bureau Writing Desk
Located in Staffordshire, GB
circa 1900
English Decorative Chinoiserie Bureau Writing Desk
- Bonheur Du Jour. Great colour and
Category
20th Century Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Writing desk, Aksel Kjersgaard Odder, Denmark 1960s
By Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in Torino, IT
Writing desk, Aksel Kjersgaard Odder, Denmark 1960s
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Cushman Colonial Creations Writing Desk
By H.T. Cushman Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Rare diminutive writing desk by the H.T. Cushman Manufacturing Company circa 1930's. The desk
Category
Mid-20th Century American Rustic Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Vintage Coastal Woven Rattan Writing Desk
Located in west palm beach, FL
A charming vintage coastal writing desk crafted from woven rattan, offering a relaxed, beachy feel
Category
Late 20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rattan
British Colonial Elephant Head Writing Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
British colonial style one drawer writing desk or table crafted in walnut with a chic pecan finish
Category
20th Century American British Colonial Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Gianfranco Frattini Rosewood Writing Desk
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Washington, DC
A beautiful Midcentury rosewood writing desk by an Italian design icon, Gianfranco Frattini for
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
French Writing Desk in Solid Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Writing desk, pine, France, 1960s
This writing desk of French origin has a splendid construction
Category
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Mastercraft Mid Century Bronze Writing Desk
By Mastercraft
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive vintage writing desk crafted in bronze with a hip acid washed finish, in a stylized
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Harvey Probber Writing Desk- Signed
By Harvey Probber
Located in Trenton, NJ
This impressive mid-century modern writing desk from Harvey Probber features a striking yet simple
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
19th Century Inlaid Wood English Writing Desk, 1880s
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
Elegant English writing desk from the second half of the 19th century. Finished for the center
Category
Antique 1880s British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Mid Century Writing desk by Heywood & Wakefield
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in London, Lambeth
Fantastic and well crafted mid century writing desk with six drawer made of solid maple.
by Heywood
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Maple
Writing Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A polished mahogany, leather top, panel writing desk with two free standing, four drawer cabinets
Category
20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Italian Neoclassical Inlaid Walnut Writing Desk
Located in Viterbo, VT
Neoclassical writing desk handmade in Italy in the late 1700s using walnut and peg construction
Category
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Davis-Birely Table Co Writing Desk
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a vintage quarter sawn oak writing desk by Davis-Birely Table Co. It has a single drawer
Category
Vintage 1940s American Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Italian Postmodern Round Rolling Writing Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This round Postmodern writing desk is on casters for easy mobility and transportation. The half
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
18th Century Neoclassical Italian 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
Category
Antique Mid-18th Century Italian Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Swedish Art Nouveau Style Oak Writing Desk
Located in Madrid, ES
Kidney-shaped oak writing desk with double chest of drawers with 8 drawers on each side. Wrought
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
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
English Partner Desk Desk, 1870 Writing Desk, Mahogany
Located in Berlin, DE
Monumental English partner desk desk, 1870 writing desk, mahogany
one sides profiled three-door
Category
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
French Andre Arbus Ormolu Maple Writing Desk
By André Arbus
Located in Queens, NY
French 1940s ormolu mounted maple writing desk with leather inset top above 2 frieze drawers on
Category
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu
Vintage Writing Desk, 1970's, Czechoslovakia
Located in Prague 8, CZ
This Vintage writing desk was made in the former Czechoslovakia in the 1970´s.
It's made of
Category
Late 20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
Gorgeous 18th Century Tin Marquetry Writing Desk/ Cabinet
Located in Brussels, BE
18th century tin marquetry writing desk.
Category
Antique Early 18th Century German Louis XIV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Tin
Vintage Writing Desk, 1970´S, Czechoslovakia
Located in Prague 8, CZ
This Vintage writing desk was made in the former Czechoslovakia in the 1970´s.
It´s made of
Category
Late 20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
Victorian Ladies Writing Desk Bureau 1840
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Dainty Victorian ladies writing desk in burr walnut
Top opens out to reveal writing area with
Category
Antique 1840s Victorian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Antique English Satinwood Parquetry Writing Desk circa 1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Satinwood Parquetry Writing Desk circa 1890
Category
Antique Late 19th Century English Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Satinwood
Louis XVI Style French Writing Desk
Located in Pomona, CA
A fine French writing desk of ormolu mounted walnut and mahogany, in the Louis XVI style, featuring
Category
Vintage 1950s French Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Tessellated Stone Writing Desk by Maitland Smith
By Maitland Smith
Located in Fraser, MI
Writing Desk. Mahogany Drawers. Stone rectangular tiles assembled in a surface covering described as
Category
Vintage 1980s Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stone
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Bauhaus Writing Desk
Located in North York, ON
Introducing the Mid-Century Modern Walnut Bauhaus Writing Desk, a stunning piece that seamlessly
Category
Vintage 1960s American Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Stainless Steel
Restored Baroque Revival Oak Writing Desk, circa 1890
Located in Opole, PL
Restored Baroque Revival Oak Writing Desk, circa 1890
This Neo-Baroque writing desk is entirely
Category
Antique Late 19th Century European Baroque Revival Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Vintage Italian Walnut Writing Desk
Located in London, GB
A stunning vintage Italian walnut writing desk, dating from the 1960’s.
This is of superb quality
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Elegant Heywood Wakefield Ladies Writing Desk & Chair
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Buffalo, NY
Elegant Heywood Wakefield Ladies Writing Desk & Chair.. Classic mid century modern,Wonderful
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Fabric, Birch
Vintage Regency Hand Painted Gladiator Writing Desk
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fantastic Vintage Regency writing desk. Beautiful hand painted detail with scenes of gladiators
Category
Late 20th Century North American Regency Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Paint
19th c Russian mahogany and brass writing desk
Located in Dallas, TX
19th c Russian leather topped writing desk with hand hammered brass details
Category
Antique 19th Century Russian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Maitland-Smith Vintage Egyptian Style Writing Desk
By Maitland Smith
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout mid century writing desk having a tessellated marble top on a case with two drawers and
Category
20th Century Philippine Egyptian Revival Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Brass
Classic Edwardian Style Mahogany & Leather Writing Desk
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Handsome Edwardian style writing desk having rich mahogany base and front turned legs that
Category
Vintage 1950s North American Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Antique English Inlaid Rosewood Writing Desk, Circa 1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English inlaid rosewood writing desk on casters with leather and galleried top, Circa 1890.
Category
Antique Late 19th Century English Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
French Louis XV Style Ladies Writing Desk
Located in Pembroke, MA
An elegant French Louis XV style petit writing desk with gilt-bronze mounts, including escutcheon
Category
Early 20th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Rare Lloyd Chromium Writing Desk by Kem Weber
By Kem Weber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lloyd Chromium Writing Desk by Kem Weber
https://www.themagazineantiques. com/article/kem-weber
Category
Vintage 1930s Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Chrome, Steel
20th Century Louis Phillippe Writing Desk
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Beautiful and elegant Louis Philippe writing desk in a burl mahogany wood with leather and bronze
Category
Vintage 1950s French Louis Philippe Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Vintage Coastal Mirrored Rattan Writing Desk
Located in west palm beach, FL
Bring coastal elegance to your workspace with this vintage mirrored rattan writing desk. Featuring
Category
Mid-20th Century Philippine Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rattan, Mirror
English Hard Wood Portable Writing Desk, circa 1850
By OTHR
Located in Guadalajra, Jal
English country portable writing desk with lifting writing surface, it has its original bronze
Category
Antique Late 18th Century Mexican Rustic Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
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Used Writing Desks For Sale on 1stDibs
There is a range of used writing desks for sale on 1stDibs. The range of distinct used writing desks — often made from wood, metal and hardwood — can elevate any home. There are all kinds of used writing desks available, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. There are many kinds of used writing desks to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern and Victorian used writing desks are of considerable interest. Paul McCobb, Herman Miller and George Nelson each produced beautiful used writing desks that are worth considering.
How Much are Used Writing Desks?
Used writing desks can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $4,408, while the lowest priced sells for $1 and the highest can go for as much as $1,844,713.
Finding the Right Desks-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 Used Writing 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022A Davenport desk is used for writing and is typically favored by women. The desk features a slanted top leather insert, a cupboard, slides and drawers to carry writing essentials. You’ll find a selection of antique Davenport desks on 1stDibs.
- What are desk blotters used for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Desk blotters are used to protect the top of a table or desk. It helps prevent scratches and absorbs dripped or spilled ink and paint. Desk pad is another name for a blotter. You'll find a selection of vintage and antique desk blotters on 1stDibs.
- 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.
- 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 ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, you can use a library table as a desk. In fact, many people like the spacious tops found on library tables because they usually have enough room to accommodate a computer and provide additional work space. Find a range of library tables on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Because of their variety of sizes and range in function, console tables can easily work as a desk. Given their size and ease of mobility, a console table can be used in almost any sort of room.
- 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.
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