Antique Desks
-
French 18th Century Louis XV Painted Table
$2,495.0028.13"H x 34.25"W x 25.75"D
Dimensions: 28 ⅛” H x 34 ¼” W x 25 ¾” D
This quintessential Louis XV period (18th century) writing desk was given a distinguishing update in the 20th century: washing the pine construction in a celadon green paint to accentuate the softness of the elegant proportions. A single, wide drawer occupies the case with a shaped “skirt” around the bottom edge that flows into slender cabriole legs for a timeless silhouette. In its refreshing new look, this table remains historic yet takes on a modern appeal to be used like a vanity, writing table, or console in many different interiors. Please view the detailed images to see more.
Apron clearance: 22 ¼” H
-
French Petite Inlaid Mahogany Writing Desk
$1,800.0026.75"H x 31.88"W x 18.25"D
Dimensions: 26 ¾” H x 31 ⅞” W x 18 ¼” D
A lovely, petite desk from 19th Century France made of luxurious mahogany and a leather writing surface with gold tooling. The small scale of this table would be interesting as a console or occasional table as well, anywhere to show off the meticulous craftsmanship of carefully arranged mahogany veneer (like alternating zebra stripes) around the khaki-green leather. Two small drawers, also outlined with contrasting veneer, use gilt bronze ring pulls in the shape of laurel wreaths to open. No key is present. Slender cabriole legs with striped veneer arranged on the diagonal add further interest and implied movement to the design. Cleaned, tightened, and polished with a French paste wax this antique writing table is ready for your interior. Please view the detailed images to see the current condition.
Knee height: 21 ¼” H
-
French 19th Century Mahogany & Leather Partners Desk
$9,995.0031.13"H x 60"W x 41.75"D
Dimensions: 31 ⅛” H x 60” W x 41 ¾” D
Two people can comfortably use this remarkable French 19th century mahogany partner’s desk, that is they are willing to share such a magnificent design. The desk has a unique ability to be disassembled into more manageable components for installation and transportation: the broad work surface (including shallow drawers) separates from the two pedestal bases which are mirror images of each other with a cabinet on one side and drawers on the other. The two pedestals that support the top can be switched to have two banks of drawers, one bank of drawers – one cabinet, or two cabinets facing one side at a time, depending on the users’ preference. The top surface is finished in an embossed (tooled) vermilion-red leather that has patinated wonderfully. The drawers are all equipped with pairs of ring pulls and the cabinets are reinforced by (more recent) magnetic latches opening to a single fixed shelf inside. Note that only certain locks still function and the antique comes with four total keys. The whole rests upon plinth bases. Recently cleaned, tightened professionally refinished to preserve the historic character. Please view the detailed images to see the current condition.
-
French 19th Century Mahogany Writing Desk
$2,650.0043.13"H x 38.25"W x 18.25"D
Dimensions: 43 ⅛” H x 38 ¼” W x 18 ¼” D
A petite mahogany and leather-top writing desk from France, circa 1840, ready to inspire you daily with its many unique features both decorative and functional. The writing surface is covered in beautiful almond-toned, tooled leather (with subtle fleur-de-lis) that easily slides forward, extending the work surface by 4 ⅝”. A stack of four small drawers over the desktop are accented with a fret-carved gallery at the back rising to an upper shelf supported by matching, fret-carved brackets. The desk surface has a height of 27 ⅝” and the knee clearance is 23” H. Of the four upper drawers the top two use small, turned wood knobs to open and of the bottom two, the right drawer retains a working lock while the left drawer requires the key to use as a pull. The desk apron contains two drawers using the included key as a pull, fitting into carved wood escutcheons that blend seamlessly with the drawer fronts. Four legs are exquisitely carved and turned to smooth undulations and fluting that have an interesting profile from every angle. Cleaned, tightened, and polished with a French paste wax–please view the detailed images to see the current condition. One key included.
-
French 19th Century Solid Oak Petite Farm Table
$2,995.0028"H x 39.25"W x 24.13"D
Dimensions: 28” H x 39 ¼” W x 24 ⅛” D
A petite farmhouse-style oak table from 19th century France that appears to be a substantial console to easily double as a serving table on occasion, center table, or possibly a desk. The heavy, solid oak construction was entirely handmade using square peg joinery and bears the dark, textural grain patterns and patina developed over nearly two centuries of use. A base of four thick legs planed to chamfered corners are connected by stretchers in an H-formation that anchors the table, giving it a sense of permanence and presence in any space. Cleaned, tightened, and polished with a French paste wax, this intriguing antique table is ready to join your interior. Note that the table top was reinforced at some point in time adding wood blocks to the back side of each apron panel. Please view the detailed images to see more.
-
French 19th Century Louis Philippe Style Commode with Secretary
$3,800.0036.50"H x 50.25"W x 21.63"D
Dimensions: 36 ½” H x 50 ¼” W x 21 ⅝” D
A gorgeous 19th century French mahogany secretary style desk, designed as a classic Louis Philippe commode incorporating the work surface and storage compartments into the top “drawer” above four actual drawers. The Saint Anne marble slab on top shows mesmerizing movement in the swirls of black and gray stone, finished along the perimeter with a low groove. Behind a working lock (and key) is the flap door which becomes the writing desk inlaid with worn black leather outlined in gold tooling. The workspace is fitted with pigeonhole compartments along the back plus two small pen drawers to the left and a locking drawer to the right using its own unique key. In the chest below are three wide drawers all with working locks that share one key between them. This unique commode has one more surprise: a shallow, hidden drawer at the base! Angular block feet, a signature of the Louis Philippe style, lift the case from the floor. Please view the detailed images to see more of this innovative desk-chest of drawers. Three keys included.
Dimensions open: 36 ½” H x 50 ¼” W x 32 ½” D
-
French 19th Century Ebonized Louis XV Style Desk
$9,500.0030.38"H x 53.50"W x 31.50"D
Dimensions: 30 ⅜” H x 53 ½” W x 31 ½” D
A dazzling Louis XV style ebonized and brass-inlay desk from 19th century France, it is a masterpiece of rococo sensuality and bold, Empire taste. This exquisite antique table can serve multiple roles: as a console, desk, or center table to appreciate the fine, gilt bronze applications in the round. The serpentine top is edged in a gilt bronze trim of egg & dart pattern, matched in opulence by the intricate medallion at center of brass inlay featuring an overflowing garden urn surrounded by foliate scrolls and tendrils set off by the ebonized background. Please note there are some areas of loss to the brass, otherwise the design is still clearly appreciated. The table’s hidden drawer opens to provide a bit of storage, organized into three compartments. Swells along the apron bottom–also trimmed in gilt bronze and palmette ornaments–transition into cabriole legs armored with even more intricate and three-dimensional appliqués trailing down to the feet. Do note that the front and back pairs of feet differ slightly. View the detailed images to see more (and the current condition) of this remarkable writing table. Cleaned, tightened, and polished with a French paste wax–ready to join your interior.
Knee clearance: 23 3/4″
-
French 19th Century Marquetry Inlay Desk
$2,500.0029.88"H x 34.38"W x 24.25"D
Dimensions: 29 ⅞” H x 34 ⅜” W x 24 ¼” D
This captivating French desk from the 19th century is illustrated with a border of highly detailed marquetry of contrasting mahogany to stand out from the walnut & fruitwood construction. Each inlaid panel alternates between geometric, heraldic (Flemish Lion), or foliate themes using a coded visual language alluding to the historical and cultural context when it was produced. The apron contains a hidden pen drawer free of hardware, the interior splashed with teal ink. Four square, tapering legs support the whole. Cleaned and polished with a French paste wax, ready for your interior. Please view the detailed images to see more of this unique writing table.
Knee clearance: 24 ½” H
-
French 18th Century Louis XV Style Painted Desk
$2,995.0028.25"H x 46.75"W x 27.63"D
Dimensions: 28 ¼” H x 46 ¾” W x 27 ⅝” D
This archetypal 18th century Louis XV-style desk was given a distinguishing update in the 20th century: washing the pine construction in white paint and black pinstriping to accentuate the classic elements of the timeless silhouette. In its refreshing new look, this vanity or writing table might appeal to a range of tastes from Directoire to Dorothy Draper. The top surface extends over the apron with a smooth, matte finish and a few areas of patina (loss of pigment), offering a blank canvas for personalization to one’s needs. At the front of the desk the small pen drawer is outlined in black, continued throughout the swells of the apron down to the graceful curves of the cabriole legs. Please view the detailed images to see more of this unique desk.
Knee clearance: 22 ¾” H
-
English 19th Century Sheraton Secretary
$4,200.0088.50"H x 37"W x 18.25"D
Dimensions: 88 ½” H x 37” W x 18 ¼” D
A slender mahogany bureau bookcase with secretary desk, made in England, circa 1820. The secretary’s upper body is crowned with a broken pediment–a classic Sheraton feature–above glass front doors that appear to be all original panes, assembled in a gorgeous fretwork pattern, secured by a working lock and key. Inside are three shelves at 7” deep that are easily adjustable on sawtooth brackets. A conch shell design rendered in marquetry decorates the flap door for the desk, locked & unlocked with the same key as the vitrine. Two hidden rails extending from the bureau support the desktop when in use. The interior of the workspace offers multiple storage compartments: slots for sorting correspondence and mail, with two small pen drawers at center. The lower body offers three drawers that easily glide open & shut, using simple brass drop pulls to operate; the same key as before locks the top and middle drawer however the bottom drawer will not turn. Cleaned, tightened, polished with a French paste wax – ready for your interior. Please view the detailed images.
Desk height: 29 ⅜”
Depth when extended: 36 ⅛” -
French 19th Century Walnut Desk-Side Table
$3,400.0028.75"H x 37.25"W x 24.50"D
Dimensions: 28 ¾” H x 37 ¼” W x 24 ½” D
Petite, French occasional table or desk from circa 1840, of solid walnut. The style is refined and restrained: nearly two centuries of use have left the expected patina on the top surface, which is punctuated by an inlaid square patch from an old repair. In the apron is a small drawer, opened by an angular brass drop pull, echoing the geometric cuts along the bottom edge of each side of the apron. Four squared and tapered legs are carved in a fluted pattern, referencing Neoclassical and Louis XVI themes. Cleaned and polished with a French paste wax this unique table is ready for your interior. Please view the detailed images.
Apron clearance: 22 ¾” H
-
French 19th Century Louis XIII Style Desk
$2,200.0028.50"H x 37.50"W x 25"D
Dimensions: 28 ½” H x 37 ½” W x 25” D
This 19th century French handcarved mahogany writing desk has an angular shaped top (an elongated octagon) over a single drawer in the apron, opening by an iron pendant pull. Four striking and stylized turned legs are connected by a similar stretcher of bold, Baroque taste. Cleaned and polished with a French paste wax, this antique desk is ready for your immediate use. Circa 1880. Please view the detailed images to see more.
Apron clearance: 22 3/4″
-
French 19th Century Ebonized & Inlay Secretary
$3,995.0052.75"H x 26.75"W x 13.75"D
Dimensions: 52 ¾” H x 26 ¾” W x 13 ¾” D
This French Louis XVI style drop front secretary from the 1800s has impressive etched brass inlay on its exterior, which is made even more dramatic by the deep ebonized finish. The top has its original inset white marble top (repaired) surrounded in brass trim. A single drawer is fitted with three sections above the drop-front door that becomes the desk’s felt top writing surface. Inside the desk are two open shelves and two burl mahogany drawers for organizing to your needs, secured by functioning lock and key. Below the desk you’ll find four additional drawers. Cast gilt bronze ormolu is found at the top corners and base of this stylized cabinet. All five of the drawers have faux keys installed to be used as drawer pulls. Cleaned and tightened, ready for your interior. View all the detailed images to see the details and current condition of this petite desk.
The writing surface is 30”H x 19 ½”W x 15”D
When the desk is open the total depth is 27” -
Louis XVI Style Ebonized Drop Leaf Desk
$2,100.0029.50"H x 29"W x 21.75"D
Dimensions: 29 ½” H x 29” W x 21 ¾” D
A French Louis XVI style ebonized and brass inlay drop leaf desk. This desk has brass ormolu and inlay banding throughout with a brass inlaid cartouche in the center of its top. Both sides of the desk have demilune drop leaves supported by wooden slides below. One drawer is found in the apron with a functioning lock and key. Turned and fluted legs have gilt brass ormolu at their capitals and bases with a brass inlay shaped stretcher. Cleaned and tightened, this antique is ready for your immediate use. View all the detailed images to see the current condition.
One Leaf: 36 ¾” wide
Two Leaves: 45 ¼” wide -
French 19th Century Directoire Roll Top Secretary
$12,500.0051"H x 76"W x 30.50"D
Dimensions: 51” H x 76” W x 30 ½” D
A stately French Directoire roll top secretary. This massive desk is over six feet long and four feet tall with a grey marble top. Directly beneath the marble are three drawers with beautiful bookmatched burl walnut drawer fronts. The drawers open with a working lock and key through brass rooster escutcheon plates. The D-shaped roll top is quite impressive with its burl bookmatched design, brass handles, and brass swan escutcheon plate with its own lock and key. The top opens to a fitted interior including three open cavities, three drawers and two spring loaded hidden compartments. The leather top writing surface extends forward making the total depth of the desk 42 ½”D. The main writing surface is 29”H x 67 ½”W x 26”D. There are two leather top slides that slide out from each end. Below the center writing surface you’ll find a center drawer, two stacked drawers on the left side, and a single double stacked drawer on the right. The interior of the right drawer is fitted, including a hinged top compartment. One key is used to work the left and right drawers, while another key is used for the center drawer, all with brass rooster escutcheon plates. Four total keys are included. This secretary is supported with squared off tapered legs ending in brass sabots. Cleaned and polished, this antique is ready for your immediate use. View all the detailed images to see the current condition.
-
Dutch 18th Century Architect’s Desk
$7,500.0044.25"H x 35.25"W x 23.25"D
Dimensions: 44 ¼” H x 35 ¼” W x 23 ¼” D
A versatile Dutch architect’s desk from the late 1700’s. This mahogany desk has an adjustable tilt top drafting surface with six distinct height options. The writing surface is 32 ¼”H and the tilt ranges up to 45 ¾”H. A pair of slides with brass knobs extend 11” from each side, giving the desk a 56 ¾” width when both are extended. Below the writing surface is a drawer with another tilt top drafting surface that opens with a working lock and key. The green felt top has inset brass finger pulls and slides to allow access to the drawer’s interior fitted with adjustable compartments. When the drawer opens, a pair of concealed support legs roll forward on casters. Cleaned and polished with a paste wax, this rare antique is ready for your immediate use. View the detailed images to see the current condition.
-
French Empire Secrétaire á Abattant
$3,995.0055"H x 38.50"W x 17.50"D
Dimensions: 55” H x 38 ½” W x 17 ½” D
A handsome 19th century Empire secrétaire à abattant made of rich bookmatched and figured walnut. This desk has a black fossil marble top resting above a drawer, accessible with a hidden pull. Below is a fold front door revealing a fitted interior with a functional writing surface, inset with worn green leather with gold tooling. The interior has an open storage shelf flanked with empirical styled columns over a set of six drawers of varying sizes. The writing surface is supported with rounded brass hinges. Below are three easy to use drawers with brass round knobs. You’ll find four functioning locks all surrounded with decorative ormolu escutcheon plates, 1 key works all the locks. Cleaned and polished with a French paste wax, this antique is ready for your immediate use. Be sure to view the detailed images to see the current condition of this antique secrétaire á abattant. Circa 1810. The writing surface is 30”H x 28 ½”W x 21”D. Total depth with the writing surface being used is 33 ½”D.
-
French 19th Century Walnut Secrétaire à Abattant
$4,500.0056.13"H x 35.75"W x 15.75"D
Dimensions: 56-⅛”H x 35-¾”W x 15-¾”D
This wonderful walnut secrétaire à abattant was constructed in the style of Louis XVI during the 19th century. The top surface is great piece of St. Anne marble featuring in exciting swirls of white, black, and gray. A single, slim drawer at the top of the case features a pair of brass rectangular drop ring pulls and a simple brass inset keyhole that matches the lower three drawers. The front of the desk opens to reveal the writing surface and interior storage. The interior is outfitted with four small drawers flanking a large center pigeon hole above a longer drawer. The black leather writing surface is in wonderful antique condition. All four corners feature fluted carvings. The lower storage area houses a single shelf. Three keys are included for all functioning locks. The vibrant patina and uncluttered design makes this a versatile piece to compliment any living space and across interior design styles. Cleaned and polished with French wax paste. When open, the maximum depth is 32-¾” Writing surface is 26-¾”H. Make sure to view the detailed images for a closer look.
-
Swedish Gustavian 19th Century Painted Secretary
$14,500.0045"H x 57.88"W x 30"D
Dimensions: 45”H x 57-⅞”W x 30”D
A generously sized secretary desk, made from pine in 19th century Sweden in the Gustavian style. Enveloping the chest/desk is a wonderfully patinated painted finish – a distinguishing feature of Gustavian antiques – this example reads as burnt umber for the top coat with traces of the honey-gold wood grain peeking through the scraped texture. The top will unfold to reveal a well-appointed interior: Six drawers and two large compartments provide lodging for inkpots, quills, parchment…or perhaps a laptop or tablet today. The top can be accessed using its functional locking mechanism, one key included. Three wide drawers span the chest base, all with turned knobs. A sweet, shaped skirt provides a bit of eccentric style to this multifunctional case antique. Please view the detailed images to see more.
Desk height: 33″
-
French 19th Century Empire Secrétaire à Abattant
$4,500.0053.75"H x 37"W x 16.50"D
Dimensions: 53-¾”H x 37”W x 16-½”D
A stately 19th century mahogany secrétaire à abattant from France, circa 1810. This desk has an exceptional Saint Anne marble top resting above a single drawer disguised into the frieze. Just below the top drawer, the front of the desk folds forward to reveal a work area inset with vibrant red leather detailed with gold tooling. The leather is in great antique condition making this a comfortable place to work. When open, you can see the theatre is equipped with five drawers and a large, arched top cubby flanked with column forms. With the desk down the maximum depth is 32”; the writing surface is 28-½” high. The desk front and lower doors each feature a decorative brass escutcheon depicting intersecting torches among floral garland forms; one key is included for all four functioning locks. A pair of simple, round brass pulls on each drawer allow easy access. This Empire-style secretary features bookmatched mahogany and traditional Empire columns down each side with brass capitals and bases. Note there have been professional repairs made to the marble top which are nearly invisible to the eye, please view the detailed images for current condition.
-
English Mahogany & Ebony Desk
$4,150.0030.5"H x 45"W x 21.88"D
Dimensions: 30-½”H x 45”W x 21-⅞”D
This is an English pedestal desk with two faux drawers just under the ebonized top. All sit on a curved pedestal atop a plinth base with bun feet on top of metal casters. The base is connected by a flat stretcher. A pretty little table! Circa 1880.
-
English 19th Century Pine Auctioneer’s Cash Desk
$3,650.0029.5"H x 36.75"W x 26.75"D
Dimensions: 29-½”H x 36-¾”W x 26-¾”D
This is a simple English 19th century pine shop counter that came from an auctioneer in Alsace, France. Diamond-shaped panels decorate the top and sides of the case, which offers a small drawer below a little coin slot carved into the top for accepting cash payments. The desk is flanked with tall, open storage spaces which would have held ledger books. Cleaned and polished with a French paste wax, please view the detailed images to see the current condition.
-
French 19th Century Walnut Secretary
$6,500.0071"H x 44.75"W x 24.75"D
Dimensions: 71”H x 44-¾”W x 24-¾”D
A wonderful walnut secretary desk from 19th century France. The desk can be separated into two bodies: a lower writing surface, and the upper glass-front cabinet. Black, tooled leather forms a blotter pad on the desktop and can be pulled out for additional work space. The writing surface has a height of 29-½”H and the knee clearance is 26-⅝”H. In the base are two drawers with working locks and a single key. Just above the writing surface is a little cubby with a whimsical scalloped frame flanked by two drawers on each side. All four drawers use small, round brass knobs to open. The top cabinet has two glass-front bookcase doors (like bibliotheque) with original glass panes and working lock, opening to an interior fitted with two adjustable shelves. Four brilliantly turned legs with columnar, fluted sections lift the desk from the floor. Please view the detailed images to see the current condition.
-
French 19th Century Birch & Marble Table
$3,695.0029"H x 36.75"W x 26"D
Dimensions: 29″H x 36-3/4″W x 26″D
A breathtaking birch writing table, made at the beginning if the 19th century in France circa 1810. On top, the Languedoc red marble is a rich cinnamon color with vibrant flashes of white throughout and a sloping, finished edge to be comfortable and inviting. The base is made of solid birch with beautiful curling present that shows movement in natural lighting. The apron is shaped by little swells along the length, in a simple design reminiscent of the table’s cabriole legs. In the apron are two shallow drawers: perfect for storing pens, paper, and other writing implements. The cabriole legs are slender and graceful, their shapely figure terminating in carved hoof feet. While technically designed as a writing desk, this antique table could be any type of side table, occasional or console table to suite one’s needs and décor. Please view the detailed images to see more.
Apron height: 24 1/2″ -
French 18th Century Oak Table with Drawer
Original price was: $4,200.00.$3,350.00Current price is: $3,350.00.27.375"H x 46.75"W x 31.375"D
Dimensions: 27 3/8″H x 46 3/4″W x 31 3/8″D
This French 18th century table is made of incredibly handsome oak. One large drawer can be found in the apron that still boasts its original hardware. The table is supported by beautiful carved turned legs, linked by an equally beautiful center stretcher that is adorned with a carved palm finial. The table has acquired a phenomenally aged patina in its over two hundred year history. See detailed photos for a better look at the warmth and richness of the antique oak.
-
French 19th Century Barley-Twist Fold-Down Desk
Original price was: $8,795.00.$4,995.00Current price is: $4,995.00.48.625"H x 58.25"W x 27.125"D
Dimensions: 48-5/8″H x 58-1/4″W x 27-1/8″D
A handsome, substantial carved mahogany desk with diamond-shaped panel decorations and fitted birds-eye maple interiors. A very interesting key unlocks the top part of this fine desk, folding down to an interior fitted with 9 storage areas. The top of the desk extends forward revealing the writing surface that retains its original black leather, behind a flap door that appears like a drawer. Below the writing surface are three large drawers (one is a faux front, one large drawer with a hidden locked compartment). The whole sits on impressively carved barley twist legs. Circa 1840s, please view the detailed images to see the current condition.
Shop Vintage & Antique Desks
Antique desks are a classy addition to homes, offices, or the now popular hybrid, home offices. They create a centerpiece in any room, and antique desks have unparalleled style and durability you won’t find in their modern counterparts. The allure of this type of vintage furniture lies in its elegance, as well as its traditional and cultural appeal.
At Fireside Antiques, we have a diverse inventory of antique desks guaranteed to suit your preference and home design. We typically source our collection of on buying trips to England and France. Currently in stock, we have old pieces made by skilled artisans from as far back as the early 19th century.
Unparalleled Appeal and Function
Historically, people used desks as surfaces for writing and reading scrolls, parchment, or other manuscripts. They often had inclined surfaces for optimal use, and they had several compartments, slots, and hooks for storing pens, ink, and other writing implements.
Due to the bulk of scrolls and other manuscripts from centuries past, most antique desks were typically large so that they could accommodate these documents and materials. More recently, desks have gone beyond their practical function and are now considered hallmarks of quality interior decoration.
Artisans typically made them with different woods, including mahogany, birch, oak, cherry, and walnut. The styles of the antique desks we stock vary and include pedestals, fold ups, fold downs, foldouts, roll tops, and more. All of them come in different dimensions, colors, and finishes, and often feature storage compartments.
Find an Antique Desk for Your Home
Whether you collect antique furniture and are looking for a new addition to your collection or you want to purchase a desk for its practical uses, we have a perfect fit for your living space. We carry pieces of superb quality, each one carefully carved to fit your unique taste.
Our desks come in attractive colors with gorgeous finishes. Apart from being works of art, they are durable and can serve you for years to come. As much as our pieces are antique, they’re perfect for studying and exploring the modern world. Relax at your desk in the comfort of your home or office and allow these pieces to inspire you.
Antique desks from Fireside Antiques connect you to the past and allow you to enjoy the present. Antique desks are useful in all homes, offices, and anywhere else you want to experience an old-world feel while you work. We have an extensive collection of antique desks, and you can browse them all on our website.