Antique Desks

Fireside Antiques offers antique desks. We source many of our antique and vintage desks on buying trips to England and France.  Here, you will find a vast selection of French and English 19th Century antique desks and secretaries.

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  • French 19th Century Solid Oak Desk

    $2,200.00

    28.13"H x 47.50"W x 25.88"D

    Dimensions: 28 ⅛” H x 47 ½” W x 25 ⅞” D

    A primitive solid oak desk made in France. The table top is full of patina with long boards ending in breadboard ends. There is one center drawer in the apron over turned oak legs. An H shaped stretcher base gives character and support. Cleaned and polished with a French paste wax this antique is ready for your immediate use. Be sure to view the detailed dimages. Knee clearance is 24”

  • French Directoire Style Mahogany Petite Desk

    $2,200.00

    29.25"H x 45"W x 17.50"D

    Dimensions: 29 ¼” H x 45” W x 17 ½” D

    This petite writing desk made of solid mahogany is perfect for casually working or makes for a wonderful side table or console. The top features a gently worn black leather writing surface with classic gold embossed trim. There are two functioning drawers on this desk, one of which has a gold escutcheon and key, and one of which has a brass drawer knob. This desk has been cleaned and polished with a French paste wax, ready for immediate use. Make sure to view all the images for a closer look at this classic desk.

  • SALELimited

    French Vintage Mahogany Writing Desk

    $2,500.00

    29.88"H x 58.75"W x 29.13"D

    Dimensions: 29 ⅞” H x 58 ¾” W x 29 ⅛” D

    A smart mahogany desk – with leather writing surface – from 20th Century France. The worn black leather top is in antique condition with embossed gold tooling at its edge. Two roomy drawers are housed within the apron and one recent polished brass bail handle with scrolling florals adorn each of the deep drawers. The whole is raised on long tapering legs that end in smart brass caps. Knee clearance: 23 ½”. Be sure to view all the images for a closer look at the details and current condition of this antique.

  • French 19th Century Walnut Secretaire a Abattant

    $3,995.00

    61"H x 37.25"W x 17"D

    Dimensions: 61” H x 37 ¼” W x 17” D

    An impressive solid walnut secretaire a abattant from 19th century France. This specialized antique serves a distinct function as a writing desk, while also providing excellent storage in its series of drawers and cabinets. One large drawer that opens with handsome geometric brass drop pulls is situated above the main interior cavity which houses the desk unit. This drawer does not lock. A large panel door unfolds to reveal a tooled leather topped work surface with a 27 ⅞” clearance to the floor when laid down. This door locks and one key is present for it. It is supported with metal brackets that stow away into the body when closed. Inside, there are six small drawers and various pigeon holes which aid in organization. Beneath the work surface are two cabinet doors with paneled fronts that feature round brass pulls. One key is present for the cabinet’s working lock. The secretaire has attractive fluted and paneled sides and is lifted on elegant tapering feet. Be sure to view all the images for a closer look at this marvelous antique. Open Depth: 37 ½”

  • French 19th Century Petite Mahogany Correspondence Desk

    $2,500.00

    38.25"H x 38.50"W x 20.13"D

    Dimensions: 38 ¼” H x 38 ½” W x 20 ⅛” D

    A petite antique mahogany correspondence desk that was hand-crafted in France circa 1850. Elegant and in excellent condition this desk delights with its linear shape and hand-carved details. A sleek upper console is arranged with four drawers above a laptop friendly recess. The upper drawers on the console open with turned wooden pulls and the bottom two have simple brass escutcheons. One key is present for both working locks. The writing surface is covered in the original black leather and can be pulled out almost seven inches for additional work space. The writing surface has a height of 28-½”H. The desk base offers two drawers, each with central brass keyholes and one key for their working locks. The right side lower drawer has three compartments for organized storage space perfect for writing tools or office supplies. The whole rests on a quartet of turned baluster legs. Solid joints and construction, beautiful flame mahogany, and a desirable aged patina make this petite desk very grand indeed. Cleaned and polished with French wax paste, this desk is ready for immediate use. Be sure to view all the images for a closer look.

  • French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Mahogany Desk

    $6,500.00

    39.50"H x 51.38"W x 29.75"D

    Dimensions: 39 ½” H x 51 ⅜” W x 29 ¾” D

    A wonderful mid-19th century French Louis XVI style mahogany desk hand-crafted in France circa 1850. A beautiful, smooth top of flame mahogany is surrounded by a three quarter decorative brass gallery following down to two open center storage spaces and four roomy drawers in a removable riser. This top piece easily lifts off the base for transport and is affixed with circular, recessed brass escutcheon plates surrounded by Louis XVI style brass bellflower pulls. A second three quarter brass gallery surrounds the writing surface which measures 30” H and is adorned with new black leather with gold gilt tooling. Two sliders on each side of the writing surface are covered with the original leather and extend the desk out 17 ¾” on either side. The apron showcases the handsome veneer and gorgeous colors of the wood and contains four drawers of the same design that open easily. The right side has a singular large drawer that opens to contain a notched wooden privacy slide and a four compartment pull out wooden tray for excellent organization. The whole is raised on regal turned, tapering fluted legs with brass capitals and capped feet. Showcasing an attractive polished mahogany, this desk has fine features, many storage options, and is fully finished on all sides making it a supremely practical piece. Be sure to view all the images to see every detail of this unique antique desk.

  • French Mahogany Empire Console Game Table

    $2,650.00

    30.25"H x 42.75"W x 21.25"D

    Dimensions: 30-¼”H x 42-¾”W x 21-¼”D

    A convertible demilune console-to-game table – made in the Empire style – in 19th Century France. When closed, the table functions as a striking demilune console, bedecked in outstanding gilt brass ormolu. A drawer extends from the back of the antique which has a fifth leg attached. Extending this drawer enables the demilune-shaped top to be unfolded and provides the support for the opened round top – along with a space to keep cards, chips and tokens! When opened, the table has the dimensions: 29-⅛”H x 42-½” diameter. A brass band surrounds the table’s edge and the unfurled surface is topped in green felt: an ideal fabric on which to play cards. Tapered legs lift the table and conclude in brass capped feet with casters. Be sure to view the detailed images for a close look at the current condition of this antique.

  • Late 18th Century Venetian Rococo Style Writing Desk

    $3,200.00

    43.25"H x 41.25"W x 22.25"D

    Dimensions: 43-¼”H x 41-¼”W x 22-¼”D

    A wonderfully painted and patinated Rococo style writing desk, made in Venice towards the end of the 18th century. Carved by hand, the desk features an aged painted finish that is simply marvelous. Festive individuals can be found frollicing front and center on the desk’s fold-down-front. Scrolled filigree details are painted all over, creating an overall element of whimsy that gives the desk its light and airy presence. Shaped legs lift the desk to a comfortable writing height. The front will unfold to reveal the desk’s interior. It can be secured with its functioning lock. Inside, you will find two small drawers as well as a number of pigeon holes and cubbies to store away various sundries. A hidden compartment is found in the work surface and slides open to reveal a secret space for hiding special valuables. The interior is finished with spectacular painted details that create an even finish that is cohesive throughout the entire antique. 

  • Swedish Gustavian 19th Century Painted Secretary

    $14,500.00

    45"H x 57.88"W x 30"D

    Dimensions: 45”H x 57-⅞”W x 30”D

    A generously sized secretary style desk, made in Sweden in the Gustavian style. A wonderfully patinated painted finish envelops the pine chest/desk – a hallmark of Gustavian antiques. The top will unfold to reveal a well-appointed interior. Six drawers and two large cubbies provide lodgings for inkpots, quills, parchment…or perhaps a laptop or tablet today. The top can be accessed using its functional locking mechanism. Three wide drawers span the chest base, all with turned, styled knobs. A sweet, shaped skirt provides a bit of style to this multifunctional case antique. 

  • French 19th Century Lady’s Work Table

    $1,495.00

    28.13"H x 20.25"W x 13.88"D

    Dimensions: 28-⅛”H x 20-¼”W x 13-⅞”D

    This petite work table from 19th century France is full of charming elements within a compact design. Details allude to this piece serving as a correspondence and sewing table. Unlocking what seems to be a drawer actually allows the top to hinge open and reveal an antique mirror plate affixed to the underside and pre-sectioned organization with a built in pin cushion. The key for lifting the top has a lovely tag with engravings saying ‘Table à ouvrage’ meaning work table and ‘Rez de Chaussee Ch.bre No.1 Bis’ which translates to Ground Floor Bedroom No. 1 Copy on the flip side of the tag. The lower drawer features a writing surface inset with worn black leather and tooled with gold that slides back to reveal a paper and stationary storage compartment. Three inkwells made of brass and glass fit perfectly beside the writing surface. Two keys are included. A concave stretcher connects the column-from legs and provides lasting support. Some minor repairs have been made to the mahogany veneer. Make sure to view the detailed images to get a closer look!

  • French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Secretaire a Abatant

    $4,500.00

    53.50"H x 37.63"W x 15.50"D

    Dimensions: 53-½”H x 37-⅝”W x 15-½”D

    This wonderful solid walnut secrétaire à abattant was constructed in the style of Louis XVI, circa 1830. Topped with a great piece of black and white marble. A single, slim drawer at the top 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, attached to the interior with a slim chain. Outfitted with two shelves and six small drawers flanking a large center drawer featuring a simple brass key hole. Perfect for keeping an organized workspace! The black shagreen writing surface is in wonderful antique condition. All four corners feature fluting. One key is included for the lock securing the desk front; the five other locks are no longer functioning. The vibrant patina and uncluttered design makes this a versatile piece to compliment any living space. Cleaned and polished with French wax paste. Make sure to view the detailed images for a closer look!

    Detailed Measurements-
    Depth with desk open: 31”
    Height to writing surface: 27-⅜”

  • French 19th Century Inlay Lady’s Desk

    $4,200.00

    52.13"H x 31.50"W x 17.25"D

    Dimensions: 52-⅛”H x 31-½”W x 17-¼”D

    This is a darling petite lady’s writing desk from France circa 1850. Sleek and uncluttered design, typical of its Louis XVI style. A wonderful white marble top is encircled by an elegant breakfront pierced brass gallery. The body of the desk has been crafted from a combination of vibrant mahogany and rosewood; showcased throughout with tasteful inlay work and thoughtful bookmatching. The glass in both doors is original and features a wavy texture and delightful bubbles. The locking doors house a display or storage space with a single removable shelf. Just below the doors are two small drawers with brass pulls. The desk top folds open to reveal a green leather writing surface with gold tooling in good antique condition; wear consistent with use where the surface hinges. The apron houses a single locking drawer flanked by two pull-out support bars for when the writing surface is open. Two keys are included. The whole is raised on tapered legs. Make sure to view the detailed images for a closer look at its fine condition and see below for specific measurements.

    Open desk depth: 24-¼”D  // Apron clearance: 24-⅜”H  // Open desk clearance: 28-⅝”H

  • French 19th Century Empire Secrétaire à Abattant

    $4,500.00

    53.75"H x 37"W x 16.50"D

    Dimensions: 53-¾”H x 37”W x 16-½”D

    A statley 19th century mahogany secrétaire à abattant from France, circa 1810. This desk has an exceptional charcoal marble top resting above a single drawer disguised into the apron. 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” heigh. 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 eye-catching bookmatched mahogany and traditional Empire columns down each side with brass capitals and bases. There have been professional repairs made to the marble top which are nearly invisible to the eye, see detailed pictures for condition.

  • French 19th Century Ebonized Drafting Table

    $4,200.00

    48.75"H x 45.25"W x 30.50"D

    Dimensions: 48-¾”H x 45-¼”W x 30-½”D

    This 19th century drafting table from France is impressive in both scale and construction. Used by architects and drafters, the desk’s tilted surface brings the back of the table towards the artist, minimizing reach, and saving their aching backs. The dark ebonized finish has faded on the work surface, revealing the original bright wood underneath. A single drawer, fixed with small turned pulls and a flush keyhole, provides private storage space. Three shaped shelves allow for extra storage or organization. The whole is supported by wonderfully turned and carved legs. Make sure to view the detailed images to get a better look!

  • English Mahogany & Ebony Desk

    $4,150.00

    30.5"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

    $3,650.00

    29.5"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 from an auctioneer in Alsace! Complete with a hole for accepting cash payments inside the drawer. The desk is flanked with tall open storage spaces which would have held ledger books. A very smart design is finished on the sides and the front with a diamond design.

  • English 19th Century Writing Desk

    $4,800.00

    28.63"H x 47.88"W x 23.5"D

    Dimensions: 28-⅝”H x 47-⅞”W x 23-½”D

    We love the design of this simple yet sophisticated mahogany desk! There is no storage in this desk which is perfect for today’s office which usually consists of just a laptop. The trestle base gives way for ample leg room, the turned mahogany stretcher ends through the legs with a round end cap, and the feet end with brass casters. 

  • French 19th Century Burl Walnut Secrétaire à Abattant

    $4,500.00

    57.88"H x 38.13"W x 17.5"D

    Dimensions: 57-⅞”H x 38-⅛”W x 17-½”D

    A wonderful French 19th century burl walnut secretaire a abattant has a Sainte-Anne marble top. A single drawer can be found at the top of the desk with a key. The front of the desk folds down when unlocked, revealing a green felt work surface at 29-⅝”H, five small drawers and one wide drawer at the bottom – all drawers with petite knobs. There are also two hidden compartments, one on either side of the drawers. The wood in the interior of the desk is bird’s eye maple. When opened, the desk measures 33”D. Beneath the work area are three drawers with one key that works these drawers. Across the bottom is a hidden drawer. The whole sits on two bracket feet on the front and two plain rectangular feet across the back. Antique locks can be  finicky, so we recommend you only lock when necessary. Desk height is 29 ¾”

  • French 19th Century Walnut Secretary

    $6,500.00

    71"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.  The desk can be separated into two bodies: the lower writing surface, and the upper glass-front cabinet.  The writing surface is covered in beautiful black, tooled leather 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.  The base also contains two drawers with working locks and a single key.  Above the writing surface is a little cubby with a whimsical scalloped frame flanked by two drawers on each side.  The drawers all have a round brass knob.  The top has two glass-front bookcase doors with original glass and working lock and latch.  The cabinet has two adjustable shelves.  The secretary is lifted by four brilliantly turned legs.

  • French Early 19th Century Transitional Drop Front Desk

    $4,650.00

    35.25"H x 44.38"W x 22.5"D

    Dimensions: 35-¼”H x 44-⅜”W x 22-½”D

    This amazing walnut desk has a slanted front that drops to reveal an interior writing surface and storage.  A single key works the lock to open the top and once opened, the writing surface is lined with tooled, green leather.  The interior is outfitted with four drawers, three cubbies and a couple hidden compartments.  The lower portion of the secretary has two small top drawers and a large, bottom drawer.  Each drawer is outfitted with drop ring pulls.  Two escutcheon plates are placed down the center creating symmetry but do not have locks.  A uniquely shaped skirt wraps around the three exposed sides of the desk.  The whole is raised on square, tapering legs with shaped feet.  Open Dimensions: 24-¾”H (to writing surface) x 38-⅞”D and floor to desk top is 24”H.  C. 1800

  • French 19th Century Oak Jeweler’s Bench

    $3,200.00

    34.88"H x 31.75"W x 28.63"D

    Dimensions: 34-⅞”H x 31-¾”W x 28-⅝”D

    This specialized oak desk was made in France.  Used by jewelers, the desk’s lifted surface brings the table towards the artist, minimizing reach, and saving their aching backs.  The work surface has a three quarter wood gallery and raised surface across the front. This raised edge keeps jewels and gems from rolling off the surface, when being worked.  The desk is equipped with two drawers.  The top drawer has a small brass knob and a single compartment.  The lower drawer sits just below and has multiple compartments for keeping tools and precious stones.  It is somewhat disguised without a pull and moves with the top drawer when it is open and closed.  The desk is constructed with mortise and tenon joints, and wood pegs.  Sometimes a simple design, well executed, is perfection.  

  • English 19th Century Mahogany Kingwood Desk

    $4,500.00

    41.75"H x 54"W x 21.5"D

    Dimensions: 41-¾”H x 54”W x 21-½”D

    This is an elegant, 19th century, c. 1850,  inlaid writing desk.  Inlay graces every surface of this beautiful desk, most notably around the frieze apron.  Two drawers with small brass escutcheon plates are well disguised in the frieze.  A single key works both locks and acts as a pull for both drawers.  The four tapered legs are connected with an inlaid stretcher shelf and are finished with shaped feet.

    Work surface height: 31-5/8″

  • SALELimited

    French 19th Century Louis XVI Writing Table

    $1,765.00

    29.5"H x 41"W x 26.25"D

    Dimensions: 29-1/2″H x 41″W x 26-1/4″D

    This lovely Louis XVI-style grey-painted writing table, dated 1886, is from France and features a spring-loaded writing surface and shaped adjustable support which is signed “Angers/Guimont/Brossard/1886” and monogrammed with a carved and conjoined “CL.” The writing surface, when flat, is inset within the desk’s surface which features lobed corners above an apron outfitted with a single drawer and supported by round fluted and tapering legs on toupee feet.

     

  • French 19th Century Oak Sewing Table

    $5,200.00

    33"H x 79.5"W x 45.625"D

    Dimensions: 33″H x 79-1/2″W x 45-5/8″D

    This fantastic oak sewing table is from France, c. 1860. Large enough for two people sitting next to each other, one side features a pair of slide-out surfaces, each outfitted with carved compartments for scissors and a duster. There is also a lower slide-out leaf on one end. A suprising component of this table is all of the hidden compartments on the underside! Please see detailed images.

  • SALELimited

    French 19th Century Louis XVI-Style Mahogany and Oak Pedestal Desk

    $1,500.00

    30.5"H x 50.875"W x 29.25"D

    Dimensions: 30-1/2″H x 50-7/8″W x 29-1/4″D

    This handsome Louis XVI-Style nine-drawer mahogany and oak pedestal desk is from France, c. 1870’s.  The main writing surface, as well as the pull-out side panels, has a gilt-tooled burgundy leather blotter. With elegantly rounded and fluted corners, this desk boasts nine solid oak drawers including a long central drawer flanked by eight short drawers, each with gilt-brass bail handles. The exterior of each drawer is paneled and veneered in beautiful mahogany.  This timeless desk would finish a study or library perfectly.

  • French Early 19th Century Birch Writing Table

    $3,695.00

    29"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. The marble top is a rich cinnamon color, with vibrant flashes of white throughout, and a wonderful finished edge. The base is made of solid birch with beautiful curling present. The apron is shaped, with a simple design reminiscent of the table’s cabriole legs. The apron houses two shallow drawers: perfect for storing pens, paper, and other writing implements. The cabriole legs are slender and graceful, with their shapely figure terminating in carved hoof feet. c.1810.

  • French 19th Century Barley-Twist Fold-Down Desk

    $6,995.00

    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, impressive carved mahogany desk with gem-cut decorations and fitted birds-eye maple interiors and original black leather writing surface. 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 slides forward reveling the writing surface which is pulled out and then dropped down for a very functional and useable writing surface. 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. 1840’s

Fireside Antiques offers antique desks. We source many of our antique and vintage desks on buying trips to England and France.  Here, you will find a vast selection of French and English 19th Century antique desks and secretaries.

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.

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