Antique Desks and Writing Tables
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French 19th Century Oak Refectory Style Bistro Table
$2,200.0028.75"H x 39.38"W x 23.50"D
Dimensions: 28 ¾” H x 39 ⅜” W x 23 ½” D
French, late 19th century solid oak table from a bistro or cafe, like an abbreviated refectory-style table for a wide range of functions around the home. The planks of the top surface are finished smooth, revealing tactile patina from time & use, including a small gap filled with square dowels. Two slender support legs are carved in parallel grooves to imply a fluted column, elevated on stepped feet. Gently cleaned and polished with a French paste wax, ready for your interior. Excellent proportions for a small center table, breakfast table, or desk. We believe this to be in good antique condition considering its age, and any visible signs of wear are captured in the photos. Please view the detailed image gallery for the current condition and message us with any questions.
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French 20th Century Mahogany and Leather-top Desk
$5,800.0030.13"H x 59.13"W x 29.38"D
Dimensions: 30 ⅛” H x 59 ⅛” W x 29 ⅜” D
A French 20th century leather-topped mahogany writing desk, designed in the Directoire taste for refined proportions & materials. The wide leather surface is original, gently cleaned to maintain the beauty of the honey-gold color, outlined by complementary gold tooling in a Greek key pattern. Two hidden leaves with matching leather surfaces can be extended from the sides to increase the work surface, adding 14 ⅝” each in width. Four drawers occupy the case, two pairs of stacked drawers to the left and right, one key included to share between them. The middle drawer has been removed for comfort, adding more leg room. Four square legs taper elegantly down to the floor ending in brass sabot feet. At home or in an office, this classic desk will be a pleasure to work from. Cleaned, tightened, and polished with a French paste wax, it is ready to join your interior. We believe this item to be in good antique condition considering its age, and any visible signs of wear are captured in the photos. Please view the detailed image gallery for the current condition and message us with any questions. This item is actually a pair, sold separately. See the listing from the matching desk with SKU #5114A-26.
Width fully extended: 88 ⅜”
Knee Opening: 28 ¼” H x 24 ⅜” W -
French 20th Century Mahogany and Leather-top Desk
$5,800.0030.13"H x 59.13"W x 29.38"D
Dimensions: 30 ⅛” H x 59 ⅛” W x 29 ⅜” D
A French 20th century leather-topped mahogany writing desk, designed in the Directoire taste for refined proportions & materials. The wide leather surface is original, gently cleaned to maintain the beauty of the honey-gold color, outlined by complementary gold tooling in a Greek key pattern. Two hidden leaves with matching leather surfaces can be extended from the sides to increase the work surface, adding 14 ⅞” each in width. Four drawers occupy the case, two pairs of stacked drawers to the left and right, one key included to share between them. The middle drawer has been removed for comfort, adding more leg room. Four square legs taper elegantly down to the floor ending in brass sabot feet. At home or in an office, this classic desk will be a pleasure to work from. Cleaned, tightened, and polished with a French paste wax, it is ready to join your interior. We believe this item to be in good antique condition considering its age, and any visible signs of wear are captured in the photos. Please view the detailed image gallery for the current condition and message us with any questions. This item is actually a pair, sold separately. See the listing from the matching desk with SKU #5114B-26.
Width fully extended: 88 ⅞”
Knee Opening: 28 ⅜” H x 24 ¼” W -
French 19th Century Directoire Style Ebonized Desk
$5,600.0029"H x 61.75"W x 32"D
Dimensions: 29” H x 61 ¾” W x 32” D
A French, 19th century Directoire style leather-topped desk with hidden extensions on each side to add surface area, in a dramatic ebonized finish over the wood. The olive green leather writing surface is mottled in patina creating organic patches of tonal variation, outlined in thick brass trim. The side leaves have some apparent wear in the leather, also emphasized with brass. Four locking drawers occupy the case: a wide drawer in the center flanked by two stacked on the left and one deep drawer on the right all with matching shield escutcheons. Four keys included. The backside is completely finished as a mirror image of the front to float the desk in a room. Square legs taper elegantly down to the floor terminating in brass sabot feet. At home or in an office, this antique desk is sure to inspire. Recently refinished with new ebonized pigment that allows the texture of the grain to show through, preserving every historic feature. We believe this item to be in good antique condition considering its age. Please view the detailed image gallery for the current condition and message us with any questions.
Width fully extended: 85” (two leaves approximately 12” W)
Knee Clearance: 23 ⅛” H -
Norwegian 18th Century Rococo Painted Table
$4,995.0028.75"H x 47.75"W x 26.50"D
Dimensions: 28 ¾” H x 47 ¾” W x 26 ½” D
A fabulous Norwegian table from the late 18th century, that is a Scandinavian interpretation of Italian Baroque tastes with exaggerated features to feel as if a completely original style. Below the top surface which is painted in visible layers of amber-brown, the swelled apron is pigmented further by washes of red and white in that “scraped” effect so desirable of Gustavian antiques. The frontality of the wide, scrolled legs (in the silhouette of Louis XV cabriole legs) makes this piece ideal for a console or center table to appreciate the unique, hand-crafted qualities in the round. Gently cleaned and polished with a French paste wax to preserve every feature. Please view the detailed images as they are essential to understanding the current condition of the antique.
Apron clearance: 21 ½”
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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.
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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″
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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
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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
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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
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Mid-Century Glass & Chrome Dining Table
$3,400.0028.38"H x 67"W x 37.50"D
Dimensions: 28-⅜”H x 67”W x 37-½”D
A French Mid-Century Modern dining room table (in the manner of Milo Baughman) in wonderful vintage condition. The large single pane of tinted glass is removable and fits seamlessly into the Parsons-style chrome frame for continuity of the clean lines. The sleek, rectangular frame has minor wear and is capped with four protective feet. Scaled to accommodate 6 guests, up to 8 depending on the chairs. One might also consider this for a desk/conference table. Make sure to view the detailed images to get a closer look at this iconic design.
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English 19th Century Mahogany & Ebonized Desk
$4,150.0030.5"H x 45"W x 21.88"D
Dimensions: 30-½”H x 45”W x 21-⅞”D
English late 19th century pedestal writing desk, one might even call it a library table, the style and proportions would be adaptable to use as a console table or sofa table as well. Two faux drawers in the apron just under the ebonized top even have brass knobs for repetition & balance of the scrolled elements below. The support legs have an elegant hourglass silhouette which end in short scrolls at the edges, lifted from the floor by short plinth bases and bun feet. A flat stretcher in between has an interesting diamond shape, offering a bit more surface area or foot rest, depending on how one uses the table. Please view the detailed images to see more and get inspired. Circa 1880.
Dimensions: 30.5 H x 45 W x 21.88 D in
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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.
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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 in France (circa 1810). On top, the Languedoc red marble is a rich oxblood color with patches of gray and streaks of white throughout, finished to a sloping edge that is comfortable and inviting if used as a small desk. The base is made of solid birch with beautiful curling present that shows movement in natural lighting. The apron is shaped by little swells in a simple design to echo 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.
Shop Antique Writing Desks and Tables
With a vast array of drawers and panels, our writing desks run the centuries, from folding desks for travel to slant-top desks for your next great work. For instance, an antique drop front or rolltop desk can serve as a kitchen stop on the way to the dining room table, or in the corner of a living room or bedroom, for mixed-use.
Whether substantial, classic mahogany, or painted wood and wicker, a writing desk is the perfect accent piece, combining usefulness and function with a simple beauty that says great things can be found within. What might you keep on your antique writing desk?
Choosing Antique Writing Desks and Tables
Choosing the perfect antique writing desk or table comes down to your personal style, the size you need, and your overall preferences. If you want a desk for your bedroom, look for something with a smaller footprint so it doesn’t dominate. However, if you’re decorating a den or study, consider something bigger.
An antique shop counter or whitewashed oak desk can deliver country appeal, while something less overwhelming can take its place in the entry or mudroom. In addition, consider the finish that goes best with your aesthetic, whether rustic or more mid-century.
Finished wood creates a single effect, while you want to consider color, shape, material, and overall aesthetic for a slant-top or single-drawer spinet.
Types of Antique Writing Desks and Tables
As long as there have been letters, there have been desks to write those letters on. That means you can find an antique writing table or desk to suit almost any need or consideration.
A narrower writing table could even take the place of a console or set off the back of a modern sofa wonderfully. French ebonized Art Nouveau classics, classic mahogany, or sturdy oak can be objects of conversation and beauty. Decisions regarding style, color, and shape are all up to you, and you’ll find quite an array of choices at Fireside Antiques.
Whether you want something functional or a stunning piece of history to admire, you can’t go wrong with an antique writing desk.