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.

  • Filters
  • Sort by
    ...
  • Large French Louis XVI Style Ebonized Desk

    $6,995.00

    30"H x 65"W x 31.50"D

    Dimensions: 30” H x 65” W x 31 ½” D

    An impressive early 19th Century Louis XVI style ebonized desk made in France. This large desk has an ebonized wood frame with a worn inset leather top embossed with brass tooling. A leather topped slide with a brass ring pull extends 12” from the both sides, giving the desk an 86 ¼” width when extended. Below the writing surface you’ll find four drawers including a center drawer. On the left side are two stacked drawers and on the right is a single double-stacked drawer to mimic the design. Louis XVI style gilt bronze escutcheon plates are featured on the drawer fronts and one key is present to work all of the functioning locks. The desk is raised on tapered legs with brass capped feet. Cleaned and polished with a French paste wax, this antique is ready for your immediate use. The worn leather writing surfaces have patina and marks consistent with age and use, be sure to look at the detailed images to see the current condition of this desk. Knee clearance: 23 ½”

  • English 19th Century Mahogany Secrétaire

    $4,200.00

    99.50"H x 47.75"W x 20.25"D

    Dimensions: 99 ½” H x 47 ¾” W x 20 ¼” D

    A mahogany secrétaire made in England circa 1890. This secrétaire is topped with a broken pediment design over a pair of glass front doors that open with a working lock and key. Inside are three adjustable shelves at 8” deep. A drop front desk opens to a wine colored leather writing surface with gold tooling and is fitted with nine open storage cavities, and eight drawers with brass knobs. The base below includes five easy-to-use drawers with brass pulls. All the drawer locks are in working condition and use the same key as the glass doors. Cleaned and polished with a paste wax, this antique is ready for your immediate use. Be sure to view the detailed images to see the current condition of this secrétaire. Note: The drop front desk lock is not in working order and uses a blank key as a pull.

  • French 19th Century Empire Desk

    $2,500.00

    29.50"H x 57"W x 29.50"D

    Dimensions: 29 ½” H x 57” W x 29 ½” D

    A classically designed Empire style mahogany desk from France. This desk has a new inset green leather top embossed with brass tooling and banding around the perimeter. A more worn leather topped slide extends 14 ½” from the both sides, giving the desk an 85 ⅝” width when extended. Below the writing surface you’ll find four drawers including a center drawer. On the left side are two stacked drawers and on the right is a single double-stacked drawer to mimic the design. The interior is fitted with removable storage compartments to reveal a hidden bottom. One key is present to work the left drawer’s functioning lock. Empirical embellishments are featured on the tapered legs and the whole rests on brass paw feet. Cleaned and polished with a French paste wax, this antique is ready for your immediate use. Be sure to look at the detailed images to see the current condition of this desk. Knee clearance: 24”

  • SALELimited

    French Louis XVI Drop Front Desk

    $1,595.00

    39.63"H x 32.13"W x 29.25"D

    Dimensions: 39 ⅝” H x 32 ⅛” W x 29 ¼” D

    A petite drop front walnut and inlay French desk. The top compartment has a slanted top which folds forward to become a flat writing surface. The cabinet is fitted with open shelves and four drawers. Below the writing surface are three drawers all with inset geometric inlay banding. The whole is raised on tapering partial fluted legs. Be sure to view the detailed images to see the current condition of this unique antique desk.

    The writing surface is 30” H
    Total depth with the desk in use is 30”

  • SALELimited

    French Petite Drop Front Desk

    $1,680.00

    39.63"H x 32.25"W x 16"D

    Dimensions: 39 ⅝” H x 32 ¼” W x 16” D

    A petite drop front walnut and inlay French desk. The top compartment has a slanted top which folds forward to become a flat writing surface inset with green leather and a gilt perimeter. The cabinet is fitted with open shelves and four drawers. Below the writing surface are three drawers all with inset geometric inlay banding. The whole is raised on tapering partial fluted legs. Be sure to view the detailed images to see the current condition of this unique antique desk.

    The writing surface is 29 ½” H
    Total depth with the desk in use is 29 ½”

  • French 19th Century Writing Desk

    $3,995.00

    38.75"H x 56.75"W x 33.50"D

    Dimensions: 38 ¾” H x 56 ¾” W x 33 ½” D

    A French writing desk made of rosewood and mahogany. This desk has an upper console containing four drawers and a center open cavity with a scalloped shelf. The writing surface has an inset leather top and has a pull out slide on its right side for additional surface area, measuring 28 ¼”H x 24 ¾”W x 15 ¾”D. Below the writing surface you’ll find a center drawer with a knob for opening. On the left side are two stacked drawers, the lock is missing in the top drawer, and the bottom drawer’s lock is functioning. Mimicking the design of the left is a single double-stacked drawer on the right. The interior is fitted with removable storage compartments and has a functioning lock. One key is present to work the bottom left drawer and the desk’s right drawer. This desk is supported on turned mahogany legs. Cleaned and polished with a French paste wax. Be sure to view the detailed images of this exceptional desk. Knee clearance in the center of the desk is 24”.

  • French Empire Secrétaire á Abattant

    $3,995.00

    55"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 18th Century Directoire Roll Top Desk

    $5,995.00

    49"H x 55.75"W x 25.50"D

    Dimensions: 49” H x 55 ¾” W x 25 ½” D

    A handsome and classically designed French Directoire “D” roll top desk. The desk is topped with a polished piece of St. Anne gris marble. Directly beneath the marble are three drawers with beautiful bookmatched burl mahogany drawer fronts and brass escutcheon plates with an impressive steel key and locking system. The D shaped roll top is quite impressive with its burl bookmatched design and brass handles. 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 37 ¼”D. The main writing surface is 29 ½”H x 48 ¾”W x 20”D. On each side of the desk you’ll find a slide out leather top writing surface, each measuring 28 ½”H x 19 ⅜”W x 18 ⅜”D. 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 with removable compartments. This desk is supported with squared off tapered legs ending in brass caps. The desk has been cleaned and polished with a French paste wax. Be sure to view the detailed images of this exceptional desk.

  • SALELimited

    French Petite Mahogany Writing Desk

    $1,700.00

    29.50"H x 37"W x 20.13"D

    Dimensions: 29 ½” H x 37” W x 20 ⅛” D

    A petite mahogany desk with an inset leather writing surface from 19th Century France. The worn leather top is in antique condition with embossed gold tooling. A single drawer is housed within the apron, featuring a brass keyhole and functioning lock and key, raised on long tapered legs ending in brass caps. Knee clearance: 24”. Be sure to view all the images for a closer look at the details and current condition of this petite writing desk.

  • 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 22”

  • 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. 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 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.

  • 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 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.

  • 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 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 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.

My Cart
Close Wishlist
Close Recently Viewed
Categories