Writing Desks

It's true that almost any surface can be used as a writing desk, from a dining table to a kitchen counter. Most people, however, find it crucial to have separate work and living spaces, especially at home. So regardless of where your desk is located, you can be more productive and focused by just having a writing desk. Among all antique items within a household, a writing desk or table is one of the most frequently used items. Bidsquare features a variety of designs and forms on antique writing desks. 

The writing was the province of educated gentlemen and ladies and would have been constructed by skilled cabinet makers for wealthy clients. The finest timbers were used in the construction of these antique pieces of furniture. In the 18th century, some of the finest antique desks and writing tables were produced by William Vile, Holland & Son, Thomas Chippendale, John Syers, John McLean, and Gillows of Lancaster. Such desks have always been regarded with great distinction. This can be seen in the choices of woods used, the elaborate construction, and the intense burnishing and lacquering of the metalwork. Early forms were quite large and were used in libraries and offices in the late 18th century. Smaller sizes were introduced in the early 19th century to accommodate regular homes. Decorative embellishments and fine inlay were not used on writing desks until the Victorian era. In this case, cabinet makers took into account not only the writing design but also the aesthetic angle for display.

Antique and Vintage Writing Desks

The vast collection of new, antique, and vintage writing desks featured on Bidsquare is perfect for getting your creativity flowing. Aside from serving as a simple vanity for jewelry, hair styling, and make-up, an antique writer's desk can be a beautiful addition to any traditional study or office. Our selection of antique writing desks includes a wealth of pieces featuring classic styles such as Edwardian, Georgian, and Louis XVI. Browse our selection of small writing desks to find the ideal piece to place beside your bed or set up in a small space. Discover pieces made of walnut, mahogany, and oak woods. Aside from that, we carry executive desks, roll-top desks, and secretary desks. Shop for desks with elegant details, such as cabriole legs, and glass-doored hutches with marble tops. The teak-based mid-century Scandinavian design is also extremely popular. Furthermore, we offer desks made from a variety of specialty woods such as rosewood, maple, and burl wood. Explore European desks, as well as desks from Asia. You're sure to find the perfect antique office desk to suit your style and your space at online auction on Bidsquare

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1709 Results
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  • 19th Century French Sevres Hand Painted Porcelain Mounted Lady's Writing Desk
    Estimate
    $4,000 - $8,000

    19th Century French Sevres Hand Painted Porcelain Mount...

    Est.
    $4,000 - $8,000
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $3,500
  • SPANISH WALNUT WRITING TABLE/ DESK
    Estimate
    $80 - $150

    SPANISH WALNUT WRITING TABLE/ DESK

    Est.
    $80 - $150
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $60
  • ITALIAN MID-CENTURY MODERN WRITING DESK
    Estimate
    $600 - $1,200

    ITALIAN MID-CENTURY MODERN WRITING DESK

    Est.
    $600 - $1,200
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $500
  • 19th C. French Louis XVI Style Writing Desk
    Estimate
    $6,500 - $8,500

    19th C. French Louis XVI Style Writing Desk

    Est.
    $6,500 - $8,500
    Prime Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $4,500
  • ANONIMA CASTELLI MID-CENTURY MODERN TEAK WRITING DESK
    Estimate
    $300 - $500

    ANONIMA CASTELLI MID-CENTURY MODERN TEAK WRITING DESK

    Est.
    $300 - $500
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $200
  • LOUIS XVI STYLE WALNUT BUREAU PLAT/ WRITING DESK
    Estimate
    $300 - $500

    LOUIS XVI STYLE WALNUT BUREAU PLAT/ WRITING DESK

    Est.
    $300 - $500
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $200
  • FRENCH LOUIS XV STYLE BONHEUR DU JOUR / LADIES WRITING DESK
    Estimate
    $300 - $500

    FRENCH LOUIS XV STYLE BONHEUR DU JOUR / LADIES WRITING ...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $150
  • FRENCH HENRI II STYLE WALNUT LEATHER-TOP DESK
    Estimate
    $150 - $250

    FRENCH HENRI II STYLE WALNUT LEATHER-TOP DESK

    Est.
    $150 - $250
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $100
  • LARGE ILA ITALIAN MID-CENTURY MODERN TEAK DESK
    Estimate
    $400 - $600

    LARGE ILA ITALIAN MID-CENTURY MODERN TEAK DESK

    Est.
    $400 - $600
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $300
  • MANNER OF JULES LELEU FRENCH ART DECO MAHOGANY PEDESTAL DESK
    Estimate
    $300 - $500

    MANNER OF JULES LELEU FRENCH ART DECO MAHOGANY PEDESTAL...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $200
  • Writing Desk
    Estimate
    $150 - $250

    Writing Desk

    Est.
    $150 - $250
    New England Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  • Campaign Writing Desk
    Estimate
    $250 - $500

    Campaign Writing Desk

    Est.
    $250 - $500
    New England Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  • Tambour Writing Desk
    Estimate
    $250 - $500

    Tambour Writing Desk

    Est.
    $250 - $500
    New England Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  • VICTORIAN BAMBOO & BLACK-JAPANNED WRITING DESK
    Estimate
    $1,000 - $2,000

    VICTORIAN BAMBOO & BLACK-JAPANNED WRITING DESK

    Est.
    $1,000 - $2,000
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $500
  • Lap Writing Desk
    Estimate
    $500 - $750

    Lap Writing Desk

    Est.
    $500 - $750
    New England Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  • Brass Ladies Writing Desk With Porcelain Medallions
    Estimate
    $500 - $750

    Brass Ladies Writing Desk With Porcelain Medallions

    Est.
    $500 - $750
    New England Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $100
  • (2) FRENCH NAPOLEON III MOTHER OF PEARL INLAID LADIES WRITING DESK & CHAIR
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200

    (2) FRENCH NAPOLEON III MOTHER OF PEARL INLAID LADIES W...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $500
  • Walnut Davenport Desk (ca. 1880)
    Estimate
    $300 - $500

    Walnut Davenport Desk (ca. 1880)

    Est.
    $300 - $500
    Circle Auction
    3 Bids
    Current Bid
    $200
  • SPANISH WALNUT SLANT FRONT WRITING BUREAU
    Estimate
    $300 - $500

    SPANISH WALNUT SLANT FRONT WRITING BUREAU

    Est.
    $300 - $500
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $200
  • (2) FRENCH RENAISSANCE REVIVAL CARVED OAK WRITING TABLE & CHAIR
    Estimate
    $200 - $400

    (2) FRENCH RENAISSANCE REVIVAL CARVED OAK WRITING TABLE...

    Est.
    $200 - $400
    Austin Auction Gallery
    1 Bid
    Current Bid
    $150
  • Irwin Furniture Co. (Grand Rapids, MI) Sheraton Style Mahogany Writing Desk, 20th C., H 30" W 53" Depth 21"
    Estimate
    $200 - $400

    Irwin Furniture Co. (Grand Rapids, MI) Sheraton Style M...

    Est.
    $200 - $400
    DuMouchelles
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $100
  • FRENCH NAPOLEON III MARQUETRY SECRETAIRE A ABATTANT
    Estimate
    $500 - $800

    FRENCH NAPOLEON III MARQUETRY SECRETAIRE A ABATTANT

    Est.
    $500 - $800
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $400
  • LARGE FRENCH NEOCLASSICAL WALNUT BUREAU PLAT
    Estimate
    $600 - $800

    LARGE FRENCH NEOCLASSICAL WALNUT BUREAU PLAT

    Est.
    $600 - $800
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $400
  • FRENCH LOUIS XVI STYLE MARBLE-TOP MAHOGANY SECRETAIRE A ABATTANT
    Estimate
    $400 - $800

    FRENCH LOUIS XVI STYLE MARBLE-TOP MAHOGANY SECRETAIRE A...

    Est.
    $400 - $800
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $300
  • FRENCH LOUIS PHILIPPE MARBLE-TOP FLAME MAHOGANY SECRETAIRE A ABATTANT
    Estimate
    $300 - $600

    FRENCH LOUIS PHILIPPE MARBLE-TOP FLAME MAHOGANY SECRETA...

    Est.
    $300 - $600
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $250
  • AMERICAN DON RUSEAU LOUIS XV STYLE CARVED SECRETARY BOOKCASE
    Estimate
    $400 - $700

    AMERICAN DON RUSEAU LOUIS XV STYLE CARVED SECRETARY BOO...

    Est.
    $400 - $700
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $300
  • FRENCH LOUIS XVI STYLE MARBLE-TOP MAHOGANY SECRETARY COMMODE
    Estimate
    $500 - $800

    FRENCH LOUIS XVI STYLE MARBLE-TOP MAHOGANY SECRETARY CO...

    Est.
    $500 - $800
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $400
  • French Louis XVI Style Writing Desk
    Estimate
    $5,000 - $7,000

    French Louis XVI Style Writing Desk

    Est.
    $5,000 - $7,000
  • Peter Lovig Nielsen Flip-Top Partners Desk
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $2,000

    Peter Lovig Nielsen Flip-Top Partners Desk

    Est.
    $1,500 - $2,000
  • Irish Mahogany Fall Front Desk On Carved Base
    Estimate
    $500 - $700

    Irish Mahogany Fall Front Desk On Carved Base

    Est.
    $500 - $700
  • WRITING DESK
    Estimate
    $25 - $50

    WRITING DESK

    Est.
    $25 - $50
  • ITALIAN WRITING DESK
    Estimate
    $400 - $600

    ITALIAN WRITING DESK

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Vintage Writing Desk
    Estimate
    $5 - $500

    Vintage Writing Desk

    Est.
    $5 - $500
  • Writing Desk
    Estimate
    $100 - $300

    Writing Desk

    Est.
    $100 - $300
  • PORTUGUESE WRITING DESK
    Estimate
    $1,000 - $2,000
  • Japanese Writing Desk
    Estimate
    $200 - $400

    Japanese Writing Desk

    Est.
    $200 - $400
  • Ladies Writing Desk
    Estimate
    $5 - $500

    Ladies Writing Desk

    Est.
    $5 - $500
  • FRENCH PIANO FRONT WRITING DESK
    Estimate
    $200 - $300

    FRENCH PIANO FRONT WRITING DESK

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Ladies Writing Desk
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $2,500

    Ladies Writing Desk

    Est.
    $1,500 - $2,500
  • A zebra wood writing desk
    Estimate
    $300 - $400

    A zebra wood writing desk

    Est.
    $300 - $400
  • Modern Inlaid Mahogany Writing Desk
    Estimate
    $500 - $700

    Modern Inlaid Mahogany Writing Desk

    Est.
    $500 - $700
  • A MID-CENTURY WOODEN WRITING DESK
    Estimate
    $1,000 - $2,000

    A MID-CENTURY WOODEN WRITING DESK

    Est.
    $1,000 - $2,000