What is a writing desk?

A writing desk may refer to a desk with a top, often sloping, for writing on or to a portable case with compartments to hold writing materials and a surface for writing.

What is a writing desk with drawers called?

A writing desk with drawers is also called a secretary. It is a desk with drawers, one of which can be pushed out and the front of the desk lowered to create a flat writing surface. These writing desks have been made in a variety of styles over the years. Shop for a variety of writing tables with drawers on 1stDibs.

What is a small writing desk called?

A small writing table is also called a davenport table or davenport desk. They normally feature a sloped or inclined top attached with hinges to the back of the table. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage davenport desks.

What is an old-fashioned writing desk called?

What an old-fashioned writing desk is called varies by design. Pieces with drop-down fronts are secretary desks (these are typically made of two parts: a chest of drawers on the bottom and a hutch or cupboard with shelves on the top), while ones that rest on two pillars, cabinets or bookcases are pedestal desks. A desk with a small writing surface positioned in front of drawers and cubbies is a bureau à gradin. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of desks.

What's the difference between a desk and a writing table?

Desks typically include drawers or storage compartments, while writing tables (and secretary desks) offer a flatter surface with little to no built-in storage.

What was the term in French furniture for a writing desk that often featured a drop-down writing surface?

In French, the term for a writing desk that often featured a drop-down writing surface is secretaire. This type of desk is called a secretary desk in English. Simply put, a secretary desk is a multifunctional piece of furniture with a hinged writing surface that folds open or drops down. When the leaf is folded out, small inner storage compartments, which are called pigeonholes, cubbies, recesses or drawers, are revealed. On 1stDibs, shop antique secretary desks from some of the world's top sellers.

What's the difference between a mid-century modern desk and a writing table?

Desks typically include drawers or storage, while writing tables are a flatter, more minimal work surface; check the listing description for storage details.

Copper Writing Desk

Quarter Sawn Oak Library Table

Early 20th Century Library Table

Stickley Mission Library Desk

Stickley Oak

Arts Crafts Oak Desk

Arts And Crafts Library Table

$7,200

English 1880s Faux-Bamboo Desk with Copper Hued Leather Top and Five Drawers

Located in Atlanta, GA

An English faux bamboo desk from the late 19th century, with copper leather top and five drawers. Created in England during the later years of the 19th century, this desk features a ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Faux Bamboo

Rector Desk

$13,127 / item

Rector Desk

Located in Paris, FR

Desk Rector with wooden structure, table top with 3 drawers with easy glide system, in oak veneer in smocked matte finish, 2 bases in oak in aged matte finish. Bottom of the top a...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Copper, Stainless Steel

Caos Metallica Desk

$43,835 / item

Caos Metallica Desk

By Sergio Villa, Carlo Rampazzi

Located in Milan, IT

Mixing contrasting textures and shapes, this stunning desk will not go unnoticed and will add an eclectic decorative accent to a modern or contemporary study, where its imposing size...

Category

2010s Italian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze, Copper

Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant

A rare writing table designed by Nico van der Laan for the Pauluskerk in Dongen, built between 1965 and 1967 under the direction of his brother, architect Dom Hans van der Laan. The ...

Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Copper

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Indian Copper Writing Desk

Unavailable

H 31 in W 47 in D 24 in

Indian Copper Writing Desk

Located in New York, NY

Materials

Marble, Breccia Marble, Carrara Marble, Brass, Aluminum, Bronze, Copper,...

Exceptional Small Iron and Copper Side Table with Chair

Unavailable

H 32 in W 31.25 in D 13 in

Exceptional Small Iron and Copper Side Table with Chair

Located in Pasadena, CA

Side table and iron chair, circa 1920s. The iron work is incredibly well executed. Measures: 32" H x 31.25" W x 13" D.

Category

Vintage 1920s North American Spanish Colonial Desks and Writing Tables

Italian Mid-Century Desk

Located in Denton, TX

Striped Mahogany desk with exterior legs and copper accents. Good working desk with 6 drawers.

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Copper

Jan de Jong writing table Town Hall Budel Netherlands 1967

Sold

H 32.29 in W 56.3 in D 28.35 in

Jan de Jong writing table Town Hall Budel Netherlands 1967

By Jan de Jong

Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant

Designed and executed by Jan de Jong for the Raadhuis Budel in the Netherlands in 1967, this closed writing table is a remarkable example of the precise proportions and material clar...

Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Copper

Sold

H 29 in W 48 in D 28 in

Arts and Crafts Oak Library Table/Desk

Located in Petaluma, CA

This handsome and chunky arts and crafts desk has the added feature of shelves on the side for books. A very nice example of this period, with nice original hardware on the drawer. ...

Category

Early 20th Century American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Copper

Lifetime Furniture Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Desk, Circa 1910

Sold

H 27.75 in W 36 in D 23.75 in

Lifetime Furniture Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Desk, Circa 1910

By Lifetime

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By Lifetime Furniture USA, Circa 1910 Beautiful quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper hardw...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Copper

WPA Industrial Aluminum Artisan 5 Piece Desk Set

Sold

H 30 in W 44 in D 24 in

WPA Industrial Aluminum Artisan 5 Piece Desk Set

Located in Brooklyn, NY

WPA, bespoke, artisan-made, hand tooled, riveted aluminum, desk set with copper hammered pulls, circa 1930’s includes 5 pieces; desk, bench, deskblotter, folder organizer and stamp. ...

Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum, Copper

H 31.5 in W 39.38 in D 21.66 in

1970s Writing Desk, Italy

Located in Praha, CZ

- Item was carefully refurbished - sturdy and stable - mahogany veneer

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Italian Art Desk desk in wood and steel, 1930s

$2,168

H 29.93 in W 39.38 in D 26.58 in

Italian Art Desk desk in wood and steel, 1930s

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian Art Desk desk in wood and steel, 1930s Desk in briar wood. Under the rectangular top, there are a column of three rectangular drawers with round chromed steel handles and a l...

Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk in Tawi Walnut & Steel

$38,250

$1,708Sale Price|57% Off

H 27.96 in W 40.95 in D 19.3 in

Dassi Desk walnut Mid-Century Modern Brass Minimal Scultural 1950s Italian

By Dassi

Located in Palermo, Sicily

Dassi small desk rosewood Mid-Century Modern brass minimal scultural 1950s Italian. Colored glass top with gold decorations on the edge. Perfectly restored.

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

1950s Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk in Beech and Brass

$4,543

H 31.11 in W 47.25 in D 31.5 in

1950s Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk in Beech and Brass

Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio

This writing desk, proudly crafted in Italy, embodies the timeless aesthetics of the Mid-Century design movement prevalent during the 1950s. Its exquisite design showcases the design...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

Midcentury McGuire Writing Desk with Cane Drawer Fronts and Brass Pulls

$5,995

$7,795

$5,500

H 30 in W 48 in D 24 in

Wonderful Arthur Umanoff Olivewood Chrome Desk Mid-Century Modern

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Wonderful Arthur Umanoff olivewood and chrome desk. We love the great looking burled olivewood top with two hidden drawers against the angular chromed legs. Top is in great shape wit...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

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Goat Skin Lacquered Credenza

By Karl Springer

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Vintage four door cabinet covered in a cream colored lacquered finish. Set on polished brass frame with matching handles. Please confirm location NY or NJ

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Biosca Brutalist Highboard In Solid Pine, Spain 1960's

$21,403

H 69.69 in W 43.31 in D 15.75 in

Biosca Brutalist Highboard In Solid Pine, Spain 1960's

By BIOSCA

Located in Sittard, LI

Biosca brutalist highboard in stained pine, Spain 1960s. An exceptional Spanish sideboard crafted by Biosca, showcasing impressive design and craftsmanship. The door panels feature a...

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Vintage 1960s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

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Vintage Dining Table , Italy 1950s

$1,818Sale Price|20% Off

H 31.11 in W 63 in D 31.5 in

Vintage Dining Table , Italy 1950s

Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT

Vintage Dining Table, Italy, 1950s Unusually shaped vintage dining table from the 1950s is pure Italian midcentury design style, designed to comfortably seat six people, the table f...

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Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

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European Rustic Desk

$1,557 / item

H 31 in W 59 in D 24 in

European Rustic Desk

By Bramble

Located in Westwood, NJ

Exquisitely designed to blend elegance with functionality. Crafted from high-quality mahogany wood and finished in our straw wash, this desk is a perfect addition to any home or offi...

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21st Century and Contemporary Asian Rustic Desks and Writing Tables

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Get Updated with New Arrivals

Save "Copper Writing Desk", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Copper Writing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the copper writing desk you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Each copper writing desk for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, copper and wood. There are 32 variations of the antique or vintage copper writing desk you’re looking for, while we also have 9 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer copper writing desk, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. Each copper writing desk bearing Mid-Century Modern, Arts and Crafts or Modern hallmarks is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made copper writing desk over the years, but those crafted by Modshop, Charles Limbert and Gustav Stickley are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Copper Writing Desk?

Prices for a copper writing desk can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $950 and can go as high as $95,000, while the average can fetch as much as $4,444.

Finding the Right Desks-writing-tables for You

Vintage desks and writing tables span centuries of design. The writing table came first, a simple surface built for correspondence, while the drawered desk followed as record-keeping at home and in the office grew more demanding.

Styles to Know

Any desk at least 20 years old falls under this broader vintage category. If you want a tapered-leg, mid-century look specifically, browse mid-century modern desks; Louis XVI and Art Deco secretary desks bridge the writing-table and desk forms. A vintage table lamp adds task lighting to either.

How to Choose the Right Vintage Piece

Writing tables often carry little to no storage of their own, so a separate file cabinet or desk organizer may be worth planning for, alongside a close look at the surface dimensions against the space available. Each piece comes from a vetted 1stDibs seller, with era, designer and condition detailed, and every purchase is covered by the 1stDibs Promise.

Questions About Copper Writing Desk

What is a writing desk?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
A writing desk may refer to a desk with a top, often sloping, for writing on or to a portable case with compartments to hold writing materials and a surface for writing.
What is a writing desk with drawers called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
A writing desk with drawers is also called a secretary. It is a desk with drawers, one of which can be pushed out and the front of the desk lowered to create a flat writing surface. These writing desks have been made in a variety of styles over the years. Shop for a variety of writing tables with drawers on 1stDibs.
What is a small writing desk called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
A small writing table is also called a davenport table or davenport desk. They normally feature a sloped or inclined top attached with hinges to the back of the table. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage davenport desks.
What is an old-fashioned writing desk called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
What an old-fashioned writing desk is called varies by design. Pieces with drop-down fronts are secretary desks (these are typically made of two parts: a chest of drawers on the bottom and a hutch or cupboard with shelves on the top), while ones that rest on two pillars, cabinets or bookcases are pedestal desks. A desk with a small writing surface positioned in front of drawers and cubbies is a bureau à gradin. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of desks.
What's the difference between a desk and a writing table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
Desks typically include drawers or storage compartments, while writing tables (and secretary desks) offer a flatter surface with little to no built-in storage.
What was the term in French furniture for a writing desk that often featured a drop-down writing surface?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
In French, the term for a writing desk that often featured a drop-down writing surface is secretaire. This type of desk is called a secretary desk in English. Simply put, a secretary desk is a multifunctional piece of furniture with a hinged writing surface that folds open or drops down. When the leaf is folded out, small inner storage compartments, which are called pigeonholes, cubbies, recesses or drawers, are revealed. On 1stDibs, shop antique secretary desks from some of the world's top sellers.
What's the difference between a mid-century modern desk and a writing table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
Desks typically include drawers or storage, while writing tables are a flatter, more minimal work surface; check the listing description for storage details.

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