Walnut English Writing Reading Table
Located in Cranbrook, Kent
Mid 19th Century writing table in flame cut walnut with leather writing pad top revealing a built in adjustable slope. Circa 1860 this represents the finest examples of cabinet work ...
Walnut
Fine Period Sheraton Mahogany Reading Table
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Fine George III mahogany Sheraton reading table with adjustable stem and drawer, circa 1795.
Mahogany
Outstanding Quality Antique Edwardian Inlaid Mahogany Reading Table
Located in Suffolk, GB
Outstanding quality antique Edwardian inlaid mahogany reading table having a quality lift up ratchet top with charming satinwood inlaid urns, bows and swags above three frieze drawer...
Other
Fine George III Mahogany Reading Stand and Table
Located in New York, NY
The rectangular tilt-top of finely figured timber with removable reading ledge; raised on a turn columnar support and three downswept cabriole legs terminating in pad-form feet. P...
Mahogany
Adjustable Citronnier Wood Reading Table, England, Late 19th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Adjustable citronnier wood reading table, England, late 19th century.
Wood
Late 19th Century Bedside Table, Desk and Reading Table, Lecture, London c. 1900
Located in Greven, DE
Height-adjustable drawing and reading table London Walnut around 1900 Dimensions: H x W x D: 76 x 81 x 40 cm Description: Reading table made of solid walnut, adjustable in height ...
Walnut
English Regency Mahogany Leather Reading Table with Flanking Candle Slides 1790
Located in Charleston, SC
English Regency mahogany satinwood and ebony inlaid one drawer reading table with a ratcheted leather top, cross banded tulip wood, flanking candle slides with original brasses, comp...
Brass
Rare Holland and Sons Furniture William IV Burl Walnut Reading Table, Ca. 1830
By Gillows of Lancaster & London, Holland and Sherry
Located in Buchanan, MI
Very Rare Holland and Sons Furniture William IV Burl Walnut Reading Table, Ca. 1830, H 28.5" W 36" Depth 21", Beautiful color and patina and from a prominent mid west family.
Walnut
English Regency Mahogany Leather Top Reading Table with Flanking Drawers, C 1800
Located in Charleston, SC
English Regency mahogany partner's reading table with a ratcheted leather top, flanking triangular compartmentalized side drawers with original brasses, supported by four reeded ring...
Brass
$17,985Sale Price|30% Off
Louis XV Style Reading Table Attributed to H. Dasson, France, Circa 1885
By Henry Dasson
Located in PARIS, FR
Charming Louis XV style reading table attributed to H. Dasson. It opens on one side by a compartmental drawer and by a sliding shelf, forming a writing board and being able to switch...
Bronze
Very Fine circa 1780 Georgian Mahogany Reading Table with Candle Slips & Slope
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this exquisite hand made in England circa 1780-1800 Georgian reading table with period candelabra slip trays A very good looking and expertly cr...
Mahogany
$5,812Sale Price|20% Off
Alvar Aalto Rare Writing Table from Otaniemi Technical University, 1960s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Later modified with the reading lamp. The writing table is from the Otaniemi Technical University.
Metal
Antique English Wooden Desk with Reading Stand
Located in London, GB
Antique English wooden desk with reading stand Beautifully carved from wood, this Victorian English reading desk is supported by two legs with scrolled column-like profiles, with ...
Wood
19th century campaign Reading desk on later stand
Located in San Francisco, CA
19th century campaign Reading desk on later stand. Zebrawood with brass handles and toed leather interior Dedicated black 1892 18 x 10.5 x 20
Zebra Wood
$4,550Sale Price|30% Off
Louis XV Petite Mahogany and Kingwood Marquetry Kidney Writing Table, Paris 1870
Located in Germantown, MD
It could be used as its original purpose of reading or writing table or it could be used as a vanity with a mirror. 18th century bureau plats or writing tables were also called libra...
Bronze
Contemporary Transforming Reading Desk and Bench with Integrated Brass Lamp
Located in Zapopan, MX
Contemporary multifunctional reading desk and bench designed by Mexican architects Ana Victoria Pérez-Gil and Saúl Figueroa, conceived as a versatile piece that adapts to different m...
Walnut
Antique Regency Mahogany Adjustable Reading or Music Table
Located in Suffolk, GB
The octagonal top with a finely moulded edge, is mounted on an adjustable brass mechanism allowing for variable height and angle — ideal for use as a reading, writing, music table or...
Mahogany
A Fine Amboyna and Marquetry Reading Table Attributed to George Blake and Edward
By Edward Holmes Baldock
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
The table is adjustable in height and , designed to be used as a reading and writing table, probably in the bedroom of a very affluent young lady of the period.
Ivory, Ebony, Amboyna
18th Century Venetian Rococo Chinoiserie Yellow Polychrome Paint Dressing Table
Located in Forney, TX
Sometimes the powder table was combined with a writing desk or reading table, serving as a French Bonheur-Du-Jour.
Gesso, Mercury Glass, Wood, Oak, Pine, Paint
18th Century French-style Poudreuse, circa 1780, plum wood and walnut
Located in Münster, DE
Sometimes the powder table was combined with a writing desk or reading table.
Fruitwood, Nutwood
$297Sale Price|30% Off
1961 Hand Painted Custom Victorian Foldable Bed Tray Lap Tray
Located in Germantown, MD
It could also be used as a writing or reading table. This table tray is very versatile and can be used three ways.
Metal
Rare King Fredrik VIl teak chair
By Hans Olsen
Located in Munich, DE
This very special chair which functions as a reading chair and writing table, was named after King Frederik VII of Denmark who was known for occasionally sitting backwards on a simil...
Metal, Brass
Adjustable Reading Table / Lecturn
Located in Hudson, NY
Adjustable reading / writing table or lecturn. Mahogany with brass foot caps and casters.
Brass
Regency Combination Reading and Writing Table
Located in Sheffield, MA
Regency mahogany and satinwood inlaid revolving reading/writing table with ebonized stringing, adjustable reading slope with detachable book ledge, unusual brass latch to raise the s...
Brass
Georgian Mahogany Reading or Writing Table
Located in Sheffield, MA
George III mahogany reading or writing table with an adjustable reading slope and a removable ledge, one drawer with a brass swan neck handle, raised on straight legs with H-shaped s...
Mahogany
Pair of George III Mahogany Reading Tables
Located in New York, NY
Pair of George III mahogany reading tables with ebony stringing, on telescoping pedestal supports and with adjustable table tops.
Unavailable
H 30 in W 43 in D 24.25 in
Mahogany George III Console Table / Telescopic Reading Table, circa 1790
Located in Providence, RI
This table has a solid mahogany top of magnificent swirled figuring. While closed, it can certainly function as a server, console table, or library table. The neat feature of this pi...
Mahogany
English George II Mahogany Reading/Architects Table, circa 1740
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
?This is a rather interesting English George II mahogany reading/architects table, standing on 'cannon barrel' column and brass castors, circa 1740. Height: 75cm (29.5") top rais...
Mahogany
Unavailable
H 30 in W 48.25 in D 24.5 in
French Louis XV Petite Kidney-Shaped Writing Table, Paris, 1780
Located in Chicago, IL
It could be used as its original purpose of reading or writing table or it could be used as a vanity with a mirror. 18th century bureau plats or writing tables were also called libra...
Bronze
Unusual English Leather Partners Desk for Reading or Drafting
Located in Santa Rosa, CA
Unusual writing and reading table with one side that can be raised to hold a book or for drawing.
Wood
Louis XV Walnut Reading or Writing Table, c1770
Located in valatie, NY
Louis XV c1770 walnut reading or writing table with adjustable leather tooled reading slope.
Walnut
Sold
H 27.76 in W 37.41 in D 20.48 in
Antique Gentleman's Reading Table, English, Adjustable, Writing Desk, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique gentleman's reading table. An English, mahogany adjustable cantilever writing desk, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1870.
Wood
Sold
H 29.5 in W 30 in D 32 in
A Satinwood Reading and Writing Table with Campaign Features, Possibly Irish
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A Highly Unusual, Probably Unique, Satinwood Reading and Writing Table with Campaign Features, Possibly Irish, c.1800 Provenance The Grove family, Castle Grove, Donegal and by desc...
Brass
Edwardian Reading Table
By J Foot & Son
Located in Culver City, CA
Adjustable, cast iron and wood, Foot & Son, London
Iron
Louis XVI Reading Table
Located in Doylestown, PA
A nice Louis XVI reading table in mahogany, with a small drawer in the apron, a hinged top and slender fluted legs with brass caps.
Mahogany
English Mahogany Reading Table
Located in Charleston, SC
English mahogany reading table with adjustable leather top, pull out corner work drawers, reeded columns on square pedestal, and terminating on reeded saber legs with original brass ...
American Reading Table, circa 1835
Located in Palm Desert, CA
An American reading table. The top having fold-embossed tooled leather, framed with a mahogany panel having adjustable supports, circa 1835.
Leather, Mahogany
Early 20th Century Chinese Reading Table
Located in Chicago, IL
A black reading table from Shandong Province, China with a beautiful top. This table has two drawers on two different ends of the table. It is made of Northern Chinese Elm and is fro...
Elm
19th Century Antique Mahogany Double Sided Reading Table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19TH CENTURY ANTIQUE MAHOGANY DOUBLE SIDED READING TABLE
WITH ONE DRAWER EACH SIDE AND ONE DUMMY, WITH TWO ADJUSTABLE READING SLOPES ON EACH SIDE
Mahogany
Mahogany reading stand
Located in San Francisco, CA
An English mahogany reading table having rectangular top with opposing adjustable book stands, rising on fluted mechanical standard with adjustable height above shaped platform base ...
Mahogany
Regency Rosewood Dual Reading Stand / Adjustable Bed Table
Located in Dallas, TX
An English Regency adjustable bed table / dual reading stand of rosewood with inlaid brass decoration, rectangular top with rounded corners of bookmatched rosewood, two (2) hinged se...
Brass
Regency period coromandel wood writing table
Located in London, GB
An unusual early 19th century Regency period Coromandel wood reading or writing table, boxwood strung throughout, having crossbanded top with central red gilt tooled leather lift up ...
Other
Sold
H 27.25 in W 33.13 in D 19.88 in
Circa 1860 Adjustable Height Double-Sided Reading Table, English
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1860 adjustable height double sided reading table, English. Well figured mahogany. Nicely shaped base with four flattened bun feet. Bold turned column with brass collar and adj...
Wood
Sold
H 38.19 in W 18.9 in D 13.78 in
Unique Bauhaus Electrified Green Reading Table, Original Good Condition, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Reading table that is a perfect example of Bauhaus era in Czechoslovakia. Material: Chrome, lacquered wood, glass Period: 1930-1939 Source: Czech (Czechoslovakia) Dimensions:...
Chrome
Sold
H 51.77 in W 31.3 in D 24.41 in
Lectern, speaking reading desk, book table rack, Biedermeier style, 1870 Austria
Located in Wien, AT
Stunning Lectern, in the Biedermeier style from the end of the 19th century, made around 1870. A wonderful example of a speaking desk, finished in cherry wood but stained to mahogan...
Metal
18th c. English Gadrooned Reading Desk
Located in Greenwich, CT
An 18th century English mahogany pedestal desk with gilt tooled leather inset three-section top over central drawer with two banks of four drawers to either side, featuring fine deta...
Mahogany
Late 18th Century English Mahogany Adjustable Reading Stand
Located in Middleburg, VA
Late 18th century English adjustable reading stand. Made on Honduras Mahogany with the original deep lustrous patination. Shaped adjustable trestle base. Made in England, circa 1790....
Mahogany
Sold
H 45.28 in W 22.05 in D 23.63 in
Bruno Mathsson Reading Stand, Firma Karl Mathsson, Sweden 1936, early example
By Bruno Mathsson, Firma Karl Mathsson
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Bruno Mathsson (1907-1988) Birch and ash reading table, designed by Bruno Mathsson and produced by Firma Karl Mathsson, Värnamo, Sweden. Label marked: Bruno MATHSSON, FIRMA KARL MATH...
Brass, Nickel
Sold
H 4.73 in W 18.51 in D 11.03 in
Aksel Bender Madsen & Ejner Larsen Drawing Board / Reading Stand by Willy Beck
By Ejner Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare drawing board / reading stand designed by Aksel Bender Madsen & Ejner Larsen. Produced by Willy Beck in Denmark.
Brass
Pair of English Mahogany Music Table Tables
Located in Southampton, NY
Pair of English Mahogany Music Tables (also used for Writing and Reading Tables) having bamboo style legs with a center section which rises for reading
Mahogany
Choosing the perfect writing desk or writing table is a profoundly personal journey, one that people have been embarking upon for centuries.
Queen Atossa of Persia, from her writing table circa 500 B.C., is said to have been the originator of the art of handwritten letters. Hers was reportedly the first in a long and colorful history of penned correspondence that grew in popularity alongside literacy. The demand for suitable writing desks, which would serve the composer of the letters as well as ensure the comfort of the recipient naturally followed, and the design of these necessary furnishings has evolved throughout history.
Once people began to seek freedom from the outwardly ornate styles of the walnut and rosewood writing desks and drafting tables introduced in the name of Queen Victoria and King Louis XV, radical shifts occurred, such as those that materialized during the Art Nouveau period, when designers longed to produce furniture inspired by the natural world’s beauty. A prime example is the work of the famous late-19th-century Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí — his rolltop desk featured deep side drawers and was adorned with carved motifs that paid tribute to nature. Gaudí regularly combined structural precision with decorative elements, creating beautiful pieces of furniture in wood and metal.
Soon afterward, preferences for sleek, geometric, stylized forms in furniture that saw an emphasis on natural wood grains and traditional craftsmanship took hold. Today, Art Deco desks are still favored by designers who seek to infuse interiors with an air of luxury. One of the most prominent figures of the Art Deco movement was French decorator and furniture designer Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann. With his use of neoclassical motifs as well as expensive and exotic materials such as imported dark woods and inlays of precious metals for his writing desks, Ruhlmann came to symbolize good taste and modernity.
The rise in appreciation for Scandinavian modernism continues to influence the design of contemporary writing desks. It employs the “no fuss” or “less is more” approach to creating a tasteful, sophisticated space. Sweden’s master cabinetmaker Bruno Mathsson created gallery-worthy designs that are as functional as they are beautiful. Finnish architect Alvar Aalto never viewed himself as an artist, but, like Mathsson, his furniture designs reflected a fondness for organic materials and a humanistic approach. Danish designers such as Hans Wegner introduced elegant shapes and lines to mid-century desks and writing tables, often working in oak and solid teak.
From vintage desks to contemporary styles, 1stDibs offers a broad spectrum of choices for conducting all personal and business writing and reading activities.
Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.
Fans of the French film star may be surprised to learn that he had a flair for furniture with sleek lines and disco-era flash.
Like other pieces in the firm’s Candy Box collection, the cheerful limited-edition design showcases French craft.
Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
The designer’s innovative use of an unexpected material gives this console a lift.
The stately piece brings both gravitas and whimsy to any work space.
Use them as tables or stools, indoors or out.