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Aesthetic Movement Desks

AESTHETIC MOVEMENT

In 1880, polymath designer William Morris declared: “If you want a golden rule that will fit everybody, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” His words encapsulated the Aesthetic Movement, which prized beauty above all and blurred the lines between fine art and the decorative arts, particularly through lavishly crafted furniture pieces.

The Aesthetic Movement, whose major proponents included author Oscar Wilde, flourished from the 1860s to the 1880s and was mostly popular in England and the United States. Design expositions like the 1876 Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia, as well as the publishing of how-to books for interior design, helped disseminate Aesthetic Movement bedroom furniture, serveware, coffee tables and other items, especially to the middle class.

The establishment of new art museums, art clubs and a rising passion for collecting at the time contributed to a growing appreciation for art. Morris’s founding of Morris & Co. in 1862 and the commercializing of this “cult of beauty” by the Liberty store in London, starting in the late 19th century, further disseminated the idea of a domestic space that was thoughtfully and floridly designed.

Leading Aesthetic Movement furniture designers included E.W. Godwin, who drew on Japanese influences and whose work reflected a wider enthusiasm for imported East Asian art. British designer Christopher Dresser created textiles, ceramics and more that were also inspired by Japanese decorative art but were representative of additional diverse design sources that ranged from Egypt to Mexico.

The Aesthetic Movement’s eclecticism resulted in dazzling interiors. Japanese fans were positioned on Renaissance-inspired cabinets with brass hardware, while mantels made of rich walnut or finely carved ebonized wood and adorned with painted Minton tiles mingled with cast-iron chairs against a backdrop of floral wallpaper. In 1881, in New York City, stenciled checkerboard motifs and painted floral murals could be found under an opalescent glass chandelier in a luxurious dressing room designed by German émigré cabinetmaker-decorator George Alfred Schastey. Amid the rise of the industrial age, the style’s promotion of art in everyday life would inform the Arts and Crafts Movement and Art Nouveau.

Find a collection of antique Aesthetic Movement seating, tables, decorative objects and other furniture and antiques on 1stDibs.

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Style: Aesthetic Movement
Carlton House Desk by Maitland Smith, 1980s Neoclassical Revival Transitional
Carlton House Desk by Maitland Smith, 1980s Neoclassical Revival Transitional

Carlton House Desk by Maitland Smith, 1980s Neoclassical Revival Transitional

By Maitland Smith

Located in Round Top, TX

Late 20th C. tessellated horn Carlton House desk by Maitland Smith. A wood frame, with applied horn and brass inlay detailing. Multiple cubbies and drawers, with cast brass drop pull...

Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Aesthetic Movement Desks

Materials

Horn, Wood

Howard & Sons London Leather Topped Faux Bamboo Writing Table, circa 1875
Howard & Sons London Leather Topped Faux Bamboo Writing Table, circa 1875

Howard & Sons London Leather Topped Faux Bamboo Writing Table, circa 1875

By Howard & Sons Ltd

Located in Kinderhook, NY

English circa 1875 Aesthetic Movement writing table or desk by London cabinetmakers Howard & Sons having original green leather top; the oval form case with single drawer and origina...

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Desks

Materials

Brass

Antique 19th Century Anglo-Chinese Bamboo Lacquered Desk
Antique 19th Century Anglo-Chinese Bamboo Lacquered Desk

Antique 19th Century Anglo-Chinese Bamboo Lacquered Desk

Located in London, GB

Antique 19th Century Anglo-Chinese Bamboo Lacquered Desk Aesthetic Movement, England, C.1880 Leather inset surface Presented in excellent condition commensurate of age. Please messa...

Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Desks

Materials

Leather, Bamboo, Lacquer

E W Godwin attr for Collinson & Lock. An Aesthetic Movement walnut writing table
E W Godwin attr for Collinson & Lock. An Aesthetic Movement walnut writing table

E W Godwin attr for Collinson & Lock. An Aesthetic Movement walnut writing table

By Collinson & Lock, Edward William Godwin

Located in London, GB

Collinson and Lock. Attributed to E W Godwin. An exceptional quality walnut writing table with five upper drawers each with swan neck handles standing on eight finely turned legs, ea...

Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Desks

Materials

Walnut

An Aesthetic Movement oak knee hole desk
An Aesthetic Movement oak knee hole desk

An Aesthetic Movement oak knee hole desk

By Gillows of Lancaster & London

Located in London, GB

In the style of Bruce Talbert. Made by Gillows of Lancaster, stamped' Gillow & Co 11425' to centre drawer. An Aesthetic Movement oak knee hole desk with an upper gallery of which the...

Category

1870s Antique Aesthetic Movement Desks

Materials

Oak

Late 19th Century Unusual Aesthetic Movement Painted Clerks Desk
Late 19th Century Unusual Aesthetic Movement Painted Clerks Desk

Late 19th Century Unusual Aesthetic Movement Painted Clerks Desk

Located in Lowestoft, GB

Just the most wonderful little painted compact desk and bank of drawers, the half-hinged top opening back to reveal a compartmentalised interior with pigeonholes, the front faux-draw...

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Desks

Materials

Pine

English c. 1880s Bamboo and Faux Lacquer Double Pedestal Desk
English c. 1880s Bamboo and Faux Lacquer Double Pedestal Desk

English c. 1880s Bamboo and Faux Lacquer Double Pedestal Desk

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

English circa 1880s bamboo and faux lacquer double pedestal desk. Original Aesthetic Movement brass pulls. Front bracket foot bases; sides full to floor. Top newly leathered in good ...

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Desks

Materials

Bamboo

Antique English Aesthetics Movement Bamboo and Lacquer Desk
Antique English Aesthetics Movement Bamboo and Lacquer Desk

Antique English Aesthetics Movement Bamboo and Lacquer Desk

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Impressive 19th century English desk handcrafted in bamboo in a Japonisme form featuring lacquered panels hand decorated with flowers and birds, the original brass hardware, leather ...

Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Desks

Materials

Bamboo

Lamb of Manchester, An Aesthetic Movement Walnut Writing Desk.
Lamb of Manchester, An Aesthetic Movement Walnut Writing Desk.

Lamb of Manchester, An Aesthetic Movement Walnut Writing Desk.

By Lamb of Manchester

Located in London, GB

Lamb of Manchester. An Aesthetic Movement walnut and leather writing desk with a bank of four graduating drawers to the left and a large upper drawer to the right with turned and flu...

Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Desks

Materials

Leather, Walnut

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Stow Davis Dark Walnut Knee Hole Credenza Desk
Stow Davis Dark Walnut Knee Hole Credenza Desk

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Stow Davis Dark Walnut Knee Hole Credenza Desk

By Attributed to Stow-Davis

Located in Pasadena, TX

6ft Stow Davis Dark Walnut Knee Hole Credenza Desk Midcentury Stow Davis walnut kneehole credenza with 4 drawers. The two bottom drawers were desi...

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Mid-20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Desks

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Rare Hampton & Son's Pall Mall Hardwood Twin Pedestal Writing Partners Desk
Rare Hampton & Son's Pall Mall Hardwood Twin Pedestal Writing Partners Desk

Rare Hampton & Son's Pall Mall Hardwood Twin Pedestal Writing Partners Desk

$4,128Sale Price|40% Off

H 28.15 in W 53.94 in D 31.5 in

Rare Hampton & Son's Pall Mall Hardwood Twin Pedestal Writing Partners Desk

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare Hampton & Son’s Pall Mall Victorian, circa 1870 twin pedestal partner writing desk A very good looking well-made mahogany desk with a leather top made by the highly coveted Hampton & Son’s The top left and right drawers are fully stamped Hampton & Son’s Pall Mall, all other drawers have Hobbs & Co locks, the handles are all period correct and original The top has multiple patina marks and colour variations, the timber on the desk is in a similar order, we have deep cleaned hand condition waxed and hand polished it Dimensions Height 71.5 cm Width 137 cm Depth 80 cm Legroom Height 56 cm Width 60 cm Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point In 1830 William Hampton opened a shop for the sale of general household furniture in Cranbourn Street. He was subsequently joined by his two sons George and William Powell (the sons of George Hampton; Harold, Fred and Clarence also later entered the business). In 1869 the business expanded with new premises on the corner site comprising 8 Pall Mall East and 1-3 Dorset Place (now Whitcomb Street). Throughout its history the firm suffered a number of serious fires, the first of which occurred in 1890. As the firm continued to expand it took over control of a number of other firms, beginning with James Coulson and Co of Lisburn, Northern Ireland in 1898, and in the early 1950's Goodall, Lamb and Highway of King Street, Manchester and Robson and Sons...

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19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Desks

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1920s French Art Deco Writing Table, Handcrafted Walnut from Provence
1920s French Art Deco Writing Table, Handcrafted Walnut from Provence

1920s French Art Deco Writing Table, Handcrafted Walnut from Provence

Located in Astoria, NY

A refined 1920s French Art Deco writing table, sourced from Provence, France. Crafted from solid walnut, the table features a rectangular plank top and a clean apron detailed with su...

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Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Desks

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19th Century Mahogany Chinese Chippendale Desk
19th Century Mahogany Chinese Chippendale Desk

19th Century Mahogany Chinese Chippendale Desk

Located in Chelmsford, Essex

For sale is a good quality carved Chinese Chippendale style kneehole desk. The top of the desk has an intricately fretted gallery which is in perfect condition. Below this the desk h...

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Early 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Desks

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Elegant Neoclassical Desk by Baker
Elegant Neoclassical Desk by Baker

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$4,800

H 29 in W 48 in D 24 in

Elegant Neoclassical Desk by Baker

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in Atlanta, GA

Elegant neoclassical desk, designed for Baker, circa 1960s. It is a versatile size and would make a great desk, console table, dressing table, or vanity. It offers a nice amount of s...

Category

1950s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Desks

Materials

Brass

English Walnut Burl Two-Drawer Writing Table
English Walnut Burl Two-Drawer Writing Table

English Walnut Burl Two-Drawer Writing Table

$8,750 / item

H 31 in W 48 in D 24 in

English Walnut Burl Two-Drawer Writing Table

Located in Woodbury, CT

This two-drawer walnut writing desk is made for us by our English cabinetmaker. Using time-honored techniques, this table is created in just the same fashion as it would have been 20...

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21st Century and Contemporary British Aesthetic Movement Desks

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Antique Faux Bamboo Writing Desk
Antique Faux Bamboo Writing Desk

Antique Faux Bamboo Writing Desk

$2,450

H 30.13 in W 36.75 in D 26.25 in

Antique Faux Bamboo Writing Desk

Located in Bridgeport, CT

A fine Aesthetic Movement example of a charming writing desk fashioned with elaborate galleries and simulated bamboo accents, including root feet. The desk with a single drawer with ...

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Early 20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Desks

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Faux Bamboo, Wood

English Regency Style Mahogany and Satinwood Inlaid Carlton House Desk
English Regency Style Mahogany and Satinwood Inlaid Carlton House Desk

English Regency Style Mahogany and Satinwood Inlaid Carlton House Desk

$4,800Sale Price|58% Off

H 39 in W 49 in D 24 in

English Regency Style Mahogany and Satinwood Inlaid Carlton House Desk

Located in Vero Beach, FL

English Regency style mahogany and satinwood inlaid Carlton house desk. Circa 1880 rare Carlton House desk, typical for the Regency period, is a beautiful piece of furniture. It i...

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19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Desks

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Mahogany

Extending Writing Table Desk, Burr Yew Wood Brown Leather Gold Leaf Embossed Top
Extending Writing Table Desk, Burr Yew Wood Brown Leather Gold Leaf Embossed Top

Extending Writing Table Desk, Burr Yew Wood Brown Leather Gold Leaf Embossed Top

$2,833Sale Price|30% Off

H 29.53 in W 54.34 in D 26.78 in

Extending Writing Table Desk, Burr Yew Wood Brown Leather Gold Leaf Embossed Top

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning Burr yew wood writing table or desk with extending, gold leaf embossed brown leather top A good look...

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20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Desks

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Rare Antique circa 1860 Library Writing Table Desk with Twin Writing Slopes
Rare Antique circa 1860 Library Writing Table Desk with Twin Writing Slopes

Rare Antique circa 1860 Library Writing Table Desk with Twin Writing Slopes

$2,841Sale Price|30% Off

H 31.11 in W 55.12 in D 31.5 in

Rare Antique circa 1860 Library Writing Table Desk with Twin Writing Slopes

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare original circa 1860 Mahogany library table with built in twin writing slopes This is a very r...

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1860s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Desks

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Antique Early American 19th Century Pine Plantation Desk
Antique Early American 19th Century Pine Plantation Desk

Antique Early American 19th Century Pine Plantation Desk

Located in Forney, TX

An early American 19th century pine plantation desk with nicely aged patina. Born in the Mid-Atlantic region / Southern United States, circa 1800s, hand-crafted of solid pine wood with mellow warm tone and rich grain patterns, one-piece construction, having a stepped molded cornice above a tall pair of paneled cabinet doors, opening to reveal an interior fitted with shelves and divided slots for documents, plank boarded back with old metal patch, over a lift-top writing slope with spacious storage underneath, the apron adorned with simple decorative pilasters...

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19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Desks

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Pine

Previously Available Items
R.J. Horner Faux Bamboo Desk, American 19th Century
R.J. Horner Faux Bamboo Desk, American 19th Century

R.J. Horner Faux Bamboo Desk, American 19th Century

Sold

H 54 in W 34 in D 23 in L 54 in

R.J. Horner Faux Bamboo Desk, American 19th Century

By R.J. Horner & Co.

Located in Bradenton, FL

An R.J. Horner American Victorian Faux Bamboo Desk, circa 1880. Desk features an upper structure with an elegant spindle gallery crowned by finials and decorative roundels, framing a...

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Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Desks

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Faux Bamboo

Bird's-Eye Maple Faux Bamboo Dressing Table and Chair by R J Horner & Co
Bird's-Eye Maple Faux Bamboo Dressing Table and Chair by R J Horner & Co

Bird's-Eye Maple Faux Bamboo Dressing Table and Chair by R J Horner & Co

By R.J. Horner & Co.

Located in Southampton, NJ

Part of a rare seven-piece collection of American Aesthetic Movement Birdseye Maple faux bamboo bedroom furniture. The dressing table features one large top drawer and two smaller dr...

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Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Desks

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Faux Bamboo, Cane, Mirror, Birdseye Maple

Vintage English Aesthetic Style Bamboo Desk with Leather Top
Vintage English Aesthetic Style Bamboo Desk with Leather Top

Vintage English Aesthetic Style Bamboo Desk with Leather Top

Located in Troy, MI

Found in England, this vintage Aesthetic style bamboo desk dates from the 1960s. X-Form spotted bamboo base supports a two tier desk top. Lower tier has a bl...

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Mid-20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Desks

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Brass

Faux Bamboo Wooden Two Drawer Desk
Faux Bamboo Wooden Two Drawer Desk

Faux Bamboo Wooden Two Drawer Desk

Sold

H 30 in W 47.5 in D 23.25 in

Faux Bamboo Wooden Two Drawer Desk

Located in Queens, NY

Vintage Faux Bamboo-style table desk with two drawers with patinated bronze hardware, resting on four gently tapered legs connected by an X-shaped stretcher base with a central decor...

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20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Desks

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Bronze

Antique Aesthetic Walnut & Burl Marble Top Dressing Table with Bird & Leaf Tiles
Antique Aesthetic Walnut & Burl Marble Top Dressing Table with Bird & Leaf Tiles

Antique Aesthetic Walnut & Burl Marble Top Dressing Table with Bird & Leaf Tiles

Located in Big Flats, NY

Antique Aesthetic Walnut & Burl Marble Top & Mirrored Dressing Table with Bird & Leaf Tiles, c1890 Measures - 52"H x 51.25"W x 22.25"D

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Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Desks

Materials

Walnut, Burl

Victorian Chinese Chippendale Style Faux Bamboo Desk, Attributed to R. J. Horner
Victorian Chinese Chippendale Style Faux Bamboo Desk, Attributed to R. J. Horner

Victorian Chinese Chippendale Style Faux Bamboo Desk, Attributed to R. J. Horner

By R.J. Horner & Co.

Located in Bradenton, FL

19th century Victorian Faux Bamboo Aesthetic Movement desk attributed to R.J. Horner. In two sections, the upper recessed section with a three-quarter gallery above closed and open ...

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19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Desks

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Faux Bamboo

Custom Aesthetic Design Desk or Server in Cherry Wood by Paul Tuller, Dublin, NH
Custom Aesthetic Design Desk or Server in Cherry Wood by Paul Tuller, Dublin, NH

Custom Aesthetic Design Desk or Server in Cherry Wood by Paul Tuller, Dublin, NH

Located in Milford, NH

A beautiful form custom Aesthetic design desk or server in cherry wood and glass top, with ebonized frame, supported by two red painted pedestal bases, each with three drawers and brass teardrop pulls. The desk was made by Dublin, NH furniture...

Category

20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Desks

Materials

Glass, Cherry

19th C Aesthetic Movement Mahogany Library Desk with Leather Top
19th C Aesthetic Movement Mahogany Library Desk with Leather Top

19th C Aesthetic Movement Mahogany Library Desk with Leather Top

Located in Troy, MI

Circa 1880s English Aesthetic Movement era mahogany desk with new black leather top. Desk is finished and features to functional drawers on both front and back. Original brass hardwa...

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Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Desks

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Aesthetic Revival Bamboo Writing Desk
Mid Century Aesthetic Revival Bamboo Writing Desk

Mid Century Aesthetic Revival Bamboo Writing Desk

Located in Nantucket, MA

Mid century Aesthetic Revival bamboo writing desk, circa 1950s, having a bamboo three-quarter open gallery with central scrolls, atop a frieze with four pigeon holes flanked by two r...

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Mid-20th Century Southeast Asian Aesthetic Movement Desks

Materials

Wood, Bamboo

Gillows of Lancester Aesthetic Movement Amboyna Burr Walnut Writing Table Desk
Gillows of Lancester Aesthetic Movement Amboyna Burr Walnut Writing Table Desk

Gillows of Lancester Aesthetic Movement Amboyna Burr Walnut Writing Table Desk

By Gillows of Lancaster & London

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare, fully restored, super quality Gillows of Lancaster & London Amboyna wood & burr walnut ebonised aesthetic...

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19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Desks

Materials

Leather, Walnut, Amboyna

Antique Kimbel & Cabus Aesthetic School Birdseye Maple Ladies Desk, circa 1870
Antique Kimbel & Cabus Aesthetic School Birdseye Maple Ladies Desk, circa 1870

Antique Kimbel & Cabus Aesthetic School Birdseye Maple Ladies Desk, circa 1870

By Kimbel and Cabus

Located in Big Flats, NY

An antique Aesthetic Movement ladies desk in the manner of Kimble & Camus offers birdseye maple construction with upper double glass door cabinet having pierced gallery over mirrored...

Category

Late 19th Century North American Antique Aesthetic Movement Desks

Materials

Metal

Aesthetic Movement desks for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Aesthetic Movement desks for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage desks created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, animal skin and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Aesthetic Movement desks made in a specific country, there are Europe, England, and United Kingdom pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original desks, popular names associated with this style include Pierre Chapo, Collinson & Lock, Edward William Godwin, and Howard & Sons Ltd. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for desks differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,413 and tops out at $18,693 while the average work can sell for $4,500.