French 19th Century Louis XIII Walnut Barley Twist Writing Desk
Located in Carmine, TX
A charming 19th-century French writing desk crafted in solid walnut, showcasing beautifully carved barley twist legs and matching stretcher supports.
Walnut
19th Century French Walnut Writing Table with Barley Twist Legs
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This elegant 19th-century French writing table beautifully combines functionality with refined craftsmanship.
Walnut, Leather
Antique French Henri II Style Writing Desk Barley Twist Carved Walnut 19th C
Located in Tyler, TX
BEAUTIFUL Antique French Walnut Henri II Style Renaissance Revival Writing Desk or Table with Drawer and Barley Twist Legs and Stretcher ~~c. 1880s With so many people working from ...
Walnut
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century French Oak Barley Twist Bureau Plat Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Spectacular 19th century French bureau plat writing table or desk featuring barley twist legs and stretcher.
Oak
19th Century French Walnut Desk with Barley Twist Legs and Brass Pulls
Located in New York, NY
19th century French barley twist legs desk. Center drawer. Decorative finial at cross stretcher local. Brass pulls. Can also be used as a side table. Walnut.
Walnut
$3,360Sale Price|20% Off
French Louis XIII Style Oak Barley Twist Library Table Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fine 19th century French carved oak library table, or writing table desk made in the grand Louis XIII taste.
Oak
18th Century French Louis XIII Style Barley Twist Desk with Green Leather Top
Located in Birmingham, AL
This beautifully carved oak desk is raised on four hand-turned double barley twist legs connected through rectangular block joints featuring carved rosettes to an "H" form cross stre...
Oak
18th Century French Walnut Barley Twist Library Table
Located in High Point, NC
18th century walnut library table from France. The top is made from two planks and is banded with a beveled edge, following down to a simple apron, which contains a single drawer in ...
Walnut
Louis XIII Period 1630s Carved Walnut Barley Twist Table with Black Painted Top
Located in Atlanta, GA
With its finely aged patina and masterful joinery, this table exemplifies the opulence and craftsmanship of early 17th-century French furniture. Perfect as a statement writing desk...
Walnut
19th Century French Renaissance Leather Top Writing Table
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Renaissance leather top writing table is perfect for adding an Old World touch to any room! Boldly carved edging around the tooled leather top is just the beginni...
Leather, Walnut
Antique Italian Center / Desk Table, Walnut & Marble, Naples, 19th Century
Located in Odense, DK
This exclusive antique center / desk table, dating back to the 1820s from Naples, is a remarkable example of refined craftsmanship and historical significance. The rich walnut base e...
Marble
Antique French Renaissance Revival Hunt Desk / Secretaire Barley Twist Oak 19th
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous French antique 19th century Renaissance revival / Hunt style Writing desk in carved oak.
Oak
19th Century Walnut Library Table
Located in High Point, NC
Early 19th century stately walnut library table from France. The table has a wonderfully banded wood top with a beveled and carved decorated edge, surrounding lovely grained centr...
Walnut
French 19th century antique writing desk Black Forest hunt Renaissance revival
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous French antique 19th century Renaissance revival / Hunt style Writing desk in carved oak.
Oak
18th C. French Louis XIII Walnut Table Desk with Barley Twist Legs and Drawer
Located in Dallas, TX
Compact yet substantial, this antique table is ideal for use as a writing desk, console, or side table, bringing timeless French elegance and historical charm to a traditional or Eur...
Walnut
Antique French Louis XIII Style Oak Writing Table or Side Table, Late 19th C.
Located in Astoria, NY
An antique French Louis XIII style oak table sourced in Provence, dating to the late 19th century. Structurally revised in our workshop and finished with a fresh wax, the table prese...
Oak
Antique French Console Sofa Table Carved Oak Barley Twist Desk Renaissance c1890
Located in Shreveport, LA
Antique French Console Sofa Table Carved Oak Barley Twist Desk Renaissance c1890.
Oak
Carved Oak Barley Twist Console Table with Shelves, 1890s
Located in BÉTERA, ES
Antique carved oak console table featuring finely turned barley twist legs and rich floral carving to the apron. The piece is fitted with two functional drawers at the front and a li...
Hardwood, Oak
$12,172Sale Price|30% Off
*An Exquisite 19th Century French Flame Mahogany Fitted Secretaire
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Item has stunning grain and patina, central secretaries is flanked by two barley-twist columns. Desk surface has a green baize surface, and the secretaire comes with two keys, one f...
Brass, Steel
French 19th century walnut writing table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French 19th century walnut writing table with inset leather top, barley twist legs and stretcher.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT WWW.CONNOISSEURANTIQUES.COM
French Walnut Baroque Revival Writing Table
Located in San Francisco, CA
French walnut Baroque Revival writing table with carved barley twist legs and single drawer, circa 1830. Measures: 40" x 23" x 28.5" H.
Walnut
19th Century William IV Mahogany Library Table
Located in Sydney, NSW
A William IV library table in mahogany. The table has one-drawer to the frieze and two fitted compartments to either side of the inset leather desktop. The whole standing upon turned...
Brass
19th Century French Barley Twist Writing Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century French barley twist writing desk, fashioned from solid French blonde walnut, is an amazing example of Fine hand-craftsmanship.
Walnut
French Walnut Barley Twist Writing Desk, circa 1880
Located in Highwood, IL
Circa 1860-1900 French walnut two drawer writing table with a black leather writing surface. Very classic barley twist style common during the mid to late 1800s in France, and becaus...
Leather
French Barley Twist Writing Table
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
An excellent-quality, highly carved, oak French Renaissance Revival writing table with two drawers and raised on barley twist legs, circa 1880.
Oak
French Desk with Barley Twist Legs
Located in Chicago, IL
This 19th Century French oak desk with drawer was made in the Louis XIII style. The hardware is original.
Oak
Sold
H 29.5 in W 27.75 in D 19.75 in
Antique French Petite Desk Writing Table with Drawer Oak Barley Twist Nightstand
Located in Tyler, TX
Beautiful 19th century antique petite French oak renaissance revival desk or table with drawer, barley twist legs, stretcher and up finial. ~~c. 1880s With so many people workin...
Oak
Sold
H 29 in W 45 in D 25.5 in
Antique French Sofa Table Writing Desk Barley Twist Carved Oak Renaissance
Located in Shreveport, LA
Antique French Sofa Table Writing Desk Barley Twist Carved Oak Renaissance.
Oak
Fine French Floating Barley Twist Writing Table
Located in Birmingham, AL
A fine antique French Renaissance Revival barley twist desk with it's original leather blotter.
Walnut
19th Century French Barley Twist Writing Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
The French walnut writing table/side table with drawer and barley twist legs.
Walnut
Sold
H 46 in W 51 in D 25.5 in
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Oak Writing Desk With Barley Twist Legs
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Henri II or Renaissance Revival ornate carved oak Black Forest writing desk France, Late 19th Century Beautiful ornate carved oak, with barley twist legs...
Oak
Sold
H 29 in W 39 in D 21.5 in
Antique French Desk Writing Table Renaissance Wide Drawer Oak Barley Twist
Located in Tyler, TX
GORGEOUS 19th century Antique French Oak Renaissance Revival Desk or Writing Table with Wide Drawer, 3" Barley Twist Legs, Stretcher and Up Finial ~~circa 1880s With so many p...
Oak
Sold
H 29 in W 39 in D 21.5 in
Antique French Desk Writing Table Renaissance Wide Drawer Oak Barley Twist
Located in Tyler, TX
GORGEOUS 19th century Antique French Oak Renaissance Revival Desk or Writing Table with Wide Drawer, 3" Barley Twist Legs, Stretcher and Up Finial ~~circa 1880s With so many p...
Oak
Sold
H 30.5 in W 50 in D 30 in
19th Century French Carved Oak Desk Writing Table Barley Twist Louis XIV
Located in Shreveport, LA
19th century French carved oak desk writing table Barley twist Louis XIV ~Direct from France~ ~Stunning 19th century antique French desk or ‘bureau plat’ writing table!
Oak
19th Century Barley Twist Walnut Writing Table, France
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French 19th century barley twist walnut writing table with one long sliding drawer, brass pulls, and the reverse with false front for floating purposes.
For many mo...
Walnut
Sold
H 29 in W 27.5 in D 18 in
Antique French Desk Writing Table Nightstand PETITE w/ Drawer Barley Twist Oak
Located in Tyler, TX
GORGEOUS Antique PETITE French Oak Renaissance Revival Desk or Writing Table or Nightstand with Drawer, Barley Twist Legs, Stretcher and Up Finial ~~c. 1900 With so many people wor...
Oak
Sold
H 30.75 in W 53.5 in D 23.5 in
Antique French Desk Writing Table Sofa Entry Table Oak Barley Twist Renaissance
Located in Tyler, TX
GORGEOUS 19th Century Antique French Oak Renaissance Revival Desk or the Perfect Entry/Sofa Table with Double Drawers and Barley Twist Legs with "H" Stretcher ~~c. 1890s With so ma...
Oak
19th Century French Barley Twist Walnut Writing Table
Located in Dallas, TX
This well-preserved French example, rendered in solid walnut, features clockwise & counterclockwise barley twist legs and stretchers for a timeless antique furniture look!
Walnut
Sold
H 29 in W 39 in D 23.5 in
19th century French Oak Sofa Table Writing Desk Carved Black Forest Barley Twist
Located in Shreveport, LA
19th century French Oak Sofa Table Writing Desk Carved Black Forest Barley Twist.
Oak
Sold
H 29.25 in W 42.5 in D 27.25 in
19th Century French Carved Oak Sofa Table Writing Desk Barley Twist Black Forest
Located in Shreveport, LA
19th century French carved oak sofa table writing desk barley twist black forest ~Direct from France~ ~Beautiful French writing desk or sofa table with elegant features~ ~Front ...
Oak
Sold
H 28.5 in W 43.25 in D 25.25 in
19th Century French Carved Oak Sofa Table Writing Desk Barley Twist Black Forest
Located in Shreveport, LA
19th century French carved oak sofa table writing desk barley twist Black Forest ~Direct from France~ ~Beautiful French writing desk or sofa table with elegant features!
Oak
Sold
H 29 in W 43.5 in D 25.5 in
Antique French Desk Writing Table Renaissance w Drawer Oak Barley Twist c. 1920s
Located in Tyler, TX
GORGEOUS 19th Century Antique French Oak Louis XIII Renaissance Revival Desk or Writing Table with Full Length Drawer, Barley Twist Legs, Stretcher, Lunette Carved Beveled Edge Top a...
Oak
c.1870 French Henri II Barley Twist Writing Table
Located in Highwood, IL
Charming French Henri II writing table with barley twist legs and stretcher with a center mounted finial. Completely hand-carved with wonderful hand-dovetailed drawers.
Walnut
Sold
H 31 in W 44 in D 26 in
19th Century French Louis XIII Style Double Barley Twist Writing Table or Desk
Located in Birmingham, AL
This hand-carved solid oak desk is raised on four intricately hand-turned double barley twist legs connected through rectangular block joints featuring carved rosettes to a cross str...
Oak
Sold
H 30.5 in W 46.75 in D 29 in
French 19th Century Walnut Barley Twist Desk with Sliding Extensions
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Wonderful writing desk made of walnut with 2 drawers and 2 sliding extensions for additional surface space. Four barley twist legs head down to the H shaped stretcher and end with bu...
19th Century French Carved Walnut Barley Twist Writing Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Petite 19th century French carved walnut writing table, library table, or desk.
Iron
Antique French Desk with Barley Twist Legs and Bookmatched Top
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very large oak desk with beautifully figured and bookmatched top. The Barley Twist legs are also perfectly matched with left and right turnings. This desk is as large as a partner's ...
Oak
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.