Antique Writing Desks

Antique Writing Desks for Sale UK

Antique Writing Desks

An antique writing desk brings both beauty and function to a home office, study, or drawing room. From elegant Georgian bureau bookcases and Edwardian satinwood writing tables to ornate French bonheur du jour cabinets and Louis XV marquetry desks, the 18th and 19th centuries produced writing furniture of extraordinary quality and variety.

At Hawkins Antiques we stock a fine and constantly changing selection of antique writing desks — davenports, cylinder desks, bureau bookcases, bonheur du jours, kneehole desks, and pedestal writing tables. Every piece is hand-selected for quality of craftsmanship and practical usability.

Based in Barry, South Wales, we deliver throughout the UK using our trusted two-man white-glove delivery service.

Antique writing desks for sale at Hawkins Antiques, Barry, South Wales

Our Stock

Types of Antique Writing Desk We Stock

Our writing desk collection spans the full range of British and Continental styles from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Bureau Bookcases

A fall-front writing bureau with a glazed bookcase above — one of the most practical and beautiful pieces of Georgian furniture. Combines a writing surface, fitted interior, and display space in a single elegant form. Usually in mahogany or walnut.

Bonheur du Jour

A small French writing cabinet on legs with a superstructure of shelves and drawers above the writing surface. Typically in kingwood, tulipwood, or satinwood with ormolu mounts. Elegant, compact, and highly decorative.

Davenports

A compact Victorian writing desk with a sloping top, side drawers, and a pull-out writing surface. Ideal for smaller rooms. Usually in walnut, rosewood, or mahogany — often with leather writing surfaces and fitted interiors.

Edwardian Satinwood Writing Tables

Elegant writing tables in satinwood or painted decoration — light, refined, and beautifully proportioned. Often with a single drawer, tapering legs, and a leather inset writing surface. The ideal desk for a drawing room or bedroom.

French Marquetry Desks

Louis XV and XVI style writing tables with parquetry or marquetry tops, ormolu mounts, and cabriole or tapered legs. Exceptional decorative pieces that function equally well as writing desks or display tables.

Pedestal & Kneehole Desks

Substantial mahogany pedestal desks with banks of drawers on either side — the classic partner's desk or library desk. Practical, impressive, and built to last. Usually Victorian or Edwardian.

Expert Advice

Buying Guide: Antique Writing Desks

Writing Surface & Leather

Most antique desks have a leather or baize writing surface — check its condition carefully. Original leather, even worn, adds character and value. Replaced leather is perfectly acceptable and often necessary for practical use. We always note the condition of the writing surface in our listings and can recommend specialist restorers.

Fitted Interior

Bureau bookcases and bonheur du jours have fitted interiors — compartments, small drawers, pigeonholes, and sometimes a secret drawer. Check that the fittings are original and complete. Missing or replaced interior fittings affect both the practical use and the value of the piece.

Locks & Keys

Many antique desks have locking drawers and fall fronts. Original locks with working keys are desirable — check that locks function smoothly. Missing keys are common and replacement keys can usually be cut by a locksmith. We always note whether keys are present in our listings.

Practical Dimensions

Check the working height of the desk — antique writing furniture was often made slightly lower than modern office desks, reflecting the chairs of the period. Most antique desks work well with a standard chair, but it is worth checking if you plan to use the piece with an existing chair. We include all key dimensions in our listings.

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UK Delivery on All Antique Writing Desks

All writing desks are delivered by our trusted two-man antique delivery team — fully wrapped, insured, and placed in the room of your choice. We deliver throughout England, Wales, and Scotland. Call us on 01446 744271 to discuss delivery to your location.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bonheur du jour?
A bonheur du jour is a small French writing cabinet on legs, with a superstructure of shelves, drawers, and compartments above the writing surface. The name translates roughly as "the happiness of the day." They were fashionable in France from the mid-18th century and were adopted enthusiastically by English cabinet makers in the Regency and Victorian periods. Typically veneered in kingwood, tulipwood, or satinwood with ormolu mounts.
What is a davenport desk?
A davenport is a compact Victorian writing desk with a sloping hinged top that opens to reveal a fitted interior, with real drawers on one side and dummy drawers on the other. The writing surface slides forward for use. They are named after a Captain Davenport who commissioned the first known example from Gillows of Lancaster around 1790. Usually in walnut, rosewood, or mahogany.
Are antique writing desks practical for modern use?
Yes — antique writing desks were built for daily use and remain entirely practical. The writing surface can be re-leathered if needed, and the drawers and compartments provide excellent storage. The main consideration is working height — most antique desks are comfortable with a standard modern chair, but we recommend checking dimensions before purchasing.
Can I view antique writing desks in person?
Yes — our showroom and warehouse is at Unit 15, Palmers Vale Business Centre, Barry, CF63 2XA. Please call ahead on 01446 744271 to arrange a convenient time to visit.
Do you buy antique writing desks?
Yes — we are always looking to buy quality antique writing desks, particularly bonheur du jours, bureau bookcases, and Edwardian satinwood writing tables. Contact us at lee@hawkinsantiques.com with photographs and dimensions.

Browse Our Antique Writing Desks

Stock changes regularly — new pieces sourced from private estates across the UK and Europe.

View All Writing Desks