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Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

FOLK ART STYLE

Folk art is a genre of art that shares the creator’s traditions, offering not just an artistic display but an opportunity to learn about a culture. Antique, new and vintage folk art typically reflects a heritage or location. It can include utilitarian objects and handmade art as diverse as weather vanes, duck decoys, portraiture and paintings, carnival art and quilts.

Quilts are a quintessential part of American folk art but their roots are international, with quilting dating back to Ancient Egypt. The practice spread to Europe and was especially prominent in the Middle Ages, with one of the oldest surviving examples being the Tristan quilt made in Sicily in the 14th century. They were made as bedcovers and clothing, including as a layer for knights to wear beneath their armor. Native American folk art includes functional objects reflecting their heritage, such as baskets, textiles and wooden pieces.

Elsewhere, the vast range of work associated with Mexican folk art includes masks made by Mexican craftspeople for traditional celebrations and ceremonial dances. Mexican masks are part of the country’s folk-art traditions that go back thousands of years and play a role in festivals and theater.

Works in the folk art tradition are valuable because of the skills involved, like weaving, hand-carving wood and even stonework. Many folk artists are self-taught, while some train as apprentices within their community. By using available materials and taking a personal approach to their creations, artists ensure each piece is unique and conveys a story.

During the Great Depression, artistic materials in America were hard to come by, so artisans used discarded wood from cigar boxes and shipping crates to make highly stylized, notched pieces — most often picture frames and boxes — that are today sought after by collectors. This folk art style is called tramp art and was popular from roughly 1870 until the 1940s.

Folk art brings vibrant culture and traditions into your home. Browse an extensive collection of antique, new and vintage folk art on 1stDibs.

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Style: Folk Art
Early 19th Century Folk Art Side Table or Desk, Scandinavia
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Danish or Swedish Rectangular Folk Art Table or Desk. The table has tonnes of charm, wear and tear to the finish that gives thus table an unbeatable patina. Most of the original pai...
Category

Early 19th Century Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Early 19th Century Folk Art Side Table or Desk, Scandinavia

Early 19th Century Folk Art Side Table or Desk, Scandinavia

Folk Art Secretary Style Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 20th century. Handmade and hand painted. Roof drops down to a desk or storage. Extra storage below. Desk Height - 29.5"
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Folk Art Secretary Style Desk
Folk Art Secretary Style Desk

Folk Art Secretary Style Desk

Rare Early American Country Pyrography Desk
Located in Forney, TX
A rare, one-of-a-kind antique American folk decorated desk with beautifully aged distressed patina found in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. Hand-crafted in the Southern United States in the late 19th century, featuring elaborate hand carving and pyrography wood burning decoration in classical motif, kneehole desk form with raised gallery dated "1899", having a topped with a single door cabinet, supported by two columns of three drawers. Provenance / Acquisition: Found in a Mt. Juliet, Tennessee farmhouse Acquired from highly reputable auction house, Bright Star Antiques, Sulfur Springs, Texas. Specializing in early American antiques...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Rare Early American Country Pyrography Desk
Rare Early American Country Pyrography Desk

Rare Early American Country Pyrography Desk

19th Century Spanish Provincial Desk Table
Located in Mjöhult, SE
19th century Spanish provincial bleached walnut desk table with one drawer and great patination to the surface. Ca 1820 Spain.
Category

Early 19th Century Spanish Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Spanish Provincial Desk Table
19th Century Spanish Provincial Desk Table

19th Century Spanish Provincial Desk Table

Table Pine Dining Desk Classical Leg Vernacular Folk
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
Pine farmhouse table with a single plank top Rare to find a piece of vernacular or folk furniture with sophisticated features like the leg turnings on this table Length 206cm 81...
Category

19th Century French Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Table Pine Dining Desk Classical Leg Vernacular Folk
Table Pine Dining Desk Classical Leg Vernacular Folk

Table Pine Dining Desk Classical Leg Vernacular Folk

Antique Swedish Painted Folk Art Writing Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish folk art writing table from the village of Alfta in Hälsingland in northern Sweden. The desk is made in Swedish pine and is in untouched original condition. A notable...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Antique Swedish Painted Folk Art Writing Table
Antique Swedish Painted Folk Art Writing Table

Antique Swedish Painted Folk Art Writing Table

19th Century Masonic Table with Leather Bible Compartment Flip Lid Compass Legs
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Rare and fabulous 19th century faux book with compass legs as legs. Mustard paint on the legs with Gilt on the pages of the leather bound book. Looks to be original tassle.. Possibly...
Category

1860s American Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Hardwood, Paint

19th Century Masonic Table with Leather Bible Compartment Flip Lid Compass Legs
19th Century Masonic Table with Leather Bible Compartment Flip Lid Compass Legs

19th Century Masonic Table with Leather Bible Compartment Flip Lid Compass Legs

Swedish Folk Art Desk from Dalarna
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Swedish folk art desk from the area of Dalarna, scraped to original paint. This would make a wonderful decorators piece.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Swedish Folk Art Desk from Dalarna
Swedish Folk Art Desk from Dalarna

Swedish Folk Art Desk from Dalarna

19th Century Swedish Folk Art Desk with Untouched Originalpaint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish Folk Art desk with untouched originalpain from Skelleftea Vasterbotten, Northern Sweden. Made between 1840-1850 Decorative Folk Art Desk with two drawers in ve...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Folk Art Desk with Untouched Originalpaint
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Desk with Untouched Originalpaint

19th Century Swedish Folk Art Desk with Untouched Originalpaint

Burl Top Ash Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very desirable early to mid-19th century ash table, the top comprising two bookmatched planks of highly figured burl ash, having double thickness carved rope twist applied edge, the ...
Category

1830s European Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ash

Burl Top Ash Table
Burl Top Ash Table

Burl Top Ash Table

Related Items
Antique Victorian Writing Table / Desk
Located in London, GB
A smart and very well made antique Victorian writing table / desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1870-1880 period. It is of superb quality and is a very useful ...
Category

1870s British Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Antique Victorian Writing Table / Desk
Antique Victorian Writing Table / Desk

Antique Victorian Writing Table / Desk

H 29.14 in W 47.25 in D 20.08 in
Swedish Primitive Country Desk
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Swedish Primitive Country Desk, Its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White".
Category

1870s Swedish Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Swedish Primitive Country Desk
Swedish Primitive Country Desk

Swedish Primitive Country Desk

H 30 in W 45 in D 25 in
19th Century Mahogany Writing or Side Table
Located in Whaley Bridge, GB
Sn5242 Attractive mahogany table, having original leather writing surface showing extensive usage and good antique character above frieze drawer fitted with original working lock and...
Category

19th Century Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Mahogany Writing or Side Table
19th Century Mahogany Writing or Side Table

19th Century Mahogany Writing or Side Table

H 27.953 in W 32.677 in D 20.866 in
Antique Georgian Writing Table
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Antique mahogany Georgian writing table. The table has beautiful weathered brown leather. This is a cowhide leather top. Sheep leather is often used. The advantage of cowhide leather...
Category

1830s British Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Georgian Writing Table
Antique Georgian Writing Table

Antique Georgian Writing Table

H 29.53 in W 48.04 in D 34.26 in
Large Antique Mahogany Writing Table
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a good quality large leather top writing table by Taylor & Sons, Brompton Road, London, having three leather inserts each d...
Category

Early 20th Century English Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Large Antique Mahogany Writing Table
Large Antique Mahogany Writing Table

Large Antique Mahogany Writing Table

H 30.71 in W 70.87 in D 46.46 in
Secretary Desk, Tambour Roll Top
By Bombay Furniture Co.
Located in Clermont, FL
Secretary desk by Bombay Furniture Co. Beautiful veneer mahogany finish. Dated 2004. Table maintains it s sturdy structure, with good wood surface ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Secretary Desk, Tambour Roll Top
Secretary Desk, Tambour Roll Top

Secretary Desk, Tambour Roll Top

H 40.5 in W 30 in D 20 in
Antique Chippendale Style Walnut Drop Front Secretary Ladies Writing Desk
Located in Miami, FL
An antique early 20th century ladies' secretary desk. Made from walnut with a maple writing surface. Features a drop front with neoclassical brass hardware over large central drawer ...
Category

Early 20th Century European Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Chippendale Style Walnut Drop Front Secretary Ladies Writing Desk
Antique Chippendale Style Walnut Drop Front Secretary Ladies Writing Desk

Antique Chippendale Style Walnut Drop Front Secretary Ladies Writing Desk

H 36.23 in W 27.96 in D 17.72 in
19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Carved Figural Griffin Console Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Solid walnut Renaissance Revival trestle table which features carved trestle ends depicting griffins with female busts, northwind fac...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Carved Figural Griffin Console Table
19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Carved Figural Griffin Console Table

19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Carved Figural Griffin Console Table

H 31 in W 67 in D 32 in L 31 in
Portuguese Style Ebonized Spinet Secretary Desk by Tommy Bahama
By Tommy Bahama
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome Portuguese style secretary writing table or desk by Tommy Bahama. The spinet or piano style case has a flip top opening to reveal a pull-out writing table with a leather sur...
Category

20th Century Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Portuguese Style Ebonized Spinet Secretary Desk by Tommy Bahama
Portuguese Style Ebonized Spinet Secretary Desk by Tommy Bahama

Portuguese Style Ebonized Spinet Secretary Desk by Tommy Bahama

H 35 in W 50 in D 24 in
19th Century Solid Oak Baroque Trestle Desk Writing Table or Console
Located in Miami, FL
An 19th century Spanish baroque desk, or writing table made of solid oak with lyre shaped legs joined by solid wood stretched. Two drawers with original iron drawer pulls. The top is...
Category

1890s Spanish Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

19th Century Solid Oak Baroque Trestle Desk Writing Table or Console
19th Century Solid Oak Baroque Trestle Desk Writing Table or Console

19th Century Solid Oak Baroque Trestle Desk Writing Table or Console

H 29.73 in W 49.61 in D 23.63 in
Antique English Mahogany Writing Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A rectangular desk with a 3/4 mahogany gallery on the top. With two frieze drawers with moldings and knob pulls. Raised on ball topped ribbed tapering legs with turned feet on brass ...
Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Antique English Mahogany Writing Table
Antique English Mahogany Writing Table

Antique English Mahogany Writing Table

H 33 in W 36 in D 22 in
Mid-Century Modern Secretary Desk
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, AR
Handsome secretary desk features unique legs and a functioning skeleton key to open the drop down workspace. The stylish design has three large drawers on the bottom and shelfs prov...
Category

Mid-20th Century Argentine Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Secretary Desk
Mid-Century Modern Secretary Desk

Mid-Century Modern Secretary Desk

H 37.8 in W 33.08 in D 15.75 in
Previously Available Items
Primitive Hand Crafted Writing Desk in Pine, Made by a Swedish Carpenter, 1800s
Located in Odense, DK
This primitive desk, hailing from 19th-century Sweden, reflects the rustic charm and simplicity of traditional craftsmanship. Meticulously crafted in pine wood, the desk showcases th...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Primitive Hand Crafted Writing Desk in Pine, Made by a Swedish Carpenter, 1800s
Primitive Hand Crafted Writing Desk in Pine, Made by a Swedish Carpenter, 1800s

Primitive Hand Crafted Writing Desk in Pine, Made by a Swedish Carpenter, 1800s

H 28.55 in W 38.59 in D 29.53 in
Antique Swedish Pine Folk Art Trestle Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish trestle table from Northern Sweden made during the mid 1700s. The table is solid and primitive with a simple construction...
Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Antique Swedish Pine Folk Art Trestle Table
Antique Swedish Pine Folk Art Trestle Table

Antique Swedish Pine Folk Art Trestle Table

H 28.94 in W 51.58 in D 28.75 in
Rustic Tramp Art Notch Carved Secretary Desk
Located in New York, NY
Rustic Tramp Art secretary desk with two drawers, a low back and side gallery, and notch-carved edges and legs.
Category

20th Century Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Rustic Tramp Art Notch Carved Secretary Desk
Rustic Tramp Art Notch Carved Secretary Desk

Rustic Tramp Art Notch Carved Secretary Desk

H 34.75 in W 31.25 in D 19.75 in
Vintage Thai School Desk with Painted Desktop, North Thailand, Mid-20th Century
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Vintage Thai school desk with painted desktop, North Thailand, mid-20th century. If there are any doubts about the universality of human experience this d...
Category

1950s Thai Vintage Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Paint

Vintage Thai School Desk with Painted Desktop, North Thailand, Mid-20th Century
Vintage Thai School Desk with Painted Desktop, North Thailand, Mid-20th Century

Vintage Thai School Desk with Painted Desktop, North Thailand, Mid-20th Century

H 27.5 in W 23.5 in D 15 in
Folk Art Root Table
Located in Houston, TX
Folk Art root table featuring serpent motif. Rare form with bottom shelf, original untouched finish and nice shaped backsplash. Desk top height is 29 inches.
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Folk Art Root Table
Folk Art Root Table

Folk Art Root Table

H 34 in W 24 in D 15.25 in
Small Asian Red And Yellow Painted Folk Art Desk-Top Writing Desk
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small Asian red and yellow painted folk art desk-top writing desk The desk top is collapsable, please see detailed images listed.
Category

1960s Southeast Asian Vintage Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Small Asian Red And Yellow Painted Folk Art Desk-Top Writing Desk
Small Asian Red And Yellow Painted Folk Art Desk-Top Writing Desk

Small Asian Red And Yellow Painted Folk Art Desk-Top Writing Desk

H 11.6 in W 23 in D 10.8 in
Late 18th Century Northern Swedish Blue Folk Art Trestle Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Blue folk art trestle table from northern Sweden. The table is made with a drawer and all parts are original to the table. Scraped to the original blue pai...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Late 18th Century Northern Swedish Blue Folk Art Trestle Table
Late 18th Century Northern Swedish Blue Folk Art Trestle Table

Late 18th Century Northern Swedish Blue Folk Art Trestle Table

H 29.53 in W 49.22 in D 31.5 in
Clock Cabinet with Writers Flap from Northern Sweden
Located in Kramfors, SE
Clock cabinet with writers flap manufactured around the year 1800. The cabinet is scraped to original paint. It is also possible to disassemble the cabinet, see pictures. The bottom...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Clock Cabinet with Writers Flap from Northern Sweden
Clock Cabinet with Writers Flap from Northern Sweden

Clock Cabinet with Writers Flap from Northern Sweden

H 95.28 in W 40.95 in D 18.51 in
Table Desk Swedish, 19th Century, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Table desk Swedish, 19th century, Sweden. A table or desk made in Sweden during the 19th century in wood. Beautiful patina.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Table Desk Swedish, 19th Century, Sweden
Table Desk Swedish, 19th Century, Sweden

Table Desk Swedish, 19th Century, Sweden

H 29 in W 67 in D 19 in
19th Century Gustavian Styled Swedish Folk Art Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Gustavian styled Swedish folk art table. The legs have corner consoles and the surface has been dry scarped to its original paint. Manufactured during the early 19th century. Height ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

19th Century Gustavian Styled Swedish Folk Art Table
19th Century Gustavian Styled Swedish Folk Art Table

19th Century Gustavian Styled Swedish Folk Art Table

H 29.93 in W 42.92 in D 30.71 in
Gustavian Swedish Table with Drawer with Original Blue Paint, circa 1790
Located in New York, NY
Swedish Gustavian Allmoge table with center drawer, origin: Sweden, circa 1790, original blue / green paint and black top. Pure form on elegantly tapered...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Softwood, Paint

Gustavian Swedish Table with Drawer with Original Blue Paint, circa 1790
Gustavian Swedish Table with Drawer with Original Blue Paint, circa 1790

Gustavian Swedish Table with Drawer with Original Blue Paint, circa 1790

H 26.19 in W 35.16 in D 27.17 in
Vintage Thai School Desk with Painted Desktop, North Thailand, Mid-20th Century
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Vintage Thai school desk with painted desktop. North Thailand, mid-20th century. If there are any doubts about the universality of human experience this de...
Category

1950s Thai Vintage Folk Art Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Paint

Vintage Thai School Desk with Painted Desktop, North Thailand, Mid-20th Century
Vintage Thai School Desk with Painted Desktop, North Thailand, Mid-20th Century

Vintage Thai School Desk with Painted Desktop, North Thailand, Mid-20th Century

H 29.5 in W 24 in D 15 in

Folk Art desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique folk art desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage desks and writing tables created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, pine and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art desks and writing tables made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Sweden pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 and writing tables differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,700 and tops out at $29,000 while the average work can sell for $4,203.

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