What is a kneehole desk?

A kneehole desk is a compact writing table designed with a central recessed space for the user's legs, flanked by two banks of drawers. This form originated during the early eighteenth century and prioritised domestic utility over the massive scale of later partners desks.

How do I tell an 18th century desk from a revival piece?

Period pieces from the 1700s exhibit hand-cut dovetails, timber shrinkage appropriate to age, and native walnut construction without modern adhesives. Revival desks from the Edwardian period or the 1930s often display machine-cut elements, standardised hardware, and distinct veneer application methods.

Burr walnut is a specialised timber veneer harvested from irregular growths on walnut trees, prized for its dense and swirling grain patterns. Cabinet makers utilised these highly decorative veneers on the primary display surfaces of high-status desks.

How were these desks used?

These pieces served as private writing tables for correspondence, estate management, and household accounts within period homes. The inclusion of central cupboards and small drawers provided secure storage for documents and writing implements.

Search 0

62,723 PAGES BROWSED TODAY PAGES TODAY • 161 ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAYNEW ARRIVALS

Sorted by

Per page

VISITOR LOGIN JOIN AS A SELLER DEALER LOGIN

Saved

GIFTS

Queen Anne Pedestal Desk

161 ITEMS ADDED TODAY

Visitor Login (saved items)

Sort Order

Items Per Page

Queen Anne Pedestal Desk

34 items · page 3 of 3

← Page 3 of 3 →

A queen anne pedestal desk delivers compact writing utility wrapped in figured timber, prized for its classic kneehole arrangement and rich walnut surfaces.

1900 - 1920

Save

Inlaid Walnut Desk

From LTANTIQUES.CO.UK

£1,850

FOR SALE

desks

Georgian Walnut Antique Kneehole Desk of Small Proportions.

18th century

Save

Georgian Walnut Antique Kneehole Desk of Small Proportions.

From David Wolfenden Antiques

£4,800

FOR SALE

desks

← 1 2 3 →

65,675

Antiques For Sale

161

Antiques Approved Today

637

Antique Uploads This Month

445,885

Total Antiques Sold

Queen Anne Pedestal Desk

Inlaid Walnut Desk

Georgian Walnut Antique Kneehole Desk of Small Proportions.

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

Period

Style

Material

Origin

Stock Location

Recently Added

Online Payments

Categories