What is the difference between a bureau and a Davenport?

A bureau provides a wide writing flap supported by pull-out lopers above a chest of drawers or stand. It sits lower and offers a larger surface area for paperwork. A Davenport is much more compact, combining a slanted desktop with a pedestal of side drawers. It often includes an upper stationery compartment and a sliding top.

How do I care for the leather writing surface?

Keep the leather clean by dusting it gently with a dry, soft cloth. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners or excess moisture, which can damage the original material and surrounding wood. Applying a specialist leather balsam periodically helps maintain suppleness and prevents cracking over time. Protect the surface from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Where were these desks placed in a historic home?

Bureaux typically stood in studies, libraries or principal parlours where estate management and correspondence took place. Their enclosed compartments kept private documents secure. Compact Davenport desks were designed for drawing rooms and boudoirs, allowing ladies to write notes without retreating to a formal study.

How do I identify a Georgian bureau from a Victorian one?

Georgian pieces generally feature simpler, cleaner lines in solid mahogany, oak or walnut with bracket feet and understated brass handles. The internal pigeonholes often show simpler serpentine or arched shapes. Victorian examples frequently utilise heavier timbers, elaborate veneers like burr walnut or amboyna, and more complex mechanical interiors. They may also include turned or carved legs and galleries.

Home > Sloping Top Desk > Page 6

Sloping Top Desk

218 items · page 6 of 14

← Page 6 of 14 →

A sloping top desk offers a hinged writing flap that lifts to reveal fitted pigeonholes, bringing centuries of practical handwriting furniture into modern studies.

19th century

Save

William IV 19th Century Table Top Writing Slope

From Debenham Antiques Ltd

£550

3+ MONTHS AGO

boxes

18th century

Save

18th Century Inlaid Mahogany Georgian Knife Box

From Debenham Antiques Ltd

£495

3+ MONTHS AGO

boxes

19th century

Save

Regency Sliding Top Rosewood Davenport

From Helios and Co Antiques

£895

3+ MONTHS AGO

desks

19thc Pollard Oak Davenport Desk with Drawers Both Sides

1900 - 1920

Save

19thc Pollard Oak Davenport Desk with Drawers Both Sides

From Helios and Co Antiques

£795

3+ MONTHS AGO

desks

1900 - 1920

Save

Edwardian Oak Desk and Chair

From Sinclairs Antiques and Interiors

£595

3+ MONTHS AGO

desks

Victorian Inlaid 4 Drawer Walnut Davenport.

19th century

Save

Victorian Inlaid 4 Drawer Walnut Davenport.

From Rupert Hitchcox Antiques

£240

3+ MONTHS AGO

desks

19th century

Save

19th Century Burr Walnut Davenport

From Martlesham Antiques

£1,950

3+ MONTHS AGO

desks

A Fine Quality Mahogany Slide Front Davenport

19th century

Save

A Fine Quality Mahogany Slide Front Davenport

From Salisbury Antiques Centre

£1,500

3+ MONTHS AGO

desks

Antique Victorian Quality Burr Walnut Freestanding Davenport

19th century

Save

Antique Victorian Quality Burr Walnut Freestanding Davenport

From London City Antiques

£1,295

3+ MONTHS AGO

desks

Georgian Mahogany Knife Box/ Stationery Box

18th century

Save

Georgian Mahogany Knife Box/ Stationery Box

From Sinclairs Antiques and Interiors

£225

3+ MONTHS AGO

boxes

Listings feature oak, mahogany, walnut, rosewood, amboyna, satinwood and camphor wood across pieces spanning the seventeenth century to the Edwardian era.