Antique Pedestal Desks are a free standing desk usually with a leather top and two pedestals with a bank of drawers down either side. They have a central knee hole where you can sit and this is why they are also known as the antique Kneehole desk. They were first introduced in the late Georgian period for large grand offices, banks and Libraries but were most popular in the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Some were designed to sit against the wall, whereas the better quality examples would have a finished back, so could be placed in the centre of a room. They are mainly constructed in quality woods like Oak, Walnut and Mahogany along with quality brass or turned wooden handles. Originally they were used for writing, but today they can also be used to place a computer or lap top on top and have ample storage for paperwork. The larger examples can have working drawers on both sides, called a partners desk, enabling two people to work at them facing each other. The pedestal desk is the most useful and sought after desk, they are traditional in design but ideal for modern uses. Have a look below at our lovely examples available for sale.
Have a look at previous examples that we have sold below and if any of these styles look of interest, let us know as we get lots of antique desks arriving in stock every week.
Quality Victorian Walnut Antique Pedestal Desk with Leather Top, dating from ca. 1890 and having a central walnut lined drawer over knee hole.
Magnificent Quality Arts And Crafts Victorian Golden Oak Antique Pedestal Desk, constructed from the finest quality solid oak. It has a rectangular moulded top above a central drawer and over knee hole. Each pedestal has a pull out writing slide above four graduating oak lined drawers all with the original solid brass handles.
Victorian Mahogany Twin Pedestal Antique Desk, dates from the Victorian period, circa 1870. It has a beautifully figured rectangular top, with raised back, above a central mahogany lined drawer over knee hole which retains the original turned handles.
Large, Superb Quality Victorian Rich Mahogany Antique Pedestal Desk, Dating from the Early Victorian period, ca. 1850. Desks of this size and quality are not often available for sale on the open market.
Quality Victorian Warm Walnut Antique Pedestal Desk, dating from ca. 1880 and has a rectangular moulded top with green tooled leather writing insert above a central drawer over kneehole.
Quality Victorian Oak Antique Pedestal Dickens Desk. Dating from around 1850 in the Victorian period this is a quality antique Dickens desk made from oak. The top section has six small oak lined drawers joined together by a turned gallery, these sit above three writing inserts, the central one being sloped. The lower section of this quality Dickens desk has a central, relatively wide, oak lined drawer over knee hole flanked by two pedestals. Each pedestal has four graduating oak lined drawers with unusual locking mechanisms and keys. The piece stands on a plain plinth and has an attractive panelled back so can be placed in the centre of a room if so desired.
This Delightful Walnut Antique Pedestal Desk dates from the Victorian period circa, 1890 and is full of the charm and character that you can expect from a true antique. It has a rectangular moulded top with rounded corners and the early original tooled leather writing insert above a central drawer over knee hole. Each pedestal has four graduating mahogany lined drawers with moulded edges and pear drop handles.
Related Reviews
Sian,
Hi James,The desk arrived today and it’s fabulous!
Thanks,
Sian
Richard,
James,I just wanted to drop you a quick note to say how pleased we are with the desk we bought from you. It is absolutely stunning and a great addition to our home.I also had a desk chair made for it and it has been polished to match the colour of the walnut, with an olive green leather seat and back. The pair look stunning together.I will keep an eye out on your website for some other things.Thanks again!Kind regardsRichard
Tony Purell,
I have my writing desk ... Victorian circa 1890 walnut with red leather insert. AMAZING though i would have loved the keys to lock the drawers. delivered in perfect condition (well for 130 years old perfect). I only ask if Driscolls can fine me a small walnut chest of drawers to go with it! 5 or 10 stars all the way for me. Thank you so much.
