What is a roll top desk?

A roll top desk is a piece of furniture that has a wooden cover that can be pulled down when the desk is not in use. Shop a collection of roll top furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What era are roll top desks from?

Roll-top desks are originally from the late 18th century in the Georgian era of England. By the middle of the Victorian era, they were found in most offices and produced on a large scale. Shop a range of antique roll-top desks on 1stDibs.

What is a roll top desk called?

Sometimes, roll-top desks are called tambours, sliding roll desks or roll-up desks. However, roll-top is the most commonly used name. The style of desk became popular during the 19th century. You can find a range of roll-top desks on 1stDibs.

What is the point of a roll top desk?

A roll top desk kept small essentials and paperwork organized. The roll top design was ideal for business people to secure their desks at the end of the day without filing away their work. Browse a variety of roll top desks on 1stDibs.

How much is a roll top desk worth?

A roll top desk can be worth anywhere between $3,000 to $6,000, depending on the condition, materials used and time of manufacturing. Roll top desks are expensive, as they are very popular on the antique furniture market and are considered timeless collectibles. Shop a range of antique and vintage roll top desks on 1stDibs.

How do I know if my antique roll top desk?

A variety of factors can determine the exact age of an antique roll top desk. Some things to look for is the type of wood and craftsmanship used to create the desk. Typically, older desks will be made from heavier wood. You can also check for a maker’s marks to determine the age. When in doubt, work with a certified appraiser to determine the authenticity of your roll top desk. You’ll find a variety of expertly vetted roll top desks on 1stDibs.

How do I know if my roll top desk is antique?

To tell if a roll-top desk is an antique, look closely at the materials. Real antiques feature hardwoods like cherry, mahogany and black walnut. If you detect the use of engineered woods, the desk is a reproduction. Also, early pieces show off irregular dovetail joints. Joints that appear perfectly uniform indicate that a roll-top desk is a more recent mass-produced piece. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of expertly vetted antique roll-top desks.

Small Roll Top Desk

Lady Desk

Tambour Desk

Bureau Cylindre Louis Xvi

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Teak Roll Top Desk or Dresser

$1,995

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Teak Roll Top Desk or Dresser

Located in Topeka, KS

This is a very handsome smaller roll top desk comprised of teak featuring a fabulous solid curved roll top door that when opened, exposes a flat top desk surface and a large open wor...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

Recent Sales

Small Oak Roll Top Desk

Unavailable

H 48.43 in W 42.13 in D 30.32 in

Small Oak Roll Top Desk

By Derby Desk Company

Located in Manchester, GB

A small and attractive American roll top desk made by the 'Derby' company based in Boston.

Category

Early 20th Century American Desks

Materials

Oak

Walnut Roll Top Desk

Unavailable

H 49.22 in W 42.13 in D 29.93 in

Walnut Roll Top Desk

Located in Manchester, GB

A small and attractive walnut roll top desk with a stamp to the central drawer top - Gillows London.

Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Early 20th Century Small Walnut Roll Top Desk

Unavailable

H 44.89 in W 48.04 in D 29.93 in

Early 20th Century Small Walnut Roll Top Desk

Located in Manchester, GB

A small Edwardian roll top desk of the attractive proportions.

Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Desks

Materials

Walnut

Small lady's roll-top desk, Louis XV style, 19th century

Unavailable

H 35.83 in W 22.84 in D 14.18 in

Small lady's roll-top desk, Louis XV style, 19th century

Located in Barletta, IT

A small French roll-top desk from the second half of the 19th century, in the Louis XV style, made of bois de rose wood.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Desks

Materials

Rosewood

Small Antique Roll Top Desk, Oak, Tambour, William Angus and Co Ltd London

Sold

H 40.56 in W 42.03 in D 26.97 in

Small Antique Roll Top Desk, Oak, Tambour, William Angus and Co Ltd London

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is a small, antique roll-top desk in oak. Tambour top desk made by William Angus and Co Ltd, London in the Edwardian period of the early 20th century, circa 1910.

Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Desks

Materials

Oak

Vintage Children's Size Child's Roll Top Writing Desk and School Chairs, a Set

Sold

H 36 in W 27 in D 15.5 in

Vintage Children's Size Child's Roll Top Writing Desk and School Chairs, a Set

By Paris Mfg. Co.

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage children's size child's roll top writing desk and school chairs, a set. Set includes a small child's size roll top desk, one child size adjustable height "office" desk chair,...

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mission Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

19th Century Louis XVI Style Bureau à Cylindre or Roll Top Desk

Sold

H 43.5 in W 31 in D 19.5 in

19th Century Louis XVI Style Bureau à Cylindre or Roll Top Desk

Located in Winter Park, FL

Good proportions and nice profile to this small desk. Roll top opens to a pull-out writing table with green leather surface and three interior drawers below an open niche.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Secretaires

Materials

Marble, Brass

Vintage George Nelson Herman Miller Tambour Desk

Sold

H 29 in W 46 in D 32 in

Vintage George Nelson Herman Miller Tambour Desk

Located in Hudson, NY

a very nice small roll-top desk designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. classic design in this rare size with the tambour and desk top in oak.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Desks

Materials

Oak

Miniature roll top desk

Sold

H 17 in W 24 in D 17 in

Miniature roll top desk

Located in New York, NY

This is a small table top Roll top desk. It has been painstakingly restored to it original luster.

Category

Vintage 1930s American Desks

Materials

Steel, Brass

Antique Roll Top Desk Golden Oak Tambour Front Bureau Small Desk

Sold

H 46 in W 23 in D 23 in

Antique Roll Top Desk Golden Oak Tambour Front Bureau Small Desk

Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury

A fabulous and very unusual early 20th century slim vintage Industrial golden oak roll top bureau or desk, the tambour front enclosing a fitted interior over two short drawers, pull-...

Category

20th Century Desks

Materials

Oak

Mid century danish modern teak desk with 3 drawers

$2,100Sale Price|25% Off

H 29 in W 49 in D 25 in

Mid century danish modern teak desk with 3 drawers

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid century danish modern teak desk with 3 drawers And lower brace. This danish desk has (2) upper drawers and (1) lower deep file drawer. The top has a beautiful teak wood grain wit...

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Oak, Teak

Mid Century Modern Scandinavian Teak Secretary Desk

$1,975

H 38 in W 35.5 in D 18.5 in

Mid Century Modern Scandinavian Teak Secretary Desk

By Egon Ostergaard

Located in San Jose, CA

Vintage secretary desk in teak circa 1970's, made in Sweden. This piece is equipped with three deep storage drawers accessorized with sculpted wood handles. Features a roll top door ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires

Materials

Birch, Teak

Egon Ostergaard for SMI Sweden Bookmatched Teak Roll Top Desk or Secretary

$2,295

H 38.75 in W 35.5 in D 18 in

Egon Ostergaard for SMI Sweden Bookmatched Teak Roll Top Desk or Secretary

By Egon Ostergaard

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Designed in the 1960s by Egon Ostergaard, this desk was made by SMI, a somewhat nebulous figure in MCM production. We've had a number of SMI pieces, and the quality is always excelle...

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage mid century modern exquisite Danish teak wood desk

$4,500

H 28.75 in W 54 in D 27 in

Vintage mid century modern exquisite Danish teak wood desk

Located in Phoenix, AZ

1960s Danish teak wood desk. Excellent mid century modern floating style with sculptural legs and handles. Features three drawers on the right and a filing drawer on the left. There ...

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Danish Modern Roll Top Desk, Dresser or Cabinet in Teak

$2,500

H 38 in W 35.5 in D 18.5 in

Mid-Century Danish Modern Roll Top Desk, Dresser or Cabinet in Teak

By Finn Juhl, Arne Vodder

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine looking roll top Scandinavian desk made in the 1970s. It features beautiful teak wood and plenty of storage space. In the style of: Finn Juhl or Arne Vodder.

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Midcentury Danish Modern Teak Wood Secretary Desk, Chest of Drawers, 1960s

$1,015

H 39.77 in W 31.5 in D 17.72 in

Midcentury Danish Modern Teak Wood Secretary Desk, Chest of Drawers, 1960s

Located in The Hague, NL

This midcentury Danish modern teak secretary desk was made in Denmark, circa 1960. The Classic Scandinavian Modern design has clean Minimalist lines and elegant curves. The upper cab...

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires

Materials

Teak

Scandinavian Teak Wood Rolltop Secretary Desk by Egon Ostergaard, Made in Sweden

$2,650

H 37.625 in W 35.375 in D 18.5 in

Scandinavian Teak Wood Rolltop Secretary Desk by Egon Ostergaard, Made in Sweden

By Egon Ostergaard

Located in Detroit, MI

This vintage mid century Scandinavian modern teak wood rolltop secretary desk cabinet by Egon Ostergaard was made in Sweden circa 1960. The classic Swedish modern design has clean, m...

Category

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Danish Mid-Century Teak Secretary Desk / Writing Cabinet by Dyrlund, 1960s

$2,371

H 43.31 in W 35.44 in D 18.12 in

Danish Mid-Century Teak Secretary Desk / Writing Cabinet by Dyrlund, 1960s

By Dyrlund

Located in München, BY

Dimensions: 90 × 46 × 110 cm (35.4" × 18.1" × 43.3") Width × Depth × Height Elegant Danish secretary desk by Dyrlund, a refined example of Scandinavian mid-century craftsmanship com...

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Secretary Desk, Bar Cabinet Made in Denmark 1960s

$2,450

H 46.75 in W 28.25 in D 16.5 in

Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Secretary Desk, Bar Cabinet Made in Denmark 1960s

Located in Detroit, MI

This vintage mid-century Danish modern teak secretary desk or bar cabinet was made in Denmark in the 1960s. The cabinet has refined, compact proportions and is well constructed with ...

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Secretary Desk

$1,600

H 33 in W 37.5 in D 16.75 in

Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Secretary Desk

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful mid-century Danish modern teak secretary desk featuring sleek Scandinavian lines, elevated styling, and versatile storage. This compact piece includes two spacious lower dr...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Teak Rolltop Secretary Desk by Egon Ostergaard, Made in Sweden

$2,650

H 35.375 in W 18.5 in D 38.25 in

Mid-Century Teak Rolltop Secretary Desk by Egon Ostergaard, Made in Sweden

By Egon Ostergaard

Located in Detroit, MI

This vintage mid-century Swedish modern Egon Ostergaard teak rolltop secretary desk cabinet was made in Sweden circa 1960. The classic Scandinavian modern design has clean, minimalis...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires

Materials

Wood, Teak

Egon Ostergaard Teak Rolltop Secretary Desk, Swedish Modern, 1960

$2,650

H 38.25 in W 35.375 in D 19 in

Egon Ostergaard Teak Rolltop Secretary Desk, Swedish Modern, 1960

By Egon Ostergaard

Located in Detroit, MI

This iconic vintage mid-century Swedish modern Egon Ostergaard teak cylinder rolltop secretary desk cabinet was made in Sweden circa 1960. The classic Scandinavian modern design has ...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Bernhard Pedersen Danish Rosewood Writing Desk

$3,200

H 38 in W 35 in D 18 in

Bernhard Pedersen Danish Rosewood Writing Desk

By Bernhard Pedersen & Son

Located in Toledo, OH

This beautiful Danish rosewood writing desk is complete with 3 drawers and a barrel top that rolls back to expose the desk. The interior has a pull out writing surface. This piece is...

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Rosewood

Mid Century Swedish Teak Rolltop Secretary Desk by Egon Ostergaard

$2,650

H 38.25 in W 35.375 in D 18.5 in

Mid Century Swedish Teak Rolltop Secretary Desk by Egon Ostergaard

By Egon Ostergaard

Located in Detroit, MI

This vintage mid-century Swedish modern Egon Ostergaard teak rolltop secretary desk cabinet was made in Sweden circa 1960. The classic Scandinavian modern design has clean, minimalis...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires

Materials

Wood, Teak

Mid-Century Modern Danish Teak Desk

$2,700

H 29 in W 54 in D 26 in

Mid-Century Modern Danish Teak Desk

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This gorgeous vintage modern desk features a unique raised top along the back and sculpted feet. Sleek design with unusual recessed pulls and a wonderful vintage teak finish. This ca...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Secretary Desk Cabinet 1960s

$3,850

H 48.5 in W 39 in D 16.5 in

Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Secretary Desk Cabinet 1960s

Located in Detroit, MI

This vintage mid-century Danish modern teak secretary cabinet was made in Denmark in the 1960s. It exemplifies classic Scandinavian modern styling with clean lines and a refined geom...

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires

Materials

Brass

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1960s Wall shelf, Kai Kristiansen, FM Møbler

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$2,800

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By Jack Cartwright, Paul McCobb

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Get Updated with New Arrivals

Save "Small Roll Top Desk", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Small Roll Top Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic small roll top desk available at 1stDibs. Each small roll top desk for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, metal and mahogany. If you’re shopping for a small roll top desk, we have 37 options in-stock, while there are 6 modern editions to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer small roll top desk, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. A small roll top desk is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Louis XVI, modern and mid-century modern styles are sought with frequency. You’ll likely find more than one small roll top desk that is appealing in its simplicity, but Force/Collide, Force Collide and François Linke produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Small Roll Top Desk?

Prices for a small roll top desk start at $44 and top out at $158,535 with the average selling for $9,500.

Finding the Right Case Pieces And Storage Cabinets for You

Of all the vintage storage cabinets and antique case pieces that have become popular in modern interiors over the years, dressers, credenzas and cabinets have long been home staples, perfect for routine storage or protection of personal items.

In the mid-19th century, cabinetmakers would mimic styles originating in the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI eras for their dressers, bookshelves and other structures, and, later, simpler, streamlined wood designs allowed these “case pieces” or “case goods” — any furnishing that is unupholstered and has some semblance of a storage component — to blend into the background of any interior.

Mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts will cite the tall modular wall units crafted in teak and other sought-after woods of the era by the likes of George Nelson, Poul Cadovius and Finn Juhl. For these highly customizable furnishings, designers of the day delivered an alternative to big, heavy bookcases by considering the use of space — and, in particular, walls — in new and innovative ways. Mid-century modern credenzas, which, long and low, evolved from tables that were built as early as the 14th century in Italy, typically have no legs or very short legs and have grown in popularity as an alluring storage option over time.

Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This furnishing was initially a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. The drawers served as perfect utensil storage. It wasn’t until the design made its way to North America that it became enlarged and equipped with enough space to hold clothing and cosmetics. The very history of case pieces is a testament to their versatility and well-earned place in any room.

In the spirit of positioning your case goods center stage, decluttering can now be design-minded.

A contemporary case piece with open shelving and painted wood details can prove functional as a storage unit as easily as it can a room divider. Alternatively, apothecary cabinets are charming case goods similar in size to early dressers or commodes but with uniquely sized shelving and (often numerous) drawers.

Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard that features colored glass and metal details, an antique Italian hand-carved storage cabinet or a glass-door vitrine to store and show off your collectibles, there are options for you on 1stDibs.

Questions About Small Roll Top Desk

What is a roll top desk?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A roll top desk is a piece of furniture that has a wooden cover that can be pulled down when the desk is not in use. Shop a collection of roll top furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What era are roll top desks from?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Roll-top desks are originally from the late 18th century in the Georgian era of England. By the middle of the Victorian era, they were found in most offices and produced on a large scale. Shop a range of antique roll-top desks on 1stDibs.
What is a roll top desk called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Sometimes, roll-top desks are called tambours, sliding roll desks or roll-up desks. However, roll-top is the most commonly used name. The style of desk became popular during the 19th century. You can find a range of roll-top desks on 1stDibs.
What is the point of a roll top desk?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A roll top desk kept small essentials and paperwork organized. The roll top design was ideal for business people to secure their desks at the end of the day without filing away their work. Browse a variety of roll top desks on 1stDibs.
How much is a roll top desk worth?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
A roll top desk can be worth anywhere between $3,000 to $6,000, depending on the condition, materials used and time of manufacturing. Roll top desks are expensive, as they are very popular on the antique furniture market and are considered timeless collectibles. Shop a range of antique and vintage roll top desks on 1stDibs.
How do I know if my antique roll top desk?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A variety of factors can determine the exact age of an antique roll top desk. Some things to look for is the type of wood and craftsmanship used to create the desk. Typically, older desks will be made from heavier wood. You can also check for a maker’s marks to determine the age. When in doubt, work with a certified appraiser to determine the authenticity of your roll top desk. You’ll find a variety of expertly vetted roll top desks on 1stDibs.
How do I know if my roll top desk is antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
To tell if a roll-top desk is an antique, look closely at the materials. Real antiques feature hardwoods like cherry, mahogany and black walnut. If you detect the use of engineered woods, the desk is a reproduction. Also, early pieces show off irregular dovetail joints. Joints that appear perfectly uniform indicate that a roll-top desk is a more recent mass-produced piece. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of expertly vetted antique roll-top desks.

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Leaping into a design project, whether it's refreshing the bedroom or redoing the whole house, can be overwhelming. Luckily, we know more than a few interior designers. You asked questions on Instagram, and now they're answering.

Collected and Eclectic, ‘Wunderkammern’ Are Back in a Big Way

Introduced nearly 500 years ago, curiosity cabinets are finding new fans among today's collectors and designers.

Meet the Incredible Woman Transforming Fallen Trees into Sleek Furniture

In the hands of New York Heartwoods cofounder Megan Offner, unwanted local trees become works of design art.

These New York Architects Love a Complicated Project

From Brooklyn townhouses to Maine campgrounds, Trattie Davies and Jonathan Toews relish a challenge, like transforming a former warehouse space into the new 1stdibs Gallery.