Drafting Tables (Antique/Vintage)

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If you’ve been thinking about drafting tables (antique/vintage) and what that would look and feel like in your space, not only would it give you a great place to work, but it’s an ideal way to add a sense of purpose to a room. Antique drafting tables not only look and feel historic, but they’re a great alternative to a desk. Our design experts have put together a list of the best vintage drafting tables currently available. 

11 Recommendations and 179 Ideas

Updated 29/03/2023
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1
Reclaimed Teak Wood Vintage Drafting Table

Reclaimed Teak Wood Vintage Drafting Table

17 Stories

Featuring a solid iron base with an industrial crank mechanism, this antique drafting table possesses a reclaimed brown teak wood top that’s 63 inches wide. The table can sit flat or be cranked to a 60 degree angle.

Designer Advice:

If you’re someone that’s constantly trying to do their part for the environment in terms of what they bring into their house, this cast iron drafting table uses a recycled iron base as well as a water-based finish to bring out the naturalness of the wood. 

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2
Solid Wood Antique Drafting Table

Solid Wood Antique Drafting Table

Winston Porter

A combination of manufactured and solid wood with a brown finishing, this antique drafting table is spacious at 42 inches wide. There’s an adjustable worktop space that can sit at a 45 degree angle, plus an added bottom shelf for storage.

Designer Advice:

For some interesting touches, there’s also a slide-up pencil ledge for convenience as well as a drawer front that can accommodate art or office supplies, or you can even use it to stash away the keyboard on your computer. 

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3
Cast Iron Drafting Table With Teak Wood Top

Cast Iron Drafting Table With Teak Wood Top

Williston Forge

A show stopping piece of furniture, this cast iron drafting table features a tripod iron base with an ultra cool industrial wheel crank for angling purposes. The desktop is made of reclaimed teak wood and it’s just over 35 inches in width.

Designer Advice:

Made for those that want to add a bit of history into their living space, this old drafting table features eco-friendly and used materials and the entire desktop can tilt up to 60 inches, which makes it a great spot for drafting or drawing. 

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4
Vintage Drafting Table For Sale

Vintage Drafting Table For Sale

Inbox Zero

Traditional in design, this vintage drafting table is crafted out of solid wood in a rustic oak color. It features a wood base with two perched legs, a lengthy pencil ledge and the entire 42 inch desktop can sit flat or angled at 90 degrees. 

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5
Weathered Oak Color Old Drafting Table

Weathered Oak Color Old Drafting Table

Williston Forge

Featuring a metal base with an antique distressed brass finish, this industrial drafting table showcases a weathered oak desktop that can slant up to 30 degrees. There’s also an anti-slip hinge for the rising mechanism and a handy built-in ridge for pencils. 

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6
Rustic Old Drafting Table

Rustic Old Drafting Table

Red Barrel Studio®

Completely classic in design, this antique drafting table sets up on a solid rubberwood base with two detailed legs. The drafting table top itself is just over 52 inches wide and there’s metal hinges that aid in tilting when needed. 

$616 $1125

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7
Wood and Iron Antique Drafting Table

Wood and Iron Antique Drafting Table

17 Stories

A cool blending of vintage with contemporary details, this old drafting table features a 37 inch wide desktop made of recycled teak wood in a weathered gray finish. The desktop is placed on two industrial pieces of recycled iron with a fun antique handle for cranking. 

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8
Best For Designers
Multi Compartment Vintage Drafting Table

Multi Compartment Vintage Drafting Table

Perfect For: Students and creative professionals

What We Like: Unique-looking base

Here, we have the perfect blend of old-fashioned charm and practicality. Starting with the base, it strikes a steel rebar trestle base, accented with decorative balls and curved stretchers. The icing on the cake is the 40-inch wide tabletop, which comes fully equipped with a pencil ledge, pencil organizers, side trays, and a slide-out drawer underneath. And, of course, it tilts to a variety of angles for the best vantage points.

Designer Advice:

With this drafting table, not only will all your supplies be within easy reach, but they will also be well organized in their designated compartment. This makes it a great choice for art projects, architectural blueprints, sketching, and other design tasks. Besides, we love the classic black and wenge two-tone finish—a combo that blends seamlessly with any color scheme. 

What Users Say:

Very nice for architecture students.

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9
Black and Gold Industrial Drafting Table

Black and Gold Industrial Drafting Table

Mercer41

Slightly more contemporary, this industrial drafting table comes with a comfy padded stool and black desktop that can go from flat to a 40 degree angle in seconds. The body is a sturdy steel that’s covered in a classic gold powder coating. 

$259.99 $303.99

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10
Best For Small Spaces
Glass and Wood Drafting Table

Glass and Wood Drafting Table

Inbox Zero

Perfect For: Artists and illustrators

What We Like: Charming vintage look

What We Don’t Like: Some complained about it being a bit flimsy

Proving that sometimes simple is best, this drafting table is solidly constructed from poplar hardwood in an elegant Sonoma brown shade. As a nice bonus, it features a 1/4" thick glass lift top as well as a see-through drawer with 5 partitions for organizing your drawing pens, paintbrushes, and art tools. 

Designer Advice:

At 42 inches wide and 24 inches deep, this dainty table is the perfect fit for tight living rooms, bedrooms, and home offices. Our favorite part is, of course, the glass surface. For one, it takes up very little visual space - which is great for making an area look more open. Plus, it can double as a light table for tracing and transferring designs!

What Users Say:

Love this table - functional and beautiful. Good quality and easy to assemble. Would definitely recommend!

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11
Simple Birch Vintage Drafting Table

Simple Birch Vintage Drafting Table

Symple Stuff

For those looking for a return to uncomplicated times, this antique drafting table is crafted out of oak and finished in a dark birch. The desktop sits on two standard wood legs and there’s a pencil ledge to grab writing utensils and easy angling for work purposes. 

$285.99 $430.18

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Drafting Tables (Antique/Vintage)

Buying Guide

Drafting tables used to be a must-have in the 18th and 19th century. Unfortunately, since technology has advanced so much, you can rarely find them in use nowadays.

Nevertheless, if you are a traditionalist and you love drawing by hand, an antique drafting table can add a touch of class to your office or your living room.

Just because you own such a table, it doesn’t mean that you have to be an architect or an illustrator. The best part about antiques is that they add a vintage note to your living space - and you can use them for anything you’d like.

Since drafting tables have adjustable settings, you can use it as a regular table as well. Place it in a cozy corner in your living room and use it as a workstation. Or, you can also add antique books on it and create a mini library.

What's more, entrepreneurs often buy small drafting tables for coffee shops, and they use them as decoration or as regular tables. Even though it might defy the purpose, it can do wonders for your business as many people love seeing antiques being used in day-to-day occasions.

The material used for these types of tables is durable and sturdy. They were usually made of wood, and the material of choice was oak, although other hardwoods were used as well. Hence, you don't have to worry about them breaking any time soon. Furthermore, these tables are quite stable as well, so you can rest assured knowing that they will not fall over by accident.

Most antique drafting tables look alike, but there are some things you should consider before purchasing the one you like the most:

  • Are the settings functional? Make sure that you can adjust the table to your liking. It should be able to stay in a fixed position without a problem. Otherwise, you won’t be able to use it properly.
  • Is it in good shape? Even though it’s an antique, it’s vital to check the condition of the table. Little scrapes and a beautiful patina add to its character, but if it’s missing a leg, it’s not a good investment.
  • Does it have an iron base? Although this isn’t a necessary trait, it would be wise to pick a table that has an iron base. The iron adds to the durability, and it also makes the table incredibly stable.
  • Does it have compartments? Unless they feature a simplistic design, many drafting tables come with a set of small or medium-sized drawers. Those can be quite useful, especially if you decide to use the table in your day-to-day life.
  • Can you find a good stool for it? In the olden days, artists used the tables while standing, but that might cause you slight inconvenience. Hence, it would be best to find a suitable tall stool for it. But, make sure that it complements the table - it shouldn’t take away from its beauty nor should it look too modern.

Antique drafting tables are not that rare, but they can sometimes be quite expensive. Because of that, it’s vital to approach the purchase with a clear idea of how you’ll use and maintain the table every day.

Best Ideas

Vintage industrial tilt top drafting

Vintage industrial tilt top drafting

Used vintage drawing desk having a tilted up rectangular brown-finished top with adjustable metal supports on sides. The top and a sturdy grey-finished base are of solid oak wood. A large drawer and 2 smaller ones have new shell-like metal pulls.

Antique industrial style drafting table

Antique industrial style drafting table

Old styled drafting table that introduces a touch of industrial style into the house. This wooden table includes a round seat and five practical storage drawers. It is suitable especially for small spaces.

Antique drafting tables 2

Work table mounted on iron base and fitted with compartments for storing personal items. Rectangular top is made of wood. It includes height and tilt adjustment function. Perfect solution for organization of work at home and in the office.

Rare Frederick Post Adjustable Drafting Table Vtg Antique Industrial Machine Age

Rare Frederick Post Adjustable Drafting Table Vtg Antique Industrial Machine Age

Vintage design for an antique and old-fashioned drafting table made out of a walnut wood top with a frame made of cast iron. The drafting table provides a handy addition to any home workshop or hobby room.

Wood drafting table

Designed in French style, this functional drafting table can be a practical and fashionable piece for every architect out there. The top is adjustable, offering many different angles, also firmly holding the plans and blueprints in their place.

855 unusual antique american oak drafting table file

855: UNUSUAL ANTIQUE AMERICAN OAK DRAFTING TABLE, FILE

Vintage industrial drafting table with

Vintage industrial drafting table with

This industrial drafting table will be more than suitable for your vintage workshop. Crafted from cast iron, and equipped with many options for adjusting its height and angle, the table is very functional, also ensuring a proper stability thanks to its 3-legged base.

Wooden drafting table

This stylish drafting table is a gem in the middle of vintage furniture. Beautiful steel construction, wooden counters, and charming details will make the interior take on a unique style. The adjustable worktop allows you to customize it according to your needs.

Mechanical industrital drafting table

Mechanical industrital drafting table

An industrial drafting table with mechanical system including wheels and knobs that tilt, raise and lower the construction. It's completely restored and evokes past times when the handicraft projects were a real mastery. The top of it is lucent.

Industrial architects drawing table

Industrial architect's drawing table.

Vtg Cast Iron Drafting Table Architect Drawing Antique Artist Chair Machinist

Vtg Cast Iron Drafting Table Architect Drawing Antique Artist Chair Machinist

Drafting table with tilt adjustment function. It is mounted on iron base with antique finish. Rectangular top is made of wood. Perfect solution for work organization at home.

Vintage wood drafting table

This model of antique drafting table has a centuries-old history. Often visited artists and gentlemen's offices in the atelier. In this case, it adopted a very industrial, metal form inspired by lofts in New York.The huge size gives you a lot of possibilities.

Antique architects desk

Drafting table with tilt adjustment function. Pedestal base is made of metal and reinforced with solid supports. Rectangular top is made of wood. Received a lot of top ratings from customers for high quality and elegant design.

1940s drafting table my dad had one of these and

1940's Drafting Table. My dad had one of these and I used to draw on it when I was a kid. WANT!

Vintage drafting tables for sale

All kinds of studios beautifully display the ubiquitous passion, even in the form of specialist tables, like this antique drafting table. A reclining top offers a lot of space for work. Thanks to the double work surface, furniture is suitable for drafts.

Wood drawing table

Antique Drawing Drafting Table

Drafting table wood

Antique Cast Iron Industrial Drafting Table | From a unique collection of antique and modern industrial and work tables at

Isis drafting table with original components from a unique collection

Isis Drafting Table with Original Components | From a unique collection of antique and modern industrial and work tables at

Antique drafting table for sale

A decorative and functional element associated with industrial stylization. This drafting table offers a quite large drafting space and a mechanism that regulates its inclination. A solid frame includes front legs with small wheels.

Vintage drafting tables

A1 size drawing board crafted from sturdy bleached oak in 1930 approximately. On bottom it features large pen tray. The tilting oak board has been attached to a super sturdy iron frame which allows to angle the board.

Hamilton antique drafting table

Hamilton Antique Drafting Table

Details about antique hamilton economy drafting table wood cast iron

Details about Antique Hamilton Economy Drafting Table Wood Cast Iron ...

Keuffel esser drafting table

Architect's table by Roentgen - ca. 1780-1795. Changes from a flat desk to a sloping one for client's art/architecture needs. At the Met in NYC

Antique cast iron industrial drafting table image 4

Antique Cast Iron Industrial Drafting Table image 4