Drop Down Secretary
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Teak
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Wood
2010s Italian Modern Secretaires
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires
Rosewood
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires
Birch, Rosewood
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Bookcases
Brass
Antique 1850s English Victorian Cabinets
Mahogany
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Metal
Antique Mid-19th Century Irish George III Bookcases
Glass, Mahogany, Satinwood
Antique Late 19th Century Secretaires
Granite
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Teak
Antique Late 19th Century American Late Victorian Desks
Walnut
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Aluminum
Antique Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Secretaires
Maple
Vintage 1950s French Secretaires
Elm
Antique 1870s French Empire More Carpets
Mahogany
Antique Late 18th Century Dutch Biedermeier Desks
Wood
Antique 1810s French Empire Secretaires
Brass
Antique 19th Century French French Provincial Desks
Satinwood, Walnut
Antique Early 1900s Spanish Spanish Colonial Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Secretaires
Wood, Burl
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Metal
Late 20th Century American Chippendale Desks
Glass, Mahogany
Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks
Teak
Antique Early 19th Century French Biedermeier Secretaires
Brass, Other
Antique 1850s European Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Lapis Lazuli, Marble, Carrara Marble, Brass
Early 20th Century French Louis XIV Secretaires
Brass
Vintage 1940s European Art Deco Secretaires
Walnut
Mid-20th Century Argentine Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Wood
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Directoire Cupboards
Wood
20th Century Chinoiserie Secretaires
Wood
Vintage 1960s Secretaires
Wood
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Bookcases
Mirror, Wenge
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Bookcases
Mahogany, Satinwood
Early 20th Century French French Provincial Secretaires
Glass, Walnut
Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Secretaires
Oak
Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Secretaires
Brass
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks
Rosewood
Early 20th Century English Hepplewhite Secretaires
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Walnut
Antique Mid-18th Century English Georgian Desks
Wood
Antique 18th Century French Louis XVI Secretaires
Bronze
Antique 1790s British George III Bookcases
Mahogany
Antique 1850s Secretaires
Marble
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Secretaires
Brass
Antique Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Secretaires
Brass
Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables
Walnut
20th Century Chinoiserie Secretaires
Wood
Early 20th Century Italian Secretaires
Brass
Antique Early 19th Century Danish Country Secretaires
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Other Secretaires
Oak
Antique Early 18th Century English George I Secretaires
Mahogany, Satinwood, Walnut
Late 20th Century American Chippendale Secretaires
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Danish Empire Secretaires
Metal
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires
Rosewood
Antique 19th Century European George III Secretaires
Leather, Glass, Mahogany
Antique 1870s American Federal Secretaires
Walnut
Late 20th Century North American Georgian Desks
Metal
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Lacquer
Lacquer
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Drop Down Secretary For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Drop Down Secretary?
Finding the Right Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets for You
Of all the antique and vintage case pieces and storage cabinets 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 storage 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. Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard made of colored glass and metals, 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.
- What is a Larkin secretary?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Larkin secretary is a type of wooden case good produced by the Larkin Company, which opened in 1875 in Buffalo, New York. The furniture featured a pull-down writing surface and upper and lower shelves. Some also had side storage cabinets and drawers. You'll find a variety of vintage and antique secretaries on 1stDibs.
- How does a secretary desk work?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A secretary desk works with the help of hinges that secure the writing surface to the rest of the piece. To use one, you simply pull down on the wooden door to open the hinge and lower the writing surface. Return the desk to its closed position by lifting the writing surface up. You'll find a selection of secretary desks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To date an antique secretary desk, start by determining the type of hinge used to secure the writing surface. Consult an authoritative resource to find out which furniture makers worked with that type of hinge. You can also look for the name of the manufacturer on the back or bottom of the piece. Find a range of expertly vetted antique secretaries on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Secretary desks originated in the early 18th century. They were typically used by secretaries and clerks and featured plenty of compacted drawers for stationary storage. On 1stDibs, find a collection of secretary desks from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023A secretary desk is called by its name because of its original function. When the desks first emerged in 19th-century France, the secretaries of estates used them to conduct business. Once they finished paying bills and reconciling accounts, they could raise the hinged writing surface and close the desk. Secretary desks are the workstations of choice in many busy households, especially those with spaces pulling double duty as offices by day and living rooms, dining rooms or bedrooms at night. On 1stDibs, shop an array of secretary desks.
- What are geo drop earrings?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Geo drop earrings are drop earrings that feature a mix of geometric shapes. For example, the designs may include metal wire bent to resemble a square stacked on top of a triangle, or be set with gemstones cut into different shapes like round and pear. Because they are drop earrings, the jewelry hangs below the ear but remains stationary as you move. Explore a wide range of drop earrings on 1stDibs.
- What is a drop necklace called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023A drop necklace is sometimes called a lavaliere. This style of necklace features a second chain that hangs down from its center. On some pieces, the hanging chain holds a pendant or features decorative embellishments like beads. Shop a variety of lavaliere necklaces on 1stDibs.
- What is a drop earring called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023A drop earring is usually just called a drop earring. Drop is the term for an earring that hangs below the ear but doesn't swing when you move. A hanging earring that swings is a dangle earring. Some people may add a modifier to the term drop earring, such as a diamond drop or a pearl drop, depending on the materials it features. Explore an assortment of drop earrings on 1stDibs.
- What is a drop dial clock?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A drop dial clock is similar to a dial clock, but it has a longer drop or extends further from the bottom of the clock to accommodate a longer pendulum. Drop dial clocks also have different gearing than dial clocks, but it's the way the clocks look that most quickly distinguishes them from other clocks. Shop a collection of drop dial clocks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a drop-waist top?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A drop-waist top is a garment worn on the top half of the body. It features a waist seam positioned below the natural waist area and creates the illusion that the wearer has a longer torso. On 1stDibs, find a variety of vintage and designer tops.
- What is a drop arm sofa for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A drop-arm sofa is designed to save space by converting into a comfortable single bed when the arms are dropped. The next morning, returning the arms to their original position turns the bed back into a sofa. Shop a collection of drop arm sofas from sellers on 1stDibs.
- Why did YSL drop Yves?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Yves portion of Yves Saint Laurent was dropped in 2012, when Hedi Slimane took over as creative director of the fashion house. Slimane wanted to transition the brand into a more youthful image, and rebranded it as Saint Laurent Paris. Shop an array of vintage and contemporary Saint Laurent Paris apparel and accessories from top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023No, drop and dangle earrings are not the same. Although both types of earrings hang below the ear, their designs are different. Dangle earrings swing when you move, while drop earrings remain stationary. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of dangle and drop earrings from some of the world's top dealers.
- What are drop earrings called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023Drop earrings are simply called drop earrings. Although the term is often misapplied, true drop earrings are characterized by a long lean line ending in a pear-shaped stone. Popular in the Art Deco era, the design works well for jewelry lovers who favor a minimalist look. Formal examples with diamonds pair perfectly with a cocktail dress or fancy pantsuit, while gem-set and gold ones make great daytime accessories. Find vintage drop earrings on 1stDibs.
- What is a drop-leaf table?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
A drop-leaf table has a fixed section in the center and a hinged section, or leaf, on each side that can be folded down.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021An antique secretary desk will range in value depending on its authenticity and condition. The price can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. On 1stDibs find the antique secretary desk you’re looking for today.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023A drop-front desk is usually called a secretary. Other names for this type of desk include writing cabinet, fall-front desk and secrétaire à abattant. The name secretary can be traced back to the 18th century when estate secretaries used the drop-front desks as workstations for paying bills and reconciling accounts. On 1stDibs, find a range of secretary desks.
- How does a drop leaf table work?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021A drop-leaf table features a fixed section and one or more foldable sections. The well-made hinges hold the fixed and foldable sections and allow the leaves to pop up. These sections are anchored with the help of swing-out legs for secure placement. Find antique and vintage drop-leaf tables on 1stDibs.
- What is a Knole drop-arm sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022A Knole drop-arm sofa is a settee developed during the 17th century. It usually has a rectangle back with a decorative wood trim and tall fully upholstered arms positioned at a diagonal. Originally, the sofa served as a royal seat for monarchs. You'll find a variety of Knole sofas on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A drop-waist dress is also called a flapper dress. It is characterized by a low waistband, which falls at the hips, and gives the illusion of lengthening the body. On 1stDibs, shop vintage and designer flapper dresses and gowns from top fashion boutiques around the world.
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