Musicians are well acquainted with the practical uses for a vintage, new or antique music stand, which typically consists of a flat, inclined surface that is elevated upon a freestanding column or tripod for the purposes of reading sheet music. Music stands are often lightweight and mobile and may also be adjustable in height as well as with respect to the angle at which the platform is tilted.

Prior to purchasing a music stand, consider the function you intend it to serve. While musicians will primarily use it in the room where their musical instruments are kept in order to read music while honing their craft, will you use it for another purpose?

An antique music stand can be used in a home office to keep a heavy reference book, such as a dictionary, open alongside your desk as you work. Alternatively, in a living room, an old music stand can be an elegant surface against which you can lean a work of art such as a painting or a photograph for prominent display. For decorative purposes or for a musician whose rehearsal space isn’t tied to a specific room, music stands made from a lightweight material are better for portability. But if you’re interested in a stand produced in a heavier material, it will create a bold statement but will likely need to stay in roughly the same place.

Metal music stands are common because they’re fairly lightweight. They are intended to be practical and easily transported to different venues. Some wood music stands are also lightweight. Depending upon the time period, furniture designer and manufacturer, an antique wood music stand might be supported by an alluring triangular plinth base and can sometimes bear decoratively carved embellishments as well as brass arms with candleholders.

On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage, new and antique music stands as well as other kinds of stands and storage cabinets that can support your efforts to keep your media and creative pursuits neat and orderly in your home.