Art Deco Secretaires
ART DECO STYLE
Art Deco furniture is characterized by its celebration of modern life. More than its emphasis on natural wood grains and focus on traditional craftsmanship, vintage Art Deco dining chairs, tables, desks, cabinets and other furniture — which typically refers to pieces produced during the 1920s and 1930s — is an ode to the glamour of the “Roaring Twenties.”
ORIGINS OF ART DECO FURNITURE DESIGN
- Emerged in the 1920s
- Flourished while the popularity of Art Nouveau declined
- Term derives from 1925’s Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes (International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts) in Paris, France
- Informed by Ancient Egypt, Cubism, Futurism, Louis XVI, De Stijl, modernism and the Vienna Secession; influenced Streamline Moderne and mid-century modernism
CHARACTERISTICS OF ART DECO FURNITURE DESIGN
- Bold geometric lines and forms, floral motifs
- Use of expensive materials such as shagreen or marble as well as exotic woods such as mahogany, ebony and zebra wood
- Metal accents, shimmering mirrored finishes
- Embellishments made from exotic animal hides, inlays of mother-of-pearl or ivory
ART DECO FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
VINTAGE ART DECO FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
Few design styles are as universally recognized and appreciated as Art Deco. The term alone conjures visions of the Roaring Twenties, Machine Age metropolises, vast ocean liners, sleek typography and Prohibition-era hedonism. The iconic movement made an indelible mark on all fields of design throughout the 1920s and ’30s, celebrating society’s growing industrialization with refined elegance and stunning craftsmanship.
Widely known designers associated with the Art Deco style include Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Eileen Gray, Maurice Dufrêne, Paul Follot and Jules Leleu.
The term Art Deco derives from the name of a large decorative arts exhibition held in Paris in 1925. “Art Deco design” is often used broadly, to describe the work of creators in associated or ancillary styles. This is particularly true of American Art Deco, which is also called Streamline Moderne or Machine Age design. (Streamline Moderne, sometimes known as Art Moderne, was a phenomenon largely of the 1930s, post–Art Nouveau.)
Art Deco textile designers employed dazzling floral motifs and vivid colors, and while Art Deco furniture makers respected the dark woods and modern metals with which they worked, they frequently incorporated decorative embellishments such as exotic animal hides as well as veneers in their seating, case pieces, living room sets and bedroom furniture.
From mother-of-pearl inlaid vitrines to chrome aviator chairs, bold and inventive works in the Art Deco style include chaise longues (also known as chaise lounges) and curved armchairs. Today, the style is still favored by interior designers looking to infuse a home with an air of luxury and sophistication.
The vintage Art Deco furniture for sale on 1stDibs includes dressers, coffee tables, decorative objects and more.
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Style: Art Deco
Modernist Roller blind cabinet, 1930s, Czechoslovakia
Located in Prague 8, CZ
Roller blind cabinet made in the 1930s in the former Czechoslovakia. The cabinet has a rolling opening mechanism. It is suitable for the office, as well as for your apartment to stor...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Beech, Plywood
Italian Art Deco Aquamarine Shagreen Secretaire, Attr. to Borsani, 1940s
Located in Meda, MB
This Art Deco secretaire was produced in Italy in the 1940s and is attributable to Osvaldo Borsani. It is completely in an exotic wood with a black lacquered top and base. The centra...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Metal
Early French Art Deco Secretaire Desk with Marquetry and Inlays
Located in Ulm, DE
Secretary
Wooden body, hand-polished shellac
probably stained ash
elaborate inlays and marquetry
freshly mirrored inside
Early Art Déco, France around 1925
Dimensions:
Width: 70 c...
Category
1920s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Art Deco Cabinet Secrétaire Attributed to Jules Leleu, Bronze Ornaments, French
By Jules Leleu
Located in London, GB
Presenting a meticulously crafted, remarkable piece of Art Deco craftsmanship, this 1930s exceptional cabinet secretaire attributed to Jules Leleu (1883-1961), captures the essence o...
Category
1930s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
Small Art Deco writing desk – France 1930
Located in Girona, ES
Small Art Deco writing desk with walnut and burr walnut veneer, three drawers and a flap door opening onto a small desk and storage area in marquetry and light walnut. Very good qual...
Category
1930s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Superb American Stacking Filing Cabinet by Yawman and Erbe
By Yawman Erbe
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Superb American Stacking Filing Cabinet by Yawman and Erbe
This is a superb Example of an American Stacking System Waterfall Filing Cabinet, this hands...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Oak
Burl Walnut Art Deco Cabinet
Located in Dronten, NL
Period Dutch Art Deco secretary in wonderful burl walnut veneer in symmetrical pattern.
Cut-glass pane, drop front desk, ebony wood door handles.
Comes with three beautiful original ...
Category
1920s Dutch Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Cut Glass, Ebony, Burl
Black Lacquer Art Deco Secretaire Desk With Etched Mirror On Very Elegant Legs
Located in Ulm, DE
Writing furniture / bar furniture
Piano lacquer in black high gloss
Original Art Deco, France 1930s
Dimensions:
Width: 103 cm
height: 117 cm
Depth: 37 cm
Category
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Lacquer, Mirror
High quality teak art deco secretaire by Gerson’s furniture store, Bangkok 1930s
Located in Appeltern, Gelderland
Solid high quality teak art deco secretaire by Gerson’s furniture store, produced in Bangkok, 1930s. Beautiful marquetry and all-in solid wood. When the deks opens there is another b...
Category
Mid-20th Century Thai Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Bone, Teak
Art Deco Burl Walnut Cloud Shaped Writing Desk Bureau, English , circa 1930
Located in Devon, England
This is a fantastic 1930s Art Deco writing bureau of small proportions, a really superb piece of furniture. Veneered in a lovely figured walnut...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Walnut, Bakelite
Italian Art Deco Maple Briar, Gold Leaf and Black Lacquered Secretaire, 1940s
Located in Meda, MB
This Art Deco secrétaire was produced in Italy in the 1940s.
It is completely made of an elegant maple briar, with black lacquered and gold leafed details.
In particular, some of t...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Gold Leaf
Writing Desk Art Deco, 20th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
An impactful rosewood Art Deco writing desk with walnut and chromed cast iron detailed base with three large drawers and side extensive ...
Category
20th Century French Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Metal
1930's Art Deco Dominique Secretaire Desk with Keyhole in the Fitting
By Dominique
Located in Ulm, DE
Art Deco Secretary
attributed to Maison Dominique
Mahogany, shellac hand polished
Keyhole in the fitting
Original Art Deco, France 1930s
Dimensions:
Width, body: 60 cm
Width, bas...
Category
1930s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Brass
1930's Art Deco Secretaire Desk with hidden locking mechanism
Located in Ulm, DE
Secretary
wooden body, shellac hand polished
probably stained ash
One drawer can be locked/unlocked by a hidden locking mechanism.
Original Art Deco, France 1930s
Dimensions:
Widt...
Category
1930s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Art Deco Secretaire in Feather Mahogany
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Art Deco Secretaire in feather mahogany.
Packaging with bubble wrap and cardboard boxes is included. If the wooden packaging is needed (crates or boxes) for US and International Shi...
Category
1930s Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
Secrétaire Desk in Shagreen and Palmwood by R&Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The secrétaire desk is the perfect functional working unit. The flap top opens up into a desk with several compartments, inlaid in antique black shagreen and wood veneer, to store it...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Shagreen Stingray, Palmwood
1930s Art Deco Secretary Cabinet
Located in Pasadena, TX
1930s Art Deco secretary cabinet.
Exquisite Art Deco display cabinet in walnut with glass front doors featuring fretwork design. The center features...
Category
1940s European Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Early French Art Deco Desk in Nutwood, circa 1925
Located in Ulm, DE
Small desk with fluting
Walnut, shellac hand polished
Early Art Deco, France around 1925
Dimensions:
Width: 90 cm
height: 72 cm
Depth: 55 cm.
Category
1920s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Nutwood
Barristers Wellington Filing Cabinet by Shannon
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Barristers Wellington filing cabinet by Shannon.
This unusual filing cabinet is made by Shannon, recognised for the quality of their filing systems, t...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Vintage Hardwood Marble Topped Chrome Drop Front Secretaire Desk with Drawers
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this exquisite, tall, Rosewood with marble top and chrome fittings free standing Secratire desk
A truly stunning desk, its very large and yet d...
Category
20th Century Italian Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Marble, Chrome
Superb Parchment Covered Desk by Primavera, Art Deco, France, 1930's
By Primavera
Located in Paris, FR
Superb Art Deco desk/secretaire by Primavera. It is made of a beech wood structure, all faces entirely covered with leather (parchment). All angles are reinforced with chromed metal....
Category
1930s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Chrome
Unique Art Deco Home Office Bureau, Czechoslovakia, 1920s
Located in Zohor, SK
Beautiful Art Deco bureau / sideboard produced in solid wood with the most beautiful details. Produced in Czechoslovakia in 1920s. The item has an opening top board with metal fixers...
Category
1920s Czech Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Oak, Walnut
Art Deco Rosewood Secretaire by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Miami, FL
A Rosewood marquetry Secretaire with Mother of Pearl and Ebony inlays depicting blossoming small wild flowers branches and butterflies on the front door. This piece has 5 drawers t...
Category
20th Century French Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Rosewood
Art Deco Secretaire Abattant by Jules Leleu Signed, Circa 1935
By Jules Leleu
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
An Art Deco Rosewood marquetry secreraire cabinet by Jules Leleu (1883-1961). Stepped top over a parquetry and marquetry inlaid drop-front secretaire cabinet, with ebony and mother o...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Rosewood
Art Deco English Compact Walnut Writing Desk, 1930s
Located in Devon, England
For your consideration is this lovely and totally original walnut desk dating from the 1930s. Compact in size this little desk is perfect if the space available is limited and of con...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Art Deco Desk and Bookcase in Walnut Veneer, circa 1930
By Jules Leleu
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Art Deco desk in walnut Veneer, circa 1930.
Good condition.
Category
1930s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Sycamore, Walnut
Demi Lune Bureau Art Deco Style Secretaire Desk in Black Lacquer with Cannelure
Located in Ulm, DE
Fluted, semicircular secretary with drawers
Piano lacquer in high-gloss black
Interior in birdseye maple
Mid Century, Art Deco Style, Fran...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Birdseye Maple, Lacquer
"Swedish Grace" Period Secretary
Located in New York, NY
Grace was the inspiration for this lovely birch secretary which makes working from home a joy! Three locking drawers sit beneath a generous drop-front with 6 interior drawers, a pair...
Category
1920s Swedish Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Birch
Art Deco Vanity Table or Desk After Style of Ruhlmann
Located in Oakland, CA
French Art Deco Desk In Style of Ruhlmann. Macassar wood was chosen and the “ivorite” plastic details were shaped and inlaid by master craftsmen working to create this timeless classic. A real signature of the Grand Art Deco period. The finish is pure “French” polish with parchment leather inlay as part of the writing surface of the desk. The drawers are all joined in the class French tradition, heavy and meaningful. You’ve probably only ever seen a piece like this in books on Art Deco. This custom piece was made for our shop, the goal was to re-create this famous Ruhlmann desk...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Argentine Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Macassar
Art Deco Secrétaire
Located in New York, NY
A practical desk which leaves no aesthetic compromise with its lovely bookmatched mahogany veneer adorning both the inside and outside of the case. Internal drawers are adorned with ...
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
Gilbert Rohde 'Paldao Group' Modular Bookcase System
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare 3-piece storage system, one of the earliest modular furniture designs, veneered in exotic Paldao burl door-fronts and figured Paldao sides. The dark stain finish is original and beautiful, with a rich rosewood color. The drop-down secretary door is set with an elegantly cast brass knob, and opens to a hidden desk...
Category
1940s American Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Brass
20th Century French Art Deco Birchwood Secretaire - Vintage Burlwood Cabinet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A detailed, vintage Art Deco French secretaire made of hand crafted polished, partly veneered Birchwood and Burlwood, in good condition. The medium sized cabinet...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Metal, Chrome
W029 Cabinet, Citronnier Wood & Marble with Gilt Bronze & Gold, Zanaboni
By Zanaboni
Located in MEDA, IT
W029 is a masterpiece cabinet in citronnier, with 46 marble “Bianco B” elements, crystal bowls, 70 Kg of brass details finishing gold 24 Kts, bas-relief in marble, inlaid in mother o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Art Deco Otto Schulz Boet Secretary
By Otto Schulz, Boet
Located in Kramfors, SE
Otto Schulz Art Deco secretary for Boet, Gothenburg. The secretary is a modern classic from the 1930s and plays well into the classical elements of the Art Deco era. The sharp geomet...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Birch
W015 Italian Secretaire in Wood & Inlay w/ Hand Carved Legs in Gold by Zanaboni
By Zanaboni
Located in MEDA, IT
Elegant and exclusive secretaire with legs in solid wood finely hand carved and finished in antique gold, W015 is worked with ancient techniques of traditional craftsmanship and pres...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Swedish Secretary with Marquetry
Located in New York, NY
A masterpiece of symmetry, the cantilevered sides of the body meet the rectangular working surface, creating a setback for the upper writing surface. Crafted of Nordic birch and fir,...
Category
1920s Swedish Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Birch
Art Deco Secretaire Cabinet by Jules Deroubaix
Located in North York, ON
This Jules Deroubaix display cabinet secretaire is timeless, functional, and effortlessly chic. Made of burl sandalwood, it showcases a drop door paneled wit...
Category
1930s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Chrome, Brass
W052 Italian Jewel Cabinet Inlaid in Wood and Mother of Pearl by Zanaboni
By Zanaboni
Located in MEDA, IT
Not just a simple piece of furniture, the W052 is a true work of art, a representation of one of the most fascinating phenomena of life, the metamorphosis. The radical change of form is an extremely powerful phenomenon that has always fascinated and inspired the minds of entire generations; Zanaboni has researched, analyzed and studied it for this new masterpiece. A combination of nature, in which metamorphosis is the process by which a caterpillar becomes a magnificent butterfly, the geometry featured in the tessellation, a top evenly divided by shapes that leave no space unfilled, skilled craftsmanship evident in the use of more than fifteen different kinds of materials and an artistic style that gives a simple instrument a touch of magic. W052 handmade cabinet with silver and bronze engraved bronze base, a Makassar ebony interior fitted with drawers, glass shelves and cigar humidifier...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Unique Czech Art Deco Secretary/Writing Desk, Rosewood 1920-1929
Located in Horomerice, CZ
Art Deco sideboard and secretary made out of rosewood
Material: Rosewood
Completely restored, Shellac polish.
Period: 1920-1929
Source: Czechia.
Category
1920s Czech Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Rosewood, Lacquer
Art Deco Secretaire by Jacques Adnet
Located in Miami, FL
This secretaire desk was designed by Jacques Adnet, and was made in Tamo Ash Wood. The style of this secretaire features sleek lines, geometric shapes and a ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Leather, Ash
André Sornay Secretaire, circa 1930
By Andre Sornay
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Andre´ Sornay secretaire, circa 1930
Signed.
Restored.
Certificate of authenticity from Thierry Roche, French expert for Andre´ Sornay.
Category
1930s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Art Deco Modernist Partners Desk, circa 1930
Located in Devon, England
For your consideration is this superbly stylish 1930s Partners desk. The base wood is Mahogany and veneered in a Bombay Walnut veneers which has a ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Chrome
Gilbert Rohde Paldao Secretary Display Case for Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bookcase with drop-front secretary desk and storage drawers in paldao wood. Glass dividers separate storage compartments, and cork-lined back. Retains Herman Miller tag. Great origin...
Category
1940s American Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Paldao
Art Deco Bar Trolley in Style of Jacques Adnet with Original Mirror France 1930s
Located in Ulm, DE
Art Deco bar trolley in style of Jacques Adnet
Real wood veneer
Handles and wheels in copper
To open on one side with double doors
Tabletop with old mirror (blind spots)
New m...
Category
1930s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Copper
French Art Deco Secretary in Mahogany and Parchment
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tall Art Deco secretary in mahogany with dark stained border. Parchment door with gold leaf criss cross design opens to writing table with interior compartments. Three drawers with o...
Category
1930s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Brass, Gold Leaf
Frank Brangwyn a Rare Desk Originally Designed for the 1931 Pollard Exhibition
By Frank Brangwyn, E. Pollard & Co
Located in London, GB
Frank Brangwyn. E Pollard and Co.
A rare desk originally designed for the 1931 Pollard Exhibition where it can be seen in a room setting in the original photographs from 1931. See ...
Category
1930s English Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Sycamore
Secretaire / Scriban Art Deco in Maple Veneer, circa 1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Secretaire / scriban art deco in maple veneer, circa 1950
Medium condition, small lack of wood, veneer, varnish to redo.
Category
1950s European Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Maple
Unique Symmetrical Art Deco Desk French Style
Located in Oakland, CA
Unique Art Deco desk has truly unusual and lyrical lines. The undulating base opens to reveal secret storage along with the two drawers on both sides. We like those square drawer pul...
Category
1930s Argentine Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Burl
In the Manner of Jean Pascaud, Art Deco Drop Front Secretary, France, circa 1935
By Jean Pascaud
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco drop front secretary in the manner of Jean Pascaud. Made in France, circa 1935. Sycamore with a giltwood base, mahogany interior...
Category
1930s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Swedish Art Deco Intarsia Inlaid Secretaire and Chest
Located in Atlanta, GA
Intarsia secretaire of rosewood, flame birch and intarsia (inlay) of various exotic hardwoods with steel and bakelite hardware.
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Rosewood
Donald Deskey Style Art Deco Skyscraper Design Secretary Wall Cabinet or Desk
Located in Westport, CT
In the style of Donald Deskey, Art Deco skyscraper design, cabinet/secretary desk, with draw compartments and desk, book shelf compartment. Functional dark mahogany wood, with nickel...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Nickel
French Art Deco Secretary Attributed to René Prou
By René Prou
Located in Paris, FR
Beautiful French sycamore veneer secretary framed with gilded brass details, the fall front decorated with the original cafe au lait coloured leather, inside is the drawer and elegan...
Category
1940s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Sycamore
1920 Walnut Secretaire with 16 Drawers and Leather Desk
Located in Weiningen, CH
1920 walnut secretaire with 16 drawers and leather desk, comes in two parts completely restored with shellac.
Category
1920s Swiss Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Rene Drouet Attributed, Art Deco walnut and Thuya Burr Cabinet
By René Drouet
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Rene Drouet attributed, Art Deco walnut and thuya burr cabinet.
Ivory and interior in sycamore veneer.
Secret drawers, original bronzes.
Fully restored. F...
Category
1930s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
Art Deco Secretaire in the Manner of Ruhlmann
Located in Bridgewater, CT
An exceptional quality Art Deco Secretaire in the manner of J.E. Ruhlmann in Ebene de Macassar with galuchat (shagreen) interior, circa 1930.
Category
1930s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Macassar
Art Deco secretaires for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Art Deco secretaires for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage secretaires created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Art Deco secretaires made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original secretaires, popular names associated with this style include Gilbert Rohde, Zanaboni, Jules Leleu, and Herman Miller. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for secretaires differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,425 and tops out at $182,740 while the average work can sell for $8,119.
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