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Antique Secretary Desks

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Biedermeier Secretary Desk, 1820
Biedermeier Secretary Desk, 1820

Biedermeier Secretary Desk, 1820

Located in Leimen, DE

Biedermeier secretary desk, South west German, 1820. This beautiful drop front desk has three

Category

1820s German Biedermeier Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Walnut

Antique Italian Inlaid Secretary Desk
Antique Italian Inlaid Secretary Desk

Antique Italian Inlaid Secretary Desk

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This elegant Italian walnut secretary desk features a slanted fall-front that opens to reveal

Category

Early 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Wood

Antique Eastlake Victorian Walnut Secretary Desk C1880
Antique Eastlake Victorian Walnut Secretary Desk C1880

Antique Eastlake Victorian Walnut Secretary Desk C1880

Located in Big Flats, NY

Antique Eastlake Victorian Walnut Secretary Desk C1880 Measures - 83 1/2" x 43" x 21 1/4" An

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Walnut

Baroque Secretary Desk, Switzerland 1750, Walnut
Baroque Secretary Desk, Switzerland 1750, Walnut

Baroque Secretary Desk, Switzerland 1750, Walnut

Located in Belmont, MA

Baroque secretary desk, Switzerland, 1750. This gorgeous baroque secretary desk stands out for its

Category

1750s Swiss Baroque Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Walnut

1800s American Federal Mahogany Butler's Secretary Desk
1800s American Federal Mahogany Butler's Secretary Desk

1800s American Federal Mahogany Butler's Secretary Desk

Located in Germantown, MD

An early 19th Century Federal Mahogany Butler's Secretary Desk recently refinished. Measure 45.75

Category

Early 19th Century American Federal Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Regency Mahogany Secretary Desk, English, Circa 1860
Antique Regency Mahogany Secretary Desk, English, Circa 1860

Antique Regency Mahogany Secretary Desk, English, Circa 1860

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Antique English Regency secretary desk in two parts. Three exterior drawers and many inside

Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Federal Mahogany and Birch Inlaid Secretary/Desk sq
Federal Mahogany and Birch Inlaid Secretary/Desk sq

Federal Mahogany and Birch Inlaid Secretary/Desk sq

Located in Water Mill, NY

Federal Mahogany and Birch inlaid secretary/desk with contrasting veneers and bone pulls.

Category

1790s American Federal Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Birch, Mahogany

Dutch Secretary Desk, Around 1800, Mahogany
Dutch Secretary Desk, Around 1800, Mahogany

Dutch Secretary Desk, Around 1800, Mahogany

Located in Belmont, MA

Dutch secretary desk, Netherlands, around 1800. This elegantly curved secretary desk has three

Category

1790s Dutch Baroque Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Biedermeier Secretary Desk, Mid-19th Century
Biedermeier Secretary Desk, Mid-19th Century

Biedermeier Secretary Desk, Mid-19th Century

Located in Greding, DE

Secretary desk with exquisite ash veneer and a three-drawer commode base. Behind the leather

Category

Mid-19th Century Biedermeier Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Bronze

Biedermeier Secretary Desk, South German, 1820
Biedermeier Secretary Desk, South German, 1820

Biedermeier Secretary Desk, South German, 1820

Located in Belmont, MA

Biedermeier secretary desk, South German 1820. This unique and very beautiful secretary desk dates

Category

1820s German Biedermeier Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Elm, Walnut

Antique Renaissance Revival Walnut & Burl Secretary Desk C1880
Antique Renaissance Revival Walnut & Burl Secretary Desk C1880

Antique Renaissance Revival Walnut & Burl Secretary Desk C1880

Located in Big Flats, NY

Antique Renaissance Revival Walnut & Burl Secretary Desk Unsigned C1880 Measures - 88 1/4" x 45 3/4

Category

Late 19th Century Renaissance Revival Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Regency Monumental Carved Georgian Secretary Desk
Vintage Regency Monumental Carved Georgian Secretary Desk

Vintage Regency Monumental Carved Georgian Secretary Desk

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This Vintage Regency Georgian Secretary Desk features intricate carved details and a classic

Category

Early 20th Century American Regency Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Glass, Wood

Antique Eastlake Walnut Cylinder Roll Top Paneled Secretary Desk c1890
Antique Eastlake Walnut Cylinder Roll Top Paneled Secretary Desk c1890

Antique Eastlake Walnut Cylinder Roll Top Paneled Secretary Desk c1890

Located in Big Flats, NY

Antique Victorian Eastlake Walnut Cylinder Roll Top Paneled Secretary Desk C1890 Measures - 62 1/4

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Walnut

Queen Anne Secretary Desk, C. 1750
Queen Anne Secretary Desk, C. 1750

Queen Anne Secretary Desk, C. 1750

Located in Doylestown, PA

A Queen Anne period double dome secretary desk in walnut, circa 1750, with glass mullion doors

Category

Mid-18th Century English Queen Anne Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Walnut

Antique Victorian Eastlake Walnut & Burl Cylinder Secretary Desk c1890
Antique Victorian Eastlake Walnut & Burl Cylinder Secretary Desk c1890

Antique Victorian Eastlake Walnut & Burl Cylinder Secretary Desk c1890

Located in Big Flats, NY

Eastlake Walnut & Burl Cylinder Secretary Desk c1890. 84 1/4" x 38 5/8" x 21 1/2". A fine example of

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Walnut, Burl

French Louis XV Secretary Desk, 1750
French Louis XV Secretary Desk, 1750

French Louis XV Secretary Desk, 1750

Located in Leimen, DE

Step back in time with our exquisite 18th-century Louis XV Secretary Desk, a true masterpiece of

Category

1750s French Louis XV Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Mahogany

English Mahogany Secretary Desk, 19th Century
English Mahogany Secretary Desk, 19th Century

English Mahogany Secretary Desk, 19th Century

Located in Southampton, NY

English Mahogany secretary desk, 19th century Three pieces: Crown, upper drawers and lower cabinet

Category

19th Century British Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Beautiful French 19th Century Hand-Painted Secretary Desk
Beautiful French 19th Century Hand-Painted Secretary Desk

Beautiful French 19th Century Hand-Painted Secretary Desk

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A beautiful French 19th century hand-painted secretary desk, the patina is so much beautiful in

Category

1880s French Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Wood

American Block Front Dropdown Mahogany Secretary Desk
American Block Front Dropdown Mahogany Secretary Desk

American Block Front Dropdown Mahogany Secretary Desk

Located in Queens, NY

American (18/19th Century) block front mahogany secretary desk with a slant top drop front over 3

Category

19th Century American Country Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century French Secretary Desk
18th Century French Secretary Desk

18th Century French Secretary Desk

Located in Belmont, MA

This gorgeous Louis XV Secretary desk dates back to around 1750-60 and was made in France. The

Category

1750s French Louis XV Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Kingwood

Empire Secretary Desk, France 19th century
Empire Secretary Desk, France 19th century

Empire Secretary Desk, France 19th century

Located in Belmont, MA

French Empire Secretary Desk, 19th Century – Mahogany Veneer, Marble Top, Bronze Details This

Category

1810s French Empire Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Marble

Queen Anne Secretary Desk 19th Century
Queen Anne Secretary Desk 19th Century

Queen Anne Secretary Desk 19th Century

Located in Fulton, CA

A 19th century Queen Anne secretary desk crafted in solid mahogany with flame mahogany detail

Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Queen Anne Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Antique American Victorian Secretary Desk w/ Drop Front
Antique American Victorian Secretary Desk w/ Drop Front

Antique American Victorian Secretary Desk w/ Drop Front

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Brass Pulls Style: American Victorian This antique American Victorian secretary desk showcases

Category

1920s American Victorian Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Brass

Victorian Secretary Desk Circa. 1800's
Victorian Secretary Desk Circa. 1800's

Victorian Secretary Desk Circa. 1800's

Located in Fulton, CA

American Victorian secretary desk made of solid walnut. Circa. 1875. Drop-front desk with birdseye

Category

Mid-19th Century American Victorian Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Birdseye Maple, Walnut

Antique French Secretary Desk, France 1770-80
Antique French Secretary Desk, France 1770-80

Antique French Secretary Desk, France 1770-80

Located in Belmont, MA

Antique French Secretary Desk from the Late 18th Century Explore this French 18th century secretary

Category

1770s French Louis XVI Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Kingwood, Satinwood

19th Century Vermis Martin Style Bonheur Du Jour Secretary Desk
19th Century Vermis Martin Style Bonheur Du Jour Secretary Desk

19th Century Vermis Martin Style Bonheur Du Jour Secretary Desk

Located in Germantown, MD

A 19th Century Vermis Martin Style Bonheur Du Jour Secretary Desk. Hand Painted and with original

Category

19th Century French Victorian Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Velvet, Hardwood, Paint, Ribbon

Stickley Brothers Antique Oak Arts & Crafts Secretary Desk, Circa 1900
Stickley Brothers Antique Oak Arts & Crafts Secretary Desk, Circa 1900

Stickley Brothers Antique Oak Arts & Crafts Secretary Desk, Circa 1900

By Stickley Brothers

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period slant front writing desk or secretary desk By

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Copper

Stickley Brothers Style Antique Mission Arts & Crafts Mahogany Secretary Desk
Stickley Brothers Style Antique Mission Arts & Crafts Mahogany Secretary Desk

Stickley Brothers Style Antique Mission Arts & Crafts Mahogany Secretary Desk

By Stickley Brothers

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional Mission or Arts & Crafts drop front secretary desk In the manner of Stickley

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Brass

Stickley Brothers Style Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Secretary Desk
Stickley Brothers Style Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Secretary Desk

Stickley Brothers Style Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Secretary Desk

By Stickley Brothers

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional Mission, Arts & Crafts, or Late Victorian drop front secretary desk In the manner

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Brass

Genuine Antique Swedish Folk Art Secretary Desk with Original Paint
Genuine Antique Swedish Folk Art Secretary Desk with Original Paint

Genuine Antique Swedish Folk Art Secretary Desk with Original Paint

Located in Kramfors, SE

Genuine folk art secretary desk from the early 1800s. Made by hand in solid pine with the original

Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Pine

Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Desk, circa 1860, after Renovation
Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Desk, circa 1860, after Renovation

Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Desk, circa 1860, after Renovation

Located in Opole, PL

exquisite Biedermeier secretary desk circa 1860. The secretary desk was manufactured in Northern Europe

Category

1860s Scandinavian Biedermeier Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Drop Front Secretary Desk
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Drop Front Secretary Desk

Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Drop Front Secretary Desk

By Gustav Stickley

Located in South Bend, IN

A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts drop front secretary desk By Gustav

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Copper

Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Drop Front Secretary Desk
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Drop Front Secretary Desk

Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Drop Front Secretary Desk

By Gustav Stickley

Located in South Bend, IN

A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts drop front secretary desk By Gustav

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Copper

18th century Rococo Secretary Desk, Germany 1750
18th century Rococo Secretary Desk, Germany 1750

18th century Rococo Secretary Desk, Germany 1750

Located in Leimen, DE

Exquisite Antique Rococo Secretary Desk, Germany, c. 1750 A true collector’s gem, this Rococo

Category

1750s German Rococo Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Kingwood

Lifetime Furniture Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Drop Front Secretary Desk
Lifetime Furniture Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Drop Front Secretary Desk

Lifetime Furniture Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Drop Front Secretary Desk

By Lifetime

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period petite drop front secretary desk By

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Copper

Louis XVI Secretary Desk, France, 1780-1800
Louis XVI Secretary Desk, France, 1780-1800

Louis XVI Secretary Desk, France, 1780-1800

Located in Belmont, MA

Exquisite Louis XVI Secretary Desk – France, c. 1780-1800 This stunning Louis XVI secretary desk

Category

1780s French Louis XVI Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Kingwood, Rosewood

Original Antique Baroque Secretary Desk, Germany 18th century, Walnut
Original Antique Baroque Secretary Desk, Germany 18th century, Walnut

Original Antique Baroque Secretary Desk, Germany 18th century, Walnut

Located in Leimen, DE

Original Antique Baroque Secretary Desk, Germany, 1750 This exquisite antique Baroque secretary

Category

1750s German Baroque Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Walnut

Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Drop Front Secretary Desk
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Drop Front Secretary Desk

Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Drop Front Secretary Desk

By Gustav Stickley

Located in South Bend, IN

A rare and exceptional Mission or Arts & Crafts period drop front secretary desk By Gustav

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Copper

Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Drop Front Secretary Desk
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Drop Front Secretary Desk

Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Drop Front Secretary Desk

By Gustav Stickley

Located in South Bend, IN

A rare and exceptional Mission or Arts & Crafts drop front secretary desk By Gustav Stickley

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Copper

19th-C. American Federal Ebonized & Gilt Painted Drop Front Secretary Desk
19th-C. American Federal Ebonized & Gilt Painted Drop Front Secretary Desk

19th-C. American Federal Ebonized & Gilt Painted Drop Front Secretary Desk

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is a late 19th century American federal style drop front secretary desk. This was considering

Category

Late 19th Century American Federal Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Oak

Baker Furniture Style Antique French Provincial Secretary Desk, Circa 1890s
Baker Furniture Style Antique French Provincial Secretary Desk, Circa 1890s

Baker Furniture Style Antique French Provincial Secretary Desk, Circa 1890s

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous petite French Provincial Louis XV style drop front writing desk or secretary desk In

Category

1890s American Louis XV Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Brass

Fantastic American Centennial Solid Walnut Philadelphia Carved Secretary Desk
Fantastic American Centennial Solid Walnut Philadelphia Carved Secretary Desk

Fantastic American Centennial Solid Walnut Philadelphia Carved Secretary Desk

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

secretary desk, a true testament to 19th-century craftsmanship. This exquisite piece features a beautifully

Category

1870s American Federal Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Walnut

Aesthetic Movement Bonheur du Jour Secretary Desk Cabinet
Aesthetic Movement Bonheur du Jour Secretary Desk Cabinet

Aesthetic Movement Bonheur du Jour Secretary Desk Cabinet

Located in Pasadena, TX

Bonheur du Jour secretary desk cabinet, circa late 1880s. Dark walnut with finial accents and

Category

Late 19th Century North American Aesthetic Movement Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Walnut

Louis XV Secretary Desk, Paris 1750-60
Louis XV Secretary Desk, Paris 1750-60

Louis XV Secretary Desk, Paris 1750-60

Located in Leimen, DE

This stunning French Louis XV secretary desk, crafted in Paris around 1750, is a remarkable example

Category

1750s French Louis XV Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Bronze

Louis XV Secretary Desk, France 18th century
Louis XV Secretary Desk, France 18th century

Louis XV Secretary Desk, France 18th century

Located in Belmont, MA

Exquisite 18th-Century Louis XV Secretary Desk This stunning Louis XV Secretary Desk, dating back

Category

1760s French Louis XV Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Kingwood, Rosewood

Antique English Fall Front Secretary Desk in Oak
Antique English Fall Front Secretary Desk in Oak

Antique English Fall Front Secretary Desk in Oak

Located in Meer, VAN

Antique Fall Front Secretary Desk in solid oak, England, late 18th to early 19th Century. This is

Category

Early 19th Century British George III Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Brass

Antique French Provincial Louis XV Drop Front Secretary Desk, Circa 1900
Antique French Provincial Louis XV Drop Front Secretary Desk, Circa 1900

Antique French Provincial Louis XV Drop Front Secretary Desk, Circa 1900

By R.J. Horner & Co.

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous antique French Provincial Louis XV style bureau with drop front secretary desk In the

Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XV Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Brass

A Cabinet of Curiosities: Diminutive Tramp Art Secretary Desk
A Cabinet of Curiosities: Diminutive Tramp Art Secretary Desk

A Cabinet of Curiosities: Diminutive Tramp Art Secretary Desk

Located in Downingtown, PA

A Cabinet of Curiosities: Diminutive Tramp Art Secretary Desk

Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Wood

19th Century Inlaid Mahogany Slant Front Secretary Desk Attributed to Horner
19th Century Inlaid Mahogany Slant Front Secretary Desk Attributed to Horner

19th Century Inlaid Mahogany Slant Front Secretary Desk Attributed to Horner

By R.J. Horner & Co.

Located in Long Branch, NJ

19th Century Inlaid Mahogany Slant Front Secretary Desk Attributed to Horner Dimensions : 38" Tall

Category

1880s American Victorian Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Mahogany

19th-Century Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Desk in Beautiful Graining
19th-Century Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Desk in Beautiful Graining

19th-Century Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Desk in Beautiful Graining

Located in Opole, PL

19th-Century Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Desk in Beautiful Graining We present you this piece

Category

Mid-19th Century European Biedermeier Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Baize, Mahogany

Sevres Plaques Inset Bronze Mounted Parquetry Walnut French Secretary Desk
Sevres Plaques Inset Bronze Mounted Parquetry Walnut French Secretary Desk

Sevres Plaques Inset Bronze Mounted Parquetry Walnut French Secretary Desk

By François Linke

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This magnificent French secretary desk is a true showcase of artistry and craftsmanship

Category

1890s French Louis XVI Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Bronze

Louis XVI Secretary Desk, South German 1770-80, walnut
Louis XVI Secretary Desk, South German 1770-80, walnut

Louis XVI Secretary Desk, South German 1770-80, walnut

Located in Leimen, DE

Exquisite Louis XVI Secretary Desk South Germany, 1770-80 Discover a stunning Louis XVI secretary

Category

1770s German Louis XVI Antique Secretary Desks

Materials

Walnut

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New, Vintage and Antique Secretary Desks for Sale on 1stDibs

Traditionally, vintage and antique secretary desks were composed of two parts — a chest of drawers on the bottom and a hutch or cupboard with shelves on the top. It’s a practical piece of furniture with a secret. At first glance, this tall, bureau-esque specimen looks like any other cabinet. But cleverly built into the design is a hinged panel that folds open or drops down to become a sturdy writing surface.

When the leaf is folded out, a delightful collection of inner storage compartments is revealed. For centuries, secretary owners have used these pigeonholes, cubbies, recesses or drawers to store their office supplies and desk accessories — from quills, ink and sealing wax to Uniball roller pens, paper clips and external drives — as well as small valuables and curiosities.

It’s not surprising that secretary desks have surged in popularity, with more people than ever now working from home. Handsome and versatile, they’re 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.

The English terms secretary desk and secretaire originate from secrétaire à abattant, the French name for a writing desk (secrétaire) with a drop leaf (abattant). The first secrétaire à abattant was most likely masterminded by German-born craftsman Jean-François Oeben (1715–63), a talented marquetry artist and mechanical genius who arrived in France in the 1740s. In 1751, he joined the workshop of Charles-Joseph Boulle, the son of famed cabinetmaker André-Charles Boulle. It’s no surprise that over the centuries, Oeben’s Louis XV-era secrétaire à abbatant gave rise to innumerable variations with countless combinations of features, sizes, colors, styles and adornments.

The star features of the secretary are its drop leaf and hidden cache of small drawers, shelves, cubbies and other compartments — that’s a given. From the 1700s through the later half of the 19th century, the highest-quality secretary desks were constructed from exotic woods, including rosewood, tulipwood, satinwood and kingwood; later, hardwoods like cherry, maple, oak and mahogany were more common. 

No matter if your home is cozy or palatial, or your design ethos minimalist or maximalist, there’s a secretary desk that will fit right in. And whether you use it as a workstation, a display case, a safe of sorts or all of the above, you’ll be hard-pressed to find an object that’s more functional — or more charming — than this timeless piece.

Browse a range of new, vintage and antique secretary desks on 1stDibs, including Chippendale secretaires, mid-century modern secretaires, Georgian secretaires and others.

Finding the Right Storage-case-pieces 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 Antique Secretary Desks
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Secretary 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 ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
    An 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A 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 ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    A 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To 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, 2022
    An antique Davenport desk is a small writing desk, usually with four drawers on one side. The desk would have elaborately decorated supports and a recessed space for adequate legroom. Shop a collection of Davenport desks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A Davenport desk is a type of small desk with a distinct inclined desktop. The desktop covers a large storage compartment meant for keeping paper and other writing materials. Popular in the 19th century, Davenport desks are still sought after today. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique Davenport desks from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    What antique desks are called depends on their design. A desk with chair cutouts on both sides is a partner desk, while one with a pull-down writing surface is a secretary. On a Davenport desk, the desktop lifts to reveal a storage area. Find a variety of antique, vintage and contemporary desks on 1stDibs.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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The furniture equivalent of a Swiss Army knife, it's the multifunctional piece you didn't know you needed.

This Shelving System with Oxidized Brass Tubes Is Retro and Futuristic at Once

Italian studio DimoreMilano mustered great ingenuity when crafting these sculptural shelves, which are built without any screws.

Ask an Interior Designer: Work-from-Home Edition

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.