Baroque Secretary Desk, Switzerland 1750
Located in Belmont, MA
Baroque Secretary Desk, Switzerland, Circa 1750 A refined mid-18th century Swiss Baroque secretary desk with an elegant bombe front and beautifully figured walnut veneer.
Walnut
Antique Italian Inlaid Secretary Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This elegant Italian walnut secretary desk features a slanted fall-front that opens to reveal compartments and small drawers for organized storage.
Wood
$1,320Sale Price|20% Off
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 Eastlake Victorian secretary desk from circa 1880, made from walnut wood.
Walnut
Secretary desk, circa 1900
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
This secretary desk from circa 1900 combines functionality with a timeless appearance.
Oak, Walnut, Pine
Baroque Secretary Desk, Switzerland 1750, Walnut
Located in Belmont, MA
Baroque secretary desk, Switzerland, 1750. This gorgeous baroque secretary desk stands out for its very pretty walnut veneer.
Walnut
$7,196Sale Price|20% Off
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" in width, 21" in depth and 44" in height.
Mahogany
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 compartments.
Mahogany
$4,500Sale Price|43% Off
Dutch Secretary Desk, Around 1800, Mahogany
Located in Belmont, MA
Dutch secretary desk, Netherlands, around 1800. This elegantly curved secretary desk has three spacious drawers in the lower part.
Mahogany
$4,500Sale Price|52% Off
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.
Birch, Mahogany
Biedermeier Secretary Desk, Mid-19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Secretary desk with exquisite ash veneer and a three-drawer commode base.
Bronze
$12,000Sale Price|20% Off
Biedermeier Secretary Desk, South German, 1820
Located in Belmont, MA
Biedermeier secretary desk, South German 1820. This unique and very beautiful secretary desk dates back to the early phase of the Biedermeier style.
Elm, Walnut
$3,000Sale Price|20% Off
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" x 23 1/4" A striking example of Renaissance Revival design, this walnut and burl...
Walnut
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 silhouette.
Glass, Wood
$1,320Sale Price|20% Off
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" x 31 3/4" x 20 5/8" This antique Victorian secretary desk, crafted around 1890, ...
Walnut
German Baroque Secretary Desk, 1750
Located in Leimen, DE
German Baroque Secretary Desk, Circa 1750 A rare mid-18th century German Baroque secretary desk of straight architectural form, crafted circa 1750.
Walnut
$2,757Sale Price|20% Off
19th-Century Louis Philippe Walnut Wood & Veneer Secretary Desk After Renovation
Located in Opole, PL
19th-Century Louis Philippe Walnut Wood & Veneer Secretary Desk After Renovation Delicately shaped and richly adorned, this 19th-century secretary desk in the style of Louis Phi...
Wood, Walnut
$2,760Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Victorian Eastlake Walnut & Burl Cylinder Secretary Desk c1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
A fine example of Victorian Eastlake design, this two-piece secretary desk is crafted from rich walnut and burl wood.
Walnut, Burl
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 French craftsmanship.
Mahogany
Antique English Secretary Desk, Leather Inlay, 1900
Located in Antwerp, BE
A beautiful English secretary desk Antique Victorian Pedestal Desk 19th Century partner desk.
Brass
English Mahogany Secretary Desk, 19th Century
Located in Southampton, NY
English Mahogany secretary desk, 19th century Three pieces: Crown, upper drawers and lower cabinet.
Mahogany
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 person, it has a little repair on one side, see pictures, the chains are not original,...
Wood
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 drawers supported on ogee bracket feet.
Mahogany
Louis XVI Secretary Desk, Germany 1780
Located in Leimen, DE
Louis XVI Secretary Desk, Germany, Circa 1780 A finely proportioned Louis XVI secretary desk, crafted in Germany circa 1780.
Walnut
Empire Secretary Desk, France 19th century
Located in Belmont, MA
French Empire Secretary Desk, 19th Century – Mahogany Veneer, Marble Top, Bronze Details This stunning 19th-century French Empire secretary desk is a true statement piece, showcasin...
Marble
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.
Kingwood
$1,312Sale Price|25% Off
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.
Mahogany
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 maple detail.
Birdseye Maple, Walnut
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 desk, crafted in France circa 1770-80 during the the so called Transition Period, ...
Kingwood, Satinwood
Antique Spanish Walnut Burl and Rosewood Claw Foot Drop Front Secretary Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Spanish Walnut Burl and Rosewood Claw Foot Drop Front Secretary Desk This beautiful secretary’s desk from Spain is handcrafted from Walnut Burl and Rosewood.
Brass
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 functional key.
Velvet, Hardwood, Paint, Ribbon
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 Stickley Brothers USA, Early 20th Century Quarter sawn oak, with copper hardware.
Copper
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 Brothers USA, Circa 1900 Carved mahogany, with satinwood inlaid marquetry, and original...
Brass
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 of Stickley Brothers USA, Circa 1900 Carved oak, with inset mirror on backsplash, ...
Brass
Federal Period Massachusetts Mahogany Secretary Desk with Cylinder Tambour
Located in Milford, NH
This splendid secretary desk most likely is of MA origin and dates to circa 1790-1810 and is in very good condition, with some surface & shelf restorations, minor escutcheon and surf...
Brass
$2,898Sale Price|20% Off
Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Desk, circa 1860, after Renovation
Located in Opole, PL
We present you another incredible piece of furniture in our collection -- this elegant and highly exquisite Biedermeier secretary desk circa 1860. The secretary desk was manufactu...
Mahogany
Biedermeier Walnut Secretary Desk with Brass Fittings, Germany, 1820
Located in Leimen, DE
Biedermeier secretary desk, South west German, 1820. This beautiful drop front desk has three drawers in the lower part, they are embellished with original lion head brass fittings a...
Walnut
Stickley Brothers Style Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Secretary Desk
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period drop front secretary desk or writing desk with bookcase hutch top In the manner of Stickley Brothers USA, Circa 1910 Carved quar...
Brass
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 Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper hardware.
Copper
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 Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper hardware.
Copper
Lifetime Furniture Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Secretary Desk, Circa 1910
By Lifetime
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period drop front secretary desk By Lifetime Furniture USA, Circa 1910 Gorgeous quarter sawn oak, with brass hardware.
Brass
Lifetime Furniture English Jacobean Oak Drop Front Secretary Desk, Circa 1920s
By Lifetime
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique English Jacobean or Renaissance Revival style drop front secretary desk By Lifetime Furniture USA, Circa 1920s Ornate carved oak, with original brass hardware.
Brass
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 secretary desk from Germany, circa 1750, embodies 18th-century elegance and craftsmanship.
Kingwood
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, crafted in France between 1780 and 1800, is a masterpiece of 18th-century craftsman...
Kingwood, Rosewood
Early Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Secretary Desk, Circa 1902
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period quarter sawn oak drop front secretary desk By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1902 Measures: 25.75"W x 15"D x 47"H.
Oak
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 Lifetime Furniture USA, Circa 1900 Gorgeous quarter sawn oak, with original hammered cop...
Copper
$8,881Sale Price|20% Off
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 desk from Germany (circa 1750) is a rare find for antique furniture collectors.
Walnut
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Secretary Desk, Circa 1910
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period drop front secretary desk By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1910 Gorgeous quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copp...
Copper
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Secretary Desk, Circa 1902
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period "Chalet" drop front secretary desk By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1902 Gorgeous quarter sawn oak, with brass studded...
Brass
Stickley Brothers Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Secretary Desk, Circa 1910
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period slant front writing desk or secretary desk By Stickley Brothers USA, Early 20th Century Quarter sawn oak, with original copper h...
Copper
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 (signed with paper label) USA, Circa 1900 Quarter sawn oak, with original hammered cop...
Copper
$2,917Sale Price|25% Off
French Provincial Style Secretary Desk with Marquetry Inlays and Key
Located in Soquel, CA
French Provincial Style Walnut Secretary Desk with Marquetry Inlays and Key. Original Finish.
Walnut
Stickley Brothers Style Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Secretary Desk, Circa 1910
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period slant front writing desk or secretary desk In the manner of Stickley Brothers USA, Early 20th Century Quarter sawn oak, with ori...
Copper
$2,796Sale Price|20% Off
Fantastic American Centennial Solid Walnut Philadelphia Carved Secretary Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Discover timeless elegance with this fantastic American Centennial solid walnut Philadelphia carved secretary desk, a true testament to 19th-century craftsmanship.
Walnut
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 the manner of Baker Furniture By Edinburg Cabinet Co.
Brass
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 of 18th-century artistry and sophistication.
Bronze
Vintage Empire Drop Front Secretary Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This magnificent Empire-style secretary desk is a masterclass in 19th-century cabinetmaking, featuring spectacular book-matched flame mahogany veneers that create a mesmerizing, symm...
Brass
$11,200Sale Price|20% Off
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 to 1770, showcases the elegance of 18th-century French craftsmanship.
Kingwood, Rosewood
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.
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.
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