$8,017
H 58.67 in W 39.77 in D 20.48 in
19th Century Southern German Secretaire, Cherry, Biedermeier circa 1830
Located in Greven, DE
Plain Biedermeier Secretaire South-West Germany Cherry Biedermeier circa 1830 Dimensions: H x W x
Cherry
$9,036Sale Price|20% Off
H 59.06 in W 37.8 in D 18.9 in
Biedermeier Secretaire, Cherry Veneer, Mahogany, South Germany circa 1820
Located in Regensburg, DE
Elegant early Biedermeier Secretaire or Drop Front Secretary Desk from South Germany around 1820
Cherry, Softwood
Biedermeier Secretaire
Located in Pompano Beach, FL
Biedermeier secretaire made of walnut and cherry with fall front writing surface, nine interior
Cherry, Walnut
$12,057Sale Price|33% Off
H 68.12 in W 39.38 in D 17.33 in
Biedermeier Secretaire, Cherry Veneer, Ebonized, Brass, South Germany circa 1820
Located in Regensburg, DE
Fine early Biedermeier Secretaire or Drop-Front Secretary in cherry wood from South Germany around
Brass, Iron
$14,468
H 72.45 in W 46.86 in D 25.4 in
Biedermeier Secretaire, Cherry Veneer, Inlays, Brass, South Germany circa 1830
Located in Regensburg, DE
Large, original Biedermeier Secretaire from South Germany around 1840. Cherry veneered on softwood
Iron, Tin
Biedermeier Secretary, Bookcase, Cherry, Walnut, 1840s
Located in Greven, DE
Antique cabinet secretary from the biedermeier period around 1845. Body in cherry, parts of the
Cherry, Walnut
1820’s Biedermeier Fall Top Desk, Cherry
Located in Belmont, MA
1820’s Biedermeier Fall Top Desk in Cherry Veneer The 1820’s Biedermeier fall top desk features
Leather, Birch, Cherry
$33,759
H 70.48 in W 50.4 in D 24.81 in
Biedermeier Secretaire With Hidden Compartements And Rare Mechanism, circa 1815
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Biedermeier secretary with rare mechanism Middle German Cherry Biedermeier circa 1815
Cherry
$56,800
H 64.5 in W 41.75 in D 20.25 in
19th Century German Biedermeier Cherrywood Secretaire - Antique Secretary
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A 19th Century, antique German Biedermeier tall secretaire with a writing flap made of hand crafted
Metal, Brass
$11,236
H 65.75 in W 37.01 in D 20.08 in
19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Secretary, Cherry and Hungarian Ash, c. 1830
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Biedermeier secretary in cherry Austria Cherry and others Biedermeier around 1830
Ash, Cherry
$9,856Sale Price|25% Off
H 51.58 in W 45.67 in D 23.63 in
Biedermeier Roll-Top Desk, Cherry Veneer, Brass, Ink, South Germany circa 1820
Located in Regensburg, DE
High-quality early Biedermeier Roll-top or Cylinder Secretaire or Writing Cabinet from South
Brass
Austrian Biedermeier Cherrywood Secretary
Located in Queens, NY
Austrian Biedermeier (Circa 1835) cherry veneer drop front secretary with 2 ebonized and gilt
Birch, Cherry
$8,922
H 73.43 in W 43.71 in D 20.87 in
Biedermeier Secretary Desk with Upper Cabinet, Central Germany, circa 1820
Located in Greding, DE
Biedermeier secretary desk featuring a three-drawer lower case, a fall-front writing surface, and a
Cherry
$6,510Sale Price|38% Off
H 50.4 in W 43.31 in D 23.63 in
19th Century Biedermeier Cherry Fall Front Desk / Secretaire
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Introducing a stunning late Biedermeier Slant-Front Secretary, crafted from solid cherry wood in
Spruce, Cherry
$6,008
H 35.44 in W 44.89 in D 22.05 in
Early 19th Century Biedermeier Writing Chest Of Drawers, Secretaire, circa 1820
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Munich writing chest in cherry from the Biedermeier period circa 1820 Bavaria Cherry
Cherry
1850s Biedermeier Cherry Wood Secretaire
Located in Senden, NRW
Original antique Biedermeier secretaire or bureau with beautifully ebonized framing columns. This
Cherry
German Biedermeier Secretaire in Cherry, circa 1820
Located in Chicago, IL
German Biedermeier secretaire in cherry, circa 1820. Elegant cherry secretaire from south Germany
Cherry
Antique Biedermeier Secretaire
Located in Bielsko Biala, slaskie
Antique Biedermeier Secretaire.
Cherry
German Biedermeier Secretaire
Located in Chicago, IL
This fine German Biedermeier secretaire in cherry veneer with ebonized accents signifies a step
1820s Biedermeier Marquetry Secretaire
Located in Long Island City, NY
Biedermeier secretaire in cherry wood on oak. Fall front, frieze drawer and book match veneered
Unavailable
H 46.86 in W 48.04 in D 23.63 in
Late Biedermeier Walnut Wood Secretaire with Hidden Compartment
Located in Senden, NRW
Wonderful 1870s late Biedermeier walnut wood secretaire with a large folding door and an interior
Cherry, Walnut
Biedermeier Secretaire
Located in Roma, Lazio
Biederemeier Secretaire with 5 drawers, a secret drawer, and lots of little internal drawers. to
Cherry
Sold
H 50.01 in W 46.46 in D 25.6 in
Biedermeier Cylinder Secretaire, Cherry Veneer, South Germany circa 1820
Located in Regensburg, DE
Very elegant neoclassical early Biedermeier Cylinder secretaire or roll-out office from Southern
Cherry, Softwood
Sold
H 57.49 in W 34.65 in D 16.54 in
Biedermeier Secretaire, Cherry Veneer, South Germany/Munich, circa 1820
Located in Regensburg, DE
Very elegant and unadorned Biedermeier secretaire/ bureau/ escritoire from Munich, circa 1820. It
Bone, Wood, Cherry, Walnut
Sold
H 61.03 in W 31.5 in D 16.15 in
19th Century Narrow Biedermeier Secretaire, Walnut, Cherry, Austria circa 1820
Located in Greven, DE
Narrow Biedermeier writing cabinet, Secretaire Austria (Vienna) Walnut, cherry tree
Cherry, Walnut
Sold
H 59.45 in W 40.95 in D 16.93 in
German Biedermeier Secretaire with Columns, Cherry, Maple Burl, circa 1820
Located in Greven, DE
Biedermeier writing cabinet in cherry veneer with columns Southwest Germany Cherry tree
Cherry, Maple
Sold
H 65.75 in W 38.19 in D 19.69 in
19th Century German Biedermeier Secretaire, Secretary in Cherry and Walnut
Located in Greven, DE
Biedermeier secretary Southern Germany cherry tree, walnut tree Biedermeier circa 1820-1830
Walnut, Cherry
Sold
H 62.21 in W 38.78 in D 18.12 in
Biedermeier Secretaire, Walnut Veneer, Cherry, Brass, Austria, Vienna circa 1820
Located in Regensburg, DE
Beautiful original, neoclassical early Biedermeier Secretaire from Austria, Vienna around 1820
Brass, Iron
Sold
H 57.88 in W 36.23 in D 16.54 in
Biedermeier Secretaire, Walnut Veneer, Cherry, Ebony, South Germany circa 1820
Located in Regensburg, DE
Very elegant, neoclassical early Biedermeier Secretaire from Southwest Germany, circa 1820
Metal
Sold
H 62.21 in W 38.78 in D 18.12 in
Biedermeier Secretaire, Walnut Veneer, Cherry, Brass, Austria, Vienna circa 1820
Located in Regensburg, DE
Beautiful original, neoclassical early Biedermeier Secretaire from Austria, Vienna around 1820
Brass, Iron
Biedermeier Secretaire, Franconia Around 1825
Located in Greding, DE
Franconian Biedermeier secretaire with two-door base cabinet and writing flap. The top consists of
Cherry, Burl
19th Century Biedermeier Secretaire Cherrywood
Located in Darmstadt, DE
A beautiful Secretaire made of solid cherrywood, from the time of the late Biedermeier. In the eye
Cherry, Pine
Biedermeier Secretaire, South German, circa 1820
Located in Greding, DE
Biedermeier secretaire in cherry veneer with a two-door lower part, a flat writing flap and a wide
Cherry
Biedermeier Secretaire, Central Germany, circa 1820
Located in Greding, DE
A secretaire with writing flap and an architectural top with partially gilded columns and half-dome
Cherry
Biedermeier Cherrywood Secretaire, Southern Germany circa 1820
Located in Greding, DE
Biedermeier secretaire with writing flap, two-door lower part and top drawer. The interior consists
Cherry
Biedermeier Secretaire, Southern Germany/Munich, circa 1820
Located in Greding, DE
Biedermeier cherry secretaire with a two-door base and top drawer. The interior behind the writing
Cherry
Antique 19th Century French Biedermeier Cherrywood Secretaire
Located in Darmstadt, DE
A beautiful small delicate rare secretary from the Biedermeier period. The French secretaire is
Cherry, Spruce
Biedermeier Roll-Top Secretaire, Central Germany, circa 1820
Located in Greding, DE
A Biedermeier roll-top secretaire with two drawers at the bottom and three drawers at the top. The
Cherry
Sold
H 61.03 in W 37.8 in D 18.51 in
Biedermeier Secretaire, Walnut Veneer, Southwest Germany circa 1820
Located in Regensburg, DE
Architecturally interesting classicist Biedermeier secretaire from Southwest Germany about 1820
Ash, Cherry, Ebony, Mahogany, Walnut
Biedermeier Secretary, Cherry Veneer, Germany circa 1825
Located in Regensburg, DE
Plain and elegant early Biedermeier secretary with a wonderful book-matched cherry veneer. The drop
Cherry
Sold
H 60.24 in W 38.98 in D 19.69 in
Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Secretary, Cherry, circa 1820-1830
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Biedermeier secretary South Germany Cherry tree Biedermeier around 1820-1830 Dimensions
Cherry
Sold
H 66.15 in W 41.34 in D 20.08 in
19th Century German Secretary, Birch, Cherry, Walnut, Biedermeier, c. 1835
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Biedermeier birch and cherry secretaire Central Germany birch, cherry, burr walnut
Birch, Cherry, Walnut
Sold
H 66.54 in W 39.38 in D 19.69 in
Biedermeier Secretary Desk in Cherry Wood Veneer, Germany, 19th Century
Located in Wrocław, Poland
wood, veneered with cherry wood veneer. When opening the main section the doors transform into a
Cherry, Pine
Sold
H 64.97 in W 42.92 in D 17.72 in
19th Century Red-Brown Biedermeier Secretary in Cherry and Maple, circa 1835
Located in Berlin, DE
This beautiful 19th century Biedermeier Secretary is made out of Pine and veneered in Cherry wood
Cherry, Maple
Cylinder Secretaire, Walnut, South Germany, circa 1820
Located in Regensburg, DE
Elegant, classicist Biedermeier cylinder Secretaire from South Germany, circa 1820. Wonderful
Cherry, Mahogany, Maple, Walnut
Biedermeier Secretary Desk, Vienna, 1810
Located in Greding, DE
Secretaire of the early Biedermeier, circa 1810, with a two-doored base and a smooth exterior with
Wood, Cherry, Burl
Biedermeier Secretary, Austria, 19th Century
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This Biedermeier secretary comes from Austria and was made in 19th century. It is made of
Cherry, Walnut
Biedermeier Secretary Desk, Germany, 19th Century
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This Biedermeier secretary comes from Germany and was constructed in 19th century. It is made of
Cherry
Biedermeier Secretary Desk, Thuringia, circa 1825
Located in Greding, DE
Elegant secretary desk on square feet and a body with three drawers and a beautiful interior with several drawers and a bigger compartment in its centre. Profiled cornice.
Cherry
Sold
H 61.82 in W 42.92 in D 18.9 in
German Biedermeier Secretary, Cherrywood, Beautiful Patina, Circa 1835
Located in Greven, DE
Antique cherry wood secretary Rhineland Cherry tree Biedermeier around 1835 Dimensions: H x
Cherry
German Cherrywood Biedermeier Secretary from the 1820s
Located in Greding, DE
Imposant German Cherrywood Biedermeier Secretary from the 1820's. The hinged lid reveals a
Cherry
Sold
H 62.6 in W 41.34 in D 22.05 in
19th Century Biedermeier Secretary with Architectural Design, circa 1835
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Biedermeier secretary in cherry Central Germany Cherry Biedermeier circa 1835 Dimensions
Cherry
Sold
H 49.22 in W 44.49 in D 24.41 in
Early 19th Century Biedermeier Secretary with Hidden Mechanism, circa 1815
Located in Greven, DE
Biedermeier secretary in cherry wood Mainz Cherry tree Biedermeier around 1815 Dimensions: H x W
Cherry
Sold
H 46.86 in W 31.11 in D 31.11 in
19th Century German Biedermeier Corner Cupboard, Secrétaire, Cherrywood
Located in Greven, DE
19th century corner cupboard / secretary Germany (Rhineland) Cherry tree Biedermeier, circa
Cherry
Sold
H 58.67 in W 37.01 in D 16.54 in
German Biedermeier Secretaire, Cherry, Beautiful Patina, circa 1820
Located in Greven, DE
Antique cherry wood secretary South Germany Cherry wood Biedermeier around 1820 Dimensions
Cherry
Sold
H 49.22 in W 42.92 in D 24.41 in
Biedermeier Roll-Top Secretaire, Cherry Veneer, South Germany, circa 1820
Located in Regensburg, DE
Biedermeier cylindric secretary or roll-top secretaire from southern Germany, Munich, around 1820
Brass, Iron
Biedermeier Secretaire, circa 1830
Located in Greding, DE
Cherrywood Biedermeier Secretaire with a three-drawer chests of drawers base and a lockable top
Cherry
19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Secretaire
Located in Darmstadt, DE
A beautiful small Secretaire made of walnut veneer from the time of Biedermeier. The Secretaire is
Pine, Cherry, Walnut
Biedermeier Secretaire, Central Germany, circa 1820
Located in Greding, DE
Biedermeier secretaire with three drawers and flat writing flap. The body is veneered in cherry and
Cherry
Biedermeier Secretaire, Probably Franconian, circa 1820
Located in Greding, DE
A cherry veneered secretaire standing on low ebonized S-legs, with a two-drawer chest of drawers
Cherry
Biedermeier Commode-Secretaire, Southern Germany, circa 1820
Located in Greding, DE
Biedermeier slanted flap secretaire on square tapered feet with two drawers and recessed writing
Cherry
Sold
H 38.59 in W 45.67 in D 22.45 in
19th Century German Writing Chest, Biedermeier Secretaire, circa 1825
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Biedermeier Chest of Drawers / Secretary Southern Germany (Franconia) Walnut Biedermeier
Cherry, Walnut
Biedermeier Style Cherry Wood Secretaires
Located in Roma, Lazio
Biedermeier Style secrétaire All veneered in cherry wood very veined, with wooden details polished
Gold Leaf
Swedish Biedermeier Secretary, Cherrywood Veneer, French Polished
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Original Biedermeier secretary from Sweden, circa 1830-1840. Cherrywood veneer. Expertly hand
Birch, Pine, Cherry
Sold
H 53.5 in W 42 in D 19 in
Antique Biedermeier or Swedish Empire Fall-Front Secretary in Birch, circa 1830
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
Biedermeier Fall Front Secretary, circa 1830 is a wonderful example of form meeting function. It features a
Birch, Cherry
Neoclassical Drop Front Desk, Switzerland, 1810-1820
Located in Belmont, MA
Exquisite drop front desk, Switzerland 1810-20, beautiful cherry veneer with ebonized details. The
Cherry
Secretary Desk, Germany, 19th Century
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This Biedermeier secretary comes from Germany and was constructed, circa 1825. It is made of
Cherry
Sold
H 49.22 in W 39.77 in D 21.66 in
Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Bureau, Secretaire, Desk, circa 1820
Located in Greven, DE
Antique cylinder bureau from the southern German Biedermeier period circa 1820 Dimensions: H x W x
Cherry
Cherrywood Biedermeier Secretaire
Located in Senden, NRW
A Biedermeier Secretaire made of cherrywood. The corpus is made of softwood veneered with
Cherry
Antique Biedermeier Secretaire
Located in Bielsko Biala, slaskie
Antique Biedermeier secretaire.
Cherry
Exemplary German Biedermeier Fall-Front Secretaire
Located in Long Island City, NY
Cubical body on block feet with 3 lower and 1 upper drawer. Cornice with Schinkel pediment. Cherry
Cherry, Maple, Ebony
Sold
H 66.15 in W 44.49 in D 20.48 in
Early 19th Century Biedermeier Secretary, Cherry Tree Veneered, Shingle Roof
Located in Muenster, NRW
Biedermeier secretary, circa 1820-1825. Cherry tree veneered. Rare shingle roof. One head push
Cherry
$1,950
H 24 in W 25 in D 13.25 in
Petite Austrian Biedermeier Maple Bench with Out-Scrolled Arms from the 1840s
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Austrian Biedermeier petite maple wood upholstered window seat without-scrolled arms and cross stretcher from the mid-19th century. Born during the Biedermeier period that animate...
Maple
$15,439 / item
H 32.68 in W 110.24 in D 40.56 in
Art Deco Sofa by Munna Design Studio with Velvet Upholstery
By Munna Design Studio
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This sofa features a wonderfully elegant fan-shaped motif, with its accentuated curvy lines with decadent and lavish finish. The feminine curves are ravishingly enhanced by the diffe...
Velvet
Exquisite ebonised secretary desk from the 19th century
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
We are honoured to present an exquisite ebonised secretary desk from the 19th century, hailing from Sweden and exemplifying the elegance of the Biedermeier style. This piece has been...
Softwood
$6,631
H 49.61 in W 53.15 in D 13 in
Antique 20th-Century French Art Deco Mahogany Veneered Display or Bar Cabinet
Located in Casteren, NL
This beautiful French Art Deco bar cabinet was made in mid-France in the early 20th century circa 1925. It features a strong geometric design that is typical for art deco furniture. ...
Fabric, Mahogany
$1,975
H 15.75 in Dm 10 in
Austrian Biedermeier Wooden Compote with Classical Column Stand, circa 1840
Located in Atlanta, GA
This Austrian Biedermeier compote from the mid-19th century features a circular wooden bowl over an exquisite stand made of three elegant columns with ebonized wood capitals and base...
Wood
Mahogany Bookcase, First Half of the 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Two-doored mahogany bookcase with a straight base and a slightly protruding top, decorated with a carved female head.
Mahogany
$2,100 / item
H 17 in Dm 20.5 in
Hollywood Regency Round Tiger Print Velvet Upholstered Ottoman or Foot Stool
By Scalamandre
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A stunning Hollywood Regency style hand crafted ottoman, covered in rich le Tigre velvet. Round in form, each stool is created by hand by our in house craftsman, and covered in a thi...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
$58,950Sale Price|21% Off
H 68.5 in W 55.5 in D 12 in
Fine Palatial Italian 19th Century Florentine Giltwood Carved Mirror Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A palatial and museum quality Italian 19th century Florentine Rococo giltwood carved mirror frame. The ornately carved frame with scrolls and acanthus, all gilt is original, circa Fl...
Wood
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, Germany 1820
Located in Belmont, MA
Exquisite Biedermeier Walnut Dresser from 1820, Southern Germany. This remarkable Biedermeier chest of drawers, dating back to 1820 and originating from Southern Germany, is a true t...
Walnut
$5,447
H 78.35 in W 82.29 in D 31.11 in
3 Piece Flamed Hardwood Open Library Bookcase Part of a Suite Must See Pictures
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage flamed mahogany and hardwood open corner library bookcase which splits into three easy to transport sections I have two of ...
Hardwood
Sold|$822
H 27 in W 16.75 in D 30 in
Antique English Regency Mahogany Bedside Stair Step Commode Nightstand
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique English Regency / George III / Sheraton style library or bed steps / staircase / stepstool / side table or nightstand. Made of mahogany featuring a three tiered design with ...
Mahogany
$2,845Sale Price|20% Off
H 24.02 in W 39.57 in D 9.06 in
Hollywood Regency Foliage Tall Planter Jardinière or Drinks Stand in Gilt Iron
Located in Barcelona, ES
Large Hollywood Regency rectangular tall jardinière or drinks corner, Gold leaf, gilt iron, France, 1940s. This elegant tall plant stand is entirely made by hand. It features a leafe...
Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
$3,378
H 48.82 in W 44.1 in D 13.78 in
Art Deco Beautiful Walnut Circular Display Vitrine Cabinet, c1930
Located in Devon, England
Fabulous, original 1930s Art Deco display cabinet. This lovely figured walnut veneered mid-tone cabinet features a generously sized interior display area for your 'collections'. Beau...
Glass, Walnut
$3,378
H 49.61 in W 41.74 in D 14.18 in
Art Deco Spectacular Display Cabinet Vitrine, English, circa 1930
Located in Devon, England
Impressively wacky shaped and genuinely rare design is this superb 1930's English Art Deco Display cabinet. This beautiful cabinet is veneered in a lightly figured walnut veneer whic...
Glass, Walnut, Plywood, Bentwood
French Art Deco Rosewood Cabinet
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
An excellent quality French cabinet, produced in the 1920’s with crisp carving to the center between the doors, solid oak with solid oak liners, both doors are lockable with one key ...
Rosewood
$16,800 / set
H 34 in W 32 in D 32 in
Napoleon III Style Chairs in Emerald Sheepskin on Gilt Rope & Tassel Frames
By Napoléon III
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Unapologetically upscale and glamorous pair of gilt rope and tassel Napoleon III style chairs freshly upholstered in hand sewn emerald sheepskin. French. Chic. Such a killer combo. L...
Sheepskin, Giltwood, Upholstery
The authentic Biedermeier furniture on 1stDibs is representative of the first modern European decorative style not dictated by the tastes of the aristocracy. Following the Napoleonic wars, a growing, wealthy urban middle class in the German-speaking states of Central Europe began to demand rights and privileges once granted only to nobles. To avoid trouble, the upwardly striving confined their political discussions to one another’s homes. And so the salon was born.
Cabinetmakers in cities such as Vienna, Berlin and Mainz began to offer goods that reflected the tastes and needs of the new class. The makers of Biedermeier chairs, tables and other furniture used little or no gilding, silver hardware or other lavish ornament. Ebonized trims are common on Biedermeier cabinetry, and neoclassical elements — lyre-shaped chair splats, carved scrollwork, table supports shaped like Greek columns. But the strongest aesthetic statement came from the wood — richly-grained, honey-colored, often book-matched veneers of walnut and fruitwood.
There are two iconic Biedermeier furniture forms, both made to outfit rooms designed for conversation. One is the sofa, deeply upholstered with a strong, architectural wooden frame. The second is the circular pedestal table, which stood at the center of the room, offering a surface on which to place coffee and cake services; or to roll out a map, or sketch out ideas on paper.
“Biedermeier” was originally a derogatory term — it derives from the pen names of two German magazine writers who mocked bourgeois manners. Looking at the elegant and refined antique, new and vintage Biedermeier furniture offered on 1stDibs, that is now an amusing irony.
Your antique, new or vintage secretary desk has become the (chic) saving grace of the "new normal" at home.
Simply put, a secretary desk is a multifunctional piece of furniture with a hinged writing surface that folds open or drops down. When the leaf is folded out, small inner storage compartments — pigeonholes, cubbies, recesses or drawers — are revealed.
Traditionally, a secretary is composed of two parts — a chest of drawers on the bottom and a cabinet with shelves on the top. Taking its name from the French word for the piece, secrétaire, the secretary desk dates back to the 18th century, when Paris-based cabinetmaker Jean-François Oeben, known for his exquisite marquetry and clever mechanical desks, is thought to have invented the secrétaire à abbattant, or drop-leaf desk.
While the defining drop-down feature of the secretary desk has remained constant, the materials used, as well as its configuration, size and style have evolved over time.
At first, secretaries were typically made from exotic woods, like rosewood, tulipwood and kingwood; later, hardwoods like cherry, maple, oak and mahogany were more common. The desks also became lighter, with space carved out of the lower half for the writer’s feet or with drawers replaced by legs — making them more table-like.
When open, the secretary is a dynamic, versatile Wunderkammer. When closed, it’s a sophisticated, space-saving piece of furniture.
“A fine secretary with a good provenance adds stature and credence to its owner — it is a cornerstone piece,” says antiques dealer Stanley Weiss, who specializes in 18th- and 19th-century English and American furniture. “In this disposable world, fine furniture is always passed on and speaks to who its owner is.”
No matter what style or period you choose, and no matter how you decide to use it, the timeless, flexible secretary desk is bound to become an indispensable part of your daily routine.
Browse a range of antique and vintage secretary desks on 1stDibs, including mid-century modern secretaires, Georgian secretaires and others.