Bookcases with Desk
Late 20th Century Danish Bookcases
Teak
Antique 1870s Eastlake Bookcases
Glass, Walnut
Antique Early 19th Century Federal Bookcases
Glass, Mahogany
Antique 1750s English George II Bookcases
Walnut
Antique 1790s French Directoire Desks
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century English Bookcases
Wood
Antique Late 18th Century British George III Bookcases
Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century Irish George III Bookcases
Glass, Mahogany, Satinwood
Antique Mid-19th Century English Bookcases
Mahogany
Antique 1790s British George III Bookcases
Mahogany
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Bookcases
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Spanish Baroque Bookcases
Walnut
Antique Early 18th Century English Queen Anne Bookcases
Brass
Antique 19th Century English Regency Bookcases
Brass
Antique 1830s American American Classical Bookcases
Mahogany
Antique Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Desks
Leather, Mahogany
Antique 1770s English Chippendale Bookcases
Antique 19th Century American Primitive Desks
Pine
2010s American Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Aluminum
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Bookcases
Paldao
Antique Mid-18th Century English Chippendale Desks and Writing Tables
Mahogany
Antique 1830s American Secretaires
Mahogany
Vintage 1930s Italian Georgian Secretaires
Wood, Paint
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires
Rosewood
Mid-20th Century Campaign Secretaires
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century European Renaissance Revival Desks
Walnut, Glass
Late 20th Century American Chippendale Secretaires
Brass
20th Century English Georgian Secretaires
Hardwood
Antique Early 18th Century Italian Baroque Secretaires
Walnut
Late 20th Century American Georgian Secretaires
Brass
Antique 1890s Italian Neoclassical Revival Secretaires
Walnut
Antique 1820s English Regency Dressers
Hardwood
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Laminate, Teak
Late 20th Century American Chippendale Secretaires
Brass
Late 20th Century American Rustic Secretaires
Metal
Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Wood
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Wood
Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Secretaires
Mahogany, Satinwood
Antique 1880s English Victorian Secretaires
Hardwood
Vintage 1940s French Directoire Secretaires
Carrara Marble, Bronze
Antique 18th Century English George III Secretaires
Brass
Vintage 1970s French Provincial Secretaires
Hardwood, Paint
Vintage 1930s English Georgian Secretaires
Mirror, Satinwood, Walnut
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Secretaires
Glass, Oak
Vintage 1970s Queen Anne Secretaires
Glass, Cherry
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Secretaires
Hardwood
Mid-20th Century American Chippendale Secretaires
Brass
Antique Late 18th Century British George III Secretaires
Brass
Antique 1780s English George III Secretaires
Mahogany
Antique Mid-19th Century Danish Biedermeier Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Mahogany
Antique Early 1900s Italian Neoclassical Secretaires
Brass
Antique 19th Century American American Empire Secretaires
Antique Early 19th Century Scandinavian Empire Secretaires
Ash, Burl
Antique 1770s English Chippendale Secretaires
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Baroque Secretaires
Paint
Antique 19th Century English Chinoiserie Secretaires
Glass, Wood
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Empire Secretaires
Birch
Antique Early 19th Century German Empire Secretaires
Ash
Antique 1780s English Chippendale Secretaires
Brass
Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
Brass
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Bookcases with Desk For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Bookcases with Desk?
Finding the Right Secretaires for You
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.
- What is a barrister bookcase?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Barrister bookcases are made up of several distinct book shelf units which combine together to form the cabinet. This can be beneficial when moving, as the books can remain within the shelves and each shelf can move separately.
- What is a breakfront bookcase?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021A breakfront bookcase is usually a large wooden bookcase that houses either books or dishes. They’re similar in appearance to hutches in that they have glass-fronted shelving on the top and cabinets on the bottom.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A bookcase with doors is also called a bookshelf, a bookstand, a cupboard or a bookrack. It is a close-sided unit that encases books and is designed to sit on the floor. On 1stDibs find a wide variety of antique, new and vintage bookcases today.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The term barrister bookcase means a piece of storage furniture primarily used during the 17th and 18th centuries. Also called lawyer's bookcases, the furnishings featured wood construction and glass-paneled doors. At the time the bookcases were most popular, books were expensive luxury goods. The glass doors helped to protect them from light and dust. Shop a collection of barrister bookcases on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023Yes, there can be a difference between a bookshelf and a bookcase. Although many people use the words to describe any piece of furniture with shelves for books, some manufacturers call pieces with doors bookcases and pieces without doors bookshelves. Find a variety of bookcases and bookshelves on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023The main difference between an étagère and a bookcase is the design. Both types of furniture have shelves. However, an étagère usually has an open back, while most bookcases have enclosed backs. Shop a range of bookcases and étagères on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021An ideal bookcase depth is usually between 10 and 12 inches. Shelf spacing can range from 7 to 15 inches for bookshelves, with 8 to 12 inches being the most typical. Because compact bookcases are designed for lesser volumes and libraries, they will be shallower. A small bookcase's depth is usually around 6 inches. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of antique and vintage bookcases.
- Can I put wheels on a bookcase?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, you can generally put wheels on a bookcase. However, the wheels that you choose must be strong enough to support both the weight of the bookcase and the total weight of all the books you intend to store on it. As a result, industrial-strength metal casters are usually the best option for the job. You'll find a large collection of bookcases on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021A bookcase with glass doors is also called a barrister bookcase. Designed in a cabinet style, these bookcases’ glass doors protect books and collectibles from gathering dust and allow guests to peruse your treasured volumes. The name “barrister” owes to the legal profession — barristers are experts in case law in England and traditionally required numerous law books for reference purposes to travel from chamber to chamber, and the sturdy and portable cabinets that were used to do so earned this nickname. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary bookcases from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021The best wood used for building a bookcase is plywood made from hardwood. It is easily available and comes in many types. Laminated panels that can be glued together are also a great option for a bookcase. On 1stDibs, you can find a variety of antique, new and vintage wooden bookcases.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023A few companies made barrister bookcases, including the F. E. Hale Manufacturing Company, Globe Wernicke, Grand Rapids Furniture Company, Gunn Furniture Company and the John Danner Company. Barrister bookcases are bookcases with solid backs and removable shelving units that get stacked inside. Doors that open outward and slide away under the shelf enclose each unit. On 1stDibs, shop a range of barrister bookcases.
- What is a Murphy desk?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A Murphy desk is a wall-mounted desk that folds out to provide a work surface for a laptop, tablet, documents, and other items. It is a great solution if you have a little space or don't require a full desk every day. Shop a range of antique and vintage Murphy desks on 1stDibs.
- What is a captain’s desk?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022A captain’s desk is a type of desk that you stand at rather than sit in front of. It usually has an angled desktop and decorative molding. Captain Josiah Davenport commissioned the British furniture maker Gillows of Lancaster to design the first one in the late 18th century. Sometimes, people refer to the furnishing as a Davenport desk in his honor. Shop a variety of captain’s desks on 1stDibs.
- How high should a desk be?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
A person of average height should have a desk that is 28 to 30 inches high.
- What is a kidney desk?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023A kidney desk is a desk that has a curvy top that is similar in shape to a human kidney. Many kidney desks are very ornate, showing off details like vellum-lined tabletops and parquetry inlay. Shop a selection of kidney desks on 1stDibs.
- How do you date a desk?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023To date a desk, first look for any stamps or labels that tell you the name of the company that produced it. You can then use the maker information to research the piece using trusted online resources. In some cases, you may even find a manufacturing date on the piece. If you have difficulty determining how old a piece is, seek help from a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and modern desks on 1stDibs.
- What is a waterfall desk?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023A waterfall desk is a desk that features rounded corners. This term comes from the idea that this stylistic feature makes it seem as if the lines of the desk flow like a waterfall. The waterfall style emerged during the 1930s and 40s. Find a range of waterfall desks on 1stDibs.
- What is a desk tray?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A desk tray is a storage solution used to tidy up desktop work areas. Normally, they are flat rectangular trays with raised sides, and their proportions make them ideal for storing stacked papers. Some trays have more than one tier to separate incoming and outgoing paperwork. You'll find a variety of antique and vintage desk trays on 1stDibs.
- What is a bed desk?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021A bed desk — or lap desk — is a type of desk that is primarily designed for use in bed or for other similar circumstances. It generally offers a flat work surface with enough room for a laptop, mouse and a notebook.
- What is a peninsula desk?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A peninsula desk is a two-sided desk, with each side designed with one long drawer. This functional desk makes working with a partner easy. You can shop a collection of peninsula desks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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