Chest With Secretary
Antique 1780s English Campaign Secretaires
Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Secretaires
Rosewood
Antique 19th Century Swedish Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Wood
Antique 1840s British Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Teak
Antique Mid-19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Commodes and Chests of Dra...
Walnut
Antique Early 18th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Walnut
Antique 1830s German Biedermeier Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Walnut
Early 20th Century American Edwardian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Maple, Oak
Antique 19th Century British Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Mahogany
Antique Late 18th Century English George III Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Mahogany
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Carrara Marble, Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century Danish Biedermeier Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Mahogany
Early 20th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Mahogany
Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XVI Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Bronze
Antique Early 19th Century American American Classical Historical Memora...
Brass
Late 20th Century Spanish Desks and Writing Tables
Bamboo, Formica, Wood
Early 20th Century French Louis XV Secretaires
Bronze
Vintage 1930s French Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Wood
Mid-20th Century British Campaign Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
Antique 19th Century Czech Biedermeier Secretaires
Walnut
Vintage 1950s Italian Secretaires
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Louis XIV Secretaires
Walnut
Antique 19th Century European Secretaires
Wood
Early 20th Century Great Britain (UK) Georgian Commodes and Chests of Dr...
Leather, Mahogany
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
Wood
Antique 1730s Chinese Chinese Export Cabinets
Lacquer
Mid-20th Century English Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Antique 1840s English Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
20th Century English Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Antique 1840s European Secretaires
Antique 19th Century English Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Antique 19th Century English Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Birch
Vintage 1950s American Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Antique Early 19th Century English Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Mahogany
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Wood
Antique 1870s English Late Victorian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Mahogany
Antique Early 19th Century Biedermeier Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Birch
Late 20th Century American Georgian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Vintage 1950s Italian Louis XV Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Walnut
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Cherry, Fruitwood
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Antique Mid-19th Century English Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Wood
Antique 1880s European Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Teak
Antique Early 18th Century Dutch Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Walnut
Antique 18th Century Italian Baroque Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Olive, Walnut, Burl
Antique 1830s German Biedermeier Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Walnut
Antique 1840s British Victorian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Teak
Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Desks
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Brass
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Brass
Antique 19th Century Swedish Secretaires
Antique 1740s English George II Secretaires
Brass
Antique 19th Century English British Colonial Secretaires
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Chest With Secretary For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Chest With Secretary?
Finding the Right Case Pieces And Storage Cabinets 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.
- What is a Larkin secretary?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Larkin secretary is a type of wooden case good produced by the Larkin Company, which opened in 1875 in Buffalo, New York. The furniture featured a pull-down writing surface and upper and lower shelves. Some also had side storage cabinets and drawers. You'll find a variety of vintage and antique secretaries on 1stDibs.
- How does a secretary desk work?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022To 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, 2022Secretary 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 ExpertFebruary 13, 2023A 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.
- What is a dower chest?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A dower chest — also called a dowry chest or hope chest — is a Pennsylvania Dutch chest, a piece of furniture traditionally used by young women to store items in anticipation of married life. Find a collection of antique and vintage dowry chests on 1stDibs.
- What is a demilune chest?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A demilune chest is a type of case good furniture that features a straight back and a curved front. Most feature rows of drawers, cabinet doors or a mix of the two types of storage. Demilune comes from the French word for half moon and refers to the shape of the chests. Shop a range of demilune chests on 1stDibs.
- What is a bachelor’s chest?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2019
A bachelor’s chest is a low chest of drawers. Its name comes from the fact that it was originally designed to provide multipurpose storage for a single man with a small living space.
- What is a military chest?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023A military chest is a chest of drawers made of hardwood like mahogany, teak or cedar. Also called a campaign chest, the furniture usually comes apart into smaller pieces for easy carrying. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of military chests.
- What is a sea chest?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A sea chest, typically seen onboard ships, is a storage chest for a sailor’s personal property. The first known sea chest was used in 1613. On 1stDibs, you can find a collection of authentic sea chests from some of the world’s top sellers.
- What is a sugar chest?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A sugar chest is a chest, typically made of wood and featuring legs, that was designed to hold sugar in the late 1700s to early 1800s, when sugar was very valuable. Sugar chests would feature a lock to keep this sweet sign of wealth secure, and featured sections inside to separate light and dark sugars. Shop a range of antique sugar chests on 1stDibs.
- What is a Tansu chest?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021Tansu refers to Japanese portable storage chests. When tansu became a well-known feature of life in Japan — the chests’ emergence is said to be rooted in the Genroku era of the Edo period (1688–1704) — the country’s traditionally minimalist households had little to no proper seats, tables, or other pieces of furniture. Tansu were intended to be multipurpose cabinets. These case pieces were used to store things of everyday utility, such as clothing and various personal items. Tansu are regarded as collectible furniture with a timeless appeal. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary Tansu from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- What is a gentleman's chest?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022A gentleman's chest is a piece of wooden storage furniture with at least one section large enough to accommodate hanging men's clothing like ties, suits and dress pants. Normally, drawers appear beside and below the hanging cabinet. Find a range of gentleman's chests on 1stDibs.
- What is a bonnet chest?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A bonnet chest is a chest of drawers that has a space for hats. Typically, this larger drawer or area is in the center space and toward the top. Bonnet chests get their name for their function not their shape, as there is no one standard shape for a bonnet chest. Shop a collection of vintage and antique furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a bombe chest?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
A bombe chest is a set of drawers that bulges outward in the front and on the sides. The style, whose name comes from French word bombé, meaning “curved,” originated in 17th-century France.
- What is a door chest?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A door chest is a small cabinet with shelves and is used for storage. They are usually found in bedrooms and living rooms to provide a little extra storage. Shop for a range of antique and vintage door chests on 1stDibs.
- What is a campaign chest?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023A campaign chest is a chest of drawers that breaks down into smaller pieces for easier transport. Some people refer to this type of case furniture as a military chest. Although mobile furniture for military campaigns dates back to the Romans, the British Army in its global conquests in the 18th and 19th centuries defined the style we know as campaign furniture with sturdy and elegant pieces. Find a selection of campaign chests on 1stDibs.
- What is a mule chest?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021A mule chest is a low chest that has a drawer or a set of drawers at its base and a hinged top. It stands on legs or brackets and it is usually wider than it is deep. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary mule chests from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- What is a marriage chest?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021A marriage chest is an ornate chest that is given as a gift or dowry to the bride by her parents. It was popular during the Renaissance period in Italy. It was especially used to hold a bride's dowry goods or other possessions. Find marriage chests and other vintage and antique case pieces on 1stDibs.
- What is a Bombay chest?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A Bombay chest is a piece of wooden furniture — a chest that bulges outward in the front and on the sides and then curves in at the base. This style of chest was popularized in 17th century French design.
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