Desks with Mirrors
Late 20th Century American Georgian Secretaires
Brass
Antique 1860s German Desks and Writing Tables
Nutwood, Pine, Burl
Mid-20th Century Italian Desks
Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Rococo Desks
Wood
Antique 18th Century Dutch Desks
Wood, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Italian Desks
Mirror, Kingwood, Rosewood, Burl
Antique 19th Century French Directoire Desks
Brass
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Desks
Ormolu
Antique 19th Century French Empire Desks
Wood
Mid-20th Century Danish Secretaires
Mirror, Rosewood
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires
Glass, Teak
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Secretaires
Wood, Lacquer, Mirror
Vintage 1930s English Georgian Secretaires
Mirror, Satinwood, Walnut
Early 20th Century European Secretaires
Mirror, Mahogany, Pine
Antique 18th Century French Queen Anne Secretaires
Mirror, Walnut
20th Century Italian Louis XV Secretaires
Mirror, Wood
Antique 1860s European Secretaires
Mahogany
Antique 18th Century Italian Rococo Secretaires
Paper, Mirror, Wood
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Secretaires
Wood
Antique 1780s English George III Secretaires
Mahogany
Vintage 1970s Asian Chinoiserie Secretaires
Brass
Antique 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Secretaires
Mirror, Wood, Walnut
Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Rococo Secretaires
Wood, Glass
Mid-20th Century English French Provincial Secretaires
Fruitwood
Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Secretaires
Wood
Antique Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Secretaires
Wood
Antique 1820s German Biedermeier Secretaires
Elm, Walnut
Antique 18th Century Italian Rococo Secretaires
Metal, Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Secretaires
Wood
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires
Teak
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Secretaires
Bronze
Antique 1780s German Louis XVI Secretaires
Walnut
20th Century American Hollywood Regency Secretaires
Wood
Late 20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Secretaires
Wood
20th Century Italian Secretaires
Glass, Paint
1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires
Leather, Oak
Vintage 1960s Austrian Biedermeier Secretaires
Wood
Antique 1870s French Renaissance Revival Secretaires
Walnut
Antique 1820s Swedish Biedermeier Secretaires
Ash, Ebony
Antique 1780s French Louis XVI Secretaires
Boxwood, Cherry, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Italian Cabinets
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary French Other Secretaires
Birch
Antique 1750s English George II Bookcases
Walnut
Antique 19th Century Secretaires
Walnut
Antique 1830s Danish Secretaires
Mahogany
Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Secretaires
Wood
20th Century American Secretaires
Mirror, Walnut
Early 20th Century Italian Baroque Secretaires
Walnut, Mirror
Antique Early 19th Century Italian Empire Secretaires
Mirror, Giltwood, Walnut
Antique Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Secretaires
Metal, Brass
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Teak
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Teak
Antique 1720s English George I Secretaires
Walnut
Antique Early 18th Century Italian Baroque Secretaires
Walnut
Antique 1720s English Queen Anne Secretaires
Oak
Antique 1850s French Rococo Revival Secretaires
Marble, Ormolu
Vintage 1950s French Secretaires
Sycamore
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Secretaires
Early 20th Century French Louis XIV Secretaires
Brass
Antique Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Secretaires
Birch, Walnut
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Desks with Mirrors For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Desks with Mirrors?
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 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.
- 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.
- 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 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 tanker desk?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021A tanker desk is a type of desk made of a simple rectangular working surface that rests on two pedestals. A tanker desk can also take the form of a large surface that rests on a pair of small cabinets consisting of drawers of multiple sizes. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary tanker desks from some of the world’s top dealers 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 captain's desk?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A captain’s desk is sometimes referred to as Davenport desk. It is a small desk with an inclined desktop that can be lifted to access large storage space. It has smaller spaces in the form of small drawers and pigeonholes on the sides. This desk owes its name to Captain Josiah Davenport (1771–1836) who was the first to commission the design. Find a collection of antique and vintage desks on 1stDibs today.
- What is a kneehole desk?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A kneehole desk refers to the type of desk that has a recessed, or “knee hole,” underneath between sets of drawers. The design leaves ample room for your legs when you are in a seated position. Shop a selection of antique kneehole desks 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.
- What is a hutch on a desk?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A hutch is a set of cabinets or shelves placed on top of a desk. Hutches can also be found on counters, drawers, and even cabinets.
- What is a writing desk?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
A writing desk may refer to a desk with a top, often sloping, for writing on or to a portable case with compartments to hold writing materials and a surface for writing.
- 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 an executive desk?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024An executive desk is a desk often found in the offices of C-suite executives and other professionals. Compared to a standard writing desk, an executive desk is typically larger. Many feature ornate details and/or rare materials, like exotic hardwoods. Although designs vary, most executive desks have a pedestal design with a center space that provides legroom positioned between stacked drawers. Find a diverse assortment of desks on 1stDibs.
- What are pier mirrors?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Pier mirrors are mirrors that are placed on a supporting wall between two windows, sometimes in the same shape and style as the window itself. You’ll find a collection of pier mirrors from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Can mirrors be shipped?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, mirrors can indeed be shipped. The trick to packing them is to have the mirror and frame suspended by packaging, not just wrapped in bubble wrap. You’ll find a large variety of mirrors from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs. And yes, you can even get them delivered.
- What is a floating mirror?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A floating mirror is a huge round mirror with two geometric elements that appear to be floating within its surface. When installed, floating mirrors are attractive and create depth and dimension. Shop a range of antique and vintage floating mirrors on 1stDibs.
- What is a federalist mirror?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A federalist mirror is a type of wall mirror used for checking your reflection or purely for decorations. The mirrors date back to the dawn of the U.S. A number of manufacturers produced them from 1776 to 1806. Most feature elements of neoclassical style like fluted frames. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of wall mirrors.
- What is a facet mirror?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A facet mirror is a mirror designed in an intentionally artful way, intended to be a talking piece in your décor. Designs range from circular rounds, to stacked rectangles and even art deco styles. Shop a range of facet mirrors from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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