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Drop Down Writing Desk

Maurice Villency Danish Teak Drop Down Desk
By Maurice Villency
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish Teak Drop-Down Desk. A refined example of mid-century craftsmanship, this piece combines clean
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Maurice Villency Danish Teak Drop Down Desk
Maurice Villency Danish Teak Drop Down Desk
$1,600 Sale Price
20% Off
H 44.5 in W 33.5 in D 17.5 in
Korean Campaign Style Secrétaire Cabinet Chest with Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
down writing desk and fitted with numerous storage drawers. Adorned with opulent brass hardware, hinges
Category

20th Century Korean Campaign Furniture

Materials

Brass

Korean Campaign Style Secrétaire Cabinet Chest with Desk
Korean Campaign Style Secrétaire Cabinet Chest with Desk
$2,200 Sale Price
43% Off
H 50.5 in W 34.5 in D 25.5 in
Danish Modern Rosewood Bookcase Cabinet By Brouer Møbelfabrik
By Erik Brouer, Brouer Mobel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
, feature recessed open adjustable shelving and a lockable, drop-down, writing desk or bar serving surface
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Rosewood, Glass

18th Century, Italian Neoclassical Marquetry Wood Secretary
Located in IT
. Depth with the drop-down door open 90 cm. Writing desk height 75 cm. This elegant secretary desk was
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Secretaires

Materials

Wood, Boxwood, Rosewood

Recent Sales

Vintage Teak Bureau / Desk by Remploy, 1970s
By Remploy
Located in Ely, GB
Mid Century, Teak Bureau / Desk Made by Remploy - 1970s. The bureau has 1 drop-down writing desk
Category

Vintage 1970s British Mid-Century Modern Secretaires

Materials

Teak

Vintage Teak Bureau / Desk by Remploy, 1970s
Vintage Teak Bureau / Desk by Remploy, 1970s
H 39.77 in W 29.93 in D 16.15 in
Rosewood Asian Writing Desk with Drop Down Front
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Rosewood writing desk with drop down front. 100% rosewood. No veneer in this piece, circa 1980
Category

Vintage 1980s Malaysian Malayer Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Fine Streamline Art Deco KEM Weber Desk Cabinet
By Kem Weber
Located in Mount Penn, PA
function. The drop down desk writing shelf measures at 26 3/4" in depth and 27" in width.
Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Desks

Vintage Danish Mid Century Modern Teak Secretary Desk by Borge Mogensen
By Børge Mogensen
Located in San Marcos, CA
turning into a writing desk while offering storage+shelvings. The lower end sports four dove tail built
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires

Materials

Teak

Vintage Danish Mid Century Teak Secretary Desk in the Manner of Arne Vodder
By Arne Vodder
Located in San Marcos, CA
before its refinishing, features a vibrant wood grain, a drop down door turning into a writing desk
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires

Materials

Teak

Louis Philippe period Secretary
Located in Toronto, ON
writing desk, covered in leather. Interior is blond Burt's eye Maple. Another hidden drawer at the top and
Category

Antique 19th Century French Secretaires

Louis Philippe period Secretary
Louis Philippe period Secretary
H 61 in W 38 in D 16 in
Oak Hanging Wall Shelf with Chair
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Amazing oak hanging wall shelf with drop down writing desk. Can also be used as a bar. Original
Category

Vintage 1960s American Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Oak Hanging Wall Shelf with Chair
Oak Hanging Wall Shelf with Chair
H 24 in W 72 in D 10 in
19thC Lacquered Chinoisse Cabinet
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Exquisite red lacquered Chinoisse cabinet with drop down writing desk and embossed art work.
Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Desks

19thC Lacquered Chinoisse Cabinet
19thC Lacquered Chinoisse Cabinet
H 49 in W 25.5 in D 13.5 in
Danish Teak Student Desk / Vanity with Drop-Down Surface by Povl Dinesen
By Povl Dinesen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Povl Dinesen teak petite desk efficiently compact with a pull-out / drop down surface concealing
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Danish Teak buffet / pull out writing desk by Poul Hundevad
By Poul Hundevad
Located in Van Nuys, CA
down writing desk, adjustable shelving and covered cubby spaces. The lower cabinet doors open to reveal
Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Mid-20th Century French Louis XVI Style Fruitwood Side Table or Writing Table
Located in Fayetteville, AR
green leather top and a drawer with a drop down pullout writing desk. Its drop down surface locks using
Category

Mid-20th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

British Campaign Teak Secretary Chest of Drawers and Desk, Early 1900's
Located in Nantucket, MA
brass flush drawer pulls. It features a center drop down writing desk with a fitted interior. The desk
Category

Early 20th Century Campaign Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Poul Cadovius Denmark Cado Wall Unit
By Poul Cadovius
Located in San Diego, CA
, 1-glass paneled display case and one drop down writing desk with interior drawers. Overall length
Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Poul Cadovius Denmark Cado Wall Unit
Poul Cadovius Denmark Cado Wall Unit
H 69 in W 128 in D 14.75 in
Borge Mogensen Teak Bureau
By Børge Mogensen
Located in London, GB
-down writing desk, offering a spacious and smooth workspace. Inside, you'll find a series of
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Teak

Borge Mogensen Teak Bureau
Borge Mogensen Teak Bureau
H 120 in W 100.5 in D 46.5 in
Antique English Mahogany Hepplewhite Tambour Desk Circa 1820
Located in Big Flats, NY
compartments over drop down desk opening to writing surface over two long drawers having bookmatched facing
Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Hepplewhite Desks

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

Pair of Midcentury French Louis XVI Style Fruitwood Writing Desk Side Tables
Located in Fayetteville, AR
drop down pullout writing desks with gold tooled cognac leather tops. Each drop down surface locks
Category

Mid-20th Century French Louis XVI Side Tables

Materials

Bronze

Pastoe Rosewood Desk and Storage Unit
Located in Los Angeles, CA
. Drop Down Desk with Formica Writing Surface, Felt Lined Flatware Drawer, and Stacking Double Door
Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Secretaires

Materials

Steel

Pastoe Rosewood Desk and Storage Unit
Pastoe Rosewood Desk and Storage Unit
H 48 in W 69 in D 17.5 in
Antique European Secretary Hutch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
-down writing surface. - drop-down desk height: 36" H - overall depth (with drop-down desk out): 30
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Rustic Secretaires

Materials

Pine

Antique European Secretary Hutch
Antique European Secretary Hutch
H 83.5 in W 43 in D 18.5 in
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaire
Located in Charleston, SC
Early 19th century Swedish Gustavian secretaire in original patinated colors with drop down writing
Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires

Materials

Pine

19th Century Dutch Secretaire
Located in Charleston, SC
19th century Dutch Bureau/Secretaire with drop down writing surface. The desk interior is a
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Dutch Secretaires

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Dutch Secretaire
19th Century Dutch Secretaire
H 40.75 in W 38.75 in D 23.5 in
Danish Rosewood Wall Mounted Cabinets by Cado ca. 1960s
By Arne Vodder, Poul Cadovius
Located in Peabody, MA
writing desk.
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Rosewood, Glass

18th Century Swedish Period Gustavian Secretary with Library
Located in Wichita, KS
surface. There are drawers below the drop-down front desk. The writing surface height is 35 in. The full
Category

Antique 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Bookcases

Original English 1930s Art Deco Blonde Wood Bureau
Located in Devon, England
which becomes a writing desk with leather inset writing surface with a lovely fitted interior behind in
Category

Mid-20th Century English Art Deco Secretaires

18th Century Swedish Period Gustavian Secretary with Library
Located in Wichita, KS
surface. There are three large drawers below the drop-down front desk. The writing surface height is 29.44
Category

Antique 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Cees Braakman "CB07" Birch Secretary/ Cabinet For Pastoe, 1953
By Cees Braakman, Pastoe
Located in The Hague, NL
drawers for storage. The drop down leave becomes a writing desk. The cabinet is made of birch wood and is
Category

Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Secretaires

Materials

Birch

French Walnut Secretary
Located in Asheville, NC
cubbies, carved cabriole legs with drop down writing desk.
Category

20th Century American Desks

Materials

Brass

French Walnut Secretary
French Walnut Secretary
H 81 in W 28 in D 19 in
Swedish 18th Century Writing Desk And Dresser
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
One of a kind writing desk with drop-down writing desk and multiple cubbyholes for papers etc
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Dressers

Materials

Stone

Mid Century Modern Compact Drop Down Secretary Desk . Circa 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid Century Modern Compact Drop Down Secretary Desk . Circa 1960s Features a sleek Mid
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Walnut

French 19th C. Table w/ Unusual & Creative Drop Down Storage-Great for Crafting
Located in Atlanta, GA
. This fabulous little 19th century French table will make a great stationary/writing or crafting desk
Category

Antique 19th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Vintage Drexel "Kensington" Faux Bamboo Wall Unit
By Drexel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
, (three) drawers, and drop-down desk or writing surface. Please confirm item location (NY or NJ) with
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Wood

1960s Danish Teak Bookcase Desk
Located in Hudson, NY
A good looking Danish bookcase with drop down writing desk. The writing surface is black laminate
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

1960s Danish Teak Bookcase Desk
1960s Danish Teak Bookcase Desk
H 68.25 in W 36 in D 18 in
1960s Mid-Century Modern Walnut Room Divider / Wall Unit with Drop-Down Desk
Located in Hawthorne, CA
Walnut shelving wall unit with drop-down writing desk and black hardware. Cabinet storage on left
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Vintage Danish Mid-Century Modern Teal Secretary Desk by Erling Torvitz
By Erling Torvits
Located in San Marcos, CA
refinishing, features a vibrant wood grain, a drop down writing desk door revealing multiple storage options
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires

Materials

Teak

Gothic Victorian Writing Desk and Chair
Located in Tarleton, GB
. Above is a small shelf area and then a drop-down writing desk with elegant carved detail to the front
Category

Antique 1830s British Victorian Bookcases

Materials

Leather, Oak

Gothic Victorian Writing Desk and Chair
Gothic Victorian Writing Desk and Chair
H 49.22 in W 24.02 in D 10.24 in
Antique English George III Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase 1790-1810
By Thomas Chippendale
Located in Minneapolis, MN
down writing desk with interior fittings including hidden leather book spine letter drawers titled
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier British George III Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany, Glass, Silk

Superb George III Marquetry Inlaid Mahogany Bureau Bookcase
Located in London, west Sussex
with a central drop down writing desk top complete with compartments and sectioned drawers, one of
Category

Antique Early 19th Century British Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

Mid Century Teak Writing Desk / Bureau by Jentique, 1960s
By Jentique
Located in Leamington Spa, GB
: Drop-down hinged writing desk. Two smaller inner drawers and shelving space inside the desk area
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Secretaires

Materials

Teak

Vintage Danish Midcentury Teak Secretary Desk Attributed to Johannes Andersen
By Johannes Andersen
Located in San Marcos, CA
, features a vibrant wood grain, a drop down door turning into a writing desk revealing storage cubbies and
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires

Materials

Teak

Vintage British Mid-Century Modern Teak Secretary Desk by A. Younger Ltd.
Located in San Marcos, CA
England to California, offers multiple storage options plus a drop down door-writing desk. This secretary
Category

Vintage 1960s English Mid-Century Modern Secretaires

Materials

Teak

Vintage Danish Midcentury Teak Secretary Desk in the Manner of Arne Vodder
By Viby J. PMJ
Located in San Marcos, CA
before its refinishing, features a vibrant wood grain, a drop down door turning into a writing desk
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires

Materials

Teak

Midcentury Swedish Oak Secretary Desk with Drop Down Front Writing Tablet
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Midcentury Swedish oak secretary desk with drop down front writing tablet. Recently refinished.
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires

Materials

Oak

Vintage Danish Mid Century. Modern Rosewood Secretary Bookcase
Located in San Marcos, CA
-writing desk revealing more storage. Excellent condition. Dimensions: 39.5"W/16"D/78.75"H.
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires

Materials

Rosewood

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Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, Model Razorblade, Denmark, Oak
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Taichiro Nakai Teak Wall Cabinet by Consorzio La Permanente Mobili, 1950s
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Drop Down Writing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic drop down writing desk available at 1stDibs. A drop down writing desk — often made from wood, hardwood and metal — can elevate any home. There are 89 variations of the antique or vintage drop down writing desk you’re looking for, while we also have 4 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer drop down writing desk, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. A drop down writing desk made by mid-century modern designers — as well as those associated with Scandinavian Modern — is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made drop down writing desk over the years, but those crafted by Baker Furniture Company, Herman Miller and George Nelson are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Drop Down Writing Desk?

A drop down writing desk can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $5,000, while the lowest priced sells for $556 and the highest can go for as much as $76,500.

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.

Questions About Drop Down Writing Desk
  • 1stDibs 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.

  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    In French, the term for a writing desk that often featured a drop-down writing surface is secretaire. This type of desk is called a secretary desk in English. 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, which are called pigeonholes, cubbies, recesses or drawers, are revealed. On 1stDibs, shop antique secretary desks from some of the world's top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    A small writing table is also called a davenport table or davenport desk. They normally feature a sloped or inclined top attached with hinges to the back of the table. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage davenport desks.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    A writing desk with drawers is also called a secretary. It is a desk with drawers, one of which can be pushed out and the front of the desk lowered to create a flat writing surface. These writing desks have been made in a variety of styles over the years. Shop for a variety of writing tables with drawers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    A drop-front desk is usually called a secretary. Other names for this type of desk include writing cabinet, fall-front desk and secrétaire à abattant. The name secretary can be traced back to the 18th century when estate secretaries used the drop-front desks as workstations for paying bills and reconciling accounts. On 1stDibs, find a range of secretary desks.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    What an old-fashioned writing desk is called varies by design. Pieces with drop-down fronts are secretary desks (these are typically made of two parts: a chest of drawers on the bottom and a hutch or cupboard with shelves on the top), while ones that rest on two pillars, cabinets or bookcases are pedestal desks. A desk with a small writing surface positioned in front of drawers and cubbies is a bureau à gradin. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of desks.

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