Drop Top Desk
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Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Desks
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Brass
Mid-20th Century American Chippendale Secretaires
Brass
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Teak
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Teak
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Antique 19th Century French Desks and Writing Tables
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Glass, Cherry
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Brass
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Glass, Mahogany
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Bronze
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Teak
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Wood
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Wood
Vintage 1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Desks
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Teak
Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Louis Philippe Secretaires
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Marble, Brass
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Teak
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Teak, Birch
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Teak
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Oak
Antique Mid-19th Century English Georgian Secretaires
Leather, Glass, Cherry, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Teak
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Teak
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Brass
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Brass
Early 20th Century French Cabinets
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Teak
Early 20th Century French Secretaires
Marble, Bronze
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Palisander
Vintage 1940s American Cabinets
Brass
Antique 19th Century Swedish Secretaires
Vintage 1950s American Secretaires
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Aluminum, Steel
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Fabric, Teak
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Bronze
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Bronze
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Teak
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Pine
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Walnut
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Wood, Paint
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Lacquer
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Teak
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Oak, Teak
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Brass
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Teak
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Glass, Wood
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Drop Top Desk For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Drop Top Desk?
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 drop-waist top?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A drop-waist top is a garment worn on the top half of the body. It features a waist seam positioned below the natural waist area and creates the illusion that the wearer has a longer torso. On 1stDibs, find a variety of vintage and designer tops.
- What is a roll top desk?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A roll top desk is a piece of furniture that has a wooden cover that can be pulled down when the desk is not in use. Shop a collection of roll top furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023A 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.
- What is a roll top desk called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Sometimes, roll-top desks are called tambours, sliding roll desks or roll-up desks. However, roll-top is the most commonly used name. The style of desk became popular during the 19th century. You can find a range of roll-top desks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023The leather top on a desk is usually just called a leather top. However, some people refer to it as a leather insert or leather writing surface. The thin pieces of leather that go into making leather-top desks are known as skivers. Shop a variety of desks from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A roll top desk kept small essentials and paperwork organized. The roll top design was ideal for business people to secure their desks at the end of the day without filing away their work. Browse a variety of roll top desks on 1stDibs.
- Can I paint a leather desk top?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021Yes, you can paint a leather desk top. You can transform an old leather desk top and add visual appeal with easy-to-use leather paint. If you don’t feel confident in trying this by yourself, get in touch with a furniture restorer or related professional for help. Find a variety of leather desk tops on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Roll-top desks are originally from the late 18th century in the Georgian era of England. By the middle of the Victorian era, they were found in most offices and produced on a large scale. Shop a range of antique roll-top desks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To tell if a roll-top desk is an antique, look closely at the materials. Real antiques feature hardwoods like cherry, mahogany and black walnut. If you detect the use of engineered woods, the desk is a reproduction. Also, early pieces show off irregular dovetail joints. Joints that appear perfectly uniform indicate that a roll-top desk is a more recent mass-produced piece. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of expertly vetted antique roll-top desks.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A roll top desk can be worth anywhere between $3,000 to $6,000, depending on the condition, materials used and time of manufacturing. Roll top desks are expensive, as they are very popular on the antique furniture market and are considered timeless collectibles. Shop a range of antique and vintage roll top desks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A variety of factors can determine the exact age of an antique roll top desk. Some things to look for is the type of wood and craftsmanship used to create the desk. Typically, older desks will be made from heavier wood. You can also check for a maker’s marks to determine the age. When in doubt, work with a certified appraiser to determine the authenticity of your roll top desk. You’ll find a variety of expertly vetted roll top desks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023In 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.
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