How does a secretary desk work?

A 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.

What era are secretary desks from?

Secretary 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.

Why are secretary desks called that?

A 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.

How much is my antique secretary desk worth?

An antique secretary desk will range in value depending on its authenticity and condition. The price can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. On 1stDibs find the antique secretary desk you’re looking for today.

Ladies Secretary Desk

Drop Front Writing Desk

Chippendale Secretary

French Vanity Desk

French Drawer Pulls

Louis Quinze

Drop Front Walnut Secretary

Antique French Secretaries

Chippendale Antique Ball And Claw Desk

20th-Century Mahogany & Pine Wood Vennered With Mahogany Ladies' Secretary Desk

$2,914Sale Price|20% Off

H 47.64 in W 47.25 in D 24.02 in

20th-Century Mahogany & Pine Wood Vennered With Mahogany Ladies' Secretary Desk

Located in Opole, PL

20th-Century Mahogany & Pine Wood Vennered With Mahogany Ladies' Secretary Desk Step into timeless elegance with this stunning antique French-style writing desk and vanity, a rare a...

Category

Early 20th Century European Secretaires

Materials

Mirror, Mahogany, Pine

Antique Chippendale Style Walnut Drop Front Secretary Ladies Writing Desk

$2,575

H 36.23 in W 27.96 in D 17.72 in

Antique Chippendale Style Walnut Drop Front Secretary Ladies Writing Desk

Located in Miami, FL

An antique early 20th century ladies' secretary desk. Made from walnut with a maple writing surface.

Category

Early 20th Century European Chippendale Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Chippendale Style Walnut Drop Front Secretary Ladies Writing Desk

$1,900

H 36.23 in W 27.96 in D 17.72 in

Antique Chippendale Style Walnut Drop Front Secretary Ladies Writing Desk

Located in Miami, FL

An antique early 20th century ladies' secretary desk. Made from walnut with a maple writing surface.

Category

Early 20th Century European Chippendale Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Kingwood and Walnut Ladies French Secretary Louis XV Desk

$3,996Sale Price|50% Off

H 37 in W 30.75 in D 21 in

18th Century Kingwood and Walnut Ladies French Secretary Louis XV Desk

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This 18th century French ladies secretary desk is a fine example of Louis XV craftsmanship, beautifully constructed in kingwood and walnut with elegant proportions and refined detail...

Category

Antique 1780s French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Kingwood, Walnut

Late 19th Century Small Ladies’ Writing Desk

$4,583

H 38.59 in W 25.99 in D 18.12 in

Late 19th Century Small Ladies’ Writing Desk

Located in Stahnsdorf, DE

Masterfully Crafted Small Ladies’ Writing Desk A superbly detailed ladies’ secretary desk, richly decorated with intricate marquetry in walnut, maple, ash, and various other fine wo...

Category

Antique 1890s French Louis XVI Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Ladies Desk or Secretary in Louis Quinze Style

$3,917

H 31.11 in W 41.74 in D 24.41 in

Ladies Desk or Secretary in Louis Quinze Style

Located in Berlin, DE

Ladies desk / table / secretary in Louis Quinze style Inlays on solid softwood.

Category

20th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Courtly ladies' secretary signed F. Linke around 1880 Paris

$23,660

H 37.41 in W 40.16 in D 24.02 in

Courtly ladies' secretary signed F. Linke around 1880 Paris

Located in Berlin, DE

Courtly ladies' secretary signed F. Linke around 1880 Paris Solid oak wood veneered with fine veneer and packaged over a wide area. Fire-gilded and finely chased bronze and cambered.

Category

Antique 19th Century Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Early 20th Century French Louis XV Style Rosewood Inlaid Ladies Secretary

$8,051Sale Price|50% Off

H 35.44 in W 31.5 in D 22.05 in

Early 20th Century French Louis XV Style Rosewood Inlaid Ladies Secretary

Located in Sofia, BG

Small ladies secretary animated form of veneer wood and rosewood marquetry, opening to two drawers in step. Bronze ornaments, pull handles the removable tray covered with leather, cu...

Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XV Desks

Materials

Rosewood

Spectacular masterspiece ladies writing secretary desk Napoleon III, 1860 France

$12,000

H 48.82 in W 25.19 in D 14.57 in

Spectacular masterspiece ladies writing secretary desk Napoleon III, 1860 France

Located in Wien, AT

A masterpiece of French craftsmanship - a Napoleon III era ladies writing secretary desk, circa 1860. The piece of furniture has a slender, high structure, with a richly decorated f...

Category

Antique 1860s French Secretaires

Materials

Marble, Brass, Bronze

French Provincial Vanity Secretary or Ladies Desk w/Distressed Antiqued Finish

$2,495

H 54.75 in W 30 in D 20 in

French Provincial Vanity Secretary or Ladies Desk w/Distressed Antiqued Finish

Located in Topeka, KS

Is it a vanity? YES! Is it a secretary or Ladies Desk? YES!!! Is it yours?? NOT YET (insert sad face) ….

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown French Provincial Vanities

Materials

Brass

Recent Sales

20th-Century Richy Inlaid Ladies Secretary Desk in the Louis XV Type

Sold

H 36.23 in W 30.91 in D 17.33 in

20th-Century Richy Inlaid Ladies Secretary Desk in the Louis XV Type

Located in Opole, PL

20th-Century Richy Inlaid Ladies Secretary Desk in the Louis XV Type We present you a ladies secretary desk, whose size resembles that of Louis XV furniture.

Category

Early 20th Century European Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Antique Chippendale Style Walnut Drop Front Secretary Ladies Writing Desk

Sold

H 40 in W 18 in D 30 in

Antique Chippendale Style Walnut Drop Front Secretary Ladies Writing Desk

Located in Dayton, OH

An antique early 20th century ladies' secretary desk. Made from walnut with a maple writing surface.

Category

Early 20th Century Chippendale Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Super Rare 19th Century Transforming Ladies Desk, Empire Secretary, Mahogany

Sold

H 29.53 in W 20.48 in D 22.05 in

Super Rare 19th Century Transforming Ladies Desk, Empire Secretary, Mahogany

Located in Greven, DE

Convertible antique writing desk France Mahogany Empire, 19th century Dimensions: H x W x D: 84 x 52 x 56 cm. Description: Quite exceptional and extremely rare solid maho...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

French Maple & Leather Top Bureau De Dame Ladies Secretary Writing Desk Library

Sold

H 39 in W 38 in D 20 in

French Maple & Leather Top Bureau De Dame Ladies Secretary Writing Desk Library

Located in Dayton, OH

A magnificent 20th century French Provincial Bureau De Dame. Burea de Dame translates to ladies office. A writing desk that is often petite yet functional. Made of maple with a serpe...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Maple

Antique French Ladies Writing Desk Vanity

Sold

H 35 in W 28 in D 19 in

Antique French Ladies Writing Desk Vanity

Located in West Hartford, CT

Antique French ladies kingwood secretary desk with parquetry pattern all around.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Lambert Hitchcock Black Harvest Stenciled Secretary Writing Desk Console

Sold

H 39 in W 32 in D 18 in

Vintage Lambert Hitchcock Black Harvest Stenciled Secretary Writing Desk Console

By Lambert Hitchcock

Located in Dayton, OH

Mid 20th Century Lambert Hitchcock Black Forest stenciled ladies' secretary writing desk or console table. Made of maple featuring black ebonized finish with gold accents and stencil...

Category

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

Materials

Maple, Paint

1960s Pennsylvania House Cherry Queen Anne Flip Top Step Back Desk or Secretary

Sold

H 40.5 in W 18.5 in D 34 in

1960s Pennsylvania House Cherry Queen Anne Flip Top Step Back Desk or Secretary

By Pennsylvania House

Located in Dayton, OH

Pennsylvania House solid cherry step back secretary or ladies desk, circa 1960s. Features nine drawers and interior cubby for paperwork storage.

Category

Vintage 1960s Queen Anne Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry

19th Century Swedish Oak Ladies’ Writing Desk Secretary

Sold

H 40 in W 34 in D 215 in

19th Century Swedish Oak Ladies’ Writing Desk Secretary

Located in Round Top, TX

Swedish oak ladies’ writing desk or secretary featuring a Bombay-curved lower chest with three drawers.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Baroque Secretaires

Materials

Iron

Antique Late Victorian Petite Oak Slant Top Secretary Ladies Writing Desk 28"

Sold

H 41.5 in W 27.5 in D 14 in

Antique Late Victorian Petite Oak Slant Top Secretary Ladies Writing Desk 28"

Located in Dayton, OH

Late Victorian Oak Ladies Secretary Deks, Circa 1900. Features a carved backspash over shelf and slant front.

Category

Antique Early 1900s American Victorian Secretaires

Materials

Oak

Theodore Alexander Chippendale Style Burl Wood Arch Top Writing Secretary Desk

Sold

H 79 in W 29 in D 17.5 in

Theodore Alexander Chippendale Style Burl Wood Arch Top Writing Secretary Desk

Located in Toledo, OH

Theodore Alexander Chippendale style ladies burl wood secretary writing desk. Historical reproduction Italian made with dove tail drawer construction.

Category

20th Century Unknown Chippendale Secretaires

Materials

Burl

Early 1900s Georgian Style Walnut & Burl Inlaid Ladies Secretary Desk by Gillow

Sold

H 36.6 in W 22 in D 16.5 in

Early 1900s Georgian Style Walnut & Burl Inlaid Ladies Secretary Desk by Gillow

By Waring & Gillow

Located in Lisse, NL

Very elegant writing table by Waring & Gillow. This little masterpiece of early 20th century furniture making is an absolute joy to own, use and to look at. All handcrafted by one o...

Category

Early 20th Century English Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

French Louis XVI Marquetry Ladies Secretary Writing Desk

Sold

H 34.5 in W 33 in D 14 in

French Louis XVI Marquetry Ladies Secretary Writing Desk

Located in West Hartford, CT

Exquisite French Louis XVI style small secretary desk that features marquetry and inlay detail. The top folds down to reveal a writing surface with small cubbies and drawers. There a...

Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Hepplewhite Ladies Desk

Sold

H 44 in W 40.5 in D 21 in

Hepplewhite Ladies Desk

Located in Woodbury, CT

Very fine Hepplewhite inlaid mahogany two part ladies secretary desk, with tambour top section opening to cubbys and dividers with small drawers, flanked by inlaid columnar designs, ...

Category

Antique 19th Century American Desks

Materials

Mahogany, Pine, Poplar

Louis Seize Style Ladies Desk / Secretary in Walnut, circa 1925

Sold

H 43.71 in W 31.3 in D 19.49 in

Louis Seize Style Ladies Desk / Secretary in Walnut, circa 1925

Located in Lüdinghausen, DE

Ladies desk restored Louis Seize style circa 1925 walnut secretary Features: High quality Drawers pronged Elaborate carved decoration Original fittings Delicate and very attr...

Category

20th Century Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Walnut

Antique ladies' secretary Louis Quinze around 1750

Sold

H 51.97 in W 33.86 in D 21.66 in

Antique ladies' secretary Louis Quinze around 1750

Located in Würzburg, DE

✓ Unique piece ✓ Special eye-catcher ✓ Hand-painted & gold-plated Dimensions: W: 55cm H: 58cm D: 55cm Article: Antique ladies secretary Item no.: 1039 Provenance: France, Louis XV...

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Hepplewhite Style Inlaid Mahogany Two Part Ladies Secretary

Sold

Hepplewhite Style Inlaid Mahogany Two Part Ladies Secretary

Located in Stamford, CT

A Hepplewhite Inlaid Mahogany Ladies Tambour Desk In Two Sections.The Upper Section Having A Rectangular Top With Floral & Swag Inlaid Tambour Sliding Doors,Opening To Reveal An Inte...

Category

Antique 19th Century American Desks

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

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$1,650 / item

H 16.1 in Dm 11.5 in

'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö

By Örsjö Industri AB

Located in Glendale, CA

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Category

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Materials

Textile

Rosso Wall Mirror

$1,395 / item

H 31.5 in W 23.63 in D 1.97 in

Rosso Wall Mirror

By Specchi Veneziani

Located in Milan, IT

Crafted in the finest Murano tradition, this exquisite Venetian mirror is a true work of art. Assembled with crystal and gold elements, and adorned with red glass flowers, each piece...

Category

2010s Italian Renaissance Wall Mirrors

Materials

Glass

George III Bureau Desk or Secretary Chest from the 18th Century

$5,895

H 42 in W 40.38 in D 21.5 in

George III Bureau Desk or Secretary Chest from the 18th Century

Located in Austin, TX

A fine George III slant top desk or bureau secretary chest of elm, oak and padouk woods, c.1780 - an inlaid slant front drops to reveal a series of small drawers and document compart...

Category

Antique 18th Century English George III Secretaires

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Antique Louis XV Walnut Side Table or Ladies Desk, France, Circa 1730

$1,660

H 26.78 in W 34.65 in D 22.84 in

Antique Louis XV Walnut Side Table or Ladies Desk, France, Circa 1730

Located in LA CIOTAT, FR

This antique French Louis XV side table, or ladies desk, is a real 18th century gem. Crafted from walnut, and opening with a single apron drawer, it would make a fabulous end table, ...

Category

Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

French Provincial Style Secretary Desk with Marquetry Inlays and Key

$3,890

H 39.5 in W 28.5 in D 17 in

French Provincial Style Secretary Desk with Marquetry Inlays and Key

Located in Soquel, CA

French Provincial Style Walnut Secretary Desk with Marquetry Inlays and Key. Original Finish.

Category

Antique 1860s Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Louis XV Style Chinoiserie Slant-Top Desk

$5,750

H 37.75 in W 30 in D 15.5 in

Louis XV Style Chinoiserie Slant-Top Desk

Located in Pembroke, MA

A stunning, petite French slant-top desk or "bureau de pente" in the Louis XV style, turquoise and gold polychromed with Chinoiserie detailing, and red under-body. Desk opens to rev...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Louis XV Desks

Materials

Bronze

Gorgeous Antique English Inlaid Walnut Carlton House Desk Circa 1900

$3,895

H 42 in W 48 in D 26 in

Gorgeous Antique English Inlaid Walnut Carlton House Desk Circa 1900

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This stunning antique English Carlton House desk, circa 1900, is a superb example of Edwardian-era craftsmanship and timeless design. Fashioned from fine walnut, the desk is richly d...

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Mid-Century Italian Venetian Hand Painted Chinoiserie Secretary Desk

$3,475

H 37.75 in W 40.5 in D 20 in

Mid-Century Italian Venetian Hand Painted Chinoiserie Secretary Desk

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is a beautiful piece. This is a lovely mid-century Italian chinoiserie secretary desk. The coral and gilt interior makes such a vibrant statement. Each panel of the serpentine f...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

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19th Spanish Walnut Desk with Two Drawers and Solomonic Turning Legs

$4,320Sale Price|20% Off

H 27.96 in W 39.38 in D 23.23 in

19th Spanish Walnut Desk with Two Drawers and Solomonic Turning Legs

Located in Miami, FL

19th Spanish walnut desk with two drawers and solomonic turning legs and solomonic stretcher it is carved in four sides It has a central lock for both drawers and carved wood fox l...

Category

Antique 1890s French Baroque Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

19th Century Louis Philippe Mahogany Bureau Plat Desk, Hand-Crafted

$2,500

H 29.75 in W 51 in D 25.5 in

19th Century Louis Philippe Mahogany Bureau Plat Desk, Hand-Crafted

Located in Winter Park, FL

A 19th century French Louis Philippe style bureau plat, or desk, made of solid and veneer of mahogany. Double sided, the back has false drawers so this desk may be free floated in a ...

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Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Desks and Writing Tables

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Brass

Fantastic Paint Decorated Faux Marble Interior Venetian Secretary Desk

$3,000Sale Price|38% Off

H 81.5 in W 36 in D 21 in

Fantastic Paint Decorated Faux Marble Interior Venetian Secretary Desk

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This fantastic paint decorated Venetian secretary desk with faux marble interior is a remarkable statement piece that captures the artistry and elegance of 19th to early 20th century...

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Antique Early 1900s Italian Louis XV Secretaires

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Large Conversation Settee - Canapé à confident - Sofa

Sold|~~$18,805~~

H 39.38 in W 116.15 in D 26.38 in

Large Conversation Settee - Canapé à confident - Sofa

Located in Paris, FR

Very unusual and large conversation settee - canapé à confident. Carved gilt-wood and velvet fabric, circa 1880.

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Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Canapes

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Velvet, Wood

Period French Napoleon III Mahogany Bonheur Du Jour Antique Ladies Writing Desk

$1,140

H 44 in W 31 in D 19 in

Period French Napoleon III Mahogany Bonheur Du Jour Antique Ladies Writing Desk

Located in Forney, TX

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Late 19th Century French Ladies Writing Desk

$4,763

H 33.08 in W 22.84 in D 16.15 in

Late 19th Century French Ladies Writing Desk

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A good quality late 19th century French bureau De-Dame, having wonderful marquetry floral inlay to the fall and top, opening to reveal a shelf, drawers and a slide opening to a well....

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Antique C1870s French Louis XVI Style Inlaid King Wood Ladies Writing Desk

$1,495

H 50 in W 28 in D 18.25 in

Antique C1870s French Louis XVI Style Inlaid King Wood Ladies Writing Desk

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This exquisite antique French Louis XVI style writing desk, dating to the 1870s, showcases the refined craftsmanship and elegance of 19th-century French furniture design. Crafted in ...

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20th Century Pair of Biedermeier Nightstands with Marble Top, One-Drawer & Door

$2,380Sale Price / set|20% Off

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20th Century Pair of Biedermeier Nightstands with Marble Top, One-Drawer & Door

Located in Miami, FL

Pair of antique Biedermeier style bedside cabinets, late 19th-early 20th century, possibly French or Spanish, each in oblong rectangular form, the marble atop a fabric-lined surface,...

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Tables Under $2,000

Antique and Vintage Tables

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Ladies Secretary Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal ladies secretary desk for your home. Each ladies secretary desk for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, metal and hardwood. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect ladies secretary desk — we have versions that date back to the 19th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available. Each ladies secretary desk bearing louis xv, Hollywood Regency or Louis XVI hallmarks is very popular.

How Much is a Ladies Secretary Desk?

The average selling price for a ladies secretary desk at 1stDibs is $4,571, while they’re typically $800 on the low end and $28,466 for the highest priced.

Questions About Ladies Secretary Desk

How does a secretary desk work?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A 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.
What era are secretary desks from?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Secretary 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.
Why are secretary desks called that?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
A 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.
How much is my antique secretary desk worth?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
An antique secretary desk will range in value depending on its authenticity and condition. The price can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. On 1stDibs find the antique secretary desk you’re looking for today.