Large Secretary Desk
2010s French Neoclassical Secretaires
Leather, Wood, Cherry, Lacquer
2010s French Neoclassical Secretaires
Leather, Wood, Cherry, Lacquer
21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writi...
Wood, Ash, Lacquer
21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writi...
Wood, Ash, Lacquer
21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writi...
Wood, Ash, Lacquer
21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writi...
Wood, Ash, Lacquer
21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writi...
Wood, Ash, Lacquer
21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writi...
Wood, Ash, Lacquer
2010s Federal Desks
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Secretaires
Wood, Ash, Lacquer
21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Secretaires
Wood, Ash, Lacquer
21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Secretaires
Wood, Ash, Lacquer
Antique Late 18th Century French Directoire Secretaires
Brass, Iron
Late 20th Century Renaissance Secretaires
Mahogany
Antique Late 18th Century Classical Roman Secretaires
Wood, Oak, Walnut
Vintage 1970s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Rosewood
Vintage 1970s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Rosewood
Vintage 1940s Mid-Century Modern Desks
Rattan
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Desks
Brass, Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Desks
Bronze, Brass
Vintage 1960s American Chippendale Secretaires
Brass
Metal
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Secretaires
Bronze
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Aluminum
Antique 18th Century and Earlier German Baroque Secretaires
Oak, Paint
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires
Teak
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires
Teak
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Metal
Antique Early 1900s American Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables
Wood
Vintage 1980s North American Chippendale Desks
Walnut
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Walnut
Antique Early 19th Century English Hepplewhite Bookcases
Brass
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Teak
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Bookcases
Teak
Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Secretaires
Mid-20th Century Desks and Writing Tables
Mid-20th Century Secretaires
Antique 1880s Scottish Dressers
Oak
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets
Walnut
Large Secretary Desk For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Large Secretary 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.
- 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, 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021An 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.
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