French Directoire Style Narrow Secretary Desk in Wood, Orange Gray Lacquered
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This Secretary is a handmade modernized interpretation of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. This period design is remarkable with its straight, classical an...
Leather, Wood, Cherry, Lacquer
Narrow 30" Wide 4 Drawers Slant Front Secretary Desk w/ Glass Doors Bookcase
By Henredon
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Narrow 30" Wide 4 Drawers Slant Front Secretary Desk w/ Glass Doors Bookcase MINT
Brass
Fine Narrow Classical Secretaire Bookcase, New York
Located in Providence, RI
In order to fill the larger rooms of houses that increased in size during the early 19th century, Classical or Empire case pieces came in larger proportions than their antecedents. T...
Mahogany
19th Century French Secretaire
Located in Nashville, TN
This 19th century narrow French Secretaire features a top drawer which opens to reveal a desk and four operable drawers.
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 74 in W 26 in D 18.5 in
Vintage Narrow Georgian Inlay Mahogany Secretary Desk & Bookcase Secretaire
Located in West Hartford, CT
Expertly hand made in England, this classic Georgian secretary desk has a bookcase above. The original finish s to die for - see pics. It also features delicate banding and a tradit...
Glass, Mahogany
Sold
H 61.03 in W 31.5 in D 16.15 in
19th Century Narrow Biedermeier Secretaire, Walnut, Cherry, Austria circa 1820
Located in Greven, DE
Narrow Biedermeier writing cabinet, Secretaire Austria (Vienna) Walnut, cherry tree Biedermeier around 1820 Dimensions: H x W x D: 155 x 80 x 41 cm Description: When clos...
Cherry, Walnut
Sold
H 59.85 in W 37.8 in D 18.51 in
19th Century Narrow Biedermeier Secretary, Padouk, Antique Secretaire circa 1825
Located in Greven, DE
Narrow Biedermeier Secretary Central/Eastern Germany Probably Padouk 19th century, Biedermeier, circa 1825 Dimensions: H x W x D: 152 x 96 x 47 cm Description: Very nice ...
Padouk
Sold
H 55.91 in W 29.53 in D 14.97 in
Late 18th Century Narrow Oak Swedish Study Cabinet / Secretaire in Empire Style
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Beautiful and in fully original condition Swedish oak secretaire or study cabinet features black round columns with brass details and a top drawer with brass hangings. Beneath a key-...
Metal, Brass
Sublime Narrow Tall English Antique Secretary with Shell Decoration
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Incredibly pretty tall narrow English secretary having gorgeous bookshelf top with original glass and slant front that opens to reveal exquisite cubbies and drawers as well as a tool...
Leather, Glass, Mahogany
Sold
H 55.5 in W 30 in D 15 in
French Neoclassical Style 19th Century Secrétaire with Arabesques and Flowers
Located in Atlanta, GA
Created in France during the 19th century, this painted secrétaire features a narrow drawer at the top sitting above a drop front desk adorned with a bouquet of flowers surrounded by...
Wood
Sold
H 72.5 in W 26 in D 16 in
Narrow Venetian Italian Circassian Walnut Mirrored Secretary Desk, circa 1930
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a beautiful desk with a great narrow width that's perfect for smaller spaces or an entryway. The secretary is in good original condition with a fine aged patina on the mirror...
Walnut
Sold
H 63.39 in W 37.41 in D 19.3 in
Narrow German Biedermeier Secretary with Secret Drawer, Walnut, circa 1840
Located in Greven, DE
Narrow antique Biedermeier cabinet with secret compartment Hesse/Palatinate Walnut etc. Biedermeier around 1840 Dimensions: H x W x D: 161 x 95 x 49 cm Description: Narro...
Walnut
Sold
H 75.5 in W 32.75 in D 21 in
Incredible Carved Italian Luigi Frullini Narrow Figural Walnut Secretary Desk
By Luigi Frullini
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This incredible Italian secretary desk, attributed to the renowned 19th-century master carver Luigi Frullini, is a museum-worthy example of Renaissance Revival craftsmanship. Execute...
Walnut
French Faux Bamboo Cherry Bookcase/Secrtaire
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is a warm, mellow French faux bambooLouis XVI style bookcase/secretaire. The narrow molded cornice and prominent frieze are positioned over two glazed cabinet doors with figure-...
Cherry
Sold
H 33 in W 25.5 in D 10.5 in
Parquetry Kingwood Secretaire Cabinet Cupboard - shallow narrow depth
Located in London, by appointment only
France, circa 1850. A fine 19th century secretaire cabinet veneered in book matched kingwood veneers, the upper section with a fold out writing surface and three leather fronted b...
Kingwood
Sold
H 53.94 in W 37.01 in D 14.97 in
Narrow Antique Biedermeier Secretaire In Pine Sweden Late 19th Century
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Note that this cabinet has a narrow shape what makes it very easy to place into tiny spaces.
Pine
Sold
H 60.5 in W 26 in D 17 in
Narrow Width Antique Italian Provincial Secretary Desk with Lined Surfaces
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a very narrow Italian secretary desk with one door containing 2 shelves, 10 drawers, and a drop desk. Its perfect for small spaces and is beautiful because of its simpilicty ...
Wood
Sold
H 40.5 in W 25.25 in D 21 in
Narrow Raised Lacquer Black Chinoiserie Slatfront Secretary Desk circa 1950
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delive...
Walnut
Sold
H 89 in W 35 in D 21 in
Tall Narrow English Turn of Century Mahogany Georgian Secretary Beveled Glass
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Turn of the century mahogany Georgian two part secretary leather top desk writing table with individual beveled glass panes.
Mahogany
$2,072
H 72.45 in W 28.75 in D 17.33 in
Secretary Desk In English Style With Drop-Front & Display Cabinet In Mahogany
Located in Lejre, DK
Secretary desk in mahogany with drop-front and display cabinet in classic English style from around 1890. Elegant and functional antique furniture. — Origin: England / Europe — Peri...
Mahogany
$6,120
H 89.77 in W 51.19 in D 22.05 in
Antique Regency Figured Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase Desk With Glazed Doors
Located in Suffolk, GB
A fine quality Regency figured mahogany secretaire bookcase of elegant proportions. The upper section with glazed doors featuring distinctive shaped astral mouldings, enclosing adjus...
Mahogany
$2,796Sale Price|20% Off
H 98.75 in W 42 in D 22.5 in
Fantastic American Centennial Solid Walnut Philadelphia Carved Secretary Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Discover timeless elegance with this fantastic American Centennial solid walnut Philadelphia carved secretary desk, a true testament to 19th-century craftsmanship. This exquisite pie...
Walnut
$1,152Sale Price|20% Off
H 65.36 in W 40.56 in D 17.72 in
Antique French Secretaire / Bureau in Mahogany
Located in Leicester, GB
Beautiful Antique French flame Mahogany secretaire/bureau/cabinet. The inside is lined with maple and finished with ebonized black details. The cabinet has got lots of charm and char...
Mahogany
$2,595
H 76.25 in W 36.5 in D 18.75 in
Georgian Solid Birch Drop Front Secretary Desk With Bookcase Hutch
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful Georgian, Chippendale, or Early American style bureau with drop front secretary desk and bookcase hutch top USA, Circa 1970s Gorgeous carved solid birch, with original ...
Brass
19th Century English Sheraton Mahogany Secretary Desk, 1820
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A slender mahogany bureau bookcase with secretary desk, made in England, circa 1820. The secretary’s upper body is crowned with a broken pediment–a classic Sheraton feature–above gla...
Brass
19th Century Ebonised Secretaire
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
An elegant nineteenth-century secretaire, distinguished by its striking ebonised exterior and refined Neoclassical-inspired brass fittings. The secretaire is constructed with a soli...
Brass
$3,295
H 84 in W 35 in D 17.5 in
Chippendale Flame Mahogany Drop Front Secretary Desk With Lighted Bookcase Hutch
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding Chippendale or Georgian style bureau with drop front secretary desk and lighted bookcase hutch top In the manner of Baker Furniture By Jasper Cabinet Co. USA, Circa...
Brass
$1,320Sale Price|20% Off
H 69.75 in W 40.5 in D 23.5 in
Antique Empire Classical Flame Mahogany Secretary Desk c1840
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Empire Classical Flame Mahogany Secretary with Blind Door Upper, Drop Down Desk and Graduated Drawers C1840 Measures - 69 3/4" x 40 1/2" x 23 3/8"
Mahogany
$1,312Sale Price|25% Off
H 39.5 in W 25.25 in D 18.13 in
Antique Queen Anne Secretary Desk 19th Century
Located in Fulton, CA
A 19th century Queen Anne secretary desk crafted in solid mahogany with flame mahogany detail. Fitted interior with pigeon hole and drawer storage. Nice glow to finish and patina. Be...
Mahogany
$3,220
H 57 in W 37.5 in D 18.5 in
19th Century French Empire Abattant Secretary Desk in Flame Mahogany Drop Down
Located in Atlanta, GA
This French Empire Abattant Secretary Desk from the late 19th century is a striking piece of furniture, crafted from flame mahogany. The abattant (drop-front) design allows for a con...
Wood, Mahogany
$6,000
H 59.65 in W 32.68 in D 15.95 in
Danish Art Deco Bureau in Flame Birch with Fall-Front Writing Surface, 1930s
Located in Lejre, DK
This elegant Danish Art Deco bureau from the 1930s is a remarkable example of fine Scandinavian craftsmanship and timeless design. Handmade by a skilled Danish cabinetmaker, it is cr...
Birch
Antique Mahogany Secretaire with 4 Drawers from the 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
Antique secretaire from the 1840s made of hand-polished mahogany. The secretaire features four drawers and a writing flap, with a classic design typical of the mid-19th century. — P...
Mahogany
Vintage Italian Neoclassical Paint Decorated Secretary Desk
Located in Perkasie, PA
Vintage Italian Neoclassical Paint Decorated Secretary Desk – Item L73538 This beautiful vintage Italian secretary desk showcases the refined elegance of Neoclassical design with a ...
Wood
$2,310Sale Price|30% Off
H 41.75 in W 38 in D 20.5 in
Antique American Federal Hepplewhite Mahogany Slant Drop Front Secretary Desk
Located in Dayton, OH
This antique American Federal period Hepplewhite slant-front desk is meticulously crafted from warm, richly grained mahogany dating back to the early 19th century (circa 1800–1820). ...
Brass
$4,544 / item
H 52.76 in W 24.81 in D 15.75 in
French Directoire style handcrafted secretary desk in cherry wood & leather pad
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This Secretary is a handmade modernized interpretation of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. This period is remarkable with its straight, classical and timel...
Leather, Wood, Cherry, Lacquer
$4,900 / item
H 34 in W 86 in D 42 in
Custom Made Modern English Arm Sofa in Performance Linen Velvet - 86"
By Bloom Home Inc
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
This beautiful english arm sofa has a modern twist, with its single bench cushion, and beautiful curved apron sides. It’s upholstered in a Linen Velvet Performance fabric. Shown in...
Linen, Velvet
$4,845 / item
H 56.11 in W 25.6 in D 19.1 in
Arcate sideboard, in Canaletto walnut by Accardibuccheri Medulum for Medulum
By Mauro Accardi & Silvia Buccheri
Located in Meolo, Venezia
Il settimanale Arcate fa parte di una collezione esclusiva che include comodini e comò, ideata dal rinomato studio milanese Accardi Buccheri per il brand MEDULUM. La scocca, realizza...
Walnut
Sold|$2,050
H 20.87 in W 19.3 in D 16.34 in
Finnish Art Deco Three-Tiered Side Table in Dark-Stained Birch, 1930s
Located in Karis, Nyland
A distinctive Finnish side table rooted in early Nordic modernism and Finnish Art Deco furniture. The overall form is calm and assured, with a confident architectural profile – three...
Birch
Small English Painted Bureau
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Small 18th Century English bureau with an antiqued painted blue finish and ncie fitted interior. 1780
Leather, Oak
$11,161 / set
H 72.05 in W 89.77 in D 25.99 in
Art Deco Bedroom Set: Armoire, Bed and Mirror - France, 1920s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Lovely and lively exotic bedroom set comprised of one three-door wardrobe, a double bed and a large mirror. The set is lacquered in red and black with gilt and silvered decor repr...
Vintage Two Door Burl Wardrobe
Located in Denver, CO
Vintage one-of-a-kind, custom made wardrobe in an Art Deco style Maple burl veneered doors and sides stained in a rich Walnut tone Beautiful curved sides and molding Interior tr...
Wood, Maple, Birdseye Maple, Burl
Italian Art Deco Side Table, Hand-Carved, 1930, Northern Italy
Located in New York, NY
A stylish and classic Italian 1930's Art Deco briar wood side table; with one shelf. Northern Italy, circa 1930 Size: 29 3/4" high x 29 1/2" diameter
Birch
$14,950
H 98.5 in W 36.5 in D 21.5 in
Queen Anne Style Burton-Ching Black Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Bookcase
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Queen Anne Style Burton-Ching Black Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Bookcase
Wood, Lacquer
$18,324
H 71.66 in W 82.68 in D 25.6 in
A corner sofa by J.M. Middelraad for H. Pander & Zn, circa 1900, The Netherlands
By H.Pander & Zonen
Located in Delft, NL
A corner sofa by J.M. Middelraad for H. Pander & Zn A corner sofa with fabric upholstery. The beautiful hand-carved details in Art Nouveau patterns and dragonflies, as well as on th...
Fabric, Palmwood
$2,295
H 51.5 in W 29 in D 17 in
R. J. Horner Style Antique Victorian Carved Oak Slant Front Secretary Desk
By R.J. Horner & Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Victorian or Arts & Crafts slant front writing desk In the manner of R.J. Horner & Co. USA, Circa 1890s Carved quarter sawn oak, with original brass hardware. D...
Brass
Beautiful Solid Cherry Desk by Harden, NY, Moser Style
By Harden Furniture 1, Thomas Moser
Located in Miami, FL
Solid cherry desk with hidden compartments, hand cut dovetail construction and a leather writing top made by Harden Furniture. Writing surface height is 29" Knee clearance height is ...
Cherry
$4,750
H 34 in W 55.5 in D 25.25 in
Fine Quality 18th Century French Carved Walnut Bronze Mounted Louis XV Commode
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite 18th century French Louis XV commode is a masterful example of fine craftsmanship, timeless design, and historic charm. Expertly hand-carved from rich walnut, the comm...
Bronze
French 18th Century Massive Louis XV Carved Armoire
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Louis XV period (18th century) French solid walnut armoire with stylized carvings that trace the dramatic paneled doors and serpentine apron, giving this large storage piece its hist...
Iron
Aldo Rossi 'Teatro' Chairs for Molteni, Italy c 1983
By Molteni & C, Aldo Rossi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Post-Modern 'Teatro' side chairs in solid beech wood designed by architect Aldo Rossi and Luca Meda and manufactured by Italian furniture company Molteni circa 1980s. These beautiful...
Leather, Wood, Beech
Roll Top Secretary Desk, French Walnut with Marquetry Inlay
Located in Toronto, CA
Elegant Edwardian Cylinder Roll Top Secretary Desk, French Walnut with Marquetry & Parquetry Inlay– English Craftsmanship Step back in time with this exquisite Edwardian cylinde...
Hardwood
19th Century French Walnut Secretary Desk, Louis Philippe Style
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A wonderful walnut secretary desk from 19th century France. The desk can be separated into two bodies: a lower writing surface, and the upper glass-front cabinet. The top cabinet ha...
Walnut, Leather, Glass
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.
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