Skip to main content

Antique Plantation Desk

Antique Early American 19th Century Pine Plantation Desk
Antique Early American 19th Century Pine Plantation Desk

Antique Early American 19th Century Pine Plantation Desk

Located in Forney, TX

An early American 19th century pine plantation desk with nicely aged patina. Born in the Mid

Category

19th Century American Rustic Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Pine

American Southern Mahogany and Leather Plantation Desk with Reeded Legs, C. 1810
American Southern Mahogany and Leather Plantation Desk with Reeded Legs, C. 1810

American Southern Mahogany and Leather Plantation Desk with Reeded Legs, C. 1810

Located in Charleston, SC

American Southern Mahogany plantation desk with a molded edge hinged top, upper case with a fall

Category

1810s American American Colonial Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Mahogany, Leather, Poplar, Pine

c. 1840-1850 Southern Cherry Plantation Desk
c. 1840-1850 Southern Cherry Plantation Desk

c. 1840-1850 Southern Cherry Plantation Desk

$2,900

H 47.75 in W 38 in D 22.63 in

c. 1840-1850 Southern Cherry Plantation Desk

Located in Louisville, KY

American piece. Originating in Kentucky, Tennessee or the Carolinas, this Southern cherry hand-crafted desk

Category

Mid-19th Century American American Classical Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Brass, Iron

Antique Early 19th Century Plantation Desk Secretary + Bookcase Hutch Cabinet
Antique Early 19th Century Plantation Desk Secretary + Bookcase Hutch Cabinet

Antique Early 19th Century Plantation Desk Secretary + Bookcase Hutch Cabinet

Located in Dayton, OH

An exceptional mid to early 19th century primitive American Plantation writing desk / hutch

Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Poplar, Pine

19th Century Regency Style Mahogany Fall Front Plantation / Bookkeepers Desk
19th Century Regency Style Mahogany Fall Front Plantation / Bookkeepers Desk

19th Century Regency Style Mahogany Fall Front Plantation / Bookkeepers Desk

Located in Germantown, MD

19th Century Regency Style Mahogany Fall Front Plantation Desk / Bookkeepers Desk with needed legs

Category

Late 19th Century American Regency Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

Antique Berkey & Gay Walnut & Burl Plantation Drop Front Desk c1890
Antique Berkey & Gay Walnut & Burl Plantation Drop Front Desk c1890

Antique Berkey & Gay Walnut & Burl Plantation Drop Front Desk c1890

$1,320Sale Price|20% Off

H 68 in W 34 in D 18.75 in

Antique Berkey & Gay Walnut & Burl Plantation Drop Front Desk c1890

Located in Big Flats, NY

Antique Berkey & Gay Walnut & Burl Plantation Drop Front Desk C1890 Measures - 68" x 33 7/8" x 18

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Walnut

Anglo Indian Leather Teak Plantation Chair 19th Century
Anglo Indian Leather Teak Plantation Chair 19th Century

Anglo Indian Leather Teak Plantation Chair 19th Century

$1,856

H 34.65 in W 22.05 in D 37.41 in

Anglo Indian Leather Teak Plantation Chair 19th Century

Located in London, GB

on verandas in 19th Century British colonial plantations. There is no mistaking the superb quality

Category

1890s Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Brass

Antique Sheraton Mahogany Plantation Secretary c. Mid 19th Century
Antique Sheraton Mahogany Plantation Secretary c. Mid 19th Century

Antique Sheraton Mahogany Plantation Secretary c. Mid 19th Century

Located in Westfield, MA

A rare and beautifully proportioned mid-19th century Sheraton plantation sec retary, this piece

Category

Mid-19th Century American Sheraton Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Slant Front Country Plantation Cupboard
19th Century Slant Front Country Plantation Cupboard

19th Century Slant Front Country Plantation Cupboard

Located in Bridgeport, CT

An American, possibly Southern Plantation Cupboard with slant front desk in a medium stained Pine

Category

19th Century American Rustic Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Other

Recent Sales

Antique Plantation Desk
Antique Plantation Desk

Antique Plantation Desk

Unavailable

H 40.5 in W 33 in D 22.5 in

Antique Plantation Desk

Located in Cloverdale, IN

Uniques Sheraton styled plantation desk with folding top, when extended reveals a hideaway

Category

Late 18th Century American Sheraton Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Maple

Plantation Desk Arm Chair
Plantation Desk Arm Chair

Plantation Desk Arm Chair

Unavailable

H 42 in W 34 in D 19 in

Plantation Desk Arm Chair

Located in New York, NY

Teak Armchair with reclining back.

Category

Early 20th Century Philippine Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Teak

Unusual Walnut Plantation Writing Desk, Curiosity Cabinet
Unusual Walnut Plantation Writing Desk, Curiosity Cabinet

Unusual Walnut Plantation Writing Desk, Curiosity Cabinet

Located in New York, NY

Unusual Walnut Plantation Writing Desk Incredible form and proportion. Beautiful worn linen velvet

Category

Early 20th Century British Victorian Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Walnut

Antique 19th Century Walnut Shenandoah Valley Moravian Plantation / Postal Desk
Antique 19th Century Walnut Shenandoah Valley Moravian Plantation / Postal Desk

Antique 19th Century Walnut Shenandoah Valley Moravian Plantation / Postal Desk

Located in Charlotte, NC

An antique 19th Century American plantation / postal desk, handcrafted by Moravian craftsmen in the

Category

19th Century American American Craftsman Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Walnut

Plantation Desk
Plantation Desk

Plantation Desk

Sold

H 60 in W 36.5 in D 24 in

Plantation Desk

Located in Pasadena, CA

Antique plantation desk with multiple storage cubicles behind doors and two drawers below.

Category

Early 20th Century American Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Brass

American Plantation Desk
American Plantation Desk

American Plantation Desk

Sold

H 73 in W 31.5 in D 24 in

American Plantation Desk

Located in Charleston, SC

American Cherry slant top plantation desk with carved fluted columns,original interior drawers, and

Category

19th Century American Antique Plantation Desk

folk art plantation desk
folk art plantation desk

folk art plantation desk

Sold

H 68 in W 41 in D 22 in

folk art plantation desk

Located in Seattle, WA

charming utilitarian handmade plantation desk, great color and patina. lots of drawers and 2 large

Category

19th Century American Antique Plantation Desk

Primitive Antique Solid Walnut Plantation Desk Stepback Cabinet Hutch Bookcase
Primitive Antique Solid Walnut Plantation Desk Stepback Cabinet Hutch Bookcase

Primitive Antique Solid Walnut Plantation Desk Stepback Cabinet Hutch Bookcase

Located in Dayton, OH

Primitive antique solid walnut plantation desk stepback cabinet hutch bookcase Late 19th century

Category

Late 19th Century Mission Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Walnut

Antique Early American 19th C Plantation Desk Secretary Bookcase Hutch Cupboard
Antique Early American 19th C Plantation Desk Secretary Bookcase Hutch Cupboard

Antique Early American 19th C Plantation Desk Secretary Bookcase Hutch Cupboard

Located in Dayton, OH

An exquisite Early American Plantation, clerk or mail Desk, Circa mid 19th C.. This exceptional 2

Category

Mid-19th Century American Colonial Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Glass, Hardwood

Antique Early American 19th C Plantation Writing Desk Secretary Cabinet Cupboard
Antique Early American 19th C Plantation Writing Desk Secretary Cabinet Cupboard

Antique Early American 19th C Plantation Writing Desk Secretary Cabinet Cupboard

Located in Dayton, OH

A beautiful plantation or secretary desk featuring primitive styling with upper cabinet or bookcase

Category

Early 19th Century American Colonial Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Poplar, Walnut

Antique Victorian Chestnut & Walnut Plantation Drop Front Desk c1890
Antique Victorian Chestnut & Walnut Plantation Drop Front Desk c1890

Antique Victorian Chestnut & Walnut Plantation Drop Front Desk c1890

Located in Big Flats, NY

Antique Victorian Chestnut & Walnut Plantation Drop Front Desk C1890 Measures - 54 1/8" x 39

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Chestnut

Antique Federal Period Maple Plantation Secretary c. 1830
Antique Federal Period Maple Plantation Secretary c. 1830

Antique Federal Period Maple Plantation Secretary c. 1830

Located in Westfield, MA

This Federal period plantation secretary, crafted in solid maple, dates to circa 1830 and reflects

Category

1830s American Sheraton Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Maple

French Provincial Plantation Style Walnut Secretary Desk and Bookcase, 19th C.
French Provincial Plantation Style Walnut Secretary Desk and Bookcase, 19th C.

French Provincial Plantation Style Walnut Secretary Desk and Bookcase, 19th C.

Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL

This early (circa 1830) French Provincial plantation style walnut secretary desk and bookcase

Category

Early 19th Century French French Provincial Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Brass

American Sheraton Mahogany Plantation Desk. Circa 1820
American Sheraton Mahogany Plantation Desk. Circa 1820

American Sheraton Mahogany Plantation Desk. Circa 1820

Located in Charleston, SC

American Sheraton slant top mahogany one drawer plantation desk with original wooden knobs and

Category

19th Century American Sheraton Antique Plantation Desk

Walnut and Poplar Plantation Desk
Walnut and Poplar Plantation Desk

Walnut and Poplar Plantation Desk

Sold

H 61 in W 39.5 in D 25.5 in

Walnut and Poplar Plantation Desk

Located in Baltimore, MD

This is a charming and versatile plantation desk, journeyman-made in two pieces, in walnut and

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Poplar, Walnut

Antique Pine Wood American Primitive Flip Storage Work Plantation Desk Table
Antique Pine Wood American Primitive Flip Storage Work Plantation Desk Table

Antique Pine Wood American Primitive Flip Storage Work Plantation Desk Table

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique pine wood American primitive flip storage work plantation desk table. Item features

Category

19th Century North American Primitive Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Pine

Antique American 19th Century Painted Clerks Plantation Desk
Antique American 19th Century Painted Clerks Plantation Desk

Antique American 19th Century Painted Clerks Plantation Desk

Located in Richmond, Surrey

American primitive 19th century green painted clerks desk, possibly a plantation desk, circa 1880

Category

1870s American Primitive Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Pine

Antique Cherry & Tiger Maple New England Sheraton Plantation Desk/Secretary 1820
Antique Cherry & Tiger Maple New England Sheraton Plantation Desk/Secretary 1820

Antique Cherry & Tiger Maple New England Sheraton Plantation Desk/Secretary 1820

Located in Portland, OR

Antique cherry and tiger maple New England, Sheraton, plantation desk/secretary, circa 1820. To the

Category

1820s American Sheraton Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Cherry, Maple

Early to Mid 19th Century American Walnut Plantation Desk 2-pc
Early to Mid 19th Century American Walnut Plantation Desk 2-pc

Early to Mid 19th Century American Walnut Plantation Desk 2-pc

Located in Louisville, KY

such desk form that was simple in design and incredibly functional was the plantation desk or the

Category

Early 19th Century American Folk Art Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Walnut

Early 19th Century American Walnut Federal Style Drop-Front Desk
Early 19th Century American Walnut Federal Style Drop-Front Desk

Early 19th Century American Walnut Federal Style Drop-Front Desk

Located in Louisville, KY

Circa 1830's, this walnut Federal Sheraton style plantation desk has a single front drawer on the

Category

Early 19th Century American Federal Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Brass

French Provincial Plantation Style Walnut Secretary Desk, 19th Century
French Provincial Plantation Style Walnut Secretary Desk, 19th Century

French Provincial Plantation Style Walnut Secretary Desk, 19th Century

Located in Miami, FL

This early (circa 1830) French Provincial plantation style walnut secretary desk This is an

Category

Late 19th Century French French Provincial Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Walnut

French Provincial Plantation Style Walnut Secretary Desk with Shelves
French Provincial Plantation Style Walnut Secretary Desk with Shelves

French Provincial Plantation Style Walnut Secretary Desk with Shelves

Located in Miami, FL

This early (circa 1830) French Provincial plantation style walnut secretary desk is an especially

Category

Late 19th Century French French Provincial Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Walnut

Late 1800s Mahogany Plantation Desk
Late 1800s Mahogany Plantation Desk

Late 1800s Mahogany Plantation Desk

Sold

H 62.5 in W 37 in D 24 in

Late 1800s Mahogany Plantation Desk

Located in Katonah, NY

Late 1800s mahogany plantation desk with crotch mahogany veneer. Two drawers and many cubbies

Category

19th Century American Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Mahogany

Superb 19th Century Oak Plantation Desk
Superb 19th Century Oak Plantation Desk

Superb 19th Century Oak Plantation Desk

Sold

H 40 in W 58 in D 27 in

Superb 19th Century Oak Plantation Desk

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This is a solid oak plantation desk could be used as a server or hall table as well, its in great

Category

19th Century Spanish Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Oak

Plantation Desk
Plantation Desk

Plantation Desk

Sold

H 30 in W 73 in D 37.5 in

Plantation Desk

Located in New York, NY

Distressed Ironwood plank country style plantation table/desk.

Category

19th Century Philippine Antique Plantation Desk

Unusual Walnut Plantation Writing Desk, Curiosity Cabinet
Unusual Walnut Plantation Writing Desk, Curiosity Cabinet

Unusual Walnut Plantation Writing Desk, Curiosity Cabinet

Located in New York, NY

Unusual Walnut Plantation Writing Desk Incredible form and proportion. Beautiful worn linen velvet

Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Walnut

New Hope Plantation Desk
New Hope Plantation Desk

New Hope Plantation Desk

Sold

H 41.5 in W 70.75 in D 35.5 in

New Hope Plantation Desk

Located in Charleston, SC

This walnut plantation desk was made in New Orleans about 1835 and possibly built and retailed by

Category

19th Century Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Walnut

People Also Browsed

In the Wheatfield (Girl Standing in a Wheat Field)
In the Wheatfield (Girl Standing in a Wheat Field)

In the Wheatfield (Girl Standing in a Wheat Field)

By Winslow Homer

Located in Palm Desert, CA

"In the Wheatfield (Girl Standing in a Wheat Field)" is a painting by Winslow Homer. The painting is signed, lower left, "Homer 1873". The framed piece measures 29 3/4 x 21 5/8 x 2 7...

Category

1870s Realist Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Vintage Inspired Handcrafted Fluted Farmhouse Porcelain Pendant Light
Vintage Inspired Handcrafted Fluted Farmhouse Porcelain Pendant Light

Vintage Inspired Handcrafted Fluted Farmhouse Porcelain Pendant Light

By DBO Home

Located in Sharon, CT

Classic, elegant, with a perfectly imperfect touch. We just love our new porcelain Parasol Fluted Pendants. Inspired by a vintage pie cover, we designed them to hang over our kitchen...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Bohemian Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Brass

Rare Antique Edwardian Mahogany Drop Front Secretary Filing Cabinet Console 39"
Rare Antique Edwardian Mahogany Drop Front Secretary Filing Cabinet Console 39"

Rare Antique Edwardian Mahogany Drop Front Secretary Filing Cabinet Console 39"

Located in Dayton, OH

Rare Antique Edwardian filing cabinet secretary desk / console / music stand. Made of mahogany featuring a unique stacked design with upper secretary and lower filing cabinets. Pat...

Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Georgian Flame Mahogany Slant Front Secretary Writing Desk Bureau
Antique Georgian Flame Mahogany Slant Front Secretary Writing Desk Bureau

Antique Georgian Flame Mahogany Slant Front Secretary Writing Desk Bureau

$2,625Sale Price|30% Off

H 41.5 in W 42.5 in D 21.5 in

Antique Georgian Flame Mahogany Slant Front Secretary Writing Desk Bureau

Located in Dayton, OH

Exquisite antique early 19th century secretary writing storage desk. Made of flame mahogany featuring Georgian styling with three large dovetailed drawers and a drop front that open...

Category

19th Century American American Colonial Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Birdseye Maple, Mahogany

English 19th Century Pine Painted Butler's Pantry
English 19th Century Pine Painted Butler's Pantry

English 19th Century Pine Painted Butler's Pantry

$5,200

H 90.25 in W 77.25 in D 13.5 in

English 19th Century Pine Painted Butler's Pantry

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

A unique 19th century butler’s pantry made in England, circa 1860, beautifully crafted of English pine these Victorian-era cupboards provide abundant storage with classic style. Feat...

Category

19th Century English Early Victorian Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Wood, Pine

Outstanding Quality Antique Regency Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase
Outstanding Quality Antique Regency Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase

Outstanding Quality Antique Regency Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase

Located in Suffolk, GB

Outstanding quality antique regency mahogany secretaire bookcase having an unusual scroll shaped cornice above a pair of astral glazed doors opening to reveal three adjustable shelve...

Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Other

1970s Shaker Style Pine Desk and Hutch with Brass Hardware
1970s Shaker Style Pine Desk and Hutch with Brass Hardware

1970s Shaker Style Pine Desk and Hutch with Brass Hardware

Located in Round Top, TX

Charming two-piece, pine desk + hutch with Shaker proportions. Natural, oiled finish with simple brass hardware and two round, white porcelain pulls to glass front doors. Very good o...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Shaker Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Brass

American Sheraton Mahogany Campaign Desk, Circa 1820
American Sheraton Mahogany Campaign Desk, Circa 1820

American Sheraton Mahogany Campaign Desk, Circa 1820

$8,500

H 49.5 in W 26.5 in D 18.5 in

American Sheraton Mahogany Campaign Desk, Circa 1820

Located in Charleston, SC

American Sheraton mahogany Campaign slant front desk with two upper case flanking doors concealing pigeon holes, sliding lower case writing surface concealing fitted interior over si...

Category

1820s American Campaign Antique Plantation Desk

American Federal Mahogany & Satinwood Butler's Desk with Paw Feet. NY, C. 1810
American Federal Mahogany & Satinwood Butler's Desk with Paw Feet. NY, C. 1810

American Federal Mahogany & Satinwood Butler's Desk with Paw Feet. NY, C. 1810

Located in Charleston, SC

American Federal mahogany butler's desk with a carved molded edge, three upper drawers with original brass knobs, sliding fall front interior desk with Satinwood drawers and pigeon h...

Category

1810s American Federal Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Brass

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Desk Secretary
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Desk Secretary

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Desk Secretary

$2,396Sale Price|20% Off

H 34 in W 33.25 in D 25 in

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Desk Secretary

Located in San Angelo, TX

This beautiful and unique 19th century Swedish Gustavian writing desk is perfect for any room or hallway. The colors are amazing with the distress and dry scrapping for a perfect loo...

Category

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Wood, Pine, Paint

19th Century Southern Yellow Pine Huntboard
19th Century Southern Yellow Pine Huntboard

19th Century Southern Yellow Pine Huntboard

$5,200

H 41 in W 46.5 in D 20.75 in

19th Century Southern Yellow Pine Huntboard

Located in Richmond, VA

Great little 19th Century Southern Yellow Pine Huntboard- 41" high, tapered legs and 2 drawers. Recovered from a Winston Salem barn in the 1970s.

Category

19th Century American Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Pine

American Hepplewhite Mahogany Inlaid Fall Front Secretary with Bookcase, C. 1790
American Hepplewhite Mahogany Inlaid Fall Front Secretary with Bookcase, C. 1790

American Hepplewhite Mahogany Inlaid Fall Front Secretary with Bookcase, C. 1790

Located in Charleston, SC

American Hepplewhite mahogany satinwood string inlaid secretary bookcase with a hinged fall front leather writing surface, central arched tulip wood inlaid cornice with original bras...

Category

1790s American Hepplewhite Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Brass

Antique Country French Provincial Oak Vaisselier Buffet
Antique Country French Provincial Oak Vaisselier Buffet

Antique Country French Provincial Oak Vaisselier Buffet

Located in Forney, TX

A charming rustic country French Provincial oak vaisselier with beautifully aged patina. Born in France during the first half of the 19th century, hand-crafted of warm richly grai...

Category

19th Century French Country Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Oak

19th C. Regency Mahogany Chiffonier Tall Chest of Drawers Filing Cabinet Antique
19th C. Regency Mahogany Chiffonier Tall Chest of Drawers Filing Cabinet Antique

19th C. Regency Mahogany Chiffonier Tall Chest of Drawers Filing Cabinet Antique

Located in West Hollywood, CA

19th C. Regency Mahogany Chiffonier Tall Chest of Drawers Filing Cabinet Antique . A tall and Elegant 19th Century Regency chest of drawers Mahogany Chiffonier also chiffonnier. Its ...

Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Brass

Early 19th Century Fall-Front Desk
Early 19th Century Fall-Front Desk

Early 19th Century Fall-Front Desk

$7,500

H 39 in W 41 in D 22.5 in

Early 19th Century Fall-Front Desk

Located in Buchanan, MI

Handsome and functional Regency mahogany fall front desk, server, entry way piece, great inlay, elegant form. Exceptional exaggerated arched foot.

Category

19th Century North American Federal Antique Plantation Desk

Materials

Mahogany, Satin

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Antique Plantation Desk", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Antique Plantation Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the antique plantation desk you’re looking for. An antique plantation desk — often made from wood, walnut and brass — can elevate any home. There are many kinds of the antique plantation desk you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 19th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. An antique plantation desk is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Victorian styles are sought with frequency.

How Much is a Antique Plantation Desk?

Prices for an antique plantation desk start at $650 and top out at $24,000 with the average selling for $2,775.

Finding the Right Storage-case-pieces 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 Antique Plantation Desk
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    What antique desks are called depends on their design. A desk with chair cutouts on both sides is a partner desk, while one with a pull-down writing surface is a secretary. On a Davenport desk, the desktop lifts to reveal a storage area. Find a variety of antique, vintage and contemporary desks on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    An antique Davenport desk is a small writing desk, usually with four drawers on one side. The desk would have elaborately decorated supports and a recessed space for adequate legroom. Shop a collection of Davenport desks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A Davenport desk is a type of small desk with a distinct inclined desktop. The desktop covers a large storage compartment meant for keeping paper and other writing materials. Popular in the 19th century, Davenport desks are still sought after today. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique Davenport desks from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A 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 22, 2022
    To 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.

Read More

37 Cheerful Home Bars, Where Everybody (Literally) Knows Your Name

Simple or sophisticated, equipped with console, cart or custom cabinetry, these stylish bar areas deserve a toast.

The Ultimate Guide to Types of Tables for the Home

Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.

What Exactly Is a Secretary Desk, and What Is It Used For?

The furniture equivalent of a Swiss Army knife, it's the multifunctional piece you didn't know you needed.

This Shelving System with Oxidized Brass Tubes Is Retro and Futuristic at Once

Italian studio DimoreMilano mustered great ingenuity when crafting these sculptural shelves, which are built without any screws.

Ask an Interior Designer: Work-from-Home Edition

Leaping into a design project, whether it's refreshing the bedroom or redoing the whole house, can be overwhelming. Luckily, we know more than a few interior designers. You asked questions on Instagram, and now they're answering.

Collected and Eclectic, ‘Wunderkammern’ Are Back in a Big Way

Introduced nearly 500 years ago, curiosity cabinets are finding new fans among today's collectors and designers.

Meet the Incredible Woman Transforming Fallen Trees into Sleek Furniture

In the hands of New York Heartwoods cofounder Megan Offner, unwanted local trees become works of design art.

These New York Architects Love a Complicated Project

From Brooklyn townhouses to Maine campgrounds, Trattie Davies and Jonathan Toews relish a challenge, like transforming a former warehouse space into the new 1stdibs Gallery.