Skip to main content

Secretary Furniture Antique

to
349
2,612
709
2,024
906
614
468
441
441
338
338
296
118
76
58
56
47
45
44
43
42
42
42
40
34
33
32
30
29
21
20
19
7
6
6
5
2
2
2
2
1
1
5
5
4
4
3
Sort By
Secretary furniture in precious wood, stamped J. Popsel, Louis XV - 18th century
By Jean Pöpsel
Located in HÉRIC, FR
commissioned piece of furniture is a unique and extraordinary model, specially crafted by one of the greatest
Category

18th Century French Louis XV Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Bronze

1930s Rockford Furniture Jacobean Style Handcrafted Secretary Desk
By Rockford National Furniture Company 1
Located in Germantown, MD
A Jacobean-style slant front Hancrafted and handcarved by the renowned Rockford Chair and Furniture
Category

Early 20th Century Jacobean Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Brass

Lifetime Furniture Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Drop Front Secretary Desk
By Lifetime
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period drop front secretary desk By Lifetime
Category

Early 1900s American Mission Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Copper

Antique English Jacobean Carved Burl & Mixed Wood Drop Down Secretary
By Berkey & Gay Furniture
Located in Southampton, NJ
An early 20th C. Jacobean style bar cabinet Secretary with drop down front & three drawers
Category

Early 20th Century American Jacobean Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Brass

Antique Kittinger Spanish Colonial Walnut Fall Front Secretary Desk Barley Twist
By Kittinger Furniture Company
Located in Dayton, OH
Extremely rare 1 of a kind early Kittinger Spanish Colonial fall front secretary or library desk. A
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Colonial Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Walnut

Biedermeier Secretary
Located in South Salem, NY
Stunning example of a Biedermeier secretary. There is some missing veneer on the front and both
Category

19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Walnut

Antique Biedermeier Secretary
Biedermeier Secretary
H 82 in W 48.5 in D 24 in
Chippendale Secretary
Located in Wilson, NC
This English Chippendale secretary has a broken arch cornice with dentil molding and open fretwork
Category

1780s English Chippendale Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Brass

Antique Chippendale Secretary
Chippendale Secretary
H 89 in W 38.5 in D 21 in
Chippendale Secretary
Located in Wilson, NC
The top interior of this English Chippendale secretary has three adjustable shelves and five
Category

1770s English Chippendale Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Brass

Antique Chippendale Secretary
Chippendale Secretary
H 89 in W 42.25 in D 20 in
Intarsia Secretary
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted, this piece has been obviously been designed and created with love. Elegant intarsia inlays adorn the outside of this case piece. Inside hides a whimsical array of storag...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Birch

Antique Intarsia Secretary
Intarsia Secretary
H 42 in W 45.5 in D 17 in
Secretary Baroque Sweden
Located in New York, NY
A secretary made during the baroque period 1650 - 1750 in Sweden. Made from oak. All original
Category

18th Century Swedish Baroque Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Oak

Secretary Baroque Sweden
Secretary Baroque Sweden
H 40 in W 47 in D 33 in
Travel Secretary Rococo
Located in New York, NY
A travel secretary with position. Made in Sweden during the Rococo period 1750-1775. Made from oak
Category

Mid-18th Century Rococo Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Wood

Travel Secretary Rococo
Travel Secretary Rococo
H 37.5 in W 22 in D 21.5 in
Hand Painted Secretary
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand painted and silver gilt secretary with inset original glass mirrored doors and fitted interior.
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Mirror, Wood, Paint

Hand Painted Secretary
Hand Painted Secretary
H 96.5 in W 43.5 in D 19 in
Biedermeier Walnut Secretary
Located in Hudson, NY
Biedermeier Walnut Secretary Chest, Biedermeier walnut secretary with cabinet below. Desk has four
Category

19th Century Czech Biedermeier Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Walnut

Biedermeier Walnut Secretary
Biedermeier Walnut Secretary
H 37.5 in W 39.5 in D 20.5 in
Swedish Secretary Bureau
Located in South Salem, NY
A late 19th century Swedish secretary bureau with a drop front writing surface. Two over three
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Wood

Swedish Secretary Bureau
Swedish Secretary Bureau
H 43 in W 43 in D 21 in
Georgian Oak Secretary
Located in Sheffield, MA
Very handsome Georgian lowland oak secretary with walnut trim.
Category

Early 19th Century English Georgian Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Georgian Oak Secretary
Georgian Oak Secretary
H 41 in W 37 in D 21 in
Rene Prou Secretary
By René Prou
Located in Pompano Beach, FL
A Rene Prou palissander and sycamore secretary.
Category

Early 20th Century French Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Sycamore

Rene Prou Secretary
Rene Prou Secretary
H 56 in W 36 in D 17 in
British Colonial Secretary
Located in Stamford, CT
A British Colonial secretary, probably Anglo-Indian, in Campaign form with burl wood and ebony and
Category

19th Century Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Bone, Ebony

British Colonial Secretary
British Colonial Secretary
H 69.25 in W 37 in D 21 in
English Walnut Secretary
Located in Wilson, NC
English walnut secretary, the top with cove cornice above double ''tombstone''raised panel doors
Category

1760s English Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Brass

English Walnut Secretary
English Walnut Secretary
H 83 in W 37.5 in D 23.5 in
English Mahogany Secretary
Located in Wilson, NC
The top of this secretary has shaped raised panels. It has the original four lever lock and key
Category

1760s English Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Brass

English Mahogany Secretary
English Mahogany Secretary
H 88 in W 51.5 in D 25 in
Walnut Directory Secretary
Located in Madison, MS
This directory secretary was crafted in 1810, yet the condition of this desk seems practically new
Category

19th Century French Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Walnut

Walnut Directory Secretary
Walnut Directory Secretary
H 40.5 in W 47 in D 21 in
Dutch Table Top Secretary
Located in Tampa, FL
A miniature Dutch table top secretary, a salesman sample chest. It is very early 19th century could
Category

1890s Dutch Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Wood

Dutch Table Top Secretary
Dutch Table Top Secretary
H 12 in W 11 in D 6.5 in
Renaissance Revival Secretary
Located in New York, NY
Design details indicate that this secretary was made at the end of the Biedermeier period as
Category

1850s Swedish Renaissance Revival Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Walnut

Renaissance Revival Secretary
Renaissance Revival Secretary
H 56 in W 43 in D 20 in
Antique French Secretary
Located in Malibu, CA
This early 19th-century drop-leaf secretaire features the traditional Biedermeier ebony accents, columns, and matched woodgrain pattern. Unlike the high gloss finish of many pieces f...
Category

Early 19th Century French Biedermeier Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Brass, Other

Antique French Secretary
Antique French Secretary
H 59 in W 35 in D 17 in
Irish Georgian Secretary
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine and unusual 18th century Irish mahogany bureau bookcase, the pierced gallery top with Gothic details, the pilasters and door with rich and crisply carved shell and foliate desig...
Category

1750s Irish Georgian Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Mercury Glass, Mahogany

Irish Georgian Secretary
Irish Georgian Secretary
H 87 in W 43 in D 23 in
Chinese Export Campaign Secretary
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine Chinese export Campaign or travel secretary the top with foliate carved backsplash over
Category

1790s Chinese Campaign Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Hardwood

Chinese Export Campaign Secretary
Chinese Export Campaign Secretary
H 50 in W 28 in D 13 in
George III Mahogany Secretary
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
George III mahogany secretary, late 18th century. Pediment with dental molding, two glass doors
Category

Late 18th Century English George III Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Brass

George III Mahogany Secretary
George III Mahogany Secretary
H 88 in W 43.25 in D 22 in
18th Century Swedish Secretary
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
18th Century Swedish secretary with a decorative carved pediment. Composed below doors opening to
Category

18th Century Swedish Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Wood

18th Century Swedish Secretary
18th Century Swedish Secretary
H 87.01 in W 55.52 in D 20.08 in
Early 19th Century Secretary
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
Empire Secretary, Germany, 1820 A magnificent Empire-style secretary crafted in walnut veneer over
Category

Early 19th Century German Empire Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Walnut

Early 19th Century Secretary
Early 19th Century Secretary
H 70.48 in W 39.38 in D 18.12 in
18th Century English Secretary
Located in New Orleans, LA
Queen Anne period furnishings such as this walnut secretary are incredibly rare and important
Category

18th Century English Queen Anne Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Walnut

18th Century English Secretary
18th Century English Secretary
H 79 in W 36.5 in D 24 in
Louis XVI Cylinder Secretary
Located in Brussels, BE
Louis XVI cylinder secretary.
Category

Mid-18th Century French Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Wood

Louis XVI Cylinder Secretary
Louis XVI Cylinder Secretary
H 66.54 in W 45.67 in D 27.17 in
French 19th Century Secretary
Located in New Orleans, LA
This secretary desk opens up and offers a beautiful writing space, along with areas to store your
Category

Mid-19th Century French Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Bronze

French 19th Century Secretary
French 19th Century Secretary
H 54 in W 33 in D 15.25 in
19thc French Painted Secretary
Located in New Orleans, LA
Beautiful 19thc Robin’s egg blue secretary/fall front desk.
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XV Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Wood

19thc French Painted Secretary
19thc French Painted Secretary
H 39.25 in W 45.25 in D 23 in
18th Century Mahogany Secretary
Located in Eindhoven, NL
18th century mahogany secretary in beautiful original condition. Nice sleek interior, warm
Category

1770s Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century Mahogany Secretary
18th Century Mahogany Secretary
H 42.52 in W 38.98 in D 36.23 in
English Sheraton Satinwood Secretary
Located in Queens, NY
English Sheraton-style (19th Century) satinwood and inlaid small secretary with arched lattice
Category

19th Century Sheraton Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Glass, Satinwood

English Sheraton Satinwood Secretary
English Sheraton Satinwood Secretary
H 79 in W 27.75 in D 15.5 in
Austrian Biedermeier Cherrywood Secretary
Located in Queens, NY
Austrian Biedermeier (Circa 1835) cherry veneer drop front secretary with 2 ebonized and gilt
Category

19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Birch, Cherry

English Georgian Mahogany Secretary
Located in Queens, NY
English Georgian mahogany secretary cabinet with a bottom section with drawers and an upper section
Category

19th Century English Georgian Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Mahogany

English Georgian Mahogany Secretary
English Georgian Mahogany Secretary
H 88 in W 43.5 in D 22.5 in
German Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary
Located in Queens, NY
German Biedermeier (circa 1820) mahogany secretary cabinet with Corinthian columns on top and
Category

19th Century German Biedermeier Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Mahogany

German Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary
German Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary
H 82 in W 48 in D 25.5 in
English George II Secretary
Located in Wilson, NC
The top section of this secretary has three adjustable shelves and has two candlestick pullouts
Category

1720s English George II Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Brass

English George II Secretary
English George II Secretary
H 81.5 in W 40.5 in D 24 in
Continental Gustavian Painted Secretary
Located in Queens, NY
Continental Gustavian-style (Possibly Swedish/ Danish 18th Century) off-white painted secretary
Category

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Wood

Antique Secretary 19th century
Located in BARCELONA, ES
The secretary from 1840, made of veneered birch wood, is an exceptional piece that fuses
Category

19th Century Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Birch

Antique Secretary 19th century
Antique Secretary 19th century
H 56.3 in W 46.46 in D 22.84 in
Russian Mahogany Secretary Bookcase
Located in Queens, NY
Russian (18th Century) mahogany secretary bookcase with brass gallery pediment and trim with 2
Category

Late 18th Century Russian Empire Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Brass

Russian Mahogany Secretary Bookcase
Russian Mahogany Secretary Bookcase
H 97.5 in W 51.5 in D 24 in
Russian Mahogany Secretary Cabinet
Located in Queens, NY
Russian (Possibly Baltic) (18/19th Century) mahogany & bronze trim secretary cabinet with a roll
Category

18th Century Unknown Baltic Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Brass

Russian Mahogany Secretary Cabinet
Russian Mahogany Secretary Cabinet
H 88 in W 44.25 in D 23.75 in
Swedish Secretary with Marquetry
Located in New York, NY
, creating a setback for the upper writing surface. Crafted of Nordic birch and fir, the secretary features
Category

1920s Swedish Art Deco Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Birch

Swedish Secretary with Marquetry
Swedish Secretary with Marquetry
H 41.13 in W 40.5 in D 20.5 in
"Swedish Grace" Period Secretary
Located in New York, NY
Grace was the inspiration for this lovely birch secretary which makes working from home a joy
Category

1920s Swedish Art Deco Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Birch

"Swedish Grace" Period Secretary
"Swedish Grace" Period Secretary
H 41 in W 36 in D 17.5 in
Continental Dutch Satinwood Secretary
Located in Queens, NY
Continental Dutch-style (18/19th Century) satinwood and inlaid trimmed drop front desk with chinoiserie decorated lacquered panels and brass gallery
Category

Late 18th Century European Chinoiserie Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Brass

Continental Dutch Satinwood Secretary
Continental Dutch Satinwood Secretary
H 59 in W 33.5 in D 17.5 in
French Roll-Up Secretary, 1890s
Located in Miami, FL
Unique French roll-up secretary/desk in the transition style from around 1890 Wood and bronze
Category

Late 19th Century French French Provincial Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Wood

French Roll-Up Secretary, 1890s
French Roll-Up Secretary, 1890s
H 50.4 in W 32.9 in D 21.5 in
Empire Secretary Desk, Germany 1810
Located in Belmont, MA
German Empire Secretary Desk, circa 1810–1820 – Walnut Veneer, Brass Details, Shellac Finish This
Category

1810s German Empire Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Walnut

Empire Secretary Desk, Germany 1810
Empire Secretary Desk, Germany 1810
H 75.2 in W 38.98 in D 17.72 in
1930s Larkin Soap Secretary Desk
By Larkin & Co.
Located in Germantown, MD
Antique oak, slant front secretary made by Larkin. Measures 30.5" in width x 16" in depth x 46.5
Category

Early 20th Century American American Classical Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Oak

1930s Larkin Soap Secretary Desk
1930s Larkin Soap Secretary Desk
H 46.5 in W 30.5 in D 16 in
19th Century Bleached Oak Secretary
Located in Houston, TX
19th century bleached oak drop front secretary. A pair of drawers aligned neatly beneath a drop
Category

19th Century French Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Brass

Early 19th Century Mahogany Secretary
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
Early XIX Century Mahogany Secretary Germany, 1800 Mahogany This classicist cylinder bureau made
Category

Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Mahogany

Early 19th Century Mahogany Secretary
Early 19th Century Mahogany Secretary
H 47.25 in W 42.92 in D 23.63 in
Painted Swedish Secretary, 19th Century
Located in South Salem, NY
This 19th-century Swedish secretary is a captivating example of timeless design. Its cream-painted
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Wood

Painted Swedish Secretary, 19th Century
Painted Swedish Secretary, 19th Century
H 43 in W 40.75 in D 20 in
18th Century Swedish Chinoserie Secretary
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Late 18th Century Swedish Chinoserie secretary of elegant scale and proportions. With decorative
Category

18th Century Swedish Chinoiserie Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Wood

18th Century Swedish Chinoserie Secretary
18th Century Swedish Chinoserie Secretary
H 94.49 in W 42.13 in D 22.84 in
18th-Century English Georgian Secretary
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare 18th-century English Georgian-style secretary or butler chest, never restored with original
Category

18th Century English Georgian Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Wood

18th-Century English Georgian Secretary
18th-Century English Georgian Secretary
H 47.25 in W 53 in D 24.5 in
Biedermeier Secretary, Austria, 19th Century
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This Biedermeier secretary comes from Austria and was made in 19th century. It is made of
Category

19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Maple

Biedermeier Secretary, Austria, 19th Century
Biedermeier Secretary, Austria, 19th Century
H 58.27 in W 45.28 in D 19.69 in
French Louis XV Miniature Secretary
Located in Queens, NY
French Louis XV-style (19th Century) vitrine in the form of a miniature secretary with roll top and
Category

19th Century Louis XV Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Glass, Walnut

French Louis XV Miniature Secretary
French Louis XV Miniature Secretary
H 16 in W 10.25 in D 8 in
19th Century Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
19th Century Conical Shape Secretary, Germany, 1820 This fine Biedermeier secretary made of
Category

1820s German Biedermeier Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary
19th Century Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary
H 76.38 in W 41.74 in D 20.48 in
English 19th Century Sheraton Secretary
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A slender mahogany bureau bookcase with secretary desk, made in England, circa 1820. The
Category

19th Century English Sheraton Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Brass

English 19th Century Sheraton Secretary
English 19th Century Sheraton Secretary
H 88.5 in W 37 in D 18.25 in
Secretary In Walnut 18 ° Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
a fine Secretary in walnut and burr walnut from the 18th century Very good quality and small
Category

18th Century British Georgian Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Walnut

Secretary In Walnut 18 ° Century
Secretary In Walnut 18 ° Century
H 33.08 in W 24.02 in D 16.93 in
Early 19th Century Swedish Secretary
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Early 19th Century Swedish secretary. Decorative carved pediment with two doors with reeded
Category

19th Century Swedish Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Wood

Early 19th Century Swedish Secretary
Early 19th Century Swedish Secretary
H 41.34 in W 42.13 in D 20.48 in
Diminutive Antique Directoire Bookcase Secretary
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A finely constructed bookcase secretary with a chest. The tall cabinet has a pierced brass 3/4
Category

19th Century Directoire Secretary Furniture Antique

Materials

Marble, Brass

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Secretary Furniture Antique", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Secretary Furniture Antique For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal secretary furniture antique for your home. A secretary furniture antique — often made from wood, mahogany and metal — can elevate any home. There are many kinds of the secretary furniture antique you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. A secretary furniture antique, designed in the Georgian, Baroque or Empire style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. You’ll likely find more than one secretary furniture antique that is appealing in its simplicity, but André-Charles Boulle, Wedgewood and George Hepplewhite produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Secretary Furniture Antique?

The average selling price for a secretary furniture antique at 1stDibs is $7,465, while they’re typically $167 on the low end and $437,700 for the highest priced.

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 Secretary Furniture Antique
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To date an antique secretary desk, start by determining the type of hinge used to secure the writing surface. Consult an authoritative resource to find out which furniture makers worked with that type of hinge. You can also look for the name of the manufacturer on the back or bottom of the piece. Find a range of expertly vetted antique secretaries on 1stDibs.
  • 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 ExpertMay 30, 2024
    To identify your antique furniture, look for an engraving, tag, label or other marking that indicates who produced it. You may find it on the bottom or back of your furniture or inside a drawer or cabinet. Once you have located the marking, you can snap a photo of it and use a reverse image search to try and identify the maker. Or, you can type a description of the mark into a search engine. Alternatively, you can use the services of a certified appraiser or antiques dealer to get assistance with identification. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019

    A piece of furniture is considered an antique if it is at least 100 years old.

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    Yes, antique furniture is in style. Many people appreciate the beauty and handcrafted character of antique furniture and love the idea of owning pieces with a rich history. Remember that style preferences are nothing if not fluid, meaning what's in one year may not be the next. So, in choosing the furniture you're planning to live with, you should pay less attention to interior design fads than to what speaks to you. That way, you can select pieces that will add long-term character to your home. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    To know if your furniture is antique, look for labels and markings that indicate the maker. From there, you can use trusted online resources to determine when they were active and examine images to try to estimate the age of your piece. Furniture produced 100 years ago or more is antique. You can also have your furniture assessed by an appraiser or antiques dealer to learn about its age. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024
    Many antique furniture brands are popular. While trends in collecting do vary over time, some makers consistently remain highly sought after. Among them are J. & J.W. Meeks, John Henry Belter, R. J. Horner and Co., Stickley Furniture, George Hepplewhite, Josef Dannhauser, Thomas Chippendale and Thomas Sheridan. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    There are a number of factors that can indicate if your antique furniture is valuable. When determining the value of antique furniture, consider its rarity. Additionally, it is important to determine the quality and condition of vintage furniture. If unsure of the value of your vintage furniture, have it appraised.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Antique furniture can be worth quite a lot, particularly if it is in good quality. The rarer the piece, the higher the value.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Whether antique furniture is making a comeback is a matter of opinion. Many people would argue that antique furniture never faded from fashion, as there have always been individuals who love the idea of owning pieces that have history. Some of the most popular styles for antique furniture include Art Deco, Arts and Crafts, Renaissance Revival, Elizabethan, Gothic Revival, Victorian and Chippendale. Find a large collection of antique furniture from some of the world's top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
    To date antique furniture from the UK, first look for identifying markings on the piece. You can then use trusted online resources to determine when the maker was active. From there, you may be able to estimate the year of production by looking at images of other furniture the maker produced. An expert appraiser or antiques dealer can also aid you in the dating process. Find a large selection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
    To identify antique Chinese furniture, look carefully at its details. Chinese craftsmen often built furniture using mortise and tenon joinery, eliminating the need for nails and screws. If you see this type of hardware, your piece is likely not at least 100 years old, especially if the hardware still looks new and shiny. Since antique furniture was handmade, you will normally see slight imperfections, such as tool marks or slight variations in carvings. Pieces that appear completely uniform and pristine are less often genuine antiques.

    When present, maker's marks can also be helpful. Research the marks to learn more about when the maker was active and producing pieces like yours. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer evaluate your furniture for you.

    Shop an assortment of antique Chinese furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
    How old furniture that is called antique can be is typically at least 100 years. People usually call furniture between 20 and 99 years old vintage. Contemporary is the word for furniture manufactured within the last 20 years. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary furniture from some of the world's top sellers.
  • PAGODA RED
    PAGODA REDOctober 7, 2020

    To determine the age of a Chinese furniture piece, look carefully at the joinery and finish. Natural expansion and contraction of the wood over time will cause a joint to protrude or retract, distorting a once-seamless fit. Antique lacquer finishes become crackled and worn over time. Areas of exposed wood, such as the underside of a table, the footrest of a chair, or the back of a cabinet should appear raw and dry compared to the finished surface. With use, the legs of tables and chairs become weathered near the bottom from precipitation and use.

  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024
    To tell how old your antique furniture is, research the maker using trusted online resources. You may find that the furniture maker was active for only a short period, giving you the ability to roughly estimate its age. For manufacturers and designers with a long history of production, consider the style of your furniture and look for images of similar pieces published online. Because it may be difficult to date furniture on your own, consider consulting a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
    To tell what your antique furniture is worth, look at sales histories on trusted online platforms and read valuation guides posted on trusted online resources. The maker, type, style, age and condition of your furniture will impact its value. Researching furniture produced by the same maker is a good starting point. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can also aid you in the valuation process. Find a large collection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021
    The best finish for antique furniture is a matter of liking. But film finish is recommended by experts as it leaves a thick coat of film on the wood surface which protects wood from water and scratches. Shellac or varnish and water base are commonly used film finishes. Find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage furniture on 1stDibs
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    To tell who made your antique furniture, seek out a maker's marking. Locations of these marks vary, but they are generally in an inconspicuous location. For example, a dresser may have the mark inside a drawer or on the back, while a hallmark on a table is often on a leg or under the tabletop. Once you locate a mark, you can use trusted online resources to identify the maker and learn more about them. If you can't find a marking on your piece, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist you with the identification process. Explore a large selection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    To tell antique furniture from reproduction, first check for a maker's mark. By researching the maker associated with the marking using trusted online resources, you can determine when they were active. If the company was in business 100 years ago or more, your piece may be an antique, but if the company's history began more recently, your piece is likely a reproduction. If you can't locate a marking, study the details of the furniture up close. Genuine antiques will often show tool marks and slight variations in carved details because they were typically handcrafted. Most contemporary furniture is machine-made, so you won't usually see these types of characteristics. When in doubt, have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer evaluate your furniture. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
    To tell the difference between antique and reproduction furniture, first look at hidden areas, such as the backs or insides of the drawers. On reproduction furniture, you may find plywood or engineered wood in these areas, while antique furniture will usually have solid hardwood on drawer interiors and backs. Also, slight irregularities and marks indicating that the furniture was built with hand tools rather than machines usually suggest that the piece is antique. Because it can be difficult to differentiate reproductions from genuine antiques without expertise and training, you may wish to consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer about the age of your piece. Find a diverse assortment of antique furniture on 1stDibs.

Read More

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.

28 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.

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.