Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Late 19th Century Victorian Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Oak
Early 20th Century American American Classical Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Oak
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Brass
Late 19th Century British Edwardian Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Mahogany
Late 18th Century French Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Fruitwood
Mid-19th Century George IV Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Mahogany
Mid-18th Century English Georgian Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Leather, Walnut
Mid-19th Century English Victorian Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Mahogany
Late 19th Century Chinese Chippendale Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Bamboo, Birdseye Maple, Satinwood
19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Walnut
1880s American Victorian Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Brass
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Wood
1790s Chinese Campaign Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Hardwood
1910s Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Wood
Early 1900s British Queen Anne Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Bronze
19th Century English Queen Anne Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Walnut
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Marble, Bronze
Late 18th Century European Chinoiserie Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Brass
Early 20th Century Italian Other Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Walnut
Early 20th Century European Chippendale Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Walnut
Early 20th Century Swedish Neoclassical Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Elm, Mahogany
Mid-19th Century English George III Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
18th Century Chippendale Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Maple
1890s French Louis XIII Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Walnut
1790s American Federal Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Birch, Mahogany
1790s Italian Louis XV Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Walnut
Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Oak
Late 18th Century Sheraton Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Mahogany
1860s French Louis Philippe Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Wood, Walnut
1880s French Renaissance Revival Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Oak
1860s English Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Brass
19th Century French Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Ormolu
1880s French Renaissance Revival Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Oak
1780s French Louis XV Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Kingwood, Walnut
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Copper
Late 18th Century American Federal Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Brass
Mid-19th Century American Regency Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Metal
Early 1900s Spanish Spanish Colonial Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Brass
Late 18th Century Dutch Biedermeier Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Wood
19th Century American Federal Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Walnut
Early 20th Century Spanish Colonial Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Walnut
19th Century Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Oak
Late 19th Century English Queen Anne Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Mahogany
1920s French Louis XV Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Oak
1920s French Louis XV Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Oak
Early 1900s French Louis XV Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Ormolu
19th Century French Louis XVI Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Oak
19th Century Louis XV Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Glass, Walnut
Late 19th Century American Chippendale Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Mahogany
18th Century French Louis XV Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Bronze
19th Century French Louis XV Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Ormolu, Bronze
Late 19th Century French French Provincial Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Leather, Oak
Late 18th Century North American Georgian Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Metal
Early 1900s French Louis XV Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Bronze
Early 1900s Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Mahogany
Early 1900s English Adam Style Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Mahogany
Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Brass
Early 19th Century Unknown Chippendale Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Mahogany
19th Century French Victorian Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Velvet, Hardwood, Paint, Ribbon
Late 19th Century American Secretary Antique Secretary Desk
Walnut, Glass
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Secretary Antique Secretary Desk For Sale on 1stDibs
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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.
- 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To 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.
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