Why are secretary desks called that?

A 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.

What era are secretary desks from?

Secretary 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.

How does a secretary desk work?

A 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.

What are desk blotters used for?

Desk blotters are used to protect the top of a table or desk. It helps prevent scratches and absorbs dripped or spilled ink and paint. Desk pad is another name for a blotter. You'll find a selection of vintage and antique desk blotters on 1stDibs.

What is a Davenport desk used for?

A Davenport desk is used for writing and is typically favored by women. The desk features a slanted top leather insert, a cupboard, slides and drawers to carry writing essentials. You’ll find a selection of antique Davenport desks on 1stDibs.

How much is my antique secretary desk worth?

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.

Can you use a console table as a desk?

Because of their variety of sizes and range in function, console tables can easily work as a desk. Given their size and ease of mobility, a console table can be used in almost any sort of room.

Can a library table be used as a desk?

Yes, you can use a library table as a desk. In fact, many people like the spacious tops found on library tables because they usually have enough room to accommodate a computer and provide additional work space. Find a range of library tables on 1stDibs.

Secretary Desk Used

Carpathian Elm Dining Room Table

Burr Walnut Bookcases

Renaissance Secretary

Burr walnut desk bookcase, 19th century

$18,591

H 83.27 in W 41.54 in D 23.63 in

Burr walnut desk bookcase, 19th century

Located in MILL, NL

burr walnut veneer. Very beautiful colour. To use the secretary desk, two supports must be pulled out

Category

Early 19th Century English Secretary Desk Used

Materials

Walnut

Recent Sales

Custom Built Vintage Secretary Desk

Sold

H 90 in W 43.5 in D 22 in

Custom Built Vintage Secretary Desk

Located in Annville, PA

From Niagara Furniture a Custom Built Vintage Secretary Desk, in ready to use in your home

Category

1980s North American Renaissance Secretary Desk Used

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century George III Mahogany Butler's Secretary

Sold

H 91 in W 42 in D 18 in

18th Century George III Mahogany Butler's Secretary

Located in Solebury, PA

secretary desk, named for its use by the household butler to manage domestic affairs, finances, and staff

Category

Late 18th Century English George III Secretary Desk Used

Materials

Glass, Boxwood, Mahogany, Satinwood, Silk

American Art Deco Book-Matched Burled Carpathian Elm and Black Lacquer Desk

Sold

H 29.5 in W 57.5 in D 29.5 in

American Art Deco Book-Matched Burled Carpathian Elm and Black Lacquer Desk

Located in New York, NY

This handsome Demilune desk was originally intended as a secretary's desk, used to greet visitors

Category

1930s American Art Deco Secretary Desk Used

Materials

Elm, Lacquer

A Refined Walnut Hepplewhite Secretary Desk

Sold

H 89 in W 41.5 in D 24 in

A Refined Walnut Hepplewhite Secretary Desk

Located in West Chester, PA

period. This secretary desk uses inlay to nicely highlight the architectural elements of the pice. The

Category

18th Century and Earlier American Hepplewhite Secretary Desk Used

Materials

Walnut

19th Century French Gilt Bronze with Six-Drawer Secretary Desk

Sold

H 29.5 in W 60 in D 33 in

19th Century French Gilt Bronze with Six-Drawer Secretary Desk

By Rudolf Linke

Located in Pasadena, CA

Double-sided 19th century French secretary desk in excellent used condition. This secretary desk

Category

Mid-19th Century French French Provincial Secretary Desk Used

Materials

Bronze

Danish Teak Secretary Desk

Sold

H 44 in W 39 in D 17 in

Danish Teak Secretary Desk

Located in New York, NY

Vintage 1960s Danish Secretary Desk & Dresser Excellent for use in a bedroom or guest room

Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretary Desk Used

Materials

Teak

Mid Century Secretary Desk

Sold

H 47.75 in W 37.5 in D 17.5 in

Mid Century Secretary Desk

Located in New York, NY

Vintage 1960s Danish Secretary Desk & Dresser Excellent for use in a bedroom or guest room

Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretary Desk Used

Materials

Teak

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Secretary Desk Used For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the secretary desk used you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Each secretary desk used for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, hardwood and metal. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer secretary desk used, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. Each secretary desk used bearing Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern or Georgian hallmarks is very popular. A well-made secretary desk used has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Børge Mogensen, Arne Wahl Iversen and Baker Furniture Company are consistently popular.

How Much is a Secretary Desk Used?

Prices for a secretary desk used start at $175 and top out at $275,000 with the average selling for $3,206.

Questions About Secretary Desk Used

Why are secretary desks called that?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
A 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.
What era are secretary desks from?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Secretary 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.
How does a secretary desk work?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A 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.
What are desk blotters used for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Desk blotters are used to protect the top of a table or desk. It helps prevent scratches and absorbs dripped or spilled ink and paint. Desk pad is another name for a blotter. You'll find a selection of vintage and antique desk blotters on 1stDibs.
What is a Davenport desk used for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A Davenport desk is used for writing and is typically favored by women. The desk features a slanted top leather insert, a cupboard, slides and drawers to carry writing essentials. You’ll find a selection of antique Davenport desks on 1stDibs.
How much is my antique secretary desk worth?
1 Answer
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.
Can you use a console table as a desk?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
Because of their variety of sizes and range in function, console tables can easily work as a desk. Given their size and ease of mobility, a console table can be used in almost any sort of room.
Can a library table be used as a desk?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Yes, you can use a library table as a desk. In fact, many people like the spacious tops found on library tables because they usually have enough room to accommodate a computer and provide additional work space. Find a range of library tables on 1stDibs.

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