Skip to main content

Slant Desks

to
21
194
30
217
8
1
35
19
11
10
9
6
6
4
3
2
2
2
1
79
75
63
9
25
23
8
2
3
1
1
2
3
5
2
210
97
74
63
41
135
58
57
51
40
226
221
221
3
2
2
1
1
Stickley Brothers Style Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Drop Front Desk
Stickley Brothers Style Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Drop Front Desk

Stickley Brothers Style Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Drop Front Desk

By Stickley Brothers

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Mission or Arts & Crafts slant front writing desk or secretary desk In the manner of Stickley Brothers USA, Circa 1900 Quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper h...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Copper

18 th Century French Louis XIII Carved Walnut Lectern Desk on Stand
18 th Century French Louis XIII Carved Walnut Lectern Desk on Stand

18 th Century French Louis XIII Carved Walnut Lectern Desk on Stand

Located in Dallas, TX

Bring a touch of French provincial charm to your home with this elegant antique slant-top desk. Crafted in France circa 1790, the petite lectern is built of solid fruitwood and stand...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XIV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Lexington's Palmer Home Collection Mahogany Tooled Leather Drafting Desk W/ Tray
Lexington's Palmer Home Collection Mahogany Tooled Leather Drafting Desk W/ Tray

Lexington's Palmer Home Collection Mahogany Tooled Leather Drafting Desk W/ Tray

By Lexington Furniture 1

Located in Germantown, MD

A very rare, limited edition Lexington Furniture's Palmer Home Collection Mahogany and Tooled Leather Slant Top Drafting Desk, drafting table with brass feet support and pull-out t...

Category

Late 20th Century American Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Large Mahogany Secretary Desk
Large Mahogany Secretary Desk

Large Mahogany Secretary Desk

Located in Annville, PA

All of the drawers are dovetailed and feature the same high quality construction throughout. The slant top of the desk drops down to create a writing surface while the base of the de...

Category

2010s Indonesian Federal Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Mahogany Stand Up Desk
Mahogany Stand Up Desk

Mahogany Stand Up Desk

Located in Annville, PA

Oversized but with clean lines, this desk has a slant top lid with a genuine full grain leather surface incised with gold tooling.

Category

2010s Chippendale Desks

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Studio BBPR for Olivetti "Spazio" Desk with an Olive Felt Top, Italy, 1960's
Studio BBPR for Olivetti "Spazio" Desk with an Olive Felt Top, Italy, 1960's

Studio BBPR for Olivetti "Spazio" Desk with an Olive Felt Top, Italy, 1960's

By Olivetti, Studio BBPR

Located in Uithoorn, NL

It wraps slightly over the slanted front edge, giving the desk a gentle, purposeful stance.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

18th century Virginia inlaid walnut desk
18th century Virginia inlaid walnut desk

18th century Virginia inlaid walnut desk

Located in Richmond, VA

Great period Virginia inlaid walnut slant front desk with a family history of being made in Rockingham County.

Category

Antique Late 18th Century American Federal Desks

Materials

Poplar, Walnut

Vintage Boho Patinated Drop Front Desk
Vintage Boho Patinated Drop Front Desk

Vintage Boho Patinated Drop Front Desk

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Overflowing with storybook charm, this antique slant-front desk is a captivating piece of functional art.

Category

Early 20th Century American French Provincial Desks

Materials

Brass

Burr Walnut Davenport Desk Victorian 1880
Burr Walnut Davenport Desk Victorian 1880

Burr Walnut Davenport Desk Victorian 1880

Located in Potters Bar, GB

You are viewing a gorgeous Victorian Davenport in burr walnut Such a lovely look to this elegant desk, the patina to the walnut is gorgeous Drawer opens out to reveal writing slope a...

Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Desks

Materials

Walnut

Antique Renaissance Revival Walnut & Burl Secretary Desk C1880
Antique Renaissance Revival Walnut & Burl Secretary Desk C1880

Antique Renaissance Revival Walnut & Burl Secretary Desk C1880

Located in Big Flats, NY

The piece features intricate craftsmanship with a two-part structure: a glass-fronted bookcase on top and a slant-front desk below. The bookcase includes adjustable shelves, ideal fo...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Renaissance Revival Desks

Materials

Walnut

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

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

Antique 1820s American Campaign Desks

Danish Oak Secretary Desk, in style of Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s
Danish Oak Secretary Desk, in style of Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s

Danish Oak Secretary Desk, in style of Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s

By Henning Kjærnulf

Located in Rødding, DK

Crafted in oak, the piece reflects Kjærnulf’s characteristic blend of traditional cabinetmaking and sculptural Danish design, with a strong emphasis on solid materials and well-balan...

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Oak

Mahogany Chippendale Style Block Front Secretary Desk with Bookcase Top
Mahogany Chippendale Style Block Front Secretary Desk with Bookcase Top

Mahogany Chippendale Style Block Front Secretary Desk with Bookcase Top

Located in Milford, NH

A spectacular example of a two part mahogany secretary desk with bookcase top in the Chippendale style, featuring a swan’s neck split pediment with flaming urn finials surmounting tw...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Chippendale Desks

Materials

Brass

Fine English George III Style Mahogany & Burl Bookcase Cabinet
Fine English George III Style Mahogany & Burl Bookcase Cabinet

Fine English George III Style Mahogany & Burl Bookcase Cabinet

Located in Bridgeport, CT

The lower cabinet in the form of a slant desk with two short over 3 long with Chippendale style brass hardware.

Category

Antique 19th Century English George III Bookcases

Materials

Brass

18th Century Italian Baroque Inlaid Walnut Drop-Front Secretary Desk / Commode
18th Century Italian Baroque Inlaid Walnut Drop-Front Secretary Desk / Commode

18th Century Italian Baroque Inlaid Walnut Drop-Front Secretary Desk / Commode

Located in Miami, FL

Measurements: With drop-leaf open: 32 1/2 in. deep A refined and highly functional example of Piemonte craftsmanship—both decorative and useful as a writing desk, storage cabinet, o...

Category

Antique 18th Century Italian Louis XV Desks

Materials

Brass

English George II Style Chest of Drawers, Bookcase and Drop Down Desk
English George II Style Chest of Drawers, Bookcase and Drop Down Desk

English George II Style Chest of Drawers, Bookcase and Drop Down Desk

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

A truly magnificent mahogany George II style bookcase fitted writing desk and a chest of drawers. The upper section having numerous folio/file drawers and compartments, a leather lin...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English George II Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Asian Teak Hand Carved Drop Front Compartmentalized Desk Style of George Zee
Asian Teak Hand Carved Drop Front Compartmentalized Desk Style of George Zee

Asian Teak Hand Carved Drop Front Compartmentalized Desk Style of George Zee

By George Zee and Co

Located in Topeka, KS

Handsome Asian teak hand carved drop slant front desk with interior compartmentalized cubby storage in the style of George Zee and Co. of China.

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Teak

Georgian Mahogany Slant Front Secretary Desk Adam Style Slant-Front Bureau
Georgian Mahogany Slant Front Secretary Desk Adam Style Slant-Front Bureau

Georgian Mahogany Slant Front Secretary Desk Adam Style Slant-Front Bureau

By Kittinger

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration, a Georgian mahogany slant front secretary desk Adam style slant-front bureau.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Georgian Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

Venetian Italian Style Polychrome Secretary Bookcase
Venetian Italian Style Polychrome Secretary Bookcase

Venetian Italian Style Polychrome Secretary Bookcase

Located in Tarry Town, NY

The lower part showcases a slant desk with three front pull drawers, providing a functional writing and storage area.

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Victorian Secretaires

Materials

Wood, Paint

Baroque Slant-Front Secretary Desk, Mid-18th Century
Baroque Slant-Front Secretary Desk, Mid-18th Century

Baroque Slant-Front Secretary Desk, Mid-18th Century

Located in Greding, DE

Baroque slant-front secretary desk crafted from oak and cherry, featuring a three-drawer lower chest with a serpentine front and shaped apron feet.

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Baroque Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Italian Louis XV-style Scriban/Slant Front Desk
Italian Louis XV-style Scriban/Slant Front Desk

Italian Louis XV-style Scriban/Slant Front Desk

Located in San Francisco, CA

Italian-made, Louis XV-style scriban or slant front secretary/desk, circa late 19th-century.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Louis XV Secretaires

Materials

Brass

19th Century Traditional George III Slant Top Desk
19th Century Traditional George III Slant Top Desk

19th Century Traditional George III Slant Top Desk

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Antique George III slant top desk on bracket feet. Solid mahogany throughout with dovetail construction.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests ...

Materials

Mahogany

Stunning Victorian Antique Golden Oak Slant Front Desk
Stunning Victorian Antique Golden Oak Slant Front Desk

Stunning Victorian Antique Golden Oak Slant Front Desk

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Elevate your interior with the timeless elegance of this Victorian antique slant front desk, crafted in richly grained golden oak and featuring a rare built-in étagère — the perfect ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Secretaires

Materials

Oak

Early 19th Century American Mahogany Slant Front Desk
Early 19th Century American Mahogany Slant Front Desk

Early 19th Century American Mahogany Slant Front Desk

Located in Richmond, VA

Early 19th century American mahogany slant front desk. Probably Boston, has the blockfront shape that is typical to that area.

Category

Antique 19th Century American Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Burl & Carved Walnut Slant Front Marquetry Secretary Desk c1900
Burl & Carved Walnut Slant Front Marquetry Secretary Desk c1900

Burl & Carved Walnut Slant Front Marquetry Secretary Desk c1900

Located in Big Flats, NY

This exquisite antique secretary desk, crafted circa 1900, showcases a sophisticated combination of burl walnut and carved walnut construction.

Category

Early 20th Century Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

American Chippendale Oxbow Slant Front Desk, Mahogany, Circa 1780
American Chippendale Oxbow Slant Front Desk, Mahogany, Circa 1780

American Chippendale Oxbow Slant Front Desk, Mahogany, Circa 1780

Located in Kenilworth, IL

American Chippendale slant front desk on four graduated drawers, resting on ogee bracket feet.

Category

Antique Late 18th Century American Chippendale Commodes and Chests of Dr...

Materials

Brass

Child’s Chestnut Slant Front Desk, New England, 18th Century
Child’s Chestnut Slant Front Desk, New England, 18th Century

Child’s Chestnut Slant Front Desk, New England, 18th Century

Located in Savannah, GA

A child’s chestnut slant front desk, New England, late 18th century.

Category

Antique 18th Century American American Colonial Children's Furniture

Materials

Chestnut

Antique American Federal Hepplewhite Mahogany Slant Drop Front Secretary Desk
Antique American Federal Hepplewhite Mahogany Slant Drop Front Secretary Desk

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).

Category

Antique 19th Century American Federal Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Baker Slant Drop Front Secretary Desk 3 Drawers Chest MINT
Baker Slant Drop Front Secretary Desk 3 Drawers Chest MINT

Baker Slant Drop Front Secretary Desk 3 Drawers Chest MINT

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Baker Slant Drop Front Secretary Desk 3 Drawers Chest MINT

Category

20th Century American Country Secretaires

Materials

Brass

18th Century George III Quartersawn Oak Slant-Front Bureau / Desk
18th Century George III Quartersawn Oak Slant-Front Bureau / Desk

18th Century George III Quartersawn Oak Slant-Front Bureau / Desk

Located in Houston, TX

This handsome George III slant-front bureau, dating to the late 18th century (circa 1780), is a quintessential example of English provincial craftsmanship.

Category

Antique 18th Century English George III Secretaires

Materials

Oak

18th Century Dutch Bombe Slant Front Secretary Desk in Pine
18th Century Dutch Bombe Slant Front Secretary Desk in Pine

18th Century Dutch Bombe Slant Front Secretary Desk in Pine

Located in Houston, TX

An exceptional and character-rich 18th century Dutch bombe secretary desk, crafted in warm, honey-toned pine and retaining its beautifully worn original surface.

Category

Antique 18th Century Dutch Dutch Colonial Secretaires

Materials

Pine

Fantastic English Adams Paint Decorated Satinwood Slant Lid Secretary Desk
Fantastic English Adams Paint Decorated Satinwood Slant Lid Secretary Desk

Fantastic English Adams Paint Decorated Satinwood Slant Lid Secretary Desk

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This English Adams paint decorated satinwood slant lid secretary desk is a stunning example of neoclassical artistry and craftsmanship.

Category

Antique Early 1900s English Adam Style Secretaires

Materials

Satinwood

Antique Victorian Petite Oak Mirrored Slant Top Secretary Ladies Writing Desk
Antique Victorian Petite Oak Mirrored Slant Top Secretary Ladies Writing Desk

Antique Victorian Petite Oak Mirrored Slant Top Secretary Ladies Writing Desk

Located in Dayton, OH

Late Victorian Oak Ladies Secretary Desk, Circa 1900. Features a mirrored backsplash over shelf and slant front.

Category

Antique Early 1900s American Victorian Secretaires

Materials

Mirror, Oak

19th Century Mahogany Cabinet Maker's Sample Miniature Slant Front Desk
19th Century Mahogany Cabinet Maker's Sample Miniature Slant Front Desk

19th Century Mahogany Cabinet Maker's Sample Miniature Slant Front Desk

Located in Long Island City, NY

19th Century Mahogany Cabinet Maker's Sample Miniature Slant Front Desk.

Category

Antique 19th Century English George III More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Mahogany

Faux Bamboo Rattan Enamel and Decorated Slant Top Secretary Desk
Faux Bamboo Rattan Enamel and Decorated Slant Top Secretary Desk

Faux Bamboo Rattan Enamel and Decorated Slant Top Secretary Desk

Located in Germantown, MD

An Exquisite hand-crafted Faux Bamboo Rattan, hand enamed and Decorated Slant Top Secretary Desk with open bottom lower tier and high knee clearance of 29.5".

Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Modern Secretaires

Materials

Enamel

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

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

Antique 19th Century American American Colonial Secretaires

Materials

Birdseye Maple, Mahogany

19th Century Black Swedish Bureau
19th Century Black Swedish Bureau

19th Century Black Swedish Bureau

Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire

Large 19th Century slanted front bureau / fall front desk. Opens to a writing or computer space with various drawers and storage.

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Desks

Materials

Pine

George I Brass Mounted Burr Walnut Small Bureau On Stand
George I Brass Mounted Burr Walnut Small Bureau On Stand

George I Brass Mounted Burr Walnut Small Bureau On Stand

Located in Essex, MA

Great colour and condition from the inventory of Hyde Park Antiques in New York. Slant lid fold down desk with fitted interior. Drawers below with brass ring handles; and cabriole le...

Category

Antique 1720s English George I Desks

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Louis XV Italian Slant Front Desk, Hand-Carved Walnut
18th Century Louis XV Italian Slant Front Desk, Hand-Carved Walnut

18th Century Louis XV Italian Slant Front Desk, Hand-Carved Walnut

Located in Winter Park, FL

An 18th Century Louis XV style Italian scriban or slant front desk. Made of solid walnut with serpentine front, raised side panels and two dovetailed drawers with hand-carved details.

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Louis XV Secretaires

Materials

Iron

Period Gustavian Slant-Front Desk with Black Exterior and Blue Interior
Period Gustavian Slant-Front Desk with Black Exterior and Blue Interior

Period Gustavian Slant-Front Desk with Black Exterior and Blue Interior

Located in Atlanta, GA

A beautifully proportioned Swedish Gustavian period slant front desk, retaining a wonderfully aged black-painted exterior and opening to reveal a striking powder blue interior.

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires

Materials

Pine

Antique 19th C. Chippendale George III Mahogany Slant Front Secretary Desk
Antique 19th C. Chippendale George III Mahogany Slant Front Secretary Desk

Antique 19th C. Chippendale George III Mahogany Slant Front Secretary Desk

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Chippendale George III Mahogany Slant Front Secretary Desk. Item features solid brass hardware, beautiful wood grain, dovetail constructed drawers, slant front with fitted interior (...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown George III Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

18th century George III English Slant-Front Secretary Desk in Oak
18th century George III English Slant-Front Secretary Desk in Oak

18th century George III English Slant-Front Secretary Desk in Oak

Located in Houston, TX

Handsome 18th Century English (George III) slant-front secretary desk, craftly in richly grained oak and retaining a warm patina developed over centuries of use.

Category

Antique 18th Century English George III Secretaires

Materials

Oak

American Chippendale Rare Miniature Slant Front Desk w/ original Brasses c1780s
American Chippendale Rare Miniature Slant Front Desk w/ original Brasses c1780s

American Chippendale Rare Miniature Slant Front Desk w/ original Brasses c1780s

By Thomas Chippendale

Located in Savannah, GA

This rare and important slant top desk is an exceptional example of a miniature piece of furniture.

Category

Antique Late 18th Century American Chippendale Models and Miniatures

Materials

Brass

1790s  Scandinavian Slant Front Desk with Carved Panel and Four Drawers
1790s  Scandinavian Slant Front Desk with Carved Panel and Four Drawers

1790s Scandinavian Slant Front Desk with Carved Panel and Four Drawers

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Scandinavian light/medium grey painted slant-front desk from circa 1790 with carved panel and four drawers.

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Scandinavian Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Pennsylvania House Slant Front 4-Drawer Cherry Secretary Desk with Lock
Pennsylvania House Slant Front 4-Drawer Cherry Secretary Desk with Lock

Pennsylvania House Slant Front 4-Drawer Cherry Secretary Desk with Lock

By Pennsylvania House

Located in Germantown, MD

Pennsylvania House Slant Front Cherry Secretary Desk with Lock. Features four fully functional drawers with dovetail construction and Chippendale styles drawer pulls.

Category

Late 20th Century American Queen Anne Secretaires

Materials

Brass

European 1800s Two-Part Painted Wood Secretary with Slanted Front Desk
European 1800s Two-Part Painted Wood Secretary with Slanted Front Desk

European 1800s Two-Part Painted Wood Secretary with Slanted Front Desk

Located in Atlanta, GA

The central section showcases a slanted front desk with scalloped compartments, secret ones and multiple drawers surrounding a central door, while the bottom part presents two thin, ...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century European Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Italian Architect's Oak Table / Desk Made with a Slant, circa 1960
Italian Architect's Oak Table / Desk Made with a Slant, circa 1960

Italian Architect's Oak Table / Desk Made with a Slant, circa 1960

Located in Philadelphia, PA

An Italian Architect's desk made with a slant, supported by an oak base and with a black glass top, circa 1960.

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Modern Industrial and Work Tables

Materials

Oak

Swedish Gustavian 1790s Painted Slant-Front Desk with Carved Diamond Motifs
Swedish Gustavian 1790s Painted Slant-Front Desk with Carved Diamond Motifs

Swedish Gustavian 1790s Painted Slant-Front Desk with Carved Diamond Motifs

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Swedish Gustavian period slant front desk from the late 18th century, with carved diamond motifs, multiple drawers, original lock and key.

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires

Materials

Wood

19th Century Victorian Burl Walnut Slant Front Secretary Desk Attr To Jelliff
19th Century Victorian Burl Walnut Slant Front Secretary Desk Attr To Jelliff

19th Century Victorian Burl Walnut Slant Front Secretary Desk Attr To Jelliff

By John Jelliff

Located in Long Branch, NJ

19th Century Victorian Burl Walnut Slant Front Secretary Desk Attr To Jelliff Dimensions : 103" Tall X 46" Wide X 22" Deep This stunning burled walnut secretary desk was made in th...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Secretaires

Materials

Burl

Top-mounted secretary desk with slanted flap Baroque ca. 1760 walnut and burl
Top-mounted secretary desk with slanted flap Baroque ca. 1760 walnut and burl

Top-mounted secretary desk with slanted flap Baroque ca. 1760 walnut and burl

Located in Münster, DE

Top-mounted secretary desk with slanted flap Baroque, circa 1760, walnut and burl veneer, lower section with 2 hinged doors and a slanted flap, 2-door top section with arched pedime...

Category

Antique 1760s German Baroque Secretaires

Materials

Wood, Nutwood, Burl

Swedish 1770s Baroque Period Light Gray Painted Secretary with Slant Front Desk
Swedish 1770s Baroque Period Light Gray Painted Secretary with Slant Front Desk

Swedish 1770s Baroque Period Light Gray Painted Secretary with Slant Front Desk

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Swedish Baroque tall secretary from circa 1770, with slant front desk, light Gustavian gray painted finish, two doors and four drawers.

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Baroque Secretaires

Materials

Glass, Wood

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

Slant Desks For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are several options of slant desks available for sale. The range of distinct slant desks — often made from wood, metal and brass — can elevate any home. Find 1083 antique and vintage slant desks at 1stDibs now, or shop our selection of 9 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished furniture. Slant desks have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. Slant desks are generally popular furniture pieces, but Georgian, louis xv and Baroque styles are often sought at 1stDibs. Baker Furniture Company, Henkel Harris and L. & J.G. Stickley Inc. each produced beautiful slant desks that are worth considering.

How Much are Slant Desks?

Slant desks can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $4,456, while the lowest priced sells for $100 and the highest can go for as much as $185,000.

Finding the Right Case Pieces And Storage Cabinets 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.

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.