19th Century Venetian Secretaire
Located in New York, NY
A painted Venetian secretaire with shelves and drawers on bottom portion of body.
19th Century Venetian Secretaire
Located in New York, NY
A painted Venetian secretaire with shelves and drawers on bottom portion of body.
Impressive 18th Century Italian Venetian Walnut Secretaire
Located in San Francisco, CA
An impressive and unusually tall Venetian black walnut and burled walnut secretary. The mirrored
Mirror, Walnut
Venetian rococo 19 th century bureau/secretaire hand painted
Located in Houston, TX
This fine quality Venetian secretary is beautifully carved and finely Painted in pale teal and rose
Hardwood
1960’s Italian Inlaid Secretaire
Located in Bradenton, FL
An Italian inlaid Venetian-style secretaire, circa 1960. Decorated throughout with walnut veneers
Walnut
Italian Venetian Secretary, 18th Century
Located in CH
Italian Venetian Secretary (Secretaire / Bureau Cabinet) 18th Century An 18th-century Italian
Walnut
Venetian Italian Style Polychrome Secretary Bookcase
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Embrace the timeless charm of this Classic Venetian Style Italian Polychrome Lacquered Hand-Painted
Wood, Paint
$3,120Sale Price|20% Off
H 84 in W 46 in D 22 in
Italian Venetian Pink Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Cabinet
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Italian Venetian Pink Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Cabinet. It is beautifully hand painted with
Wood
Venetian Style Chinoiserie Decorated Parcel Gilt Secretary
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic 20th century Italian lacquered secretary bookcase decorated in the Venetian taste with
Brass
20th Century Wood Venetian Bureau Desk, 1950s
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
Venetian bureau from the mid-20th century. The furniture is curved front and sides, veneered in
Wood
20th Century Wood Venetian Trumeau Desk, 1950
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
Venetian trumeau from the mid-20th century. Curved furniture, carved and veneered in walnut, burl
Wood
$3,015Sale Price|20% Off
H 35.44 in W 32.29 in D 16.15 in
20th Century Painted Wood Venetian Bureau Desk, 1960
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
Venetian bureau from the second half of the 20th century. Beautifully designed furniture
Wood
20th Century Wood Venetian Double Body Trumeau Desk, 1960
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
Venetian trumeau from the mid-20th century. Moved furniture and veneered in walnut, burl, cherry
Wood
$3,000Sale Price|38% Off
H 81.5 in W 36 in D 21 in
Fantastic Paint Decorated Faux Marble Interior Venetian Secretary Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fantastic paint decorated Venetian secretary desk with faux marble interior is a remarkable
Walnut
$14,000Sale Price|22% Off
H 86.5 in W 43 in D 21 in
Venetian Rococo Style Walnut Secretary Lacquered by Ira Yeager
By Ira Yeager
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic late 19th century Italian secretaire cabinet or bookcase made in the Venetian Rococo
Brass
$16,960 / item
H 96.46 in W 39.38 in D 21.66 in
18th Century Hand Painted Venetian Style Electric Blue Pesaro Secretary
By Porte Italia
Located in Ronchi dei Legionari, IT
features bold designs while maintaining many of our antique silhouettes and Venetian techniques. We’ve
Wood
$3,475
H 37.75 in W 40.5 in D 20 in
Mid-Century Italian Venetian Hand Painted Chinoiserie Secretary Desk
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a beautiful piece. This is a lovely mid-century Italian chinoiserie secretary desk. The coral and gilt interior makes such a vibrant statement. Each panel of the serpentine f...
Poplar
$10,797
H 86.62 in W 41.15 in D 20.08 in
CIRCA 1900 VENETIAN CHINOISERIE DECORATED PARCEL GILT BUREAU BOOKCASE DRAWERs
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Venetian Secrtaire Bureau Bookcase made in the Chinosierie taste with a parcel gilt finish Please note
Hardwood
$5,995
H 87.5 in W 44 in D 19.5 in
Outstanding Red and Yellow Ornate Large Venetian Painted Secretary Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This outstanding Venetian painted secretary desk is a true statement piece, showcasing the artistry
Walnut
18th C. Venetian Secretary Hutch with a Beautiful Hand-Painted Finish
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian Venetian tall secretary cabinet from the 18th century. This antique 7.75 feet tall
Wood
$32,979
H 91.74 in W 39.38 in D 21.66 in
Original 18th Century Venetian Secretary Desk Bookcase burled walnut with inlaid
By Bassano's Ebanisteria
Located in Vigonza, Padua
What makes this piece unique and special is its originali twist to the characteristic Secretaire, a
Walnut
$3,895
H 71.75 in W 29 in D 16 in
Fine Red Chinoiserie Gold Leaf Italian-Made Rococo Venetian Secretary Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fine red Chinoiserie gold leaf Italian-made Rococo Venetian secretary desk is an extraordinary
Walnut
$20,000
H 79 in W 35.5 in D 19 in
Venetian Hand-Painted Blind Door Secretary with Bookcase, Circa 1900
Located in Charleston, SC
Venetian blind door secretary with a carved scrolled decorative cornice, upper case bookcase with
Brass
$6,478
H 82.68 in W 32.29 in D 18.9 in
20th Century Lacquered and Gold Chinoiserie Wood Venetian Trumeau Desk, 1940s
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
Rare Venetian chinoiserie trumeau from the mid-20th century. Double-body furniture, curved in
Wood
$1,800Sale Price|61% Off
H 82 in W 40 in D 21 in
Unique Venetian Italian Paint Decorated Secretary Desk with Bookcase Circa 1890s
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Venetian Italian paint decorated secretary desk with bookcase, circa 1890s, is a remarkable
Walnut
$16,960 / item
H 96.46 in W 39.38 in D 21.66 in
18th Century Hand-Painted Venetian Style Parma Blue Pesaro Secretary with roses
By Porte Italia
Located in Ronchi dei Legionari, IT
on each side of the Furniture by using the very best 18th century Craftsmanship Venetian Techniques
Wood
$4,358
H 103.55 in W 55.12 in D 23.63 in
Venetian Trumeau Green Lacquered Hand Decorated Secretary with Writing Desk 1976
Located in Prato, IT
Venezia, Italy, handcrafted production from 1976 In Venetian style Louis XV Painted and decorated
Mirror, Wood
Venetian Louis XV Walnut Bureau Secretaire
Located in Vo', Veneto
Shaped Venetian Bureau Secretaire in Walnut Wood Type: Walnut and walnut burl Period: Mid 1700s
Nutwood
Venetian Secretaire
Located in Santa Rosa, CA
Beautiful venetian secretaire with three drawers and a fitted interior and two door bookcase above.
Wood
Small Venetian secretaire-bookcase
Located in San Francisco, CA
A small Venetian rococo polychrome and floral painted drop-front secretaire-bookcase of serpentine
Wood
Rare 18th Century Venetian Polychrome Secretaire
Located in San Francisco, CA
A rare 18th century venetian polychrome secretaire of exceptional quality and condition with three
Wood
Unavailable
H 93.75 in W 46.34 in D 24.75 in
Incomparable 18th Century Venetian Chinoiserie Secretaire
Located in San Francisco, CA
An incomparable 18th century Venetian chinoiserie secretaire with full shaped domed cornice above
Venetian Etched and Mirrored Secretaire-Bookcase
Located in Blacksburg, VA
Venetian Etched and Mirrored Secretaire-Bookcase. Beveled mirrored sides and front with scroll and
Glass, Giltwood
18th Century Venetian Burled Olivewood Secretaire
Located in San Francisco, CA
An 18th century venetian burled olivewood secretaire, the shaped pediment surmounted by carved
18th Century Venetian Lacquered Secretary Bookcase
Located in Natchez, MS
Exceptional 18th century lacquered secretary bookcase with mirrored doors. The lacquer features snake charmers and a chinoiserie scenes with children. This came from an important P...
Venetian High Palace Secretary Desk, circa 1945
Located in Liverpool, GB
A palace-like, tall Venetian secretary, with a light olive-colored polychrome, beautiful gilding
Wood
VENETIAN BOMBE SHAPED BURL OLIVE WOOD SECRETARY
Located in New York, NY
VENETIAN BOMBE SHAPED BURL OLIVEWOOD SECRETARY
Olive
Handpainted Venetian Secretaire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Secretairie, having mirrored double cupboard doors surmounted by shaped pediment, over slant front desk and single frieze drawer, raised on cabriole legs terminating in hoofed feet; ...
Wood, Mirror
Venetian Secretaire Cabinet in Hand Painted Yellow Lacquer
Located in Kent, Dover
A late 19th Century Venetian secretaire cabinet in a striking yellow lacquer, with beautifully hand
Brass
A Fine Painted Venetian Secretaire With Bronze Mounts
Located in Sheffield, MA
The piece is decorated throughout with wonderful details. In two parts the upper section with a crest over two cupboard doors opening to several shelves inside, over a lower section...
19th Century Venetian Painted Secretaire
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th Century Venetian Painted Secretaire Please see additional Secretaires and other items at
Etched Venetian glass mirrored secretaire
Located in New York, NY
Venetian glass etched mirror secretaire with four doors and drop down shelf featuring floral and
Glass
Italian Hand-Painted Secretaire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Decoratively painted Venetian style cabinet or secretaire.
19thc Venetian Secretary
Located in New Orleans, LA
Beautifully Painted and Decorated Italian Secretary
Wood
Venetian Painted Secretary
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pale green and silver and gold gilt, fall front secretary with a fully painted interior embellished with floral motifs.
Gold, Silver
c.1900 Venetian Secretary
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dramatic, burl wood and walnut secretary with scrolling crown and hidden and serpentine drawers.
Burl, Walnut
Venetian Style Painted Secretary
Located in Essex, MA
DOUBLE DOME TOP OVER A PAIR OF DOORS ENCLOSING A FITTED INTERIOR,THE BASE WITH SLANT LID DESK WITH FITTED INTERIOR OVER THREE DRAWERS,BRACKET FEET.
18th century Venetian Secretay
Located in New Orleans, LA
Beautifully painted five drawer fall front secretary
Fitted interior with original paint
19th c. Venetian Secretary
Located in New Orleans, LA
Petie Painted Secretary
Wood
Painted Venetian Secretary or Desk
Located in Winter Park, FL
Venetian secretary with original hand painted finish and lovely floral design. Opening to 26" deep.
Italian Venetian Style Painted Secretary
Located in Manhasset, NY
Attractive Venetian style painted secretary, circa 1960s, overall light green painted with
Wood
Venetian Walnut Bookcase circa 1940
Located in Doylestown, PA
Venetian walnut secretary bookcase, broken arched pediment with mirrored cartouche above double
Antique Venetian Painted Secretary Bookcase
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique Venetian painted secretary bookcase showcases the flair for the dramatic that characterizes
Venetian Painted and Gilt Decorated Secretary
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Venetian Louis XV style painted and partial gilt two part secretary desk, made in Italy, circa
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
19th Century Venetian, Olive Wood Bureau
Located in Hixson, TN
This is a 19th Century Venetian burr olive wood bureau with a slant top and lid which opens to
Venetian Rococo Green Japanned Secretary Desk
Located in Essex, MA
With shaped arched cornice over a pair of doors enclosing a red painted interior with shelves over a fold down slant lid writing surface fitted with drawers, over seven drawers with ...
Wood
18th C. Style Venetian Painted Secretary
Located in Rochester, NY
An Italian Venetion secretary in the 18th century style. All original with the most beautifully aged soft pale green painted, silver gold gilded and overall raised scenic chinoiserie...
19th Century Lacquered Venetian Bouquesse Cabinet
Located in Catania, Sicilia
An original red lacquered with figures wood Bouquesse hand-crafted and painted in Venice in the 19th century, very good conditions considering use and age
Fruitwood, Lacquer
1910 Venetian Painted Secretary, Flowers and Birds
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1910 Venetian painted secretary. Painted flowers and birds. Drawers open. Paint loss throughout
Wood
Venetian Hand Painted Secretary Circa 1930's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Petite hand painted venetian secretary. The upper portion which is painted on both sides has
Wood
Venetian painted cabinet/secretary 19 th century
Located in Houston, TX
The exceptional painting on this piece makes it a real Showpiece. The pale mint green and silver gilt accents Are of the best quality. The doors open wide for a diplay The front drop...
Fruitwood, Paint
Italian Venetian Hand-Painted Secretary, Early 20th Century
Located in Hamburg, PA
A beautiful Italian Venetian hand-painted secretary with French style feet and accents. Unusual two
Paint, Wood
A Fine Painted Venetian Secretary with Bronze Mounts
Located in Sheffield, MA
A Fine Painted Venetian Secretary With Bronze Mounts 18th Century The piece is decorated
18th Century Venetian-style Italian Burled Wood Secretary
Located in San Francisco, CA
Italian burled wood (probably walnut) veneered baroque-style secretary with mirrored glass doors.
Italian Venetian Chinoiserie and Creme Paint Decorated Secretary Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Italian Venetian secretary desk is a striking example of decorative artistry, blending
Walnut
Italian Venetian Style Blue-Painted Trompe l'Oeil Secretary Desk
Located in Shippensburg, PA
VENETIAN STYLE BLUE-PAINTED TROMPE L'OEIL SECRETARY DESK Circa early 20th century with later
Glass, Paint
Sold
H 72.5 in W 26 in D 16 in
Narrow Venetian Italian Circassian Walnut Mirrored Secretary Desk, circa 1930
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a beautiful desk with a great narrow width that's perfect for smaller spaces or an entryway. The secretary is in good original condition with a fine aged patina on the mirror...
Walnut
Two Piece Quality Floral Paint Decorated Venetian Italian Secretary Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a beautiful paint decorated desk with elaborate and well done painted flowers and floral decorations. The desk is two pieces and measures 74 tall x 27 widex 17 deep. The desk...
Walnut
Sold
H 40.56 in W 28.94 in D 14.57 in
Small Antique Italian Drop-Front Scriban Desk Hand-Painted Venetian Chinoiserie
Located in London, Park Royal
craftsmanship with the poetic detailing of Venetian artistry. The exterior is expressively hand-painted in the
Wood
Sold
H 39 in W 18 in D 37 in
Antique Italian Venetian Olive Burl Serpentine Secretary Slant Desk Bureau Chest
Located in Dayton, OH
An impressive antique Italian Venetian drop front secretary desk. Made from olive burl with a
Olive, Burl
Sold
H 96.86 in W 50.01 in D 23.23 in
20th Century Lacquered, Silvered and Hand Painted Wood Venetian Trumeau, 1950
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
Large Venetian trumeau from the mid-20th century. Moved furniture on the front and sides, richly
Wood
Sold
H 95.5 in W 40 in D 22 in
19th Century Venetian Secretary Bookcase with Painted Scenes and Floral Sprays
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A very lovely painted green and yellow Italian fall-front secretary bookcase in the Venetian
Paint
Sold
H 90 in W 40 in D 20 in
Fine Olive Wood Venetian Rococo Solid Walnut Mirrored Secretary Desk, Circa 1920
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous Venetian rococo mirrored Secretary desk. This is a one piece desk and doesn't
Olive
Sold
H 92.25 in W 44.25 in D 24.25 in
An 18th Century Italian Venetian Rococo Walnut Slant Front Desk Bureau Bookcase
Located in CH
An 18th century Italian Venetian Rococo walnut slant front desk bureau bookcase. The arched
Wood
Venetian Chinoiserie Decorated Ladies Secretaire
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Country pale yellow painted secretary cabinet desk with light pink Chinese toile style decorations. The top double doors open to two shelves and the drop front writing surface opens ...
Neoclassical Venetian Drop-Leaf Secretaire, Italy, 18th Century
Located in Milano, IT
Venetian neoclassical drop-leaf secretaire, supported by 4 truncated pyramidal legs, 3 frontal
Olive, Walnut
Sold
H 43.71 in W 54.34 in D 24.81 in
Barocchetto Drop-Leaf Secretaire High Veneto, Italy, 18th Century
Located in Milano, IT
Venetian Barocchetto drop-leaf secretaire supported by shelf-shaped feet; curved front with three
Maple, Walnut, Burl
Fine Hand-Painted Venetian 19th Century Secretaire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Outstanding example of a Venetian bureau bookcase, or secretaire, having a serpentine cornice
Sold
H 43.31 in W 33.47 in D 18.51 in
Venetian 1960s Secretaire Commode Empire Style, Cream Lacquered Wood, Decorated
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Venetian 1960s Secretaire commode empire style, cream lacquered wood, hand-decorated with glass top
Wood
Sold
H 87.8 in W 50.79 in D 19.3 in
20th Century Lacquered and Painted Wood Venetian Italian Secretaire Desk, 1920
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
Venetian trumeau from the early 20th century. Furniture in ornately carved, lacquered and painted
Wood
Venetian Secretary
Located in Pomona, CA
Hand-painted Venetian secretary with silver leaf accents. Two doors on top opens in two a mirror
Wool
Venetian Burl Walnut Secretary
Located in Hixson, TN
A striking Venetian burl walnut secretary. Made in the early era of the 20th century. Exceptional
Antique Venetian Secretary Cabinet
Located in Bridgeport, CT
In all-over pale salmon paint having floral details. Drop-front desk reveals four small drawers and cubby. There are age splits and minor losses on edges. There is some paint loss (i...
Wood, Paint
Venetian Painted and Gilt Secretary
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Magnificent Venetian rococo style white painted and gilt secretary with green velvet lined bookcase
Paint, Wood
Exceptional 18thc Painted Venetian Secretary Desk
Located in New Orleans, LA
Fantastic painted Italian secretary with original designs, paint and interior silk fabric.
Lacquer, Wood
$15,439 / item
H 32.68 in W 110.24 in D 40.56 in
Art Deco Sofa by Munna Design Studio with Velvet Upholstery
By Munna Design Studio
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This sofa features a wonderfully elegant fan-shaped motif, with its accentuated curvy lines with decadent and lavish finish. The feminine curves are ravishingly enhanced by the diffe...
Velvet
Letto a baldacchino. Italia, inizi del XIX sec
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
Letto a baldacchino in ferro battuto con pediera e testiera in legno sagomato per poter essere rivestita di tappezzeria. I montanti in ferro battuto come i piedi presentano delle ins...
Wrought Iron
$229,678Sale Price|33% Off
H 51.19 in W 55.12 in D 201.58 in
Rare Victorian Firescreen with Taxidermy Hummingbirds by Henry Ward
By Henry Ward
Located in Amsterdam, NL
England, third quarter of the 19th century On two scrolling foliate feet with casters, above which a rectangular two-side glazed frame, with on top a two-sided shield with initial...
Other
$37,690
H 42.13 in W 83.47 in D 32.29 in
A Large French Louis XV Canapé en Corbeille, Walnut - Louis Delanois JME
By Louis Delanois
Located in Göttingen, NI
A Large French Louis XV Canapé en Corbeille, carved walnut Master Louis Delanois JME c. 1760 Provenance: Albrecht Neuhaus, Würzburg Literature: Pierre Kjellberg, Le Mobilier França...
Walnut
$26,000
H 102 in W 61.5 in D 79 in
English Georgian Mahogany Gadrooned and Upholstered Tester Bed, Circa 1800
Located in Charleston, SC
English Georgian mahogany four-poster bed with a carved molded inset headboard, tapered head post, serpentine gadrooned and upholstered tester with a centered carved urn & swags, dec...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$9,850
H 20 in W 16 in D 12 in
A 1930's French Gilt Lacquered Wood Pagoda Form Chinoiserie Platinum Painted Box
By Maison Jansen
Located in New York, NY
A 1930's French Gilt Lacquered Wood Pagoda Form Chinoiserie Platinum Painted Box, Attributed to Jansen. At first glance, the box's visual allure is simply breathtaking. Adorned with ...
Wood
$18,976
H 40.56 in W 108.27 in D 29.53 in
Giltwood "Confidente" Large Sofa in the Louis XV Style made by La Maison London
By La Maison London
Located in London, Park Royal
An elegant and impressive large Louis XV style confidante sofa which has been hand carved and gilded using traditional methods and materials to achieve an authentic period finish. Th...
Wood, Giltwood
Circa 1880 Italian Large Gilt wood LXV Style Confidente Sofa
Located in London, Park Royal
A rare antique find from Tuscany Italy. This 'Confidante' sofa, circa 1880, is in beautiful condition. The large frame is finely carved in the LXV style, with its original water gild...
Gold, Gold Leaf
Pair of Italian Rococo Walnut Salon Sofas
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of large-scale Italian Rococo salon sofas carved in walnut. Each sofa features a continuous serpentine crest rail with symmetrical rocaille carving centered by a shell motif. Sc...
Walnut
$18,950Sale Price / set|60% Off
H 40.75 in W 29.13 in D 29.5 in
Set of Four French 19th Century Louis XV Rococo Style Gilt Wood Carved Armchairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine set of four French 19th century Louis XV Rococo style giltwood carved Fauteuil à la Reine armchairs, the arched upholstered paneled backs with foliate scroll cresting and simi...
Fabric, Giltwood
On Hold|$1,436,961
H 42.92 in W 108.27 in D 61.03 in
1894 Steinway & Sons Concert Grand Piano, Louis XV Style, Giltwood
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This extraordinary concert grand piano with 88 keys was made by the prestigious firm Steinway & Sons around 1894. The case's decoration was entrusted to the company Cuel & Ci...
Wood, Giltwood
Monumental Meissen Porcelain Four Elements Centerpiece/Candelabra
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A Monumental Meissen Porcelain Elemental Centerpiece/Candlabra with Bowls and Candelabra Arms. The centerpiece is composed of porcelain in a multipart structure integrating both bow...
Porcelain
$522,886 / set
H 114.5 in W 35.5 in D 5 in
19th Century, Monumental Carved Boiserie Panels from Lartington Hall
Located in London, GB
The Lartington hall carved Boiserie panels by Signor Anton Leone Bulletti. A highly important suite of eight carved and patinated wood panels commissioned by Monsignor Thomas Edw...
Wood, Pine
$187,500
H 102 in W 84.5 in D 22.5 in
Exceptional 19th Century English Chinoiserie Pagoda Display Cabinet
Located in Houston, TX
Large-scale 19th century English display cabinet executed in the Chinoiserie tradition. Constructed in carved mahogany and conceived as a tripartite architectural façade, each glazed...
Glass, Mahogany
Venetian Monumental Seated Bird Cage
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Venetian style (20th Cent) octagonal shaped painted and decorated metal and wood bird cage with 8 upholstered seat and back cushions around base. (Franco Zefferelli Collection)
Metal
$70,670 / set
H 40.95 in Dm 17.72 in
Nineteenth Century Gilt Bronze Candelabra Pair, French or Russian
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of thirteen-flame candelabra France or Russia Second quarter of 19th century Cast, chiseled and gilt bronze Height 40.95 in (cm 104), diameter 17,7 in (cm 45) 97 lb (44 kg) Sta...
Ormolu
Your antique, new or vintage secretary desk has become the (chic) saving grace of the "new normal" at home.
Simply put, a secretary desk is a multifunctional piece of furniture with a hinged writing surface that folds open or drops down. When the leaf is folded out, small inner storage compartments — pigeonholes, cubbies, recesses or drawers — are revealed.
Traditionally, a secretary is composed of two parts — a chest of drawers on the bottom and a cabinet with shelves on the top. Taking its name from the French word for the piece, secrétaire, the secretary desk dates back to the 18th century, when Paris-based cabinetmaker Jean-François Oeben, known for his exquisite marquetry and clever mechanical desks, is thought to have invented the secrétaire à abbattant, or drop-leaf desk.
While the defining drop-down feature of the secretary desk has remained constant, the materials used, as well as its configuration, size and style have evolved over time.
At first, secretaries were typically made from exotic woods, like rosewood, tulipwood and kingwood; later, hardwoods like cherry, maple, oak and mahogany were more common. The desks also became lighter, with space carved out of the lower half for the writer’s feet or with drawers replaced by legs — making them more table-like.
When open, the secretary is a dynamic, versatile Wunderkammer. When closed, it’s a sophisticated, space-saving piece of furniture.
“A fine secretary with a good provenance adds stature and credence to its owner — it is a cornerstone piece,” says antiques dealer Stanley Weiss, who specializes in 18th- and 19th-century English and American furniture. “In this disposable world, fine furniture is always passed on and speaks to who its owner is.”
No matter what style or period you choose, and no matter how you decide to use it, the timeless, flexible secretary desk is bound to become an indispensable part of your daily routine.
Browse a range of antique and vintage secretary desks on 1stDibs, including mid-century modern secretaires, Georgian secretaires and others.
Simple or sophisticated, equipped with console, cart or custom cabinetry, these stylish bar areas deserve a toast.
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.
The furniture equivalent of a Swiss Army knife, it's the multifunctional piece you didn't know you needed.
Italian studio DimoreMilano mustered great ingenuity when crafting these sculptural shelves, which are built without any screws.
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.
Introduced nearly 500 years ago, curiosity cabinets are finding new fans among today's collectors and designers.
In the hands of New York Heartwoods cofounder Megan Offner, unwanted local trees become works of design art.
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.