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Modern Secretary Desk

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Danish Modern Secretary Desk or Cabinet
Danish Modern Secretary Desk or Cabinet

Danish Modern Secretary Desk or Cabinet

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Danish Modern Secretary Desk with Pull out shelf. Small drawers on top and big drawers on bottom

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Secretary Desk by Svenska Möbler, Birchwood, 1950
Mid-Century Modern Secretary Desk by Svenska Möbler, Birchwood, 1950

Mid-Century Modern Secretary Desk by Svenska Möbler, Birchwood, 1950

By SMF Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A vintage Mid-Century Modern Swedish secretary desk signed by the A.B. Svenska Moebel Fabrikerna

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Birch, Jacaranda

Kai Kristiansen for HJN Brazilian Rosewood Secretary Desk
Kai Kristiansen for HJN Brazilian Rosewood Secretary Desk

Kai Kristiansen for HJN Brazilian Rosewood Secretary Desk

By Kai Kristiansen, HJN Møbler

Located in Berkeley, CA

This lovely Danish modern secretary desk in rosewood was designed by Kai Kristiansen for HJN Møbler

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Tambour Door Roll Top Secretary Desk from Mainline by Hooker
Tambour Door Roll Top Secretary Desk from Mainline by Hooker

Tambour Door Roll Top Secretary Desk from Mainline by Hooker

By Mainline by Hooker, Hooker Furniture

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A classic mid-century modern secretary desk from Hooker’s renowned “Mainline” collection, this

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Danish Modern Rosewood Secretary Desk by Toften c. 1950's
Mid Century Danish Modern Rosewood Secretary Desk by Toften c. 1950's

Mid Century Danish Modern Rosewood Secretary Desk by Toften c. 1950's

By Mobelfabrikken Toften

Located in New York, NY

Stunning Mid Century Danish Modern secretary desk, executed in vibrant rosewood veneer. This

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks

Materials

Mirror, Rosewood

Danish Modern Bookcase / Secretary Desk With Curio Top by P Westergaards
Danish Modern Bookcase / Secretary Desk With Curio Top by P Westergaards

Danish Modern Bookcase / Secretary Desk With Curio Top by P Westergaards

By P. Westergaard Møbelfabrik

Located in Berkeley, CA

This Danish Modern Secretary Desk blends elegant design with everyday functionality, bringing

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Danish Mid Century Teak Secretary Desk
Danish Mid Century Teak Secretary Desk

Danish Mid Century Teak Secretary Desk

Located in BERKEL EN RODENRIJS, NL

Beautiful Danish mid century modern secretary desk from the 1960s. Made of warm teak wood with a

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires

Materials

Teak

Antique Italian Inlaid Secretary Desk
Antique Italian Inlaid Secretary Desk

Antique Italian Inlaid Secretary Desk

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This elegant Italian walnut secretary desk features a slanted fall-front that opens to reveal

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Vintage Rosewood Laminate Secretary Desk
Vintage Rosewood Laminate Secretary Desk

Vintage Rosewood Laminate Secretary Desk

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This impressive vintage secretary desk wows by combining rosewood print laminate, a spacious work

Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Laminate, Rosewood

Mid-Century Modern Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Danish Secretary Desk
Mid-Century Modern Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Danish Secretary Desk

Mid-Century Modern Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Danish Secretary Desk

By Soborg Mobler

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Wonderful secretary desk designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for Søborg Møbler. It

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern Danish Teak Roll Top Desk Secretary Chest, 1970s
Mid-Century Modern Danish Teak Roll Top Desk Secretary Chest, 1970s

Mid-Century Modern Danish Teak Roll Top Desk Secretary Chest, 1970s

Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA

An elegant Mid-Century Modern Danish secretary chest crafted in rich teak, featuring a stylish roll

Category

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

Materials

Wood, Teak

Anglo-Indian Danish Modern Style Secretary Desk / Vanity by Hayat, Circa 1960s
Anglo-Indian Danish Modern Style Secretary Desk / Vanity by Hayat, Circa 1960s

Anglo-Indian Danish Modern Style Secretary Desk / Vanity by Hayat, Circa 1960s

By M. Hayat & Bros Ltd.

Located in Peabody, MA

A mid-century Anglo-Indian rosewood secretary desk / vanity by the world renowned M. Hayat firm of

Category

Vintage 1960s Pakistani Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Danish Teak Mid Century Modern Drop Front Secretary Box Desk Cabinet MINT
Danish Teak Mid Century Modern Drop Front Secretary Box Desk Cabinet MINT

Danish Teak Mid Century Modern Drop Front Secretary Box Desk Cabinet MINT

By Dux of Sweden

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Danish Teak Mid Century Modern Drop Front Secretary Box Desk Cabinet MINT

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk Secretary
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk Secretary

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk Secretary

By Edward Wormley

Located in Pawtucket, RI

Very rare desk secretary designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Functional five drawers and letter

Category

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Modern Rosewood Magic Box Hidden Secretary Desk
Mid Century Modern Rosewood Magic Box Hidden Secretary Desk

Mid Century Modern Rosewood Magic Box Hidden Secretary Desk

By Arne Vodder

Located in Sayreville, NJ

An incredible "magic box" rosewood secrecy desk made in Norway. This exceptional desk has many

Category

Vintage 1960s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Rosewood

Mid Century Secretary Desk / Vanity in Teak
Mid Century Secretary Desk / Vanity in Teak

Mid Century Secretary Desk / Vanity in Teak

Located in Berkeley, CA

″ wide x 16″ deep x 37″ tall Desk: 28.75" wide x 15" deep x 29" tall

Category

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

Materials

Teak

1960s Atomic Danish Secretary Desk in Teak
1960s Atomic Danish Secretary Desk in Teak

1960s Atomic Danish Secretary Desk in Teak

Located in Berkeley, CA

Origin: Denmark Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: Unknown Era: 1960s Materials: Teak Measurements: 35.5″ wide x 19″ deep x 46″ tall

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Drop Front Secretary Desk by Arne Wahl Iversen
Drop Front Secretary Desk by Arne Wahl Iversen

Drop Front Secretary Desk by Arne Wahl Iversen

By Arne Wahl Iversen

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Danish made mid-century modern drop front secretary desk in rich rosewood grain. Two wide drawers

Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

Mid-Century Modern Teak Secretary Desk with Brass Hinges, 1960s
Mid-Century Modern Teak Secretary Desk with Brass Hinges, 1960s

Mid-Century Modern Teak Secretary Desk with Brass Hinges, 1960s

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid century teak secretary desk Featuring a flip down front with small drawers organizer slots and

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Brass

Italian Empire Revival Secretary Desk with Marble Top, 1940s
Italian Empire Revival Secretary Desk with Marble Top, 1940s

Italian Empire Revival Secretary Desk with Marble Top, 1940s

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Tall cabinet with fitted drawers, writing surface, and grey marble top. Rich mahogany finish accented by Empire-style columns and gilt mounts

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Vintage Swedish Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Cabinet Drop Leaf Desk Secretary
Vintage Swedish Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Cabinet Drop Leaf Desk Secretary

Vintage Swedish Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Cabinet Drop Leaf Desk Secretary

Located in Atlanta, GA

cabinet gives you shelf space, drawers and a small desk top. An unusual secretary, or secretaire. Perfect

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Restored Rattan and Mahogany Secretary Desk W/ Side Shelf
Restored Rattan and Mahogany Secretary Desk W/ Side Shelf

Restored Rattan and Mahogany Secretary Desk W/ Side Shelf

Located in Van Nuys, CA

Finished in rattan and mahogany, this Mid-Century era desk has an attached single drawer for

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rattan, Mahogany

Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni rosewood Rampa secretary desk Bernini Italy
Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni rosewood Rampa secretary desk Bernini Italy

Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni rosewood Rampa secretary desk Bernini Italy

By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Bernini

Located in Skokie, IL

labels, from Flos to Zanotta. The rare rosewood Rampa desk, produced in limited numbers by Bernini

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Scandinavian Style Secretary Desk in Walnut
Scandinavian Style Secretary Desk in Walnut

Scandinavian Style Secretary Desk in Walnut

Located in Paris, FR

Beautifull handmade Nordic style compact desk made of solid walnut wood offering a real storage

Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Desks

Materials

Walnut

Scandinavian Style Secretary Desk in Oak
Scandinavian Style Secretary Desk in Oak

Scandinavian Style Secretary Desk in Oak

Located in Paris, FR

Beautifull handmade Nordic style compact desk made of solid oak wood offering a real storage

Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Desks

Materials

Oak

Maitland Smith Leather Fold Out Secretary Desk
Maitland Smith Leather Fold Out Secretary Desk

Maitland Smith Leather Fold Out Secretary Desk

By Maitland Smith

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Maitland Smith Leather Fold Out Secretary Desk This secretary measures: 26 wide x 20 deep x 50.25

Category

Early 2000s American Modern Desks

Materials

Leather, Wood

Egon Ostergaard Style Danish Bookmatched Teak Flip Top Desk or Secretary
Egon Ostergaard Style Danish Bookmatched Teak Flip Top Desk or Secretary

Egon Ostergaard Style Danish Bookmatched Teak Flip Top Desk or Secretary

By Egon Ostergaard, H.W. Klein

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Designed in the 1960s in the style of Egon Ostergaard, this desk was made in Denmark. We've had a

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini Wooden Secretary Desk
Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini Wooden Secretary Desk

Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini Wooden Secretary Desk

By Gianfranco Frattini, Bernini

Located in Madrid, ES

Elegant mahogany wood desk with aluminum inserts designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini in

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-century Danish walnut roll top desk, dresser or secretary, circa 1950s
Mid-century Danish walnut roll top desk, dresser or secretary, circa 1950s

Mid-century Danish walnut roll top desk, dresser or secretary, circa 1950s

Located in Long Island City, NY

Mid-century modern walnut desk, secretary or dresser. Made in Denmark, 1950s Roll top, 3 big

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Large blue Secretary Desk - design Eric Gizard, Paris - made in France
Large blue Secretary Desk - design Eric Gizard, Paris - made in France

Large blue Secretary Desk - design Eric Gizard, Paris - made in France

By Éric Gizard

Located in Landivy, FR

This large secretary desk is designed by the famous parisian Designer Eric Gizard and delivered

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writi...

Materials

Wood, Ash, Lacquer

Egon Ostergaard for SMI Sweden Bookmatched Teak Roll Top Desk or Secretary
Egon Ostergaard for SMI Sweden Bookmatched Teak Roll Top Desk or Secretary

Egon Ostergaard for SMI Sweden Bookmatched Teak Roll Top Desk or Secretary

By Egon Ostergaard

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Designed in the 1960s by Egon Ostergaard, this desk was made by SMI, a somewhat nebulous figure in

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

18th Century Kingwood and Walnut Ladies French Secretary Louis XV Desk
18th Century Kingwood and Walnut Ladies French Secretary Louis XV Desk

18th Century Kingwood and Walnut Ladies French Secretary Louis XV Desk

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This 18th century French ladies secretary desk is a fine example of Louis XV craftsmanship

Category

Antique 1780s French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Kingwood, Walnut

Rare Drop Down Secretary Desk in Walnut by Maurice Villency, Denmark, c. 1960s
Rare Drop Down Secretary Desk in Walnut by Maurice Villency, Denmark, c. 1960s

Rare Drop Down Secretary Desk in Walnut by Maurice Villency, Denmark, c. 1960s

By Maurice Villency

Located in Deland, FL

Introducing a freshly restored secretary desk designed in the 1960s by the influential Maurice

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Dark blue secretary desk in wood, scandinavian design by Eric Gizard, Paris
Dark blue secretary desk in wood, scandinavian design by Eric Gizard, Paris

Dark blue secretary desk in wood, scandinavian design by Eric Gizard, Paris

By Éric Gizard

Located in Landivy, FR

ÉGÉE collection This secretary desk is part of the ÉGÉE collection designed by Eric Gizard in Paris

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writi...

Materials

Ash, Wood, Lacquer

Secretary Desk AB Bröderna Gustafssons - Scandinavian Mid-Century Design
Secretary Desk AB Bröderna Gustafssons - Scandinavian Mid-Century Design

Secretary Desk AB Bröderna Gustafssons - Scandinavian Mid-Century Design

By AB Bröderna Wigells Stolfabrik

Located in Torino, IT

Questo secretary desk prodotto da AB Bröderna Gustafssons è un raffinato esempio di design

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

Mid Century Secretary Desk Bureau by Sutcliffe of Todmorden
Mid Century Secretary Desk Bureau by Sutcliffe of Todmorden

Mid Century Secretary Desk Bureau by Sutcliffe of Todmorden

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This stunning mid century desk/cabinet was produced by Sutcliffe of Todmorden during the 1960s. The

Category

Vintage 1960s British Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

Danish Modern Model 68 Secretary Desk in Teak by Arne Wahl Iversen Vinde, 1960's
Danish Modern Model 68 Secretary Desk in Teak by Arne Wahl Iversen Vinde, 1960's

Danish Modern Model 68 Secretary Desk in Teak by Arne Wahl Iversen Vinde, 1960's

By Arne Wahl Iversen, Vinde Møbelfabrik

Located in Deland, FL

Introducing a freshly restored Model 68 secretary desk designed in the 1960s by the influential

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Wood, Teak, Paint

Rare Restored Bespoke Modernist Stacked Rattan & Mahogany Secretary Desk
Rare Restored Bespoke Modernist Stacked Rattan & Mahogany Secretary Desk

Rare Restored Bespoke Modernist Stacked Rattan & Mahogany Secretary Desk

Located in Van Nuys, CA

This beautifully restored Paul Frankl-inspired mid-century bespoke stacked rattan secretary desk

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Rattan

Mid-Century Modern Secretary by Poul Volther, 1960s
Mid-Century Modern Secretary by Poul Volther, 1960s

Mid-Century Modern Secretary by Poul Volther, 1960s

By Poul Volther, Munch Møbler

Located in Breda, Netherlands

Design desk Fab mid century quality secretary desk with good size drawer section by Poul Volther

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Oak, Teak

Mid-Century Solid Teakwood Bureau with Secretary Desk, Germany, 1950
Mid-Century Solid Teakwood Bureau with Secretary Desk, Germany, 1950

Mid-Century Solid Teakwood Bureau with Secretary Desk, Germany, 1950

Located in Madrid, ES

drawers that provide organized storage, along with an extensible writing desk that allows the piece to

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern Gianfranco Frattini Secretary for Bernini, 1950s
Mid-Century Modern Gianfranco Frattini Secretary for Bernini, 1950s

Mid-Century Modern Gianfranco Frattini Secretary for Bernini, 1950s

By Gianfranco Frattini

Located in Brussels, BE

Mid-Century Modern Gianfranco Frattini Secretary for Bernini, 1950s

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Wood

Rare Sesamo Pop Up Desk / Secretary by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, 1981
Rare Sesamo Pop Up Desk / Secretary by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, 1981

Rare Sesamo Pop Up Desk / Secretary by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini, 1981

By Gianfranco Frattini, Bernini

Located in Basel, BS

open. Excellent as an entrance piece by the doorway, as a desk, or as a secretary. Stunning

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Desks

Materials

Leather, Beech

Vintage Arne Wahl Iversen Rosewood Secretary Desk Model 68 c. 1960's
Vintage Arne Wahl Iversen Rosewood Secretary Desk Model 68 c. 1960's

Vintage Arne Wahl Iversen Rosewood Secretary Desk Model 68 c. 1960's

By Arne Wahl Iversen

Located in Emeryville, CA

The desk features a cleverly designed drop-down writing surface, two spacious lower drawers

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Rosewood

Mid-Century Modern Custom-Made Walnut Standing Flip Top Desk
Mid-Century Modern Custom-Made Walnut Standing Flip Top Desk

Mid-Century Modern Custom-Made Walnut Standing Flip Top Desk

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This mid-century modern walnut flip-top secretary desk is a wonderful tall station to work at

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Secretary by Gianfranco Frattini, Cantieri Carugati, 1954
Secretary by Gianfranco Frattini, Cantieri Carugati, 1954

Secretary by Gianfranco Frattini, Cantieri Carugati, 1954

By Gianfranco Frattini, Cantieri Carugati

Located in Berlin, DE

This beautiful secretary by Gianfranco Frattini from 1954 was made out of rosewood. Frattini was

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Steel

Jürgen Lange, Secretary mod. Privé for Rosenthal Einrichtung, 1980
Jürgen Lange, Secretary mod. Privé for Rosenthal Einrichtung, 1980

Jürgen Lange, Secretary mod. Privé for Rosenthal Einrichtung, 1980

By Jürgen Lange

Located in Saarbrücken, SL

. Winner of the Red Dot Award. Secretary, standing desk or lectern... With this post-modern design, Jürgen

Category

Vintage 1980s German Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Acrylic, Wood

Hans Eichenberger, Secretary mod. HE for the Kollektion Röthlisberger Schweiz
Hans Eichenberger, Secretary mod. HE for the Kollektion Röthlisberger Schweiz

Hans Eichenberger, Secretary mod. HE for the Kollektion Röthlisberger Schweiz

By Hans Eichenberger, Kollection Röthlisberger Schweiz

Located in Saarbrücken, SL

Postmodern secretary desk by Hans Eichenberger for Kollektion Röthlisberger Schweiz. Two drawers

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Post-Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Wonderful and Extremely Rare Frattini Secretary for Bernini
Wonderful and Extremely Rare Frattini Secretary for Bernini

Wonderful and Extremely Rare Frattini Secretary for Bernini

By Gianfranco Frattini

Located in Munich, DE

By pulling the drawer the tambour roll top opens automatic. Then you can double the size of the writing surface.

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid Century English Regency Mahogany Drop Leaf Sofa Table Secretary
Mid Century English Regency Mahogany Drop Leaf Sofa Table Secretary

Mid Century English Regency Mahogany Drop Leaf Sofa Table Secretary

Located in Germantown, MD

A Mid Century Mid Size English Regency Mahogany Drop Leaf Sofa Table or Writing Desk. Single item

Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

EC228 Secretary Chair by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller
EC228 Secretary Chair by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller

EC228 Secretary Chair by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller

By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames

Located in Chicago, IL

c. 1970s. Uncommon chair upholstered in red/orange fabric. Signed.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Fabric

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Modern Secretary Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the modern secretary desk you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, hardwood and teak, every modern secretary desk was constructed with great care. If you’re shopping for a modern secretary desk, we have 227 options in-stock, while there are 10 modern editions to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer modern secretary desk, there are earlier versions available from the 20th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. When you’re browsing for the right modern secretary desk, those designed in Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern and Modern styles are of considerable interest. You’ll likely find more than one modern secretary desk that is appealing in its simplicity, but Børge Mogensen, Arne Wahl Iversen and Ib Kofod-Larsen produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Modern Secretary Desk?

Prices for a modern secretary desk can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $915 and can go as high as $45,000, while the average can fetch as much as $2,673.

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.

Questions About Modern Secretary Desk
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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