New in Secretaires
Mid-20th Century English Chinese Chippendale New in Secretaires
Pine
1840s French Louis Philippe Antique New in Secretaires
Walnut
1840s French Louis Philippe Antique New in Secretaires
Walnut
Early 19th Century French Biedermeier Antique New in Secretaires
Brass, Other
Early 20th Century French Art Deco New in Secretaires
Leather, Ash
Early 18th Century English Georgian Antique New in Secretaires
Walnut
Late 20th Century American Chippendale New in Secretaires
Brass
1960s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage New in Secretaires
Wood
1930s Art Deco Vintage New in Secretaires
Bronze
1960s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Vintage New in Secretaires
Palisander
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique New in Secretaires
Oak
Late 19th Century English Chippendale Antique New in Secretaires
Metal, Brass
Mid-19th Century French Antique New in Secretaires
Bronze
19th Century British Antique New in Secretaires
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco New in Secretaires
Shagreen Stingray, Palmwood
Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Antique New in Secretaires
Leather, Oak
1820s German Biedermeier Antique New in Secretaires
Walnut
2010s French New in Secretaires
Leather, Walnut
Antique, New and Vintage Secretaires
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.