Secretaires
2010s German Modern Secretaires
Metal
1880s Arts and Crafts Antique Secretaires
Pine
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Secretaires
Glass, Oak
1910s English Arts and Crafts Vintage Secretaires
Copper
1910s English Arts and Crafts Vintage Secretaires
Walnut
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Secretaires
Glass, Mahogany
2010s French Modern Secretaires
Steel
Late 20th Century Philippine Modern Secretaires
Enamel
2010s German Modern Secretaires
Steel
Late 18th Century Portuguese Modern Antique Secretaires
Wood
2010s German Modern Secretaires
Steel
2010s Spanish Modern Secretaires
Wood
1980s Modern Vintage Secretaires
Brass
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Secretaires
Oak
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Secretaires
Oak
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Secretaires
Leather, Mahogany
2010s American Modern Secretaires
Brass, Steel
1970s American Modern Vintage Secretaires
Chrome
1920s English Arts and Crafts Vintage Secretaires
Oak
1950s Argentine Modern Vintage Secretaires
Wood
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Secretaires
Wood
2010s Italian Modern Secretaires
Bronze
1930s Hungarian Modern Vintage Secretaires
Rosewood, Walnut
20th Century Chinoiserie Secretaires
Wood
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Secretaires
Oak
1840s German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires
Mahogany
Late 19th Century British Chinoiserie Antique Secretaires
Giltwood, Lacquer, Paint
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Wood
Late 18th Century British George III Antique Secretaires
Wood
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Secretaires
Metal, Brass
19th Century English Chinoiserie Antique Secretaires
Wood
18th Century English George III Antique Secretaires
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese George III Secretaires
Mahogany
1950s Dutch Dutch Colonial Vintage Secretaires
Maple, Walnut, Fir
19th Century French Directoire Antique Secretaires
Bronze
Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Secretaires
Brass
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Secretaires
Glass, Oak
1940s English Arts and Crafts Vintage Secretaires
Oak
1960s Italian Modern Vintage Secretaires
Plastic
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Secretaires
Wood
20th Century Philippine Modern Secretaires
Iron
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Secretaires
Brass
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Secretaires
Oak
Late 20th Century European Modern Secretaires
Wood
1910s American Arts and Crafts Vintage Secretaires
Poplar, Walnut
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Secretaires
Oak, Glass
19th Century English Arts and Crafts Antique Secretaires
Mahogany
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.