Secretaires
2010s German Modern Secretaires
Metal
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
2010s American Modern Secretaires
Brass, Steel
1970s American Modern Vintage Secretaires
Chrome
1950s Argentine Modern Vintage Secretaires
Wood
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Secretaires
Wood
1940s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Secretaires
Brass
2010s Italian Modern Secretaires
Bronze
20th Century American Hollywood Regency Secretaires
Wood
1930s Hungarian Modern Vintage Secretaires
Rosewood, Walnut
1940s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Secretaires
Brass
1950s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Secretaires
Brass
1960s Italian Vintage Secretaires
Wood, Glass
20th Century Chinoiserie Secretaires
Wood
Late 20th Century American Chippendale Secretaires
Brass
Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique Secretaires
Brass
Late 20th Century Belgian Hollywood Regency Secretaires
Wood, Mirror, Smoked Glass
Mid-20th Century French Louis XV Secretaires
Bronze
1840s German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires
Mahogany
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Wood
Early 19th Century Italian Baroque Antique Secretaires
Wood
19th Century English Chinoiserie Antique Secretaires
Wood
20th Century American Chinoiserie Secretaires
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Secretaires
Shagreen Stingray, Palmwood
1960s Italian Modern Vintage Secretaires
Plastic
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Secretaires
Wood
Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Secretaires
Walnut
1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Secretaires
Fruitwood
20th Century Philippine Modern Secretaires
Iron
Late 20th Century European Modern Secretaires
Wood
1920s Danish Modern Vintage Secretaires
Mahogany
1980s American Modern Vintage Secretaires
Brass
1980s French Modern Vintage Secretaires
Brass
1970s Colombian Modern Vintage Secretaires
Resin, Wood
1970s American Modern Vintage Secretaires
Brass
1980s French Modern Vintage Secretaires
Steel
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.