Secretaires
20th Century Italian Secretaires
Glass, Paint
2010s Swiss Secretaires
Steel
Mid-20th Century French Louis XV Secretaires
Bronze
20th Century American Chinoiserie Secretaires
Wood
Late 18th Century Chippendale Antique Secretaires
Cherry
Early 19th Century Italian Baroque Antique Secretaires
Wood
Late 18th Century British George III Antique Secretaires
Wood
Late 19th Century Federal Antique Secretaires
Leather, Glass, Mahogany
1890s Italian Neoclassical Revival Antique Secretaires
Walnut
2010s Swiss Secretaires
Steel
Mid-18th Century Danish Baroque Antique Secretaires
Brass
1930s Italian Georgian Vintage Secretaires
Wood, Paint
Late 20th Century North American Chippendale Secretaires
Burl
1770s American Chippendale Antique Secretaires
Brass
20th Century French Louis XVI Secretaires
Brass, Bronze
1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Metal
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaires
Wood
Mid-20th Century Czech Scandinavian Modern Secretaires
Metal
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.