Art Deco Secretaires
ART DECO STYLE
Art Deco furniture is characterized by its celebration of modern life. More than its emphasis on natural wood grains and focus on traditional craftsmanship, vintage Art Deco dining chairs, tables, desks, cabinets and other furniture — which typically refers to pieces produced during the 1920s and 1930s — is an ode to the glamour of the “Roaring Twenties.”
ORIGINS OF ART DECO FURNITURE DESIGN
- Emerged in the 1920s
- Flourished while the popularity of Art Nouveau declined
- Term derives from 1925’s Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes (International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts) in Paris, France
- Informed by Ancient Egypt, Cubism, Futurism, Louis XVI, De Stijl, modernism and the Vienna Secession; influenced Streamline Moderne and mid-century modernism
CHARACTERISTICS OF ART DECO FURNITURE DESIGN
- Bold geometric lines and forms, floral motifs
- Use of expensive materials such as shagreen or marble as well as exotic woods such as mahogany, ebony and zebra wood
- Metal accents, shimmering mirrored finishes
- Embellishments made from exotic animal hides, inlays of mother-of-pearl or ivory
ART DECO FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
VINTAGE ART DECO FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
Few design styles are as universally recognized and appreciated as Art Deco. The term alone conjures visions of the Roaring Twenties, Machine Age metropolises, vast ocean liners, sleek typography and Prohibition-era hedonism. The iconic movement made an indelible mark on all fields of design throughout the 1920s and ’30s, celebrating society’s growing industrialization with refined elegance and stunning craftsmanship.
Widely known designers associated with the Art Deco style include Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Eileen Gray, Maurice Dufrêne, Paul Follot and Jules Leleu.
The term Art Deco derives from the name of a large decorative arts exhibition held in Paris in 1925. “Art Deco design” is often used broadly, to describe the work of creators in associated or ancillary styles. This is particularly true of American Art Deco, which is also called Streamline Moderne or Machine Age design. (Streamline Moderne, sometimes known as Art Moderne, was a phenomenon largely of the 1930s, post–Art Nouveau.)
Art Deco textile designers employed dazzling floral motifs and vivid colors, and while Art Deco furniture makers respected the dark woods and modern metals with which they worked, they frequently incorporated decorative embellishments such as exotic animal hides as well as veneers in their seating, case pieces, living room sets and bedroom furniture.
From mother-of-pearl inlaid vitrines to chrome aviator chairs, bold and inventive works in the Art Deco style include chaise longues (also known as chaise lounges) and curved armchairs. Today, the style is still favored by interior designers looking to infuse a home with an air of luxury and sophistication.
The vintage Art Deco furniture for sale on 1stDibs includes dressers, coffee tables, decorative objects and more.
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Style: Art Deco
1930s French Art Deco Burl Walnut Secretary Desk Cabinet
Located in Astoria, NY
Exceptional 1930s French Art Deco Secretary Desk. Sourced from Provence, France, this remarkable 1930s French Art Deco secretary desk is a test...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Leather, Walnut, Burl
Stunning Lacquer Secretary by Pierre DUNAND (1914-1996) circa 1950
By Pierre Dunand
Located in Paris, FR
Art deco period secretary in plum lacquer (frame and base) and coral lacquer (facade). The body is quadrangular on a pedestal base. The lower façade opens with two doors, surmounted...
Category
1950s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Art Deco Cabinet Secrétaire Attributed to Jules Leleu, Bronze Ornaments, French
By Jules Leleu
Located in London, GB
Presenting a meticulously crafted, remarkable piece of Art Deco craftsmanship, this 1930s exceptional cabinet secretaire attributed to Jules Leleu (1883-1961), captures the essence o...
Category
1930s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
English Antique Art Deco Bureau Secretaire Oak Cabinet
Located in Leicester, GB
Beautiful English Antique bureau from the 1920's. The compact Art Deco piece of furniture hosts a writing table and pigeon holes for small items behind a drop-down door. Three drawer...
Category
1920s British Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Oak
ART DECO style bar, 1940´s, Czechoslovakia
Located in Prague 8, CZ
This ART DECO style bar from the 1940s is a must-have for any antique collector. With its elegant design and unique history, this piece is sure to add character to any space. Made in...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Walnut
French Art Déco Secretaire Black High Gloss Lacquer Nickel Plated Fittings 1925
By René Prou
Located in Salzburg, AT
French Art Deco secretary Sycomore wood, black high-gloss lacquer nickel-plated fittings.
Elegant secretaire made of solid sycamore wood with a high-quality finish.
The secretaire s...
Category
1920s Italian Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Metal
1930s French Art Deco Burl Walnut Secretary Desk Cabinet
Located in Astoria, NY
Exceptional 1930s French Art Deco Secretary Desk. Sourced from Provence, France, this remarkable 1930s French Art Deco secretary desk is a test...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Leather, Walnut, Burl
1930s French Art Deco Mahogany Secretary Desk in Geometric Lines on Tapered Legs
Located in Ulm, DE
Elegant Art Deco Secretary Desk – French, 1930s
Step into the timeless sophistication of the 1930s with this meticulously restored French Art Deco secretary desk. Featuring a bold, ...
Category
1930s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
Art Deco Secretaire by Jacques Adnet
Located in Miami, FL
This secretaire desk was designed by Jacques Adnet, and was made in Tamo Ash Wood. The style of this secretaire features sleek lines, geometric shapes and a ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Leather, Ash
French Art Deco Secretaire Desk
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
French Art Deco Secretaire Desk
A very elegant secretire with three drawers and lockable fall down front, ideal for a hallway the cabinet stands on external legs and is figured walnu...
Category
1930s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
1930's Art Deco Secretaire Desk with hidden locking mechanism
Located in Ulm, DE
Secretary
wooden body, shellac hand polished
probably stained ash
One drawer can be locked/unlocked by a hidden locking mechanism.
Original Art Deco, France 1930s
Dimensions:
Widt...
Category
1930s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Wood
"Swedish Grace" Period Secretary
Located in New York, NY
Grace was the inspiration for this lovely birch secretary which makes working from home a joy! Three locking drawers sit beneath a generous drop-front with 6 interior drawers, a pair...
Category
1920s Swedish Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Birch
1940's French Art Deco Exotic Rosewood Secretary Cabinet
Located in Opa Locka, FL
c1940's French Art Deco Exotic Rosewood Secretary Cabinet. Top glass enclosed display area. Interior with special sections for desk needs. Rare form.
Category
1940s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Wood
André Sornay Secretaire, circa 1930
By Andre Sornay
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Andre´ Sornay secretaire, circa 1930
Signed.
Restored.
Certificate of authenticity from Thierry Roche, French expert for Andre´ Sornay.
Category
1930s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Italian Art Deco Aquamarine Shagreen Secretaire, Attr. to Borsani, 1940s
Located in Meda, MB
This Art Deco secretaire was produced in Italy in the 1940s and is attributable to Osvaldo Borsani. It is completely in an exotic wood with a black lacquered top and base. The centra...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Metal
Barristers Wellington Filing Cabinet by Shannon
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Barristers Wellington filing cabinet by Shannon.
This unusual filing cabinet is made by Shannon, recognised for the quality of their filing systems, t...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Burl Walnut Art Deco Cabinet
Located in Dronten, NL
Period Dutch Art Deco secretary in wonderful burl walnut veneer in symmetrical pattern.
Cut-glass pane, drop front desk, ebony wood door handles.
Comes with three beautiful original ...
Category
1920s Dutch Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Cut Glass, Ebony, Burl
20th Century Swedish Birchwood Writing Agency - Chest Attributed to Axel Larsson
By Axel Larsson
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Swedish Art Deco secretary made of hand crafted polished, partly veneered Birchwood, designed most likely by Axel Larsson in good condition. The Scandinavian cupboard, cabi...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Metal, Brass
1940s lacquered wood writing desk attributed to René Drouet French art deco
By René Drouet
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Rare '40s secrétaire attributed to French designer René Drouet. Structure in lacquered solid wood with attractive floral decoration on the top door (original paint, gilding and lacqu...
Category
1940s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Wood
W029 Cabinet, Citronnier Wood & Marble with Gilt Bronze & Gold, Zanaboni
By Zanaboni
Located in MEDA, IT
W029 is a masterpiece cabinet in citronnier, with 46 marble “Bianco B” elements, crystal bowls, 70 Kg of brass details finishing gold 24 Kts, bas-relief in marble, inlaid in mother o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Small Art Deco writing desk – France 1930
Located in Girona, Girona
Small Art Deco writing desk with walnut and burr walnut veneer, three drawers and a flap door opening onto a small desk and storage area in marquetry and light walnut. Very good qual...
Category
1930s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Art Deco Secrétaire
Located in New York, NY
A practical desk which leaves no aesthetic compromise with its lovely bookmatched mahogany veneer adorning both the inside and outside of the case. Internal drawers are adorned with ...
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
Demi Lune Bureau Art Deco Style Secretaire Desk in Black Lacquer with Cannelure
Located in Ulm, DE
Fluted, semicircular secretary with drawers
Piano lacquer in high-gloss black
Interior in birdseye maple
Mid Century, Art Deco Style, Fran...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Birdseye Maple, Lacquer
Secrétaire Desk in Shagreen and Palmwood by R&Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Shagreen Stingray, Palmwood
Art Deco English Compact Walnut Writing Desk, 1930s
Located in Devon, England
For your consideration is this lovely and totally original walnut desk dating from the 1930s. Compact in size this little desk is perfect if the space available is limited and of con...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Italian Art Deco Goatskin Secretary
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Art Deco Goatskin Secretary.
This outstanding Italian Art Deco secretary desk covered in goatskin and trimmed in walnut with an upper ...
Category
1930s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Goatskin, Wood
Art Deco Secretary Cabinet in Black Lacquer with Mirrored Interior, France 1930s
Located in Ulm, DE
This striking Art Deco secretary cabinet — crafted in France during the 1930s — is a quintessential example of the era’s refined glamour and design ingenuity. Finished in a luxurious...
Category
1930s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Lacquer, Mirror, Beech
Swedish Secretary with Marquetry
Located in New York, NY
A masterpiece of symmetry, the cantilevered sides of the body meet the rectangular working surface, creating a setback for the upper writing surface. Crafted of Nordic birch and fir,...
Category
1920s Swedish Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Birch
Early French Art Deco Secretaire Desk with Marquetry and Inlays
Located in Ulm, DE
Secretary
Wooden body, hand-polished shellac
probably stained ash
elaborate inlays and marquetry
freshly mirrored inside
Early Art Déco, France around 1925
Dimensions:
Width: 70 c...
Category
1920s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Art Deco Modernist Partners Desk, circa 1930
Located in Devon, England
For your consideration is this superbly stylish 1930s Partners desk. The base wood is Mahogany and veneered in a Bombay Walnut veneers which has a ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Chrome
An Art Deco Fall Front Secretaire with Satinwood and Macassar Ebony Inlay
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
An Art Deco fall front secretaire cabinet. Veneered satinwood and macassar ebony on solid oak with intricate inlay detail to both exterior and interior. Three well proportioned lower...
Category
1920s Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Macassar, Oak, Satinwood
Superb Parchment Covered Desk by Primavera, Art Deco, France, 1930's
By Primavera
Located in Paris, FR
Superb Art Deco desk/secretaire by Primavera. It is made of a beech wood structure, all faces entirely covered with leather (parchment). All angles are reinforced with chromed metal....
Category
1930s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Chrome
Black Lacquer Art Deco Secretaire Desk With Etched Mirror On Very Elegant Legs
Located in Ulm, DE
Writing furniture / bar furniture
Piano lacquer in black high gloss
Original Art Deco, France 1930s
Dimensions:
Width: 103 cm
height: 117 cm
Depth: 37 cm
Category
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Lacquer, Mirror
Precious Wood Secretary, signed J. Leleu, Art Deco – 1940
By Jules Leleu
Located in HÉRIC, FR
A delightful writing desk designed by Jules Leleu (1883-1961), a renowned French designer of the Art Deco period. This legendary decorator and cabinetmaker successfully combined eleg...
Category
1940s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
Rene Drouet Attributed, Art Deco walnut and Thuya Burr Cabinet
By René Drouet
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Rene Drouet attributed, Art Deco walnut and thuya burr cabinet.
Ivory and interior in sycamore veneer.
Secret drawers, original bronzes.
Fully restored. F...
Category
1930s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
Art Deco Bar Trolley in Style of Jacques Adnet with Original Mirror France 1930s
Located in Ulm, DE
Art Deco bar trolley in style of Jacques Adnet
Real wood veneer
Handles and wheels in copper
To open on one side with double doors
Tabletop with old mirror (blind spots)
New m...
Category
1930s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Copper
Unique Art Deco Home Office Bureau, Czechoslovakia, 1920s
Located in Zohor, SK
Beautiful Art Deco bureau / sideboard produced in solid wood with the most beautiful details. Produced in Czechoslovakia in 1920s. The item has an opening top board with metal fixers...
Category
1920s Czech Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Oak, Walnut
French Art Deco Secretary Attributed to René Prou
By René Prou
Located in Paris, FR
Beautiful French sycamore veneer secretary framed with gilded brass details, the fall front decorated with the original cafe au lait coloured leather, inside is the drawer and elegan...
Category
1940s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Sycamore
Early French Art Deco Desk in Nutwood, circa 1925
Located in Ulm, DE
Small desk with fluting
Walnut, shellac hand polished
Early Art Deco, France around 1925
Dimensions:
Width: 90 cm
height: 72 cm
Depth: 55 cm.
Category
1920s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Nutwood
Art Deco Walnut Secretaire or Bureau with 4 drawers, Germany 1930s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a very striking Art Deco Walnut secretaire or bureau. As you can see the bureau has a fine piano finish showing the best of the Walnut grain. There is a...
Category
1930s German Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Art Deco Secretaire Cabinet by Jules Deroubaix
Located in North York, ON
This Jules Deroubaix display cabinet secretaire is timeless, functional, and effortlessly chic. Made of burl sandalwood, it showcases a drop door paneled wit...
Category
1930s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Chrome, Brass
Frank Brangwyn. A rare desk originally designed for the 1931 Pollard exhibition
By Frank Brangwyn, E. Pollard & Co
Located in London, GB
Frank Brangwyn. E Pollard and Co.
A rare desk originally designed for the 1931 Pollard Exhibition where it can be seen in a room setting in the original photographs from 1931. See ...
Category
1930s English Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Sycamore
In the Manner of Jean Pascaud, Art Deco Drop Front Secretary, France, circa 1935
By Jean Pascaud
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco drop front secretary in the manner of Jean Pascaud. Made in France, circa 1935. Sycamore with a giltwood base, mahogany interior...
Category
1930s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
Donald Deskey Style Art Deco Skyscraper Design Secretary Wall Cabinet or Desk
Located in Westport, CT
In the style of Donald Deskey, Art Deco skyscraper design, cabinet/secretary desk, with draw compartments and desk, book shelf compartment. Functional dark mahogany wood, with nickel...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Nickel
Art Deco Cabinet Secrétaire Attributed to Jules Leleu, Bronze Ornaments, French
By Jules Leleu
Located in London, GB
Presenting a meticulously crafted, remarkable piece of Art Deco craftsmanship, this 1930s exceptional cabinet secretaire attributed to Jules Leleu (1883-1961), captures the essence o...
Category
1930s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
Stunning Lacquer Secretary by Pierre DUNAND (1914-1996) circa 1950
By Pierre Dunand
Located in Paris, FR
Art deco period secretary in plum lacquer (frame and base) and coral lacquer (facade). The body is quadrangular on a pedestal base. The lower façade opens with two doors, surmounted...
Category
1950s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
W015 Italian Secretaire in Wood & Inlay w/ Hand Carved Legs in Gold by Zanaboni
By Zanaboni
Located in MEDA, IT
Elegant and exclusive secretaire with legs in solid wood finely hand carved and finished in antique gold, W015 is worked with ancient techniques of traditional craftsmanship and pres...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Art Deco Secretaire in Feather Mahogany
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Art Deco Secretaire in feather mahogany.
Packaging with bubble wrap and cardboard boxes is included. If the wooden packaging is needed (crates or boxes) for US and International Shi...
Category
1930s Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
Modernist Roller blind cabinet, 1930s, Czechoslovakia
Located in Prague 8, CZ
Roller blind cabinet made in the 1930s in the former Czechoslovakia. The cabinet has a rolling opening mechanism. It is suitable for the office, as well as for your apartment to stor...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Beech, Plywood
Jules Leleu Sideboard Art Deco 20th Century
By Jules Leleu
Located in Lisbon, PT
A venner marquetry sideboard, attributed to Jules Leleu, with inlaid yellow wood lozenges, yellow draws, golden brass elements and a stunning wood.
Height 37,79 in (96 cm)
Width 9...
Category
20th Century French Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Brass
20th Century French Art Deco Birchwood Secretaire - Vintage Burlwood Cabinet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A detailed, vintage Art Deco French secretaire made of hand crafted polished, partly veneered Birchwood and Burlwood, in good condition. The medium sized cabinet...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Art Deco Secretaire in the Manner of Ruhlmann
Located in Bridgewater, CT
An exceptional quality Art Deco Secretaire in the manner of J.E. Ruhlmann in Ebene de Macassar with galuchat (shagreen) interior, circa 1930.
Category
1930s French Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Macassar
Restored Art Deco Secretary Sideboard, Macassar, Maple, Czech, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This exceptional piece of furniture is a perfect example of Czech Functionalism in all its glory.
The secretary includes two integrated nesting tables, which are fitted with black a...
Category
1930s Czech Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Glass, Wood, Lacquer, Ebony, Maple
Art Deco Thompson Secretary Walnut Root Wood
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, AR
Art Deco Thompson Secretary Walnut Root Wood
Art Deco is a style of design, architecture, and visual arts that originated in France in the 1920s. It was popular in Europe and the Un...
Category
1930s Argentine Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Wood
1920 Walnut Secretaire with 16 Drawers and Leather Desk
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
1920 walnut secretaire with 16 drawers and leather desk, comes in two parts completely restored with shellac.
Category
1920s Swiss Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
Vintage Hardwood Marble Topped Chrome Drop Front Secretaire Desk with Drawers
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this exquisite, tall, Rosewood with marble top and chrome fittings free standing Secratire desk
A truly stunning desk, its very large and yet d...
Category
20th Century Italian Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Marble, Chrome
Unique Czech Art Deco Secretary/Writing Desk, Rosewood 1920-1929
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Art Deco sideboard and secretary made out of rosewood
Material: Rosewood
Completely restored, Shellac polish.
Period: 1920-1929
Source: Czechia.
Category
1920s Czech Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Rosewood, Lacquer
Secretaire / Scriban Art Deco in Maple Veneer, circa 1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Secretaire / scriban art deco in maple veneer, circa 1950
Medium condition, small lack of wood, veneer, varnish to redo.
Category
1950s European Vintage Art Deco Secretaires
Materials
Maple
Art Deco secretaires for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Art Deco secretaires for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage secretaires created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Art Deco secretaires made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original secretaires, popular names associated with this style include Gilbert Rohde, Zanaboni, Jules Leleu, and Herman Miller. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for secretaires differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,425 and tops out at $182,740 while the average work can sell for $8,119.