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Modern Secretaires

MODERN STYLE

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”

Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.

Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chaircrafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.

It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.

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Style: Modern
Modernist Secretary Showcase, Tubular Steel, Lacquer/Veneered Wood, Customizable
Located in Berlin, DE
Modernist secretary showcase made of chrome plated tubular steel and lacquered or veneered wood. Customizable, production time: 9-10 weeks.
Category

2010s German Modern Secretaires

Materials

Metal

Secretary With Drawer by Mylene Niedzialkowski
Located in Geneve, CH
Secretary With Drawer by Mylene Niedzialkowski Dimensions: W 59 x H 160. Materials: Solid oak and solid steel. A rotating secretary with engaged curves on a solid steel axis. Combin...
Category

2010s French Modern Secretaires

Materials

Steel

Modernist Secretary Cabinet, Lacquered Wood, Chrome-Plated Metal, Customizable
Located in Berlin, DE
German modernism free-standing secretary cabinet designed and manufactured by GMD Berlin. Wood lacquering in various colors and finish. Available on request in different amounts.
Category

2010s German Modern Secretaires

Materials

Steel

Faux Bamboo Rattan Enamel and Decorated Slant Top Secretary Desk
Located in Germantown, MD
An Exquisite hand-crafted Faux Bamboo Rattan, hand enamed and Decorated Slant Top Secretary Desk with open bottom lower tier and high knee cle...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Modern Secretaires

Materials

Enamel

Portuguese Antique Desk Sec XVIII
Located in Castelo da Maia, PT
D. José paper chest, 18th century, in rosewood wood. Corrugated box on the front, with two drawers and three large drawers of increasing Size, framed and flanked by two projecting p...
Category

Late 18th Century Portuguese Antique Modern Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Modernist Secretary Showcase, Lacquered Wood, Chrome-Plated Metal, Customizable
Located in Berlin, DE
German modernism 'Dahlem' secretary showcase designed and manufactured by GMD Berlin. Wood lacquering in various colors and finish. Available on reque...
Category

2010s German Modern Secretaires

Materials

Steel

Cube Cabinet by Jean-Baptiste Van den Heede
Located in Geneve, CH
Cube cabinet by Jean-Baptiste Van den Heede Signed and numbered Dimensions: L 30 x W 30 x H 90 cm Materials: Natural oakwood, nordic pine base Cube cabinet, auxiliary furniture for bedside table, house entrance, bar cabinet or jewel cabinet...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Secretaires

Materials

Wood

1980s Custom Sectioned Storage File Case Rustic Wood Wrapped in Brass
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Modern Vintage Sectioned Storage Case Custom made. Wood Wrapped in Brass Fabulous open organizer cabinet. Measures: 42.25 tall x 11.75 D x 43 W. ...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Secretaires

Materials

Brass

John Stuart Vintage White Lacquered Campaign Wood Desk with X-Chrome Base
Located in North Miami, FL
This newly restored vintage John Stuart campaign 2 drawer desk and or writing desk is white lacquered over wood with chrome handles and 2 X-frame ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Secretaires

Materials

Chrome

Rare Sesamo Secretary by Frattini for Bernini
Located in Munich, DE
Designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1981 and made by Bernini. Signed and in good condition.
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Secretaires

Materials

Wood

“Elefantini” Secrétaire by Roberto Rida, Italy, 2016
Located in New York, NY
Palm wood drop-down secretary/vanity, comprising a console-base supporting a cabinet decorated with 120 bronze elephants. The inside features a drawer with a bone pull. A matching be...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Secretaires

Materials

Bronze

Citronnier Wood and Marquetry Secretaire by Englander & Bonta, Argentina, 1950
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Citronnier wood and marquetry secretaire by Englander & Bonta, Argentina, 1950. Englander & Bonta where two European designer that migrated to Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1930 and man...
Category

1950s Argentine Vintage Modern Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Amuneal's Loft 4 Post Work Suite
Located in New York, NY
The loft work suite is a modular office system from Amuneal’s Loft shelving system. Posts in blackened steel are coupled with solid brass machined fitting...
Category

2010s American Modern Secretaires

Materials

Brass, Steel

Rare Lajos Kozma Bar Cabinet or Secretary
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
Stunning and rare 1930s marquetry starburst front bar cabinet or secretary by Hungarian architect Lajos Kozma. The cabinet is in wonderful original condition with very few signs of age.
Category

1930s Hungarian Vintage Modern Secretaires

Materials

Rosewood, Walnut

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Chinoiserie Decorated Ebonized, Gilt, & Red Lacquered Secretary Desk
Located in Big Flats, NY
A Chinoiserie decorated secretary offers black lacquered wood construction with upper having a broken arch pediment over a cast with double doors opening to vermillion red lacquered ...
Category

20th Century Modern Secretaires

Materials

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Antique Venetian Paint Decorated Secretary Bookcase
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A tall cabinet made in two parts in blue paint with polychrome painted floral and gilt figural decoration. With a serpentine baroque crest with a gilt landscape in the center cartouc...
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CRAFTIQUE Solid Mahogany Chippendale Secretary Desk w/ Bookcase
Located in Charlotte, NC
A stunning secretary desk with bookcase by top-quality furniture maker Craftique, in the style of early American John Hancock desks. Solid mahogany with their Old Wood finish, brass ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Secretaires

Materials

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Early 19th Century Original Folk Art Painted Tall Cabinet Secretary
Located in Round Top, TX
This highly unusual secretary is a special find. The remarkable folk art painted finish is all original, with brick red, salmon, yellow, blue and green all used to create the delightful flourishes. The interior desk is painted green and holds...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Modern Secretaires

Materials

Paint, Wood

Biedermeier Secretary Desk Veneered with Mahogany, circa 1840
Located in Opole, PL
We present you a piece of furniture in the Biedermeier style, made of softwood veneered with mahogany. It is circa 1840. The monumental shape of the secretary desk resembles that of architectural buildings. It indicates the item was manufactured by a German workshop. This secretary has three drawers, a removable topping board flush with the other parts of the item, and a narrow drawer under the cornice. The whole is topped with a crowning cornice and flanked by small columns in the Corinthian order. Behind the big board...
Category

1840s German Antique Modern Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

Antique 19th Century English Georgian Slant Front Desk or Secretary
Located in Casteren, NL
This classic slant front desk or bureau was made in England in the early 19th century. It was made in the finest quality watered European oak. The secretary is elevated on bracket feet. It features four drawers fitted with the original brass ajour cut bat-wing period swing grip handles. The bureau has a beautiful and elegant interior that features 6 small drawers, six pigeonholes, and a compartment with a small door. The door has crossband inlay panels...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Modern Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Belgo Chrome Illuminated Showcase Etagere 23kt Gold-Plated
Located in Antwerp, BE
23 KT gold -plated showcase - etagere by Belgo Chrome. A Luxurious illuminated console - open showcase - open vitrine - little shelves made in Belgium by Belgo Chrome in the late 20th century circa 1970 - 1980. It has 23 KT gold -plated pillars and surrounding, black laminated wood, 2 smoked glass shelves in the etagere, a light above and a smoked glass on top. This black and gold vitrine...
Category

Late 20th Century Belgian Modern Secretaires

Materials

Wood, Mirror, Smoked Glass

Burled Maple Cabinet Secretary with Drawers / Flat File, USA, 1960's
Located in Austin, TX
Edward Wormley style Mid-Century Modern case piece with drawers at base and drop-down secretary at top. Two toned finish that appears to be rosewood and burled maple. Interior of des...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Secretaires

Materials

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Narrow Raised Lacquer Black Chinoiserie Slatfront Secretary Desk circa 1950
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delive...
Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Modern Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Secrétaire Desk in Shagreen and Palmwood by R&Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The secrétaire desk is the perfect functional working unit. The flap top opens up into a desk with several compartments, inlaid in antique black shagreen and wood veneer, to store it...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Secretaires

Materials

Shagreen Stingray, Palmwood

Rattan Secretary Desk by Pierce Martin
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Dramatic in scale and proportion. An exceptional eye catching tropical motif fall front desk by the iconic designer. The piece is superbly crafted with multiple drawers and fitted w...
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Materials

Wood, Rattan

Swedish Rococo Secretary Hutch
Located in Hollywood, FL
Desk 32 inches high, 43 inches open Upper cabinet 12 inches deep, bottom 25 inches deep.
Category

1780s Swedish Antique Modern Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Swedish Rococo Secretary Hutch
Swedish Rococo Secretary Hutch
H 94 in W 55 in D 29 in
Previously Available Items
Italian Modern Red Plastic Storage Trolley Boby Joe Colombo for Bieffeplast 1968
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern red plastic storage trolley Boby, on wheels, by Joe Colombo for Bieffeplast in 1968. Iconic and very useful in all environments, Boby model storage trolley with struc...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Secretaires

Materials

Plastic

20th Century P. Fornasetti Secretary Marked Screen Printing Technique Lacquered
Located in Epfach, DE
Screen print surface, lacquered several times, double door in the upper area, in the middle a writing tablet that can be folded out and below three drawers give access to imaginary w...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Secretaires

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Wood

R & Y Augousti Secrétaire Desk in Cream Shagreen
Located in Denton, TX
Husband-and-wife design team: Ria and Yiouri Augousti of Paris created this shagreen covered desk. Features Mahogany veneer drop down desk top, lock with key, six interior drawers. D...
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20th Century Philippine Modern Secretaires

Materials

Iron

Side 2" Storage Unit by Shiro Kuramata for Cappellini
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Side 2" storage unit by Shiro Kuramata for Cappellini In 1970, Shiro Kuramata designed a series of chests of drawers in different shapes. The frame is made of black-stained ash and ...
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Late 20th Century European Modern Secretaires

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Wood

Danish Cabinet Maker Mahogany Secretary, ca.1920's
Located in Hudson, NY
Danish cabinetmaker Cuban mahogany secrétaire .Front with eight drawers, two of which are a concealed flip-down writing pad with small drawers.
Category

1920s Danish Vintage Modern Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

John Kapel Studio Secretary Console
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Commonly known for his designs he licensed to Glenn of California, John Kapel, a contemporary of Sam Maloof, maintained a studio practice after his stint with George Nelson. His studio pieces from his workshop in Northern California are all custom pieces and one of a kind. They are uncommon to come across and highly coveted for their craftsmanship and stunning design, this came from his personal collection. This secretary console...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Secretaires

Materials

Brass

John Kapel Studio Secretary Console
John Kapel Studio Secretary Console
H 49 in W 52.5 in D 20.5 in
Pierre Balmain Secretaire Desk with Flap with Signature, France, 1980s
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant Secretaire designed by Pierre Balmain original French. The piece of furniture is easily transformable by means of the flap door, which is pre to give space to a small desk. I...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Enrique Garcel Sculptural Desk
Located in North Miami, FL
This wonderful shaped Enrique Garcel desk is a waterfall bowed sculptural entity. It retains the original faux finish resin over wood. It has 2 pullout drawers and an apron front on ...
Category

1970s Colombian Vintage Modern Secretaires

Materials

Resin, Wood

Enrique Garcel Sculptural Desk
Enrique Garcel Sculptural Desk
H 29 in W 50 in D 24 in
John Widdicomb for Mastercraft Burled Wood Desk with Brass Hardware
Located in North Miami, FL
This classic desk / executive desk by John Widdicomb for Mastercraft is burled wood and original brass hardware and legs. It is from the 1970s. It has 3 drawers; 2 on one side and 1 ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Vintage Secretaire by Ligne Roset, 1988
Located in HEVERLEE, BE
Elegant secretary desk by Pagnon Patrick & Pelhaitre Claude designed in 1988 for Ligne Roset. This rare and unique desk is made of high quality materials with steel legs, lacquere...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Secretaires

Materials

Steel

Vintage Secretaire by Ligne Roset, 1988
Vintage Secretaire by Ligne Roset, 1988
H 36.62 in W 43.71 in L 36.62 in
Fornasetti 'Architettura' Trumeau with Concave Top
Located in New York, NY
Italian modern Fornasetti 'Architettura' trumeau with concave top and illuminated niche. The piece has a wooden structure, lacquered and printed with 18th century inspired lithographs of Italian palaces such as the Alessi Palace in Genoa. This trumeau has a concave top which is reminiscent of the original version of this piece, which was created in 1951 by Gio Ponti and Piero Fornasetti...
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Late 20th Century Italian Modern Secretaires

Materials

Wood

early elios desk by antonio citterio
Located in Munich, DE
Very heavy and well made. Even the four legs are invisible high adjustable. An unique addition to every modern home with matching chair. Writing surface is 71cm high. Acquired from a...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Secretaires

Materials

Wood

early elios desk by antonio citterio
early elios desk by antonio citterio
H 35.44 in W 48.82 in D 19.69 in

Modern secretaires for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern 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 Modern secretaires made in a specific country, there are Europe, Germany, 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 GMD Berlin, Amuneal, Englander & Bonta, and Gianfranco Frattini. 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 $1,900 and tops out at $71,342 while the average work can sell for $7,800.

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