Black Secretary Desk
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary German Brutalist Desks and Writing Tables
Bronze
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Desks
Wood
Antique 1890s French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Oak
Antique 19th Century English Chinoiserie Desks
Mahogany
2010s American Minimalist Desks and Writing Tables
Aluminum
Vintage 1970s American Chinoiserie Secretaires
Brass
2010s American Chinoiserie Secretaires
Wood
Antique 19th Century Chinoiserie Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Secretaires
Leather, Glass, Lacquer
21st Century and Contemporary American Chinoiserie Secretaires
Wood, Lacquer
Antique Mid-18th Century Danish Baroque Secretaires
Brass
Vintage 1980s American Chinoiserie Bookcases
Brass
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Secretaires
Brass
20th Century Hollywood Regency Secretaires
Malachite, Brass
Vintage 1950s Unknown Chinoiserie Secretaires
Walnut
2010s American Chinoiserie Secretaires
Wood, Giltwood, Lacquer
20th Century American Chippendale Secretaires
Brass
Antique 19th Century French Empire Secretaires
Bronze
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Secretaires
Brass, Ormolu
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Secretaires
Nickel
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Secretaires
Mahogany
20th Century American George II Bookcases
Wood
Vintage 1970s American Chinoiserie Console Tables
Mahogany, Lacquer, Paint
2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Stainless Steel
2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Plywood
2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Plywood
2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Plywood
2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Plywood
20th Century American American Classical Desks
Maple
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
2010s German Modern Desks
Metal
Antique Late 19th Century North American Eastlake Desks
Mahogany
2010s German Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Plywood
Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Desks
Brass
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Desks
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires
Teak
2010s French Secretaires
2010s French Secretaires
Wood
2010s French Secretaires
Wood
20th Century Georgian Desks and Writing Tables
Wood
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Maple, Paint
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Desks
Brass
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Desks and Writing Tables
Paint, Wood, Oak
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Brass
Vintage 1950s Desks and Writing Tables
Metal
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Wood
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Desks and Writing Tables
Wood
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
Antique 1880s English Desks and Writing Tables
Bamboo
Antique 1860s French Louis XVI Desks
Brass, Bronze
Vintage 1950s American Industrial Desks and Writing Tables
Steel
Vintage 1970s Chinese Chinoiserie Secretaires
Wood, Lacquer
Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
Pine, Paint
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Secretaires
Tortoise Shell
Vintage 1980s Chinoiserie Secretaires
Wood, Lacquer
Antique 1740s English George II Secretaires
1990s American Queen Anne Secretaires
Giltwood, Lacquer
20th Century English Georgian Cabinets
Gold, Brass
- 1
Black Secretary Desk For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Black Secretary Desk?
Finding the Right Case Pieces And Storage Cabinets for You
Of all the vintage storage cabinets and antique case pieces that have become popular in modern interiors over the years, dressers, credenzas and cabinets have long been home staples, perfect for routine storage or protection of personal items.
In the mid-19th century, cabinetmakers would mimic styles originating in the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI eras for their dressers, bookshelves and other structures, and, later, simpler, streamlined wood designs allowed these “case pieces” or “case goods” — any furnishing that is unupholstered and has some semblance of a storage component — to blend into the background of any interior.
Mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts will cite the tall modular wall units crafted in teak and other sought-after woods of the era by the likes of George Nelson, Poul Cadovius and Finn Juhl. For these highly customizable furnishings, designers of the day delivered an alternative to big, heavy bookcases by considering the use of space — and, in particular, walls — in new and innovative ways. Mid-century modern credenzas, which, long and low, evolved from tables that were built as early as the 14th century in Italy, typically have no legs or very short legs and have grown in popularity as an alluring storage option over time.
Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This furnishing was initially a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. The drawers served as perfect utensil storage. It wasn’t until the design made its way to North America that it became enlarged and equipped with enough space to hold clothing and cosmetics. The very history of case pieces is a testament to their versatility and well-earned place in any room.
In the spirit of positioning your case goods center stage, decluttering can now be design-minded.
A contemporary case piece with open shelving and painted wood details can prove functional as a storage unit as easily as it can a room divider. Alternatively, apothecary cabinets are charming case goods similar in size to early dressers or commodes but with uniquely sized shelving and (often numerous) drawers.
Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard that features colored glass and metal details, an antique Italian hand-carved storage cabinet or a glass-door vitrine to store and show off your collectibles, there are options for you on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Secretary desks originated in the early 18th century. They were typically used by secretaries and clerks and featured plenty of compacted drawers for stationary storage. On 1stDibs, find a collection of secretary desks from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023A secretary desk is called by its name because of its original function. When the desks first emerged in 19th-century France, the secretaries of estates used them to conduct business. Once they finished paying bills and reconciling accounts, they could raise the hinged writing surface and close the desk. Secretary desks are the workstations of choice in many busy households, especially those with spaces pulling double duty as offices by day and living rooms, dining rooms or bedrooms at night. On 1stDibs, shop an array of secretary desks.
- How does a secretary desk work?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A secretary desk works with the help of hinges that secure the writing surface to the rest of the piece. To use one, you simply pull down on the wooden door to open the hinge and lower the writing surface. Return the desk to its closed position by lifting the writing surface up. You'll find a selection of secretary desks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021An antique secretary desk will range in value depending on its authenticity and condition. The price can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. On 1stDibs find the antique secretary desk you’re looking for today.
Read More
The Ultimate Guide to Types of Tables for the Home
Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.
What Exactly Is a Secretary Desk, and What Is It Used For?
The furniture equivalent of a Swiss Army knife, it's the multifunctional piece you didn't know you needed.
This Shelving System with Oxidized Brass Tubes Is Retro and Futuristic at Once
Italian studio DimoreMilano mustered great ingenuity when crafting these sculptural shelves, which are built without any screws.
28 Cheerful Home Bars, Where Everybody (Literally) Knows Your Name
Simple or sophisticated, equipped with console, cart or custom cabinetry, these stylish bar areas deserve a toast.
Ask an Interior Designer: Work-from-Home Edition
Leaping into a design project, whether it's refreshing the bedroom or redoing the whole house, can be overwhelming. Luckily, we know more than a few interior designers. You asked questions on Instagram, and now they're answering.
Collected and Eclectic, ‘Wunderkammern’ Are Back in a Big Way
Introduced nearly 500 years ago, curiosity cabinets are finding new fans among today's collectors and designers.
Meet the Incredible Woman Transforming Fallen Trees into Sleek Furniture
In the hands of New York Heartwoods cofounder Megan Offner, unwanted local trees become works of design art.
These New York Architects Love a Complicated Project
From Brooklyn townhouses to Maine campgrounds, Trattie Davies and Jonathan Toews relish a challenge, like transforming a former warehouse space into the new 1stdibs Gallery.