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American Mahogany Writing Desk with Bookcase Norfolk VA
Located in Charleston, SC
American mahogany writing desk with bookcase Norfolk VA, circa 1840.
Category
Antique 1830s American Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
Fine English Queen Anne Walnut Bookcase with Secretary Desk
Located in Miami, FL
: 78" high x 40 1/2" wide x 23 1/4" deep
The secretary bookcase, or secretaire, was an innovative
Category
Antique 18th Century French Queen Anne Secretaires
Materials
Mirror, Walnut
Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Drop Front Secretary Desk With Bookcase Hutch
By Jasper Furniture Company
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Georgian Chinoiserie style bureau with drop front secretary desk and bookcase hutch top
Category
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Secretaires
Materials
Brass
French Ebonized Burled Walnut Secretary Desk Bookcase with Sevres Style Figures
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
bookcase top. The desk is crafted of burled walnut, bronze and porcelain Sevres style figural plaques. The
Category
Antique 1880s French Napoleon III Secretaires
Materials
Bronze
H 56 in W 48 in D 22.5 in
Original 18th Century Venetian Secretary Desk Bookcase burled walnut with inlaid
By Bassano's Ebanisteria
Located in Vigonza, Padua
durability of the furniture.
It is a classic chest of drawers with upper bookcase which will certainly
Category
Antique Early 18th Century Italian Baroque Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
H 91.74 in W 39.38 in D 21.66 in
Outstanding Country French Period 1780s era Walnut Secretary Desk with Bookcase
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a superb, Period French country Louis XV secretary desk from the Normandy region of France
Category
Antique 1780s French French Provincial Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
H 91.75 in W 50.25 in D 22.5 in
Unique Venetian Italian Paint Decorated Secretary Desk with Bookcase Circa 1890s
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
painted secretary desk. Done in the tradition of the Venetian style, this beautifully designed piece is a
Category
Antique 1890s Italian Neoclassical Revival Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
H 82 in W 40 in D 21 in
Very Rare Italian Hardwood Cylinder Bureau Bookcase Desk with Must See Pictures
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
bookcase with ornately inlaid internals
This is one of the finest flamed mahogany cylinder top desks I
Category
Antique 1820s English Regency Dressers
Materials
Hardwood
H 87.6 in W 50.2 in D 25.4 in
Hollywood Regency Secretary Desk Secretaire Bookcase w/ Chinese Motif
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Hollywood Regency secretary desk secretaire bookcase with hand-painted Chinese motif featuring a
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Materials
Wood
English Mahogany and Satinwood Secretary Desk Bookcase, 1790-1820
Located in San Francisco, CA
a kind mahogany secretary-desk-bookcase with satinwood marquetry detail of seashell motif.
The
Category
Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
Light Hardwood Library Bookcase Secrétaire Desk Brown Leather Surface
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to this stunning circa 1880 light mahogany library bookcase with secrétaire desk
Category
Antique 1880s English Victorian Secretaires
Materials
Hardwood
H 82.29 in W 41.34 in D 17.72 in
Antique Victorian Walnut & Burl Barrel Roll Top Secretary Bookcase & Desk C1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
Victorian Walnut & Burl Barrel Roll Top Secretary, Double Glass Door Bookcase & Desk with Drawer Tower
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Secretaires
Materials
Walnut, Glass
H 89 in W 45.25 in D 22.75 in
Rare Victorian Flamed Hardwood Library Bookcase Secretaire Desk Chest of Drawers
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely Victorian flamed mahogany library bookcase with
Category
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Secretaires
Materials
Hardwood
H 83.86 in W 74.81 in D 24.41 in
ANTIQUE SHERATON REVIVAL BUREA BOOKCASE LEATHER TOP HARDWOOD WALNUT & SATiNWOOD
By Sheraton Revival
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Revival Walnut, Mahogany & Satinwood Bureau bookcase with brown leather drop front desk
Please note the
Category
20th Century English Sheraton Secretaires
Materials
Leather, Hardwood, Satinwood, Walnut
H 80.32 in W 38.59 in D 18.12 in
Fine Red Chinoiserie Gold Leaf Italian-Made Rococo Venetian Secretary Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
with a bookcase top. The desk is two pieces and does come apart and has a fantastic antique patina and
Category
Vintage 1930s Italian Chinoiserie Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
H 71.75 in W 29 in D 16 in
Midcentury Secretary Cabinet in Walnut by Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Detroit, MI
This exceptional vintage midcentury secretary desk with bookcase was designed by British-born T.H
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Materials
Brass
English 19th Century Sheraton Secretary
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A slender mahogany bureau bookcase with secretary desk, made in England, circa 1820. The
Category
Antique 19th Century English Sheraton Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Antique English Mahogany Secretary Bookcase
Located in Charleston, SC
English Mahogany Secretary Bookcase with slant front desk and leather writing surface and fitted
Category
Early 20th Century British Bookcases
Vintage Swedish Teak Bookshelf Unit with Desk and Sideboard, 1960s
Located in Warsaw, PL
This Mid-Century Modern bookcase was manufactured in Sweden during the 1960s. It has been finished
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Teak
Vintage Scandinavian Teak Bookshelf Unit with Desk and Secretaire, 1960s
Located in Warsaw, PL
sliding door, four drawers and pullout desk tray (116 x 39 cm). The height to desk-top is 71 cm. The
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Teak
H 62.21 in W 47.25 in D 16.54 in
BAKER Georgian Walnut Bonnet Top Secretary Desk with Mirrored Blind Bookcase
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Charlotte, NC
A Georgian style secretary desk by Baker Furniture. Walnut with brass hardware, double bonnet
Category
Late 20th Century American Georgian Secretaires
Materials
Brass
H 90.5 in W 39 in D 20 in
Late 1700's English George III Mahogany Secretary / Bookcase w/ Pull Out Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Late 1700's English George III Mahogany Secretary / Bookcase w/ Pull Out Desk with an overhanging
Category
Antique Late 18th Century British George III Secretaires
Materials
Brass
H 86 in W 42.5 in D 19 in
Early 18thC George I period Antique Walnut Secretary Secretaire Bureau Bookcase
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
bureau bookcase with separate bookcase, separate desk section and with fully fitted interior including
Category
Antique Early 18th Century British George I Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
H 87 in W 24.5 in D 24.5 in
Midcentury T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Walnut Secretary Cabinet, 1950s
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Detroit, MI
This exceptional vintage midcentury secretary desk with bookcase was designed by British-born T.H
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Materials
Brass
H 63 in W 46 in D 20 in
English Burl Walnut Secretary
Located in Morristown, NJ
Secretary bookcase with leather paneled slope front desk
Category
20th Century English Secretaires
Period Chippendale Figured Mahogany Secretary Bookcase, circa 1765
Located in Essex, MA
Period Chippendale George III Secretary Bookcase with Desk Interior
British, circa 1765, highly
Category
Antique Mid-18th Century English Chippendale Desks
Materials
Mahogany
Mid-Century Modern Bookcase with Secretary Desk by Heywood Wakefield
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Amazing Mid-Century Modern bookcase with secretary desk manufactured by Heywood Wakefield in the
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Materials
Maple
English George III Mahogany Antique Secretary Desk with Bookcase, circa 1790
Located in Shippensburg, PA
A superbly crafted and designed piece, this fine secretary desk is a rare survivor with nearly
Category
Antique Late 18th Century Great Britain (UK) George III Bookcases
Materials
Brass
H 94.25 in W 50.5 in D 22.75 in
White Free Standing Bookcase with Bureau Desk and Single Sliding Drawer
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this nice utilitarian free standing white bookcase with writing bureau
Category
20th Century English Other Bookcases
Materials
Wood
H 81.11 in W 32.09 in D 22.64 in
Danish Teak Bookcase, Desk Secretary by Poul Hundevad
Located in Pomona, CA
its drop front desk with bookcase above and ample storage below.
Category
Late 20th Century Danish Bookcases
Materials
Teak
Danish Teak Secretary Desk And Bookcase Unit, Ca. 1960s
Located in Peabody, MA
Vintage Danish standing secretary writing desk, with bookcase shelving
and three storage drawers
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Teak, Lacquer
Mid Century Chinoiserie Breakfront with Desk Drawer
By Karges Furniture
Located in Atlanta, GA
The Chinoiserie Breakfront Bookcase in canary yellow has a decorative painted crown above four
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood
18th Century English Chest on Chest with Butlers Desk
Located in Charleston, SC
butler's desk with six thin drawers and four letter slots. There is also a middle section that will lock
Category
Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Bookcases
Materials
Mahogany
1930s Georgian Style Painted Chinoiserie Secretary Desk with Bookcase
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a 1930s Georgian style painted chinoiserie secretary desk with open bookcase top. It is
Category
Vintage 1930s Italian Georgian Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Paint
Cees Braakman for Pastoe Bookcase with Built in Desk
By Pastoe, Cees Braakman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Braakman drop down desk with adjustable bottom shelf. Lightly refinished but shows some signs of wear
Category
Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Antique Victorian Oak & Walnut Secretary Desk with Bookcase, circa 1900
Located in Big Flats, NY
enclosed bookcase surmounting desk with additional drawers and cabinet, c1900
Measures - overall 69" h x
Category
Early 20th Century American Late Victorian Secretaires
Materials
Oak, Walnut
Danish Teak Bookcase Tambour Door Secretary Hutch with Pullout Desk Top
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Exquisite Danish made bookcase with secretary desk. The piece packs a wallop with storage
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires
Materials
Teak
H 71.5 in W 39.5 in D 16.75 in
Baker Furniture Georgian Banded Mahogany Drop Front Secretary Desk With Bookcase
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful Georgian or Chippendale style bureau with drop front secretary desk and bookcase hutch
Category
Vintage 1980s American Georgian Secretaires
Materials
Brass
H 86 in W 31.25 in D 17.75 in
Diminutive English George III Mahogany Secretary Desk with Bookcase, circa 1780
Located in Shippensburg, PA
Of perfect size and proportions, this English George III Secretary Desk is commanding in presence
Category
Antique Late 18th Century Great Britain (UK) George III Secretaires
Materials
Elm, Glass, Mahogany, Oak, Pine
H 86.5 in W 36 in D 20.13 in
English George III Style Drop Front Secretary Desk with Bookcase, circa 1870
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous 19th century English George III style secretary desk with bookcase. The desk features
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century English Georgian Secretaires
Materials
Leather, Glass, Cherry, Mahogany
H 91.75 in W 44.88 in L 91.75 in
Lambs of Manchester Library Bookcase Secretaire Desk with Ice Bucket circa 1840
By Lamb of Manchester
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Library bookcase with secrataire desk and drawers
A very rare and highly collectable enormous library
Category
Antique 1840s English Victorian Secretaires
Materials
Walnut
H 107.09 in W 50.01 in D 14.57 in
Rustic A. Brandt Ranch Oak Secretary Style Drop Front Student Desk with Bookcase
By A. Brandt Ranch Oak Furniture
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome Late 20th Century Rustic or Western secretary style drop front lighted student desk with
Category
Late 20th Century American Rustic Secretaires
Materials
Metal
H 74.5 in W 32 in D 15 in
19th Century English Cylinder Desk and Bookcase or Secretary
Located in Milford, NH
A 19th century two part walnut English cylinder secretary desk and bookcase with nicely
Category
Antique 19th Century English William IV Secretaires
George I Style, Chinoiserie, Green-Japanned Desk, Bookcase, Parcel-Gilt, 1920s
Located in Manhasset, NY
Chinoiserie, Secretary Desk with Bookcase in the George I Style, Green Lacquer, Giltwood, China
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese George I Secretaires
Materials
Giltwood, Lacquer
H 84 in W 38 in D 18 in
circa 1880 Hardwood Library Bookcase Secretaire Desk Dark Blue Leather Surface
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
secretaries desk.
A well made and collectable library bookcase. The top section has three height-adjustable
Category
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Secretaires
Materials
Hardwood
H 91.34 in W 48.04 in D 19.69 in
English Secretary Bookcase
Located in Savannah, GA
English Secretary Bookcase. Slant top desk with leather writing surface features a number of
Category
Antique 19th Century English Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Late 18th Century English Mahogany Secretary Bookcase with Fall Front
Located in Dallas, TX
late 18th century English mahogany desk and bookcase with fall front, broken pediment top with
Category
Antique Late 18th Century English George III Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
Danish Teak Secretary Bookcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Danish modern teak bookcase with secretary desk. Top sits on a teak table.
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Secretaires
Materials
Teak
French Provincial Bureau Bookcase.
Located in Middleburg, VA
paneled doors to upper bookcase. Lower desk with paneled fall front concealing a fitted interior over
Category
Antique 19th Century French Secretaires
Materials
Pine
Period Gustavian Swedish Secretaire with Vitrine Cabinet
Located in Charleston, SC
period with a high arching pediment cornice and rare vitrine glass display bookcase. The fall front desk
Category
Antique 1770s Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Pine
Period Gustavian Swedish Secretaire with Vitrine Cabinet
Located in Charleston, SC
high arching pediment cornice and rare vitrine with original hand blown glass display or bookcase. The
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Period Secretaire
Located in Charleston, SC
cornice and vitrine original glass bookcase, fall front desk with multiple small compartments over a
Category
Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
Danish Design Teak Secretaire by Johannes Sorth for Bornholm Møbelfabrik, 1960s
By Bornholm Møbelfabrik
Located in Breda, Netherlands
a few seconds.
Vintage Bookcase
The desk is finished with style with tambour doors and three small
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Materials
Teak
H 71.66 in W 39.38 in D 16.93 in
Antique Victorian Rosewood Secretary Drop Front Desk with Bookcase, circa 1870
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Victorian secretary offers deeply striated rosewood construction with upper bookcase
Category
Antique 19th Century American Victorian Bookcases
Materials
Glass, Rosewood
H 87.5 in W 46.5 in D 23 in
Mid-Century Modern Bookcase with Writing Desk by Kipp Stewart for Drexel
By Kipp Stewart, Drexel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage American walnut bookcase features Drexel Furniture design with beautiful hardwood
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Materials
Walnut
Johannes Sorth for Bornholm Mobelfabrik Teak Desk Bookcase
By Bornholm Møbelfabrik
Located in Garnerville, NY
Johannes Sorth design for Bornholm Mobelfabrik teak desk/bookcase. Signed with paper label on the
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Teak
Rare Art Deco Haagse School Bookcase with Drop-Front Desk by P.E.L.Izeren
By P.E.L. Izeren 1
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Rare oak and macassar ebony Art Deco Haagse School bookcase with
drop-front desk by P.E.L.Izeren
Category
Vintage 1920s Dutch Art Deco Bookcases
Materials
Macassar, Oak
H 48.04 in W 31.89 in D 16.15 in
18th Century English George III Period Secretary Desk with Bookcase
Located in Shippensburg, PA
from floor to surface
Condition report:
Desk lock replaced, no key - one key for bookcase. Missing
Category
Antique Late 18th Century English George III Desks
Materials
Glass, Mahogany, Oak, Pine
Danish Modern Rosewood Secretary Desk with Bookcase
Located in Berkeley, CA
This Danish modern Mid-Century secretary desk is fantastically preserved. Crafted in Brazilian
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Materials
Rosewood
Secretary Desk, English, Bookcase Top, Hand Glazed Doors, with Drawers
By Bevan Funnell Ltd.
Located in Toronto, CA
A Classic secretary desk with bookcase top, the individual hand glazed doors give the proper
Category
20th Century English Georgian Secretaires
Materials
Wood
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Bookcases with Desk For Sale on 1stDibs
At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal bookcases with desk for your home. Each bookcases with desk for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, mahogany and glass. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer bookcases with desk, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. A bookcases with desk is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Mid-Century Modern, Georgian and Victorian styles are sought with frequency. You’ll likely find more than one bookcases with desk that is appealing in its simplicity, but Bevan Funnell Ltd., Cees Braakman and Drexel produced versions that are worth a look. A large bookcases with desk can prove too imposing for some spaces, so the smaller bookcases with desk available at 1stDibs — each spanning 31.5 in width — may make for a better choice.
How Much is a Bookcases with Desk?
The average selling price for a bookcases with desk at 1stDibs is $4,142, while they’re typically $1,250 on the low end and $38,000 for the highest priced.
Finding the Right Secretaires for You
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.
Questions About Bookcases with Desk
- What is a barrister bookcase?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Barrister bookcases are made up of several distinct book shelf units which combine together to form the cabinet. This can be beneficial when moving, as the books can remain within the shelves and each shelf can move separately.
- What is a breakfront bookcase?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021A breakfront bookcase is usually a large wooden bookcase that houses either books or dishes. They’re similar in appearance to hutches in that they have glass-fronted shelving on the top and cabinets on the bottom.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023Yes, there can be a difference between a bookshelf and a bookcase. Although many people use the words to describe any piece of furniture with shelves for books, some manufacturers call pieces with doors bookcases and pieces without doors bookshelves. Find a variety of bookcases and bookshelves on 1stDibs.
- What are IKEA bookcases called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024What IKEA bookcases are called varies. However, the Swedish furniture company is best known for its Billy bookcase, which debuted in 1979 and got its name from Billy Liljedahl, who served as IKEA's advertising manager at the time. Other IKEA bookcases include the Hemnes, the Brimnes and the Gersby. Explore a variety of IKEA furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The term barrister bookcase means a piece of storage furniture primarily used during the 17th and 18th centuries. Also called lawyer's bookcases, the furnishings featured wood construction and glass-paneled doors. At the time the bookcases were most popular, books were expensive luxury goods. The glass doors helped to protect them from light and dust. Shop a collection of barrister bookcases on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A bookcase with doors is also called a bookshelf, a bookstand, a cupboard or a bookrack. It is a close-sided unit that encases books and is designed to sit on the floor. On 1stDibs find a wide variety of antique, new and vintage bookcases today.
- Can I put wheels on a bookcase?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, you can generally put wheels on a bookcase. However, the wheels that you choose must be strong enough to support both the weight of the bookcase and the total weight of all the books you intend to store on it. As a result, industrial-strength metal casters are usually the best option for the job. You'll find a large collection of bookcases on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021An ideal bookcase depth is usually between 10 and 12 inches. Shelf spacing can range from 7 to 15 inches for bookshelves, with 8 to 12 inches being the most typical. Because compact bookcases are designed for lesser volumes and libraries, they will be shallower. A small bookcase's depth is usually around 6 inches. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of antique and vintage bookcases.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023The main difference between an étagère and a bookcase is the design. Both types of furniture have shelves. However, an étagère usually has an open back, while most bookcases have enclosed backs. Shop a range of bookcases and étagères on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021A bookcase with glass doors is also called a barrister bookcase. Designed in a cabinet style, these bookcases’ glass doors protect books and collectibles from gathering dust and allow guests to peruse your treasured volumes. The name “barrister” owes to the legal profession — barristers are experts in case law in England and traditionally required numerous law books for reference purposes to travel from chamber to chamber, and the sturdy and portable cabinets that were used to do so earned this nickname. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary bookcases from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 26, 2024To identify a Globe-Wernicke bookcase, look for a marking. Bookcases manufactured prior to 1899 will usually have the maker's name stenciled on a slat, along with a patent number or other information. Furniture made during the 20th century and beyond is typically identifiable by a paper label. Often, the label also includes a grade, size or pattern number for the bookcase. You can find pictures of Globe-Wernicke stencils and labels and patent, grade, size and pattern number reference guides on trusted online resources to assist you with the identification process. For more help with the process, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a collection of Globe-Wernicke bookcases.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024To identify your Globe-Wernicke bookcase, search the piece for a marking. On pieces produced before 1899, you will usually find stenciled markings on a slat, while later ones will have a label. Older bookcases will frequently list identifying information, such as a patent number, which you can cross-reference with information found on trusted online resources. Newer furnishings will often display the grade and size or grade and pattern, providing you with all the information required for making an identification. If you can't find a marking on your piece, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Explore a wide variety of Globe-Wernicke bookcases on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021The best wood used for building a bookcase is plywood made from hardwood. It is easily available and comes in many types. Laminated panels that can be glued together are also a great option for a bookcase. On 1stDibs, you can find a variety of antique, new and vintage wooden bookcases.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023A few companies made barrister bookcases, including the F. E. Hale Manufacturing Company, Globe Wernicke, Grand Rapids Furniture Company, Gunn Furniture Company and the John Danner Company. Barrister bookcases are bookcases with solid backs and removable shelving units that get stacked inside. Doors that open outward and slide away under the shelf enclose each unit. On 1stDibs, shop a range of barrister bookcases.
- How do you date a desk?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023To date a desk, first look for any stamps or labels that tell you the name of the company that produced it. You can then use the maker information to research the piece using trusted online resources. In some cases, you may even find a manufacturing date on the piece. If you have difficulty determining how old a piece is, seek help from a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and modern desks on 1stDibs.
- How high should a desk be?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
A person of average height should have a desk that is 28 to 30 inches high.
- What is a Murphy desk?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A Murphy desk is a wall-mounted desk that folds out to provide a work surface for a laptop, tablet, documents, and other items. It is a great solution if you have a little space or don't require a full desk every day. Shop a range of antique and vintage Murphy desks on 1stDibs.
- What is a captain’s desk?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022A captain’s desk is a type of desk that you stand at rather than sit in front of. It usually has an angled desktop and decorative molding. Captain Josiah Davenport commissioned the British furniture maker Gillows of Lancaster to design the first one in the late 18th century. Sometimes, people refer to the furnishing as a Davenport desk in his honor. Shop a variety of captain’s desks on 1stDibs.
- What is a kidney desk?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023A kidney desk is a desk that has a curvy top that is similar in shape to a human kidney. Many kidney desks are very ornate, showing off details like vellum-lined tabletops and parquetry inlay. Shop a selection of kidney desks on 1stDibs.
- What is a console desk?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024A console desk is a high, narrow table called a console table that can double as a desk. It is often used by people who work from home in a communal space, such as a hallway or a living room, as a workspace. Some console tables feature built-in storage, like drawers or shelves. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of console tables.
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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.