Secretaires
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Wood, Beech, Plywood
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Teak
18th Century Swedish Rococo Antique Secretaires
Iron
1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Birch
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Wood
Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires
Bronze
1960s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Metal
1840s French Neoclassical Antique Secretaires
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
1960s Austrian Biedermeier Vintage Secretaires
Wood
Early 19th Century French French Provincial Antique Secretaires
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Ash
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Burl, Bog Wood, Oak, Maple, Boxwood, Birch, Glass, Palisander
1730s Indonesian Dutch Colonial Antique Secretaires
Brass
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Teak
Mid-20th Century Italian Baroque Secretaires
Glass, Wood
Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires
Mahogany
1970s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Teak
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Secretaires
Brass
2010s Indian Other Secretaires
Metal, Sheet Metal
2010s Indian Other Secretaires
Metal, Sheet Metal
2010s Indian Other Secretaires
Metal, Sheet Metal
2010s Indian Other Secretaires
Metal, Sheet Metal
2010s Indian Other Secretaires
Metal, Sheet Metal
2010s Indian Other Secretaires
Metal, Sheet Metal
2010s Indian Other Secretaires
Metal, Sheet Metal
2010s Indian Other Secretaires
Metal, Sheet Metal
2010s Indian Other Secretaires
Metal, Sheet Metal
2010s Indian Other Secretaires
Metal, Sheet Metal
2010s Indian Other Secretaires
Metal, Sheet Metal
2010s Indian Other Secretaires
Metal, Sheet Metal
2010s Indian Other Secretaires
Metal, Sheet Metal
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Secretaires
Rosewood
18th Century German Baroque Antique Secretaires
Softwood
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Secretaires
Wood
19th Century English Chinese Chippendale Antique Secretaires
Leather, Bamboo, Wood, Maple
Mid-19th Century American Empire Antique Secretaires
Mahogany
1950s Italian Vintage Secretaires
Wood
1960s French Vintage Secretaires
Wood
Late 18th Century British George III Antique Secretaires
Brass
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Wood
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Wood
1750s Antique Secretaires
Wood
Mid-19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Secretaires
Mahogany
19th Century Louis Philippe Antique Secretaires
Bronze
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Secretaires
Teak
Mid-19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Secretaires
Mahogany
2010s German Modern Secretaires
Metal
Late 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Antique Secretaires
Wood, Burl
19th Century French Empire Antique Secretaires
Marble, Brass
1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Secretaires
Metal
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Secretaires
Wood
19th Century English Other Antique Secretaires
Brass
19th Century English Antique Secretaires
Leather, Glass, Mahogany
Mid-18th Century English Chippendale Antique Secretaires
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Teak
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Aluminum
1880s French Louis XV Antique Secretaires
Marble, Ormolu
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Secretaires
Bronze
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.