Secretaries With Shelves
Early 20th Century Italian Futurist Shelves
Elm, Walnut
Vintage 1950s German Minimalist Shelves and Wall Cabinets
Wood
Vintage 1960s Danish Shelves
Teak
2010s German Modern Shelves
Plywood
Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Beech
2010s German Modern Shelves
Plywood
2010s German Modern Shelves
Plywood
Vintage 1950s American Country Secretaires
Glass, Wood
20th Century American Adam Style Vitrines
Burl
Antique Early 1900s American Desks
Bamboo
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Cabinets
Marble
20th Century Secretaires
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century Indonesian British Colonial Furniture
Glass, Wood
Antique 1780s English Chippendale Secretaires
Brass
Antique Early 19th Century English Neoclassical Secretaires
Oak
Antique 1770s English Chippendale Secretaires
Brass
Antique 1770s German Baroque Cabinets
Walnut
Late 20th Century American Chippendale Desks
Glass, Mahogany
Antique 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
Wood, Paint
2010s Chippendale Secretaires
Glass, Wood
Vintage 1950s Italian Secretaires
Mirror, Parchment Paper
2010s Renaissance Secretaires
Glass, Mahogany
Antique 1760s English Secretaires
Brass
Antique 19th Century Secretaires
Oak
Vintage 1940s Rococo Revival Secretaires
Metal
Antique Late 19th Century Federal Bookcases
Leather, Glass, Mahogany
Antique 18th Century English Queen Anne Secretaires
Brass
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Rococo Secretaires
Wood, Paint
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese French Provincial Secretaires
Wood
Antique 18th Century Swedish Baroque Secretaires
Wood, Paint
Antique Late 18th Century Russian Empire Secretaires
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Asian French Provincial Secretaires
Wood
Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Secretaires
Birch
Antique 19th Century English Bookcases
Wood
Antique 18th Century English George III Bookcases
Bronze
Late 20th Century American Chippendale Secretaires
Brass
Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Rococo Secretaires
Glass, Wood, Paint
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Teak
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Country Secretaires
Wood
Antique 1840s English Victorian Secretaires
Mahogany
Antique 1840s English Victorian Secretaires
Mahogany
Vintage 1970s Italian Neoclassical Revival Desks and Writing Tables
Walnut
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires
Rosewood
Vintage 1980s Italian Secretaires
Walnut
Antique Early 19th Century European Secretaires
Brass
Antique 1820s German Biedermeier Secretaires
Mahogany
Antique 1790s American Hepplewhite Secretaires
Brass
Antique 1780s English Chippendale Secretaires
Brass
Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Secretaires
20th Century Chinoiserie Secretaires
Wood
Vintage 1960s American Chippendale Secretaires
Maple
Antique 19th Century English Chinoiserie Secretaires
Glass, Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks
Steel
Antique 19th Century French Other Secretaires
Walnut
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Teak
Late 20th Century American Georgian Secretaires
Brass
Antique 19th Century European Biedermeier Secretaires
Burl
Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Baroque Secretaires
Glass, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Brass
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Secretaries With Shelves For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Secretaries With Shelves?
Finding the Right storage-case-pieces for You
Of all the antique and vintage case pieces and storage cabinets 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 storage 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. Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard made of colored glass and metals, 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.
- What is a Larkin secretary?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Larkin secretary is a type of wooden case good produced by the Larkin Company, which opened in 1875 in Buffalo, New York. The furniture featured a pull-down writing surface and upper and lower shelves. Some also had side storage cabinets and drawers. You'll find a variety of vintage and antique secretaries on 1stDibs.
- What is a shelving unit?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021A shelving unit is a flexible piece of furniture with shelves that can be rearranged to accommodate various objects such as books, collectibles, sculptures and other items for display. It can also feature dividers and can be moved or adjusted for added functionality. Shop a collection of antique and vintage shelving units and shelves on 1stDibs.
- 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022To date an antique secretary desk, start by determining the type of hinge used to secure the writing surface. Consult an authoritative resource to find out which furniture makers worked with that type of hinge. You can also look for the name of the manufacturer on the back or bottom of the piece. Find a range of expertly vetted antique secretaries 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Storage shelves need to be large enough to properly and safely hold items but not too large that items will get lost or hidden behind each other. In a garage 12” is a good depth for smaller items and 16” for larger items.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021There are several ways to mount floating shelves. The best mounting options include using floating shelf brackets, installing cleats, or placing figure eights.
- 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021Tempered glass is used most often for shelving. It is five to six times stronger than ordinary glass and provides better protection and safety. Shop a variety of vintage and antique tempered glass on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Typically, the best way to hang wall shelves on a wall is through the studs. The studs are the strong vertical beams that form the frames of walls. You can locate them using a tool called a stud finder. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of wall shelves.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023Typically, the best way to hang floating shelves is to install them into wall studs with screws. You can use a stud finder tool to locate the studs in the wall. A power drill can speed up installation. Shop a selection of floating shelves on 1stDibs.
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