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18th Century Antique Continental Walnut Corner Bureau
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
18TH CENTURY ANTIQUE CONTINENTAL WALNUT CORNER BUREAU CIRCA 1730
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier German Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Antique Continental Walnut Corner Bureau
18th Century Antique Continental Walnut Corner Bureau

18th Century Antique Continental Walnut Corner Bureau

$6,000
18th Century Antique Oak Bureau Circa 1750
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
18TH CENTURY ANTIQUE OAK BUREAU CIRCA 1750 VERY GOOD COLOUR
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Secretaires

Materials

Oak

18th Century Antique Oak Bureau Circa 1750
18th Century Antique Oak Bureau Circa 1750

18th Century Antique Oak Bureau Circa 1750

$4,950
18th Century Estate Oak Ash English Bureau
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A very unusual 18th century estate oak and ash English bureau. Having a double bureau fall, each
Category

Antique 18th Century Desks

Materials

Ash, Oak

18th Century Estate Oak Ash English Bureau
18th Century Estate Oak Ash English Bureau

18th Century Estate Oak Ash English Bureau

$5,750
Large 18th Century French Provincial Desk Bureau
Located in Doylestown, PA
Outstanding, large French provincial desk, bureau,, 18th century, having a gallery with cubby holes
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century French French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Large 18th Century French Provincial Desk Bureau
Large 18th Century French Provincial Desk Bureau

Large 18th Century French Provincial Desk Bureau

$4,680
18th Century George I Walnut Bureau Desk
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
long graduated drawers, raised on ogee bracket feet, 18th century.
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English George I Desks

Materials

Walnut

18th Century George I Walnut Bureau Desk
18th Century George I Walnut Bureau Desk

18th Century George I Walnut Bureau Desk

$3,800
Late 18th Century Tuscan Bureau
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Late 18th century Tuscan bureau. Dating from the late 18th Century, this Italian painted bureau
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Italian Desks

Materials

Wood

Late 18th Century Tuscan Bureau
Late 18th Century Tuscan Bureau

Late 18th Century Tuscan Bureau

$2,601
18th Century Antique Mahogany Bureau
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
18TH CENTURY ANTIQUE MAHOGANY BUREAU EXCELLENT QUALITY BUREAU WITH FITTED INTERIOR
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier British Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century Antique Mahogany Bureau
18th Century Antique Mahogany Bureau

18th Century Antique Mahogany Bureau

$4,500
Baroque Bureau Bonheur du Jour, 18th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Small bureau on elegantly curved high legs with curved frame. The front is divided by three drawers
Category

Antique 18th Century European Baroque Desks

Materials

Wood

Baroque Bureau Bonheur du Jour, 18th Century
Baroque Bureau Bonheur du Jour, 18th Century

Baroque Bureau Bonheur du Jour, 18th Century

$11,629
18th Century English Painted Bureau
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Late 18th century English painted oak bureau with fitted interior. 1790. Height to desk is 29
Category

Antique 18th Century English George III Secretaires

Materials

Oak

18th Century English Painted Bureau
18th Century English Painted Bureau

18th Century English Painted Bureau

$3,697
18th Century English Oak Bureau
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
A fine 18th century oak bureau with a nice fitted interior, circa 1740. Measures: Height: 36
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century European Georgian Desks

Materials

Oak

18th Century English Oak Bureau
18th Century English Oak Bureau

18th Century English Oak Bureau

$2,670
18th Century English Painted Bureau
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
18th century English painted oak bureau with a good fitted interior and well. 1760. Height to the
Category

Antique 18th Century English George III Secretaires

Materials

Oak

18th Century English Painted Bureau
18th Century English Painted Bureau

18th Century English Painted Bureau

$3,012
18th Century Painted Writing Bureau
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
18th century English painted oak writing bureau with original brass handles. Good fitted interior
Category

Antique 18th Century English George III Secretaires

Materials

Oak

18th Century Painted Writing Bureau
18th Century Painted Writing Bureau

18th Century Painted Writing Bureau

$2,670
Mid 18th Century Walnut Bureau
Located in Folkestone, GB
A good quality mid 18th century walnut veneered 3ft bureau of good colour and patina, the fall with
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid 18th Century Walnut Bureau
Mid 18th Century Walnut Bureau

Mid 18th Century Walnut Bureau

$4,655
18th Century Swedish Bureau Bookcase
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Nice 18th C Swedish painted bureau bookcase. 1780. Height to desk is 72cm. Internal reference
Category

Antique 18th Century Swedish Bookcases

Materials

Oak

18th Century Swedish Bureau Bookcase
18th Century Swedish Bureau Bookcase

18th Century Swedish Bureau Bookcase

$6,846
18th Century Swedish Bureau Bookcase
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Stunning 18th C Swedish bureau bookcase with good carved detail. 1780. Height to desk is 69cm
Category

Antique 18th Century Swedish Bookcases

Materials

Pine

18th Century Swedish Bureau Bookcase
18th Century Swedish Bureau Bookcase

18th Century Swedish Bureau Bookcase

$7,530
18th Century German Double Dome Walnut Bureau Cabinet
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
18th century German double dome walnut bureau cabinet with serpentine base, figured walnut panels
Category

Antique 18th Century German Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

18th Century German Double Dome Walnut Bureau Cabinet
18th Century German Double Dome Walnut Bureau Cabinet

18th Century German Double Dome Walnut Bureau Cabinet

$8,900
18th Century Georgian Mahogany Bureau
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Fine quality bureau featuring bone inlay on the fall circa 1780. With the fall down we reveal 4
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century Georgian Mahogany Bureau
18th Century Georgian Mahogany Bureau

18th Century Georgian Mahogany Bureau

$3,902
18th Century English Bureau Bookcase
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Pretty 18th C English painted pine bureau bookcase. 1780. Dimensions 38 inches (97 cms) wide
Category

Antique 18th Century English George III Bookcases

Materials

Pine

18th Century English Bureau Bookcase
18th Century English Bureau Bookcase

18th Century English Bureau Bookcase

$4,860
18th Century English Bureau Bookcase
Located in Doylestown, PA
George III Mahogany Bureau Bookcase, c. 1790, molded cornice above a lancet carved frieze and a
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century English Bureau Bookcase
18th Century English Bureau Bookcase

18th Century English Bureau Bookcase

$15,500
18th Century walnut bureau
Located in Martlesham, GB
A lovely quality 18th Century walnut bureau, having a lovely figured fall which opens to reveal a
Category

Antique 1780s British Georgian Desks

Materials

Walnut

18th Century walnut bureau
18th Century walnut bureau

18th Century walnut bureau

$2,122
18th Century Swedish Baroque Bureau
Located in Kastrup, DK
Baroque bureau, Sweden, circa 1750. Black-painted pine with gray-lined fillings. Behind the writing
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Swedish Baroque Secretaires

Materials

Pine

18th Century Swedish Baroque Bureau
18th Century Swedish Baroque Bureau

18th Century Swedish Baroque Bureau

$9,197
18th Century Scandinavian Baroque Bureau
Located in Charleston, SC
A rare mid-18th century Scandinavian Baroque period bureau with serpentine fronted drawers, carved
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Scandinavian Baroque Secretaires

Materials

Oak

18th Century Scandinavian Baroque Bureau
18th Century Scandinavian Baroque Bureau

18th Century Scandinavian Baroque Bureau

$5,200
18th Century Swedish Bureau Cabinet
Located in Kramfors, SE
Elegant Swedish bureau cabinet most likely made around Stockholm during the transition period
Category

Antique 18th Century Swedish Rococo Cabinets

Materials

Pine

18th Century Swedish Bureau Cabinet
18th Century Swedish Bureau Cabinet

18th Century Swedish Bureau Cabinet

$8,247
18th Century French Walnut Bureau with Original Metalwork
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
18th century French walnut bureau retaining its original handles and metalwork, which is very rare
Category

Antique 18th Century French Desks

Materials

Walnut

18th Century French Walnut Bureau with Original Metalwork
18th Century French Walnut Bureau with Original Metalwork

18th Century French Walnut Bureau with Original Metalwork

$3,080
English 18th Century Walnut Bureau
Located in London, GB
This elegant desk was made in England in the 18th century. Crafted from walnut, it has a lovely
Category

Antique 18th Century British Queen Anne Desks

Materials

Walnut

English 18th Century Walnut Bureau
English 18th Century Walnut Bureau

English 18th Century Walnut Bureau

$3,697
18th Century mahogany bureau
Located in Martlesham, GB
18th Century mahogany Georgian bureau, having a lovely fitted interior with various drawers and
Category

Antique 1780s English Georgian Desks

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century mahogany bureau
18th Century mahogany bureau

18th Century mahogany bureau

$2,396
18th Century Georgian Oak Bureau
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Delightful Georgian oak bureau of small proportions, circa 1740. Fall drops to reveal a fitted
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century British Georgian Desks

Materials

Oak

18th Century Georgian Oak Bureau
18th Century Georgian Oak Bureau

18th Century Georgian Oak Bureau

$2,047
18th Century Walnut Bureau
Located in Martlesham, GB
A lovely quality 18th century walnut bureau inlaid with Herringbone, the fall with double ‘D
Category

Antique 1750s English Georgian Desks

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Walnut Bureau
18th Century Walnut Bureau

18th Century Walnut Bureau

$4,039
18th Century Mahogany Bureau
Located in Martlesham, GB
A fantastic quality 18th century Georgian mahogany bureau with a lovely fitted interior with
Category

Antique 1760s English Georgian Desks

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century Mahogany Bureau
18th Century Mahogany Bureau

18th Century Mahogany Bureau

$3,354
Mid-18th Century George III Bureau Bookcase
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Mid-18th century George III slant front bureau bookcase, English. A fine mahogany example
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English George III Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Mid-18th Century George III Bureau Bookcase
Mid-18th Century George III Bureau Bookcase

Mid-18th Century George III Bureau Bookcase

$4,000
18th Century Walnut Bureau
Located in Martlesham, GB
18th century walnut bureau, the top having a double moulded edge with the fall opening to reveal a
Category

Antique 1770s British Georgian Desks

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Walnut Bureau
18th Century Walnut Bureau

18th Century Walnut Bureau

$3,217
Louis XV Ebonized Bureau Plat, 18th Century
Located in Westwood, NJ
Louis XV Ebonized Leather Top Bronze Mounted Buerau Plat
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Desks

Louis XV Ebonized Bureau Plat, 18th Century
Louis XV Ebonized Bureau Plat, 18th Century

Louis XV Ebonized Bureau Plat, 18th Century

18th Century Three-Drawer Bureau, Italy
Located in New York, NY
18th century Italian three-drawer walnut bureau with original hardware. Beautiful natural patina.
Category

Antique 18th Century Italian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Three-Drawer Bureau, Italy
18th Century Three-Drawer Bureau, Italy

18th Century Three-Drawer Bureau, Italy

$10,950
18th Century Mahogany Bureau
Located in Eindhoven, NL
18th century mahogany desk in beautiful original condition. Impressive interior, warm colour. Super
Category

Antique 1780s Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century Mahogany Bureau
18th Century Mahogany Bureau

18th Century Mahogany Bureau

$2,195
18th Century Original Painted Serpentine Bureau
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
18th Century Original Painted Serpentine Bureau. Danish c.1760.
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Danish Desks

18th Century Original Painted Serpentine Bureau
18th Century Original Painted Serpentine Bureau

18th Century Original Painted Serpentine Bureau

$4,860
Late 18th Century Swedish Painted Bureau
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
This late 18th century Swedish bureau features a fall front desk which opens to nine inner drawers
Category

Antique 18th Century Swedish Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Late 18th Century Swedish Painted Bureau
Late 18th Century Swedish Painted Bureau

Late 18th Century Swedish Painted Bureau

$4,518
Louis Seize Bureau, France, Late 18th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Louis Seize secretaire with mahogany veneer and brass moldings and fittings. The secretaire stands on square tapered legs with brass sabots and has three wide drawers, the top one pr...
Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Louis Seize Bureau, France, Late 18th Century
Louis Seize Bureau, France, Late 18th Century

Louis Seize Bureau, France, Late 18th Century

$9,493
18th Century French Bureau Deux Corps
Located in Houston, TX
The 18th Century French Bureau Deux Corps is an epitome of elegance and functionality, embodying
Category

Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Buffets

Materials

Wood

18th Century French Bureau Deux Corps
18th Century French Bureau Deux Corps

18th Century French Bureau Deux Corps

$12,000
Early 18th Century Burr Walnut Bureau
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Early 18th century beautifully figured burr walnut bureau of super proportions. This very rare and
Category

Antique Early 18th Century English Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Early 18th Century Burr Walnut Bureau
Early 18th Century Burr Walnut Bureau

Early 18th Century Burr Walnut Bureau

$4,682
Fine 18th Century Georgian Chinoiserie Bureau
Located in Allerum, SE
amazing sophistication to the chinoiserie most likely English, the second half of the 18th century.
Category

Antique 18th Century English Georgian Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Fine 18th Century Georgian Chinoiserie Bureau
Fine 18th Century Georgian Chinoiserie Bureau

Fine 18th Century Georgian Chinoiserie Bureau

$22,000
Antique 18th Century Small Mahogany Bureau
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A very good quality 18th century mahogany bureau of diminutive proportion Retaining exceptional
Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Chippendale Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Antique 18th Century Small Mahogany Bureau
Antique 18th Century Small Mahogany Bureau

Antique 18th Century Small Mahogany Bureau

$6,777
18th Century Bombe Bureau
Located in Culver City, CA
Aged burl walnut veneer with serpentine drawers. Original brass hardware and paper lined drawers. Made in Italy, circa 1790.  
Category

Antique 1790s French Louis XIV Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut, Burl

18th Century Bombe Bureau
18th Century Bombe Bureau

18th Century Bombe Bureau

$5,500
18th Century Queen Anne Oak Bureau
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Good quality oak bureau, with 4 drawers and 6 pigeon holes and well for the interior. Replacement
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Oak

18th Century Queen Anne Oak Bureau
18th Century Queen Anne Oak Bureau

18th Century Queen Anne Oak Bureau

$3,354
18th Century English Painted Oak Bureau
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Wonderful 18th C painted bureau with a good fitted interior and secret drawer. 1780 The height to
Category

Antique 18th Century English Georgian Desks

Materials

Oak

18th Century English Painted Oak Bureau
18th Century English Painted Oak Bureau

18th Century English Painted Oak Bureau

$4,484
Antique 18th Century Georgian Walnut Bureau
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
raised on original shaped bracket feet (Dating to the early 18th century this bureau retains a
Category

Antique Early 18th Century English George II Desks

Materials

Walnut

Antique 18th Century Georgian Walnut Bureau
Antique 18th Century Georgian Walnut Bureau

Antique 18th Century Georgian Walnut Bureau

$6,079
18th Century Spanish Carlos IV Bureau
Located in Madrid, ES
Elegant Spanish Bureau of the 18th century, at the time Carlos IV, its size is smaller than usual
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Spanish Baroque Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Bronze

18th Century Spanish Carlos IV Bureau
18th Century Spanish Carlos IV Bureau

18th Century Spanish Carlos IV Bureau

$1,613
Early 18th Century Bavarian Bureau Cabinet
Located in Middleburg, VA
This exquisite early 18th century Bavarian bureau cabinet visually moves like a Baroque musical
Category

Antique Early 18th Century Austrian Baroque Cabinets

Materials

Ash, Boxwood, Walnut

Early 18th Century Bavarian Bureau Cabinet
Early 18th Century Bavarian Bureau Cabinet

Early 18th Century Bavarian Bureau Cabinet

$9,500
18th Century Chinese Export Bureau Cabinet
Located in Conwy, GB
(replaced). This bureau cabinet was produced in Canton (Guangzhou) in southern China, which in the 18th
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Giltwood

18th Century Chinese Export Bureau Cabinet
18th Century Chinese Export Bureau Cabinet

18th Century Chinese Export Bureau Cabinet

$20,881
Antique 18th Century Walnut Tabletop Bureau
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A delightful and extremely rare George I walnut, crossbanded and featherbanded tabletop bureau with
Category

Antique Early 18th Century Great Britain (UK) George I Children s Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Antique 18th Century Walnut Tabletop Bureau
Antique 18th Century Walnut Tabletop Bureau

Antique 18th Century Walnut Tabletop Bureau

$10,680
18th Century English Mahogany Slant Front Desk or Bureau
Located in Astoria, NY
An 18th century English diminutive mahogany slant front desk or bureau with dove tail joints and
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

18th Century English Mahogany Slant Front Desk or Bureau
18th Century English Mahogany Slant Front Desk or Bureau

18th Century English Mahogany Slant Front Desk or Bureau

$1,200
18th Century English Mahogany Bureau Bookcase with Mirrored Door
Located in Atlanta, GA
feet, England 18th century.
Category

Antique 18th Century English Bookcases

Materials

Mirror, Mahogany

18th Century English Mahogany Bureau Bookcase with Mirrored Door
18th Century English Mahogany Bureau Bookcase with Mirrored Door

18th Century English Mahogany Bureau Bookcase with Mirrored Door

$5,250
Outstanding Quality 18th Century Mahogany Bureau
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Beautiful antique mahogany bureau in perfect and completely original condition. The bureau is of
Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

Outstanding Quality 18th Century Mahogany Bureau
Outstanding Quality 18th Century Mahogany Bureau

Outstanding Quality 18th Century Mahogany Bureau

$2,195
18th Century Walnut and Inlay Bureau
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A stunning early 18th century rectangular desk, bureau or scriban in burr walnut, ebony inlay
Category

Antique 18th Century Belgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ebony, Oak, Walnut, Burl

18th Century Walnut and Inlay Bureau
18th Century Walnut and Inlay Bureau

18th Century Walnut and Inlay Bureau

$12,049
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Bureau
Located in Mckinney, TX
This antique 18th-century Swedish Gustavian writing bureau is a rare and handsome piece, crafted
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires

Materials

Pine

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Bureau
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Bureau

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Bureau

$3,800
Late 18th century Georgian walnut bureau
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Late 18th century Georgian walnut bureau circa 1790. Fine quality George III period walnut bureau
Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Desks

Materials

Walnut

Late 18th century Georgian walnut bureau
Late 18th century Georgian walnut bureau

Late 18th century Georgian walnut bureau

$4,511
Late 18th century Georgian walnut bureau
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Late 18th century Georgian walnut bureau circa 1790. Fine quality George III period walnut bureau
Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Desks

Materials

Walnut

Late 18th century Georgian walnut bureau
Late 18th century Georgian walnut bureau

Late 18th century Georgian walnut bureau

$4,450
Early 18th Century Oak Bureau
Located in Martlesham, GB
Early 18th century oak bureau, the fall opening to reveal a lovely fitted interior with various
Category

Antique 1740s British Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Early 18th Century Oak Bureau
Early 18th Century Oak Bureau

Early 18th Century Oak Bureau

$2,670
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Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets Under $3,000
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18th Century Bureau For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal 18th century bureau for your home. A 18th century bureau — often made from wood, walnut and mahogany — can elevate any home. There are 1278 variations of the antique or vintage 18th century bureau you’re looking for, while we also have 1 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer 18th century bureau, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. A 18th century bureau made by Georgian designers — as well as those associated with louis xv — is very popular. A well-made 18th century bureau has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Charles Michel Leclerc, A. Caron and Adrien Delorme are consistently popular.

How Much is a 18th Century Bureau?

Prices for a 18th century bureau start at $65 and top out at $15,675,000 with the average selling for $8,497.

Finding the Right Storage-case-pieces 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.

Questions About 18th Century Bureau
  • How do you identify 18th-century furniture?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
    To identify 18th-century furniture, you can research your piece in the context of the prevailing styles of the period or consult a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. To identify your item on your own, look over it for maker's marks, such as carvings, stamps, brands and labels. Researching the marking can help you determine the maker of your piece, and from there, you can search further to learn more about your particular item. Without a maker's mark, the best approach is to consider the characteristics of the dominant furniture styles during the 18th century. In England, these included William and Mary, Queen Anne, Georgian, Chippendale, Hepplewhite and Sheraton. Some French furniture styles of the 1700s include Louis XV, Louis XVI and Régence. Find a diverse assortment of 18th-century furniture on 1stDibs.
  • Did they have wedding rings in the 18th century?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, wedding rings have a long history, stretching back to ancient Egypt. The first diamond engagement ring was created in 1477 by Archduke Maximillian of Austria. Browse a wide array of vintage and contemporary wedding rings on 1stDibs.
  • How did art change in the 18th century?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    In the 18th century, art changed in style from Baroque to Rococo and Neoclassicism. Art became more ornamented and idealized during the Rococo period and then shifted toward a style that emulated the artwork of ancient Greece and Rome near the end of the century. You’ll find a variety of fine art on 1stDibs.
  • How can I identify 18th century brass candlesticks?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    One way to check if your brass candlesticks are from the 18th century is to look for the two seams running lengthwise on either side. This is from when the candlestick was molded in two halves and then soldered together. You’ll find a variety of candlesticks of all shapes and sizes from some of the top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • Which individuals are considered the Big Three of 18th-century cartoons, and why?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertJanuary 10, 2025
    The individuals considered the Big Three of 18th-century cartoons are William Hogarth, James Gillray and George Cruikshank. Although the 18th century saw a widespread increase in illustrations in newspapers, these three illustrators were particularly well-known for their work. Hogarth's work was extremely diverse, ranging from serious, realistic paintings and portraits to satirical and moralistic illustrations filled with symbolism. A British caricaturist, Gillray is remembered today for his artworks representing political and social satires, like his political cartoons against George III of England. Despite being a prolific caricaturist, Cruikshank is now most famous for illustrating the works of Charles Dickens. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of illustrations.
  • What kinds of figures elevated the use of porcelain in 18th century Europe?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    At the end of the 17th century, Europe went into a frenzy over porcelain. Asian porcelain was highly sought after, and spurred the foundation of the Meissen factory in France, where hard porcelain went on to be made. You’ll find a large collection of porcelain pieces from many of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • Was there glass in the 16th century?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, the history of glass-making goes back much further than the 1600s. It’s believed that they were making glass in different parts of the world at least 3,600 years ago, maybe even longer. During the late Bronze Age in Egypt and in Western Asia, glassmarking advanced significantly and was manipulated extensively to produce vessels, jewelry, and works of art. Shop a range of antique and vintage glass on 1stDibs.
  • Were there cannons in the 16th century?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Yes, there were cannons in the 16th century. The history of the weapon dates back to 12th-century China. Historical records suggest that the first cannons appeared in Europe during the Islamic wars in Iberia in the 13th century. Find a range of antique cannons on 1stDibs.
  • What is the most important painting of the 20th century?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    What painting is the most important of the 20th century is largely a matter of personal opinion. Some notable works produced during the period include Paul Cézanne's Mont Sainte-Victoire, Pablo Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, Henri Matisse's The Dance and Jackson Pollock's Lavender Mist. Shop a large selection of 20th-century paintings on 1stDibs.
  • What furniture was used in the 16th century?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A variety of furniture was used during the 16th century. Items commonly found in homes include high-backed armchairs, chests, stools, benches and cupboards. Most European artisans active during the time period produced pieces out of oak wood. Find a large collection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
  • What is 17th-century furniture called?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
    What 17th-century furniture is called varies. The general term for all furniture produced 100 years ago, including 17th-century pieces, is antique furniture. You may also choose to be more specific and describe a piece by its style. Theatrical and lavish, the Baroque style was prevalent across Europe from the 17th to the mid-18th century and spread around the world through colonialism, including in Asia, Africa and the Americas. Baroque furniture was extravagant in all aspects, from shape to materials. 17th-century pieces from England often feature characteristics of the William and Mary style, such as crisp lines, maple and walnut veneers, inlaid bands and C-scroll ornaments. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of antique furniture.
  • Who invented the reflector telescope in the 17th century?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Sir Isaac Newton invented the reflector telescope in the 17th century. He created it as a replacement for the refracting telescope, which tended to have poor optics. Find a collection of antique and vintage telescopes on 1stDibs from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • Who was one of the most important portrait painters of the 19th century?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    British artist John Singer Sargent was one of the most important portrait painters of the 19th century. Other notable portraitists from the period include James Abbott McNeill Whistler, Eugène Delacroix, Théodore Géricault, Gustave Courbet, Édouard Manet, Mary Cassat, Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of portrait paintings.
  • What are the major features of Dutch 17th century portraiture?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    17th-century Dutch portraiture has many similarities to other Baroque paintings, including rich colors, dark shadows and intense lighting. Many famous Dutch Baroque works lean toward realism. In Dutch portraiture, props and detailed backgrounds are uncommon. You'll find a collection of Dutch Baroque paintings from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.
  • What art style was used by the 19th-century French painters?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The French painters of the 19th century worked in two styles. Neoclassicism dominated the first half of the century, and Impressionism was the most common style during the second half. On 1stDibs, you can find a variety of French paintings.

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