Antique Secretaire Furniture
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Art Deco Secretaire Cabinet with Exquisite Inlay and Quality
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
An Art Deco fall front secretaire cabinet. Veneered satinwood and macassar ebony on solid oak with
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Satinwood, Walnut
19th Century Victorian Bamboo Chinoiserie Lacquered Secretaire Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Victorian secretaire desk, in the Brighton Pavilion style. Having a frame of burnt bamboo, inset
Category
1880s British Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
18th Century Baroque Secretaire, South German, 1750-1760
Located in Belmont, MA
Unique 18th century Baroque secretaire, South German, probably Lake of Constance region, circa 1750
Category
1750s German Baroque Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
19th Century French Louis XVI Painted Secretaire
Located in Dallas, TX
Lovely antique French Louis XVI painted secretarie. This piece has a very fine patina and nice clean lines. Top section has a nice area for display and there is a good amount of stor...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century English Chinoiserie Ladies Secretaire Writing Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Extraordinary 19th century English ladies secretaire desk or writing table. The two part desk was
Category
19th Century English Chinoiserie Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century Swedish Two-part Secretaire Circa 1810
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning 19th-century Swedish two-part secretaire, crafted circa 1810, exemplifies the
Category
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Pine
Louis XVI Style 19th Century Secretaire from France
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Beautiful rich mahogany color 19th Century secretaire Louis XVI style C.1880.
Dimensions:
W: 37″
D
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Mahogany and Leather Notary Furniture
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice notary furniture is made of mahogany and leather. This is a rare and interesting
Category
1850s French Louis Philippe Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
$3,750 Sale Price
20% Off
Neoclassical Style Mahogany Bronze Ormolu Mounted Secretaire
Located in Tarry Town, NY
19th century mahogany wood neoclassical style bronze ormolu mounted secretary. The secretary is raised on tapered feet mounted bronze ormolu. The center section is fitted with a pane...
Category
1820s French Neoclassical Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Antique Burled Secretaire a Abattant for Restoration
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A tall cabinet with carved cavetto cornice, over a slim curved frieze drawer and one upper and two lower long drawers. The middle faux drawers drop down to the secretary. The fitted ...
Category
19th Century Regency Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Hand Painted White Baroque Secretaire, Saxony 18th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Baroque writing secretaire with slanted flap and curved front and frame. The secretaire has two
Category
18th Century German French Provincial Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Softwood
Secretaire Napoleone III, France, 19th Century, Black
Located in Prato, IT
France, second half '800
Lastronate in ebanized wood.
Inlay in brass, copper, pewter, mother-of-pearl.
Marble top in "Fior di pesco".
Inside three drawers with leather top with g...
Category
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Impressive 18th Century Italian Venetian Walnut Secretaire
Located in San Francisco, CA
An impressive and unusually tall Venetian black walnut and burled walnut secretary. The mirrored top cabinet doors opening to reveal a multi drawer fitted interior, having a drop fro...
Category
18th Century Italian Rococo Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Walnut
Empire secretaire à abattant, France around 1810
Located in Greding, DE
Secretary in mahogany veneer with two-door bottom part as well as dark marble shelf and fire-gilded fittings. Behind the writing flap with brown leather there are more drawers and co...
Category
1810s French Empire Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century German Biedermeier Cherrywood Secretaire - Antique Secretary
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A 19th Century, antique German Biedermeier tall secretaire with a writing flap made of hand crafted
Category
Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Empire Secrétaire Bottega Maggiolini Walnut Italy 19th Century
By Giuseppe Maggiolini
Located in Milano, IT
Secrétaire consisting of drawer under the plan, tilting door, with cabinet and two drawers at the
Category
19th Century Italian Empire Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Secretaire. Vienna, c. 1825
Located in Vienna, AT
secretaire, crafted in Vienna around 1825. This piece is a striking example of early 19th-century furniture
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French Transitional 19th Century Ladies Writing Secretaire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A charming French 19th century Transitional style tulipwood, ormolu, and white Carrara marble secretary desk. The secretary is raised by fine cabriole legs with elegant foliate ormol...
Category
19th Century French Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Ormolu
Biedermeier Drawers Writing Desk Secrétaire Cabinet Swedish Ormolu Detail
Located in Lewes, England
Swedish antique Biedermeier writing desk chiffonier secrétaire cabinet in highly quilted golden
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Birch
$4,321 Sale Price
20% Off
18th Century Louis XV Provincial Walnut Secretaire
Located in New York, NY
Of unusually large scale; the upper section with arched cornice over a pair of wire-inset doors opening to fabric lined interior fitted with shelves; the lower section with a slant f...
Category
Mid-18th Century French Rococo Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Copf Style Cherry Inlay Secretaire Cabinet, ca. 1800
Located in Budapest, Budapest
Early 19th century hutch, (combination of a writing secretaire and a glass cabinet) in Copf-Style
Category
Early 19th Century European Louis XVI Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Cherry, Pine
$4,272 Sale Price
20% Off
Early 19th Century English Regency Secretaire Chiffonier Side Cabinet
By John Mclean
Located in Dublin, IE
A fine English Regency secretaire side cabinet in the manner of John McLean. Of exceptional quality
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century Mahogany Inlaid Slope Front Secretaire Bookcase
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th century mahogany inlaid slope front secretaire bookcase with astragal glazing below a dentil
Category
Early 19th Century Irish Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Early 19th C. Swedish Empire Style Secretaire
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Mahogany, architectural upper section with demi-lune drawer, dentil frieze below and full drawer, drop-front fitted interior with marquetry drawers and doors, two side column...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Hardwood
$52,500 Sale Price
30% Off
François Linke, Ormolu and Mahogany Secretaire After Riesener
By François Linke
Located in BARSAC, FR
Large Louis XVI style secretaire in mahogany marquetry in frames of light wood and ebony fillets
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
18th Century Italian Bleached Rustic Drop Front Secretaire
Located in Charleston, SC
18th century large Italian charming rustic bleached drop front secretary with fragment of old paint, multiple cubby holes and drawers above two large base drawers on short tapered le...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Iron
18th - 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pinewood Bureau - Scandinavian Secretaire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
pinewood, in good condition. This elegant light-grey secretaire embodies the refined aesthetic of
Category
Late 18th Century Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French Empire Secretaire À Abattant With Faux Book Front
Located in Charlottesville, VA
Tall French Empire secretaire à abattant featuring a drop-front writing surface and faux book
Category
Early 20th Century French Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Stone
Louis XVI Mahogany Bureau / Secretaire, Copenhagen Approx. 1780
Located in Kastrup, DK
Louis XVI bureau / Secretaire in 3 parts.
Upper part with three doors. Middle part door with fluted
Category
Late 18th Century Danish Louis XVI Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
$6,323 Sale Price
40% Off
*An Exquisite 19th Century French Flame Mahogany Fitted Secretaire
Located in Reading, Berkshire
An Exquisite 19th Century French Flame Mahogany Secretaire.
Complete With Fitted Interior, &
Category
19th Century French Regency Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
$14,002 Sale Price
20% Off
Important Early 19th Century Danish Neoclassical Secretaire NIcolai Abildgaard
By Nicolai Abildgaard
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
furniture Abildgaard designed in the first decade of the 19th century, is this secretaire, which marks a
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Neoclassical Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Bone, Maple
Superb George III Style Inlaid Marquetry Secretaire Cabinet
By Mayhew
Ince
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Magnificent antique English Secretaire cabinet with satinwood, hare wood, tulipwood, and kingwood
Category
19th Century English George III Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Kingwood, Satinwood, Tulipwood
Large Secretaire With Flap In Marquetry, Late 19th Century
By Jean-François Oeben
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Massive secretaire with flap in marquetry of cubes on the doors and sides and bronzes (partly
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Secretaire. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Hello,
This elegant and truly exceptional walnut Viennese Biedermeier Secretaire was made in Vienna
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Maple, Walnut
Louis XVI Desk/Secretaire a Abattant c. 1790-1800
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a very good example of a late 18th century Louis XVI Secretaire a Abattant. The secretaire
Category
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
19th Century French Rococo Revival Marquetry Secretaire a Abattant
Located in London, GB
Dating from around 1850, this is a wonderful antique French Rococo Revival Secretaire a Abattant
Category
1850s French Rococo Revival Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Secretaire. Austria, c. 1825-30.
Located in Vienna, AT
Hello,
This elegant and early Austrian Biedermeier secretaire was made circa 1825-30.
The
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Napoleon III Black Secretaire from the late 19th Century
Located in IT
A restored Napoleon III writing desk from the late 19th century with an ebonized wood finish. The top is marble, and the inserts, such as keys, locks, and moldings, are original and ...
Category
1890s Italian Neoclassical Revival Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Marble
19th Century German Writing Chest, Biedermeier Secretaire, circa 1825
Located in Greven, DE
around 1825
Dimensions: H x W x D: 98 x 116 x 57 cm
Description:
Three-drawer piece of furniture with a
Category
1820s German Biedermeier Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Cherry, Walnut
19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Secretaire. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Hello,
This elegant and truly exceptional early Viennese Biedermeier Secretaire was made in Vienna
Category
Early 19th Century Biedermeier Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century Southern German Secretaire, Cherry, Biedermeier circa 1830
Located in Greven, DE
Plain Biedermeier Secretaire
South-West Germany
Cherry
Biedermeier circa 1830
Dimensions: H x W x
Category
1820s German Biedermeier Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Gustavian, Swedish Secretaire Desk, White Paint, Pinewood, Sweden, 1900s
Located in Manhasset, NY
Gustavian, Swedish Painted Secretaire Desk, White Paint, Pinewood, Sweden, 1900s
Gustavian
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Paint
Louis XVI style Secrétaire à abattant with marquetry after Roentgen
By David Roentgen
Located in PARIS, FR
Louis XVI style ‘Secrétaire à abattant’ with marquetry after Roentgen.
Oak, thuya burl and ebonized
Category
1880s French Louis XVI Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Louis XVI Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Secrétaire À Abattant
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
An Impressive Louis XVI style gilt-bronze mounted secrétaire à Abattant, In The Manner Of André
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Louis XVI Secretaire with Urn Decoration, around 1790
Located in Greding, DE
Louis Seize secretary featuring five drawers and a flat writing flap. Veneered with cherry wood, this secretary is adorned with fire-shaded inlays. The central motif of the laurel wr...
Category
1790s German Louis XVI Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Biedermeier Secretaire, Cherry Veneer, Mahogany, South Germany circa 1820
Located in Regensburg, DE
Elegant early Biedermeier Secretaire or Drop Front Secretary Desk from South Germany around 1820
Category
Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Cherry, Softwood
Large and Important French Secretaire of Excellent Cabinet Making
Located in Cesena, FC
Large and important French Secretaire.
Impressive piece of furniture of excellent cabinetry
Category
1850s French Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Ash, Elm, Walnut
Early 19th Century South German Biedermeier Secretaire in Walnut
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Elegant Biedermeier secretaire crafted in South Germany around 1820. The piece combines solid
Category
Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$10,443 Sale Price
22% Off
Baroque Secretaire, Bern ‘Switzerland’ 1750, Attribute to Mathaeus Funk
By Mathaeus Funk
Located in Belmont, MA
Exquisite 18th century Baroque secretaire, Bern (Switzerland) 1750, attributed to Mathaeus Funk
Category
1750s Swiss Baroque Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Early 19th Century Biedermeier Secretaire, Cherry, Southern Germany, dated 1822
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Biedermeier Secretaire with Standing Desk Function
Bavaria
Cherry
dated: 1822
Dimensions
Category
1820s German Biedermeier Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Late 19th Century Louis Philippe Orange Lacquered Wood Italian Secretaire
Located in Catania, Sicilia
This Orange and brown Lacquered Italian Secretaire serves as both a functional and aesthetically
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Louis Philippe Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood, Lacquer
Fine George III Flame-Figured Mahogany Secretaire Cabinet
Located in New York, NY
The arched pediment centered by paneled roundel, over two glazed doors with pointed astragals opening to a chartreuse silk-lined interior with shelves; the lower part with a pullout ...
Category
Early 1800s English George III Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Biedermeier Drawers Writing Desk Secrétaire Cabinet Swedish Ormolu Detail 1800s
Located in Lewes, England
Exceptional Swedish antique Biedermeier writing desk chiffonier secrétaire cabinet in highly
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Birch
$6,508 Sale Price
20% Off
Empire Secretaire, Walnut, Maple, Paw Feet, Austria circa 1815
Located in Regensburg, DE
Fine Early Biedermeier or late Empire Secretaire / Drop-Front /Secretary Desk from Austria around
Category
1820s Austrian Biedermeier Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Gold Leaf
French Ormolu-Mounted Secrétaire À Abattant by Millet
Located in London, GB
The brèche d'Alep marble top above a long frieze drawer, the hinged fall front with gilt-tooled brown leather writing-surface, the fitted interior with four open compartments and a l...
Category
19th Century French Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood, Tulipwood
Louis Seize Secretaire à abattant, End of 18th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Secretaire with fluted pilasters and two-door bottom part and white marble shelf and fire-gilded
Category
Late 18th Century European Louis XVI Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Antique Gentleman
s Bureau, English, Walnut, Writing Desk, Secretaire, Georgian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique gentleman's bureau. A fine English, walnut writing desk or secretaire, dating
Category
Mid-18th Century British Georgian Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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Antique Secretaire Furniture For Sale on 1stDibs
Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more in our collection of antique secretaire furniture on 1stDibs. Was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, mahogany and metal. There are many kinds of the piece of antique secretaire furniture you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. An item from our selection of antique secretaire furniture is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Georgian, Louis XVI and Baroque styles are sought with frequency. You’ll likely find more than one choice in our collection of antique secretaire furniture that is appealing in its simplicity, but Gillows of Lancaster
London, Henry Dasson and André-Charles Boulle produced versions that are worth a look.
How Much is a Antique Secretaire Furniture?
A piece of antique secretaire furniture can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $7,477, while the lowest priced sells for $165 and the highest can go for as much as $15,675,000.
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 Antique Secretaire Furniture
- Is antique furniture in style?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024Yes, antique furniture is in style. Many people appreciate the beauty and handcrafted character of antique furniture and love the idea of owning pieces with a rich history. Remember that style preferences are nothing if not fluid, meaning what's in one year may not be the next. So, in choosing the furniture you're planning to live with, you should pay less attention to interior design fads than to what speaks to you. That way, you can select pieces that will add long-term character to your home. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of antique furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024To identify your antique furniture, look for an engraving, tag, label or other marking that indicates who produced it. You may find it on the bottom or back of your furniture or inside a drawer or cabinet. Once you have located the marking, you can snap a photo of it and use a reverse image search to try and identify the maker. Or, you can type a description of the mark into a search engine. Alternatively, you can use the services of a certified appraiser or antiques dealer to get assistance with identification. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique furniture.
- What makes furniture an antique?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
A piece of furniture is considered an antique if it is at least 100 years old.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024To know if your furniture is antique, look for labels and markings that indicate the maker. From there, you can use trusted online resources to determine when they were active and examine images to try to estimate the age of your piece. Furniture produced 100 years ago or more is antique. You can also have your furniture assessed by an appraiser or antiques dealer to learn about its age. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of antique furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024Many antique furniture brands are popular. While trends in collecting do vary over time, some makers consistently remain highly sought after. Among them are J. J.W. Meeks, John Henry Belter, R. J. Horner and Co., Stickley Furniture, George Hepplewhite, Josef Dannhauser, Thomas Chippendale and Thomas Sheridan. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of antique furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Antique furniture can be worth quite a lot, particularly if it is in good quality. The rarer the piece, the higher the value.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Whether antique furniture is making a comeback is a matter of opinion. Many people would argue that antique furniture never faded from fashion, as there have always been individuals who love the idea of owning pieces that have history. Some of the most popular styles for antique furniture include Art Deco, Arts and Crafts, Renaissance Revival, Elizabethan, Gothic Revival, Victorian and Chippendale. Find a large collection of antique furniture from some of the world's top dealers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024To date antique furniture from the UK, first look for identifying markings on the piece. You can then use trusted online resources to determine when the maker was active. From there, you may be able to estimate the year of production by looking at images of other furniture the maker produced. An expert appraiser or antiques dealer can also aid you in the dating process. Find a large selection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021There are a number of factors that can indicate if your antique furniture is valuable. When determining the value of antique furniture, consider its rarity. Additionally, it is important to determine the quality and condition of vintage furniture. If unsure of the value of your vintage furniture, have it appraised.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024To tell who made your antique furniture, seek out a maker's marking. Locations of these marks vary, but they are generally in an inconspicuous location. For example, a dresser may have the mark inside a drawer or on the back, while a hallmark on a table is often on a leg or under the tabletop. Once you locate a mark, you can use trusted online resources to identify the maker and learn more about them. If you can't find a marking on your piece, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist you with the identification process. Explore a large selection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024To tell antique furniture from reproduction, first check for a maker's mark. By researching the maker associated with the marking using trusted online resources, you can determine when they were active. If the company was in business 100 years ago or more, your piece may be an antique, but if the company's history began more recently, your piece is likely a reproduction. If you can't locate a marking, study the details of the furniture up close. Genuine antiques will often show tool marks and slight variations in carved details because they were typically handcrafted. Most contemporary furniture is machine-made, so you won't usually see these types of characteristics. When in doubt, have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer evaluate your furniture. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of antique furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024To identify antique Chinese furniture, look carefully at its details. Chinese craftsmen often built furniture using mortise and tenon joinery, eliminating the need for nails and screws. If you see this type of hardware, your piece is likely not at least 100 years old, especially if the hardware still looks new and shiny. Since antique furniture was handmade, you will normally see slight imperfections, such as tool marks or slight variations in carvings. Pieces that appear completely uniform and pristine are less often genuine antiques.
When present, maker's marks can also be helpful. Research the marks to learn more about when the maker was active and producing pieces like yours. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer evaluate your furniture for you.
Shop an assortment of antique Chinese furniture. - 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024How old furniture that is called antique can be is typically at least 100 years. People usually call furniture between 20 and 99 years old vintage. Contemporary is the word for furniture manufactured within the last 20 years. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary furniture from some of the world's top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021The best finish for antique furniture is a matter of liking. But film finish is recommended by experts as it leaves a thick coat of film on the wood surface which protects wood from water and scratches. Shellac or varnish and water base are commonly used film finishes. Find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage furniture on 1stDibs
PAGODA REDOctober 7, 2020To determine the age of a Chinese furniture piece, look carefully at the joinery and finish. Natural expansion and contraction of the wood over time will cause a joint to protrude or retract, distorting a once-seamless fit. Antique lacquer finishes become crackled and worn over time. Areas of exposed wood, such as the underside of a table, the footrest of a chair, or the back of a cabinet should appear raw and dry compared to the finished surface. With use, the legs of tables and chairs become weathered near the bottom from precipitation and use.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024To tell how old your antique furniture is, research the maker using trusted online resources. You may find that the furniture maker was active for only a short period, giving you the ability to roughly estimate its age. For manufacturers and designers with a long history of production, consider the style of your furniture and look for images of similar pieces published online. Because it may be difficult to date furniture on your own, consider consulting a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of antique furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024To tell what your antique furniture is worth, look at sales histories on trusted online platforms and read valuation guides posted on trusted online resources. The maker, type, style, age and condition of your furniture will impact its value. Researching furniture produced by the same maker is a good starting point. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can also aid you in the valuation process. Find a large collection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024To be considered antique, furniture must usually be at least 100 years old. Contemporary is the name for furniture produced within the last 20 years. Vintage furniture is at least 20 years old. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary furniture from some of the world's top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 25, 2019
The difference between vintage and antique furniture is that vintage furniture is at least 20 years old, while antiques must be at least 100 years old to be considered antique.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024To tell the difference between antique and reproduction furniture, first look at hidden areas, such as the backs or insides of the drawers. On reproduction furniture, you may find plywood or engineered wood in these areas, while antique furniture will usually have solid hardwood on drawer interiors and backs. Also, slight irregularities and marks indicating that the furniture was built with hand tools rather than machines usually suggest that the piece is antique. Because it can be difficult to differentiate reproductions from genuine antiques without expertise and training, you may wish to consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer about the age of your piece. Find a diverse assortment of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
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More Ways To Browse
19c Commode
Lyre Secretaire
Baroque Tabernacle Secretaire
Bureau Davenport
Jacobean Secretary Desk
Antique Cabinets With Secret Compartments
Antique Secretary Desk 1800S
Antique Spanish Secretary Desk
Berkey And Gay Secretary
Bonnet Top Secretary
Borge Mogensen Secretary Desk
Double Bonnet Secretary
Drop Leaf Secretary Desk Antique
Dutch Bombe Secretaire
Erling Torvits Secretary Desk
Herman Miller Secretary
Maddox Secretary Desk
Maddox Secretary