Objects of Desire: File These Secretary Desks Under ‘Gorgeous’

When I think of a secretary desk, I think of my dad’s home office while I was growing up. When my dad needed to work, his antique mahogany secretary became an elegant place from which to telecommute. But when my parents entertained, it was closed to become a gorgeous conversation piece in our downstairs sitting room.

With more employers offering telecommuting policies, the secretary desk is poised for a resurgence, as it transforms any space into a home office in mere seconds, but can be closed up to restore the room to its original purpose just as easily.

Here are seven secretary desks to inspire your space.

Hallings Secretary

Details: While this piece — which is based on a 1940s French design — is available only in Antique Ivory, Gabberts Design Studio had it custom finished in blue-gray to complement the artwork and chair fabric.

Why it works: The designers chose this secretary to add storage while retaining a sophisticated aesthetic.

Source: Hickory Chair


Custom Secretary

Details: A traditional secretary would’ve been out of place in this modern San Francisco home, so interior designer Melanie Coddington designed an updated take on the classic piece, which was built using cerused oak.

Why it works: Coddington’s clients needed a space in their family room where the kids could do homework. “I love that it can be closed up to hide clutter, which kids tend to accumulate rather quickly,” says Coddington.

Source: Coddington Design


Tall Blonde Secretary

Details: Furniture designer Thomas Wold designed this fanciful piece as part of his Fractured Fairy Tales series, which mixes and fractures styles and motifs. It’s made using mostly repurposed materials and leftovers from other projects and finished with a water-based pigmented lacquer.

Why it works: Its mix of shapes and textures creates a functional focal point in this eclectic space.

Source: Thomas Wold


Norwich Secretary

Details: This traditional piece is made with plantation-grown mahogany and is slightly distressed to give it the feel of a stately antique.

Why it works: While traditional in its shape, the piece has a flat gray lacquer that brings it squarely into the 21st century, making it right at home in this contemporary space.

Source: Layla Grayce


Vintage Secretary

Details: This vintage piece is a Craigslist find — and proof positive that a little web surfing can yield amazing results.

Why it works: While traditional in shape, the piece takes on an almost Danish modern flair when paired with an Eames armchair. The warm wood works beautifully with the mustard-colored paint, creating a sunny space for working or studying.


Grandin Road Secretary

Details: Built specifically to be tucked into tight spaces, this wood composite secretary yields a colorful surprise when open.

Why it works: The piece’s diminutive size means that it works best in this space when open — which is perfect, because this allows it to continue the room’s use of tonal blues.

Source: Houzz, Grandin Road


Antique Secretary

Details: This family heirloom was passed down from the designer’s husband’s grandmother. Nearly a century later, her great-grandchildren use it for studying and drawing.

Why it works: Spaces with pitched ceilings can be tough to furnish, but the curved top of this secretary allows it to be tucked neatly into the corner without taking up too much space.

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