You don’t have to be a collector to see the value of an antique secretary desk. The classic look and feel of this type of bureau makes it a favorite for people who like to take advantage of the antique style and who wish to integrate such a desk in their homes. If you have a room which has a tendency on the antique style and would like to gain a little more functionality with the help of an antique secretary desk then you are in great luck, as prices on these items have started to go down in recent months.

 

Tips for choosing a good antique secretary desk

If this is the first time you look at an antique secretary desk and you don’t know if the price is worth the investment, then this part of the article will be must-read. I am a collector myself and sometimes I feel like an item is exactly what I am searching for, but I can tell you from the start that I will not, in any way, invest more than $2500 or $3000 on an antique secretary desk.

There are two main types of antique secretary desks: authentic antiques or replicas. The authentic antiques are the pricier models here and range in price from $1500 (you are lucky to buy one at this price) to over $4000. The price is decided primarily by the age of the desk: the older the more expensive. Everything which is made before the 1900’s is true antique, so go for it if the piece is at a good price. But don’t neglect the value of desks which are produced after the 1950’s as they have kept something of the 18^th century in combination with a more modern approach to furniture making.

A replica on the other hand is a desk which is made nowadays that manages to copy the exact style of a classic antique secretary desk. Replicas are much cheaper than the originals, so don’t invest over $1500 in a replica. You will be lucky to find a solid wood replica, so don’t be astonished to find out that many of the secretary desks are constructed out of bolted or glued plywood.

As we have gone over the main types of desks which can be bought, there are a few main aspects you will have to take into account before making an acquisition. Ask yourself the following questions before going out to buy an antique desk:

1. What is my original budget? Am I willing to “dig into” my savings for a desk?
2. Do I want a replica or an original antique?
3. Do I want a simple desk or an antique secretary desk with hutch?
4. I have seen a good desk, but a little expensive. Is it worth it?
5. The desk has some problems, but the owner is willing to settle. Am I willing to accept lower quality?
6. Am I willing to buy the desk online? Do I trust the online source without seeing the product firsthand?

When you have answered the before-mentioned questions you are ready to go shopping for an antique desk. I have also added some extra questions for people who find themselves in the situation of buying antiques online, so make sure to know all of those answers if you are in that situation.

 

Which are the cheapest places to buy antique secretary desks from?

I can tell you from now that I am a big fan of shopping online, but I always shop from well-known sources which I trust and have had experience with. The online world is nowadays so unlimited that it offers a multitude of products on display on your monitor with the help of a single click. The best virtual shop is Amazon, as they have good shipping and warranty. Other online stores also offer good-quality products and I suggest looking into alternatives, but the place to start with is a renowned store which can be taken as a reference.

Some examples of desks from Amazon which I have found to be interesting are the following, but this is a highly subjective matter which depends on your tastes and the room you intend to furnish:

Retail stores have always been more expensive as they overestimate the antique secretary desk value and always tell you it is the best on the market. If you plan on shopping locally, go to more stores and also check out prices online as to have a good understanding of what is valuable and what is not. There is no point in rushing the matter as waiting could save you a lot of money.

 

Conclusion

Ending this discussion about desks, always keep in mind that there are a lot of options to choose from. From a simple desk on which you can add an antique secretary desk hutch to more complex and intriguing designs, the variations allow you to buy the one model which is perfect for you and your needs. Place usability above style if you plan to use the desk and never forget: quality over everything!

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