Secretary desks are great furniture because they can be both functional and beautiful investment pieces at the same time. However, before you pay tons of money on your expensive new (or antique) secretary desk, read these tips to make sure that you are getting your money’s worth on the piece.

photo credit: Rafakoy
For New Secretary Desks:
New secretary desks tend to cost a bit more than traditional desks. However, they are also far more functional and offer a great deal in the way of storage and organizational space. Add up what it would cost to buy similar storage space in addition to a traditional desk of similar style and quality of the secretary desk you are considering. Is the price comparable? Is the secretary desk cheaper than buying separate pieces that have the same utility? Use this as a starting point when understanding the cost factors behind your secretary desk purchase. You may also want to consider the price premium (if any) you are willing to spend on saving space and having an all in one unit.
For Antique Secretary Desks:
When considering the cost of an antique secretary desk, the natural starting point is to consider the same factors that you would have with a new secretary desk. In addition to the cost of pieces with similar utility and any price premium you associate with having an all in one unit, however, the fact that you are valuing an antique can influence the value dramatically.
The two main parts of an antique’s value are its history (sometimes called its provenance) and its construction and current condition. Some pieces of antique furniture are unusually rare, having been owned by a famous person or persons. However, such pieces are very rare, and it is important to question such assertions and find out if they are true before paying a premium for them. (Ask yourself: Is this really Thomas Jefferson’s secretary desk? How do we know?)
Since such authentic provenance is truly rare, the overwhelming factors for the value of most antique secretary desks are their construction and current condition. If the desk is made out of a rare wood, it is likely to command a premium price. On the other hand, if the desk is in need of restoration to repair it and return it to its former glory, you can expect to receive a discount on the purchase price. For comparable sales, it’s often useful to look at what similar pieces are selling for at online auctions or compare them to what a new desk would cost.
