
Courtesy of FancyDecors.co
Whether you’re a student moving into a dorm, a young adult moving into their first apartment, a busy family in need of a command center or you’re just simply short on space in your home, the BEST solution is a Secretary Desk. Secretary desks are cheap, versatile, multi-functional, easily refinished, and have great resale value.

Courtesy of LilyFieldFurniture.com
One of the most famous Secretary Desks was the one in the movie Sex and the City 2 that held the tv that Big gave Carrie for their anniversary.

Sex and the City 2 Secretary Desk courtesy of HickoryChair.com
They’re like a dresser, desk, office, nightstand, vanity, and library all in one. Add two book cases on either side and a hutch on top for the ultimate craft station like the combination below from Ikea.

Ikea Hemnes Secretary Desk w Hutch and Book Cases Courtesy of Indulgy
COMPLETE BUYER’S GUIDE
Here are all of the reasons why you need one, ideas on where to put it, and tips on finding the best one for you at the right price. At the end of this post you’ll also find a gallery full of DIY inspiration.
- 37″W x 18″D x 44″H
A SECRET COMMAND CENTER

Image without graphics courtesy of No29Design.com
One of the best purchases we ever made was our $40 secretary desk. We were able to fit ALL of the contents of a bulky, 5 foot long desk into a compact, efficient, versatile hidden office that doubles as a beautiful piece of furniture.

Courtesy of Lonny.com
The best thing is when we’re finished with work or have company over, we can just close the desk door and our office is safely hidden away from prying eyes or flying toys.
- Courtesy of No29Design.com
- No29Design.com

Secretary Desk Lock and Key
- https://homemadelovely.com//4-ways-to-create-a-stylish-home-office-in-the-living-room/
- Courtesy of https://www.decorpad.com/amp/photo.htm?photoId=140437&next

Courtesy of FancyDecors.co
What Is A Secretary Desk Used For?
Secretary Desks are perfect between two beds which can save a ton of room in small spaces like dorms.

Courtesy Pinterest.com
For an extra space saving tip, a storage bench or chaise lounge at the foot of your bed can double as your office seat when needed. Just be sure you purchase furniture sliders, available at dollar stores, for underneath the legs of your bench or lounge so you can easily slide it to the desk and back to the foot of your bed.
In a living or dining room Secretary Desks can be used as a china closet, bar, dresser, and desk or even as all in one.
How Much Is A Secretary Desk?
For the secret to getting the best price possible on resale sites, check out our post Get The Best Deals On Craigslist Without Bargaining.
- https://www.artsychicksrule.com/secretary-desk-makeover-w-duck-egg-blue-3-colored-waxes-chalk-paint-by-annie-sloan/
- Courtesy Incolorwords.com
- Ikea Hemnes Secretary Desk
- Pottery Barn Graham Secretary Desk & Hutch
- Via Pinterest.com
TOP COMPARTMENT

Empty top compartment

Enough room to slide in a closed laptop, and a hole drilled in the back for wires.

18 inch deep Secretary Desk

Removeable shelving unit
Secretary Desk With Hutch

Courtesy of Pitsinauhaa Blogspot

Courtesy of Julie-InspiredByYou

Courtesy of LynnSteward.com
Secretary Desk Dimensions
Secretary Desks come in different sizes spanning anywhere from 29 – 42 inches wide, 14 – 20 inches deep, and 37 – 72 inches high. Whether purchasing new or used, be sure to ask what the measurements are for the width, depth, and height of the desk. Don’t forget to also ask what the span or depth of the desk is when open so you know how big your work space will be.
- 33″W x 19″D x 41″H
- 36.5″W x 20″D x 41″H
28-30 INCH WIDE SECRETARY DESK
Best suited for a kids room, dorm or small space, this mini Secretary desk is great for light office work, paying bills, writing letters, kids craft storage, china cabinet, as a bar or dresser.

Courtesy of @poppyseedcreativeliving on Instagram

Sapphire Blue Secretary Desk courtesy of LilyfieldLife.com

28″W x 14″D x 39″H

Courtesy of TouchTheWood.Co.uk
31-42 INCH WIDE SECRETARY DESK
They can vary from 16-20 inches deep allowing more room for storage inside of the top compartment of the desk.

37W x 19D x 42H
Our desk is 31/32 inches wide, and 17 inches deep allowing us to store three 14 to 15 inch closed laptops within the top compartment. The desk is 40.5 inches tall meaning the drawers are deep allowing for a whole lot of storage.
We are two petite women and we can both sit next to eachother at the desk comfortably.

Courtesy of 551 East Design Blogspot
THE BEST TIME TO BUY

Courtesy of @AddictionDecor on Facebook
Don’t be discouraged if you can’t find the one you want right away especially when seeking used. It took us 7 months to find one that we liked and we ended up finding a second one shortly after. You’ll have the best luck between July to December when people are moving or cleaning out their home for the holiday season. You might also have some luck during the spring cleaning season.

Courtesy of AndreaSteed.com
A dresser, office, nightstand, and book case all in one for as little as $20 makes secretary desks a unicorn product and the ultimate space saver.

Courtesy of SKONAHEM.COM
The best part is that they’re so much fun to refinish. For make over inspiration check out the gallery below. The possibilities are endless.
Secretary Desk Ideas And DIY
- Courtesy of The Wonder Forest On Pinterest
- Courtesy of aDiamondInTheStuff.com
- Courtesy of CottageInstincts.blogspot.com
- Courtesy of shizzle-design.com
- Courtesy of TheGoldenSycamore.com
- Courtesy of Pinterest
- Courtesy of TheDecorologist.com
- Courtesy of DStressedToImpress via Etsy
- Courtesy BlanchardCollective.com
- Courtesy of DDsCottage.blogspot.com
- Courtesy of HeyStudios.com via Pinterest
- Courtesy of Etsy.com via Pinterest
- Courtesy of UnderBaraClara.Nu
Have you purchased a Secretary Desk? Share your experience or tips. If you have any questions or comments, let us know!
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