The width of a roll top desk can vary greatly depending on the size and style of the desk. Standard roll top desks are usually between 30-45 inches wide, but custom roll top desks can be between 30-100 inches wide.
Roll top desks also come in a variety of shapes so the width can take on an irregular shape as well. When purchasing a roll top desk, measure the area where it will be placed to make sure you get the right size desk.
What do you call a desk with a roll top?
A desk with a roll top is usually referred to as a roll top desk. It is a type of desk characterized by a sliding panel on each side called a tambour. Tambours consist of a series of wooden slats which form a self-contained roller blind and are connected by a strip of fabric, metal, or plastic.
When the tambours are opened, the top of the desk can be used as a writing surface. When the tambours are closed, the desk provides an enclosed storage space for papers and other items. Roll top desks are often made of wood, such as oak, cherry, or walnut, and can have various drawers and cubbies, adding to their storage capabilities.
They are popular pieces of antique furniture, and manufactured roll top desks are still in production today.
Why are roll top desks so expensive?
Roll top desks are often considered to be a premium piece of furniture and as such they can be quite expensive. The main reason why they are so expensive is due to the craftsmanship and design that goes into them.
Crafting a quality and well-made roll top desk requires a lot of skilled manual labor and the use of expensive materials. This is why the cost of materials can be quite high when making this item.
In addition, these desks tend to have intricate designs and lots of little details that further add to their cost. Not only do these details require time and skill to be put in, but also there can often be a cost involved with purchasing the necessary custom parts and components.
Finally, roll top desks tend to be extremely sturdy and durable and this is why they can be more expensive. These desks are usually made from hardwood and each one is typically hand crafted and hand finished for an extremely high quality look.
This adds to their cost but also means that they can last for many years to come and will likely retain their value in the long run.
When did they stop making roll top desks?
Roll top desks peaked in popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but production began to decline by the 1930s. The onset of the Great Depression in 1929 had a significant impact on the production of these types of desks, as furniture companies shifted their focus to more affordable and practical styles.
Ultimately, with the rise of more modern office furniture designs and materials, the production of traditional, wooden roll top desks was phased out. By the mid-1900s, most major manufacturers had stopped producing these style of desks, and vintage models became increasingly harder to find.
Are roll top desks still popular?
Roll top desks remain popular due to the character and timelessness of the design. Originally designed for convenience and practicality, the roll top desk continues to provide the same benefits today; it has a stylish and sophisticated look, multiple compartments to help you stay organized, and is widely available.
Additionally, they can fit even into the smallest of offices or rooms, as they don’t take up a great deal of space.
Roll top desks are widely appreciated because of the charming, antique-looking appeal they bring to an office area, but they’re also very practical. They can provide extra surface area without taking up additional space, and their multiple compartmentalized compartments offer support in staying organized.
They’re a great option if you’re looking to make an office or study room look chic and sophisticated.
Roll top desks have been around since the mid-19th century, and their popularity continues to be strong today. They provide a classic and sleek look, provide plenty of storage and organizing space, and fit well into any size room or office.
If you’re looking for a versatile desk with a classic, yet stylish feel, then roll top desks are definitely a great choice.
How do I know if my roll top desk is antique?
Determining if a roll top desk is antique can be difficult, as there can be considerable variation in the age and authenticity of a given piece. While some roll tops appear to be of good, solid construction and could easily be mistaken for an antique, they may actually have been made much more recently.
The best way to determine if your roll top desk is an antique is to consider its construction, patina, and overall style. Many high-quality antiques are made of solid hardwood, like oak, tiger maple, and walnut, and are often extremely heavy.
They usually feature hand-cut dovetails and use traditional woodworking techniques, rather than the more recent particleboard and other synthetic materials. If a roll top is made from solid wood, then it is likely to be of higher quality and of some age.
Another way to assess whether or not a roll top desk is an antique is to look for signs of patina and wear. Older pieces of furniture usually show signs of age, including dings, scratches, and even refurbishments.
If a roll top desk has a worn and mellowed look, then it could be considered an antique.
Finally, inspecting the style of a roll top desk also can be helpful in determining its age. Antique roll top desks often feature ornate ornamentation and elaborate carvings, whereas more modern pieces are often simpler and more streamlined in design.
By observing the style of a roll top desk, you may be able to determine if it is an antique.
In short, the best way to know if your roll top desk is an antique is to study its construction, patina, and style carefully. It may also help to do some research on the style and age of a specific piece, as well as consult with an expert in furniture or antiques.
Where should a roll top desk be placed?
A roll top desk should be placed in an area that has plenty of natural light and enough space to work without restriction. Ideally, the desk should be placed near a window or light source, if possible, as bright light helps to reduce eyestrain when working.
Additionally, the desk should be placed in an area that is not too close to other furniture to ensure that there is enough room to comfortably use the desk without any obstacles. Finally, it is important to consider the environment and desired level of privacy before placing the desk.
For example, if you plan on using the desk in a shared area of the home, it may be beneficial to place the desk against a wall in order to block views from other areas.
How much does a solid oak desk weigh?
It depends on the size and type of oak used to make the desk. Generally, a desk made of solid oak will weigh between 70 and 100 lbs. A desk that measures 48″ x 30″ x 30″ tall and is 0.75″ thick will weigh about 86 lbs.
A desk in this size range will typically have four drawers and a top surface of about 45″ wide and 24″ deep. Larger desks may weigh more depending on the size, thickness, and number of drawers. Smaller desks made of solid oak will weigh less.
For example, a desk measuring 44″ x 28″ x 30″ tall and 0.75″ thick will weigh around 70 lbs. A desk in this size range will typically have two drawers and a top surface of about 40″ wide and 22″ deep.
What was the roll top desk made of?
The roll top desk was originally made out of solid oak. It was often carved with ornate details, adding to its beauty and durability. The main surface was divided up into cubbyholes, drawers, and other compartments, so the user could have plenty of storage for papers, supplies, and other office items.
The roll top lid was slatted so it could be raised up like a lid to the desk and then rolled back down to close it up. Later versions began to be made out of walnut and other hardwoods, so the range of available styles became even wider.
The desk often had some kind of locking device to protect the contents inside, and some even offered fire protection by featuring a fireproof box beneath the desk. Today, roll top desks are still popular pieces, with many companies creating them out of woods like cherry, oak, mahogany, and more, adding intricate hand carved detail to the traditional designs.
What are the dimensions of a roll top desk?
The dimensions of a roll top desk can vary depending on the type and size. Generally speaking, roll top desks come in two sizes: full-size and half-size. A full-size roll top desk usually measures around 30 inches in height, 44 inches in width and 24 to 30 inches in depth.
A half-size roll top desk is usually about 10 to 20 inches lower in height and 20 to 24 inches narrower in width, but has the same depth as a full-size desk. The top surface of a roll top desk also has varying dimensions based on the size and style, with the larger desks typically having longer tops that curve around and provide extra storage space.
What is a tambour top?
A tambour top is an often used decorative element on furniture and other items. It features a series of vertical strips arranged horizontally and connected with simple wooden loops or beads which are used to create an interesting pattern.
This type of top is typically associated with a certain style, typically French Regency, which adds a feeling of sophistication and elegance to the piece. Tambour tops can be found on a variety of different furniture pieces, including desks, sideboards and cupboards.
They are also quite commonly used in upholstered pieces, often used as a top for chairs or sofas. In addition to adding an aesthetic touch, tambour tops can also be very functional as they are designed to open and close with ease, which makes them great for desks or using to hide cabinets or drawers.