Roll top desks are highly-functional pieces of furniture that can be used for a variety of purposes, from writing and crafting to storing paperwork and supplies. They were first invented in the 1870s, and are typically constructed from solid hardwood with a top made of several connected, rotating panels.
This design makes it easy to close the desk up and reduce its footprint when not in use while still providing easy access to items inside.
The spacious interior of a roll top desk usually contains several storage compartments like small drawers, shelving, cubbies, and slots. This is a great asset for keeping your materials, tools, and supplies organized, as well as hiding your work from view, if needed.
Many desks also come with a pull-out writing board to make taking notes and writing letters more comfortable.
Roll top desks are quite versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks such as writing, crafting, or simply as a fashionable storage piece. They come in a range of styles and finishes, making it easy to find one that will suit your space and décor nicely.
What material is used on a roll top desk?
Roll top desks are typically made of solid wood, such as oak, mahogany, cherry, pine, birch, and walnut. Many of these woods are typically finished with a stain or varnish to give it a polished look, although some will remain natural.
A wide range of hardware finishes are also available to choose from, such as bronzed brass, polished chrome, and more. Many models also feature glass inlays, lacquered panels, and an array of different drawer pulls, overlays, and handle options.
All of these features work together to create a classic and timeless look. Some roll top desks even feature a secret compartment or “mouse hole” at the back of the desk to add a touch of intrigue.
How do you roll top a roll top desk?
Rolling up a roll top desk requires patience and a very careful approach. First, ensure that all of the drawers are completely closed and empty. The next step is to carefully flip the desktop lid upwards, pivoting from the hinge that connects it to the desk’s body.
The tambour part of the lid – consisting of many separate strips – should be gently but firmly pulled forward. Use two hands to do this, and make sure to keep the pressure even as you move the tambour around.
If some of the strips are more difficult to roll, try rolling them more gently. Once you’ve finished, you should carefully move the desk lid round until it’s inverted. Finally, securely close the latch at the top of the rolled up desktop, and your roll top desk is ready to be used!.
Are roll top desks worth anything?
A roll top desk is an iconic piece of office furniture from the 19th century that withstood the tests of time. They were popular in the Victorian and Edwardian periods as a practical way of storing documents and materials as well as offering a writing surface.
Essentially a roll top desk is a flat-topped desk crafted from multiple sections of wood. It typically features drawers, interior compartments and pigeonholes. The sides and back of the desk are surrounded by a hinged wooden partition known as a tambour, which rolls up and down much like the door of a garage.
When it comes to worth, a roll top desk’s value varies depending on its condition, age, style, and construction. Some of the more valuable pieces are those crafted from hardwoods such as oak, mahogany and rosewood, and special additions such as marquetry and inlays can also add to its worth.
An antique roll top desk can be worth hundreds and even thousands of dollars, although their current market value is subject to fluctuation. Even less expensive versions of roll top desks made from softwoods, such as pine and fir, can have some value, though it often isn’t as high as antique pieces.
As with most antiques, the better condition a roll top desk is in, the more desirable it is and the higher its worth.
Where should I put an extra desk?
The best place to put an extra desk depends on the layout of your home and the purpose for the desk. For example, if you need the desk for dedicated workspace for a job, you may want to locate it in a room where you can be uninterrupted and avoid distractions.
If you’re planning to use the desk for studying, you may want to consider putting it in an area of your home that is relatively quiet, such as a corner of a living room or the spare bedroom.
If you need the desk for general use – for tasks such as paying bills, organizing incoming paperwork and writing letters – then you may want to place it in a room you frequent often, such as a family room or den.
When you choose a spot, ensure the desk is level and in a location that provides ample lighting. Additionally, make sure that you have enough room to move around it and that the desk matches the look of the rest of the room.
If necessary, you can also add custom storage solutions, such as shelving, in order to make the desk even more functional.
Should your desk be in front of a window?
It really depends on personal preference. Some people prefer to have their desk facing a window for the natural light and the pleasant view it provides. It can be calming to have a beautiful view outside the window to look at occasionally, and the natural light can boost your productivity.
On the other hand, a window can also be a distraction, especially if it overlooks a busy street or the workplace is near noisy areas like playgrounds. So it is important to consider your focus and need for concentration when deciding if your desk should be in front of a window or not.
In addition, if you’re naturally more immersed in your work, then you may opt to put your desk away from the window so that you’re less likely to be easily distracted. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide the best position for their desk, and if you feel like the window affects your concentration then you should find another spot in the office for your desk.
Where should my desk be in my room?
When deciding where to place your desk in your room, there are several things you should take into account. The size of your room and furniture should be considered, as well as what type of work you plan to do in that particular workspace.
If possible, try to position your desk away from any doorways or windows, as these can be distracting. Placing your desk in a corner can be an ideal location, as it can maximize the use of space in the room, but make sure that you will have enough space to comfortably work.
You should also ensure that you have good lighting in the area and make sure the desk is placed at a comfortable height. If you plan on multi-tasking and using other types of technology like laptops or tablets, consider adding a small table or shelf next to the desk.
Additionally, if you plan on studying or working late, try to make sure the desk is away from any heat or AC sources. Finally, it may be helpful to place your desk in a place that encourages productivity; however, some people prefer a cozy spot away from the bustle of common spaces.
Whatever you decide, make sure that your desk is ergonomically designed so it is comfortable to use.
Should your desk face a wall?
Your desk facing a wall can be beneficial, depending on your work and preferences. A wall provides a stable background, as opposed to an open window or an entrance-facing desk, allowing a single point of focus.
Additionally, depending on the design of a room or office, there may be few options in terms of where to place a desk.
On the other hand, a desk facing a wall can reduce natural light in an area, limit social interaction, and lead to possible distractions. If it works well with your environment, you can also place extra shelves on the wall to create more space, but if that’s not available, it can result in limited desk storage.
The choice comes down to personal preference and environment, and there are benefits to both facing and not facing a wall. If you choose to keep a wall in front of your desk, you should make sure that it’s aesthetically pleasing, so you’re not distracted by unwanted elements like wires or loose knickknacks.
Consider adding a chair and plants to the wall to create an inviting, inspiring atmosphere.
Which way should your desk face?
The best way to decide which way your desk should face depends on how it’ll be used and your personal preference. Generally, a desk should face away from interruptions such as traffic, an entrance, or other noisy areas, but if you can’t orient it this way, try to set up your desk as far away from these distractions as possible.
If feasible, try to position your desk so that you can look out of a window. Research suggests that natural light can have a positive effect on productivity.
When arranging your desk, situate it so that you can easily interact with anyone who enters the room. Try to create a workspace that’s comfortable and ergonomically correct. Place the screen directly at eye-level and include items such as your chair and any accessories that you will be using.
It’s also important to make sure that you have access to everything that you need without having to do too much reaching or stretching.
At the end of the day, how your desk should be oriented largely depends on your particular needs and preferences. It’s important to focus on creating a space that’s comfortable and conducive to productivity.
Is it good to sit facing west in the office?
Whether it is good to sit facing west in the office is debatable. Different cultures have varying opinions and customs regarding which direction a person should face when seated in the office. Some people believe it is better to face west, as it is considered lucky in Chinese Feng Shui and the energy of the direction may promote success.
Others feel that this is not a beneficial choice, as it can interfere with the energy of the office.
From a practical standpoint, there are more considerations to take into account than just direction. If one is seated in front of a window, for example, the amount of natural light should be taken into consideration as too much light can strain the eyes and cause fatigue.
Similarly, office furniture should also be chosen carefully to ensure that it is ergonomically sound and gives an ergonomically sound posture.
Ultimately, each office is unique, so when deciding on an orientation, what works best for the office and its occupants is the best choice. After careful consideration, an individual should be able to assess for themselves whether facing west in the office is a beneficial option.
If one does choose to face west, it is also important to take steps to ensure the space’s energy flows freely by keeping it organized and clutter-free.
What do you put on your desk for good luck?
For some people, it might be a lucky charm or a small statue. Others might prefer to place a plant on their desk to bring in positive energy or a crystal to encourage positive energies. Other people might opt for photos of loved ones to keep them thinking positively throughout the day.
Some choose to keep inspiring quotes close at hand or meaningful symbols, such as their Zodiac sign, to stay grounded and connected. Some people like to put a figure or statue of their favorite deity to bring them good fortune.
Ultimately, it’s up to the individual to decide what they would like on their desk to bring them good luck, as long as it is a positive reminder and source of good energy.
Which direction is good for office work at home?
When it comes to office work at home, there are several directions to consider for setting up a workspace. The first aspect to consider is finding a designated space that is free from distractions, so that you can focus on the task at hand.
Ideally, this workspace should have adequate lighting, be large enough to accommodate any necessary materials, and be comfortable enough to remain in for extended periods. Additionally, it is important to ensure that your workspace is ergonomic, which means having a chair and desk that are properly adjusted to your body.
By adjusting the furniture, it reduces strain on your body and helps you remain focused on your tasks. Furthermore, it is beneficial to have access to natural elements such as natural lighting, fresh air, and plants, as they have been known to reduce stress and improve work performance.
Lastly, it is important to alert those around you that when you are in the designated space, you should not be disturbed unless absolutely necessary, as it helps maintain focus and minimizes distractions.
By taking these aspects into consideration and making necessary adjustments, you can create a workspace that is comfortable and conducive to productive office work.
Where should a roll top desk be placed?
Roll top desks should be placed in locations that will allow them to be used effectively. Factors to consider when determining this include size, accessibility, and room traffic. If your desk is small, consider setting it in a corner to utilize the nook space.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that the desk is accessible – no furniture should be placed in front of it and any chairs should be easily pushed out of the way when in use. Furthermore, it is best to avoid rooms with high traffic levels.
Placing a desk in the living area, for example, might be disruptive and could lead to frequent distractions. Instead, choose quieter areas of the home, like a study or home office, for optimal use.