A writing desk is also referred to as a work desk or bureau, particularly in Europe. It is a type of desk featuring an inclined or completely flat working surface, often with drawers and other storage.
The design of a writing desk is suitable for writing, typing and reading. Writing desks are often made from wood or metal and can vary in size from a small writing surface to a larger table-style desk.
Antique writing desks are often distinguished by the style of their finishes and legs, and their drawers may be fitted differently. Writing desks may also contain compartments or pigeon holes to organize documents, stationary or other materials.
What era are Secretary desks from?
Secretary desks are typically associated with the Colonial and Federal American periods, which span the 18th and 19th centuries. These styles mostly feature straight lines and minimal ornamentation, often with carved panels, dentil molding, fluted legs, and brass hardware.
These desks were made of a variety of woods, most popular were mahogany and walnut, with some oak and other hardwood variations. Secretary desks were designed to protect books and papers from the elements, with a slant top lid and drawer space below to store items.
Around the 1820s, more elaborate styles were created with glass doors, shelves, and shaped carvings. Many of these styles combined various elements of the Neoclassical and Victorian design periods, including reeded and spiral columns, curved glass fronts, and intricate hardware.
Secretary desks remained popular until the 1840s, when a more modern design style emerged.
What is a Murphy desk?
A Murphy desk is a type of wall-mounted desk that is designed to neatly fold away when not in use. It is a great space saving and organization solution, providing both a workspace and work surface while taking up minimal floor space.
The Murphy desk is mounted to the wall and when opened, provides a functional desk with either a single small cabinet or large storage drawers. When closed, the desk collapses into a slim profile and the cabinet or drawers shut flush with the wall.
They are an attractive and convenient way to maximize space in small rooms, such as bedrooms and offices. Murphy desks come in a variety of sizes, colors, and styles to fit any space and provide the perfect solution for those seeking a functional yet space-saving desk.
How do you date a secretary desk?
Dating a secretary desk can be a tricky task, as they were produced in many different styles and finishes over hundreds of years. To accurately date a secretary desk, you must first identify the style and type of desk it is.
The most commonly produced type of secretary desk is the Chippendale style, which was named after the popular 18th century English furniture designer Thomas Chippendale. A Chippendale desk will typically feature cabriole legs, intricate carving on the top, and a pull-down writing surface.
Once you have identified the style of the desk, you should look for any markings on the bottom or inside of the desk drawers. These markings can help you pinpoint the date of manufacture and give you an idea of the desk’s origin.
Markings may include a manufacturer’s name and address, a maker’s mark, patent numbers, and model numbers. The most common objects to look for when searching for these markings include drawer pulls, keyholes, and backboards.
Finally, a great way to further narrow down the age of a secretary desk is to examine the wood and its finish. Earlier styles of furniture tended to be made from mahogany or walnut wood, while later pieces may feature lighter woods such as pine, birch, and cherry.
The type of finish used can also give clues as to when the desk was made, as specific coloring and materials moved in and out of popularity throughout the decades.
In conclusion, accurately dating a secretary desk requires careful examination of the style, markings, wood, and finish. With a bit of detective work and research, you can make an informed estimate of the age and origin of the desk.
What style of furniture is a secretary desk?
A secretary desk is a style of furniture that was traditionally used in home offices of the 19th and 20th centuries. It is characterized by having a large work surface atop a storage cabinet, with a fold-down lid that is hinged to the back of the desk.
The fold-down design allows the desk to be used as a writing surface while still providing storage. Often, they come with small drawers, cubbies, and shelving that help maximize storage capacity in a small space.
Secretary desks can also include a center drawer or drop-down front panel. It is a classic and timeless design, perfect for any home office.
Why is it called a secretary desk?
A secretary desk is referred to as such because it was traditionally used by secretaries to store various office materials and documents. It has long been a part of an office workspace and was often used by secretarial staff as a form of organization.
It is said to have first originated in colonial America as an adaptation of the slant-top writing desk, which had been in use since the 1600s. The secretary desk was larger than the average writing desk and featured a slanted top and a number of drawers on the sides to store important documents and materials.
The name of the desk, secretary, comes from how it would be traditionally used to serve a secretary in the day-to-day operations of an office. Secretaries were tasked with managing and organizing the office space as well as performing administrative duties.
The secretary desk made it easy for them to keep track of all the office paperwork and documents as well as stay organized.
Today, the desk remains a staple of the home office, offering style, functionality and organization.
What’s the difference between a computer desk and a writing desk?
The primary difference between a computer desk and a writing desk is the design. A computer desk is typically designed to accommodate a laptop or desktop computer, with spacious surfaces to hold monitors, keyboards and other equipment, as well as multiple drawers and storage compartments for documents, cables and other items.
On the other hand, a writing desk generally has a much smaller surface area and is designed to accommodate a laptop or pen and paper. Writing desks don’t have any drawers or storage and are usually made of more ornate materials such as wood, metal or glass.
Each design is reflective of its purpose, with the computer desk meant to be a more utilitarian work space and the writing desk more of a stylish decoration for the home.
What are writing tables used for?
Writing tables are tables that are designed for writing activities such as letter writing, journaling, or studying. They typically have a wide surface area, wide drawers, and multiple compartments for easy organization of writing supplies.
They are also used for drawing, crafting, and computer workstations. Writing tables often feature a flat surface where one can place their laptop or writing supplies. These tables often have sloping surfaces which encourage a healthy posture while writing, and often feature arm rests or wrist rests to reduce fatigue.
Many writing tables are also adjustable, allowing users to switch between sitting or standing while writing or studying. Newer models of writing tables may also come with additional features, such as USB ports or even lighting fixtures.
What is the synonym of desk?
The synonym of desk is workstation, writing surface, writing table, counter, bureau, lectern, console, stand, or writing desk.
How old is my roll top desk?
The age of your roll top desk depends on its maker and condition. Roll top desks have been around since the mid-1800s and can still be found today. To accurately determine the age of your roll top desk, you’ll need to assess a variety of factors such as style, wood type, unique details, hardware, and general condition.
For example, if you have an antique roll top desk with a label from a furniture maker such as R. J. Horner or Sayward-Wheeler, these are good indicators of age and quality. Furthermore, certain hardware such as dovetail joints, mortise locks, or carved corbels can help date your desk.
If these features are present and in good condition, then that would suggest your roll top desk is of higher quality and more likely to be a vintage or antique piece. Lastly, the overall condition of your roll top desk after considering the aforementioned factors may give you the best hint at its age.
Are secretary desks valuable?
Secretary desks can be valuable for their collectability and antique appeal. Many antique secretary desks are worth several hundred dollars or more, depending on their condition and maker. While modern reproductions of antique desks are typically of lower quality and less collectible, they can sometimes fetch a decent amount of money.
A secretary desk may have special sentimental value to a family that has owned it for many years, and antique pieces can be sold in antique stores or online for significantly higher prices than non-antique versions.
In some cases, signature pieces by notable furniture makers can be extremely valuable, especially if they are in good condition. It’s always best to consult with a professional appraiser to get an accurate assessment of your secretary desk’s value.