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Category Archives: Writing Desk

Writing Desks – 12 Designs of Diverse Architectural Languages – Part 2

Contemporary and authentic, antique writing desks could serve a multifunctional purpose as side tables, dining tables, coffee tables, foyer tables or bathroom vanities. Let’s examine the style and function of these 12 works of art: Wooten, Cylinder, Armoire, Slant Top, Bureau a gradin, Pedestal Desk, Bureau Plat, Bureau Mazarin, Ergonomic Desk, Carrel Desk, Carlton and Cheveret desk.

1. Wooton desk: Wooton desks were probably not the costliest desks in series production, but they were possibly the ones with the most drawers, nooks and crannies imaginable. A Wooten Desk is a variation of the Fall Front Desks.

2. Cylinder desk: This desk has small stacked shelves in front of the user’s main work surface, and a revolving cylinder part that comes down to hide and locked work.

3. Armoire Desk: Often referred as a computer desk, it has a writing table built within a large cabinet closed by doors to hide any clutter and give the room a tidy appearance.

4. Slant top desk: This type of desk is practically a secretary desk, without the massive bookcase on top of it.

5. Bureau a gradin: An antique desk resembling a writing table with one or several tiers of small drawers and pigeonholes built on part of the desktop surface. It is usually placed in front of the user.

6. Pedestal desk: A large free-standing desk made of a rectangular working surface nestled on two pedestals or small stacked drawers of one or two sizes, with support around the bases.

7. Bureau plat: A series of drawers directly under the surface of the table (desk), to contain writing implements.

8. Bureau Mazarin: Many of these desks are kneehole desks that are meant to be used sideways, with one knee only beneath the work surface.

9. Ergonomic desk: related to the computer desk, it is designed to comfortably and aesthetically provide a working surface and conceal office and computer equipment and their peripherals.

10. Carrel desk: A predecessor to the cubicle desk that is small and features high sides meant to visually isolate its user from any surroundings either partially or totally.

11. Carlton House Desk: This desk is similar to a normal writing table. The small drawers above the surface form a U shape around the user instead of being set up in front.

12. Cheveret (or Sheveret) desk is very small and features a single drawer under the writing surface. In some cases small drawers and pigeonholes are built on top. It is also written with an “S”: Sheveret. Some variations of the Cheveret are much taller and meant to be used standing up.

Here are a few resource books to delve into the origins of antique writing desks:

1. Portable Writing Desks (Paperback) by David Harris

2. Desks, Tables and Chairs by The Woodsmith Collection

You can also find a wide variety of antique desks and affordable reproductions online from sites like eBay and Leonard’s Direct.

Classical desk forms we are presently familiar with evolved from the 17th and 18th centuries. Desks of this period were typically massive structures. Not all desks have the form of a table. The generic concept of a desk is the pedestal desk, which is also referred to as an executive desk. Desks were designed with slots, nooks, crannies, pigeonholes and hooks for the convenience of storing writing implements. These built in storage units were always an attractive feature to the functionality of a writing desk.

Use a Writing Desk For Your Laptop Computer

It is more common for people to stray away from large desk top computer and to begin using a smaller and more convenient laptop computer. The portability allows for a laptop to go places where a desk top computer would not be able to go such as on vacations and to and from work. When looking for a desk for your laptop computer, a writing desk is a great option.

When it comes to being compact, a writing desk fits the bill perfectly. This is great for those who do not have a lot of room for a desk. You can choose from many different types of writing desks. They range from decorative to sleek designs. They are also made of many different types of materials, but typically come in wood.

The concept of writing desks is not a new one as they have been used for centuries. In the days before email, people would write letters to keep in touch and mail them by using the postal service. Today, the concept of ‘snail mail’ brings about a horror that is almost comical.

Because of this, writing desks were very common and they had areas where stamps, paper and pens could be stored. In the more elaborate types of desks, they came with many different types of slots for organizing bills. This is where most would take care of their bill payments and their letter writing. The head of the household could be found here taking care of the finances of the home.

There are many old writing desks to be had and the roll top is the most sought after. Many will recognize the roll top desk. These come with a top that can be rolled up when the desk was being used and put back when it was not. Some may want to use this type of desk with their laptop computers.

Using a roll top desk this way adds functionality to your antique furniture. Any classic piece of furniture can be an investment for the future. There are many places where a roll top desk can be found. Many people love going to swap meets or yard sales to find these hidden treasures.

Some may wish to have a more modern look to their office furniture and there are many styles that are available. There are many types of writing desks to choose from for the modern buyer. These will even come with hutches that allow for more storage.

Writing desks make for the perfect companion for a laptop computer due to the efficient size of them. Many who do not have space for a big desk will appreciate this feature. You can place a writing desk in just about any area of the home. Larger desks will not have this same type of versatility that smaller desks would have. You should be able to find the perfect writing desk to match the style and design of any home.

Wood Writing Desk – The Elegant Home Scripting Table

There are various styles and types of writing desks in the market, all designed to suit the different needs that customers have. Probably one of the most classic and most popular types of writing desks are wood writing desk. This makes sense, because wooden desks tend to last longer than those made of plastic, and do not rust, unlike desks made of metal.

There are many elegant desks made of beautiful wood such as cherry or oak wood. Desk shops have a wide variety of wood desks you could choose from, depending on how ornate or simple you want it. You could easily search the net for elegant desks, some of which are antiques.

In choosing an elegant wood writing desk for your home, what should you look at first? The price? The practicality /functionality? Or how stylish it is? It really depends on what you want and need. However, whether it is more for practical purposes or otherwise, the principle of choosing the sturdiest and most quality desk applies to both situations. Settling for an extremely ornate wooden desk with unsure quality would be damaging in the long run. Not only would you probably have to pay more, it would also be an eyesore to your home. Ask advice from people knowledgeable about furniture – they may know of furniture brands with good quality.

In choosing your desk, you would have to look at how you plan to use the desk. Ask yourself these questions: Would I be using this writing desk solely for writing? Do I intend to use this for other purposes, such as for storage? Do I want this desk to also be a piece of home decoration aside from writing purposes? If, for instance, your answer to the latter question is yes, you might opt for the roll-top desk which allows you to keep your work hidden while being aesthetically pleasant. You would also have to keep in mind the type of structure of your house. For example, if your house has dark wooden paneling, you might want to choose a type of wood with a shade that complements it.

Having asked these questions, you may now have a clearer picture of what you would purchase. If you are after storage, you may want a wood writing desk with drawers and cabinets. In case you plan to use the desk for display, you may choose a simple traditional wood desk. It is important to note, however, that it is possible to purchase a desk for all your practical purposes and needs without sacrificing style.

Lastly, do not hesitate to shop around and compare prices. As mentioned earlier, there are lots of shops selling wooden desks. Or, you could simply go online and check for wood desks on sale. Do not rush! Again, quality should always go hand in hand with style and elegance. Making a slow but sure decision would be wiser, and you may be guaranteed happiness in the long run. If that wood writing desk you pick is indeed durable and lasts, who knows but that it might be an antique in the future?

Writing Desk Overview – Writing Desk History and Uses

The writing desk is a contemporary piece of furniture that can be found in either a home or office setting. Although it was originally designed for the sole purpose of writing letters by hand, its uses have changed quite a bit over time, especially with the advent of the computer. Its history dates as far back as the 17th century, and in those times, the writing desk was known more as a status symbol for the wealthy due to it being expensive, and that most people at that time could not read or write.

Many classical writing desk styles prevailed between the 17th and 20th centuries, such as William and Mary, Queen Anne, Georgian, and Victorian. These styles featured the very best in ornate hand-craftsmanship at that time, such as elaborate wood carving patterns, gilding, dovetailed joints, and cabriole legs that curve outward from the desk on the way down before eventually curving back in and terminating in a ball-and-claw style foot that resembled the paw of an animal. This elaborate architecture helps to explain why it could only be afforded by the wealthy and was initially thought of as more of a status symbol or a decorative piece rather than as a useful piece of furniture. The writing desk produced during this time period featured a flat writing surface about 30 inches high, supported by cabriole, trumpet-turned, or bobbin legs. The horizontal writing surface at the back was supported by a wall that had a number of desktop storage units, also known as pigeonholes, where sensitive documents, writing implements, and other files could be stored. Beneath the writing surface was a set of drawers that spanned the entire width of the desk. Some of these desks came with a roll top or flip-down top that would slide down over the writing surface and pigeonholes and lock in place, protecting sensitive documents and the privacy of the user. It occasionally came with shelving or a hutch at the top, depending on the needs of the consumer of that time. The classical writing desk of this time period was made of wood, chiefly walnut and later mahogany, but writing desks made of oak, pine, and cherry could also be found.

As literacy rates improved, the demand for a more affordable and practical desk increased, especially among the lower and middle classes. This, combined with mass production in the early 20th century, did away with the ornate wood carvings and other signs of ornate craftsmanship, in favor of what could be produced rapidly by steam-powered machinery. From then on, materials other than wood were also used to produce the writing desk, such as laminate, steel, and even glass. At this point, it was much more affordable for the masses.

The advent of the computer brought about even more changes for the writing desk. The horizontal writing surface was made bigger to accommodate a computer monitor. The desk was also built with compartments where printers, scanners, and other computer peripherals could be housed. The pigeonholes were done away with as sensitive documents could now be stored either on the computer, or in file cabinets which often took the place of the drawers that used to span the entire width of the desk. The desire for more affordability and practicality also eliminated the hutch in most cases. Where the classical desks were built as a heavy, one-piece unit, some modern designs were modular and could be taken apart and reassembled as needed.

Although some of the classic writing desk models are hard to find nowadays, there are many reproductions being made and at rather attractive price points. These can make for a very beautiful decorative piece. If you are more into practicality and affordability, a modern desk may be a better alternative. Nowadays, these desks are being made to suit a wide variety of tastes. It will be interesting to see what other changes occur in the future.