The Long-lived Secretary Desk Furniture
The secretary desk is an elegant and extremely functional piece of furniture with a long history. As early as the 17th century, secretary desks were used by assistants to carry out their employers’ orders. Hence, we call them as such. Today, however, secretary desk furniture has been designated to a more decorative, not utilitarian, role. Thus, a secretary desk in the contemporary sense of the phrase does not refer to a secretary’s workstation but rather to a stylish, ornate, and practical piece of furniture.
Most of these wooden works of fine craftsmanship were built from trees (oak, mahogany, walnut, etc.) native to the particular locale. Others were imported to estates by wealthy employers to make a statement about their financial status. They have two parts, the base which hold the legs and drawers, and the upper part which houses a writing board, several other pockets and drawers, and even a bookshelf or cupboard. The storage potential for these desks is admirable.
Antique secretary desks have seen resurgence in popularity, perhaps due to their compact yet useful built, which is ideal for homes or offices with limited floor space. It’s also possible that people are simply discovering or rediscovering the beauty in these desks’ traditional, intricate design and superb workmanship. Whatever the case, these items are now slowly going back in style and are very much sought after around the world.
If you’re in the market for this type of furnishing, you might find one to your liking at the local warehouse store or retail shop. And of course, you can always visit online dealers to choose among a variety of prices, design, materials used for construction, and extent of functionality. The price for a relatively small and simple desk could be below $500, while a magnificent masterpiece from the 1700s could cost you more than $30,000.
However, before committing your money to that splendid furniture, consider a few things. First, decide whether you are looking for an authentic piece or if you could live with a mock-up. The latter will definitely cost way less but you might have to settle for plywood instead of mahogany. After deciding on that, take some measurements where you would like to set up the piece. These desks cover a lot of vertical space so pay attention to how high your ceiling is. Third, physically inspect the item for defects such as cracks and loose hinges, deep scratches and dents, too much general wear, and such. It’s also a good idea to shop around and compare prices.
Antique secretary desk furniture are more than just decorative or functional fixtures. They are a heritage. One look at their exquisite craftsmanship and durable built will assure you that it’s worth the money you will use to acquire one, whether you plan to actually use it for work or simply for adornment.
Filed Under Secretary Desk | Leave a Comment
Tagged With oak secretary desk furniture, secretaries desk, Secretary Desk, secretary desk furniture