There are a host of antique desks for sale with hugely varied styles. These desks can be much more than functional, adding an old world sophisticated feel to a room. Functional or not these pieces of antique furniture are highly sought after for home and office and can be a sound investment also.
One of the great features of antique desks is that many are big, heavy and solidly built. I love that! Despite being 100 years old or more they can still be in great condition. Large classic desks often feature ornate carving over the front or sides and may have had many hundreds of hours of work put into them. The solid construction means that many are still in good serviceable condition and can be found quite easily at antique dealers.
The secretary desk, once so common it was simply known as ' a secretary' was sometimes of this big and heavy nature. Modern reproductions are generally smaller and designed to be disassembled whereas original secretary desks were built solidly and intended to last for many many years.
The secretary desks distinguishing feature is the writing surface which is hinged and folds up and back coming to a rest on a 30 to 45 degree angle. The base feature storage drawers and when the writing surface is opened and folded down it reveals more cubbies and smaller drawers. You may find beautiful curved drawer fronts and ornate wood turning among the features.
The rolltop is a classic and well known style of antique desk. With a set of drawers either side, the writing surface is cover by a cleverly slatted cover that rolls down to enclose the writing surface, additional smaller drawers and stationary compartments. These desks come in many sizes, may be carved and are a beautiful, sophisticated desk that instantly bring an old world feel to any room.
The Davenport is a compact desk but nevertheless a beautiful piece of furniture. Antique forms often included drawers on the side of the desk. Somewhat boxlike in appearance they had an angled writing surface, whit an inlaid leather writing surface, which lifts to reveal a storage area underneath. Some even have a rising compartment with additional drawers which is released by a hidden catch.
There are many other types of desks and a style to suit every aesthetic taste or practical requirement. They can also of course be a great investment and a savvy antique hunter can really make a good profit if they know what to look for. Regardless of your reason for purchase they are an exciting and intriguing type of antique.
Desks produced over one hundred years ago did not have any provisions for computer cables and such as modern desks do so some accommodation may need to be made to put them into regular use. This is however a small price to pay. An antique desk is typically a beautiful piece of craftsmanship that enhances any room and brings a special air of sophistication.
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