How To Find A High Quality And Affordable Antique Desk

Antique Desk That Looks Expensive And Is Wonderfully Comfortable
There are various kinds of antique desks or writing desks on offer, and it could be quite challenging to decide what type to go for. There is a definite attraction that lures people to purchasing an antique desk even though they may not use it for its intended purpose. Desks offer much more than functionality, they bring a certain elegance and beauty to a home, as well. This is a guide to the different types and styles of desks available.


The Types of Wood
Over the course of the last few hundred years three types of wood were typically used to make desks. Mahogany, Oak and walnut were used to craft all sorts of different styles of writing tables throughout the course of our history. Whilst oak is generally associated with furniture made in the 16th and 17th centuries, many oak desks were still being made well into the 18th century. The lighter colour is a giveaway that a desk is a more recent vintage. Walnut was the material of choice in the late 1600s and early 1700s. It can easily be mistaken for mahogany to the untrained eye. Mahogany was first used in the early 1700s when timber was imported from Jamaica, Puerto Rico, San Diego and Cuba.




The Types of Desk
The antique desk only started to go through major changes in its design as late as the 17th century, when technology advanced rapidly, replacing the classic sloping lid box, or desk box. Later, in the 18th century, came the bureau, a legged cabinet with a fold down front used, as the writing surface. Here is a description of some of the types of antique desks on the market.

• Flat top desks -- Most popular due to their versatility of use, often large and deep they offer a large workspace.
• Desks for two people -- Otherwise known as partners desks, these were designed to stand in the centre of a room, with ample depth for one person to sit either side.
• Desks with superstructure -- These were made with an elevated structure at the rear of the desk containing drawers or pigeon holes for storage. Generally made to stand against a wall, the back was left unfinished.
• Desks to create an impression -- Some desks were designed to stand out. Placed in the centre of a room, the rear of the desk would be carved with intricate designs, intended to be right in the eye line upon entering a room.

The Styles of Desks
When choosing a desk to suit your needs and your room, think about the look of the desk, the workspace, and the storage facilities.

• Pedestal -- Large desks that are often placed against a wall, they have two pedestals with drawers or cupboards which support the flat top, which may have a leather writing surface built-in.
• Roll top -- A four piece desk that incorporates a cylinder top or a sliding tambour. The top opens to reveal draws and a writing surface, while the desk is supported by two pedestals and complemented by a rear panel.
• Knee hole -- These desks were made in one piece, and were of simple design. The knee hole between the left and right drawer sections was sometimes concealed by a cupboard door.
• Writing table -- A popular antique desk, the writing table has drawers in the frieze and a solid wooden top. Some versions may have an inset writing surface or a superstructure on the top.

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