Past to Present: The Writing Desk
The compact and intricately designed writing desk is useful for more than just the (dying) art of letter writing
Rebecca Gross
17 December 2015
Design writer and historian. I write about contemporary architecture and design, and I study cultural history through the lens of architecture, design and visual culture. I have a Masters in the History of Decorative Arts and Design from Parsons The New School for Design, New York. My latest book is called "Ornament is not a crime: Contemporary Interiors with a postmodern twist."
Design writer and historian. I write about contemporary architecture and design,... More
The way we correspond has changed greatly over the last two decades, with email and messaging largely replacing letter writing, but there’s no need to do away with the writing desk altogether. In fact, the historic writing desk (referred to in France and the US as a ‘bureau’) is well suited to being used as a compact home office, a place to check emails, or even a tidy way to store stationery, jewellery or cosmetics.
As a functional feature, the writing desk defines and creates an intimate space within the home. And of course, there’s no reason you can’t use it for it’s intended purpose, sitting down and picking up a pen to write to your nearest and dearest. Here’s what you should to know about this classic piece.
As a functional feature, the writing desk defines and creates an intimate space within the home. And of course, there’s no reason you can’t use it for it’s intended purpose, sitting down and picking up a pen to write to your nearest and dearest. Here’s what you should to know about this classic piece.
The writing desk is a neat and compact piece of furniture that hails from very specific and utilitarian origins. Indeed, it was designed for the act of writing, be it correspondence, ledger-keeping, or the like.
How to revive the lost art of letter writing
How to revive the lost art of letter writing
Until the 17th century, desks were commonly seen in churches and other religious institutions, where only the clergy had the need for writing furniture. However, with the increase in literacy and an interest in literature during the 17th century, the noble classes sought furniture (such as the slide-out desk seen here) that was designed and used for specific activities, such as writing.
By 1750, writing furniture came in many varieties – including desks, secretaries and bureaus – and established itself as part of the vocabulary of furniture.
By 1750, writing furniture came in many varieties – including desks, secretaries and bureaus – and established itself as part of the vocabulary of furniture.
THE STYLES
Having been designed and produced for nearly 400 years the world over, the stylistic intricacies of writing desks do differ greatly in design. All, for obvious reasons, have a flat working surface large enough for paper. But in order to preserve the compact size of the writing desk, this surface may:
Having been designed and produced for nearly 400 years the world over, the stylistic intricacies of writing desks do differ greatly in design. All, for obvious reasons, have a flat working surface large enough for paper. But in order to preserve the compact size of the writing desk, this surface may:
- fold out (as pictured here)
- slide out
- be the interior surface of a hinged top, or
- be revealed under a roll top.
As they were designed to serve multiple functions related to the act of writing, these delicate desks often also feature shelves, pigeonholes and ink wells for papers, books and pens. In many cases, the hinged tops (seen here) or roll fronts had a lock and key to conceal these spaces, making them an excellent place to hide important information.
HOW TO USE IT
Study alcove
The writing desk is small and compact enough to fit in a myriad of spaces. Here, a recessed alcove makes an ideal nook for a study, personalised with pictures on the wall.
Fitting a workspace in anywhere
Study alcove
The writing desk is small and compact enough to fit in a myriad of spaces. Here, a recessed alcove makes an ideal nook for a study, personalised with pictures on the wall.
Fitting a workspace in anywhere
Studio work space
The writing desk can be used to designate a dedicated work space within a studio apartment. Taking up minimal space, a dining chair can double as a work chair, and the top of the writing desk as a shelf for displaying items.
The magic of multi-tasking furniture
The writing desk can be used to designate a dedicated work space within a studio apartment. Taking up minimal space, a dining chair can double as a work chair, and the top of the writing desk as a shelf for displaying items.
The magic of multi-tasking furniture
Home office
While the writing desk is too small to hold all the mod cons we work with today, a small desktop computer, laptop or tablet still fits nicely on most. This makes the writing desk suitable for an informal home office.
Tips on where to put your desk
While the writing desk is too small to hold all the mod cons we work with today, a small desktop computer, laptop or tablet still fits nicely on most. This makes the writing desk suitable for an informal home office.
Tips on where to put your desk
Stationery storage
Shelves, drawers and pigeonholes keep untidy stationery out of sight, and they make it easier for you to stay organised.
Shelves, drawers and pigeonholes keep untidy stationery out of sight, and they make it easier for you to stay organised.
Bathroom storage
Fitting neatly in a corner, the writing desk can keep toiletries, cosmetics and other bathroom items out of view.
Fitting neatly in a corner, the writing desk can keep toiletries, cosmetics and other bathroom items out of view.
Dressing table
A writing table can function as a dressing table in the bedroom, or even a place to hide your jewels, with separate drawers for different types of jewellery or make up.
Storage solutions for your jewellery
A writing table can function as a dressing table in the bedroom, or even a place to hide your jewels, with separate drawers for different types of jewellery or make up.
Storage solutions for your jewellery
Child’s desk
And last, but certainly not least, a writing desk is a great choice for your child’s first study space. They have a generous enough work surface, plus lots of little nooks and crannies for hiding precious treasures. Seen here is a roll-top desk used for just such a purpose.
And last, but certainly not least, a writing desk is a great choice for your child’s first study space. They have a generous enough work surface, plus lots of little nooks and crannies for hiding precious treasures. Seen here is a roll-top desk used for just such a purpose.
WHERE TO BUY
Where you source or buy a writing desk will greatly depend on the style you’re looking for.
TELL US
Do you have a writing desk? Where did you place it and how do you use it? Upload a picture to the Comments section.
MORE
12 Out-of-the-Ordinary Desk Ideas
Shopping for Vintage Finds … at Grandma’s House
Dream Spaces: Home Offices You’ll be Delighted to Work In
Where you source or buy a writing desk will greatly depend on the style you’re looking for.
- For an antique or vintage writing desk, check auction sites, auction houses, secondhand stores and vintage sellers.
- For a contemporary writing desk, visit furniture and homeware stores and suppliers in person or online.
TELL US
Do you have a writing desk? Where did you place it and how do you use it? Upload a picture to the Comments section.
MORE
12 Out-of-the-Ordinary Desk Ideas
Shopping for Vintage Finds … at Grandma’s House
Dream Spaces: Home Offices You’ll be Delighted to Work In
Related Stories
Interior Design
The Golden Rules of Proportion: Decor Laws You Need to Know
An interior designer reveals the essential rules for achieving a perfectly balanced interior
Full Story
Interior Design
Design Masterclass: A Budget-Friendly Refresh of a Small Home
See how a designer's smart use of colour and considered storage solutions transformed a drab home for AUD$50,000
Full Story
Renovating Advice
Renovation Insight: How to Choose an Interior Designer
A skilled interior designer can help bring your decor dreams to life – three experts reveal how to choose the right one
Full Story
Interior Design
10 Decorating Rules Interior Designers Swear By
By Laura Downie
Want to give your home professional polish? An expert reveals the top 10 decorating rules you need to know
Full Story
Interior Design
8 Ways to Create Flow and Cohesion With Your Interior Design
These eight tips can help you select products, finishes and styles that work together from room to room
Full Story
For Pros
Trade Shows: Why They're Important Events You Don't Want to Miss
From networking to insights into new and emerging trends, here's why trade shows should be a firm 'yes' in your calendar
Full Story
Picture Perfect
22 Curtains That Dare to Be Different
Our coffee-break escape offers you five minutes' worth of images to inspire and delight. Jump right in...
Full Story
Project Of The Week
Before & After: A Cheap & Cheerful Makeover of a 1980s Caravan
Armed with an AU$1500 budget, a Melbourne couple rolled up their sleeves and transformed a caravan in just three months
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Melbourne Houzz: A Terrace Near Ruin Gets a Second Chance
See how a derelict Victorian terrace in Melbourne was transformed into a luxurious and serene family home
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Melbourne Houzz: A Family's Dream Home, 20 Years in the Making
Timeless, sophisticated and a little bit industrial – this heritage-home renovation is nothing short of spectacular
Full Story
Picked this beauty up on eBay a few years ago. Stores all our craft supplies for card making etc.
mattgrant.com.au
That is a beauty for sure, good find, I love the hunt as well as the score!