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What are Secretary desks used for?
secretary, also called secretaire, or escritoire, a writing desk fitted with drawers, one of which can be pulled out and the front lowered to provide a flat writing surface.
Why are they called Secretary desks?
The history of the “secretary desk” is a long and very interesting one. Originally taking its name from the French word for writing desk, secretaire, it is a term for a rectangular desk, usually taller than it is wide. Secretary desks have evolved into many forms over time.
What is a piece of furniture called secretary?
A “secretary desk” is the catch-all term for a rectangular piece of furniture, usually taller than it is wide, that features built-in drawers, cabinets, and a hinged panel the can be lowered from the top to create a horizontal writing surface.
What is a secretary desk look like?
A secretary desk or escritoire is made of a base of wide drawers topped by a desk with a hinged desktop surface, which is in turn topped by a bookcase usually closed with a pair of doors, often made of glass. The whole is usually a single, tall and heavy piece of furniture.
What is the difference between a secretary and a desk?
As nouns the difference between desk and secretary is that desk is a table, frame, or case, usually with sloping top, but often with flat top, for the use of writers and readers it often has a drawer or repository underneath while secretary is (obsolete) someone entrusted with a secret; a confidant.
What style is a secretary desk?
Secretary desks—much like telephone benches—are a pretty cool piece of furniture, and they’ve evolved quite a bit over time. Antique secretary desks look more like a very traditionally styled cross between a dresser, a hutch, and a desk.
How can I tell how old my secretary desk is?
Look carefully at the bottom, sides, and back of the drawer; if the wood shows nicks or cuts, it was probably cut with a plane, a spokeshave, or a drawknife. Straight saw marks also indicate an old piece. If the wood shows circular or arc-shaped marks, it was cut by a circular saw, not in use until about 1860.
What is a floating desk?
There is a unique type of furniture that you can purchase for your home that is called a floating desk. It does not actually float, as the name would indicate, but is simply mounted on your wall so that you can drop down the desk and use it any time that you want.
How wide is a secretary desk?
Secretary Desks come in different sizes spanning anywhere from 29 – 42 inches wide, 14 – 20 inches deep, and 37 – 72 inches high. Whether purchasing new or used, be sure to ask what the measurements are for the width, depth, and height of the desk.
What is a secretary room?
The Secretary room is a cosy room with a high standard of comfort.
What is the difference between writing desk and computer desk?
Writing desks are smaller, they often have a simple worktop but may include one or two drawers. We recommend Cherry wood from writing desks. Computer desks are larger, bulkier and will take up more room but are more suitable for those with small businesses running from their home office.
How heavy is a secretary desk?
Additional information Weight 290 lbs Dimensions 40w x 22d x 91h in UPC 783935216110 EAN 0783935216110.
Can you put a secretary in a bedroom?
Secretary desks often have a chic and feminine allure so they would fit beautifully in bedrooms. Plus, finding room for it should be easy. Since it provides valuable storage space inside the bottom drawers, you can also use it as a dresser.
When was the secretary desk invented?
Taking its name from the French word for the piece, secrétaire, the secretary desk dates back to the 18th century, when Paris-based cabinetmaker Jean-François Oeben, known for his exquisite marquetry and clever mechanical desks, is thought to have invented the secrétaire à abbattant, or drop-leaf desk.
What is a Wooton desk worth?
“The Wooton desk, for anybody collecting late 19th century furniture, this is one of the ultimate pieces you would have.” Melchert asked for $14,500 and ultimately got pretty close to that with a final accepted offer of $13,500.
How do I date a vintage secretary desk?
Antique furniture hardware can help you assign a date to a piece, and a secretary nearly always has hinges. Take a good look at these to learn about its age. Look for a manufacturer mark or label. Often, antique secretaries will have a label affixed to the back or underside of the desk.
What is a furniture Bureau?
bureau, in the United States, a chest of drawers; in Europe a writing desk, usually with a hinged writing flap that rests at a sloping angle when closed and, when opened, reveals a tier of pigeonholes, small drawers, and sometimes a small cupboard.
How do I remove hutch from secretary desk?
How to Disassemble a Desk Hutch Remove any lift-out shelves and place them to one side. Loosen and remove any screws holding the shelves to the desk, working from the top down. Remove the drawers from the desk and place them to one side. Remove any remaining screws holding the desk hutch together.
