A secretary desk, also known as an escritoire, is made of a base of wide drawers topped by a desk with a hinged desktop surface. The fall front desk and others with a hinged desktop, and unlike closable desks with an unmovable desktop like the rolltop desk.11 May 2021
What were secretary desks used for?
“Originally, these pieces were used by the actual secretary of an estate, as a place to pay the bills and handle the affairs of a large household,” says Greg Jaron of Jarons Furniture in New Jersey. As the industrial revolution arrived, and work moved outside the home, older desks like these became family heirlooms.16 Jul 2018
Can you put a secretary in a bedroom?
In the Bedroom Bridging the gap between desk and dresser, an antique secretary desk can take the place of nearly any traditional bedroom piece, making it simple to factor one into any bedroom setup. In the most bantam of bedrooms, a nightstand can even be swapped for a secretary desk.16 Aug 2020
What era are secretary desks from?
The Original. Secretary desks date to the early 18th century, when they were used by secretaries and clerks. The typical secretary desk was compact with compartments to store writing supplies. The desks included lower drawers, an upper bookcase for storage and a drop-down writing surface.
How do you identify a secretary desk?
Secretary Desks: Then These desks typically have a wide base with drawers for storage. A bookcase, usually with glass doors, rests on top. A drop front opens for writing and closes to hide supplies when not in use. The desk area contains slots, drawers and cubbyholes to store papers and supplies.
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.
Why is furniture called a secretary?
The secretary (from secretarius, Latin for writer) evolved as a larger and more formal piece of furniture to store books and papers. Tall or low, a secretary consists of a slanted lid that flips forward to create a writing surface, concealing (when closed) cubbies and pigeonholes (even secret compartments) and drawers.
What type of furniture is a secretary?
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.9 Sept 2019
Are secretary desks sturdy?
Veneer and Solid Wood - When they're properly maintained, secretary desks made of veneer or solid wood offer security and durability over decades. They are perfect for traditionalists as well as people who want to achieve a timeless and vintage look inside their offices.
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.16 Sept 2021