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Classic Pieces: The Secretary Desk
Furniture fit for all spaces: desk, bureau and bookshelf all in one
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
The secretary desk is a versatile piece of furniture that was an early storage solution. It is outfitted with a chest of drawers on the bottom, a bookcase on top, and a desk surface cleverly concealed in the design. Although antique secretary desks often conjure up images of imposing traditional pieces, new designs have modernized the concept, and older models have been outfitted for new uses. Let's take a look.
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This desk, designed by Thomas O'Brien, is a wonderful transitional piece. It plays with geometry and has clean lines, yet pays homage to traditional secretaries. I believe this is the desk that Mr. Big used to conceal a television in Sex and the City II. Carrie Bradshaw wasn't a fan of that concept, but I think it's a good design compromise for a TV in your bedroom.
In traditional secretary desk design, the bookcase top was half the depth of the chest of drawers on the bottom. This secretary blends traditional western style with intricate chinoiserie hand-painted designs borrowed from the Far East.
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by Gast Architects
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| It's important to consider scale when choosing a secretary. In order to check proportions, tape off the measurements on the floor and wall with painter's tape. This desk is a good example of a desk standing up to the size of the room. |
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This is another good example of appropriate scale; the tall secretary desk stands up to the vastness of this grand foyer.
by Thomas Wold
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This is furniture designer Thomas Wold's eclectic take on the secretary desk, which is composed of repurposed cabinets and drawers.
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People will often opt to keep the desk open at all times, creating a little tablescape and pulling up a chair. Note that this more modern secretary has open space underneath it in lieu of drawers, which makes the piece appear lighter.
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| Secretaries with glass doors on top make wonderful china cabinets, offering a display area above and drawers for storing silverware and table linens below. |
A secretary in this kitchen adds a nice contrast to the white cabinets, bringing in more personal style.
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| This secretary is the perfect fit for this nook between a wall and fireplace in this bedroom. |
by c3d design
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Secretaries are a great source of inspiration built-ins. This kitchen desk has added a Chippendale secretary-inspired detail to the top (very similar to the one in the previous image), adding to the custom look and bringing a touch of traditional style to a room full of cutting-edge stainless steel appliances.
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Similarly, this clever designer has employed a secretary-esque, freestanding cabinet for storage in the bathroom. It adds instant character and a beautiful dark wood to the serene room.
More:
Shop Secretary Desks
12 Ways to Use a Good Old Armoire
Consider a Home Office Bar
Get Your House Back-to-School Ready
More:
Shop Secretary Desks
12 Ways to Use a Good Old Armoire
Consider a Home Office Bar
Get Your House Back-to-School Ready
Comments
Amy I love the secretary! I recently purchased one for my family room and love it's versatile function! I use it not only as a work surface for my laptop, but also as a bar for when guests come over. Thank you for the idea book ... I am inspired to come up with other creative places that I might move my secretary too the next time I have an itch to rearrange.
21 months ago · Like
faithkeeper I have the exact same secretary that's in picture #7. Have any idea what its worth. Don't want to sell, just curious.
21 months ago · Like
suzmtl Faithkeeper, I have one as well. Eddie Ross did a makeover of one (painted his white) and wrote that they were quite common for the period and not worth much today. I love the idea of using it as a bar, Amy. I'll have to keep it in mind.
21 months ago · Like
karajanee I LOVE this ideabook! I wish you could come to my house and help me give it a lift!
17 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on Aug. 31, 2011.
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