Art Deco Desk?

12 years ago

What did I buy? And what do I do with it now that I have it?

We are remodeling our kitchen and lost a section of cabinets and needed to add back a little storage. We were open to what would fill the bill. Saw this desk in an antique store and it was the perfect size and had the two drawers.

It was tagged Art Deco Desk. But it is only 32" wide and 14" deep at the deepest. And when the drop front is lowered, it is only 22" from the floor. Who could fit under that? So what is this piece and how old do you think it is?

Also, what do you think I should do with it? The mahogany veneer finish is in not too bad of shape. Missing a few chunks and the veneer on the right side is lifting a little.

This finish would be ok as a contrast in our all white kitchen. But I also considered painting it with a high gloss lacquer finish, maybe bright teal. Also considered chalk paint in robins egg blue.

Any information on this desk and what to do with it would be appreciated. BTW, asking price was $250 and I got this for $175.

Featured Answer

PRO

HERE Design and Architecture

12 years ago

It is a beautiful piece and painting it would ruin the finish. If you don't think it will be useful to you, I would either put it in your entry or spare bedroom, or re-sell it.

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Comments (20)

dianecourbat
12 years ago
I agree, it's a beauty, don't change it. Leave the desk top open and use it as your "office", in whatever room you have enough room for it.
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PRO
HERE Design and Architecture
12 years ago
I think it is appropriate to call it Art Deco (late '20's early '30's?) and you can see where Swedish Modern comes from in it. Sometimes older furnishings are smaller than what we expect. Maybe it was made for a small woman. Does it have feet?
PRO
JudyG Designs
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
I don’t think it is a desk at all; probably a dining room serving piece. I would outfit it as a bar. Paint away if it makes this piece useable for you.
Carguy .
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks for the input. After living with it a few days, I came to the same conclusion about keeping the finish. I read about a way to re-activate the glue where the veneer is lifting.
PRO
JudyG Designs
12 years ago
No green?
Carguy .
Original Author
12 years ago
It does have feet and very old looking wheels. Here's a few more pics. Notice the cool hidden curved drawer cubbies.
Carguy .
Original Author
12 years ago
Judy G, funny you should post that pic. I like that look a lot. And here is an inspiration pic I found for a finish and color I liked.

I am still intrigued with a high gloss lacquer painted piece in a bright color. Maybe I'll start small with a serving tray of something.
PRO
HERE Design and Architecture
12 years ago
Love that green finish. I was thinking about the possibility that it was a bar too, Judy - or a vanity without a mirror? It does have a lot of tall storage, and vanities were traditionally very low. Those tall drawers are fascinating - and puzzling. And wheels. Hm.
elaynemt
12 years ago
I love it open as a desk! And I wouldnt mess with the finish.
PRO
sstarr93
12 years ago
It appears to be an Art Deco cocktail cabinet. There are several on Ebay; if you watch old movies, you will see very similar things.
Don't paint it; it is valuable. S*
studio10001
12 years ago
I think they labelled your piece correctly. Hidden drawers were a common feature in secretaries, and would have been used for bank books, private letters, extra cash, etc. A normal sized straightback would have fit underneath, but sitting at an angle kept your stockings safer. The piece may have been part of a set, and would have been used for bills and letter writing.
kimedge
12 years ago
Can you check underneath? Have the legs been removed and replaced with castors?
tennisanyone
12 years ago
I would make it a bar and fill it with pretty stemware, napkins, and wine bottles.
studio10001
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
The castors are likely original, and a nice feature to have still intact. The piece would be lovely for a guest room, as it provides ample storage below, and could be stocked w local postcards and maps in the desk portion. Using it for kitchen items may prove trickier, as too much weight can make older drawers difficult to maneuver.
kimedge
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
HI, the reason I'm asking about whether the castors are replacements is because this looks like a French Art deco piece because of the rounded corners and simplicity. It may also be walnut veneer, not mahogany, but it's hard to tell from the colour in the pictures. It would be called a "bureau bookcase" and if you google it you might find one similar. For info, the cupboard here with the shelves on the side is also a bureau bookcase. The bottom one is just a desk. Good luck.
gurukaram
12 years ago
Very cool deco desk! Keep the finish!!!
Carguy .
Original Author
12 years ago
The feet look original. The castors could have been added later but they look quite old too.

Found the model number 407 on the back but no other markings
sofi1980
12 years ago
what do you think about this table?
Carguy .
Original Author
12 years ago
I can't see the table that well in the pic but the legs look really nice. And I like those two chairs beside it.