The Curious History of the Writing Desk

Advertisements
Curious History of the Writing Desk

The writing desk or bureaux originated in the early seventeenth century from old-fashioned Bible boxes. They were flat boxes just large enough to hold the family Bible, which was the most treasured possession. These boxes were almost always kept on a shelf in the living room. With the box’s flat surface and conveniently high form, the owner became accustomed to standing and writing their letters on the Bible boxes.

It can easily be imagined that this became wearisome. Indeed, some seventeenth-century writers evolved the idea of making a Bible box on a stand. The stand allowed it to be a movable piece of furniture. The frame was made low enough to let the owner sit during their writing time. The amount of correspondence written was a time-consuming occupation in its early days. Thus was brought to light the first real bureau writing desk, and such a story of evolution can be found in every piece of furniture.

A slanting lid

The next stage was to fit the top of the desk with a slanting lid, which was more ergonomic and convenient for writing. It is not until very late in the seventeenth century that a bureau writing desk was not also used as a Bible box. It was found that a place was needed in which might be kept all writing materials and knick-knacks. The Bible was most likely stored in a separate box. The top of the desk was fitted, inside the slanting cover, with pigeon holes, roughly fitted, and drawers.

The first bureau writing desk

The first bureau writing desk was used during the reign of William and Mary of Orange. Up to this time, the desk had been hinged at the higher edge of the slanting top. Now, however, for the first time, the lid was hinged at the lower edge so that the lid fell to form the writing table and rested on pull-out supports.

The era of the Willliam and Mary and Queen Anne styles added much to the beauty of writing desks. An example of the former period is those desks from the 1920s made of walnut, beautifully grained, while the marquetry decorations are on the legs as well. The lid and the drawer are now fitted underneath the cover as an additional storage place for valuables.

The Queen Anne period saw the production of a bureau in which the legs took the form of small drawers down to the floor. There were five drawers on each side and one at the centre and the top. The whole desk stood upon tiny Queen Anne’s feet. Towards the end of the Queen Anne period, an upper structure was added to the bureau. This had mirrors in place of ordinary doors, and inside were shelves for storing stationery.

Chippendale

This was the beginning of the bureau bookcase. Chippendale first produced such an item, substituting window glass for mirrors and using the shelves for books.  

During the eighteenth century also was evolved the real writing table as opposed to the writing bureau. Both Chippendale and Thomas Sheraton produced beautiful work in this endeavour. These writing desks were in the familiar flat tables, the top was covered in leather. The legs were formed by drawers in the creation of Chippendale. Sheraton scorning the heaviness of Chippendale’s designs, preferred to do without the drawers to make room for slender and dainty tapering legs. Realising, however, that some receptacle was necessary, he introduced drawers to the top of the table. All the desks of this period were highly finished at the back because they were placed not against the wall but in the centre of the room. The chief decoration was obtained by the use of marquetry in place of the earlier mode of carving.

A list of 20 different types of writing desks;

  1. Secretary desk: A tall, vertical desk with a hinged, sloping writing surface that can be folded up to conceal the writing area.
  2. Roll-top desk: A desk with a flexible wooden cover that can be rolled down to secure the contents and provide a clean surface when not in use.
  3. Writing table: A simple, small table used for writing or working, often featuring drawers or compartments for storage.
  4. Bureau desk: A large, often ornate desk with drawers and compartments, typically featuring a hinged writing surface that can be folded down.
  5. Campaign desk: A portable desk designed for easy assembly and disassembly, often used by military officers on campaigns.
  6. Computer desk: A desk specifically designed for computer use, often featuring compartments for cables, a keyboard tray, and a dedicated space for the monitor.
  7. Standing desk: A desk that allows the user to work while standing, offering health benefits and promoting productivity.
  8. Partner desk: A large desk with two identical workspaces facing each other, allowing two people to work side by side.
  9. Slant-top desk: A desk with a slanted writing surface, usually featuring a hinged lid that can be lifted to access storage compartments.
  10. Escritoire: A compact writing desk with a hinged writing surface that opens to reveal small drawers, shelves, and compartments.
  11. Writing armoire: A tall, cabinet-like desk that combines a writing surface with storage compartments, often featuring doors that can be closed to conceal the writing area.
  12. Drop-front desk: A hinged front panel that folds to create a writing surface, revealing storage compartments inside.
  13. Library desk: A large desk typically found in libraries, featuring ample workspace, storage drawers, and often incorporating bookshelves or display areas.
  14. Davenport desk: A compact desk with a slanted writing surface, typically incorporating small drawers and compartments.
  15. Pedestal desk: A desk supported by two or more pedestals, usually featuring drawers and storage compartments in each pedestal.
  16. Credenza desk: A long, low cabinet-like structure placed behind the main work area, offering additional storage space.
  17. Trestle desk: A desk supported by two horizontal beams (trestles) and a flat writing surface, often characterized by its simple and minimalistic design.
  18. Corner desk: A desk designed to fit snugly into a corner, maximizing space utilization and providing ample work area.
  19. Floating desk: A wall-mounted desk that appears to be “floating” in the air, offering a modern and space-saving solution.
  20. Ladder desk combines a ladder-like structure with shelves and a writing surface, providing workspace and storage.

More on Furniture Design

  • Embodying the Art of Catalan Modernisme: Gaudí’s Sillón Calvet

    Embodying the Art of Catalan Modernisme: Gaudí’s Sillón Calvet

    Trace the Sillón Calvet’s journey from its original location in Calvet House to its current residence in the Inter-American Development Bank. Uncover the reasons behind its enduring appeal and its contribution to the ongoing relevance of Catalan Modernisme.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Eclipse Minimalist Lighting from Lee Broom

    Eclipse Minimalist Lighting from Lee Broom

    Eclipse Minimalist Lighting from Lee Broom. One of four new lighting collections to be launched during Salone del Mobile (2018). Read MORERead More →


    Learn More →


  • Experimental Acrylic Side Tables from Nortstudio

    Experimental Acrylic Side Tables from Nortstudio

    These side tables are the outcome of an acrylic resin experiment. Acrylic is a two-part substance made up of mineral powder and water-based acrylic resin.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Distinctly retro furniture by Masquespacio

    Distinctly retro furniture by Masquespacio

    Because of the studio’s trademark lively aesthetic, its hospitality and retail fit-outs are the stuff of design bloggers and Instagrammers’ dreams.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Interlübke: A Legacy of German Furniture Craftsmanship

    Interlübke: A Legacy of German Furniture Craftsmanship

    Discover Interlübke, a renowned German furniture manufacturer known for its craftsmanship and innovative designs. From the revolutionary ‘endless cupboard’ storage unit to the internally illuminated EO system, Interlübke continues to redefine space utilization. Collaborating with top designers, their modern furniture solutions offer versatility and functionality. With a recent acquisition by Domovari, Interlübke remains a trusted…


    Learn More →


  • Angaraib: An Avant-Garde Masterpiece by Danny Lane

    Angaraib: An Avant-Garde Masterpiece by Danny Lane

    Discover the ‘Angaraib’ chaise longue, an avant-garde masterpiece by Danny Lane. This extraordinary piece of furniture blends glass and tree branches in a visually stunning composition. Explore Lane’s unique creative process and his commitment to pushing design boundaries. ‘Angaraib’ transcends traditional notions of furniture, functioning as both a captivating art object and a comfortable seating…


    Learn More →


  • Pedestal Table inspired by 🏛️ classical architecture

    Pedestal Table inspired by 🏛️ classical architecture

    A pedestable table is originally the base support of a column, in classical architecture. A pedestal in furniture may have one of four definitions: Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Kaare Klint’s “KK47000” Safari Chair: A Refined and Iconic Design

    Kaare Klint’s “KK47000” Safari Chair: A Refined and Iconic Design

    Kaare Klint’s “KK47000” Safari Chair is a refined and iconic design that combines historical influences with modern sensibilities. Inspired by British campaign furniture, the chair features a simple ash wood frame, exquisite leather components, and visible joinery. Read More →


    Learn More →


  • No. 22 Diamond Chair by Harry Bertoia

    No. 22 Diamond Chair by Harry Bertoia

    No. 22 Diamond Chair by Harry Bertoia. Many would argue that this is more of a sculpture than a chair. READ MORERead More →


    Learn More →


  • Introducing the Lexicon Elle Accent Chair: Elevate Your Living Room with Style and Comfort

    Introducing the Lexicon Elle Accent Chair: Elevate Your Living Room with Style and Comfort

    Discover the Lexicon Elle Accent Chair in Blue. This rustic-style chair combines elegance and comfort, with its cushioned back, armrests, and solid pattern. Crafted with high-quality materials, including wood, foam, and polyester upholstery, this chair offers durability and easy maintenance. Perfectly sized and designed for relaxation, it’s an ideal addition to any living room. Order…


    Learn More →


  • Gottlieb Eliel Saarinen: Shaping 20th Century Architecture

    Gottlieb Eliel Saarinen: Shaping 20th Century Architecture

    Gottlieb Eliel Saarinen (1873-1950), a Finnish-born architect and city planner, significantly shaped 20th-century architecture with his distinctive blend of national Romanticism and modernism. Known for his holistic approach to design, Saarinen made major contributions to both European and American architecture, including the iconic Helsinki Central Railway Station and the masterful campus plan for the University…


    Learn More →


  • Elevate Your Space with the Edenbrook Carlton Exposed Wooden Arm Accent Chair

    Elevate Your Space with the Edenbrook Carlton Exposed Wooden Arm Accent Chair

    Are you searching for the perfect accent chair to bring style and comfort to your living room? Look no furtherRead More →


    Learn More →


  • Fibreglass exciting early design medium

    Fibreglass exciting early design medium

    Known as glass-enhanced plastic (GRP) in Britain, fibre-enhanced plastic (FRP) in the USA or by the trade name fibreglass (after the manufacturer Fibreglass Ltd.), GRP has been used for a wide range of applications from car body panels and boat hulls to furniture and tennis rackets. Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Exploring the Enigmatic Beauty of the Dantesca Chair

    Exploring the Enigmatic Beauty of the Dantesca Chair

    The Dantesca Chair is a remarkable piece of furniture inspired by Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy. Its intricate design, featuring ornate carvings depicting scenes from the epic poem, pays homage to Dante’s imaginative journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the chair incorporates symbolic motifs and materials like fine woods and…


    Learn More →


  • The Curious History of the Writing Desk

    The Curious History of the Writing Desk

    The writing desk or bureaux originated in the early seventeenth century from old fashioned Bible boxes. They were flat boxes just large enough to hold the family Bible, which was the most treasured possession. These boxes were almost always kept upon a shelf in the living room. The boxes flat surface and conveniently high form,…


    Learn More →


  • Grethe Meyer (1918 – 2008) Danish architect, & designer of furniture & glassware

    Grethe Meyer (1918 – 2008) Danish architect, & designer of furniture & glassware

    She worked on the editorial staff of The Building Manual from 1944 to 1955. She was a crucial figure in Borge Mogensen’s research on the standardisation of consumer product sizes, and she collaborated with him frequently. They created the Boligens Byggeskabe (BB) and resund cabinet-storage systems in 1957.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • The Influence of the Square in Furniture Design

    The Influence of the Square in Furniture Design

    Squares have influenced furniture design, enhancing aesthetics and functionality, with their roots in ancient Greek architecture and modernist furniture. The square shape is a timeless influence in furniture design, offering versatility, modularity, and sustainability through its equal sides and right angles.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Metal Desk Lamp – with Adjustable Gooseneck

    Metal Desk Lamp – with Adjustable Gooseneck

    This lamp features a high-quality metal lampshade and base that is heavy-duty, long-lasting, and attractive, brightening your living space, bedroom, or study room.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Hille Modernist British Furniture Manufacturer

    Hille Modernist British Furniture Manufacturer

    Hille, a British furniture manufacturer, is known for its Modernist chairs and has collaborated with renowned designers like Robin Day and Fred Scott. The Poly Side chair, introduced in 1963, is renowned for its innovative use of materials and functional, minimalist design. Made from molded polypropylene, it is durable, lightweight, and easy to clean. The…


    Learn More →


  • Nightstand with Charging Station

    Nightstand with Charging Station

    The OKD square nightstand features a rustic & industrial combination of beauty and functionality with a distressed rustic finish and dark iron-tone metal accents. It is equipped with 2 smooth-gliding 2 drawers and strong powder-coated metal pulls to get essentials quickly. It can be used as an end table, office supplies storage, or in the…


    Learn More →


  • SOOWERY End Tables with Charging Station

    SOOWERY End Tables with Charging Station

    Side Tables with Charging Stations feature two AC outlets, USB ports, and a 6.5 ft cord each, with a well-considered design and curved design. They fit tight spaces and are easy to assemble.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Louis Midavaine (1888 – 1978) French Furniture Designer

    Louis Midavaine (1888 – 1978) French Furniture Designer

    Louis Midavaine (1888 – 1978) was a French accessories and furniture designer. He was born in Roubaix. He studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, Roubaix.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Georges Champion (1889 – 1940) French Furniture Designer

    Georges Champion (1889 – 1940) French Furniture Designer

    Georges Champion, a French decorator and furniture designer, was known for his sleek lines and modern aesthetic. Influenced by the Art Deco movement, Champion’s furniture featured geometric shapes and bold colors. He worked on high-profile projects, including Parisian hotels and restaurants. Champion’s designs are highly sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts worldwide.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Butterfly Dining Chair in Green from Armen Living

    Butterfly Dining Chair in Green from Armen Living

    The Armen Living Butterfly Dining Chair in Green Fabric and Walnut Wood Finish offers a stylish and comfortable dining experience. Its unique butterfly design and durable construction make it perfect for families with children or pets. Easy to clean and maintain.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Classic Furniture Morocco Dining Chair with Cushion

    Classic Furniture Morocco Dining Chair with Cushion

    Dining chair: dining chairs expertly constructed from Walnut, rubberwood solids, and veneers for high-quality, long-lasting dining room furniture Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Sofa, Borge Mogensen, 1945

    Sofa, Borge Mogensen, 1945

    This sofa’s straightforward execution and regular silhouette reflect characteristics that were considered essential for advanced design at the time. Nonetheless, the turned spindles, stretchers, and exquisite details owe a lot to Borge Mogensen’s use of the lexicon of traditional furniture forms—especially American Shaker and English Windsor—in his wRead More →


    Learn More →


  • Womb chair – Eero Saarinen 1946

    Womb chair – Eero Saarinen 1946

    Its name expresses its purpose: “It was designed on the theory that a great number of people have never felt secure and comfortable since they have left the womb.”Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Plia Folding Chair by Giancarlo Piretti

    Plia Folding Chair by Giancarlo Piretti

    Giancarlo Piretti’s “Plia” is a unique folding chair that combines form, function, and aesthetics in perfect harmony. It is reasonably priced, takes up little room, has a visible folding mechanism, and can be used both inside and outside.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Shaker Style of Furniture – Simplicity and Functionality

    Shaker Style of Furniture – Simplicity and Functionality

    The Shaker furniture style is characterised by simplicity and functionality, made from high-quality materials and features clean lines and minimal ornamentation. It fell out of favour in the early twentieth century but is now appreciated for its timeless elegance and practicality.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Billy Wilder Chaise Lounge by Charles and Ray Eames

    Billy Wilder Chaise Lounge by Charles and Ray Eames

    The Wilder Chaise 1968 Lounge is a masterpiece of design created by Charles and Ray Eames, featuring a nylon-coated cast aluminium frame and base with a leather-covered polyurethane foam upholstered seating section. It is functional and adds elegance to any living space.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • LL2 Lounge Chair- Elegant Modern Design

    LL2 Lounge Chair- Elegant Modern Design

    LL2 Lounge Chair – designed by BonnettiKozerski. This beautiful elegant lounge chair was first exhibited in New York in 2011. Read MoreRead More →


    Learn More →


  • Josef Pohl (1894 – 1975) Czech lighting designer

    Josef Pohl (1894 – 1975) Czech lighting designer

    Josef Pohl (1894 – 1975) was a Czech lighting designer. He designed the 1929 precursor of the adjustable lamp. Gerd Balzer produced his model. As part of its Kamden collection, Korting und Mathieson created a similar lamp. Pohl and others at the Bauhaus also executed the prototype adjustable wall lamp illustrated in Staaliches Bauhaus, Weimar…


    Learn More →


  • The P40 Articulated Lounge Chair – Machine for Sitting

    The P40 Articulated Lounge Chair – Machine for Sitting

    Osvaldo Borsani Armchair (P40) 1955, articulated chaise longue. The rubber-armed chair was a sophisticated ‘machine for sitting’ that could it was claimed, assume 486 positions.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Missi Sissi Table Lamp – A Whimisical Design

    Missi Sissi Table Lamp – A Whimisical Design

    The Miss Sissi Table Lamp, replete with a mysterious name, is a signature Starck product: a clever reworking of anRead More →


    Learn More →


  • Pavilion de l’Esprit Nouveau  (1925) Looking into the Future

    Pavilion de l’Esprit Nouveau  (1925) Looking into the Future

    L’Esprit Nouveau. The pavillion was named after Le Corbusier’s magazine, L’Esprit Nouveau, which he started in 1920 to spread the word about his own work and that of other artists of the time.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Adeptus a British Furniture Firm (1969 – 1985) – London

    Adeptus a British Furniture Firm (1969 – 1985) – London

    Adeptus was a British Furniture Firm based in London. Background In its short lifespan, Adeptus revolutionized the furniture industry withRead More →


    Learn More →


  • Knoll – American International Furniture Manufacturer

    Knoll – American International Furniture Manufacturer

    Knoll is an American and international furniture manufacturer. Background Knoll was established by Hans Knoll in 1938. Initially, the firmRead More →


    Learn More →


  • Mario Botta (b.1943) Swiss Architect and Designer

    Mario Botta (b.1943) Swiss Architect and Designer

    While the space arrangements in this structure are inconsistent, its relationship to its site, separation of living from service spaces, and deep window recesses echo his stark, robust and towering style. Read More →


    Learn More →


  • La Danese Italian domestic goods manufacturer

    La Danese Italian domestic goods manufacturer

    La Danese was founded in Milan by Bruno Danese and Jacqueline Vodoz. The company specialised in editing, designing, and marketing well‐designed everyday products with a modern aesthetic. There were three significant focus areas: domestic and office products, artistic editions, and children’s games and creative play stimuli. Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Garriri Chair a nod and wink to Mickey Mouse

    Garriri Chair a nod and wink to Mickey Mouse

    This black leather and metal-framed chair was designed by the Spanish artist, designer, and cartoon enthusiast Javier Mariscal.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Kartell Milanese Furniture Manufacture | High Quality Plastic

    Kartell Milanese Furniture Manufacture | High Quality Plastic

    Kartell is a Milanese furniture manufacturer founded in 1949. It specialises in high-quality plastic injection mouldings and the early fiftiesRead More →


    Learn More →


  • Jardiniere Ornamental Stand Definition and Meaning

    Jardiniere Ornamental Stand Definition and Meaning

    A jardinière is a large ornamental stand or holder to display potted plants or cut flowers. The jardinière first appearedRead More →


    Learn More →


  • Fun and Funky Novogratz Cache Metal Locker – Yellow End Table

    Fun and Funky Novogratz Cache Metal Locker – Yellow End Table

    Novogratz recommends adding pops of colour with accessories, such as pillows and curtains, to make the room feel more alive. The Novogratz Cache Metal Locker End Table adds storage and style to the living room, with two shelves and a lock to keep items secure.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Alexander Girard Designs for Herman Miller – Hardcover

    Alexander Girard Designs for Herman Miller – Hardcover

    Alexander Girard, one of Herman Miller’s famous designers in the 1950s and 1960s, added creative textiles to Eames’ and Nelson’s furniture. He produced some of the most vibrant and vibrant fabrics available anywhere as the head of Herman Miller’s Textile Division since its inception in 1952. He also created the Girard Group, a 25-piece modern…


    Learn More →


  • Archizoom avant-garde Italian design studio

    Archizoom avant-garde Italian design studio

    Four architects—Andrea Branzi, Gilberto Corretti, Paolo Deganello, Massimo Morozzi—and two designers—Dario Bartolini and Lucia Bartolini—founded Archizoom this Italian avant-garde design studio in 1966 in Florence, Italy. They focused on exhibition installations and architecture and designing interiors and goods as part of the Italian Anti-Design or Radical Design movement.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Quinta armchair (1985) designed by Mario Botta

    Quinta armchair (1985) designed by Mario Botta

    Mario Botta’s chair Quinta (Fifth) shares the same obvious structural rigour and continuous frame as tubular-steel chairs designed in the 1920s. Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Acroter – a pedestal for a statue

    Acroter –  a pedestal for a statue

    Acroter is a plinth or pedestal for a statue or other ornament, placed at the apex or lower corners of a pediment. Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Noguchi lamp space without clutter

    Noguchi lamp space without clutter

    Isamu Noguchi designed the first of his lamps to be produced by traditional construction methods in Gifu, Japan, known for its manufacture of lanterns and parasols made from mulberry bark paper and bamboo. Akari is handcrafted with washi paper from the inside bark of the mulberry tree and bamboo ribbing stretched across sculptural moulded wood…


    Learn More →


  • By Lassen – Danish architecture and furniture design

    By Lassen – Danish architecture and furniture design

    The Lassen brothers’ archive of architecture and furniture design represents the finest qualities of the Danish design tradition and deserves a wider audience.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Chaise Lounge by Marcel Breuer

    Chaise Lounge by Marcel Breuer

    Marcel Breuer designed this chaise lounge during his influential period in England (1935-37). His work for the London-based design and architectural firm Isokon is the most recognizable of this period. The chaise was designed for the 1936 Seven Architects Exhibition for Heal & Sons Department Store.Read More →


    Learn More →


Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.