Monday, March 23, 2009

Contemporary Writing Desks

Contemporary Writing Desks: The New Look of Writing Desks

Contemporary writing desks are a far cry from many of the earlier and more classic models of writing desks that might come to mind. While the old office wood writing desks have the sturdy last for generations look, many newer contemporary writing desks have another obvious function that has taken place because of technology: they act as computer desks. While old wooden writing desks were once a symbol of status, or rolltop writing desks and writing secretaries gave that initial feeling of sophistication, now writing desks have to be functional as office furniture which means that contemporary writing desks also have to serve as a functional computer desk.

Contemporary writing desks have a lot of differences that set them apart from their older counterparts. For one, the old school desks were often made out solid wood and came in one of two styles: the big office desk meant to show off prestige and position, or the writing hutch and secretary desk that worked for writing letters or brief correspondence but it is impractical for a business desk. The newer models, however, are usually designed as wood panel or wood finish (if they're designed to look like wood writing desks at all), and many are much simpler and designed to be easy to use a computer on and around.

Contemporary office furniture in general has become more and more simple as some models even appear like glass desks, which seem like a post modern coffee table more than an office desk, but that's the direction that some modern writing desks are going. The main focus is to design them so computers, laptops, and even multiple computer monitors fit easily and function fully. Because of this, many contemporary writing desks simply don't have the design or style of the older counterparts.

While the trend in contemporary writing desks isn't likely to change any time soon, it's not hard to understand. As the older writing desk designs might look better or be more sophisticated, the new modern models of office desks have to be functional based on needs and technology. And based on those standards, say what you will about the fall in appearance, but contemporary writing desks are tops.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Oak Writing Desks: Great Wood Desks

Fine Oak Writing Desks

Oak writing desks are some of the most popular oak desks around, and are in fact some of the most popular forms of oak furniture, period. These fine solid wood writing desks are a great example of how using the right wood can create a sturdy and respectable piece of furniture that can be passed down through generations. Solid oak writing desks might not have the same allure that they once did, but these fantastic pieces of office furniture still have a large following among people who value long lasting quality over any modern fad.

There are many different types of wood writing desks to choose from. Oak writing desks may not be the sexiest pick, as cherry, cedar, and mahogany are often more popular, but as far as sturdiness goes, oak simply can't be beat. When the piece of furniture you're looking for has to last a very long time, then sometimes the old tried and true materials really are the best. There's a reason that despite all the new synthetics, all the panels, all the cheap Wal Mart crap, there's still a market for oak roll top desks, oak office desks, and oak writing desks. Because some people are always going to insist on quality, and that's something that many of these new things just can't live up to.

Wood writing desks still remain popular, but nowadays there are many people who just don't appreciate expert craftsmanship and instead of getting a genuine artifact they go with an oak wood finish writing desk. Cardboard and plywood and plastic with a sheen finish. It might work for the modern office, but it loses something from the real thing. And a real oak wood desk will last through the years.

Oak writing desks are among the best writing desks around. Whatever each individual chooses is up to them, but I for one would want a desk that wasn't a throw away. I would want a desk that not only is functional, but shows a degree of taste, an understanding of time and quality worksmanship, and just be the type of wood office furniture that really makes a statement without being condescending. As far as that goes, the oak writing desk is about as good a choice as you could make.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Wood Writing Desks | Oak Writing Desks | Walnut Writing Desks | Cherry Writing Desks

Wood Writing Desks

Wood writing desks are classic writing desks that that have the old school feel and function of antique writing desks, while using one of the oldest building materials known to man. Many modern day writing desks are not made of wood, but of plastic, metal, glass, or a fake wood finish. It seems to be a sad state of things, but nowadays it can actually be kind of difficult to find a true wood writing desk.

Wood writing desks are classic. Obviously the earliest desks were carved from wood, and even in the American colonies a large desk, and a writing desk in particular, were signs of education, sophistication, and maybe even aristocracy. Any fan of a true writing desk with character can tell you that despite what salesmen might say, there is a huge difference between say a cherry wood writing desk and a cherry wood finish writing desk. This doesn't just go for cherry or mahogany, either, two of the most common wood designs and veneers to be copied on modern furniture. This goes for walnut writing desks, cedar writing desks, oak writing desks...you name it and there's some fake plastic "wood finish" version of the desk furniture out there.

Even harder on the traditional wood writing desks is that many of them that are still made out of true wood are designed as old fashioned writing secretaries with hutches or as roll top desks that don't have back access for the wires that come with modern writing tools like computers. To many people, the right desk isn't even a writing desk, much less a wood writing desk, but it's a simple glass computer desk or plastic corner desk. Yuk.

Oak writing desks were once lauded for their sturdiness and size. Cherry and mahogany writing desks were sought for their beauty and elegance. Maple writing desks were nothing to sneeze at, while the walnut writing desk was often seen as being the perfect meeting place for form, function, and over all appearance. Wood writing desks used to not only be a functional piece of furniture, but they also measured status and taste. The plastic writing desks and fake wood writing desks just don't do that.

And say what you will, but the old school wood desks are built better and often last longer.

That said, it's hard to see the wood writing desks every going completely out of style. There are always those who are going to want quality over price, and in that aspect these old fashioned pieces of office furniture can't be beat. Add onto that the ability for a good desk to be an inheritance or "hand me down" item, and the fact that a good one taken care of can last decades, and there's always going to be a niche for that level of quality.

Wood writing desks might not be the most common anymore, but a good wooden writing desk is still hard to top, and there will always be some very solid choices available for those office managers or entrepreneurs who know the importance of having quality writing furniture where they work.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Cherry Writing Desk | Cherry Wood Writing Desks

Cherry Writing Desk

Cherry writing desks are writing desks that tend to be very popular with individuals who understand the beauty and potential status symbol effect of a truly beautiful writing desk. Cherry wood tends to be beautiful, with a deep red color that few other woods can match, which is part of the reason that a cherry writing desk is generally held in such high regard among people who understand what makes a beautiful looking and exceptional writing desk. A truly good cherry writing desk can be a cherry wood writing desk, where the entire desk is made out of this expensive and quality furniture wood, or it could be a cherry finish writing desk, where the finish of cherry wood is what gives the writing desk it's distinctive look.

The cherry writing desk is a classic, as can be figured out by the sheer number of desk furniture companies who offer some version of it to customers. One of the interesting things about this particular piece of office furniture is that there are so many variations of it. While this isn't surprising for a general piece of furniture (after all a couch isn't just a couch, or one TV isn't the same as every other TV), when you get really specific in description, as with cherry writing desks, then the expectation is that that is as specific as the furniture gets.

That's part of the oddity of this. Writing desks have many different sub types, but even for something like these specific types of writing desks, there are many different types. There are the writing desks made completely with the fancy wood, others that are only finished with it, and that doesn't even cover antique vs. new or dark cherry vs. light cherry. There are many different types of furniture, and even with something as specific as cherry wood writing desks, it's important to look around for the piece of furniture that will best suit your needs since not all cherry writing desks are created equal.