Real Wood Writing Desks: Choose the Real Thing

Real Wood for Real Writing Desks

There are many opinions out there when it comes to finding a good writing desk, and one question that pops up frequently is whether or not getting an old fashioned wood writing desk made from real timber is the right way to go, or whether wood panel and other substitutes work just as well. While manufacturers of the cheap stuff and big retail stores like Wal Mart and Office Max might want you to believe that reproduction writing desks are just fine, most experts on quality furniture are going to disagree vehemently.

If you want a truly great writing desk that is going to be functional, beautiful, and stand the test of time, then you need one that is built from more materials. Not fiber board, plywood, synthetic plastic or any of that other rubbish. Real wood when treated properly can last for literally centuries. There are many antique desks floating around that are from hundreds of years ago and still look very good - and with an additional regal flair that most modern pieces lack nowadays.

There are many options when it comes to what type of wood writing desks that you want. One of the keys is to know ahead of time what sort of aesthetic appearance you're aiming for. When you're in the store and checking out furniture, remember not to compare desks to each other as far as appearance without first thinking about how it is going to fit with whatever room or office you are going to place that desk in. This is a major key. A mahogany desk might seem perfect in the store, but will it fit into an oak based home office? Probably not. Ditto with going the other way around.

So a few of the common and popular choices:

Oak writing desks. These are kind of the classic, never go out of style dependable models. Oak can be stain treated to look darker than its regular grain, or it can be kept fairly light with a non stain finish. Oak desks are going to be heavier than many other options because oak is a very dense and heavy wood by nature. But they are also strong and sturdy. A good oak desk that is properly taken care of should easily last decades, and if it is very well treated, even a century or more. There are very few timber that can even remotely compare with oak when it comes to durability and reliability.

Rosewood writing desks. Rosewood writing desks are on the other end of the spectrum. This isn't to say they can't last - many of the most popular antique writing desks are made from rosewood of some kind, and they were exquisitely cared for because the beauty and expense of the wood made that an absolute necessity. These desks tend to be among the most expensive because the wood is rare, and traditionally a writing desk made from this material has impressive artistic work to make sure to make the most out of it.

Cherry writing desks. Cherry wood writing desks are made from cherry, which is a very popular choice because of its smooth grain patterns and beautiful darker coloring. Cherry can take stain very well, or it can also be left alone and sealed for a unique but still impressive looking piece. These desks are a little more sensitive to wear and tear, meaning if there is going to be a lot of rough and consistent moving, then a different choice like oak or walnut might be a better over all choice.

This is just scratching the surface. Entire books could be written about the sheer number of different timber and options that are available to people who are looking for a real wood writing desk. This blog post will have to stay a little bit shorter than that, but hopefully with this post you have a really good idea of the many available options that you have when it comes to picking out the perfect and ideal writing desk, whether that is a quality wood model that stands the test of time, or you'll be forgiven even if we can't talk you out of a cheap writing desk, instead.

Drop Lid Writing Desks

The Drop Lid Writing Desk

Drop lid writing desks offer a variety of advantages to the purchaser and user of these fine desks. First, these desks can be aesthetically pleasing. Made from fine, quality woods such as oak a drop lid writing desk add vibrancy and a classic look to the room which they adorn. Painters need canvas and craftsman need wood; the lid and the sides of the desk can be adorned with beautiful and intricate patterns.

Drop lid writing desks utilize old-fashioned space saving technology. The drop lid writing desk features a lid that drops down toward the writer, hence the writing surface of the desk is the opposite side of the lid. When not in use this means the drop lid writing desks can take up substantially less floor space than a modern desk offering up the equivalent writing surface space.

The drop lid writing desk opens to reveal a powerhouse of organization. Inside can be found cubbies, nooks, and crannies for all your office supplies. Many people appreciate this style of desk for organizing and paying bills but it is useful for so much more. If a laptop or small desktop computer is housed in the desk as well the drop lid can protect it from sun damage as well.

The closable lid provides just an added measure of privacy. Even a person who is well intentioned has eyes that wander. It’s just the nature of how the human brain gathers information. Anything of a personal or sensitive nature that you don’t want seen is readily concealed behind the ornately carved drop lid. This lid can also be locked for additional security.

Drop lid writing desks should be considered by any person who needs a finely crafted desk to organize a modern workload and budget. In addition anyone who needs a desk that saves space and keep sensitive documents hidden should look more into buying drop lid writing desks.

White Writing Desks: Writing Desks for Decoration

More on White Writing Desks

While there has already been one post on white writing desks on this blog, there are enough people online who are searching for information that it seemed like a really good time to put up another subject post on the matter. These types of desks are not the most common, seeing as how in actual offices there is definitely not a high demand for painted office furniture, but either for the gray cookie cutter writing desks that you might see in a cubicle, or for the classic wood desks or wood finish desks.

So why would anyone want a white writing desk? Well this is actually a good question, and one that might partially be answered by another popular search: "antique white writing desks." Many of these desks were designed for children as decorations, hence the reason they would be painted white. This also means that some antique white writing desks are seen as collectible or valuable because if you trace back their history enough you will find they belonged to a well off or maybe even a royal family.

White desks are popular in general because they are often specifically aimed at kids. Having furniture that makes a little girl's or little boy's room look really nice while also giving them a place to write, read, draw, and play is a bonus for everyone involved. White writing desks for kdis can often be some of the best furniture for this function that you'll end up finding.

While white writing desks aren't for everyone, there are many writing desks that can fill in for whatever your individual needs are. Beyond that, take a look around for the piece of office furniture that serves your needs best and you'll be sure not to be disappointed.

Solid Wood Writing Desks

Though each writer is different and inspiration can strike anytime and anywhere, creating a writing space around a solid wood writing desk can be just the thing needed to focus and funnel your thoughts onto paper. Solid wood writing desks have been around for centuries boasting dozens of different designs and wood materials used. Walking the line between elegance and functionality many modern desks are still based off the antique designs.

Dating back to the 1600’s is one of the earliest known samples of writing desks in the Jacobean style. The Jacobean style of desk was typically crafted out of walnut or oak, had a dark finish with a medieval appearance, straight lines and was usually adorned with carvings of acorns or geometric designs.

After the Jacobean style came a number of other desk designs, beginning with the William and Mary style. More ornate than the Jacobean design it featured Dutch and Chinese influences. It had a lacquered finish and trumpet-turned legs ending in a ball, or clawed foot. These desks were commonly made from black walnut, ebony or holly and provided a graceful or refined look. Other styles include Queen Anne, Georgian, Chippendale, Sheraton, Shaker, Victorian, and Arts and Crafts.

While the styles changed by era one thing remained constant. Solid wood writing desks were hand crafted by master cabinet makers for the homes and offices of the affluent. This trend continued on into the Industrial Revolution even though wood desks were by then being mass produced by machine and unskilled labor.

Whether antique or modern a solid wood writing desk can add beauty and functionality into your office or home. Whether it is a symbol of status or form allowing for function or a combination thereof a solid wood writing desk can last long enough to become a family heirloom and can stick around for generations.

Evolution of the Writing Desk

The Writing Desk's Evolution

From the early years of scribes to the models of today the evolution of the writing desk has been important in adapting and designing new desks to meet the needs of the writer. The evolution of the writing desk really took off during the Victorian era in Great Britain and later periods in the United States. Many contemporary writing desks are based off of antique designs.

The first writing desks weren’t really recognizable as desks. It was essentially a portable box with a sloped hinge lid containing the scribe’s tools of the trade. On location this box was placed on a table or platform for the scribe to write. The first mention of a desk wasn’t found until 1450.

Around 1660 the scribe’s desk became affixed to a stand, first temporary then permanent. This was the basic model of a clerk’s desk. Adding drawers to the clerk’s desk gave way to the design known as the bureau. From late 17th Century France came the roll-top bureau or cylinder desk with a roll down top made from wood slats glued to cloth as opposed to the sloped lid.

Near 1700 came the next phase in the evolution of the writing desk known as the knee-hole writing desk. Usually containing a cupboard in the back of the knee-hole it allowed the writer comfort, freedom of movement and plenty of storage space for writing supplies and personal effects. It was around this time as well that desks took on more decorative ornamentation.

During the Regency period of England a cabinet maker named Chippendale introduced the Serpentine Fronted Knee-hole Desk which became the branching off point of several later designs. As writing desks became common in Europe each country adapted their own style of writing desk, and some designs were developed in the United States, most notable the Shaker design, and the Arts and Crafts design which noted a reversal in the ornate decorating of desks and called for a more back to basics style.

While writing desks have changed over the centuries the certainty is that they have adapted to meet the needs of the writer and it is certain that the evolution of writing desks will continue into the future.

Pine Writing Desks | Pine Wood Writing Desks

Finding a Quality Pine Writing Desk

There are many different cheaply made writing desks on the market in your local discount stores. These constructions are designed to hold a computer and the other trappings of the home office. While these desks may be low priced and affordable on any budget, they are often not the best value for your money. Saving your money and buying higher quality pine writing desks is a much more practical choice for your home office.

When you consider the life of the cheaper computer desks on the market, you are likely to be replacing the desk every few years as it deteriorates and becomes damaged. In the long run, you will end up spending much more money on these desks than you would if you bought a quality desk the first time.

Pine writing desks are a fine choice for your home office that will not cost too much money for those on a budget. They may be more expensive than the fiberboard constructions that are available everywhere, but they are not the most expensive type of wood for you to use in your home. The difference in the fiberboard desks and the quality solid pine desks will become apparent within a few short years. While you still may be able to use your cheaper desk, the look will become significantly diminished as it ages and your everyday use causes damage.

Shop around when you are looking for pine writing desks. You can find a good price on these pieces if you take the time to do a little comparison shopping. You might also be able to find a second hand desk that still has many more years left in it. A fiberboard writing desk is not recommended for a second hand purchase. Look for solid construction and fine materials used for the hardware on the pine writing desks as well. A well cared for piece will last in your family for generations.

True Antique Writing Desks

Looking for True Antique Writing Desks

The antique writing desk that you put in your home can be used for a variety of purposes. Many people put these beautiful pieces in their home for the decorative effect that they can have on a room and others actually enjoy using their desk. If you are in the market for one of these beauties, there are a few things that you should keep in mind.

Deal with a reputable antiques dealer when you are searching for the right antique writing desk. The pieces that you find may be stunning, but they may not be antique desks at all. While it is perfectly acceptable to put a reproduction in your home, you should be aware of it and not spend too much money on something that is not as valuable as the real thing.

Take the time to do a little research on the desks that you are interested in buying so that you will know one when you see it. You may not be able to become an expert in antique furnishings, but you can learn to detect a fake when you see one. There is some wonderful material available that will help you spot a fake when you are searching for antiques, and that way you know you have the real thing when you get your antique writing desk.

It is also possible for the antiques dealer to be fooled if they do not have the expertise to recognize a real antique writing desk. That is why you should always check the reputation of the dealer to be sure that they are experienced and reputable. Delving into the world of antiques is a fun hobby to get started in and your antique writing desk can be the first piece that you acquire. Before you know it, you will have a home full of beautiful pieces that you have collected during your trips to the antique shops.

What is a Modern Writing Desk?

What Do Modern Writing Desks Look Like?

Today’s modern writing desks are typically used for a computer or other pieces of electronic equipment. Often times it seems that the modern writing desk today is really nothing more than a normal office desk or a computer stand or cart. However, you can create your own modern writing desk that is not the typical computer desk that you see today.

There are some wonderful styles of desks available that are not made from the same materials that you find in the local discount store. Desks made of stainless steel or with thick heavy glass are more eye catching and unique than the run of the mill styles that are common today. These desks are usually available in specialty furniture stores that create unique styles of furnishings for those who are interested in something out of the ordinary.

It is possible to create something on your own that takes the place of the modern writing desk. Some have gotten very creative in making their own furnishings and desks using some materials that may have never been thought of for office furniture before. The steel taken from a classic automobile would certainly make a fine looking and unusual modern writing desk. The hood or trunk of a big old classic would certainly catch a lot of attention in your office.

Today’s modern writing desk can certainly show a bit more creativity than we have seen in the furniture stores lately. To have one of these unusual and stunning desks in your home, you might just have to do it yourself, or find a furniture builder who shares your vision. There is no need to have the same old computer cart that everyone else has in their home. Use your imagination and create the desk that you want out of the materials that you want. All it really takes is a little imagination and some furniture building skills.

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.

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.

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.