{"id":355,"date":"2014-12-03T16:19:27","date_gmt":"2014-12-03T16:19:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.regentantiques.com\/blog\/?p=355"},"modified":"2019-04-10T08:52:18","modified_gmt":"2019-04-10T08:52:18","slug":"functional-stylish-antique-desks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.regentantiques.com\/blog\/functional-stylish-antique-desks\/","title":{"rendered":"Functional and Stylish Antique Desks"},"content":{"rendered":"

A guide to investing in a superb and substantial showpiece antique desk to enhance your home or office.<\/h1>\n

\"Functional<\/a>In the digital age our offices and desks are everywhere and follow us around at all times on mobile phones, laptops, tablets and in the cloud.<\/h2>\n

But in simpler, less hurried times our predecessors went to their non-virtual office or study where the centrepiece was a functional and sometimes highly decorative antique desk. \u00a0As well as a flat writing surface these desks offered drawers, storage compartments, pen holders, cubby holes, ink wells and also could feature intricate and detailed wood carving, beautiful craftsmanship, fabulous inlays, marquetry and veneers (using contrasting exotic woods such as ebony, rosewood, cheery and tulipwood), and sometimes even mirrored or stained glass ornamentation.<\/p>\n

\"Functional<\/a>Types of antique desks<\/h3>\n

Secretary desk<\/b> \u2013 a very popular style with a drop down surface with the partition slanted when closed. \u00a0Concealed behind the drop down are drawers, ink wells etc.<\/p>\n

Flat Desk<\/b> \u2013 these are generally larger and heavier than the secretary desk and comprise a flat working surface with drawers underneath, often with ornate carvings and decorative legs.<\/p>\n

Partner Desk<\/b> \u2013 a variation of the flat desk which is large enough for two people to work together; one at each side of the desk.<\/p>\n

Roll Top<\/b> \u2013 a highly sought after and collectible version of the flat desk with a rolling door which slides up and down to access the storage area hidden behind the roll top.<\/p>\n

Lap Desks<\/b> \u2013 a small box with a lift up lid for travelling (or even working in bed).<\/p>\n

Captain\u2019s Desks <\/b>\u2013 highly decorated small desks from the cabin of a ship\u2019s captain, with hidden compartments underneath a flat hinged top.<\/p>\n

School Desks<\/b> \u2013 small, often infant size, desks with a built in seat and simple storage beneath a hinged sloping top with a built in ink well.<\/p>\n

\"Functional<\/a>Drafting Tables<\/b> \u2013 used by artists and draughtsmen with a sloping surface, no built in storage and simple wooden or metal legs.<\/p>\n

Periods of antique desks<\/h3>\n

Gothic<\/b> \u2013 late 16th\/ early 17th century \u2013 mainly oak with geometrical carvings and sometimes brightly coloured painted surfaces.<\/p>\n

Baroque<\/b> \u2013 mid 17th century \u2013 oak and walnut \u2013 flattened feet, arcade or geometric panels, rounded carvings and iron hinges and locks.<\/p>\n

Rococo<\/b> \u2013 late 17th\/ early 18th century \u2013 walnut or mahogany \u2013 featuring intricate garden or marine motifs, and arched, asymmetrical legs.<\/p>\n

Neo-classical<\/b> \u2013 mid 18th\/ early 19th century \u2013 mahogany \u2013 with claw and ball feet, ornamental carvings and Asian influenced designs.<\/p>\n

Regency<\/b> \u2013 mid 19th century \u2013 mahogany \u2013 strong Roman, Greek and Egyptian influences and characteristic metal decorations.<\/p>\n

Victorian<\/b> \u2013 late 19th century \u2013 mahogany \u2013 substantial pieces which were more mass produced and very often highly decorative with strong Gothic designs.<\/p>\n

Art Nouveau<\/b> \u2013 early 20th century \u2013 mahogany – abstract floral designs with strong curves and geometry.<\/p>\n

Choosing your perfect antique desk<\/h3>\n

Like much antique furniture desks will have been subject to wear and tear and may well have been damaged and repaired with items such as locks or drawer pulls particularly likely to have been replaced.<\/p>\n

Look for the maker\u2019s mark to determine provenance, manufacturer and age. \u00a0This mark may be on the desk itself or on some item of hardware such as a lock. \u00a0Be wary of alterations which may affect value especially any replacement hardware, wood or stain. \u00a0The feet of a desk can give a good indication of condition and collectability as rotten wood in feet is often replaced.<\/p>\n

At Regent Antiques<\/a> we carry an extensive range of really special antique desks and writing tables in beautiful condition. \u00a0Our dedicated workshop can carry out careful and professional restoration \u00a0where necessary to ensure that you are only buying the best \u2013 details of our current inventory is on our website<\/a> or you can email or call for further details.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A guide to investing in a superb and substantial showpiece antique desk to enhance your home or office. In the digital age our offices and desks are everywhere and follow us around at all times on mobile phones, laptops, tablets and in the cloud. But in simpler, less hurried times our predecessors went to their […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":358,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-355","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\nFunctional and Stylish Antique Desks - Regent Antiques<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A guide to investing in a superb and substantial showpiece antique desk to enhance your home or office. 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