An Overview of Writing Desks

 

Writing desks add a touch of elegance to any home. They can be used in practically any room in the house, including the living room, dining room, family room, den, home office, or bedroom. Writing desks aren’t just attractive, either. They can be very functional, too.

 

What are writing desks?

 

Put quite simply, writing desks are desks that are used for writing. The original writing desks had a hole in the top for the ink well. The ink well was usually located at the top right-hand corner of the desk top. Since most people are right-handed, this made it easy for the writer to dip his quill into the ink to enable him to write.

 

Writing desks are almost always made of wood. The most popular types of wood used in the construction or writing desks are oak, pine, elm, cherry, camphor, and walnut. Stains and finishes vary.

 

Different types of writing desks

 

There are several different types of writing desks, and many different periods are represented. You can find writing desks in a plain Shaker or mission style, Queen Anne, Colonial, Baroque, French provincial, and contemporary, among others.

 

A basic writing desk might just be a small desk with four legs. A drawer is often found under the top surface, which is used for storing pens, paper, and stationery.

 

Another type of writing desk is called a secretary. A secretary is larger and more elaborate that a basic writing desk. It usually has numerous small drawers and compartment shelves. The writing surface often lifts up to a closed position when the desk is not in use. Some secretary writing desks have enclosed bottom sections with added storage space.

 

Roll-top desks are perhaps the most popular type of writing desks. These have a round louvered top that opens and closes. Inside the desk are shelves, compartments, and/or drawers. There’s also usually a drawer underneath the desk and along both sides of the bottom portion of the desk.

 

An executive writing desk is a large, heavy writing desk with multiple drawers, along with an expansive work space on the desk top. The drawers are often deep enough to hold files.

 

How much do writing desks cost?

 

Writing desks vary widely in price, depending on style, size, and the type of wood used for construction. To give you an example, you can find a simple writing desk made of hardwood for under $200. A small secretary with ornately carved wood and cabriolet legs can be found for under $400, while most executive writing desks cost over $1,000.

 

If you’re into antiques and want an authentic historical writing desk, the price could be in the thousands. Pricing for antiques depends largely on the rarity of the piece, its condition, and the demand for the specific period.

 

Where to find writing desks

 

If you’ve decided to grace your home with a writing desk, you’ll find a few at your local furniture stores. The prices quoted above are from online stores, where you’ll find the best prices and the largest selection of writing desks.