Finding antique desks for sale can be frustrating if you don't have much knowledge about them. The lure of antique desks is that they offer way more than just functionality to a home... they add beauty and elegance, in addition to functionality.
The secretary desk was, at one time, so popular that it was simply known as a secretary. It is cherished by many antique hunters. The secretary desk has a hidden area behind a piece of flat wood. These desks can be very large and modern reproductions are typically much smaller than the ones made over a century ago.
Secretary Desks
More recent secretaries are constructed to be easily taken apart and they are not nearly as durable as the authentic ones.
Usually, a secretary has wide drawers with additional drawers that are small. There are sometimes cubbies, as well. This versatility lets an owner store many different kinds of items.
Another antique desk that is very popular with antique collectors is the roll-top desk. As with the secretary, the rolltop contains a hidden workspace. The main difference is that the cover on a roll-top rolls into the desk. Whereas a secretary must have any items removed from the top of it so it can close, the rolltop can close around items on top.
Another type of desk that is highly sought after by antique hunters is the rolltop desk. Like the secretary desk, the rolltop desk also has a hidden workspace. But, the cover of the rolltop desk rolls up into the desk itself. A secretary desk needs to have the items removed off of the top of it for it to close. The rolltop desk on the other hand, can close around the items that are on top of the desk.
A classic type of desk is the wooden antique desk. This type of desk is usually large with a flat or curved front. They are usually elaborately carved. They tend to be higher ticket items than secretary or roll-top desks due to their intricate carvings.
When desks were made over a century ago, manual labor was the primary concern. When they are made today, computers and spaghetti-like wiring are considered. Therefore, when purchasing an antique desk, you need to know what exactly you need it for.
Locating antique desks for sale is easier if your goal is to add the desk to your home, rather than to re-sell it for a profit. A desk that you buy to use can come with some imperfections and still be a great addition to your workspace... just make sure that the desk is sturdy with solid joints and that the drawers are undamaged and open and close without hassle.
The main purpose in buying an antique desk for your home is to give a classic look to a room. If you desire to have an office or work area with a traditional feel, then these kinds of antique desks are worth looking into.