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Everything You Should Know About the Secretaire Bookcase

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Relevant categories: Bookcases

Date
Jun
16
2022

To View Our Range Of Secretaire Bookcase Please Click Here

Regency Bookcase Secretaire Desk Antique Mahogany

( Above Photo: Regency Bookcase Secretaire Desk Antique Mahogany )

Are you a collector of an exquisite antique? Or, are you looking to furnish your home or office with a unique furniture piece? The secretaire bookcase is one furniture piece you cannot afford to ignore. Having existed since Thomas Chippendale first designed it in the 18th century, it can provide ample storage space and elegant furnishing.

After designing the secretaire bookcase, Chippendale used mahogany to make it. Thus, several of the original secretaire bookcases exist in a condition that is good enough to be helpful. However, you can also purchase a reproduction of an original bookcase.

Features of the Secretaire Bookcase

Sheraton Secretaire Bookcase Antique Mahogany Desk 1910

( Above Photo: Sheraton Secretaire Bookcase Antique Mahogany Desk 1910 )

The secretaire bookcase was made in two pieces that can look spectacularly elegant regardless of where you place it. It stood nearly eight feet high, providing storage space for books, stationery, and other writing materials.

Today, the secretaire bookcase is helpful in storing china, collectibles, and other important relics. It comes with numerous drawers, several shelves, and pigeon holes perfect for storing all kinds of bits and pieces.

A typical Chippendale secretaire desk has a rectangular fluted frieze with floral paterae. Above it, a turned foliate finial is at the center of a dentil-molded pediment. The upper portion of the desk has two glazed panel cupboard doors.

Some of the most notable carvings included husk swags, anthemion, and acanthus leaves. The secretaire drawer is lined with leather to provide a smooth writing surface. One must pull the secretaire drawer out to get a good writing surface.

History of the Secretaire Desk

Georgian Secretaire Bookcase Desk Mahogany 1800

( Above Photo: Georgian Secretaire Bookcase Desk Mahogany 1800 )

The earliest secretaire desks were designed and made in France mid-18th century. They were made from one piece with two pieces attached. The lower section had a cupboard compartment that was opened and closed using sliding or solid doors that hid the drawers. However, at times, the drawers would be in plain view.

In the upper section, the secretaire bookcase had a lower drop front to provide a writing surface. Once opened, the writing surface revealed an inner compartment with drawers, pigeon holes, recesses, and other receptacles for paper, documents, ink, etc.

The latter secretaire bookcases had the same form but several variations, including mirror doors in the upper front section. In the later decades, designers created space in the lower area for accommodating knees when writing. Thus, the drawers were on either side of the kneehole.

In the early 19th century, the designs became lighter and more elegant. Instead of a solid lower section, designers favored carved legs. With time, the secretaire bookcase became more of a table rather than a chest of drawers.

The upper part had a tambour top concealing pigeonholes and drawers. Ormolu and other metals gave the secretaire a sense of elegance that had not been seen before. Thus, it became a luxury object even as it remained highly functional.

 

Why Would You Buy a Secretaire Desk?

The secretaire desk is worth buying for anyone looking for an elegant, decorative piece of furniture. In addition, you can place it in your home or office to serve as storage for various items. So, don’t hesitate to make your order for a secretaire desk today!

 

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© - Canonbury Antiques - Redwell Wood Farm / Potters Bar / Herfordshine, EN6 3NA, UK

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Redwell Wood Farm / Potters Bar / Herfordshine, EN6 3NA, UK

Website Developed by Nulence