Relevant categories: Desks
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At Canonbury Antiques we have a large range of French antique bureau plats. These wonderful pieces of furniture were designed to function as writing tables or desks and are hence very practical and great for contemporary interiors. As a classic writing table the bureau plat will have a series of desks right under the surface of the table - the type of drawer, if you are like me you end up storing everything you do not know where else to put. Some of the older antique models may have divisions for an inkewll and blotter.
Lovely French Empire writing table, handy brass trim
What is great about these French antique bureau plats is that they have a slightly more refined look than their English cousins such as partners and pedestal desks which are heavier looking. For an interiors driven look the bureau plats are perfect with the thinner legs and table tops. Another advantage is that they can be admired from all angles and hence make a great piece for putting in the middle of a room. Of course, from a practical purpose they also have a large writing surface often covered in leather and hence they are ideal for a home office set up.
Dainty looking antique desk with floral inlay work
We have various styles and ages of French antique bureau plats, including French Empire, Louis XVI, Napoleon III and a couple of versions in the Boulle manner. Typically they will have ormolu mounts and fixtures including sabots to the leg, table top protectors, handles, locks and a trim to the drawers. Another common design motif would of course be the classically curved cabriole legs. The most common wood use would be kingwood and a number of versions of these writing tables would have intricate marquetry inlay.
Very clean and minimal look to this Empire desk with leather writing surface
Due to our regular buying trips to France, specifically the Paris antiques markets, our stock of French antique bureau plats is regularly changing . If there is a specific look or type of desk you are after let us know and we can do our best to source it as we work very closely with interior designers. One of the rarer types of desk would be the bureau a gradin which will have additional drawers above the writing surface, much like the classic Carlton House desk. A smaller version of this would be the popular bonheur du jour which has a much more delicate look. The bureau de dame would be another popular style of French desk of which we have a number.
Many of these French antique bureau plats are on display in our Canonbury Antiques Hertfordshire showroom so please get in touch for an appointment. We are conveniently located just 25 minutes north of London in the leafy Hertfordshire countryside. We also specialise in classic English dining furniture, art deco, continental antiques, bronzes, architectural and everything interiors.
Please enjoy some videos of a selection from our range of antique bureau plats from the Canonbury Antiques YouTube channel:
Antique French Empire Bureau P...
French Empire Bureau Plat Desk...
French Empire Desk Writing Tab...
A bonheur du jour is a variety of a lady’s writing desk with drawers, a top, and a pair of cabinets
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"Queen Anne" is one of the most significant furniture styles of the 18th century. It is named after Queen Anne, who reigned over England, Ireland, and Scotland between 1702 and 1714.