Relevant categories: Desks
( Above Photo: French Bureau Plat Desk Empire )
The antique bureau was first designed and created in France before being adopted by English furniture makers. It features a slopping fall front, which mainly acts as a writing surface. With many great features, including ink wells, sliding bookends, pigeon holes, and small drawers, the bureau is highly functional.
However, given that the antique bureau was produced in varied periods, how do you know the right one to buy? This article describes antique bureaus from different periods to help you choose the right one. Read on for more information.
( Above Photo: French Bureau Plat Desk Antique 1900 )
The Georgian period spans over 100 years of continuous furniture-making. However, it was in the early 18th and early 17th centuries when the bureau came into existence. These furniture pieces were mainly made from mahogany, walnut, rosewood, etc.
These bureaus mainly had a pair of drawers at each level, providing adequate storage space for stationery and other items. The drawers have gilt bronze fixtures that create the perfect contrast with the dark wood. In a bid to sustain the large weight from the bureau and its contents, it had bracket legs.
Given that Victorian furniture makers tended to replicate furniture styles from the past, an antique bureau from this period has features from the Georgian era. They were mostly hand-crafted and made from walnut or mahogany.
The simple drop-front desk made it easier for secretaries and other office workers to carry out their work. It features two smaller drawers on top and two large ones below, providing plenty of storage space.
It is a highly-decorated piece of furniture that features beautiful inlays with motifs such as the urn and flowers. The gilt bronze handles are easier to pull and push the drawers back in.
( Above Photo: French Knee Hole Desk Empire Inlay )
The antique bureau can be traced back to furniture makers during the reign of King George I. Walnut was the main material for making furniture at that time, so this particular bureau is no exception. The George I antique bureau is both beautiful and high-functional.
It has a drop-front, which when open, reveals an interior with a massive writing surface. The bureau has short and long drawers to provide all the storage space you need for your items. It has secret nooks and crannies that you won’t see without opening the drop-front.
Before George I ascended to the throne, Queen Anne was the sovereign over England. During her reign, great furniture pieces were made, including the bureau. It featured different kinds of wood with some acting as veneers.
The bureau from this era will more likely have cross-branded drawers and an oak-lined, stepped interior. It was created to carry large weights, which is the reason it has bracket feet. The back board is made of solid wood unlike modern pieces which feature plywood.
( Above Photo: Regency Desk Mahogany Writing Table )
The Bottom Line
Are you looking for an antique bureau desk to buy? If so, then you should get a desk from any of the periods when they were made. We have a variety of antique bureaus I our showroom for your perusal and eventual purchase.
French Bureau Plat Desk Empire...
William IV Library Table Antiq...
George I Bureau Desk Walnut Ch...
Regency Carlton House Desk Mah...
Pier mirrors are handy decorative items which can increase the light and create an illusion of more space in a home. Having existed for centuries, these mirrors come in different shapes and sizes. Their designs and decorations also differ from one period to another.
French gilt arm chairs are some of the most exquisite furniture pieces ever created. They’re not only attractive but also very comfortable.
Period Regency furniture refer to the pieces produced during the Regency period, when the Prince Regent reigned over England in place of the indisposed King George IV. During that time, designers created several types of furniture, many of which are still available on the market today as antiques.