About Victorian Desks

Elegant and refined, Victorian desks are as popular today as they were during the 1800's. Initially used for writing and storage of paper and writing implements, they have become more useful pieces of furniture as student desks. Antique Victorian desks are available for collectors, but for others who are interested in owning a replica, they will find the desks are less expensive and can be purchased from most furniture stores.

History

The Victorian Era lasted from 1837 to 1901, with furniture taking on a more elegant look with curves and rolls. Desks and writing tables were extremely fashionable and varied. Victorian Walnut cylinder desks, secretary desks, plantation desks and pedestal desks are great examples of these period pieces. Some desks were embellished with hand painted floral designs, while others were simply stained and polished to a fine sheen. Victorian style desk design has lasted over the years and is still popular today, especially for young girls and women. These period pieces are graceful and make a charming addition to any home. Cylinder desks date to around 1865, with pedestal desks dating to around 1850. The Resolute Victorian desk has been used in the Oval Office by many U.S. presidents over the years. Queen Victoria gave one as a gift to President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1880.

Features

The Lynette secretary desk is a student-sized piece of furniture with three drawers, one under the other, with a pull-down writing surface, interior slot compartments and a cubbyhole for organization. The Resolute desk is a heavy rectangular desk with hand-carved designs all around the sides. Plantation desks come with pigeonholes and are more primitive in style. They have a pull-down desktop with storage areas and built-in slots and drawers. Under the pull-down desktop is a center drawer and the legs are turned wood.

Benefits

Since storage was a precious commodity during Victorian times, these desks had ample space for keeping important papers, stationery and writing implements. The desks offered privacy and neatness as well as being a useful piece of furniture. They could be locked with a key to ensure the safety of their contents.

Considerations

Modern day manufacturing of Victorian style writing desks, or student desks, make it easier for purchase and still offers storage. The desks are offered in pieces and can be bought separately. The top of the desk, or cupboard, sits on the top edges of the desk itself and can be useful for storing books and other special items.
The Lynette desk is more compact and while it has three drawers, its writing space is smaller than a traditional desk top.

Geography

While the Victorian style started in England, it spread throughout Europe and the American colonies. Each country developed its own style of Victorian furniture. The French style of elegant furniture during that era was taken from the Louis kings' style of decor in the Versailles palace of the 17th and 18th centuries. Fancy turned legs of the desks and the contours of the desktops were enhanced by hand painted embellishments and designs.