I came across this beautiful chinoiserie secretary by Ralph Lauren and thought I’d follow up on my earlier blog post, Working From Your Home Situation in March, regarding desks in particular. In my office I actually have two desks, one of which is a secretary. I forgot all about it as I always keep it closed, but seeing the RL piece reminded me of my second desk option.
The singular beauty of the classic secretary of course is that it’s virtually an office with everything all in one compact cabinet. So, if you’re short on space this is the ideal solution. It’s also an elegant statement piece that will fit equally well in a contemporary, transitional or traditional style interior.
I’ve focused on antique pieces as they’re relatively inexpensive and as a decorative element, a well chosen antique will always elevate your room.
Here’s the Secretary with the forgotten drop-front writing desk in my office…considering how much time I now spend working from home, a second desk location is a very welcome change
An antique mahogany secretary that’s very similar to mine shown in the previous photo - Chairish
Federal-style mahogany Secretary - Chairish
1852 French Empire secretary - Chairish
This masterpiece ‘Architettura’ Trumeau ‘Curved Top’ is by Fornasetti - I love form meets function but can’t imagine actually writing on this work of art, but for those who can pop onto 1st Dibs
French mid-20th Century Secretary curio cabinet with drop front writing desk - 1st Dibs