Secretary Desk - space saving with style

A secretary desk is an excellent way to add organization and tidiness to your home. A secretary desk is traditionally a fancy wood construct, largely resembling a hutch or dresser with a cabinet on top.  Designed for storage, the desk itself is “convertible,” usually with a drop down hinged desk top writing surface, which reveals a storage compartment behind.  A lower chest of drawers, along with the hutch top adds ample storage space, and the entire unit is typically half as wide as a normal desk, adding to its space saving “convertible” design.  These desks work well in areas where space is a premium, where occasional use is generally expected, and style and neatness is required.

The name “secretary desk,” is a bit of a misnomer, as professional secretaries would rarely use a desk such as this.  Some models are also known as “mechanical desks,” when various mechanical slider support systems were implemented when opening and closing the unit.  Most antique units, however, will require the user to manually pull out the slider planks to support the desktop.  These desks are very popularly sought after antiques today, and can be very valuable.

In the modern world, secretary desk units are still widely popular; however, the uses have grown wider.  Still a space saving “hutch cabinet” design, a full sized modern secretary desk can be found for under $300 online, with excellent build quality.  Obviously pricing can range well into the thousands of dollars, as style, makes and qualities vary wildly. 

Typically, you will see hinge top desk lids still widely available, either with a wood slat support system or with small chains attached and angled from above.  The roll top secretary desk variations are still popular and offer a unique styling, if not quite as much practicality.

Letter writing on paper is a thing of the past for most, but a secretary desk is just as relevant today as ever with the advent of computers, and largely the space saving LCD monitor.  These desks are commonly used as space saving, “hideaway” computer desks.  A laptop can easily fit within the flip down compartment space, as can a modern monitor and with the keyboard being pulled out once the desk top lid is pulled down.  The computer box itself, depending on its size, may have to be stored in the cabinetry below.

Nextag.com, along with many other online retailers, have a huge selection of secretary desks available to browse through.  Your local furniture stores are bound to carry a small assortment of these as well; and don’t forget to check Ikea!!  Antique units will be far more specific and specialized, however.