When you think of a French desk, you may picture an elegant and luxurious piece of furniture that exudes sophistication and charm. Indeed, the French desk has a long and rich history dating back to the 17th century when it first gained popularity in France.
The French desk, also known as a bureau, is characterized by its ornate design and intricate detailing. It typically features a slant-top or flat top writing surface, drawers for storage, and sometimes a hutch or bookcase on top. The legs of a French desk are often cabriole, which curve outward in an elegant and graceful manner.
One of the most iconic styles of French desks is the Louis XV desk, which emerged during the reign of King Louis XV in the early 18th century. This style is characterized by its curvaceous lines, floral motifs, and richly carved detailing. Louis XV desks are often made from exotic woods such as mahogany or rosewood, and are adorned with ormolu mounts and marquetry inlays.
Another popular style of French desk is the Louis XVI desk, which emerged during the reign of King Louis XVI in the late 18th century. This style is known for its neoclassical influence, featuring straight lines, geometric shapes, and simple, elegant design. Louis XVI desks are typically made from lighter woods such as walnut or cherry, and are often embellished with delicate marquetry and painted motifs.
French desks have not only served as functional pieces of furniture for writing and storage, but have also been symbols of wealth and status. In the 18th and 19th centuries, owning a French desk was a sign of social standing and sophistication, with many pieces being commissioned by royalty and aristocracy.
Today, French desks continue to be prized for their timeless beauty and elegance. While antique French desks can be quite valuable and sought after by collectors, there are also many modern interpretations of this classic style available on the market.
Whether you prefer a Louis XV desk with its ornate detailing and curvaceous lines, or a Louis XVI desk with its sleek and understated design, the French desk is a timeless piece of furniture that adds a touch of luxury and sophistication to any space. Its rich history and intricate design make it a true masterpiece of French craftsmanship.
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A French landing desk is more than a practical piece of furniture for drawing documents, paying bills, or writing quick notes. It’s a handsome indication of your fashion sense and style. While the wood tones and features vary from unit to unit, almost all of them have one thing in common: the beauty of the French provincial style.
If you’re looking for a piece of furniture that will inspire and motivate you to live the “French” way, check out one of the top 10 French desks listed below:
Thetford desk
This two-drawer unit is a French desk with a modern twist and allows you to easily convert any room into a workstation. At 30.5 “H x 42.5” W x 23 “D it may be small and compact, but it’s definitely wide enough for you to comfortably write or work on your laptop with ease.
The practical pull-out drawers are useful for storing office supplies and making sure that certain items are easily accessible. The white patina of this French country desk can bet that it will add the perfect finishing touch to your home office interior.
French Quarter desk
This is a French provincial desk that has a lot of personality. With its solid wood construction, birch top and elegant silhouette, you can enjoy an office with a sophisticated atmosphere with this masterpiece of a desk. For that reason alone, it is difficult not to press this buy button!
We’re not done yet, however, as the unit’s extra drawer makes it the perfect vanity for your bedroom or bathroom! Since it blends in well with almost any traditional or classic interior, you won’t go wrong with this stylish, versatile table.
Secretary Home Office Desk
This French-style desk just screams opulence! It is the perfect desk for you if you are an old soul with a love for all beautiful things. The hidden details, the high-quality solid wood construction and the authentic metal handles give the desk the personality that makes it a great statement. There are even loads of drawers and cubbies to boot into.
So before you come up with the best setting for your brand new romance novel, first create your own perfect work environment with this stately French-style desk. It measures 41 “W x 23” D x 42 “H and comes with easy-to-follow instructions for quick assembly.
Art Deco French desk
This stunning Angelette desk by Willa Arlo Interiors is undoubtedly a real eye-catcher! The wooden frame and the mirror plates in combination with subtle details in silver give every room a touch of elegance and Art Deco style.
Since this piece is versatile, you can use it as a new dressing table. With its mid-century modern and Art Deco vibe, it definitely cannot be said that it is a piece of furniture that represents style, fashion and taste. Just like the styles that inspired this table, it will continue to be trendy and regal for years to come.
Pinkerton desk
If you need a workstation, get this French-inspired Pinkerton desk from Lark Manor. We can recommend this option to practically everyone as it has a simple and functional design that keeps the user focused on each task.
This home office part was made of real rubber wood and provided with silver pulls for the drawer. It features sculptural legs, a solid color finish, and clean lines that go well with any interior space.
This French desk is more than just shape or style. It emphasizes usefulness as it provides storage space for storing files and writing accessories. Let this table be the focal point for your creative onslaught.
Rogero French Provincial Writing Desk
Serene style, cool sophistication and a restrained authority come from this French desk, a creation by Wholesale Interiors. From afar, you already know that this is a stylish writing or work surface, made from both real and manufactured wood, with carefully carved, fluted legs, white lacquer, and a weathered oak top.
Every single detail of this desk, including the rustic iron handle, has been carefully considered to give it its worthy appeal. In addition, the drawer offers sufficient space for storing devices and office supplies.
You can also use the space to store papers, files, and pens if your technique or style is more conventional. If there’s a desk that easily fits into a classic farmhouse or traditional home, this is it.
Geernium 2 drawer desk
The calming balance and symmetry flow into your space from the design of this French desk. It might just be a piece of furniture for you, but it can add a luxurious touch to your home office, inspired by the coveted Old World style.
This desk features white striped natural veneer, a Mindi wood top and two spacious drawers to keep your workstation neat and organized. The gently worn finish of the Geernium 2 gives it a vintage, heirloom-like character that makes the piece suitable for your traditionally designed home, shabby chic cottage or country estate.
Since it is on the small side, measuring exactly 30.2 “H x 39.5” W x 19.75 “D, it is a French desk designed for home use only.
Andrey desk
With the French provincial influence, the Beachcrest Home Audrey desk is both beautiful and practical. The extraordinary details in addition to the soft finish illustrate the European character of the piece and allow it to be adapted to a wide variety of home or living room furniture.
Whether you want to check off tasks from your daily to-do lists or express your thoughts in your journal, the Audrey desk makes it simple, chic and elegant. The storage compartments also keep your pens and paper blocks close at hand in case you develop new concepts and ideas. At 30 “H x 42” W x 24 “D, it’s the perfect solution for small spaces.
Kaitlyn desk
You will be amazed by the ingenious design, the vintage-inspired silhouette and the minimalist ambience of this French desk. It’s a desk with a generous surface area that provides space for writing and working, while the drawers sit on metal slides for easy access rather than just storage and organization.
Made from a combination of metal and wood, this desk features a tubular frame, dark tobacco and industrial gray surfaces, and a sturdy worktop. Write, analyze data, edit, whatever you do, get it done in style with this masterpiece by Trent Austin Design. In fact, it looks as incredible in your entrance or hallway as it does in your work area!
Poynor desk
To do your best, it is important that you have a spacious area to put your thoughts on paper. With the Poynor desk you have a workstation with a solid oak surface and a metal frame. You can remember the traditional wealth and industrial practicality.
It even comes with a keyboard tray that has plenty of room for your keywords, pens, and supplies, in addition to having the technology always there when you need to work. When you’re resting between projects, the metal bar under your new desk invites you to finally put your feet up. This French desk is definitely functional, fashionable, and able to bring everyday style to your home.
Buying Tips: How to Pick the Right French Desk
Usage
To make sure you are picking the correct French style desk from the list you just checked out, consider the person who will be using the piece. If you want to give your daughter one for her rather small workspace, you want the desk that fits into the room without taking up too much space.
On the other hand, you may need a desk inspired by France to add substantial character to an otherwise empty space. If so, then get hold of the device that has the greatest impact on the space, like the French Quarter Writing Desk or the L ‘Escritoire Secretary Home Office Desk, which also have ample storage space to keep bills in while they are being processed waiting for you to fix them.
style
French desks can have a more traditional or more contemporary feel. Which do you think is best for your space? Solid wood with a smooth surface to emphasize the grain is usually best for classic / traditional spaces. If that’s not what you want, you might want the updated version of a French provincial desk like the Thetford Writing Desk or the Andrey Writing Desk.
Regardless of which style you’re interested in, whether specialized, space-saving, contemporary, rustic or classic, make sure your desk matches your decor.
warehouse
While the main role of a French desk is to provide you with a comfortable place to sit and work on a task, it has a secondary purpose of providing you with storage space for office supplies. There is no standard number of storage compartments for desks. So your decision depends on how much storage you need.
Some French desks, like the L ‘Escritoire Secretary Home Office Desk, have shelves, shelves, and drawers for each of your storage needs. There are also units with designs that are specifically designed to give you a work surface.
When you need constant or quick access to materials necessary to get your work done, such as: For example, pencils, pads of paper, and folders, you’ll need at least one drawer on your desk. However, you need to make sure that the slots added to your device do not encroach on your work area. The best desk with storage space still offers plenty of writing / work space.
price
Price is one of the important things to keep in mind when purchasing a French desk. You can save money by purchasing a ready-to-assemble desk (RTA). Although DIY assembly is required, the RTA units listed above can be set up in less than an hour so you don’t have to worry.
To ensure your RTA desk will last longer, glue the sides of the desk together while you secure the screws. This technique ensures you have the most durable and stable desk available. You don’t have to glue anything with pre-assembled desks. However, it is worth adding reinforcements, especially if you have children who have a tendency to climb on pieces of furniture.