What Is A Secretary Desk?

The secretary desk is an antique style of desk that (to the untrained eye) does not look like a desk at all. However, in terms of maximizing space, the secretary desk is tough to beat. While secretary desks can come in many different types of styles, they are generally made up of 4 distinct parts – a base, small desktop storage units, a hinged writing platform, and the over-the-desk storage armoire.

The base (part 1) of a secretary desk is often a set of wide drawers much like a small clothes dresser that reaches to the seated height. Sitting atop the base are desktop storage units (part 2), which can include small drawers, mail sorting slots or other useful organizational features.

Attached between the base and the desktop storage units is a hinged writing platform (part 3). When the hinged writing platform is open, the secretary desk looks most like a desk – you can pull up a chair and comfortably write on the flat surface. When the hinged writing platform is closed, it folds up to hide the small desktop storage units. (It is easy to keep a clean desk with a secretary desk as you can simply close the writing platform!)

Finally, the classic secretary desk also has an over-the-desk storage armoire (part 4). It is generally a set of bookshelves (sometimes drawers can go here as well), that have doors to close when they are not in use. Often, modern and commercially available secretary desks omit this over-the-desk storage armoire. The inclusion (or exclusion) of this storage area can be a matter of personal preference. A secretary desk with a large top part may seem imposing in a room with low ceilings, or someone with large storage needs may appreciate the extra space the top storage can provide.

Though it has many variations, the classic design of secretary desks is a very clean look that is both aesthetically pleasing and very functional – especially in tight spaces!