The Secretary

The Secretary is a piece historically called escritoire that started as a writing surface in 17th century Europe.  It became popular in the 1800's and 1900's in England, France and the U.S. with a bookcase or cabinet on top.

The Secretary is one of my personal favorite pieces of furniture.  The writing surface folds up and conceals storage and the work area. It doubles as a bookcase and writing surface in compact areas and can be placed in living rooms, libraries or almost anywhere because it is simply a beautiful and historical piece.

I also love it for it's versatility in use.  In addition to using for its historical desk purposes consider using it in one of the following ways:

•  In a dining or breakfast area as a buffet and china cabinet.  Use it for displaying desserts or beverages and the storage on top for china or treasured pieces and table linen in the drawers below.  

•  It can also be used as an accent piece in an entry of a home and doubles as a writing surface/mail station and/or storage for keys, etc. 

• In a bedroom or guest room as a bedside table.  Store books on top; store blankets and throws in the bottom drawers; leave it open and have a reading lamp on the writing surface; and of course doubles as a desk.

• In a bedroom or vanity area as a vanity or dressing area.  Include a vanity mirror and lamp and you've got yourself a perfect vignette.

Consider adding an unexpected spin by putting a lamp on the surface, a vase with flowers, decorative bookends, the possibilities are almost endless.  Enjoy the images below: