Secretary: modern furniture from the past (26 photos)

The popularity of vintage secretaries nowadays is based on their functionality. This furniture is used as a desk, chest of drawers and a small filing cabinet. Secret compartments and various locking systems reliably ensure their safety.

Historical information

The first secretaries were considered ladies' furniture. They were installed in the rooms of young girls and married women, who, sitting behind them, could easily write a note or letter, as well as do home accounting. Sometimes they were called bureau secretaries.

At the beginning of the 18th century, wooden secretaries began to be in demand as furniture for offices and living rooms. They were willingly used by doctors, since in their drawers and compartments it was easy to place not only instruments, medicines, mixtures, but also notebooks with notes, notepads and small reference books.

Made from valuable types of wood, decorated with intricate carvings and expensive decor, secretaire furniture became a real workplace for emperors and nobles. Memories of Napoleon's travel secretary have been preserved. When folded, it was very compact, but had many drawers and was easily transformed. The French emperor worked behind him in the road carriage as fruitfully as in his office.

The antique secretary of the French king Louis XV is still considered the unsurpassed creation of cabinetmakers Jean Henri Riesener and Jean François Eben, who worked on this item for several years. It cost the king a huge sum for those times - almost a million francs. It was made from rare wood. The cylinder-shaped body is covered with tortoiseshell plates and inlaid with patterns of silver and gilded bronze. The secretary has an ingenious locking system that is still relevant today. Louis kept the only key to the secretary with him at all times, as he kept the spy network documents in it.

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Wooden secretaries

Despite the introduction of technology into modern human life, the demand for wooden furniture does not decrease. Its environmental value and beautiful appearance contribute to the growth of consumer demand, and therefore a secretary made of solid wood is currently the most prestigious acquisition. This transformer will be absolutely appropriate in any living room, and its functionality can easily be adjusted to the needs of the owner.

A wooden secretary looks good in the interior of a home office. It can be located next to large floor-standing bookcases - in this case, the workplace will have an optimal location. With a small office area, such a writing secretary will be a more profitable purchase than a bulky desk. A corner transformer will take up even less space.

Aged secretary
Furniture made many years ago is still very much appreciated. An old secretary that has been inherited can be of great value both from a financial and cultural point of view. The work of the Old Masters most often turns out to be unique because metal decorations, bronze fittings, wood carvings or inlays were almost always made for only one product.

Modern secretary design

White secretary in the bedroom

How to choose a secretary?

A couple of centuries ago, the secretary was considered exclusively furniture for aristocrats, a symbol of high social status. The most famous example is the secretary with a torn pediment, created during the reign of Queen Anne of England (1702–1714). This model has gone down in history and is often copied in the collections of modern furniture factories - those that honor the classics. For the average person, the word “secretary” is strongly associated with antiques and certainly has nothing to do with modern interior style. Let's try to fundamentally debunk prejudices.

What is a secretary?

First, let's decide which piece of furniture can be considered a secretary. This is not a table, not a chest of drawers, or even a bureau. A secretary is a type of small cabinet that resembles a tall bookcase. It can be either closed or open. The secretary has a folding or pull-out board that serves as a desk. Equipped with drawers and shelves for storing papers and small trinkets.

What are they?

There are no specific configurations for this piece of furniture. Secretaries, rather, differ in design, functional set of drawers, and, of course, size. Most often, secretaries are stylized “antique”: made of solid dark wood, with carved decor. There are also modern models made of MDF, laminated chipboard, and veneered. As a rule, such secretaries have a laconic finish, but are offered in a wide range of colors. In addition to minimalist, ultra-modern models, cozy secretaries in the Art Deco style are also popular. They have elegant shapes and are designed in classic black and white colors.

How to choose the right secretary?

Functionality. When choosing a secretary, it is important to remember the purpose of this item. The secretary is not suitable for long-term work. This is rather an option for a minimized workplace, which should be used as a compact desktop and cabinets for temporary storage of papers. It will also work perfectly as a decorative element of the interior. Therefore, the choice must be made based on the prevailing task of the subject. Will you be more likely to just store papers in it and occasionally take notes? Or are you planning to work with him for a long time? Consider this when choosing between a laconic, but wide and comfortable workplace and an elegant, ornate design. Often curly lines are not comfortable to work with, and the drawers in such models serve only a decorative function.

Location. Where will your secretary be located? Most often it is placed in living rooms, but, nevertheless, the secretary can also often be found in bedrooms and children's rooms. Based on the space, choose a model. For the living room, interior designers advise choosing more massive models with an emphasis on the written part. Since the chest of drawers will be intended for public viewing, it can be richly decorated, with elegant finishing, or made of expensive wood, if the owner is a supporter of discreet luxury.

For bedrooms and children's rooms, secretaries with convenient storage systems and smaller dimensions are preferable. The design of a secretary for a nursery can be full of bright colors, but it is better if a child busy with work is surrounded by fewer distracting details. It is more important to focus on the compactness of the model. The strict lines of the corner secretaries will save the necessary space for the student.

A bedroom secretary can be of an ornate design, with curly elements and carvings. It is extremely important that any model you choose is in perfect harmony with the interior of the room. The design of the secretary should stylistically match the design of the room.

Armed with our recommendations, you can easily select the desired secretary model in the ABITANT catalog.

History of a piece of furniture

In fact, a traditional secretary (from the French word secretaire) is a small bookcase, with additional storage systems (drawers and shelves) for papers. The secretary is equipped with a mobile shelf that replaces the writing desk.

Structurally, the secretary is very similar to the bureau. However, there is a big difference between them:

1. A secretary is a bookcase with several storage systems and a mobile tabletop.
2. A bureau is a desk with complementary options.

One of the first secretaries, made by French furniture makers in 1730, was intended for women. It was a cabinet with a folding tabletop for writing letters.

One of the first cabinets with a tabletop, made for King Louis XV of France.

In subsequent years, secretaries became larger and began to be equipped with drawers. They stored private and business papers, documents, letters, etc.

A significant number of boxes made it possible to organize papers. And locks, constipation systems, and secret departments ensured the reliable safety of documents.

Advantages and disadvantages

Numerous storage systems provide a convenient place for important papers.

Advantages of a secretary:

1. A cabinet with a folded tabletop takes up little space. This is important for small homes.
2. The secretary is convenient to use. It is equipped with many shelves, niches and drawers, which make it possible to keep everything you need at hand in perfect order.
3. You can select a secretary configuration that suits your needs. For example, when you often write or work on a laptop, you can buy a cabinet with a large countertop.
4. This furniture is universal. Can be used for working with papers and a computer, studying, creativity, reading books, etc.
5. Aesthetic appearance. The cabinet can be made in different design styles. Therefore, it is easy to fit into any interior of the room.
6. The secretary provides a high level of security. Most often, its storage systems are equipped with locks. This makes it possible to reliably protect important papers and documents.

The secretary looks beautiful and can decorate any room.

The secretary has only one drawback - it is not comfortable for long-term work. When sitting behind it, your legs rest against the drawers, which causes inconvenience.

Types of secretarial tables

Folding

One of the most used table design options is a folding one. The flap that covers the compartment itself acts as a table. It is equipped with side holders or lifts with several degrees of freedom.

They are also equipped with shock-absorbing springs with position locks and adjustable force. The door itself is attached with hinges to the body of the chest of drawers. To reduce the load on the hinges, special supports must be placed under the bottom of the table. They can be open hinged doors of the lower sections or special retractable legs. At the top they are equipped with special platforms - holders. They bear the main burden. To close, just lift up until it locks. The holder can be a magnetic latch or a locking mechanism with a retractable tongue. You can easily identify it externally by the presence of a keyhole. Latches are of course simpler, but they weaken over time - the door can open arbitrarily. But the lock type is almost impossible to break. Unless you lose the key, it can be restored. In most cases it is standard. The exception is rare or antique options.

Ignoring the use of bottom supports for an open table will cause the hinges to break quickly. Especially if you use the secretory lid often. The same problem can result from a lid with a weak magnetic latch falling.

Features of this type include:

• Easy to use. Unfolding the table will take no more than a couple of minutes;
• Convenience. Writing at it is no worse than at a full-fledged desk;
• Space saving. Unlike a regular table, such a lid can be lifted, freeing up space for free passage;
• High-quality storage of writing instruments. A large number of internal shelves and drawers makes storing all the necessary little things as comfortable as possible.

Retractable

Pull-out table types are more relevant to bureau-type chests of drawers. In this case, the lid and the table are different objects. After lifting the lid, the table panel can be pulled out. This can be a small tabletop, fixed movably in grooves or using a roller system. Although, there are also very complex versions of retractable tables. Some models provide for extension not only forward, but also to the side. For this purpose, special folding brackets with springs and shock absorbers are used. In this case, the table can be combined with a special folding frame, which acts as a lower support. Their use for this type is highly desirable.

In the most interesting versions, the hinged lid is combined with a retractable table. In principle, this approach can simply be called an attempt to be original. In modern life, one type of table is quite enough.

History of creation

This piece of furniture first appeared in the 18th century; before that time, its prototypes periodically appeared, but they were far from the modern secretary. In the eighteenth century, this multifunctional wardrobe was most often found in ladies' boudoirs. They spent many hours behind his folding writing board, recording events in diaries and composing love messages. This piece of furniture performed three functions at once - a safe, a wardrobe and a desk. It kept all the ladies' deepest secrets.

Modern versions differ from their predecessors only in appearance and size. They perform the same functions. The only difference is that, in addition to writing instruments, a laptop, tablet computer and necessary small items can be stored in the closet. As for the dimensions, now secretaries are becoming more and more like bureaus. They are more compact, but do not lose their capacity.

Important! This furniture has a brother: a secretarial bureau. It was first made by a cabinetmaker for Louis XV. The bureau had a top lid that covered the tabletop after finishing work.

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In addition to writing instruments, a modern secretary can store a laptop, tablet computer and necessary small items

Dining table-book

A very popular option in the Soviet Union was a book-table with two folding surfaces. In normal times, such a transformer stood closer to the wall or in a corner and served as a surface for wiping dust, but on all holidays it was an indispensable nail, or rather a table. Modern designers have finalized the idea (which was just asking for it) by adding a book-table to the kitchen (with an appropriate design) and replacing the place of the shelves with a niche for folding chairs, thereby turning it into a transformable table with chairs. You can adjust its size by raising one or two “wings”.

A very interesting solution for the kitchen is our next sample. Transformable dining table three in one. The trick of this table is that there are not one, but two tables hiding on the wall! First we fold out the small table, and if a larger area is needed, we fold out the second one, which folds over the small one. When folded, this structure on the wall is 3-4 cm thick. This mechanism is also used for a table-picture.

The wall-mounted folding table with a stationary tea table with legs has the same functionality.

As we have already seen, the table can recline both up and down. What if you make it all the way to the ceiling? If so, then we will get a huge table for large celebrations with minimal waste of free space on ordinary days. Uninitiated guests will not even guess that such a giant lives in your room or kitchen. This will probably be especially true for a studio apartment, where the room is combined with a kitchen.

Secretary for a schoolchild. Choosing a secretary for a schoolchild

A secretary is a versatile and practical type of furniture. It can fit into any room interior with dignity and comfort, because modern furniture manufacturers produce them in various style solutions. It can be a traditional classic, trendy variations in the living room, a vintage version in the bedroom, or a convenient multifunctional secretary for a schoolchild.

What does a child's secretary look like? This is a small cabinet with numerous drawers and shelves for different purposes, as well as a convenient hinged lid. Thanks to various modifications, secretaries for classes can accommodate textbooks, writing instruments, a lot of various stationery items, as well as other necessary things for the child. The folding shelf allows the child to comfortably do homework or use it as a table for a laptop.

History of the creation and modernization of the secretary

Classic secretaries have been decorating our bedrooms and guest rooms for more than three centuries. Over such a long period of existence, they have practically not lost their attractiveness and relevance. Beginning in the 17th century, ladies of the wealthy classes sat behind elegant secretaries, decorated with original figured sides and carvings, writing love letters and signing cash checks. Jewels and lovely ladies' things were stored in various drawers of the cabinet, and healing potions and aromatic perfumes stood on the shelves of the secretary, which was very convenient.

Therefore, such secretarial cabinets have long enjoyed well-deserved popularity and replaced their owners’ reading tables, safes and partly chests of drawers. Over time, men appreciated the convenience and comfort of furniture. Many kings and nobles placed these chests of drawers in their offices. And the French Emperor Napoleon invariably took with him on trips a folding mobile secretary designed especially for him, which took up little space when folded, but was always at hand, even during military campaigns.

Colors

The cabinet-table can be in a variety of colors. There is no single advice on which color to choose. Among the most popular options this season are light-colored items. They will help add more light to your home. Experts say that white color visually expands the space and also helps to maintain a kind and comfortable atmosphere at home. Therefore, if you cannot find the right color, it is better to stick to light shades.

If you want to make a piece of furniture a bright accent of your home, then you can purchase options in bright colors. These can be contrasting yellow, green or striped options. If you are choosing a similar wardrobe for a nursery, its color will depend on the gender, age and preferences of your child. Be sure to consult with your child before purchasing the model he or she likes. If your preferences do not coincide, then you should calmly listen to the baby’s position and come to a compromise.

Many people choose cabinets in darker colors. This is practical, on the one hand. However, very dark shades in the room can depress the psyche. Therefore, be careful when choosing a color palette. All interior items must fit harmoniously into the room.

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Secretary: furniture from past centuries in a modern interior

Many people mistakenly believe that multifunctional furniture appeared quite recently, when it was time to furnish not luxury apartments, but small apartments. Meanwhile, history takes us several centuries into the past to tell about the emergence of one of the most interesting and functional types of furniture - the secretary. Indeed, today the secretary is as popular as it was in the 18th century, when it first appeared. Today, together with the “Dream House” website, we will plunge into the world of retro furnishings and learn a little more about this furniture.

Furniture secretary photo

Advantages

The main features of such furniture include the possibility of using it in different rooms. This table will be an excellent work option. You can place it in your office. The product can also be placed in the hall. It will be a good place to watch TV there. In the kitchen, such a cabinet will become a convenient place to realize your culinary plans. The main advantages of the product also include:

• Significant space savings. These options represent two-in-one products. This is a spacious closet where you can place any necessary things and accessories, plus a workspace/stand for a TV and other items. This way you will effectively save space in your apartment and organize space wisely.
• Versatility. Such models can be placed in any room. They can accommodate any clothes, bedding, shoes, toys and other items that are important to you. Users will love this cabinet for its practicality and ease of use.

• Various design options. Of course, not only the functionality of the model is important when purchasing useful furniture, but also the external design. You can purchase such a cabinet-table in a variety of options. For conservatives there are classic models, for more creative people who want to show their individuality - the boldest designer incarnations. You can choose the product that suits your liking. At the same time, remember that the overall style concept of the house must be preserved.
• Different colors. This point flows smoothly from the previous one. Such furniture can have different color variations. Here you should focus on your own needs. One of the most popular today are light shades. It can be a white, powdery, cream cabinet. Experts believe that light colors help to visually expand the space, make the room brighter and more comfortable for all household members. You can also select bright, contrasting models. They will add grace and attractiveness to your room. The main guideline is the harmony of color of finishing and fittings.
• Individuality. Now modern manufacturers produce different models. When you come to a furniture store, you will be pleasantly surprised by the variety that companies that produce such products provide. In this case, you can not only buy the standard version, but also make custom models. This way you can create a creative product by embodying your own ideas. You can also make such a cabinet yourself, but not everyone decides to undertake such a responsible task. For those who are not confident in their abilities, it is better to trust the hands of experienced craftsmen.

• Availability. You can buy such furniture in any store. This is another advantage that modern users appreciate.
• Reasonable price. Among the wide range of products, you can find the option that will be affordable for you. However, remember that very cheap models may be of poor quality. In order not to ruin your mood and make a profitable purchase, carefully check the quality of the product yourself.
• Comfort in use. It is impossible not to note the ease of use of such cabinets and tables. If the product is closed, you can protect your computer desk from children or animals. You can put various items that are important to you on the shelves.
• Great mood. By purchasing useful furniture that appeals to you, you will radiate only positive energy and experience only positive emotions. This will help maintain a friendly atmosphere at home, as well as achieve success in any endeavor.

Advantages of secretaries

Even in our age of information technology, the demand for antique furniture is growing. The wooden secretary has been and remains one of the most popular models on the market. Most buyers are keen to purchase such a product because of its high environmental value. Furniture made from solid wood meets sanitary and hygienic standards and does not cause allergic reactions. And the appearance of the product made from valuable wood species will conquer even the most demanding buyer.

Vintage wooden secretary

Antique secretary

Color palette

Common color scheme.

White

It is a universal shade that suits any interior design, goes well with various colors and gives the environment a clean and fresh look.

Wenge

It attracts attention and at the same time is quite loyal to many style decisions.

Black

Emphasizes the status of the interior and its refined taste, creating a truly presentable and luxurious atmosphere.

Grey

A discreet and elegant gray shade allows you to create a thoughtful compositional design.

Blue

Gives the environment a richer and richer look, emphasizes the bold design and places bright accents in it.

Brown

It is distinguished by sophistication, prestige and practicality, while maintaining warmth and coziness in the interior.

Red

It represents a non-standard, stylish decorative solution and a bright dominant accent.

Beige

Cozy and versatile beige creates a warm, comfortable and measured design.

Green

This color scheme gives the environment a calm and harmonious appearance.

Kinds

Modern manufacturers present a variety of model options to fashionistas. Before you go shopping, be sure to decide which product will suit you best. Let's look at the main types.

Transformer

Many users have already fallen in love with such models. They are comfortable, practical and interesting. With the help of such a cabinet you can perfectly decorate the hall, kitchen, or your room. Such models help to effectively save space. For example, it could be a wardrobe that perfectly disguises a workplace with a table. Or you can purchase a secretary with a folding table. You can find such options in both angular and straight versions.

Transformers can be with a retractable table or a folding tabletop. You just have to choose the model that will look best in a given room.

Hull

Such furniture is purchased ready-made. Here you can find all the necessary compartments to put the things you need. There will also be a place to work. Such standard options take up an impressive amount of space. Therefore, it is better to purchase such a model if you are not limited in space.

Built-in

Such cabinet-tables are one of the best and most practical options. A similar structure consists of a facade and sometimes side walls. Inside, you can come up with your own ideas for filling the space. The advantages of such models include not only compactness, but also minimal material consumption and, accordingly, price.

Corner

Such models are installed in the corner of the room. Such products are relevant for small apartments that cannot boast of extra square meters.

With hinged doors or compartments

Such cabinet-tables require the doors to open towards you. This will take up additional space. Therefore, if you want to save space, then you should purchase the coupe version. It can be opened and closed with a slight movement of the hand.

Modern and fashionable models are available in different styles.

With table and shelves

This option will be an excellent option to update the room. This design will look stylish and practical. There will be enough space to put all the necessary supplies, as well as a work desk where you can study.

Open

Such models are most often used in children's rooms. The surface of such furniture is not closed with doors. Shelves and racks can be placed on top so that various items can be conveniently placed. The side part is closed with a flap.

Closed

Such models will always have doors. They can be hinged, drop-down, or compartment. You just have to choose the option that fits best into your room. A retractable table can also be located here. The design can also be a bureau table with a hidden table.

Wall mounted

Similar models are hung on the wall. Their advantages include saving space. Also, such options fit perfectly into the interior. You can choose the option that will suit your apartment.

Before going to the store, decide in advance not only on the model, but also on its size. It will be unpleasant if the option you like does not fit in size. It is also worth deciding what should be located inside the product.

Storage systems and opening mechanisms

The chest of drawers does not have to be used for its intended purpose. If you do not need this furniture for writing, then it is not necessary to load office supplies there. Place cosmetics and jewelry in drawers. You will quickly appreciate the convenience, and you will understand why in the 18th century young ladies could not imagine their lives without a secretary. If you store linen and clothes in the lower drawers, then small accessories such as belts and ties will feel great in the small compartments of the secretory niche. In a child's room, such a piece of furniture will allow you to carefully store small parts of construction sets, puzzles or fragile toys.

The following types can be used as facade opening systems:

• Retractable. All boxes are designed this way. In their modern form, they are equipped with side guides and rollers. Small drawers are made slightly smaller than the niche for them. Therefore, they can be pulled out perfectly without additional devices. The only significant difference is that the rollers do not allow the drawer to be pulled out all the way without harm to the system. He will certainly remain in the niche. Whereas their absence allows this to be done. The disadvantage of the roller system is sensitivity to distortions;
• Swing. Part of the facade side can be covered with shutters. They are attached with hinges to the body. Opens outwards and sideways. They don't like jerks. In chests of drawers, secretaries can act as a lower support for a table. In this situation, it is important that their lower part touches the floor. Otherwise you will need special holders. They look like a clothespin with a stop and are put on the edge of the sash;
• Folding. This is how the table is set up. Opens down until the position lock clicks. It can be equipped with a height adjuster that allows you to fix the cover in several positions. Do not pull the sash down after clicking in the lowest possible position. Furniture hinges are located at the bottom of the sash, fastening it to the body of the chest of drawers.

Chest of drawers - photo in the interior

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Nowadays, the chest of drawers has not lost its relevance. It is still a piece of furniture with a high level of comfort and functionality. If you are tormented by a lack of space, then feel free to purchase such a chest of drawers. It will provide you with high-quality storage of things and will successfully play the role of a desk.

Transformable folding tables for the kitchen

If in the last century the main direction of folding tables were secretaries and coffee tables, now these are mainly dining surfaces. A modern family of average income can only dream of a large kitchen, 20 or more square meters, but in practice they have to be sophisticated: put as much as possible in the kitchen, while taking up as little space as possible. In the interior of an average kitchen 5-10 sq. meters, folding tables began to appear more and more often.

Wall-mounted folding tables can be assembled as a narrow shelf, or they can completely merge with the wall. Their unfolded size is also very different: from a tea table for 1-2 people to a full-size table for 6-10 people. No conditions are required for the location of folding surfaces other than for reasons of convenience. In this vein, the flight of fancy is not limited:

A folding kitchen table can be placed directly on the heating radiator. In addition to masking the battery, it will regulate the temperature in the kitchen. But you need to remember that the radiator cannot be completely closed, otherwise it will heat the countertop and poorly heat the room. To prevent this from happening, you need to provide ventilation ducts in the top shelf and on the sides.

Such a transforming table can become a mobile extension of the cutting room: along the windowsill, an additional surface at the sink, a table for cooling pies or a bar counter. It all depends on your needs.

And if you have an extended doorway into the kitchen, then even the corner can have a folding tea table.

Secretary and modern technologies

The development of the electronics industry has greatly changed the way people live. It is difficult to imagine organizing a workplace in modern offices without a computer. There is no longer any urgent need for letters. There is e-mail and many good programs that facilitate communication between people. Pages on social networks have replaced personal diaries.

Secretary on steel legs

Narrow wooden secretary

Of course, in such conditions, a computer desk-secretary will be especially in demand, which can be made of plastic or similar materials using metal. Its design corresponds to modern or high-tech style. And it looks like a small table. As a rule, such a transformer has a very simple structure, nothing superfluous, just a tabletop, a few shelves, and a couple of drawers. After all, there is no longer a need to store a large number of documents or records on paper; all information is mainly located on the hard drive.

Vintage secretary

Frame

When choosing a secretary chest of drawers, it is worth considering that it has quite a considerable height. On average, this parameter ranges from 1 to 1.4 meters. The width is about 90 cm and the depth is 50 cm. Narrower models can also be found. But this is not very convenient.

The most common materials for the manufacture of frame elements are:

• Natural solid wood;
• MDF;
• Particle boards such as fiberboard, chipboard or OSB.

Tabletops

A separate design element is the top of the chest of drawers. It is usually made from the same type of material as the body. It can be decorated separately, but the rather high height of chests of drawers with a secretory section makes this a pointless exercise. More attention is paid to strength and reliability.

The following can be used as decorative elements:

• Antique varnish. For this purpose, craquelure is used. When dry, this varnish cracks, forming a whole network of small cracks. Often powdered bronze or gold plating is rubbed into them. This technique is called the “golden web”;
• Hand painted. For countertops it is better to use furniture enamels and varnishes. Apply in multiple layers. The color intensity and color transition are adjusted by shading with a rag. Each layer will require drying;
• Wood mosaic. Pieces of wood with different shades fit into any ornament and are attached using especially strong glue. Next, the entire surface is polished and covered with shiny varnish. Rattan can be used instead of wood, but it is more difficult to maintain.

Base

The reasons are as follows.

• Floor installation. Guarantees sufficient stability.
• Legs. They are short and placed in the corners. For this solution, the floor must be level.
• Stops. These are legs placed at an angle to the body. They give good stability.
• Base. Elongated sidewalls are used as support, there is a façade plank - a plinth, which also takes a share of the load.

Types of bases

The most common types of base design are:

• Direct placement on the floor. This is due to the considerable dimensions of this type of furniture. Provides maximum stability;
• Placement on a pedestal. A small platform appears at the bottom, protruding beyond the body of the chest of drawers;
• Legs. Most often they are short. The exception is bureaus that preserve manufacturing traditions. In this case, the floor must be perfectly flat;
• Base system. The legs are replaced or combined with extended sides. They are the main focus. Part of the load is evenly distributed in the front part along a narrow strip - the base.

Styles

As a rule, secretaries are made in a classic style. Let's list the most popular ones.

• Boul. The main difference is the use of supporting crosses, as well as a large number of legs, which have a very original shape. Often decorated with gilded inlay.
• Provence. The facade is made wavy, the corners are rounded. The decor is small and inexpressive.
• Chinoiserie. A combination of Asian styles and Baroque. It has a rather exotic appearance.
• Colonial. Massive modifications with modest finishing are used here. Rare but high-quality materials are often used.
• Palace styles. The furniture is equipped with curved legs. The shapes are quite bizarre; decor in the form of painting and carving is required.
• Classical. It has smooth lines and a straight body. Decoration is minimal.

A chest of drawers is a good solution if you need to install a wardrobe and a desk at the same time in a small room. When choosing, you should take into account even the slightest nuances, then the furniture will last as long as possible.

The secretary is modern. Secretary: furniture from past centuries in a modern interior

Many people mistakenly believe that multifunctional furniture appeared quite recently, when it was time to furnish not luxury apartments, but small apartments.
Meanwhile, history takes us several centuries into the past to tell about the emergence of one of the most interesting and functional types of furniture - the secretary. Indeed, today the secretary is as popular as it was in the 18th century, when it first appeared. Today, together with the “Dream House” website, we will plunge into the world of retro furnishings and learn a little more about this furniture.

Furniture secretary photo

A little about the history of the creation of the secretary

As mentioned earlier, the secretary appeared in the 18th century, but some sources date its appearance to the 12th-13th centuries. It was behind the secretary that the ladies of that era wrote thousands of letters; in their numerous boxes they kept love messages and state secrets. Thus, the secretary cabinet easily replaced a desk, a safe, and a closet at the same time.

Modern models have been slightly modified, but, as before, they are a cabinet with drawers and a folding shelf that acts as a work surface. A large number of drawers allows you to keep all your writing utensils at hand, but at the same time, in perfect order. And secret locks and reliable locking systems protect important papers from prying eyes.

What is a secretary

White secretary photo

Modern secretary - desk

Originally considered ladies' furniture, the secretary quickly fell in love with the male half of humanity, becoming a workplace for emperors and kings. For example, Napoleon Bonaparte took a folding travel secretary with him on trips - when folded, it took up little space, but the desk was always nearby, even on the battlefield. And then doctors liked this functional furniture, allowing them to store doctor’s instruments and medicines in order.

Currently, desk secretaries decorate modern interiors, combining a work area and a spacious closet. The aristocratic look of furniture with a retro touch fits perfectly into both classic and modern interior styles. The main thing is to choose the right shape, color and finish of the secretary.

Secretary with folding desk for computer

Secretary in the interior photo

Secretary in the interior: application possibilities

Beautiful secretary in the interior

Secretary - antique furniture

Antique secretaries, as a rule, are large in size, they are made of expensive wood, have a rich dark color (brown, burgundy) and are decorated with carvings. Such aristocratic furniture, which emanates solidity and chic, is ideal for classic interiors.

Old secretary in the interior

Art Deco style secretaries have elegant shapes and are most often made in black or white. And writing cabinets in country style are, as a rule, simple in shape, unfinished, and sometimes have scuffs on the body.

Secretary in the interior

In what interiors can this piece of furniture be used?

The secretary can fit into any environment. It can be used both in classic living rooms and in bedrooms or children's rooms, created for adherents of minimalism. Depending on the style, you can choose different office-secretary furniture. Recommendations for conservative options:

• If you have a classic interior, then you should choose one of the antique models. In spacious rooms, you can install large solid wood cabinets with a folding top in burgundy or one of the shades of brown. Pay special attention to models with thin and elegant carvings on the facade; they look as organic as possible in rooms with a classic furnishing style. Such furniture will look elegant in an interior decorated in Rococo, Baroque and Art Nouveau styles.
• The Art Deco style is characterized by the use of black or white secretaries. They are distinguished by elegant shapes. When choosing, pay special attention to the stability of such models, as they often look like narrow chests of drawers or tables with cabinets above the tabletop.

• If you have a country-style interior, then you can choose a simple and laconic cabinet. It can be artificially aged, but these should be noble abrasions, and not significant peeling of paint. If you inherited a simple secretary without unnecessary decoration, then you can turn it into a country-style interior element yourself. To do this, you will need to remove the old paint, re-apply the coating and use one of the techniques that helps artificially age the item. For example, you can apply bronze paint around the perimeter of the cabinet with a sponge or use craquelure varnish.
• Rough wooden secretaries made from natural wood are suitable for creating an eco-friendly interior. In this case, varnish will be inappropriate. If you are afraid that the wood will darken, then order options with a thin matte coating, which will be invisible and will not distort the wood grain.

The most interesting attempts are to fit secretary furniture into modern interiors. Here you can use a corner version or a model with active painting on the facades and the main part. If you choose the latter option, then the rest of the furnishings should be monochromatic - the unusual cabinet will steal all the attention. Often in modern wall-type cabinets for the living room you can find a section with a folding desk - this is also a secretary. If you don’t want to independently look for each piece of furniture for your home, then you can purchase such a ready-made kit. To prevent the “wall” from cluttering up the room, choose models with cabinets of different heights.

For a minimalist style, you can use small and lightweight consoles designed only for a computer, without unnecessary decorative elements. Such models can be used to create interiors in the following directions: pop art and hi-tech.

Important! When creating an interior, it is necessary to choose the right furniture shape and material.

If your room is decorated in the pop art style, then the secretary should combine contrasting colors and small naive details - for example, photos on the facades or pictures reminiscent of stamps. It can be made from MDF.

High-tech interiors are characterized by models with translucent matte facades. Also, secretaries for them most often have technological mechanisms for transforming the tabletop and finishing with chrome parts. The corner version of gray color is best suited for furnishings in this style.

Secretaries today

The diversity of the model range of current secretaries allows them to be included in various furniture collections, which are based on the great versatility of this furniture. A secretary in the living room will be just as necessary as in the bedroom or children's room. It all depends on the correct choice of this item and its correspondence to the style of the entire interior.

Lacquered secretary

Secretary for computer

In Soviet times, built-in secretaries were widespread, which were equipped in special modules or sections of the so-called furniture walls. They consisted of shelves, drawers and a folding tabletop. Secretaries manufactured recently have the following features:

• variety of designs;
• differences in shapes and dimensions;
• can be included in furniture sets and collections or sold separately;
• a large selection of materials from which the products are made;
• decorative elements and finishing can be made from modern plastics or using new technologies in the processing of metals or wood.

Light-colored furniture continues to be very popular, enhancing natural light even in shaded rooms. A white secretary can naturally complement the decor of such a room, and the glass doors of its small cabinet will look especially good, behind which the most necessary items can be laid out on the shelves, including notebooks, books, magazines or various writing instruments.

Secretary in loft style

MDF secretary
At the bottom, under the folding tabletop, there are wide drawers that can be filled by the owners at their discretion, depending on the room in which the secretary is installed. If this is a bedroom, then the drawers will be useful for storing sleeping sets, and if it is a living room, then there will be a place in them for periodicals, necessary magazines or brochures.

Metal secretary

Secretary on legs

Secretary in Provence style

A light, almost white color can be produced by birch or more valuable hornbeam wood. The surface, covered with transparent varnish, has a pronounced shiny structure, which looks very impressive in any light. Sometimes products are pre-treated and coated with white paint. Such furniture as a set is especially good.

Painted secretary in the bedroom interior