What is an antique bureau desk?

An antique bureau desk is a dual-purpose piece of furniture that combines a writing surface with lower storage drawers. The writing area is typically enclosed behind a sloping fall-front or a pull-out drawer. Opening the fall-front reveals an arrangement of small drawers and pigeonholes designed for correspondence and paperwork. Below this desk section sits a chest of drawers for general storage.

How do I date an old bureau?

Dating requires examining the secondary timbers, construction methods, and hardware used in the drawers. Earlier pieces from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries often employ oak linings and hand-cut dovetails. Stylistic markers such as bracket feet, cabriole legs, and veneer types provide further chronological evidence. Comparing the decorative motifs to known periods helps narrow the manufacturing date.

Where should I place a bureau desk?

Bureau desks suit studies, living rooms, and bedrooms due to their compact footprint and enclosed storage capacity. The fall-front provides a dedicated writing surface that can be closed when not in use. Positioning the piece away from direct sunlight protects vulnerable wood veneers like burr walnut and mahogany. Adequate clearance is necessary to allow the fall-front to open fully.

Search 0

64,313 PAGES BROWSED TODAY PAGES TODAY • 162 ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAYNEW ARRIVALS

Sorted by

Per page

VISITOR LOGIN JOIN AS A SELLER DEALER LOGIN

Saved

GIFTS

Bureau Desk Drawers

162 ITEMS ADDED TODAY

Visitor Login (saved items)

Sort Order

Items Per Page

Antique Bureau Desk Drawers

454 items · page 29 of 29

← Page 29 of 29 →

These antique bureau desk drawers combine fitted compartments and writing surfaces with storage, spanning periods from the seventeenth century through the Edwardian era.