What is a bureau plat?

A bureau plat is a writing table finished on all sides so it can stand in the middle of a room rather than against a wall. These tables typically feature a leather-lined top and drawers integrated into the frieze.

Where should I place my desk?

Because many nineteenth-century revival desks feature finished backs and detailed marquetry, they suit central placements in studies or drawing rooms. Smaller kidney-shaped variations also fit comfortably against walls or within window bays.

How do I identify the style?

The style reveals itself through curved cabriole legs, asymmetrical floral marquetry, and prominent ormolu mounts characteristic of eighteenth-century French revivals. Victorian makers reinterpreted these motifs using local and exotic woods.

What woods were used?

Cabinetmakers selected dense exotic timbers including kingwood, rosewood, satinwood, and figured walnut for their rich natural grains. These veneers provided the canvas for complex parquetry and contrasting stringing.