What is a Davenport desk?

A Davenport is a small, freestanding desk featuring a sloping, leather-lined writing surface that lifts to reveal storage. A bank of drawers is set into one side. First appearing around the turn of the nineteenth century, these compact writing boxes on pedestals offered dedicated workspace without dominating a room.

Where were these desks placed in a historic home?

These pieces served multiple rooms, functioning in libraries, withdrawing rooms, bedrooms, and private parlours. Library tables often stood freestanding in the middle of a room. Smaller items like Davenport desks and writing slopes sat neatly against walls or beside seating areas where correspondence took place.

What is a secretaire drawer?

A secretaire drawer is an upper drawer that pulls forward and folds down to create a writing desk surface. Inside, it reveals a fitted interior with pigeonholes and small drawers. This clever design preserved the clean exterior look of a chest of drawers or bookcase while providing hidden writing facilities.