More than an interior design element, a writing desk carves out your intention and simplifies our lives
Back in simpler times, think Jane Eyre, Emily Dickinson or Laura Ingalls, both gentlemen and cultured women spent a good portion of their daily time working very seriously on the personal correspondences. Before the times of phones, computers and text messages, the act of writing to others was the primary form of communication especially when people lived far away from each other on country estates. The arrival of the post was met with much anticipation and replying to the daily letters was a social responsibility of any cultured individual.
Granted those days are long gone, but the writing desk is one aspect of those simpler times that really could use a good strong come back.
While you might not have a whole bunch of “personal correspondence” to reply to or a great novel to pen, bring back the writing desk allows you to have a designated area to keep track of your bills and write out checks, or quietly relax and read the paper or talk on the phone, organize household chores like coupons and rebates, or even to sit down and make a “honey do” list for your family. If you are a writer, or keep a journal, then having a place just for that activity helps calm you down and stay true to your task. What the writing desk does is denote the seriousness of your time and effort, and if you train them correctly, over time, other family members may even learn not to disturbed you when you are “working at your desk”.
An area dedicated to the calming practice of writing is not only a nice concept, but an attractive home design element. A writing desk can be tucked into a seldom used corner of a dining room, or a foyer, or a bedroom. You can transform the look of a corner from dead, useless space, to an active and necessary part of your home. Plus the writing desk itself bespeaks of a quiet elegance and a nod to tradition.
There are many different styles and types of writing desks to choose from. From a big traditional banker’s desk to the Hepplewhite ladies secretary; from a tambour roll top desk to a modern glass and steel artifact; there is a wealth of furniture designs and prices to choose from. Plus, almost any table like piece of furniture can be turned into a writing desk just by the intent and the necessary desk objects.
Things to consider when planning your writing desk:
You will need a comfortable chair: Whether the chair itself is always at the desk, or maybe stored along side in a narrow area, a simple straight back chair will do or a more padded office type model, the choice is yours.
A suitable surface to write one such as a desk blotter or tablet: If you are really going to use the desk to write out things with a pen and paper, then a smooth and giving surface allows a smoother hand to your writing. Glass can be sued if you wished to protect a wood top on the desk, but then a desk blotter allows the pen to have some “give” on the glass.
Treat yourself to some fine writing implements: There is nothing like a well made pen. Granted we all have tons of freebees that we have no idea where they came from and the lovely standard Bic ballpoints, but a smooth clean hand not only makes writing a pleasure, but even the worse chicken scratch looks nicer with quality ink. Consider a higher quality gel writer, a fine jeweled ballpoint or even a fountain pen. Stock up on a few different kinds until you find a clear favorite.
Attractive Desk Accessories: Having a tray to keep you mail in, a special box for stamps, a pencil cup or two, a box for paper clips, and more allows you to personalize your writing desk in a way that is perfect for you. While you can go out and buy all new matching desk accessories, we love the eclectic look of mismatched found objects choose both for their utilitarian purposes and their pure good looks. Consider a chipped teacup with a lovely pattern for paperclips, something attractive and functional as a notepad, a small decorative silver box for stamps, a pretty vase to hold your pencils.
Quality Stationery: We, of course, could not leave it out, but really, you have to write on something! Just as a good pen will improve the quality of the look and feel, a beautiful set of stationery will also denote the importance of both your time at the desk and the words which you write. Consider a set like our Monogram Personalized Stationery Wardrobe; sitting on your desk, envelopes waiting in a pretty box, pen in hand with a hot cup of tea or a nice glass of wine at hand.
Bringing back your own personal writing desk allows you to take some time out of your hectic life for yourself and the things that matter to you.
Plus, if you do write the great American Novel, your writing desk might get auctioned off just like Charles Dickens’ writing desk or end up in a museum someplace under glass with your name on it.
Not too bad for a quiet corner of your own.
Personalized Father’s Day gift ideas tend not to stray very far from a few major categories – sports, cars, tech gadgets and the alleged time-tested classic, neckties. But your choices for best personalized Father’s day gifts shouldn’t be determined by what a huge, faceless corporation tells you Dad wants.
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