Secretary desk

This furniture form can take on many styles, but generally consists of a writing desk with sets of drawers. Originally in the 18th Century, secretary desks in France were tall casepiece furniture with drawers at the bottom, a bookcase on top, and a desk with a drop-lid in the center. The style evolved in the 19th Century. Secretary desks were lighter with the lower compartment generally forgoing cabinets and taking on an appearance of a table, while the upper portion generally had a set of concealed drawers. These alterations in style made secretary desks in the 19th Century more commonplace in dressing rooms rather than libraries and were frequently decorated with ornate feminine mounting and considered luxury objects.