Have you ever seen the ageless charm of a rolltop desk? If you have, then you are probably already smitten. If not, well, you’re in for a treat! Rolltop desks, with their unique curved design and hidden compartments, are a delightful blast from the past that brings style and practicality to any room.
A Peek into History
The story of rolltop desks begins in the 18th century with a royal request. King Louis XV of France desired a unique desk for his palace at Versailles. His cabinetmaker created a design that we now call a Carlton desk – a writing surface surrounded by cute little drawers and a cover that could be pulled down to hide them all. The king’s desk had a hardcover that could be locked, preserving privacy for the secretive king.
This desk is now known as a “cylinder desk,” a subcategory of rolltop desks. They’re called this because of their rigid covers, or “hoods,” which differ from the flexible covers seen on most rolltop desks today. While these cylinder desks were popular in France and England, they were expensive to make. A single piece of wood made up the hood, which meant they could warp over time. Only the most skilled craftsmanship and highest-quality hardwoods avoided this issue.
The Evolution of the Rolltop Desk
Enter Abner Cutler, a furniture maker from Buffalo, New York. In the mid-1800s, Cutler decided to give the cylinder desk a makeover. He replaced the rigid door with a tambour door – a retractable door made from thin strips of wood mounted on a flexible backing. This change meant that manufacturers could mass-produce rolltop desks. Cutler also changed the base of the desk from tapered legs to a blocky double-pedestal base. This new design was a workhorse and became an icon throughout the Industrial Revolution, lasting well into the 1950s.
The Craftsmanship of the Rolltop Desk
What makes a rolltop desk stand out? It’s all about the tambour! The desk’s tambour rolls up and down, covering and uncovering the desktop surface. The tambour consists of linked wooden slats that roll or slide through slots on the raised sides of the desk. These wooden slats are usually attached to a cloth or leather foundation, which means they are less likely to warp or bend over time than the wooden cylinder of the old cylinder desks.
Rolltop Desks in the Modern World
Fast forward to the 20th century: the rolltop desk was a staple in small and medium-sized offices. They were produced in large numbers and at varying levels of quality. Today, they are popular in the antique market, especially the ones made from expensive wood. They are also a favorite among set decorators who want to recreate the ambiance of an office from the late 19th or early 20th century.
Search for “antique roll top desks for sale,” and you will be amazed at the variety. From cylinder desks to dresser-like models with fold-out writing ledges, there are many styles to choose from. You will find Neoclassical, Craftsman, Danish Modern styles, and more! And yes, there are modern adaptations, like George Nelson’s minimalist Action Office desk.
Styling Your Rolltop Desk
Today, the rolltop desk isn’t just a functional piece of furniture but also a piece of art perfect for styling different rooms of your home. Here are a few ways to style a rolltop desk in your home.
Living Room
In the living room, a rolltop desk can be a centerpiece of the room. You can use it to display your favorite books or collectibles. Choose items matching the desk’s color for a unified look. For example, if your desk is dark wood, you could display books with similarly dark covers or small metal trinkets that contrast nicely with the dark wood. A desk lamp with a vintage design can be an excellent addition too. Also, remember to use the desk drawers to keep your living room clutter-free! This Castlebury Rolltop Desk would make a beautiful addition to your living room.
Bedroom
In the bedroom, a rolltop desk can become your personal space for creativity and reflection. You can decorate it with personal items like family photos, favorite art prints, or small knick-knacks you love. Remember to keep the top of the desk clean and uncluttered so you have space to write or draw. Add a comfortable chair and a cozy rug to create a pleasant reading or writing spot. Consider a smaller desk for your bedroom like this Mission Rolltop Writing Desk. It is perfect for placing in smaller bedrooms.
Home Office
Rolltop desks are great for home offices because they have many compartments for organization. You can neatly store your pens, paper, and other office supplies in the drawers and cubbies. A desk organizer can be a helpful addition to managing your stationery. Add a comfortable office chair, and you have a perfect work setup. To personalize your workspace, add a few office-friendly plants or hang a corkboard for important notes and reminders. A rolltop desk can even be large enough to hold your computer, like in this Deluxe Rolltop Computer Desk.
Kitchen
Yes, a rolltop desk can also work in the kitchen! It can serve as a “family command center” where you keep important family schedules, meal plans, and grocery lists. You can hang a chalkboard or whiteboard above the desk to write important reminders. Also, small storage bins in the desk’s cubbies help sort mail, bills, and school papers. This 42-inch Post Mission Rolltop Desk would work great in a kitchen since it is compact but has enough space for all your needs.
The rolltop desk is not just a piece of furniture but a story. It is a tale that spans centuries, evolving from a royal request to an office mainstay and now to a stylish addition to our modern homes. With its unique mix of practicality and style, a rolltop desk is a fabulous find for anyone looking to add charm to their living space.
Whether you are using it for its intended purpose as a desk or getting creative and transforming it into a fun bar or a chic vanity, a rolltop desk always impresses. It is a piece that has stood the test of time and continues to add that special touch, blending functionality and aesthetics with ease.
Looking for a Rolltop Desk?
You can view our beautiful selection of hand-crafted rolltop desks by visiting Brandenberry Furniture. If you visit Shipshewana, stop at our ‘brick and mortar’ store. Talk to our expert customer service staff about creating custom-made furniture for your home and lifestyle.
