March 2006
Choosing a desk that works for you
With more and more of us working from home, the home office is becoming an increasingly important feature in our lives. Nothing requires more organisation than a home office and the right furniture can help you create an atmosphere of organised calm.
While it may be tempting to buy some no fuss, flat-pack furniture, it is more rewarding in the long run to spend time on choosing the correct office décor and creating the right workspace for yourself. Defining a working space that is functional yet stylish can make working from home much more of a pleasure than a chore.
The centrepiece of the office
Central to any office, and the essential tool to creating an efficient working atmosphere is the desk. But desks don’t have to be functional and boring. The style choice is huge ranging from elegant and ornate to funky or stylish. And for those wanting to create a distinct look an antique desk may be the answer.
Having an antique desk as the centrepiece of your room can either add the finishing touches to period décor or add unique style to contemporary homes. Most people who work from home though are busy people, and do not have time to scour the country searching for an antique desk with the right period look. Tomlinsons can solve this dilemma.
As the largest antiques warehouse in Europe, Tomlinsons, based at Tockwith, near York, has more than 5,000 items of quality antique furniture in stock at any one time, including a wide selection of desks, both restored and unrestored. “The range we have on offer is broad, to meet all tastes and budgets”, says Sarah Worrall sales director at Tomlinsons.
“From large imposing partners desks, through to bureau bookcases, davenports and secretaires, the scope to personalise your study is endless.”
Some of the desks currently available include a handsome desk in mahogany from circa 1920- 1940, with a gadrooned edge raised on cabriole supports with ball and clawfeet. With plenty of useful storage space, this desk is good original condition with new leather and is priced at £1650+VAT.
Own a bit of British banking history
If you fancy something a bit more masculine and official looking, a partners desk may be the ideal option suggests Sarah. A classic antique desk form, two pedestal desks are constructed as one big desk joined at the front, for two users working while facing each other. This massive piece of furniture was first conceived in the United Kingdom to accommodate the work of banking partners. They were usually used by senior bank officials who wanted to work closely with their team while keeping the convenience and the prestige of a pedestal desk.
“Due to their practical size, partners desks remain an ideal work station for the more modern office, offering plenty of storage space combined with an official look,” explains Sarah. “We currently have a fine Victorian partners desk in mahogany from circa 1860 – 1880. Practically sized with cupboard and drawers and raised on a plinth base it is priced at £6,000+ VAT and perfect for professionals wishing to adorn their office with a more grandiose, classic desk.”
Fit for a queen
For those looking for a more decorative and ornate piece of furniture, a marquetry desk is ideal. “Some of the world's finest antique and contemporary furniture feature marquetry,” explains Sarah. “Marquetry is the art of painting with wood and involves making intricate pictures and geometric designs by cutting and fitting together thin pieces of coloured wood, shell and other precious materials,” she adds.
“We currently have a fine example of a 1920 – 1930 walnut desk in stock. Based on a 17th century design, the desk is beautifully decorated on all drawers with drop handles and is raised on intricate scrolled and brace supports”. In superb original condition, the desk is priced at £2950+VAT.
And fit for a king…
The unique and magnificent furniture range that Tomlinsons offers means it is often possible to find a piece that reflects your own sense of individuality. Owning items of furniture that no one else has also presents a great investment opportunity.” The great thing with investing into furniture - as opposed to stocks and shares - is that you can enjoy it, hoping that in time they will grow in value,” says Sarah.
A unique item currently in stock at Tomlinsons is an outstanding George III inlaid bureau bookcase in mahogany from circa 1790 with a price tag of £18,500 + VAT. In excellent original condition, this two hundred year old piece of history is fitted with a writing slope and dressing drawer and has a central mirror surrounded by lidded compartments and fittings. One of its distinctive features is a glazed bookcase above the bureau, beautifully adorned with broken swan pediment. It even comes with all the original ink bottles. “Perfect for those wanting something extra special!” says Sarah.
As good as old
If you can’t find the perfect size desk to fit your exact requirements, (or require filing cabinet drawers – not readily available antique desks!) a reproduction desk may be the right solution. Tomlinsons have a wide range of handcrafted reproduction desks made using traditional techniques and the finest materials. “If you want the look of an antique desk, but have specific requirements such as a pull-out keyboard shelf, our ‘made to order’ service allows you to get individual items at competitive prices,” says Sarah. “Taking inspiration from the best antique designs, each piece is handmade and imparts an authentic appearance reminiscent of beautifully aged antique furniture.”
Spring clean your office
With spring looming, this may be the perfect time to redecorate your old office and create an inspirational and stylish workplace. According to Sarah, more and more people are turning to antiques to furnish their studies regardless of whether they live in a period home or not: “The perception of antiques is changing,” she confirms. “It is no longer perceived to be the ground of rich people or antique connoisseurs. People are tiring of the Ikea style flat-pack generation furniture and want something more sturdy. Antiques are becoming more popular as they not only provide good quality furniture that will outlast any mass-produced item but also make sound investment sense.”
For more information on antiques and to view the full range of furniture available at Tomlinsons visit www.antique-furniture.co.uk.
–ENDS–
Issued on behalf of Tomlinson Furniture Group by JDA PR further information contact Stefanie Riese-McCartney on 0113 290 4270 or email stefanier@jdapr.co.uk
Notes for editors
Tomlinsons has been established for over 25 years, and is now the leading British supplier of antique furniture to the UK and overseas trade.
The company offers antique and traditional furnishings to traders and the public.
More than 2,000 items are brought into the warehouse each month and 5,000 items are in stock at any one time.
Interviews can be arranged with Sarah Worrall, Sales Director at Tomlinsons – please contact the press office.
Images of Tomlinsons fine furniture are available from the press office.
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