Secretary Desks

by Margaret Kalal

Secretary desks are so much fun to transform. There are many unique designs of the secretary desk from the fall front top to the pull out writing surface style. Each comes with it's own personality reflected in the many desk top nooks and crannies as well as the intricate carvings and inlays. Here are a few that I picked up at estate sales or thrift stores and restored to give them an updated look for resale. 

This is a beautiful tri-fold up secretary with three slots tucked underneath. The pull-out writing surface was the perfect spot for the periwinkle accent color.

This is a beautiful tri-fold up secretary with three slots tucked underneath. The pull-out writing surface was the perfect spot for the periwinkle accent color.

 I added the lion's head detail (from a pair of earrings) and detailed in a metallic gold paint.

 I added the lion's head detail (from a pair of earrings) and detailed in a metallic gold paint.

This drop down version was painted with a mint green and black beauty color. The birdie and branch are appliqued with 3 coats of clear sealant. The drawers are lightly distressed and the hardware was sprayed with black gloss.

This drop down version was painted with a mint green and black beauty color. The birdie and branch are appliqued with 3 coats of clear sealant. The drawers are lightly distressed and the hardware was sprayed with black gloss.

The drop down reveals mail slots along with a tiny drawer with glass knob for highlight.

The drop down reveals mail slots along with a tiny drawer with glass knob for highlight.

This desk is quite similar to the periwinkle and cream colored desk noted above. Its a trip fold top with mail slots and drawer.

This desk is quite similar to the periwinkle and cream colored desk noted above. Its a trip fold top with mail slots and drawer.

The desk was finished in a black and blue gloss along with metallic gold trim along the inlay detail. This is a close up pic of the detail on the lower drawer.

The desk was finished in a black and blue gloss along with metallic gold trim along the inlay detail. This is a close up pic of the detail on the lower drawer.

The writing surface pulls out to add about a foot of extra space. I added a lion's head drawer pull for a beautiful focus when the tri-fold is in the open position.

The writing surface pulls out to add about a foot of extra space. I added a lion's head drawer pull for a beautiful focus when the tri-fold is in the open position.