Featured Writing Desk

Good Evening

I have a desk that belonged to my husband's grandmother. Would love a way to convert it into something I could use with my desktop but I think perhaps it is too narrow and the whole keyboard thing.

My main question is what type of wood is it. I've tried online looking at various types but can't seem to quite figure it out. Birch perhaps? I don't think I have a great eye for these things. Also still trying to figure out a way of utilizing it when we downsize. Hate to see it go.

Thanks
Catherine

 

What ever kind of wood it is, it appears to have a light brown or yellow colored stain on it. Hard to see.

Our furniture friends here will want to see photos of the back, photos of the drawers inside and on the sides to see the construction, and any labels or writings.

 

@verybrad @Ghopper1924

 

Well you have put me to task here. I will take a few pics *bows to your greatness*

 

I am totally NOT "greatness" but I do love old furniture! Your piece is very chic!
Do any of the drawers or back of it have an identification stamp or writing of some sort?

 

Added a few more images to my original post. I will pull out all the drawers tomorrow and see if i see anything stamped or written thanks again

 

oh, try and keep her........she's very pretty...& what drawer pulls !!!!

 

I see a very thin piece that appears to be a different color. Making me think that the desk might be veneered.


I know you are saying it is a desk and it probably is. Could you satisfy my curiosity and verify that a mirror was never attached on the back.

Generally speaking, a desk has a rectangular top, it's not usually indented. However a ladies vanity is often indented where she sits.



This one's been painted

 

ooo the indention thing ..thats interesting. I did take a couple pics here at the back. I don't see any sign of anything attached. Your eye may be better. That is a very beautiful painted vanity by the way..WOW

 

The bulky "legs" on yours appears to be a later addition and perhaps replaced some thinner style. If those are nail or screw holes in the back of yours, they could have held a mirror.

 

It is a light mahogany veneer with solids (birch or beech most likely) stained to match. Light mahogany is achieved through the use of bleaches and toners. This was just recently discussed in another thread. It dates to the 50s or early 60s and was a vanity since I do see evidence of a mirror.

 

Think the legs original. Just a variation on what is typically seen.

 

Ty sooo much for the information. You folks are amazing!!!

 

Thank you for the picture of the back.
I too see evidence that a mirror was once there.

As bedroom styles changed, many people took the mirrors off the backs of vanities and converted them to other uses.

I have one I use as a desk. In my last house, I had one in a hallway under a decorative mirror (not the vanity mirror). They are a nice functional size.

I like the look of yours. Sort of a cross between Art Deco and Mid Century. Probably dates to the 1940s.

 

Mostly agree with verybrad on this one. I would have said birch or ash. Love the "longhorn" pulls. I might date it about 10 years earlier.....early 50s.

Are you sure it's too narrow for a computer desk? That seems like fine adaptive reuse to me.

 

If i was just using a laptop perhaps but I'm a desktop user. Thinking I'll bring it along and see if I can figure out a space. Longhorn pulls is a new term to me. Ty For sharing

 

I just made it up, but I think it works....