Back to School: From Classic to Contemporary Office Style

With the end of Summer break and the start of another academic year, we at Jean-Marc Fray Antiques are excited to shine a spotlight on office furniture. From large antique desks to modern secretaires, we have something for every style and function. The ultimate goal in design is to have beauty emphasize the purpose, and the purpose to not take away from the beauty. No room challenges this more than an office, which requires constant efficiency.

Please enjoy a collection of curated picks, perfect for inspiring you to get to work!

Writing Desks

Early forms of desks date back to ancient Egypt, around 2000 BC, and were used to hold papyrus scrolls. While they continued to be of use by religious figures and royalty, the growth of literacy brought on by the printing press also led to an increase in desks. Today, while many people have a desk in their office or home, their main purpose is simply to hold a laptop or personal computer.

At Jean-Marc Fray Antiques we have a series of beautiful desks in any number of French styles. From the ebonized classic detail of the Louis XVI writing table to the clean, impressive lines of the Directoire desk, each is one-of-a-kind. By adding an antique or vintage desk to your office, character and quality are brought into an often sterile work environment. Please view all of our available desks here!

Sécretaires

The sécretaire originated in 18th century France and is characterized by the drop front writing surface. The interiors often feature functional shelving or drawers, the perfect piece for a home office that needs to be put away at the end of a long workday. This is a staple at the Jean-Marc Fray gallery and in French design. Few pieces so simply combine form and function while also being available in almost any style or size you can imagine. At our gallery we typically source Louis XVI style pieces for the classic French detail and lustrous ebonized finish, creating a piece of furniture that can meld with any style. While a mid-century style creates a seamless feel with a more contemporary home. The secretary provides functional storage, while also serving as a writing/work surface. Please find all of our available secretaries here!

Bookcases

Similarly to the history of the desk, bookcases grew in popularity with the advent of the printing press. As more people had personal libraries, the need to house and showcase such books became more and more important. Perfect for an office, a bookcase adds a touch of elegance to a collection of books or work documents. Please find all of our available bookcases here!