Vintage school desks may be used in a variety of ways.
Antique children's desks are smaller versions of the full-size desks made for adults -- and as such, they are in the same styles. They are nice for uses other than those for which they originally were built and with a little imagination, they may find a home in any room in the house. Does this Spark an idea?
Bedside Table
A small children's writing desk may be used as a bedside table. The surface area is larger than most traditional bedside tables, and can hold a lamp, clock, stack of reading material, water glass and even a small bouquet of flowers. Refinish the desk with a stain close to that of the other furniture in the room; leave it weathered for a shabby chic look or throw a lace tablecloth over it to pool on the floor for a romantic touch.
Plant Stand
A child's antique school desk serves as an attractive and unique plant stand in front of a sunny window. Protect the top from water stains with polyurethane. If the desk is the type once used in a one-room school, where the seat and writing area are one piece, perch plants on both levels and let trailing plants such as ivy wrap around the legs and wind over the desk top.
Display
An antique child's desk may be used to show off collections and family photos. It's also good for seasonal and everyday vignettes and tablescapes. Photos in vintage frames of various sizes and shapes complement the age of the desk. Setting the table for tea on the desk top is a great way to display vintage china. Arrange tea cups, saucers, spoons, a tea pot, sugar bowl and cream pitcher on a large lace or crocheted doily for an English-country look. A grouping of orange and white pumpkins, mums and Indian corn on a bed of colorful silk leaves welcomes autumn while a collection of vintage Santas arranged on a red plaid wool scarf greets family and friends over the Christmas holiday.
Storage
Children's roll-top desks easily are identified by tambor tops that roll up to display numerous drawers and cubbies, and roll down to hide contents and any mess created by the child working at the desk. This feature makes them nice for storing items such as magazines and newspapers as well as corralling small things such as thumbtacks, rubber bands, remote controls, candles and matches. If the desk is in the family or living room, decorate the desktop with a stack of books topped by a pillar candle or small lamp with a colorful leaded-glass shade placed on a lace doily. In the kitchen, add a pop of color by topping the desk with a wooden bowl filled with lemons or shiny red apples.
Tags: desk used, desk with