The knee hole desk is writing and storage furniture with a “knee hole” space for the user’s legs. The knee hole desk comes in the famous Georgian style of furniture that makes it an aesthetic piece. Notable knee hole desks were made by famous furniture designers such as Chippendale, Adams brothers, Hepplewhite, and Sheraton.
What is a Knee Hole Desk?
A knee hole desk features a table with sets of drawers and a recessed area or “knee hole” in the center. The knee hole desk allows ample space for the legs of the sitter when a chair is pushed near the desk. The knee hole desk is a smaller variation of the pedestal desk. The recessed area for the knees is compact making the knee hole desk narrower than other desk types.
The knee hole desk first appeared in the 18th century and was used for writing and storage. The Georgian knee hole desk is a popular style of this furniture.
Famous Knee Hole Desk?
Knee hole desks come in the famous Georgian style furniture (1714-1820). The Golden Age of English furniture design is associated with the Georgian style.
The Georgian knee hole desk has three drawers on its sides and a single long drawer at the top. The Georgian knee hole desk is usually made of rich, dark woods including mahogany and walnut. Mahogany was the most preferred wood for making Georgian furniture. Mahogany is more resistant to splitting and warping. Furniture made with mahogany is able to show more distinct carvings compared to walnut.
Knee hole desks of the Georgian style are described as heavy and masculine. Common decorative pieces include acanthus leaves, honeysuckle motifs, shells, animal heads, masks, scrolls, and oriental designs. The Georgian knee hole desk was typically coated with a gypsum and water mixture. The decorations are then carved onto the furniture after the coating process. The desk’s oyster shell shelf rings are usually made of brass.
Another key feature of the Georgian knee hole desk is the bracket feet. Bracket feet are designed to support the weight of bulky furniture.
Go to LA Furniture Store for a varied selection of modern office desks.
Notable Knee Hole Desk Designers?
Famous designers of Georgian knee hole furniture were Thomas Chippendale, James and Robert Adam, George Hepplewhite, and Thomas Sheraton.
