Measure the opening
Check clear knee width, height and depth, then compare them with your chair and preferred working position.
A place for focused work
Desks and secretaires, open when needed.
Compare writing desks, bureaux and secretaires by working height, knee space, closed depth and the storage built around the surface.
Measure it both open and closed
A secretaire may be compact while closed and generous while working. Record both footprints, the support for the writing surface and enough room for your chair, knees and screen.
Work surface
Fit the real task
Paper, a laptop and a large screen need different surface depth. Measure the tools you use every day.
→02Closure
Open every mechanism
Drop fronts, supports, hinges and locks should move cleanly and hold the working surface level.
→03Comfort
Protect knee and chair space
Drawer blocks, cross rails and narrow openings can make a beautiful desk uncomfortable for daily work.
→Choose a desk you can work at
Load the writing surface
Understand how a fold-down surface is supported and whether hinges, pull-outs and chains are complete and secure.
Plan cables without damage
Historic furniture may have no cable route. Decide how power reaches the surface without trapping wires or cutting the piece.