We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Furniture

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Cylinder Desk?

By A. Leverkuhn
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 9,453
Share

A cylinder desk is a specific type of furniture that includes a curved upper portion. Some people call it a cylinder top desk because the top section of the desk is curved. A cylinder desk that has a roll down top is also called a roll top desk.

Some people confuse the cylinder desk with a circular desk. The cylinder type of desk is not a circular structure. It has a square work space with four legs or lateral sides. The only cylinder portion is the sides or top of the desk.

The cylinder desk generally resembles a special kind of historic furniture called a Bureau Mazarin. These early desk designs had some interesting provisions. They were designed for use with only one knee under the desk. According to experts, this was to accommodate wealthy owners who wore swords that could get in the way of conventional seating. Over time, the cylinder desk evolved from the Bureau Mazarin, which had a series of drawers, brace frames, and similar construction.

Although a cylinder desk is generally made mostly of wood, some models made of metal or other materials are part of the general market for these types of desk designs. The traditional cylinder roll top desk has a solid wooden construction, with a slatted wood roll top. Antique cylinder desk models demonstrate the care that went into these quality work furniture items during past eras.

Part of the appeal of the cylinder desk is visual, but the cover that a roll top desk provides is also very functional. Some cylinder roll top models include locks for the tops of the desks. Inside of the cylinder roll top, there are various small boxes and drawers that can hold important items. The simple locking of a roll top is generally less sophisticated than those of modern desks with locking drawers.

Antique buffs point out that many of the older cylinder desks designed like a Bureau Mazarin were not always meant for practical use. Some were more in the category of furniture that was made to impress, or to adequately furnish a formal space like a classical study or receiving room. Many of today’s models are scaled down from the designs a visitor might see in a museum or historic building.

Share
HomeQuestionsAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.homequestionsanswered.com/what-is-a-cylinder-desk.htm
Copy this link
HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.