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Emily A. Clark

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Favorite Ways To Use A Secretary Desk

June 2, 2014

I’ve always liked idea of having a secretary. (The desk, not the person. Although, both are nice actually. . . ) They’re classic pieces that give you height, storage, and a little function, without the bulk. I spent part of my weekend giving this one a makeover:

secretary before

secretary-makeover(mid-paint job)

secretary-panel

I used glossy black paint and the insides are now a very light gray. I decided to leave the original hardware as is. It’s a little tarnished but I like the contrast against the glossy finish.

secretary-drawers

I picked up a new piece of glass for it this morning and plan to take it over to my booth later today. I’ll show you more before and after pictures of the entire piece later this week, once I get it all set up and styled there.

 

In the meantime, Here are a few of my favorite ways to decorate with with a secretary:

secretaryBetter Homes & Gardens

1. As a bedroom writing desk.

 

secretary-deskJust Our Lovely Life

2. As a family command center/display area in a small spot.

 

painted-secretaryBetter Homes & Gardens

3. In a neutral color, paired with a colorful chair.

 

secretary-nightstandBetter Homes & Gardens

4. In lieu of a nightstand.

 

vintage-secretaryJames Michael Howard

5. As a focal piece, anchoring a gallery wall.

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Filed Under: My shop, painted furniture Tagged With: DIY projects, furniture, painting

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Comments

  1. Sharon Rexroad's Bringing Creativity 2 Life says

    June 2, 2014 at 5:33 pm

    I think my favorite secretary is one in Eddie Ross’ professional portfolio: http://www.eddieross.com/photos/test/work20.html

    Looking at your inspiration picture #1 and knowing that Eddie now works for BHG, I’m wondering if it’s the same piece, albeit without the doors in the blue version. And if so, which color combo it is now!

    Reply
  2. Danielle says

    June 2, 2014 at 5:59 pm

    I love secretaries! x

    Reply
  3. Meagan Claire says

    June 2, 2014 at 9:11 pm

    Wow! I guess I’ve never seen a secretary with a hutch on it. I recently took in my grandma’ sold, old secretary, and I wonder if it used to,have a companion.

    Reply
  4. Helena Dias says

    June 2, 2014 at 10:20 pm

    I have a mahogany secretary thar we bough from craigslist0. It dates back to the 40s and is in perfect condition. Love it. Can’t wait to see how yours looks and how you styled.

    Reply
  5. Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says

    June 3, 2014 at 8:59 am

    A secretary is the next piece on my ‘list’ of furniture. Love your inspiration pictures.

    Reply
  6. Dawn says

    June 3, 2014 at 4:05 pm

    I really want a secretary to use as a vanity. Great photos, thanks for sharing them!

    Reply
  7. Isaura G says

    June 4, 2014 at 1:53 pm

    I’m so glad I read this post. I never realized I was missing the top hutch to my secretary desk.

    Reply
  8. Lisa W. says

    June 9, 2014 at 2:11 pm

    I love my secretary as a nightstand. Word of caution – close it up before you go to bed. I slipped getting out of bed the other day and hit my head on the drop down writing surface. NOT fun!!

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      June 9, 2014 at 2:31 pm

      Yikes!

      Reply
  9. Charlene Greyare says

    April 25, 2017 at 6:01 pm

    I just moved into a new house and my beloved secretary will not work in my new living room. After viewing these great ideas I’m going to move it upstairs to the guest room I think it will look great in there. Never would have though if that, thanks!!

    Reply

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