French Plat Desk in the Study
A little over a year ago, I stumbled upon a French plat desk at a local antique market.
At first glance, I thought it was a reproduction, and after checking the ridiculously low price, I was sure of it.
I ended up buying the pretty Louis XV plat desk to go in my newly renovated study. Thinking it was a reproduction, I considered painting it, but never got around to it.
As a matter of fact, it has sat in my living room for the last year, waiting for me to move it into the study and I finally got around to doing that a few weeks ago.
As I was moving the plat desk into the study, I re-visited the idea of painting it again.
It has lots of wear and problem areas to the veneer.
I thought painting it in perhaps a while or black lacquer might update it in a nice way, but something kept holding me back.
Once I placed the desk in the study, I looked underneath it to see if there was a company name or label, something that would give me a clue as the age and value.
Unfortunately, there wasn’t any kind of hallmark.
However, when I removed the drawers to check them, I noticed that they all have tongue and groove construction. So this gave me pause.
Was it older than I originally thought?
The Louis XV French style desk is often referred to as a Bureau Plat desk.
They are leather topped with full body Caryatid and ormolu mounts on the curved legs, a veneer body, and triple drawers.
The Bureau Plat desk first appeared in France at the beginning of the 17th century as just a flat table with drawers below the top.
By Louis XIV’s reign, a kneehole type was in use, with a tier of drawers on each side and a single drawer in the centre above a space for the knees.
Rococo styling brought us the Bureau plat desk during Louis XV’s reign.
Cabriole legs supported a table-like structure with slimline drawers.
The plat was all about curvaceous crafting and was the must-have furniture piece of the aristocracy.
Do I think that I have a rare antique, worth tens of thousands of dollars? No, unfortunately!
I still think it’s a newer, 20th century desk. It just doesn’t feel that old to me, perhaps dating to the 50’s or 60’s.
However, after some research, I think it might be worth quite a bit more than I paid for it, which is enough of an incentive for me to not paint it.
I have decided that I will leave it as is for now. The stained wood of the desk adds a nice warmth to the cooler tones of the study.
The chair that I’m using is just a bit too small for the desk, so I’m going to swap it out with another french chair that I have. I just need to reupholster it. Another piece on the never ending project list!
I’m loving the “fancy” look that the Louis XV Bureau Plat desk brings to my study.
I feel very regal when I’m working in there, and Miss RubyLou says that she feels pretty queenly herself!
Cheers, Cindy
You might also enjoy:
The Study Renovation | Before and After
The Trumeau Mirror that is in our Study
The French Provincial Buffet Used in the Study
Its a beautiful desk, I would not paint it. You always find such beautiful pieces. I sure wish I was closer to some fun antique shops to find these beauties .Thanks for sharing all your beautiful finds.
Cindy I hope you had a wonderful Mother’s Day! I agree with a couple of the other ladies’ views, the desk is Fabulous and it’s perfect as it is. The warmth of the wood combined with all the other painted pieces and the gold makes the room look Grand and Elegant! RubyLou looks Royal sitting there on the chair. I Love how you decorate, your rooms look amazing Cindy.
Hi Cindy,
I, too, agree in your decision to not paint the desk. It’s a lovely piece of art in itself, and enhances the space beautifully. Great find! Happy Mother’s Day!
Cindy, this desk is stunning! I saw one similar at the St. Anthony Hotel last summer in San Antonio last summer. I think you’ve found a diamond in the rough!
Enjoy this lovely desk!! It looks spectacular in the study there and suits the room.
Happy Mother’s Day,
Barb
Hi Cindy, Thanks so much for posting this. I recently purchased a similar desk with beautiful ormolu and was debating on whether or not to paint it. After reading your blog post and seeing the beautiful photos of your desk, I am now thinking of keeping it as it is and restoring it to it’s original beautiful finish. Thank you for the inspiration!
Hi Cindy! I love the desk just as it is 🙂 I’m not an expert, but I agree with you that the desk is probably a 1950’s or 60’s reproduction.. The quality of the mounts isn’t quite right for an old one winks*. That said it’s lovely, and looks fabulous in your office!
Leave that gorgeous desk alone….paint the fireplace, the ceiling…but, leave the desk with it’s natural beauty. Listen to me girl…
I think Miss Rubylou needs a crown……if only she would leave it on. lol. What a gorgeous desk.
Glad you didn’t paint it. It’s beautiful just like it is.
Beautiful piece! The grandeur of the desk makes that room feel, well,… Grand! You have such exquisite taste. I drool over all your rooms, so perfectly done. Bravo!
Thank you so much, Annette!
I love your desk and am glad you are not painting it. The beautiful end pieces make quite a statement and the wood tones mixed with your other furniture enhance you office. Your french home is so very lovely!
Thank you so much, Jan!
The study is…oh, what is that French word? FABULOUS!! I’m so glad that you go with your heart instead of fads. Most gals would have torn out those beautiful parquet floors and mullioned windows, but no, you KNEW that they are eternally classic and chic. Good for you
The desk is such a find and it found its true home. How many folks would have slapped paint on it too! One last comment… the Station of the Cross piece! Girl, you rock!!!
Thank you, Deb!
I agree! The warmth of the wood in the study is perfect! I love this post, because I learned something about a piece of furniture that I did not know. Thank you! Actually I love all your posts!
Thank you so much, Regina!
It’s beautiful Cindy! I think it looks perfect as is. I too like the warmth it brings to the space. You have quite a few painted pieces and that combination makes this really stand out without competing with your beautiful painted pieces. Have a great weekend.
Nancy
I agree, Nancy! Thank you! Happy Mother’s Day!
does it need a small carpet ?