The suitcase was inspired by the custom order made for Goyard by the famous British writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. This suitcase could serve as a desk. From the workshop of luxury luggage supplier Edmond Goyard came a suitcase with storage space, a bookshelf and a writing surface or table.
Today, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s trunk desk is reproduced while retaining its intricate detail and impressive presence. It is often made of wood or veneer with deeply stained finishes and handcrafted inlaid patterns. Since a chest desk is designed to be a workspace where you, the user, work most of the day, it is important that the selection process is given due consideration.
Read on as we’ve listed the best suitcase desks available right now and given some tips on choosing the best desk.
Richard’s Trunk desk – Polished aluminum
The first suitcase desk on our list is based on a 20th-century steam suitcase that actually traveled around the world. It is a re-edition built using the same techniques that Timothy Oulton crafted with the pins, hinges and brackets of the well-travelled 20th Century trunk.
With the piece’s wooden frame clad in polished aluminum and then accented with steel screws, it’s undeniable that this truss desk has managed to reinterpret the grandeur of yesteryear in a contemporary way. Consider this one of your best options because its charm is the touch you need to make your home unique.
Mayfair 5 Drawer Steamer Desk – Vintage Cigar
The second masterpiece on our list is sleek and luxurious, and it’s still from Restoration Hardware. The vintage cigar leather sleeve attached to all sides of the device makes it easy to position in your living area. Constructed from a handcrafted solid wood frame, this 5-drawer chest desk offers you a piece like no other.
Overall dimensions are 63″W x 31½”D x 30″H, which is the best size. Regardless of the size of the room, you will not find it difficult to install the device in your room. The most remarkable thing about this chest desk is simply that the finest materials are used and finished with craftsmanship and world-class methods. This is a piece of furniture that you can pass on to generations.
Mayfair Steamer Trunk 3 Drawer Desk – Brushed Steel
A simpler reproduction of an antique steam case, this unit features brushed steel construction with a handcrafted solid wood frame. The paneling is leather with drawer slides and corner brackets accented with thousands of hand-hammered brass nail heads. It features three storage compartments lined with canvas.
The reason why we included it in our list of the best chest tables is the fact that it brings style and functionality to workspaces and living spaces. A great size at 48½”W x 20″D x 30″H, it’s stunning, simple and graceful – all aspects that make the best desk.
Flight case desk
The Aviator Trunk Desk mimics the riveted exterior of an airplane accented with fuselage panels. It’s a piece of furniture guaranteed to be unforgettable. The aluminum panels were carefully shaped and then attached with hand-applied nails. Its creation consisted of different phases to give the impression of desperation and exhaustion.
Paying homage to some of the greatest aircraft ever built, including suitcases that traveled the world with this jewel. Measuring in at a respectable 64 x 32 x 31 inches, this could be the statement piece that completes the look of your room.
Old style desk chest
If you’re simply looking for an affordable alternative to suitcase desks filled with history and romance, there’s no better product than this Old Style Desk Podium Desk from Quickway Imports. As the name suggests, it has three functions: as a writing desk, as a podium and of course as a storage box.
Choosing this product and adding it to your home can evoke all sorts of exciting reactions. You can take visitors and guests back in time or to a different time period without having to spend thousands of dollars. As a bonus, the old-style desk/chest/podium doesn’t look cheap at all. In fact, it looks like it’s actually from a bygone era!
Ludlow Trunk Secretary
The Ludlow Trunk is in high demand among homeowners as it makes a great addition to living spaces, especially home offices. Chest secretaries, including this piece available from Pottery Barn, make smart use of space, taking up little space but offering plenty of room for storage, writing or work.
That’s all? Of course not! The Ludlow Trunk secretary desk is versatile enough to also accommodate your office equipment such as your laptop. The piece is hand finished to give it an antique look. It is then sealed with a protective varnish that makes the device moisture resistant.
Due to its functionality and aesthetics, you will definitely get your money’s worth with this product.
buying tips
Now that you know what are the most suitable trestle desk options, let’s take a look at some things to consider in order to make the best choice from the 6 products featured.
Size
When purchasing a truss desk, determining the dimensions of the space available in your home or office will greatly simplify the selection process. A good way to focus on your decisions is to rule out desks that are too big for your space. However, there are a few other dimensions you need to think about to make your space comfortable and efficient, such as: B. Windows, access, doors and much more.
- Windows – You want to position your chest desk so that it gets limited glare from the sun while you work. Also, a chest desk is best preserved, and direct sunlight will not reveal the finish or construction materials.
- Access – Consider how the desk will be placed in your home or building. Does it have to go up a flight of stairs? Maybe you would need to move it into a narrow hallway or add a small door. If you can easily bring your chosen desk to your room, then you can definitely get the piece.
- door – Leave enough space for your room’s door to fully open even when a chest desk is added.
- room for movement – Leave at least 3 meters of space behind your desk so you can sit comfortably or pull out a chair.
ergonomics
Chest tables may not be the best when it comes to ergonomics, but there are certain things you can do to ensure your comfort while using your new piece of furniture, including the following:
- position of the monitor – If you mount a monitor on the trunk, it should be 20-30 inches away from the user’s face. The top of the monitor should be at eye level with the user at the desk.
- legroom – Most chest tables are 30 inches off the ground and work well for people 5-6 inches tall. A general guideline is to choose a height (for the desk) that is comfortable to the touch. The user’s hands must be resting flat on a surface with the elbows pointing down or at a 90 degree angle.
- work surface – Important items that you use frequently at work, such as pen cups and storage compartments, must be within easy reach.
- desk chair – Unlike standing desks, a chest desk must be paired with a desk chair. For the greatest comfort for you or the user, get the chair with armrests for elbow support. The good lumbar support makes the user’s back feel comfortable even after sitting for hours. Wheeled chairs offer greater maneuverability.
materials
Different materials influence the look of a suitcase and express a certain style. For example, metal creates a more modern atmosphere and dark woods look timeless. If you want the traditional material to match your classic style space, wood is the best option. For a clean finish it can be painted or stained to preserve the natural grain of the material.
A laminate trestle desk is a more practical option. It has the same colors as real wood, so it can easily be mistaken for solid wood.
Although metal has a more modern appeal than polished aluminum, it doesn’t detract from the authentic look of chest tables. Metal is also durable, so your desk will last for years without the maintenance that wood requires.
