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10 Creative Ways to Use a Vintage Writing Bureau in Your Home

The writing bureau, once a staple of classic home offices and libraries, has found new life in modern interiors.  Here are 10 ways to use a vintage writing bureau in your home.


Its timeless design and multifunctional capabilities make it a versatile piece that can enhance various spaces in your home.  If you have a writing bureau or are looking to source one and would like creative ways to use it, here are some inspiring ideas to consider.


Walnut Writing Bureau by One of a Kind Designs
Walnut Writing Bureau by One of a Kind Designs

Using a vintage writing bureau is a wonderful way to blend functionality with style. It provides a distinctive workspace that sets itself apart from contemporary, minimalist desks, adding a touch of history and sophistication to your everyday work environment. By thoughtfully setting up and maintaining your writing bureau, you can enjoy a productive and inspiring workspace that reflects your personal taste and appreciation for timeless design.


Practical Benefits:


  1. Space-Saving Design: The drop-front design provides a spacious work surface when opened and can be closed to save space (and hide the mess!) when not in use, making it ideal for smaller areas.

  2. Storage Solutions: Vintage writing bureaus typically come with various drawers, compartments, and shelves, offering plenty of storage for office supplies, documents, and personal items. This built-in organisation can help keep your workspace tidy and efficient.

  3. Multi-Functional: Beyond serving as a desk, a writing bureau can also function as a decorative piece, a storage unit, or even a display area for cherished items, adding versatility to your home.


Read on to find out 10 ways to use a Vintage Writing Bureau in your home:



The writing bureau serves as a versatile piece of furniture that goes beyond just being a writing desk. Its drop-front design not only offers a spacious surface for writing but also allows for easy storage of laptops, tablets, or even a small desktop computer, making it a functional workspace for various tasks.


In addition to keeping stationery and essentials organised, the built-in compartments and drawers can also store books, documents, or any other items you may need while working.


Placing the writing bureau in a quiet corner of your home not only creates an inspiring writing nook but also provides a cozy and dedicated space for reading, studying, or working on creative projects. The classic design of a writing bureau adds a touch of elegance to any room, blending seamlessly with different decor styles and enhancing the overall aesthetic of your living space.



Transforming your writing bureau into a compact home office is a smart and practical solution for the modern remote worker. In today's world, where more and more people are working from home, having a designated workspace is essential for productivity and focus.


The beauty of repurposing a writing bureau lies in its versatility and functionality. The storage compartments of the bureau offer ample space to neatly organise your laptop, documents, and all your essential office supplies, keeping everything within arm's reach and helping you stay organised and efficient throughout the workday.


Furthermore, the ability to simply close the bureau at the end of the day adds a sense of closure to your work hours, allowing you to physically and mentally disconnect from work and transition into your personal time. This act of closing the bureau not only helps maintain a tidy workspace but also symbolises the boundary between work and leisure, promoting a healthy work-life balance.


Steampunk Writing Bureau by One of a Kind Designs
Steampunk Writing Bureau by One of a Kind Designs

3. Craft Station


For individuals with a penchant for creativity, a writing bureau serves as a versatile and practical craft station. Its design allows for efficient organisation of various crafting materials, ranging from essential tools like paper, scissors, glue, and ribbons, which can be neatly stored in the drawers and cubbies provided.


The drop-front desk feature offers a spacious and dedicated workspace, ideal for bringing your artistic visions to life. Moreover, the ability to simply close the desk after use ensures a clutter-free environment, concealing any remnants of your creative process and maintaining a tidy crafting space.


4. Stylish Bar Cabinet


Transform your living space into a chic and sophisticated setting with a simple yet innovative idea - repurposing your writing bureau into a trendy bar cabinet. Not only will it add a touch of elegance to your home decor but also create a functional and stylish focal point in the room.


The compartments of the bureau offer ample storage space for your collection of premium spirits, a variety of mixers, and an assortment of glassware, allowing you to showcase your favorite beverages in a visually appealing way.


Imagine the convenience of having a designated area for mixing drinks right at your fingertips. The desk surface of the bureau provides a spacious and flat surface for preparing cocktails, making it a practical and efficient setup for hosting gatherings and parties.


Additionally, the drawers below can be utilised to store cocktail recipe books, bar tools, and other essentials, keeping everything neatly organised and easily accessible.


Your guests will be impressed by the ingenuity and style of your transformed bar cabinet, making it a conversation starter and a focal point of any social gathering. Elevate your home decor and elevate your hosting game with this elegant and practical furniture transformation.


5. Dressing Table


Transforming a writing bureau into a dressing table is a brilliant way to infuse elegance and practicality into your bedroom decor. By repurposing this piece of furniture, you not only add a touch of vintage charm but also create a functional space to organise your beauty essentials.


The drawers and compartments of the bureau offer ample storage for your makeup, skincare products, jewellery, and accessories, keeping them neatly tucked away yet easily accessible.


With this repurposed writing bureau as your dressing table you not only optimise space in your bedroom but also create a delightful corner where you can indulge in your daily beauty routine. The blend of practical storage solutions and aesthetic appeal makes this transformation a perfect addition to your living space, reflecting your unique style and enhancing your daily rituals.


Parakeet Writing Bureau by One of a Kind Designs
Large Parakeet Display Writing Bureau by One of a Kind Designs

6. Entryway Organiser


Enhance the functionality and style of your entryway by incorporating a writing bureau into the space. A writing bureau not only offers a practical storage solution but also elevates the aesthetic appeal of your home's entrance.


With designated drawers, you can neatly store and organise essential items such as keys, mail, and other everyday necessities, ensuring that everything has its place and is easily accessible when needed.


The desk surface of the bureau provides a convenient landing spot for items like your bag or wallet, allowing you to unload and organise your belongings as soon as you walk through the door. This practical setup not only promotes a clutter-free entryway but also introduces a touch of sophistication and charm to the area, setting a welcoming tone for both residents and guests alike.


7. Children's Study Area


Create a dedicated study area for your child with a writing bureau. This piece of furniture not only serves a practical purpose but also adds a touch of charm to your child's room. The compact size of the writing bureau is perfect for optimising space in a child's room, making it a functional and stylish addition to the decor.


The storage compartments within the bureau offer a convenient solution for organising school supplies, books, and art materials, keeping everything neatly in place and easily accessible for your child.


By setting up a designated study area for your child, you are creating a conducive environment for learning and productivity. Having a specific place for homework and projects helps in establishing a routine and fostering a sense of responsibility in your child.


This space can become a sanctuary for creativity and focus, where your child can immerse themselves in their schoolwork without distractions.


In conclusion, investing in a writing bureau to create a dedicated study area for your child not only offers practical storage solutions, but it also nurtures a positive learning environment that can inspire creativity, focus, and a love for learning in your child.


8. Living Room Statement Piece


Transform your living room into a sophisticated and stylish haven with the addition of a writing bureau as a striking decorative element. This versatile piece of furniture not only serves as a practical workspace but also doubles as a captivating focal point that effortlessly draws attention.


By carefully curating a selection of your most cherished books, elegant decorative items, and precious framed photos on the spacious desk surface and within the convenient open compartments, you can create a visually appealing display that reflects your unique personality and interests.


The timeless design of the writing bureau exudes a sense of elegance and refinement, making it a perfect fit for a wide range of interior decor styles. Whether your space leans towards traditional, modern, eclectic, or vintage aesthetics, this classic piece seamlessly blends in while adding a touch of character and charm.


The intricate details and craftsmanship of the bureau contribute to its overall allure, elevating the ambiance of your living area and creating a welcoming atmosphere for both residents and guests alike.


navy and gold Writing Bureau by One of a Kind Designs
Naval Writing Bureau by One of a Kind Designs

9. Sewing Station


Transforming a writing bureau into a dedicated sewing station is a brilliant idea for individuals passionate about sewing. By repurposing this furniture piece, you can create a well-organised and functional space for your sewing endeavors. Utilise the drawers and compartments to neatly store your sewing machine, various fabrics, threads, needles, and other essential tools, ensuring everything is easily accessible when needed.


The drop-front desk of the bureau offers an ideal work surface for laying out and cutting patterns, as well as for assembling and sewing your projects. Its flat and spacious design provides a comfortable area to work on intricate details, allowing you to focus on your craft with ease.


This setup not only maximises the bureau's utility but also enhances your sewing experience by providing a designated and ergonomic workspace tailored to your needs.


10. Guest Room Convenience


In a guest room, a writing bureau can serve as a versatile and practical piece of furniture that caters to various needs of the guests.


Not only does it provide a designated space for guests to work, but it also doubles up as a vanity for them to get ready or as a storage solution for their personal items.


The functionality and adaptability of a writing bureau make it an essential addition to any well-equipped guest room, ensuring that visitors have everything they need for a comfortable and convenient stay.


So, What Next?


Commission Your Own Writing Bureau


The writing bureau is a versatile and timeless piece of furniture that can be used in countless creative ways throughout your home. Whether you need a functional workspace, a stylish bar, or an organised entryway, the writing bureau can be adapted to suit your needs. Embrace its charm and functionality, and let it inspire you to create beautiful and practical spaces in your home.


Having learned about the different ways to incorporate a Vintage Writing Bureau into your home, we invite you to reach out to us to explore the possibility of having one commissioned for your own home.


Our Commission Process


Whether you are ready to commission a writing bureau or are looking for something else, creating your dream statement furniture with One of a Kind Designs is an easy process. Begin by getting in touch with us and we will schedule a convenient time for a phone conversation to go over your needs.

Our passion lies in helping you bring your design ideas to life. From sourcing the perfect piece, to the design and transformation, we are dedicated to ensuring that your new furniture reflects your unique style and personality.


With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to quality, we carefully curate a selection of furniture options that align with your vision and preferences. Whether you're seeking a statement piece or a functional addition, we strive to find the ideal match for your needs.


By combining our design expertise with our furniture sourcing capabilities, we aim to create cohesive and harmonious pieces that resonate with you. Let us be your partners in transforming your home into a place that truly feels like your own.

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