In my previous posts, I considered different furniture types for Home office: writing desks (Home Office Writing Desks Creative Ides), secretary desks, console tables ( Functional Possibilities of the Wall Mounted Desks) laptop stands. All of them have different characters but the same purpose- work at home. In this post, I will present cabinets that fulfil the function of a desk for a home office.

The multifunctional furniture

The cabinets which are multifunctional and stand-alone furniture will be presented. They combine different functions, usually storage and work. These cabinets do not look like a writing table, because work function is hidden. The transformation from the cabinets or dresser to the writing table is easy and simple. The options are different, opening, folding pulling out or extension hidden surfaces

When the work surface is open, it reveals the sophisticated details inside the unit. It can accommodate a keyboard, space for a laptop, telephone, trays for writing utensils and other useful compartments.

Some version is designed for work with PC. Then there is a place for a monitor with monitor-lift, which enables height adjustability. The useful interior fittings may include sockets for power and USB connections, Qi charger for mobile phones.

In some cases, a lighting system is well incorporated in the internal space and useful for the user.

These cabinets transform itself from a storage unit with drawers or doors into a home office are a complement for living environments. The writing desk design this way, contribute to the multifunctionality of the space as the work surface can disappear if necessary.

If such items can accommodate all necessary equipment for your work activities, they can be the right choice for the writing desk for your smart home office.

Examples

The timeless design 

On my mind, one of the best examples of multifunctional cabinets of modern design is Reflex Secrétaire.

VicoMagistretti designed Reflex Secrétaire for DePadova long time ago. Even so, it is still modern, fresh and represents an example of good design. 

This unit is with four drawers, on swivel castors, with a braking mechanism for the front wheels.

The flip-open shelf acts as a desk. It is located under the up roll-top made of solid wood. The internal space, under the top, is organized with several internal dividers which contribute the functionality.

The chosen materials, even different, achieved attractive balance. Roll-top is in solid natural oak or Canaletto walnut while the frame, internal dividers and pull out writing surface are in wood panelling veneered natural oak or Canaletto walnut. They represent harmonious combination with the drawer fronts in anodized aluminium alloy with a satin finish.

Reflex Secrétaire is functional, with high aesthetical values and timeless design. 

It is suitable for the home environment: the living or the bedroom and the four wheels, allow to move it and change place whenever necessary. It is a comfortable place to work with a laptop. For the present moment, it would be suitable to have power supplies available to the user.

Comfortable work with PC

Cubus is a cabinet with drawers or doors which easily transform into a writing desk. It can be used for work with a laptop or PC. The functional characteristic of Cubo is the extendable desktop, a cleverly stowed keyboard, space for a laptop, sophisticated compartments for writing utensils and – in the version with a monitor lift – even a smoothly height-adjustable monitor( max. screen size: 30“). Its lower section is practical too: computer, printer and folders can be stowed behind the hinged doors.

Designed this way Cubo is the complete home office which fit in the home environment. It is especially suitable for work activities which require PC and other equipment items.

The chest of drawers as a writing desk

 

Carlo Colombo designed Gentleman for Flou as part of the furniture program under the same name. Gentlemen is unit with four large drawers and three removable trays in the upper part. The drop-down flap, incorporated under the trays, becomes writing surface.

Gentlemen is multifunctional because enabling use for storage or work. Aesthetically, Gentlemen is with contrasts not only in the chosen colours but in the materials too. The structure is thin, made of curved multilayer wood, with an external cover in leather. The leather is used also for drawers’ front panels and handles. The handles give specific dynamism to the whole item. The contrast is the top part and lower shelf in dark brown ebony with a matt finish. The absence of plinth contributes to the elegancy and lightness of the Gentleman.

Gentlemen easily fit into a home interior, but it lacks any electrical fittings (like sockets for power and USB connections).

The Home office desk with blackboard

 

Baldessari e Baldessari (Giulio Baldessari, Michela Baldessari, Paolo Baldessari) designed Geta for Bross. It is a sideboard with drawers which easily transform in the desk. It is with metal frame and ash casing. The design achieves an interesting relation between the metal structure and the body of the unit. The colours applied to the unit’s part, emphasize their functions. 

The handling is simple and easy. The reclining top an extendible tray, enable the transformation of the sideboard and use as a desk. The top of Geta is equipped with a recessed lighting system and a special finish that transforms it, if necessary, into a blackboard on which taking notes, appointments, programs....

Geta is a functional piece of furniture with some advantage compared to other types when used as a home office desk.

The answer on the question: Home office writing desk or cabinet is that it is not necessary to make the choice. These two items can be combined in one furniture item.