Decorating Guides
Vintage School Desks Go to the Head of Design Class
Sharpen a pencil and take notes on these ideas for working a nostalgic element into your interior designs
During my elementary school days, the last thing on my mind was how cute our classroom desks were. I had more important things to ponder, like who might have the most tradable lunch that day. Not until the ink was dry on my college diploma did it occur to me that the furniture I'd ignored throughout my youth would make a great-looking piece of decor. It's the playground version of industrial chic.
Take a look at the photos below, and just try not to get nostalgic for the days of eraser clapping and spelling bees.
Take a look at the photos below, and just try not to get nostalgic for the days of eraser clapping and spelling bees.
The teacher might not have been amused, but the layers of graffiti in this school desk drawer add an endearingly nostalgic note.
This bench seat-and-desk unit makes smart use of a tight corner in which a standard-size desk might not fit.
A retro-chic nursery gets a midcentury spin with this mod desk and chair. The tot can use it for finger painting during the toddler years and for homework when it's time for grade school.
Who would have thought of adding a school desk to a covered outdoor porch? If you think about it, it makes total sense: School furniture is built to be practically indestructible, so it can withstand the elements fairly well.
From the hinge-top desk to the map wall treatment and old-fashioned globe, this bedroom radiates a gentle scholarly charm.
A brightly colored school desk gets high marks in this cheeky, cheerful space.
Searching for schoolhouse-inspired furniture? Start with the product picks below.
Searching for schoolhouse-inspired furniture? Start with the product picks below.
Nelson Swag Leg Desk
Assuming the eye-popping price doesn't faze you, this desk evokes the flavor of school days gone by.
Vintage Child's Chair by AMradio
Who knew industrial furniture could look so sculptural? The lines and proportions of this one really stand out in a simple setting.
Swivel Desk Chairs and Cushion
Old-school swivel chairs blend retro style and contemporary comfort.
Tell us: Nostalgic for school-desk style? Tell us about it in the Comments section below!
More guides to vintage style
Tell us: Nostalgic for school-desk style? Tell us about it in the Comments section below!
More guides to vintage style
A word of caution: Before you use old painted pieces in a kids' space, have them tested to be sure the paint contains no lead.