There are many different types of 'writing furniture', but perhaps the best known is the bureau - basically a desk with a hinged flap that folds up when not in use. Here we look at this and other kinds you may come across. In this article 18th-century bureaux Kneehole desks Davenports Secretaire bookcases Made in quantity from the 18th century, bureaux are generally oak, walnut or mahogany, some lavishly decorated with lacquer or marquetry. They were often combined with bookcases and cabinets to become bureau cabinets. Like ordinary cabinets, these were as much to display the wealth of their owner as for any practical purpose. Many have a strong architectural feel, designed to co-ordinate with the architecture of the rooms in which they stood. Other forms of writing furniture include writing tables, kneehole desks and the curiously shaped davenport. 18th-century bureaux This early 18th-century bureau has many typical features which you should look for: small size - those wider than 107cm (42 inches) are less desirable; attractive walnut veneers; and bun feet, although most are replacements. Circular marks in the baseboard show that a bureau originally had bun feet (even if it now has bracket feet). Kneehole desks Kneehole desks are sometimes converted from chests of drawers, so check that the drawers look complete and that veneers match. Avoid a desk with drawers on one side only - it's probably a converted washstand! Most desks are made from walnut, mahogany, or pine; the value of the one pictured top is substantial - from about $16,800 - because the wood is covered with red japanning. Lacquer and japanning Chinese and Japanese lacquer became popular in the 17th century, and soon English cabinet makers began to produce their own 'oriental' style lacquer called japanning. Black was the most common colour; red, as in this desk, is much rarer. Davenports There are two main types of davenport. Early ones were quite plain and had an upper section which pulled forward to provide the writing surface. By c.1840, many had the desirable 'piano-rise' top (which opens like a piano) and a recessed case, like the one shown here. Expect to pay more for good quality woods, like the burr walnut of this piece, satinwood or rosewood. Prices are in the region of $6,000. Secretaire bookcases When the deep top drawer of the secretaire bookcase is open, the front 'drops' to form the writing surface. The fine quality of the interior will be reflected in the price - about $20,000. A lesser one might be as little as $3,300. Bookcases should be slightly smaller than their base, but made of matching wood. Beware of bases and tops which are flush-sided - they could be a marriage or a cut-down library bookcase. Dating Double dome top, 1690-1720 Broken pediment, 1730-1800 American bonnet top, 1730-1760 Swan neck pediment, 1760-1810 Regency top, 1800-1830 Moulded dentil, 1780-1810 Pediments can help when dating a piece