Antique school desk swivel chairs were attached to old school desks and used by children all over North America. These days they can be found in antique stores, personal collections, and even museums. They're very reminiscent of a bygone era and can add real charm and a sense of nostalgia to a space.
There's a huge difference between modern day school desks and chairs and antique varieties. Antique chairs are sturdier, but also more graceful and elegant than modern day versions. Antique school desk swivel chairs are particularly so. The chairs are attached to the desks and create a smooth, graceful line from desk to chair.
Antique School Desks and Chairs
Really old versions will always have the seat attached to the desk. The two-piece desk and chair wasn't introduced until midway of the 20th century. Most antique desks and chairs were made of woods such as pine, redwood, and oak. Sometimes they had metal legs. The desk portion was usually slanted and some had storage space underneath the desktop.
Where to Find Antique School Desk Swivel Chairs
These old desk chairs have long gone out of fashion, but collectors can still find them. Like with any antiques check country estate sales, antique shops, and even old schools themselves (if you're allowed!).
Thanks to the Internet, many antiques and collectibles are within easy reach to just about anyone. All one has to do is type the desired item into a search engine and a variety of options will pop up. Because antique school desk swivel chairs are hard to come by, there aren't as many options as there are for other antique items, but some can still be found. More often than not you'll find ones for sale from private sellers on online auction sites like Ebay. The prices will always vary but they can often be purchased for $100 or less.
Some of these old desks and chairs can be much more valuable. The condition (the wood isn't cracked, scratched or warped, and the chair swivels easily), as well as the quality of the workmanship can have an effect on the price. The more elaborate the design the more valuable the piece. Some of the really highly collectible versions can sell for as much as $1000.
Before buying make sure to do a bit of research and comparison shopping. Check out a few different varieties and see what they're selling for. For example, watch a few items on Ebay and see what the bidding prices are and what the items finally go for. This will give you an idea of what people are willing to pay.
Also, if you're buying on the Internet be sure to ask for pictures that show all of the angles of the piece. One person's idea of good condition might not be the same as another's so you want to make sure that you know what you're getting. Pictures are the best way to do that.
Where to Use Antique School Furniture
While they're not used in schools anymore, antique school desks with swivel chairs can be quite charming when used to decorate kids' bedrooms, playrooms, or even home studies and offices. It can give children a cute place to sit and do their homework or do arts and crafts. It will add a real sense of nostalgia to any place it's used.
If you have one of these antique pieces be sure to take care of it. Wax and/or polish it and try to prevent it from getting damaged. They haven't been made for a long time and their value will likely only rise. Antique school desks and chairs contain all sorts of history are beloved by collectors the world over.
