Spotlight: Creating a mid century home office with Abbess

If you went to school in the UK during the 50s, 60s, 70s or 80s, there’s a good chance your teacher will have had an Abbess desk. Founded by the Abbott family - an influential family from the West London district of Southall – Abbess furniture was hugely popular in schools and government buildings across the UK, providing durable writing desks, plan chests and other practical items.

While some of the later (and more expensive) ranges used teak wood and metal framing, most Abbess desks were made from solid oak and oak veneer which was normally coated in a dark varnish.

One of the uncharted icons of British furniture design, Abbess ceased trading in the early 2000s but you can still find second-hand desks for sale online. Awash with mid century charm, Abbess desks make for an ideal home office desk, particularly when paired with a mushroom table lamp and a comfy chair.