An armoire desk is a writing-table built within a large cabinet, usually 1.5–2.0 metres (5–7 feet) high.
The cabinet is closed by two to four full-height doors, to keep out dust or to give a tidy appearance to a room by hiding the cluttered working surface of the desk.
Some armoire desks have a fixed work surface, which stays in place when the doors are closed, and moves only for ergonomic adjustments.
Other armoire desks have an easily movable, often hinged, work surface which must be cleared of documents and other items in order to close the doors.
Armoire desks are normally very practical pieces of furniture, despite the use of rich veneers and very complex exterior styling in some of the costlier models.