The fall-front desk is a desk with a main working surface that folds up to cover small shelves or drawers stacked in front of the user.
Unlike the secretary desk, the fall-front desk's desktop panel is perfectly vertical when in its closed position.
Often, there are no additional shelves or drawers above the section that is enclosed by the desktop.
The "secrétaire à abattant" is a nearly identical form, but usually in a French style such as Louis XV, Art Deco, etc.
In the early 19th century, Shaker communities produced a tall and plain variation that is often known as a "cupboard desk".