The oval-shaped space—furnished with a copy of the Resolute Desk—was the brainchild of the home’s history-loving longtime owner Tom Simpson, according to his wife, June Simpson.

The Oval Office is the president's formal work space. The office's oval shape was inspired by the shape of the Blue Room on the first floor, according to the White House Historical Association.

The Oval Office, a room famous for its distinct ovum—er, oval—shape, has become synonymous with American democracy and the president himself. It's no wonder that each executive has sought to ...