Antique Bookcase

Many fine examples of Antique Bookcases

When looking for antique bookcases, domestic pieces will generally date from as far back as 1700 when case furniture began to be produced in serious quantity. Bookcases of course can be traced back as far as the late 16th century and there are some very fine examples at Oxford University’s Bodleian Library. Early examples of bookcases were usually made of oak, and tended to be plain rather than decorative. Very early books would be laid flat on the shelves, and it was only with the advent of the print industry that spines and titles would be displayed outwards.

A walnut bureau bookcase from the time of Queen Anne (1702-14) is a very fine example of an early antique bookcase. Pieces like this formed part of a revolution in furniture making in Britain, with the arrival of Huguenot craftsmen expelled from France at the end of the 17th century and these new forms of manufacture remained throughout the 18th century. The bureau bookcase was an encased set of shelves set upon a bureau or writing desk. The desk had a fold down flap with sets of drawers arranged beneath. The cabinet placed on top to hold the books had two often mirror glazed doors which helped to encourage light. These cabinets were often pedimented on top to give an architectural quality to the piece.

As the 18th century progressed, varying types of antique bookcase evolved. Much larger architectural pieces were being made for libraries and the smaller compact bureau bookcase for the drawing room. Walnut had now become very scarce and mahogany was being imported as its replacement. The bookcase was not only made to showcase books but also to showcase the art of the cabinet maker and many fine examples remain from the time of George III onwards. Door fronts were generally glazed within astragal mouldings and beading and these ornamental glazed doors could range from fairly plain to very elaborate.

One of the most impressive bookcases is the breakfront. These are large architectural pieces with broken pediments and moulded cornices, usually made from mahogany. They can be fully or half glazed with cupboards rather than bureaux underneath, usually with three or four sets of shelves, with the central set pushed forward or breaking the front of the piece.

Towards the end of the 18th century, designer decorators like Robert Adam incorporated furniture like the secretaire cabinet and secretaire bookcase into their general house design. The much lighter satinwood had become popular during this later period and Adam employed craftsmen and artists to decorate furniture with marquetry inlay or painted neoclassical motifs and garlands of flowers. Some pieces were very bright and colourful indeed.

Much Queen Anne, Georgian and Neoclassical furniture from the 18th century was revived during the Victorian era so there remains a good choice of well made, large and more compact antique bookcases in a variety of guises to choose from. These are very imposing pieces of furniture and make excellent investments for the budding antique collector, or for the general investor.

Home Star Country Cottage Collection Chair $78.89 Classy country cottage chair is perfect addition to your home decor. Distinctive multi-step finish process. Features: Country StyleWood FrameCasual Dining ChairFurnishing constructed from finest solid woodChair finished in antique white and cherryEasy to assemble Easy care…

Old Dutch International Antique Pewter Bookshelf and Pot Rack $72.98 Antique Bronze \”Bookshelf\” Pot Rack with Hand-applied Antique finish adds style and storage to any kitchen. Includes 8 hooks and mounting hardware. Study Steel construction. 36\”Lx 9\”Dx11 \”H…

South Shore Furniture Vintage Collection, Open Library, Classic Cherry Bookcase $134.99 This classic open library is a perfect addition to any room. Its warm, deep color provides extra elegance and charm. Features: Classic Cherry finish Profiled edges Matches other South Shore Vintage Collection items Louis-Philippe style mouldings at the top and bottom of the unit All shelves are 18221; thick Three shelves are adjustable Manufactured from engineered-wood products Constructed of C…

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Acase Leather Flip Book Jacket/Folio for Apple iPad Tablet WiFi/3G, Black $24.95 A must-have for your iPAD! Designed to convert into a stand with multiple viewing angles, the Convertible Book Jacket secures your iPad both during travel and when on display in landscape position. Its secure elastic closure ensures your iPad Multi-Touch screen stays protected when you’re on the move. The case also provides a luxury book-style reading experience for your favorite publications in p…