Antique Bookcases Bookcases
19th Century British Louis Philippe Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Mahogany
Late 19th Century British Regency Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Brass
19th Century English Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Walnut
Late 18th Century British Neoclassical Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Mahogany
1910s Slovak Vienna Secession Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Beech
19th Century French Antique Bookcases Bookcases
19th Century Austrian Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Birdseye Maple, Walnut
19th Century Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Early 19th Century English Gothic Revival Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Brass
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Elm
Early 20th Century Asian Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Grasscloth, Rattan, Glass, Wood
18th Century and Earlier English Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Mahogany
18th Century Dutch Baroque Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Wood
Early 20th Century Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Glass, Wood
Early 1900s Indian Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Teak
Late 19th Century British Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Walnut
Early 1900s Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Mahogany
19th Century British Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Wood
Late 18th Century English Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Walnut
Early 20th Century British Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Oak
Early 20th Century British Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Wood
Early 20th Century English Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Glass, Wood
Early 20th Century British Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Wood
19th Century Swedish Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Pine
Early 20th Century British Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Walnut
Early 19th Century British Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Wood
19th Century British Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Wood
Early 19th Century British Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Wood
Early 19th Century British Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Wood
Late 19th Century British Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Walnut
19th Century English Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Mahogany
19th Century English Victorian Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Pine
19th Century Scottish Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Oak, Pine
1820s English Regency Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Rosewood
Early 1900s English Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Mahogany
19th Century Swedish Gothic Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Wood
19th Century English Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Mahogany
Early 20th Century British Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Walnut
1860s English Victorian Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Rosewood
Early 19th Century British Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Glass
1860s French Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Brass
Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Mahogany
19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Walnut
Early 1900s French Empire Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Brass
1890s British Sheraton Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Glass, Wood
1860s English Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Brass
Early 1900s Indian Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Teak
Early 20th Century Belgian Late Victorian Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Mahogany
Early 20th Century Belgian Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Oak
19th Century Victorian Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Walnut
19th Century Antique Bookcases Bookcases
1920s Chippendale Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Mahogany
1820s German Biedermeier Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Mahogany
Early 20th Century English Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Mahogany
Late 19th Century English Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Mahogany
19th Century English Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Mahogany
Early 20th Century English Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Pine
Early 20th Century British Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Wood
1890s French Empire Revival Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Mahogany
Early 20th Century English Antique Bookcases Bookcases
Mahogany
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Antique Bookcases Bookcases For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Antique Bookcases Bookcases?
Finding the Right bookcases for You
Whether you proudly shelve your books in regal mahogany or behind glass cabinet doors, an antique bookcase — or perhaps more than one — is essential to creating a cozy nook for any book lover.
As long as curious people have collected stories, we have needed a place to stow them away and preserve them. When auction houses and book dealers proliferated by the late 17th century, the bibliophile was born. And, of course, as with any treasured decorative objects or collectibles, a book lover’s volumes were suddenly worthy of a luxurious display — enter the bookcase.
Americans of means during the 19th century took to amassing art as well as rare books, and bookcases of the era — rife with hand-carved decorative accents and architectural motifs — were ideal for displaying their handsome leather-bound wares.
Although our favorite titles may change over the years, the functionality and beauty of their home within our home is timeless. Even those who don’t covet the perfect home library can benefit from an attractive display case, as bookcases can easily double as charming étagères.
Contemporary and customizable options make it easier for you to find the perfect bookcase for your style and stacks. If you don’t wish to fill your storage piece so that your collection is snug within its confines, incorporate extra space to allow for additional displays and decorative objects. And by introducing a striking dark wood Art Deco bookcase or low-profile mid-century modern design by Paul McCobb into your living room, your signed first editions won’t be the only items making a statement.
Find barrister bookcases, Globe Wernicke bookcases, bookcases with doors and other vintage and antique bookcases on 1stDibs now.
- What is a barrister bookcase?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Barrister bookcases are made up of several distinct book shelf units which combine together to form the cabinet. This can be beneficial when moving, as the books can remain within the shelves and each shelf can move separately.
- What is a breakfront bookcase?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021A breakfront bookcase is usually a large wooden bookcase that houses either books or dishes. They’re similar in appearance to hutches in that they have glass-fronted shelving on the top and cabinets on the bottom.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A bookcase with doors is also called a bookshelf, a bookstand, a cupboard or a bookrack. It is a close-sided unit that encases books and is designed to sit on the floor. On 1stDibs find a wide variety of antique, new and vintage bookcases today.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023Yes, there can be a difference between a bookshelf and a bookcase. Although many people use the words to describe any piece of furniture with shelves for books, some manufacturers call pieces with doors bookcases and pieces without doors bookshelves. Find a variety of bookcases and bookshelves on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The term barrister bookcase means a piece of storage furniture primarily used during the 17th and 18th centuries. Also called lawyer's bookcases, the furnishings featured wood construction and glass-paneled doors. At the time the bookcases were most popular, books were expensive luxury goods. The glass doors helped to protect them from light and dust. Shop a collection of barrister bookcases on 1stDibs.
- What are IKEA bookcases called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024What IKEA bookcases are called varies. However, the Swedish furniture company is best known for its Billy bookcase, which debuted in 1979 and got its name from Billy Liljedahl, who served as IKEA's advertising manager at the time. Other IKEA bookcases include the Hemnes, the Brimnes and the Gersby. Explore a variety of IKEA furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023The main difference between an étagère and a bookcase is the design. Both types of furniture have shelves. However, an étagère usually has an open back, while most bookcases have enclosed backs. Shop a range of bookcases and étagères on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021An ideal bookcase depth is usually between 10 and 12 inches. Shelf spacing can range from 7 to 15 inches for bookshelves, with 8 to 12 inches being the most typical. Because compact bookcases are designed for lesser volumes and libraries, they will be shallower. A small bookcase's depth is usually around 6 inches. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of antique and vintage bookcases.
- Can I put wheels on a bookcase?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, you can generally put wheels on a bookcase. However, the wheels that you choose must be strong enough to support both the weight of the bookcase and the total weight of all the books you intend to store on it. As a result, industrial-strength metal casters are usually the best option for the job. You'll find a large collection of bookcases on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021A bookcase with glass doors is also called a barrister bookcase. Designed in a cabinet style, these bookcases’ glass doors protect books and collectibles from gathering dust and allow guests to peruse your treasured volumes. The name “barrister” owes to the legal profession — barristers are experts in case law in England and traditionally required numerous law books for reference purposes to travel from chamber to chamber, and the sturdy and portable cabinets that were used to do so earned this nickname. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary bookcases from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023A few companies made barrister bookcases, including the F. E. Hale Manufacturing Company, Globe Wernicke, Grand Rapids Furniture Company, Gunn Furniture Company and the John Danner Company. Barrister bookcases are bookcases with solid backs and removable shelving units that get stacked inside. Doors that open outward and slide away under the shelf enclose each unit. On 1stDibs, shop a range of barrister bookcases.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021The best wood used for building a bookcase is plywood made from hardwood. It is easily available and comes in many types. Laminated panels that can be glued together are also a great option for a bookcase. On 1stDibs, you can find a variety of antique, new and vintage wooden bookcases.
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