Antique Legal Bookcase

Find many varieties of an authentic antique legal bookcase available at 1stDibs. An antique legal bookcase — often made from wood, oak and glass — can elevate any home. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer antique legal bookcase, there are earlier versions available from the 19th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. An antique legal bookcase made by Victorian designers — as well as those associated with Mid-Century Modern — is very popular. You’ll likely find more than one antique legal bookcase that is appealing in its simplicity, but Minty of Oxford, Globe Wernicke and Grand Rapids Furniture Co. produced versions that are worth a look.

The average selling price for an antique legal bookcase at 1stDibs is $4,200, while they’re typically $1,133 on the low end and $13,334 for the highest priced.

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 objects, 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 antique 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. Whether you proudly shelve your books in regal mahogany or behind glass cabinet doors, a bookcase — or perhaps more than one — is essential to creating a cozy nook for any book lover. 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 your dream bookcase on 1stDibs now.