French 19th Century Walnut Louis Philippe Style Bibliotheque
Antique 1870s French Louis Philippe Bookcases
Walnut
Antique 1830s French Louis Philippe Buffets
Brass
People Also Browsed
Early 20th Century Vitrines
Blown Glass, Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Renaissance Revival Bookcases
Fir, Pine
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Bookcases
Brass
Vintage 1970s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Wood
2010s French Neoclassical Bookcases
Wood, Oak, Cherry
21st Century and Contemporary American Louis Philippe Cabinets
Brass
Antique 1780s French Directoire Industrial and Work Tables
Fruitwood, Walnut
Antique Early 1900s French Country Cabinets
Iron
Vintage 1950s American Empire Bookcases
Wood
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Cabinets
Wood, Glass
Antique Late 19th Century French French Provincial Vitrines
Walnut
Antique Late 18th Century French Directoire Cabinets
Brass
Antique 19th Century French Bookcases
Pine, Blown Glass
2010s French Directoire Bookcases
Cherry, Oak
Antique Late 19th Century Hungarian Bookcases
Glass, Wood, Paint
Antique 1890s French Country Bookcases
Glass, Oak
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Bookcases
Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Bookcases
Glass, Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Bookcases
Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Bookcases
Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Bookcases
Glass, Wood, Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Bookcases
Walnut, Glass
Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis Philippe Bookcases
Blown Glass, Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis Philippe Bookcases
Glass, Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Bookcases
Antique 19th Century French Bookcases
Cut Steel
Antique 19th Century Louis Philippe Cabinets
Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Bookcases
Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Bookcases
Walnut
A Close Look at louis-philippe Furniture
Known as the “Citizen King,” Louis Philippe reigned from 1830 to the Revolution of 1848 with the support of the upper bourgeoisie. Whereas the monarchs of 18th-century France, including Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI, dictated aesthetics through the decadence of the aristocratic court, Louis Philippe had a more down-to-earth presence. He could be seen walking the streets like an ordinary person, carrying his own umbrella and shaking hands with subjects. Antique Louis Philippe–style furniture reflects a sense of simplicity and the sovereign’s passion for the country’s history, such as his establishment of a Museum of the History of France at Versailles, which had been mostly disused since the French Revolution.
Middle Ages, Gothic and Renaissance design informed a nationalist style that celebrated this heritage, with the hodgepodge of influences becoming prevalent in the homes of the bourgeoisie. Cabinetmakers Guillaume and Jean-Michel Grohé created reproductions of historic pieces for the king as well as royal houses abroad. Louis Philippe commissioned sculptor François Rude to create patriotic monuments that paid tribute to military heroes, while designs for furniture published by Claude-Aimé Chenavard, an ornamentalist who conceived widely loved objects for the Sèvres manufactory, further helped spread a revival of Renaissance style.
The rounded profiles of authentic Louis Philippe tables and chairs were preferred in the apartments rather than palaces being furnished by the affluent middle and upper classes. Ornamentation was minimal on the finely crafted pieces, such as large rectangular mirrors adorned with gold and silver leaf finishes and subdued carvings. The popular Louis Philippe commodes were solidly made with clean lines that showed off the grain of the wood and were often topped with marble surfaces.
Find a collection of antique Louis Philippe seating, dining tables, bedroom furniture and other items on 1stDibs.
Finding the Right bookcases for You
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.