Museum Bookcase

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the museum bookcase you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, metal and glass, every museum bookcase was constructed with great care. There are 263 variations of the antique or vintage museum bookcase you’re looking for, while we also have 78 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer museum bookcase, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. A museum bookcase made by modern designers — as well as those associated with mid-century modern — is very popular. A well-made museum bookcase has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Driade, Dessie Studio and Konstantin Grcic are consistently popular.

Prices for a museum bookcase start at $120 and top out at $15,675,000 with the average selling for $7,426.

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.