Very Large Bookcases
Vintage 1960s Unknown Rustic Bookcases
Wood, Wenge
Antique Mid-19th Century English Bookcases
Pine, Paint
Antique Early 19th Century Bookcases
Oak
Antique 19th Century Bookcases
Mahogany
Antique 1860s English High Victorian Bookcases
Glass, Pine
Antique 1880s English High Victorian Bookcases
Oak
20th Century English Georgian Bookcases
Glass, Hardwood
20th Century English Victorian Bookcases
Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Bookcases
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Bookcases
Mahogany
Vintage 1920s Hollywood Regency Bookcases
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century Classical Roman Bookcases
Wood
2010s American Chippendale Bookcases
Mahogany
Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Bookcases
Chrome
Antique 1890s British Bookcases
Oak
Antique 19th Century Dutch Bookcases
Wood
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Brass
Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Bookcases
Teak, Lacquer
Antique 19th Century English Gothic Bookcases
Walnut
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Bookcases
Macassar
Antique 1860s English High Victorian Bookcases
Glass, Oak, Pine
Antique 1860s English High Victorian Bookcases
Glass, Oak, Pine
Antique 1860s English High Victorian Bookcases
Glass, Oak, Pine
Antique 1860s English High Victorian Bookcases
Glass, Oak, Pine
Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Baroque Bookcases
Walnut
Antique 1830s French Restauration Bookcases
Wood, Glass
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Steel
20th Century Italian Regency Wardrobes and Armoires
Hardwood, Oak, Satinwood, Walnut
Antique 1810s English Regency Tables
Leather, Hardwood
Antique 19th Century English Regency Bookcases
Mahogany
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Bookcases
Bronze
Antique 1860s French Napoleon III Bookcases
Pine
Antique Late 19th Century British Bookcases
Mahogany
Early 20th Century British Bookcases
Oak
Antique Late 19th Century British Bookcases
Oak
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Bookcases
Oak
Antique 19th Century Italian Bookcases
Pine
Antique 19th Century French Bookcases
Walnut
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Bookcases
Glass, Walnut
Antique 1860s English Victorian Bookcases
Mahogany
Vintage 1920s Bookcases
Mahogany
20th Century American Modern Bookcases
Oak
Antique 1860s English High Victorian Bookcases
Pine
Antique 19th Century Bookcases
Wood
20th Century English Country Bookcases
Hardwood, Oak
Antique 1880s English Late Victorian Bookcases
Oak
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Bookcases
Birch
Antique Early 1900s Bookcases
Oak
20th Century English Edwardian Bookcases
Glass, Mahogany
Vintage 1910s British Bookcases
Pine
Antique 19th Century English Bookcases
Vintage 1930s English Victorian Bookcases
Mahogany
Antique 1880s English Arts and Crafts Bookcases
Walnut
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Metal
Antique 16th Century Spanish Bookcases
Poplar
20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Oak
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Bookcases
Metal
20th Century English Shaker Dressers
Oak
Late 20th Century English Shaker Dressers
Oak
Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Dressers
Pine
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Very Large Bookcases For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Very Large Bookcases?
Finding the Right Case Pieces And Storage Cabinets for You
Of all the vintage storage cabinets and antique case pieces that have become popular in modern interiors over the years, dressers, credenzas and cabinets have long been home staples, perfect for routine storage or protection of personal items.
In the mid-19th century, cabinetmakers would mimic styles originating in the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI eras for their dressers, bookshelves and other structures, and, later, simpler, streamlined wood designs allowed these “case pieces” or “case goods” — any furnishing that is unupholstered and has some semblance of a storage component — to blend into the background of any interior.
Mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts will cite the tall modular wall units crafted in teak and other sought-after woods of the era by the likes of George Nelson, Poul Cadovius and Finn Juhl. For these highly customizable furnishings, designers of the day delivered an alternative to big, heavy bookcases by considering the use of space — and, in particular, walls — in new and innovative ways. Mid-century modern credenzas, which, long and low, evolved from tables that were built as early as the 14th century in Italy, typically have no legs or very short legs and have grown in popularity as an alluring storage option over time.
Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This furnishing was initially a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. The drawers served as perfect utensil storage. It wasn’t until the design made its way to North America that it became enlarged and equipped with enough space to hold clothing and cosmetics. The very history of case pieces is a testament to their versatility and well-earned place in any room.
In the spirit of positioning your case goods center stage, decluttering can now be design-minded.
A contemporary case piece with open shelving and painted wood details can prove functional as a storage unit as easily as it can a room divider. Alternatively, apothecary cabinets are charming case goods similar in size to early dressers or commodes but with uniquely sized shelving and (often numerous) drawers.
Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard that features colored glass and metal details, an antique Italian hand-carved storage cabinet or a glass-door vitrine to store and show off your collectibles, there are options for you on 1stDibs.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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 ExpertNovember 26, 2024To identify a Globe-Wernicke bookcase, look for a marking. Bookcases manufactured prior to 1899 will usually have the maker's name stenciled on a slat, along with a patent number or other information. Furniture made during the 20th century and beyond is typically identifiable by a paper label. Often, the label also includes a grade, size or pattern number for the bookcase. You can find pictures of Globe-Wernicke stencils and labels and patent, grade, size and pattern number reference guides on trusted online resources to assist you with the identification process. For more help with the process, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a collection of Globe-Wernicke bookcases.
- 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 ExpertSeptember 23, 2024To identify your Globe-Wernicke bookcase, search the piece for a marking. On pieces produced before 1899, you will usually find stenciled markings on a slat, while later ones will have a label. Older bookcases will frequently list identifying information, such as a patent number, which you can cross-reference with information found on trusted online resources. Newer furnishings will often display the grade and size or grade and pattern, providing you with all the information required for making an identification. If you can't find a marking on your piece, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Explore a wide variety of Globe-Wernicke bookcases 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.
- What are large mirrors called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Large mirrors are called floor mirrors. Floor mirrors allow the user to see the head-to-toe reflection of themselves, and can also be strategically placed to make a small space appear larger. You’ll find a variety of floor mirrors from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023A large-scale photograph is a photo that is larger than standard sizes. The ability to produce these oversized images emerged in the 1980s, and artists like Cindy Sherman and Jeff Wall began to use them in their work. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of photographic art from some of the world's top galleries.
- What is a large dresser called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A large dresser is also called a highboy or tallboy. These are made with two separate pieces — a base chest of drawers supporting an upper chest of drawers. The larger dresser is a tall column shaped piece of furniture. Find a wide collection of antique and vintage large dressers on 1stDibs today.
- What is a large crucifix called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A large crucifix is called a rood. In Medieval times, roods hung above the entryway to the chancel, an area at the front of the church near the altar that only the clergy and choir could enter. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of crucifixes.
- Is a size 10 a large?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024Whether a size 10 is a large varies from brand to brand. Some consider a 10 to be medium, while others classify it as large. Since approaches to assigning sizes vary, the best way to ensure a good fit is to consult a brand's official size chart and compare your measurements to the sizing guidelines. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of apparel.
- What are large necklaces called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023What large necklaces are called depends on the piece. Necklaces that are large because they have multiple strands, oversized pendants or other bold details are generally called statement necklaces. If a necklace is large in terms of length, its name varies. Opera necklaces are 26 to 36 inches long, while rope necklaces are 36 or 37 inches and longer. On 1stDibs, shop a large assortment of necklaces.
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