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Louis XIV Bookcases

LOUIS XIV STYLE

As opposed to the styles that would follow from the other 18th-century French kings, Louis XV and Louis XVI, antique Louis XIV furniture is rigid and imposing. It expresses opulence — even its armchairs, with their upright backs, straight legs and lavish ornamentation, look like thrones. Authentic Louis XIV sofas, a then newly emerging iteration of seating, are fully upholstered and often feature decoratively carved frames of walnut, chestnut or oak.

When French King Louis XIV established his royal court at Versailles in 1682, he transformed what was once a hunting lodge into a palace that declared his wealth and power through its design. Until his death in 1715, he reigned with a spirit of excess and absolute political dominance. The “Sun King,” as he called himself, believed that France revolved around him as planets do the sun. Louis XIV adopted the sun as his emblem, decorating the grounds with symbols of the sun and Apollo, the Greek god of the sun. As he stated, “There is nothing that indicates more clearly the magnificence of great princes than their superb palaces and their precious furniture.” He was a child when he became king in 1643, only shaping his style after he became absolute monarch in 1661.

Reflecting trends in French Baroque art, Louis XIV furniture characteristics included exuberant decoration. There were gilded bronze details including shells, suns, grotesques, lions and classical references like acanthus leaves. The years of growth in the country’s manufacturing, such as the tapestries and cabinets made at Gobelins, led to design innovations. The commode replaced the chest as a storage device, with drawers and a surface that could double as a desk.

The materials were luxurious, such as the popular tortoiseshell veneer technique that leading cabinetmaker Pierre Golle used in his designs. André-Charles Boulle, who became royal cabinetmaker in 1672, was a masterful artist of marquetry, using inlays of ebony, exotic woods and mother-of-pearl.

Find a collection of antique Louis XIV bedroom furniture, chairs, tables and other pieces on 1stDibs.

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Style: Louis XIV
19th Century French Louis XIV Carved Painted Bookcase Cabinet with Glass Doors
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant, antique bookcase was crafted in Paris, France, circa 1870. The traditional display cabinet built of two separate parts, rests on a straight bottom plinth base. The top ...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Louis XIV Bookcases

Materials

Oak, Paint

19th Century Country French Louis XIV Bookcase ~ Bibliotheque
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century Country French Louis XIV Bookcase ~ Bibliotheque will make a great addition to your decor, providing just enough style flair to impress, while performing yeoman's duties...
Category

1890s French Antique Louis XIV Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Oak

19th Century Country French Louis XIV Whitewashed Bookcase
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century country French Louis XIV white washed bookcase is the perfect choice for storage, display and adding a timeless panache to your deco...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Louis XIV Bookcases

Materials

Cut Steel

18th Century, French Louis XVI Wood Sideboard by Conrad Mauter
Located in IT
18th Century, French Louis XVI Wood sideboard by Conrad Mauter Measurements: H cm 134 x W 90 x D 38; marble top cm W 94.5, x D 42 x thickness cm 2.5 ...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Bookcases

Materials

Wood, Rosewood

18th Century French Country Louis XIV Open Whitewashed Bookcase ~ Bibliotheque
Located in Dallas, TX
18th Century French Country Louis XIV Open Whitewashed Bookcase ~ Bibliotheque is a stunning example of the rural artisans mastery of cabinetmaking! Crafted from dense, old-growth o...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Bookcases

Materials

Oak

18th Century Dutch Louis XIV Style Vitrine ~ Bookcase ~ Display Case
Located in Dallas, TX
18th Century Dutch Louis XIV Style Vitrine ~ Bookcase ~ Display Case is a remarkable design being only a foot deep, making it perfect for cozy rooms or high traffic areas, but with e...
Category

Late 18th Century Dutch Antique Louis XIV Bookcases

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Louis XIV Two-Tiered Bookcase ~ China Buffet
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Louis XIV Two-Tiered Bookcase ~ China Buffet is a magnificent example of fine furniture craftsmanship melded with timeless style! Utilizing hand-select quarter-s...
Category

1880s Antique Louis XIV Bookcases

Materials

Brass

18th Century French Louis XIV Bookcase, Vitrine
Located in Dallas, TX
18th Century French Louis XIV Bookcase ~ Bibliotheque is resplendent with artfully sculpted bas relief across its entire facade! This superlative instant family heirloom is sized to sufficiently display almost any prized heirlooms, collection, or library! Hand-crafted from solid old-growth quarter-sawn oak, it boasts a reverse contoured crown with four distinctive tiers. The top tier was carved in French egg...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Oak

20th Century Louis XIV Style French Bibliotheque Bookcase
Located in Berlin, DE
Imposing French Bibliotheque in Louis 14th style Solid beechwood, ebonized. Highly right angled body flanked with figures in the form of feminine masks on ...
Category

20th Century Louis XIV Bookcases

Materials

Brass

19th Century Flemish Louis XIV Secretary or Bookcase with Embossed Brass
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century Flemish Louis XIV secretary or bookcase with embossed brass combines the talents of a master furniture crafter with the artistry of a metal sculptor! Fashioned with a cl...
Category

Mid-19th Century Belgian Antique Louis XIV Bookcases

Materials

Brass

20th Century Louis XIV Style French Library Bookcase
Located in Berlin, DE
Imposing French bibliotheque library bookcase in Louis XIV style Solid beechwood, ebonized. Highly rectangular corpus flanked with figures in the form of feminine masks on sweeping ...
Category

20th Century Louis XIV Bookcases

Materials

Wood, Beech

20th Century Louis XIV Style French Library Bookcase
Located in Berlin, DE
Imposing French Bibliotech Library bookcase in the style of Louis XIV. Royal tulip wood on pinewood. Highly right angled body flanked by figures in t...
Category

20th Century Louis XIV Bookcases

Materials

Brass

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18th Century Country French Louis XVI Buffet in Stripped Oak
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19th Century French Louis XVI Style Pinewood, Paned Glass Two Door Bookcase
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French 18th Century Louis XV Style Provincial - Country French Armoire Bookcase
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Late 18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Bookcases

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Large Early 18th Century Louis XIV Oak Bookcase
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A tall and elegant early 18th Century Louis XIV period oak bookcase. With four fixed shelves in the top and one in the base. Hand carved detail with scrubbed back bleached finish. Br...
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Early 1700s Antique Louis XIV Bookcases

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Large Early 18th Century Louis XIV Oak Bookcase
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$5,606
H 105.52 in W 55.12 in D 14.18 in
19th Century Walnut Pair of Bookcases Boiserie de Bibliothèque
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A rare pair of heliocodal French Directoire library bookcases in solid walnut. This type of bookcases is also known as 'boiseries de Bibliothèque' a...
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Early 19th Century French Antique Louis XIV Bookcases

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18th Century English Oak Sideboard
Located in High Point, NC
18th century oak sideboard from England with a plank top, following down to hand paneled sides and a single candle drawer in the front, flanked by cushion paneled drawers. There are applied turnings flanking the drawers as well, for added interest. All of the drawers have hand carved beaded...
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18th Century English Antique Louis XIV Bookcases

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Oak

18th Century English Oak Sideboard
18th Century English Oak Sideboard
$4,795
H 32.5 in W 54.25 in D 19.25 in
Tall Early 19th Century French Painted Glazed Bibliothèque, Bookcase
Located in Basingstoke, Hampshire
A tall early 19th century french painted glazed Bibliothèque - bookcase. Of tall and slender proportions. Displaying a pair of glazed doors over a pair of arched panel doors opening ...
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19th Century French Antique Louis XIV Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Sideboard
Located in Huntington, NY
An unusual Gustavian sideboard with a curved Greek key design across the top. Vertically reeded door fronts. Simple tapered feet. Original brass hardware and locks. Tastefully repain...
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Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Louis XIV Bookcases

Materials

Brass, Iron

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Sideboard
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Sideboard
$9,100
H 39.75 in W 53.25 in D 22.5 in
19th century French Bookcase Mahogany
Located in MILL, NL
Insanely beautiful Louis Philippe bookcase / sideboard / display cabinet. Mahogany veneer over oak. Dates from the late 19th century. Condition is exceptionally good. All locks func...
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Late 19th Century Antique Louis XIV Bookcases

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Mahogany, Oak

19th century French Bookcase Mahogany
19th century French Bookcase Mahogany
$4,601
H 98.43 in W 55.91 in D 20.87 in
French 19th Century Louis Philippe Bibliotheque
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A 19th century French Louis Philippe style bibliothèque or bookcase, handcrafted of timeless mahogany with two glass-front doors for displaying treasured books, heirlooms, or trophie...
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19th Century French Antique Louis XIV Bookcases

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Glass, Mahogany

French 19th Century Louis Philippe Bibliotheque
French 19th Century Louis Philippe Bibliotheque
$4,995
H 89.25 in W 50 in D 18 in
Antique French Empire 2 door Walnut Bookcase Bibliotheque 19th Century
Located in London, GB
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1870s French Antique Louis XIV Bookcases

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Walnut

French 19th Century Painted Bibliotheque
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French 19th century painted pine bibliotheque with original glass-front doors and charming, buttery yellow finish. At less than 13” deep, this antique case piece is a wonderful sol...
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19th Century French Antique Louis XIV Bookcases

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Brass

French 19th Century Painted Bibliotheque
French 19th Century Painted Bibliotheque
$6,500
H 101.5 in W 47 in D 12.5 in
Previously Available Items
Vintage Louis XIV Open Bookshelf ~ Wall Unit
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Louis XIV Open Bookshelf ~ Wall Unit is the perfect choice for high-traffic areas, being as shallow as it gets! Hand-crafted from solid oak, it...
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Mid-20th Century French Louis XIV Bookcases

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Oak

French Louis XIV Carved Walnut and Wire Four-Door Bookcase Cabinet
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a study, an office or a library with this spectacular 10.5 feet bookcase! Created in France circa 1970, the important cabinet stands on a wide bottom plinth over four doors including double center doors and serpentine side doors, opening to inside shelving. Each door with recessed panels is decorated with hand carved shell and foliage motifs throughout. The upper section dressed with large carved finials at the pediment, features a curved top over four tall doors embellished with floral and leaf decor. Each door dressed with mesh wire opens to five adjustable oak shelves. The monumental bookcase...
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Mid-20th Century French Louis XIV Bookcases

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Wire

Antique Louis XIV Bookcase ~ Display Cabinet
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique Louis XIV bookcase ~ Display cabinet is a splendid choice for storing and showing off your collections, family heirlooms or objets d'art! Hand-crafted from solid oak, it feat...
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Early 20th Century Belgian Louis XIV Bookcases

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Brass

Antique Bibliotheque by F. C. Menant, Louis XVI Style 18th Century, French
By François-Claude Menant
Located in London, GB
Bookcase and display cabinet in walnut with refined hand carvings by François Claude Menant (1757-1793) France, Louis XVI period (and Restoration). Menant was accepted as a member of...
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Late 18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Bookcases

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Walnut

19th Century Painted Provincial Bibliotheca
Located in New Orleans, LA
Charming painted and gilded French country Bibliotheca.
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Mid-19th Century French Antique Louis XIV Bookcases

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Wood

Pair of Louis XIV French Carved Painted Open Bookcases Made with Old Elements
Located in Dallas, TX
These elegant painted, open bookcases were carved in Provence, France. The large, sophisticated bookcases with arched tops, have numerous adjustable shelves so it can easily fit your...
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21st Century and Contemporary French Louis XIV Bookcases

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Wood, Paint

Marble Top Bronze Mounted Bookcase, French, circa 1920 with Greek Key Inlay
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Marble Top Bronze Mounted Inlaid Bookcase, French, circa 1920 with Greek key inlay and herringbone design, with a bronze banded gallery around the marb...
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Early 20th Century French Louis XIV Bookcases

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Marble, Bronze

Antique Dutch Stripped Oak Bookcase
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique Dutch Stripped Oak Bookcase is the perfect choice for displaying your book collection, or any collection for that matter! Arched crown and fine mo...
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Early 20th Century Dutch Louis XIV Bookcases

Materials

Oak

Antique Dutch Stripped Oak Bookcase
Antique Dutch Stripped Oak Bookcase
H 88.5 in W 50 in D 18 in
18th Century French Bookcase made of Oak
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Antique French bookcase from the 18th century. Handcrafted from oak with wooden dowels. Four large handmade brass outside hinges carry the cabinet's large doors with original glass ...
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Late 18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Bookcases

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Brass

18th Century French Bookcase made of Oak
18th Century French Bookcase made of Oak
H 91.74 in W 65.75 in D 15.36 in
19th Century Liegeoise Step-Front Bookcase, Vitrine
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century Liegeoise step-front bookcase ~ vitrine features glorious bas relief carvings across the crown and facade, in a style of adornment typical to the area. Handcrafted from ...
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Late 19th Century Belgian Antique Louis XIV Bookcases

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Glass, Oak

20th Century Louis XIV Style French Library Bookcase
Located in Berlin, DE
Imposing French bibliotheque library bookcase in Louis XIV style Solid beechwood, ebonized. Highly rectangular corpus flanked with figures in the form of feminine masks on sweeping b...
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20th Century Louis XIV Bookcases

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Wood, Beech

18th Century French Regence Stripped Oak Bookcase
Located in Dallas, TX
18th century French Regence stripped oak bookcase was sculpted from old-growth quarter-sawn oak to last for centuries, and features a beautifully double-arched apron crown festooned ...
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1790s French Antique Louis XIV Bookcases

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Oak

Louis Xiv bookcases for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Louis XIV bookcases for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage bookcases created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Louis XIV bookcases made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Belgium pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original bookcases, popular names associated with this style include Conrad Mauter, and François-Claude Menant. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for bookcases differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $3,032 and tops out at $29,383 while the average work can sell for $10,390.

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