Neoclassical Bookcases
NEOCLASSICAL STYLE
Neoclassical design emerged in Europe in the 1750s, as the Age of Enlightenment reached full flower. Neoclassical furniture took its cues from the styles of ancient Rome and Athens: symmetrical, ordered, dignified forms with such details as tapered and fluted chair and table legs, backrest finials and scrolled arms.
Over a period of some 20 years, first in France and later in Britain, neoclassical design — also known as Louis XVI, or Louis Seize — would supersede the lithe and curvaceous Rococo or Louis XV style.
The first half of the 18th century had seen a rebirth of interest in classical antiquity. The "Grand Tour" of Europe, codified as a part of the proper education of a patrician gentleman, included an extended visit to Rome. Some ventured further, to sketch the ruins of ancient Greece. These drawings and others — particularly those derived from the surprising and rich archaeological discoveries in the 1730s and ’40s at the sites of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum — caused great excitement among intellectuals and aesthetes alike.
Neoclassical furniture is meant to reflect both grace and power. The overall appearance of neoclassical chairs, tables and cabinetry is strong and rectilinear. These pieces are, in effect, classical architecture in miniature: chair and table legs are shaped like columns; cabinets are constructed with elements that mirror friezes and pediments.
Yet neoclassicism is enlivened by gilt and silver leaf, marquetry, and carved and applied ornamental motifs based on Greek and Roman sculpture: acanthus leaves, garlands, laurel wreaths, sheaves of arrow, medallions and chair splats are carved in the shapes of lyres and urns. Ormolu — or elaborate bronze gilding — was essential to French design in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cornerstone of the neoclassical and Empire styles.
As you can see from the furniture on these pages, there is a bit of whimsy in such stately pieces — a touch of lightness that will always keep neoclassicism fresh.
Find antique neoclassical furniture today on 1stDibs.
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Style: Neoclassical
French Display and Storage Cabinet with Neoclassical Influences
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French tall display and storage cabinet from the mid 20th century. This vintage cabinet from France, which stands approximately 7.5 ft tall, has been designed with a Neoclassical influence, which is apparent in the nice dentil molding found beneath the upper cornace, fluted trimmings, and lower case door fronts being adorned in a carved ribbon/swag and foliage motif. This display cabinet with storage, or buffet à deux-corps (which is the name for a French buffet consisting of an upper and lower case, "deux" referencing the two parts) has a pair of 8 glass paneled top doors, with adjustable display shelving inside, resting atop a lowercase which houses two wood faced paneled doors. The cabinet is presented upon petite fluted carved feet, and breaks down into two pieces, allowing for easier transport and installation. The scraped and bleached finish is accented with a light trim. This French mid...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Wood, Glass
Late 20th Century Vintage Hand Carved Patinated Gold Leaf Etagere
Located in west palm beach, FL
A spectacular vintage Boho Monumental etagere. A chic distressed cabinet with hand placed gold leaf interior. Inset wire door and side panels. Tall and impressive. Acquired from a Pa...
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Wood
Large 18th Century Open Library Bookcase
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A large open display cupboard/bookcase. Made in Mantua Italy at the end of the 18th century for a monastery from local poplar and pine. Beautifully proportioned neoclassical style wi...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Poplar
Pair of Ralph Lauren Brook Street Open Library Bookcases Part Suite
By Ralph Lauren
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this exquisite pair of RRP £16,600 Ralph Lauren Brook Street open library bookcases which are part of a suite
I have around 40 pieces of new Ralp...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Hardwood
Antique Neoclassical Whitewashed Pharmacy Display Case ~ Bookcase
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique Neoclassical Whitewashed Pharmacy Display Case ~ Bookcase is a wonderful find, indeed! Created for a pharmacy, it features two sliding glass doors on the top tier, and two s...
Category
Early 20th Century Belgian Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Glass, Pine
Pair of 19th Century Swedish Cabinets
Located in Stamford, CT
A pair of 19th century concave bookcases with Corinthian columns. Painted yellow exterior with painted red shelving. Note wear consistent with age.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Wood
Italiano, Veneto, Neoclassico, Libreria a 2 ante in noce chiaro, ca. 1800
Located in Atlanta, GA
con un piano rettangolare poco profondo che poggia su una cassa conforme che ospita due porte con vetri originali, l'interno con scaffali e un divisorio verticale, sollevato su picco...
Category
Inizio Ottocento Italiano Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Noce
Italian Neo-Classic Large White Bookcase
Located in New York, NY
Italian Neo-Classic monumental off-white painted and gilt trimmed breakfront / bookcase having 2 upper and 2 lower doors with a wire mesh centering a recessed platform with column fo...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
English Walnut Stepback Bookcase
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful English Walnut Stepback Bookcase / Cupboard. Burled door details with in-set detail at doors, carved crown with crest-like detail, original g...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Walnut
Grand Antique Neoclassical Painted Bookcase
Located in Dallas, TX
Grand Antique Neoclassical Painted Bookcase attains a restrained architecture inspired by the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome, with rectilinear design enhanced with proporti...
Category
Early 20th Century Belgian Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Steel
Mid-Century Classical American Stained Pine Bookcase
Located in Germantown, MD
An elegant Mid-Century Classical American solid Pine Bookcase in great vintage condition. Measures 25" in width, 11" in depth and stands 42.5" tall.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Pine
19th Century Flemish Neoclassical Bookcase
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century Flemish Neoclassical Bookcase boasts a tailored look with very subtle style enhancements inspired by ancient architecture. A bold multi-tiered crown overlooks the bonne...
Category
Late 19th Century Belgian Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Glass, Oak
Late 20th Century Spanish Neoclassical Pine Carved Arch Bookcase with Cabinet
Located in Charlotte, NC
A Neoclassical style bookcase with cabinet, unbranded. Solid pine with slight distressing, brass lock hardware, intricately carved arched top, carved & fluted side columns, bevel edg...
Category
Late 20th Century Spanish Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Neoclassical Style Oak Library Bookcase with Beveled Glass Doors
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Imposing 20th century library bookcase crafted from solid oak. The impressive upper case features two sets of beveled glass panel doors with neoclassical ionic style columns separati...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Style Painted Bookcase Bookshelves Cabinets
Located in Shippensburg, PA
A delightful pair of 20th century bookcases in the Italian Neoclassical taste, they are whimsical and fun with applied giltwood moldings over nice paint decorated surfaces. They are ...
Category
20th Century European Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Giltwood, Paint
Antique Liegoise Neoclassical Whitewashed Bookcase ~ Display Cabinet
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique Liegoise Neoclassical Whitewashed Bookcase ~ Display Cabinet is an intriguing design, featuring a tailored expression of an architectural form that dates back thousands of ye...
Category
Early 20th Century Belgian Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Midcentury American Classical Three Tier Light Cherry Narrow Bookcase
Located in Germantown, MD
A midcentury American Classical Three Tier Light Cherry Narrow Bookcase in great structural condition.
Measures 18" in width, 9.5" in depth and stan...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Wood, Cherry
19th Century Grand French Neoclassical Bookcase in Whitewashed Pine
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century Grand French Neoclassical Bookcase in Whitewashed Pine is a magnificent reminder of the grandeur of the classical movement th...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Pine
Neoclassical Maison Jansen Style Steel Three Shelf Bookcase
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Neoclassical directoire style three-shelf bookcase or display shelf made in the style and manner of Maison Jansen. The case features three shelves measuring 4, 16, and 29 inches high...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Steel
Contemporary Italianate Carved Painted Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous contemporary neoclassical Italianate breakfront bookcase cabinet
circa late 20th century
Carved and painted wood, with glass front doors.
Measures: 48"W x 16"D x ...
Category
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Paint, Glass, Wood
19th Century French Neoclassical Walnut Display Armoire ~ Bookcase
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century French Neoclassical Walnut Display Armoire ~ Bookcase was crafted from blonde French walnut creating a naturally lighter shade of furnishing that is ideal for today's airy, casual decors. Taking a cue from 3,000 years of classical architecture, it features a boldly formed crown flanked by a pair of orb finials, and an intriguing bonnet that combines raised panels with burl walnut faces...
Category
1870s French Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Huge Ralph Lauren American Hardwood Astral Glazed Bookcase
Located in GB
We are is delighted to offer for sale this exquisite Monumental, RRP £56,000 Ralph Lauren Astral Glazed, Thomas Chippendale style, library bookcase with internal lights
I have ar...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Glass, Hardwood
Classic Wood Bookcase
Located in Westwood, NJ
Classic Wood Bookcase, pine in a mahogany finish with adjustable shelves, glass sides, above a sliding panel door low cabinet for storage and raised on a square plinth base.
Dimen...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Wood
Exhibition Quality Late 19th Century Swiss Satinwood Display Cabinet
Located in Altrincham, GB
Exhibition quality Late 19th Century Swiss satinwood display cabinet with exquisite classical gilt bronze figures, Anthemion, Serpents, Torches and Diabolic Faces - Zehnle & Bussinge...
Category
1890s Swiss Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Ormolu
Vintage Amish Crafted Solid Oak Short Bookcase
Located in Germantown, MD
Vintage Amish Crafted Solid Oak Short Bookcase with two adjustable shelves with wood backing. Very Solid construction and in great condition.
Measures...
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Oak
Large Library Bookcase or Black Lacquer Three Shelves Display, France 1950
Located in Brussels, BE
Elegant oversized black lacquer and brass baluster book shelves or windows display.
Three shelves.
Entirely removable for shipping.
French 1940 - beginning 1950.
Category
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Kindel Furniture Neoclassical Cherry and Gold Gilt Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Neoclassical or Regency style lighted breakfront bookcase or dining cabinet
By Kindel Furniture
USA, 1970s
Gorgeous book-matched cherry wood, with gold gilt detai...
Category
1970s American Vintage Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Glass, Cherry, Giltwood
Antique French Louis XVI Vitrine ~ Curio Cabinet
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Louis XVI Vitrine ~ Curio Cabinet is the perfect choice for displaying your most prized possessions, collection or fami...
Category
Early 20th Century English Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
TOMLINSON 1960's Neoclassical Console Cabinet with Carved Arch Bookcase
By Tomlinson
Located in Charlotte, NC
A Neoclassical style console cabinet with arched bookcase top by Tomlinson Furniture. Walnut with their Tokay finish, slight distressing and brass hardwa...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Vardy Bookcase
Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
The Vardy bookcase is an important George III design architectural library breakfront bookcase, attributed to John Vardy. The upper section has a scrolled pediment decorated with fol...
Category
Late 18th Century British Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Mahogany
Neoclassical Style Two Shelf Nickel Plated Bookcase Console
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Opulent neoclassical style two-shelf bookcase, shelves or console table featuring a high polish nickel plated finish. The table is constructed with six round legs having finials on t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Metal, Brass, Nickel
Fine Pair of Neoclassical Style X Form Support Etageres
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A handsome pair of well made and sturdy open Etageres in the neoclassical style. Each with an openwork 3/4 gallery on top, carved frame, four shelves, and...
Category
20th Century Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Wood
Italian Neoclassical Style Carved Pine Bookcase with Arched Motifs and Capitals
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian Turn of the Century Neoclassical style pine bookcase from the early 20th century with arched motifs, carved dentil, Corinthian and Doric capitals, fluted pilasters and mol...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Pine
Mahogany and Brass Shelves Unit Attributed to Maison Jansen, Circa 1940
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
Mahogany and brass neoclassical style shelves unit. This is a French work attributed to Maison Jansen. Circa 1940.
Category
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Late 20th Century Florentine Style Bookcase
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Stunning late 20th century Florentine style bookcase of impressive scale.
With four glazed doors over four cupboards.
One with fitted drawers.
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Wood
Pair Large Faux Marble Painted Neoclassical Italian Bookcases China Cabinets
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a pair of absolute masterpieces in Italian neoclassical design. The gilded and faux marble paint decoration on the exterior is beautifully done and in excellent condition. Th...
Category
1860s Italian Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Walnut
Neoclassical Style Mahogany and Brass Revolving Library. French. Circa 1950
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice neoclassical style revolving library is made of mahogany and brass. This bookcases is a very elegant model. This is a nice French work...
Category
1950s French Vintage Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Mahogany Wood China Cabinet / Hutch
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Hand crafted Italian Mahogany wood two part china cabinet / hutch with interior glass shelves and mirror back splash. The hutch / cabinet is very sturdy and in good condition. Minor ...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Brass
English Mahogany Wood Cabinet / Bookcase
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Great English craftsmanship two parts mahogany wood china cabinet / bookcase with interior glass shelves & exterior Greek key influence woo...
Category
19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Pair of Neo-Classical Library Bookcases
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
By repute, these sophisticated neo-classical bookcases were removed from Lambton Castle, one of the grandest country houses in the north of England, seat of the Earls of Durham.
O...
Category
19th Century British Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Modern Ebonized Glass Door Bookcase
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern ebonized glass door bookcase with brass trim. An elegant and sophisticated piece in a larger size perfect for display.
This etagere has...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Exceptional Mahogany Bureau Bookcase from Baltimore Maryland, circa 1830
By Circle of John Needles
Located in New York, NY
Mahogany bureau bookcase from Baltimore, Maryland of exceptional quality. Design is most like examples from shop of John Needles while tapering columnar supports and finely carved el...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Revolving Bookcase English 19th Century Tiger Oak Arts & Crafts Rotating
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Stylish & practical! This English late 19th century revolving bookcase.
Gorgeous antique oak with Arts & Crafts style carved base. Decorate your office, living room or study with t...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Oak
Long French Stretcher Base Console
Located in Westwood, NJ
A French Neoclassic style mahogany and cerejeira veneered console table, the rectangular crossbanded and molded edge top above four frieze drawers, on square legs, joined to the side...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Wood
Open Bookcase in Solid Oak, Wooden Stained and White-Cream Lacquered
Located in Landivy, FR
This classical bookcase Unit is made of French Oak. It can be combined with other units to get a full wall of bookcases.
This unit has one fixed wooden shelf + 3 removable and adj...
Category
2010s French Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Oak
Pair of English 19th Century Neoclassical Style Painted and Carved Pine Shelves
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of English Neoclassical style painted pine breakfront shelves from the 19th century, with dentil molding, carved meander and foliage. Created...
Category
19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Pine
Zinc Book Shelf
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unique shelving unit created by a Belgium designer, Francine Villier-Levy. This tall unit in created using a zinc window pediment from a Parisian build...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Iron, Zinc
19th Century Mahogany Revolving Open Bookcase
Located in North Miami, FL
19th Century mahogany revolving open bookcase having well figured and inlaid square top over sections with slatted divisions raised on original metal frame and castors. Generally, th...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Metal, Gold Plate, Brass
Italian Hand-Painted and Parcel Gilt Bookcase Bibliotheque, 19 Century
Located in Cypress, CA
Embossing Italian hand-painted and parcel gilt book case display cabinet, late 19 century.
A parcel gilt arched crowning, above four shelving compartments decorated in a floral moti...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Wood
C19th Bookcase from Sweden with glazed top and decorative diamond detail to base
Located in London, GB
A handsome and useful mid C19th century Swedish Birch Bookcase/Cabinet in two parts.
The top section is glazed and the doors fold back into two parts. Its interior has four shelves ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Birch
Italian Display Cabinet
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Classic Italian cerejeira veneered and mahogany display cabinet, the molded cornice above glazed sides and two doors with a trellis astragals enclosing a lit interior with three ad...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Wood
New York Marble Column Rosewood Bookcase / Credenza With Marble Top 19th Century
By Charles-Honoré Lannuier
Located in Charleston, SC
This New York Marble Column Rosewood Bookcase / Credenza With Marble Top is made in the Neoclassical Style in the early 19th Century. The Credenza is R...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Brass, Bronze
19th Century Neoclassical Italian Fruitwood Corner Étagère
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Delicate 19th century Italian fruitwood corner shelf or étagère made in the neoclassical taste. Having two tiers and decorated with X forms on the sides. Supported by three narrow le...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Fruitwood
Storage Unit or Library in American Walnut, circa 1900
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Storage unit or library in American walnut, circa 1900.
The shelves are removable and can be adjusted differently.
Total dimensions
H 230 cm
W 145cm
D 58 cm
The high glass cabi...
Category
Late 19th Century North American Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Oak, Walnut
Louis-Philippe Style large bookcase vitrine in solid Cherry, France
Located in Landivy, FR
This bookcase is made with 2 parts is made of French cherrywood and also available in oak.
- The Upper part has 3 glass doors and 3 removable shelves on wooden racks.
- The Lower ...
Category
2010s French Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Wood, Oak, Cherry
Italian Walnut 18th Century Library Bookcase Panneling
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A good late 18th century Italian neoclassical library room panneling. This room consists of one central bookcase with a tympan centerpiece. At both sides angle cabinets...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Walnut
Neoclassical Style Steel and Brass Étagère Shelf by Jansen
Located in Dallas, TX
Italian Maison Jansen style étagère shelf from the mid-20th century. Steel frames with brass accents. Featuring six-tiers, each tier with g...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Brass, Steel
18th Century Italian Neoclassical Painted Bookcase
Located in Dallas, TX
18th century Italian neoclassical painted bookcase is a marvel of architecture inspired by the masters of ancient Greece and Rome! T...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Glass, Wood
Neoclassical bookcases for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical bookcases for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, 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 storage furniture and cabinets, more furniture and collectibles, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical bookcases made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original bookcases, popular names associated with this style include Ralph Lauren, Bethlehem Furniture, John Stuart, and John Widdicomb. 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 £788 and tops out at £67,296 while the average work can sell for £6,634.
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