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
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
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
Large French Neoclassical Pine Bookcase
Located in Long Island City, NY
A large French neoclassical Louis XVI style pine bookcase - Shelving unit.
Category
1940s Vintage Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Pine
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
Pair of Adam Style Black Lacquered Bookcases
Located in New York, NY
Pair of English Adam-style (20th Century) black lacquered and gilt trimmed Neo-classic bookcases with glass stenciled pediment top. (PRICED AS Pair)
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Gold Leaf
19th Century Federal Period Duncan Phyfe Style Flame Mahogany Secretary Bookcase
By Duncan Phyfe
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
Rare and important antique American early 19th century figured mahogany "Duncan Phyfe" style flap-top secretary bookcase with gorgeous lyre-shaped glazed doors. Color of mahogany has...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Italian Neoclassical Painted Display Cabinet w/ Faux Marble Columns
Located in Miami, FL
A very beautiful and tall Italian neoclassical style cabinet with polychromed finish, with open display shelves over base with two doors. This imp...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Pine, Paint
Bethehem Furn. Rosewood Neoclassical Bookcase Breakfront Entertainment Cabinet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Large Vintage 2 Piece Rosewood Neoclassical/Empire Style Bookcase Breakfront by Bethehem Furniture. Item features 4 beveled glass doors concealing adjustable shelving, brass arrow an...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Brass
19th Century French Neoclassical Style Painted Bookcase
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Imposing 19th century French library bookcase or cabinet featuring a weathered, painted finish. The two-part case is crafted in the Greco-Roman style with decorative pilaster columns...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Pair of Small Curiosity Wall Units or Small Bookcases, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Small Curiosity Wall Units or Small Bookcases, 20th century.
Pair of small bookcases, wall-mounted curio cabinets in blackened wood with ...
Category
20th Century French Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Wood
French Pair Neoclassic Breakfront Bookcase Consoles w/Beautiful Brass Accents
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French pair of Neoclassical style bookcase consoles with brass accents, from the mid 20th century. This vintage pair of cabinets from France each stand approximately three feet in ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Early 20th Century Solid Walnut Narrow Bookcase
Located in Germantown, MD
An Early 20th Century Solid Walnut Narrow Bookcase.
Measures 25.5" in width, 8" in depth and 57" in height. Shelves clearance is 9.75".
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Glass, Walnut
Waterfall Mahogany Bookcase
Located in Annville, PA
This Waterfall Mahogany Bookcase bookcase from Niagara Furniture takes its “waterfall” name from the sides of the piece which appear to cascade downward into larger and larger storag...
Category
2010s Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Mahogany
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
Late 20th-C. English Scrubbed Pine Neo-Classical Style Bookcase / Cabinet
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a late 20th century English scrubbed pine bookcase with neoclassical styling. It is two pieces. The top has a striking carved shell form bonnet. It is unmarked. The base open...
Category
Late 20th Century English Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Pine
Pair 20th Century Schaeffer Cherry Low Lateral Bookcases
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of 20th Century Schaeffer Low Lateral Bookcases
Measures 36" in width, 13.5" in depth and 28" in height. Adjustable Shelf.
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Cherry
Painted Bookcases with a Broken Pediment Handmade in Chicago in Any Dimension
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Neoclassical designed Bookcases hand-made to order in your specific dimensions and color palette. The pair of custom Bookcases were made by our inhouse Old Plank woodworking ...
Category
2010s American Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Wood, Paint
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
Seaside Painted Bookcase
Located in Westwood, NJ
With its calming hues and classic design, reminiscent of a cherished heirloom. The soft blue finish, gently distressed to reveal hints of natural wood, evokes the feel of weathered beachfront shutters.
This bookcase's grand arch crowns its open shelving, offering a stage for books, treasured mementos, or a collection of sea glass and shells. The contrasting interior in creamy white highlights whatever is displayed within, from the spines of vintage novels...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Wood
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
Massive 19th Century 10’ Wide Neoclassical Oak Antique Bookcase Cabinet
Located in Shippensburg, PA
MASSIVE NEOCLASSICAL GLAZED DOOR PATINATED OAK BOOKCASE FLANKED BY BLIND ENDS
10 feet wide probably French or Belgian circa late 19th to early 20th century
Item # 403MGH18P
An inc...
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Glass, Oak
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
English Satinwood Bookcase Cabinet in the Neoclassical Style
By Robert Adam
Located in London, GB
A petit bookcase in the manner of the Adam brothers.
Constructed in Satinwood, with crossbanding, and polychrome hand-painted decoration; rising from tapering spade feet, the incurved lower section having a lockable cupboard door, extensively painted with a central trophy set...
Category
19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Satinwood, Paint
Cortina White Colonial Bookcase
Located in Westwood, NJ
This stately piece stands tall in Cortina white, offering three open shelves that are perfect for displaying your favorite books, photos, or collectibles. Below, the twin drawers wit...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Wood
Disrupted White Colonial Bookcase
Located in Westwood, NJ
This stately piece stands tall in antiqued and distressed white, offering three open shelves that are perfect for displaying your favorite books, photos, or collectibles. Below, the ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Wood
Classic White Bookcase
Located in Westwood, NJ
A classic look that will complement a variety of home decor styles. The adjustable shelves make it easy to customize the bookcase to accommodate books and other items of different si...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Wood
Vintage Primative Style Corner Bookcase or Bookshelf
Located in Seattle, WA
Five tiered bookcase with Wood carved details on the sides. Vintage condition consistent with age as pictured.
Category
Early 20th Century Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Baker Architectural Neoclassical Style Painted Library Bookcases
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Grand pair of architectural painted library bookcases or display cabinets hand-crafted by Baker. Each large cabinet has an arched opening surmounted by a corniced top. The cases have...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Brass
English Wooden Bookcase Cabinet, 1950s
Located in Meulebeke, BE
This exquisite bookcase is a true gem that will add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any home. Crafted with attention to detail. Has warm tones and stunning grain patterns. ...
Category
1950s English Vintage Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Wood
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
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
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
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
An Early 20th Century Pair of French Neoclassical Style Bookshelves
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
A pair of large neoclassical style gilt and painted pine open bookcases, early 20th century, circa 1900-1910, simulated Portor and Siena marble decor, eac...
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Pine
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
Italian Antique 19th Century Bookcase in Solid Larch Wax Polished
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Original Italian late 19th century neoclassic bookcase in solid larch restored and wax polished.
Measures cm: H 180 x W 109 x D 53.
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Pine
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
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 ...
Category
Early 20th Century Belgian 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
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
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
Mahogany Wood China Cabinet / Hutch
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This elegant Italian hand-crafted two-part mahogany china cabinet, also known as a hutch, is a stunning addition to any dining or living room. The cabinet features interior glass she...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Fine and Impressive Late 18th Century Neoclassical Mahogany Library Bookcase
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
Mahogany, solid and veneered on oak. Openwork gallery above two doors with wire-mesh panelling, the inside with an arrangement of adjustable shelves, retaining two gilt brass escutch...
Category
Late 18th Century Dutch Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Brass
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
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
Italian Midcentury 1940s Bookcase Walnut Veneer with Two Drawers, Wax Polished
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Italian bookcase period 1940s in walnut and walnut veneer with two drawers, wax polished. Upper showcase with grating and the two lower doors covered in leatherette.
Excellent condit...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Iron
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
Large Library Cabinet with brass fluting, Germany, around 1800
Located in Greding, DE
Large six-door library or bookcase with glazed doors with elegant C-shaped glazing bars and dividing pilasters with brass-lined fluting. The library is veneered in mahogany. The stra...
Category
Early 1800s German Antique 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 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
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
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
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, Brass, Gold Plate
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
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
Austrian Neoclassical Style Bookcase Cabinet
Located in New York, NY
Continental Austrian neoclassical style oak bookcase cabinet with geometric inlay, gilt egg-and-dart detail, ebonized trim, and Gothic filigree o...
Category
18th Century Austrian Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Oak
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 motif, flanked by two faux marble motif...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
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 case pieces and storage 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, Jonathan Sainsbury, and Kindel Furniture. 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 $796 and tops out at $85,000 while the average work can sell for $7,900.