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.
70
10
3
to
14
56
26
83
79
79
1,109
777
329
224
217
198
155
150
83
56
55
50
47
45
35
25
10
7
8
33
29
13
6
11
4
2
2
1
2
1
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
76
25
21
18
13
50
18
18
16
11
2
1
1
1
1
Style: Neoclassical
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 9 alcoves each in the antique style,...
Category
20th Century French Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Wood
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 b...
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
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
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
Romweber French Neoclassical Mahogany and Burl Wood Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding French Neoclassical or Louis XVI style bubble glass breakfront bookcase cabinet or dining cabinet
By Romweber
USA, Circa 1930s
Gorgeous book-matched flame mahogany,...
Category
1930s American Vintage Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Brass
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
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
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
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
19th c. Italian Two-Part Bibliothèque De Boiserie in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
An incredible 19th century Italian Neoclassical style bookcase with a serpentine shape in original paint. Circa 1860. The carved and shaped...
Category
19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Wood, Paint
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 t...
Category
Late 20th Century Spanish Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Brass
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
Hugh 4-Door Glass Cabinet 1900 Early 20th Century Gustavian Style
Located in Vienna, AT
Amazing hugh cabinet of the early 20th century. This piece was standing in a Viennese private school which was founded in 1897. Focus of this school was European education. The students came mainly from all parts of the Danube Monarchy. The cabinet is one of severals. More and less with the similar dimension. Herbal, biology supplements, globes aso. Were exhibited in this glass vitrine.
The frame is completely disassembled so you can deliver it rather easily. The frame is made of glazed softwood. Due to the age and the weight of the doors it is not easy to close them totally. But it should be no problem with a little bit pressure.
The lower part has 12 drawer, 4 pieces in one row.
Some of the glasses are old and you can see the tiny bubbles in the glass, some are new.
To re-assemble the cabinet you need a carpenter! We restored this piece in our workshop and then 4 men helped to re-assemble the piece in our gallery with the advise of our carpenter.
Please ask if you need a smaller version, or if you need more shelves.
The furnitures inside...
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Antique Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Glass, Softwood
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
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
Grand Scale Neoclassical Bookcase
By Candace Barnes
Located in Larkspur, CA
Neoclassical-inspired columnar grand scale bookcase with exaggerated cornice and stepped base, interior shelving and silver leafed rosette detailing and fl...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary North American Neoclassical Bookcases
Materials
Paint
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.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Antique Book Shelf Antique Furniture
English Open Bookcase
Unusual Bookcases
Antique Mission Arts And Crafts
Pair Book Cabinets
Georgian Style Doors
Wood Bookcase Side By Side
Sheraton Style Cabinet
Retro Teak Display Cabinet
Wood Bookcase With Desk
Pairs Of Book Cabinets
French 19th Century Antique Bookcase
Design Modular Bookcase
Vintage Wood Bookshelf
Vintage Mid Century Bookcase
Antique Bureau Bookcases
Antique Bureau Bookcase
Antique Bureau Bookcase Furniture