Antique Bookcases
-
French Reproduction Walnut Bibliotheque
$10,995.00103.50"H x 111.25"W x 20.50"D
Dimensions: 103 ½” H x 111 ¼” W x 20 ½” D
This classically designed breakfront bibliotheque was custom made with beautiful walnut veneer. The center of the bookcase has two glass paneled doors with five adjustable shelves measuring 12.5” deep, below are two pull out slides measuring 33 ½” deep. The bottom has simple paneled doors that open to a custom storage cavity. This bookcase must have been used in an office and there are two shelves with slides, most likely used to pull out a printer or other electronic devices. The center column of this bookcase is flanked by a pair of open shelves that have a narrow depth, perfect for displaying books and accessories. Each side has five adjustable shelves at 9” deep. Below are doors inset with brass wire, behind is one adjustable shelf on each side at 6.5” deep. Cleaned and polished with a French paste wax this bookcase is ready for your immediate use. Be sure to view the detailed images.
-
French Louis XVI Style Mahogany Bibliotheque
$9,995.0096.50"H x 71.13"W x 18.13"D
Dimensions: 96 ½” H x 71 ⅛” W x 18 ⅛” D
A statement French bibliotheque in the Louis XVI Style made of richly toned mahogany and brass details. This case piece is topped with a demilune pediment and 4 decorative finials. There are three sections to the bibliotheque all flanked with round fluted columns. Each door opens to its own interior with 4 adjustable shelves at 12 ¼”deep. The glass is all original and there are three working locks using one key. The whole sits on turned feet inset with brass. Cleaned and polished with a French paste wax this cabinet is ready for immediate use. Make sure to view the detailed images to get a closer look at this antique bibliotheque.
-
Dutch 19th Century Apothecary Display Case
$12,500.00108.75"H x 85.25"W x 20.25"D
Dimensions: 108-¾”H x 85-¼”W x 20-¼”D
A massive Dutch apothecary display case from a pharmacy. A large cornice with gorgeous acanthus leaf carvings draws the eyes up. Three molded, adjustable shelves compose the top portion while the bottom single shelf is fixed. Fantastic reeding and fluting details perfectly compliment the paneling on the sides. In wonderful antique condition with a gentle patina, there is plenty of space for books, art, and decor. This piece would have originally been built into the wall behind the pharmacist counter, evidence of which can still be found on the back. The last photograph shows supports that are provided and need to be attached for shipping due to its size. Make sure to view the detailed images to get a closer view of this incredible display piece.
Antique Bookcases From Fireside Antiques
Often, a library is one of the first places we pair with antiques since we associate books with old, historical knowledge. As such, antique bookcases can be some of the most awe-inspiring furniture pieces we offer. Additionally, because of their versatility as a display shelf, bookcases can fit into nearly any household renovation or design.
You might be surprised by the wide variety of unique shapes and styles that our antique bookcases offer, too. From open bookcases with floating shelves to barrister bookcases with glass doors, we’ve seen it all. Even antique buffet cabinets and armoires can function well as bookcases with the right modifications, something the restorers at Fireside Antiques know well.
Another reason antique bookcases tend to be so eye-catching is their status as the elite’s furniture. Throughout history, books were often considered a luxury afforded only to the rich, so as such, bookcases tended to belong to the rich, too. This resulted in the abundance of ornate bookcases you see today.
Despite their elegance, though, antique bookcases have the unique property of not overpowering a space. Because bookcases were designed to showcase the books within, they had to blend in with the rest of the home. A quality antique bookcase today will reflect that philosophy by matching a room’s décor while not commanding too much attention.
Of course, if your bookcase couldn’t hold your books or fine china safely, that meant it failed as a furniture piece, too. A bookcase was intended to protect precious books, papers, and other important items within its confines. To that end, antique bookcases were sometimes lined with silk or the insides painted with bright colors to highlight their contents.
Decorating With Antique Bookcases
One of the best parts of decorating with an antique bookcase is its versatility. Regardless of whether your decorative “case” is actually a buffet, a vitrine, or even a tea trolley, they can go in virtually any room and bring class to almost any space.
Since these are essentially antique displays, you don’t need to display books in them at all. If you don’t have a large book collection, why not use one of our antique bookcases to display figurines, collectibles, artwork, or even photographs?
Don’t assume that a high-quality antique bookcase from Fireside Antiques is the same as any old bookcase, though. These bookcases were made with the craftsmanship common in furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries. Despite being old, worn, and decorated with beautiful patina, these bookcases will stand the test of time and hold your collection with ease.