Antique Shelves
-
English 19th Century Inlaid Mahogany Bookcase
$2,200.0041.75"H x 36"W x 13.38"D
Dimensions: 41 ¾” H x 36” W x 13 ⅜” D
A petite mahogany bookcase from England, late 19th century, that will be the perfect backdrop to display treasured collections & collectibles as well as books. The top surface is surrounded by thin strips of inlaid satinwood for contrast and definition, a theme which continues down the sides of the front in delicate floral marquetry design. Three shelves, 11” deep, can be easily reconfigured as needed by adjusting the sawtooth brackets. Short tapered feet support the whole. Cleaned and polished with a French paste wax to preserve the stunning color and highlight the extraordinary skill of the artist. Original tag from Spillman & Co. of St. Martin’s Lane in London the back. Please view the detailed images to see the current condition.
-
English 18th Century Solid Oak Welsh Dresser
$7,200.0087.75"H x 88.63"W x 23.25"D
Dimensions: 87 ¾” H x 88 ⅝” W x 23 ¼” D
A traditional oak “Welsh Dresser” (not the same as a “Chest of Drawers” intended for clothing), this massive piece of storage furniture dating to the 18th century will become the focal point of any dining room, kitchen, and beyond. The upper body features a series of narrow shelves incorporated with low plate rails to display one’s treasured porcelain: two long shelves spanning the width, above a pair of small, locking cabinets with a shelf in between. Note the subtle inlaid strips on the door fronts and quarter-round fluted columns that soften the transition around corners. Along the middle are four small drawers to the back of the work surface (36 ¾” tall). In the lower body one finds a drawer over each (locking) cabinet to the sides and a stack of four drawers in the center. Elegant bracket feet above the floor are a decorative counterpoint to the rectilinear construction above. Cleaned and polished with a French paste wax, this impressive display is ready for your interior. Please view the detailed images. Two keys included.
-
French Late 19th Century Oak Corner Bookcase
$19,995.0097"H x 154"W x 80.75"D
Dimensions: 97” H x 154” W x 80 ¾” D
A breathtaking late 19th century Louis XV-style corner bookcase from France once part of a grand library, all hand-crafted in oak offering both open shelving and closed storage. The mammoth installation is actually composed of several sections that will require reassembly. Originally made as a built in unit, you can see notches on each end where the baseboards were cut into the side. More recent back boards enclose the shelves giving them a more finished and custom appearance transforming any library, office, or living room. The long axis (when facing) is divided into five columns of niches at varying widths on the top section, fitted with adjustable shelves on sawtooth brackets. Each shelf is approximately 8 ¼” in depth. Below, a line of sliding cabinet doors glide on recessed tracks, opening to three distinct compartments with a shelf inside measuring approximately 12” deep. A Louis XV influence is evident in the shape of the raised panels on the door fronts that creates a pleasing repetition of sinuous lines. Note the door closest to the corner is only decorative. The shorter axis to the right has two columns of bookshelves on the top section (four shelves each) over three compartments in the lower body. Please view the detailed images to see more.
Depth of base units: 15 ¾”
Measurements along each wall: 154” L x 80 ¾” W -
Portuguese Pair of 18th Century Pine Altar Consoles
$7,800.0019.75"H x 42.50"W x 20.38"D
Dimensions: 19 ¾” H x 42 ½” W x 20 ⅜” D
A magnificent pair of 18th century Portuguese carved pine wall consoles, also called brackets, originally part of the architectural program of a cathedral altar. They have been updated more recently with travertine stone tops for a durable surface that complements the timeless quality of the baroque profile. Deep cornices project with chamfered corners (of which the stone tops are shaped to fit) with a beautiful slope that contours then retreats toward the wall. A finely carved finial inverted from the base reveals foliate carvings to echo the acanthus at the top corners, unifying the look and enhancing its architectural function. Truly these are a remarkable feat of vision and craft. At just over 20” in depth, these floating brackets are a practical solution in lieu of console tables with legs, satisfying both a decorative statement and shelf to display upon. Three centuries of patina enriches the natural wood grain and character of these intriguing antique fixtures to become a focal point of any room. Gently cleaned and polished with a French paste wax, please view the detailed images to see the current condition. Sold as a pair.
-
French Midcentury Oak Bookcase
$8,995.00107.25"H x 73.25"W x 18.50"D
Dimensions: 107 ¼” H x 73 ¼” W x 18 ½” D
This magnificent vintage bookcase is a demonstration of French craftsmanship intersecting with 20th century design tastes in the manner of Charles Dudouyt, bridging 19th century Arts & Crafts traditions with the graphic, modern styling popular since Art Deco. Made from solid oak, the wood has a warm color and patina that highlights the natural grain and depth of the wood. The upper section is a series of open shelves, allowing for the display of books, trophies, heirlooms and other collections. Three upper shelves (10 ¼” deep) are solid planks, adjustable on sawtooth brackets to reconfigure as needed while the lowest shelf is fixed. Pilasters framing the openings of the shelves have fluted carvings terminating in a geometric motif like a colon. The lower body projects slightly beyond the upper section, and is organized into two shallow drawers nearly hidden above two pairs of paneled doors enclosing the undivided cabinet. Interior shelf measures 13 ⅝” deep. Look closely to appreciate the unique shape of the paneling on the six doors. All these features result in a bookcase that is distinguished but not imposing, characterized by thoughtful lines, a creative spirit, and substantial scale. Ideal for a library, office, or living room, this bookcase combines functionality with the sophistication of French antique furniture, making it a versatile and beautiful addition to any space. Note that there is evidence the piece was previously attached to a wall, see the detailed images for more. Two keys included.
-
French Midcentury Oak Bibliotheque
$9,995.00107.75"H x 93"W x 18.50"D
Dimensions: 107 ¾” H x 93” W x 18 ½” D
This magnificent vintage bookcase is a demonstration of French craftsmanship intersecting with 20th century design tastes in the manner of Charles Dudouyt, bridging 19th century Arts & Crafts traditions with the graphic, modern styling of Art Deco. Made from solid oak, the wood has a warm color and patina that highlights the natural grain and depth of the wood. The upper section is a series of adjustable open shelves, allowing for the display of books, trophies, heirlooms and other collections. Six planks make up the three upper shelves–adjustable on sawtooth brackets to reconfigure as needed–while the lowest shelf is fixed. Pilasters framing the openings of the shelves have fluted carvings terminating in a geometric motif like a colon. The lower body projects slightly beyond the upper section, and is organized into three shallow drawers nearly hidden above three pairs of paneled doors enclosing the undivided cabinet. Interior shelf measures 13 ⅝” deep. Look closely to appreciate the unique shape of the paneling on the six doors. All these features result in a bookcase that is distinguished but not imposing, characterized by thoughtful lines, a creative spirit, and substantial scale. Ideal for a library, office, or living room, this bookcase combines functionality with the sophistication of French antique furniture, making it a versatile and beautiful addition to any space. Two keys included.
-
French 19th Century Mahogany Louis XVI Style Bibliotheque
$10,500.0098.50"H x 123.75"W x 19.50"D
Dimensions: 98 ½” H x 123 ¾” W x 19 ½” D
A sprawling, 19th century French bibliothèque, handcrafted of mahogany with four glass-front doors to display treasured books, trophies, and other collections in an office or library. Note there are two units here–mirror images of each other–designed as one complete installation. Louis XVI in style (with some Louis Philippe similarities) the clean, linear quality allows this timeless design to fit any number of traditional and transitional decorating tastes. Behind the pairs of locking doors framed by fluted pilasters are three interior shelves each (13 ½” deep) which are adjustable on sawtooth brackets to easily reconfigure as needed. Note that the panes do not exhibit the bubbles and waves to confirm they are original, so are likely 20th century replacements. Below the panes the mahogany panels showcase the beautiful grain patterns this exotic wood is prized for, underscoring the sense of luxury. This striking storage piece has been cleaned and polished with a French paste wax to bring out the rich grain pattern and historic patina, ready for your interior. Please view the detailed images. One key included.
-
French 19th Century Louis Philippe Mahogany Bibliotheque
$13,500.0096.63"H x 104.63"W x 18.75"D
Dimensions: 96 ⅝” H x 104 ⅝” W x 18 ¾” D
A capacious, 19th century French Louis Philippe style bibliothèque, handcrafted of mahogany with a row of four glass-front doors for displaying treasured books, heirlooms, and other collections in an office or library. The clean, linear quality and rather narrow depth allow this timeless design to fit any number of traditional and transitional decorating tastes. Behind the two pairs of locking doors are eight (8) interior shelves (7 ½” deep) which are adjustable on sawtooth brackets to easily reconfigure as needed. Note that the panes do not exhibit the bubbles and waves to confirm they are original, so are likely 20th century replacements. Below are a series of four, bookmatched doors enclosing the lower cabinet that follows the order of the upper body: each pair of doors work in tandem by a lock & key to enclose the (left and right) cabinets. Both compartments have a stationary shelf, approximately 15” deep. This striking storage piece has been cleaned and polished with a French paste wax to bring out the rich grain pattern and historic patina, ready for your interior. Please view the detailed images. Four keys included.
-
French 19th Century Bookmatched Mahogany Louis Philippe Armoire
$5,600.0091.13"H x 58"W x 23"D
Dimensions: 91 ⅛” H x 58 ” W x 23” D
A spacious, 19th century French Louis Philippe style armoire or bibliothèque, handcrafted of mahogany with four-way bookmatched doors that are fascinating from every perspective, both geometric and organic. The clean, straight lines allow this timeless design to fit any number of traditional and transitional decorating tastes. Behind the locking doors with captivating grain patterns are three stationary shelves, 15 ½” deep for storing treasured books, clothing or linens. Graceful bracket feet lift the case from the floor. The dark wood has been cleaned and polished with a French paste wax to bring out the natural color historic patina, ready for your interior. Please view the detailed images.
-
English 20th Century Decoupaged Wall Console
$1,200.0015.63"H x 51.25"W x 9.50"D
Dimensions: 15 ⅝” H x 51 ¼” W x 9 ½” D
This vintage 20th century English wall-hanging cabinet was recently given an artistic update in the form of an ebonized (painted) finish and butterfly-themed decoupage. Tiny, facsimiled scientific illustrations of butterflies fill the two panels of each door, the yellowed paper glowing against the dark paint. Sliding the carved wood latch will open one door at a time, revealing the wide interior fitted with a contoured shelf in each corner. Presently finished with two eye hooks on the back for wall-mounting at your desired height, either as a shallow, floating console table or upper cabinet. Please view the detailed images to see more of this one-of-a-kind storage piece.
-
French 19th Century Painted Shop Counter
$5,200.0035.50"H x 64.88"W x 31.63"D
Dimensions: 35 ½” H x 64 ⅞” W x 31 ⅝” D
A substantial 19th century French shop counter with original painted finish over beech and walnut construction. Much of the paint has been lost on the top surface, revealing the warm tones and patina of the wood planks contrasting with the pale blue-gray finish on the sides. The back of the fixture is not enclosed, leaving the unpainted interior exposed to quickly view or access the contents of the shelving that will make this antique fixture perfect for an artist or gardener. Raised panels on three sides of the case have charm and visual interest to float the piece in a room–like a kitchen island–or wherever one needs storage and workspace in one unit. Cleaned and polished with a French paste wax, please view the detailed images to see more.
-
Massive Spanish 19th Century Shop Counter
$35,000.0033.25"H x 173.25"W x 27.25"D
Dimensions: 33 ¼” H x 173 ¼” W x 27 ¼” D
This massive Spanish 19th century shop counter is over 14 feet long (14’-5 ¼”long). The top of this table is made of four wide plank solid walnut boards that boast incredible patina only possible with age. The painted table base has eight drawers all in varying sizes with metal bail pulls over five large bolster style legs turned on a lathe. All lifted on a shaped plinth base with its original worn red paint. Be sure to view the detailed images for the current condition of this impressive shop counter.
-
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 traditional breakfront bibliotheque was a bespoke creation made in France (late 20th century) from beautiful walnut veneer to bring a large office the inviting warmth of a dining room or kitchen. The center of the upper bookcase has two glass-front doors enclosing five adjustable shelves measuring 12.5” deep, over two retractable shelves tucked into the apron that can be pulled out as needed. Open shelves to the outside provide easy access to books, décor, or china and porcelain. Each side includes five adjustable shelves at 9” deep. The bottom cabinet has paneled doors that open to a customized storage cavity, most likely used to pull out a printer or other electronic devices. Note the outer cabinet doors achieve their visual interest and texture from a woven brass grille instead of panels on the door fronts, enclosing one (6.5″ deep) shelf each. Cleaned and polished with a French paste wax this bookcase is ready for your interior. Be sure to view the detailed images.
-
English Solid Walnut Etagere
$2,750.0034.88"H x 27.38"W x 16.50"D
Dimensions: 34-⅞”H x 27-⅜”W x 16-½”D
A solid walnut etagere-table from England, circa 1870, also known as a “whatnot” to organize books and other collections to put on view. The top surface is at an intuitive height to also use as a console table, for occasionally serving guests, or simply to display in practically any room of the home. There is a single drawer in the apron and easily slides out by a small turned, encircled pull incorporated into the drawer front. Robust front legs have a distinct silhouette by wonderfully carved and turned patterns to shape their columnar form, with two understated (flat) legs at the back which help support the middle and lower shelves. This unique shelving piece has been cleaned and polished with French paste wax to maintain the gorgeous color and grain. View the detailed images to get a closer look at this handsome etagere.
-
French Late 19th Century Demilune Three-Tier Server
$7,500.0055"H x 120"W x 24.25"D
Dimensions: 55″H x 120″W x 24-1/4″D
A large three-tier server, made in France, circa 1890. The server is an elongated demilune in form with a distinct, architectural presence to act as the cornerstone of a dining room, office, or library. The front has two breaks where expertly turned columns provide support for the two upper shelves which offer plenty of convenient storage and display surface. It has been constructed using a combination of quarter sawn oak and fruitwood that have been formed into panels that wrap up the wall to become the buffet’s back. A quarter sawn oak plinth base conforming to the symmetry and rhythm of the design provides the foundation for this grand French server that would look equally smart in a library or dining room. Cleaned and polished with a French paste wax, ready for your interior. Please view the detailed images.
-
Massive 19th Century English Mahogany Trolley
$9,250.0053"H x 72"W x 23.5"D
Dimensions: 53″H x 72″W x 23-1/2″D
An English tea or butler’s trolley of epic proportions, this 19th century mahogany antique is grand in scale, likely used in a luxurious hotel or other commercial setting. The wood shelves feature deep and rich color matched with upright supports that have been elegantly turned to give this otherwise linear piece some flair and ornamentation. The supports are capped with turned finials and sit on brass casters. Circa 1870. For more permanent placement, the trolley makes a fine bookshelf or étagère for display. Please view the detailed images to see more.
Shop Antique Shelves and Shelving
Antique shelves are customizable storage solutions that fit any organizational style. Whether you want to use them to organize your workspace or need more space for your growing library, our range of shelving options will get your creative juices flowing.
From small individual shelves to floor-to-ceiling solutions, we have it all. Made primarily from wood, we also have cast iron and metal shelves that can offer an exciting modernist touch to your style. Our best-sellers include Victorian, Georgian, and Regency shelves, but you can also find 20th-century shelves that showcase the finest refinements in woodworking techniques.
Bookcases vs. Étagères
Bookcases are extremely popular shelving units, providing ample vertical space without needing to drill into walls. Even better, they can store more than just books; your imagination is the limit to how you can use them.
Unfortunately, bookcases have one potential flaw — they can be bulky and easily overwhelm a small room. Etageres are a form of bookshelf without the backing, resulting in a much lighter construction. They provide the same amount of storage space, and their attractive construction makes them perfect for decorative pieces.
The lack of a back panel also opens up unique interior design options, such as placing the shelving in the middle of the room and providing storage access from multiple angles while acting as a room divider.
No matter your storage concerns, standalone shelves, bookcases, and etageres are versatile enough to solve them. Shelves are essential to any room design, from one or two shelf units for spice storage in the kitchen to full-length bookcases.
Finding Your Perfect Shelves
Your shelving choices can reflect your personality and style, but finding the perfect shelves for your home can be challenging. Browsing our wide selection can inspire your next interior design project, or you may already have something in mind when you visit our store.
One tip when looking for the perfect shelves is to consider their purpose. If you’re simply looking for storage, a set of wooden antique shelves may be the right solution, while etageres and modern shelves may provide a more decorative option.