When looking for antique bookcases, domestic pieces will generally date from as far back as 1700 when case furniture began to be produced in serious quantity. Bookcases of course can be traced back as far as the late 16th century and there are some very fine examples at Oxford University's Bodleian Library. Early examples of bookcases were usually made of oak, and tended to be plain rather than decorative. Very early books would be laid flat on the shelves, and it was only with the advent of the print industry that spines and titles would be displayed outwards.
A walnut bureau bookcase from the time of Queen Anne (1702-14) is a very fine example of an early antique bookcase. Pieces like this formed part of a revolution in furniture making in Britain, with the arrival of Huguenot craftsmen expelled from France at the end of the 17th century and these new forms of manufacture remained throughout the 18th century. The bureau bookcase was an encased set of shelves set upon a bureau or writing desk. The desk had a fold down flap with sets of drawers arranged beneath. The cabinet placed on top to hold the books had two often mirror glazed doors which helped to encourage light. These cabinets were often pedimented on top to give an architectural quality to the piece.
Library Bookcases
As the 18th century progressed, varying types of antique bookcase evolved. Much larger architectural pieces were being made for libraries and the smaller compact bureau bookcase for the drawing room. Walnut had now become very scarce and mahogany was being imported as its replacement. The bookcase was not only made to showcase books but also to showcase the art of the cabinet maker and many fine examples remain from the time of George III onwards. Door fronts were generally glazed within astragal mouldings and beading and these ornamental glazed doors could range from fairly plain to very elaborate.
One of the most impressive bookcases is the breakfront. These are large architectural pieces with broken pediments and moulded cornices, usually made from mahogany. They can be fully or half glazed with cupboards rather than bureaux underneath, usually with three or four sets of shelves, with the central set pushed forward or breaking the front of the piece.
Towards the end of the 18th century, designer decorators like Robert Adam incorporated furniture like the secretaire cabinet and secretaire bookcase into their general house design. The much lighter satinwood had become popular during this later period and Adam employed craftsmen and artists to decorate furniture with marquetry inlay or painted neoclassical motifs and garlands of flowers. Some pieces were very bright and colourful indeed.
Much Queen Anne, Georgian and Neoclassical furniture from the 18th century was revived during the Victorian era so there remains a good choice of well made, large and more compact antique bookcases in a variety of guises to choose from. These are very imposing pieces of furniture and make excellent investments for the budding antique collector, or for the general investor.
Special Price!!! Shoal Creek Bookcase with Doors Jamocha
Oct 21, 2011 20:14:16
Click for larger image and other views

Shoal Creek Bookcase with Doors Jamocha Feature
- Three adjustable shelves
- Hidden storage behind doors
- Ships ready to assemble
Shoal Creek Bookcase with Doors Jamocha Overview
The perfect combination of country and modern style, the Shoal Creek Collection from Sauder Woodworking is a welcome addition to any office or home. With its rich Espresso finish, Nickelfinish binstyle drawer pulls, and tapered legs, Shoal Creek has an inviting, casual appearance you're sure to loveThe Shoal Creek Bookcase with Doors is a great way to display books, decorative accents, and more. Bookcase features two fixed and three adjustable shelves (one behind doors).Shoal Creek is built to be as durable as it is beautiful. Topquality engineered wood construction with rugged laminate sufaces will bring you years of dependable use Ships ready to assemble.SAVE NOW on the special offers below!
Available In Stock. |
This Shoal Creek Bookcase with Doors Jamocha ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping. |
Price : Click to Check Update Prices Please. |

Limited Offer Today!! Shoal Creek Bookcase with Doors Jamocha Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals
Af-S Nikkor Lenses Sony Camcorder Lenses Office Chair Casters