seen from Yemen
seen from China
seen from Japan
seen from Netherlands
seen from Egypt
seen from United States
seen from China
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from China
seen from Germany
seen from United States
seen from Malaysia
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
Recent Acquisitions - George III mahogany secretaire bookcase, of good small size. Dentil cornice over finely moulded astragal glazed doors
Recent Acquisitions - George III mahogany secretaire bookcase, of good small size. Dentil cornice over finely moulded astragal glazed doors, with two adjustable shelves. Fitted scretaire drawer below, with an arrangement of small drawers, over three long cockbeaded drawers raised on splay feet.
Choosing the Perfect Antique Bookcase
An antique bookcase does more than hold books — it brings character and history into a room in a way that new furniture rarely can. Whether you are drawn to the grandeur of a large library piece or something smaller and more personal, there are a few things worth thinking through before you choose.
Match it to your space
An antique bookcase needs to sit comfortably within your existing décor. A painted Swedish piece suits a lighter, more relaxed interior, while a carved mahogany breakfront bookcase fits a traditional, formal room. Think about what you already have and look for something that belongs rather than competes.
Consider the size and how you will use the space
Bookcases come in all sizes from compact open shelves to floor-to-ceiling library pieces. A larger bookcase can even double as a room divider, giving it a practical role beyond storage. Measure your wall and ceiling height before falling in love with something that will not fit.
Open, glazed, or closed?
Open bookcases give easy access and suit book collections you want on display. Glazed fronts protect contents and work beautifully as display cabinets for China, glassware, or collectibles. Closed cupboard bookcases are ideal if you want concealed storage alongside your shelving.
Think beyond books
Many antique bookcases — particularly glazed display cabinets and vitrines — work just as well for displaying decorative objects, ceramics, or family mementos. Knowing how you plan to use the piece will help narrow your choice.
Consider a painted piece
At Arcadia, a good number of the bookcases are painted — Scottish, Irish, English, and Swedish examples among them. A painted bookcase tends to become a focal point in a room and works well in both traditional and more relaxed interiors.
At Arcadia Antiques, we have a wonderful and versatile stock of bookcases and display cabinets spanning English, French, Scottish, Irish, Dutch, Italian, and Swedish styles. Browse the full collection at arcadiaantiques.co.uk.
Browse & Buy quality antique bookcase for your storage. View our extensive collection of antique bookcases, featuring painted, French, & arc
Browse & Buy quality antique bookcase for your storage. View our extensive collection of antique bookcases, featuring painted, French, & architectural designs.
Browse & Buy quality antique bookcase for your storage. View our extensive collection of antique bookcases, featuring painted, French, & arc
Browse & Buy quality antique bookcase for your storage. View our extensive collection of antique bookcases, featuring painted, French, & architectural designs.
Bookcases & Display Cabinets - An early 19th century Regency period brass mounted rosewood cabinet with gilt brass mounts and grill doors, l
Bookcases & Display Cabinets - An early 19th century Regency period brass mounted rosewood cabinet with gilt brass mounts and grill doors, later bleached that will work well in most settings.
Side Cabinet & Chiffonier - Beautiful Regency walnut side cabinet. Figured top over decorative brass grille doors, enclosing adjustable shel
Side Cabinet & Chiffonier - Beautiful Regency walnut side cabinet. Figured top over decorative brass grille doors, enclosing adjustable shelves. Raised on a plinth base.
Wonderful late 17th C Spanish oak console table/ dresser base with a fabulous 4cm thick two board top. Great colour. 1690
Wonderful late 17th C Spanish oak console table/ dresser base with a fabulous 4cm thick two board top. Great colour. 1690
Custom made narrow painted open bookcase. This can be made and painted in your size and colour, please get in touch for a quote
