Antique Barrister Cabinets

Find a variety of antique barrister cabinets available on 1stDibs. Each of these unique antique barrister cabinets was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, glass and oak. Antique barrister cabinets have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. Arts and Crafts, Industrial and Victorian antique barrister cabinets are consistently popular styles. Antique barrister cabinets have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Globe Wernicke, GUNN and Shaw Walker are consistently popular.

The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $1,798, while they’re typically $585 on the low end and $20,000 highest priced.

Whether you proudly shelve your books in regal mahogany or behind glass cabinet doors, an antique bookcase — or perhaps more than one — is essential to creating a cozy nook for any book lover.

As long as curious people have collected stories, we have needed a place to stow them away and preserve them. When auction houses and book dealers proliferated by the late 17th century, the bibliophile was born. And, of course, as with any treasured decorative objects or collectibles, a book lover’s volumes were suddenly worthy of a luxurious display — enter the bookcase.

Americans of means during the 19th century took to amassing art as well as rare books, and bookcases of the era — rife with hand-carved decorative accents and architectural motifs — were ideal for displaying their handsome leather-bound wares.

Although our favorite titles may change over the years, the functionality and beauty of their home within our home is timeless. Even those who don’t covet the perfect home library can benefit from an attractive display case, as bookcases can easily double as charming étagères. 

Contemporary and customizable options make it easier for you to find the perfect bookcase for your style and stacks. If you don’t wish to fill your storage piece so that your collection is snug within its confines, incorporate extra space to allow for additional displays and decorative objects. And by introducing a striking dark wood Art Deco bookcase or low-profile mid-century modern design by Paul McCobb into your living room, your signed first editions won’t be the only items making a statement. 

Find barrister bookcases, Globe Wernicke bookcases, bookcases with doors and other vintage and antique bookcases on 1stDibs now.