Bookcases

Bookcases have been in made in many different shapes and styles since the 17th century. They are often quite architectural in style with bold broken arch or swan neck pediments. As society became more literate bookcases became one of the most important pieces of furniture in a fashionable home. Large libraries would be housed in breakfront bookcases while drawing rooms might house an elegant secretaire bookcase. Bureau bookcases were more popular in the Queen Anne and early Georgian period and the most desirable examples are veneered in burr walnut or decorated with Chinoiserie scenes in lacquer.