What defines the design of a 20th-century open bookcase?

Twentieth-century open bookcases are characterised by clean, functional proportions, durable timber construction, and accessible tier shelving without glazed doors or ornate carvings, catering to both public and private libraries.

What materials were traditionally used in 20th-century open bookcases?

These pieces were typically constructed using solid hardwoods such as walnut, oak, and mahogany, often incorporating veneered backboards and sturdy plinth bases to support heavy literary collections.

How can you identify an authentic 20th-century walnut bookcase?

Authentic pieces exhibit hand-finished walnut grain patterns, natural oxidisation on exposed wood surfaces, traditional joinery techniques at the corners, and age-appropriate wear along the shelf edges.

How do you style a large open bookcase in a modern interior?

A large open bookcase can be styled by pairing stacked volumes with ceramic vases, framed artwork, and decorative objects to break up continuous rows of text and balance the visual weight across the shelves.

How should you clean and preserve an antique walnut bookcase?

Dust regularly with a dry microfibre cloth and apply a high-quality beeswax polish once or twice a year to preserve the natural lustre, avoiding harsh chemical cleaners and direct sunlight exposure.

for sale €801 $870

£685

ActFurniture LTD

Sellingantiques Verified Since Apr 2023

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Id #SA1227886

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Antique 20th Century Large Open Bookcase in Walnut

Name: Antique 20th Century Large Open Bookcase in Walnut
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1227886
Price: 685 GBP
Availability: InStock

1900 - 1920

For Sale by ActFurniture LTD

Description

Antique 20th century large open bookcase in walnut, a substantial and impressive piece, very well made and of good quality. Offering generous storage with elegant proportions, this handsome bookcase is ideal for housing a large collection of books or displaying decorative pieces, making it both practical and highly decorative.

The bookcase is fitted with multiple open shelves, with the lower four being fully adjustable to accommodate books and ornaments of varying heights. Its simple yet refined design allows the beautiful walnut to take centre stage, while the plinth base provides a strong and well-balanced foundation that enhances its commanding presence.

Crafted from quality walnut, the timber displays gorgeous natural grain and a rich, warm colour throughout.

The excellent craftsmanship is evident in its solid construction and carefully considered proportions, creating a piece that is as durable as it is attractive. Its generous size and versatile design make it a particularly desirable example.

Presented in good condition, this large walnut bookcase offers an abundance of storage without compromising on elegance. A timeless piece of antique furniture, it would make a superb addition to a study, library, living room or office and is sure to become a striking feature in any home.

Product Reference : AF - 6137

Measurements : 155cm Width x 23cm Depth x 172.5cm Height

Shelf Height [ Top ] - 25.5cm

Shelf Height - 34cm

Shelf Height - 22cm

Shelf Height - 27.5cm

Shelf Height [ Bottom ] - 30.5cm

All our products are available for viewing at our stockroom based in Malvern strictly by appointment only.

Every order is professionally cleaned and polished by our team prior to dispatch or collection.

Please feel free to get in contact with us regarding any queries you might have relating to a specific piece or if you’d like to arrange a visit and I aim to respond as quickly as possible.

Prior to making a purchase, it is important that you please contact us to confirm the piece is still available. We endeavour to keep our stock details up to date, but due to our fast stock turnover there maybe occasions where an item has been sold but it has not yet been updated online.

Delivery ( £65 ) :

All our pieces are professionally wrapped in black plastic and sent though a trusted private courier which we can organise upon your request.

The delivery service consists of a two man team with a delivery timeframe of 3 - 15 working days from the date payment has been received. Please contact us to discuss any specific requirements and we will do our upmost to accommodate these, although no guarantees can be given.

The courier will be in contact with you directly with details of exact delivery date and approximate time of arrival.

We currently cover all of the UK Mainlands including most of Scotland.

Scotland -

Delivery cost and timeframe to Scotland and Scottish Highlands will vary regarding on the location and number of orders we have in the area so please get in contact for a direct quote.

Collection ( FREE ) :

Pieces can be collected from WR6 5JE free of charge strictly by appointment only. Please contact us to arrange this.

All goods will be professionally cleaned and polished by our team prior to your arrival.

Many thanks and if you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us and one of our team will respond as quickly as possible.

Physical Dimensions

Height

172.5cm (67.91")

Width

155cm (61.02")

Depth

23cm (9.06")

Declaration

ActFurniture LTD has dated this Large Walnut Open Bookcase to the Edwardian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1227886

Dealers Internal Reference

AF-6137

Description

“

The bookcase is fitted with multiple open shelves, with the lower four being fully adjustable to accommodate books and ornaments of varying heights.

ActFurniture LTD

Its simple yet refined design allows the beautiful walnut to take centre stage, while the plinth base provides a strong and well-balanced foundation that enhances its commanding presence.

fig 1. A large twentieth-century open walnut bookcase featuring multiple fixed shelves with a central divider on the lower section. — fig 1. Antique 20th Century Large Open Bookcase in Walnut

Crafted from quality walnut, the timber displays gorgeous natural grain and a rich, warm colour throughout.

The excellent craftsmanship is evident in its solid construction and carefully considered proportions, creating a piece that is as durable as it is attractive. Its generous size and versatile design make it a particularly desirable example.

fig 2. A large twentieth-century open walnut bookcase featuring multiple fixed shelves with a central divider on the lower section. — fig 2. Antique 20th Century Large Open Bookcase in Walnut

Presented in good condition, this large walnut bookcase offers an abundance of storage without compromising on elegance. A timeless piece of antique furniture, it would make a superb addition to a study, library, living room or office and is sure to become a striking feature in any home.

fig 3. A large twentieth-century open walnut bookcase featuring multiple fixed shelves with a central divider on the lower section. — fig 3. Antique 20th Century Large Open Bookcase in Walnut

Product Reference : AF - 6137

Measurements : 155cm Width x 23cm Depth x 172.5cm Height

Shelf Height [ Top ] - 25.5cm

Shelf Height - 34cm

Shelf Height - 22cm

Shelf Height - 27.5cm

Shelf Height [ Bottom ] - 30.5cm

fig 4. A large twentieth-century open walnut bookcase featuring multiple fixed shelves with a central divider on the lower section. — fig 4. Antique 20th Century Large Open Bookcase in Walnut

All our products are available for viewing at our stockroom based in Malvern strictly by appointment only.

Every order is professionally cleaned and polished by our team prior to dispatch or collection.

fig 5. A large twentieth-century open walnut bookcase featuring multiple fixed shelves with a central divider on the lower section. — fig 5. Antique 20th Century Large Open Bookcase in Walnut

Please feel free to get in contact with us regarding any queries you might have relating to a specific piece or if you’d like to arrange a visit and I aim to respond as quickly as possible.

Prior to making a purchase, it is important that you please contact us to confirm the piece is still available. We endeavour to keep our stock details up to date, but due to our fast stock turnover there maybe occasions where an item has been sold but it has not yet been updated online.

fig 6. A large twentieth-century open walnut bookcase featuring multiple fixed shelves with a central divider on the lower section. — fig 6. Antique 20th Century Large Open Bookcase in Walnut

Delivery ( £65 ) :

All our pieces are professionally wrapped in black plastic and sent though a trusted private courier which we can organise upon your request.

The delivery service consists of a two man team with a delivery timeframe of 3 - 15 working days from the date payment has been received. Please contact us to discuss any specific requirements and we will do our upmost to accommodate these, although no guarantees can be given.

fig 7. A large twentieth-century open walnut bookcase featuring multiple fixed shelves with a central divider on the lower section. — fig 7. Antique 20th Century Large Open Bookcase in Walnut

The courier will be in contact with you directly with details of exact delivery date and approximate time of arrival.

We currently cover all of the UK Mainlands including most of Scotland.

Scotland -

Delivery cost and timeframe to Scotland and Scottish Highlands will vary regarding on the location and number of orders we have in the area so please get in contact for a direct quote.