What defines a 19th-century Victorian open bookcase?

Victorian open bookcases typically feature accessible front shelving without glass doors, constructed from rich hardwoods such as rosewood or mahogany, and decorated with carved side pilasters, acanthus corbels, and solid plinth bases designed for home studies and private libraries.

What materials were traditionally used in crafting Victorian rosewood bookcases?

These pieces were built using tropical rosewood veneers laid over solid oak or pine cores, featuring dense grain structures, deep reddish-brown tones, and hand-carved decorative elements along the frieze and side supports.

How can one identify authentic 19th-century rosewood furniture?

Authentic period pieces exhibit natural age-related wear to the base, hand-planed timber backboards, original structural joinery, and the heavy, distinctive figure characteristic of historic Dalbergia rosewood species rather than stained modern softwoods.

How can an antique low open bookcase be integrated into modern interior design?

A low open bookcase serves well as a low-profile console table along a hallway or reception room wall, offering a surface for displaying ceramics or framed art while keeping literary collections accessible below.

What is the best method to maintain and preserve antique rosewood bookcases?

Keep the timber away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent cracking or fading, dust regularly with a soft dry cloth, and apply a high-grade beeswax polish once a year along the grain.

for sale €801 $870

£685

ActFurniture LTD

Sellingantiques Verified Since Apr 2023

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Antique 19th Century Victorian Open Bookcase in Rosewood

Name: Antique 19th Century Victorian Open Bookcase in Rosewood
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1229448
Price: 685 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by ActFurniture LTD

Description

Antique 19th century Victorian open bookcase in rosewood, an exceptional piece that combines elegant proportions with good quality and practical design.

Very well made and of good quality, this handsome bookcase displays the rich character and refined detailing that make Victorian rosewood furniture so highly sought after.

The upper section incorporates two cleverly concealed drawers, providing discreet storage while maintaining the clean appearance of the bookcase. Beneath are two generous open shelves, offering ample space for books, ornaments or decorative pieces.

Beautiful carved decoration enhances the overall design, adding depth and character without detracting from the natural beauty of the timber. Raised on a sturdy plinth base, the bookcase has a substantial and well-balanced presence.

The rosewood is beautifully figured throughout, displaying gorgeous grain and a deep, luxurious colour with striking natural variation. Its rich tones, elegant proportions and quality construction make this a particularly desirable example, while the hidden drawers provide an unusual and practical feature that further enhances its appeal.

Presented in good condition, this impressive Victorian bookcase is both decorative and functional. A fine example of 19th century furniture, it would make a superb addition to a study, library, living room or hallway and is sure to become a perfect addition to any home.

Product Reference : AF - 6209

Measurements : 128.5cm Width x 40cm Depth x 93.5cm Height

Shelf Height [ Top ] - 18cm

Shelf Height - 21cm

Shelf Height [ Bottom ] - 22cm

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

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.

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

93.5cm (36.81")

Width

128.5cm (50.59")

Depth

40cm (15.75")

Declaration

ActFurniture LTD has dated this Victorian Rosewood Open Bookcase to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1229448

Dealers Internal Reference

AF-6209

Description

Antique 19th century Victorian open bookcase in rosewood, an exceptional piece that combines elegant proportions with good quality and practical design.

“

Very well made and of good quality, this handsome bookcase displays the rich character and refined detailing that make Victorian rosewood furniture so highly sought after.

ActFurniture LTD

fig 1. A low 19th-century Victorian rosewood open bookcase with two wide shelves, carved acanthus leaf capitals, and a solid plinth base. — fig 1. Antique 19th Century Victorian Open Bookcase in Rosewood

The upper section incorporates two cleverly concealed drawers, providing discreet storage while maintaining the clean appearance of the bookcase. Beneath are two generous open shelves, offering ample space for books, ornaments or decorative pieces.

fig 2. A low 19th-century Victorian rosewood open bookcase with two wide shelves, carved acanthus leaf capitals, and a solid plinth base. — fig 2. Antique 19th Century Victorian Open Bookcase in Rosewood

Beautiful carved decoration enhances the overall design, adding depth and character without detracting from the natural beauty of the timber. Raised on a sturdy plinth base, the bookcase has a substantial and well-balanced presence.

fig 3. A low 19th-century Victorian rosewood open bookcase with two wide shelves, carved acanthus leaf capitals, and a solid plinth base. — fig 3. Antique 19th Century Victorian Open Bookcase in Rosewood

The rosewood is beautifully figured throughout, displaying gorgeous grain and a deep, luxurious colour with striking natural variation. Its rich tones, elegant proportions and quality construction make this a particularly desirable example, while the hidden drawers provide an unusual and practical feature that further enhances its appeal.

fig 4. A low 19th-century Victorian rosewood open bookcase with two wide shelves, carved acanthus leaf capitals, and a solid plinth base. — fig 4. Antique 19th Century Victorian Open Bookcase in Rosewood

Presented in good condition, this impressive Victorian bookcase is both decorative and functional. A fine example of 19th century furniture, it would make a superb addition to a study, library, living room or hallway and is sure to become a perfect addition to any home.

fig 5. A low 19th-century Victorian rosewood open bookcase with two wide shelves, carved acanthus leaf capitals, and a solid plinth base. — fig 5. Antique 19th Century Victorian Open Bookcase in Rosewood

Product Reference : AF - 6209

Measurements : 128.5cm Width x 40cm Depth x 93.5cm Height

Shelf Height [ Top ] - 18cm

Shelf Height - 21cm

Shelf Height [ Bottom ] - 22cm

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

fig 6. A low 19th-century Victorian rosewood open bookcase with two wide shelves, carved acanthus leaf capitals, and a solid plinth base. — fig 6. Antique 19th Century Victorian Open Bookcase in Rosewood

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 7. A low 19th-century Victorian rosewood open bookcase with two wide shelves, carved acanthus leaf capitals, and a solid plinth base. — fig 7. Antique 19th Century Victorian Open Bookcase in Rosewood

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 8. A low 19th-century Victorian rosewood open bookcase with two wide shelves, carved acanthus leaf capitals, and a solid plinth base. — fig 8. Antique 19th Century Victorian Open Bookcase in Rosewood

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.