What characterises 20th-century open oak bookcases?

Twentieth-century open oak bookcases typically feature solid timber construction, functional open shelving, and integrated drawers. Influenced by earlier Edwardian and Arts and Crafts designs, these pieces prioritize utilitarian storage with clean lines and subtle decorative details.

What materials were traditionally used in crafting open oak bookcases?

These pieces were primarily constructed from solid oak or oak veneers, often paired with iron or brass drawer hardware. Traditional joinery techniques, such as dovetail drawer joints and mortise and tenon frame connections, were standard practice.

How can you identify authentic 20th-century oak bookcases?

Authentic period pieces display natural grain variation, hand-finished drawer joinery, and expected wear along the base and shelf edges. Inspecting the underside and rear panels often reveals natural age oxidation and original tool marks.

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

A low open bookcase functions well beneath low windows, in alcoves, or beside seating. Display a mix of modern art books, decorative ceramics, and small framed prints on the shelves, utilizing the top surface as a console for lighting and object arrangements.

How should vintage and antique oak furniture be maintained?

Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth and apply a high-quality beeswax polish once or twice a year to nourish the timber. Keep the furniture away from direct heat sources and excessive moisture to prevent warping or splitting.

for sale €427 $464

£365

ActFurniture LTD

Sellingantiques Verified Since Apr 2023

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Id #SA1230240

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Antique 20th Century Small Open Bookcase in Oak

Name: Antique 20th Century Small Open Bookcase in Oak
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1230240
Price: 365 GBP
Availability: InStock

1900 - 1920

For Sale by ActFurniture LTD

Description

Antique 20th century small open bookcase in oak, a charming and versatile piece that combines practical storage with timeless period styling. Well made and of good quality, this attractive bookcase is ideally proportioned for use in a study, living room, hallway or bedroom.

The upper section is fitted with two useful drawers, each retaining its original handles and providing convenient storage for smaller household items. Beneath is a spacious open shelf, ideal for displaying books, ornaments or decorative pieces while keeping them easily accessible. Its compact size makes it particularly versatile, allowing it to fit comfortably into smaller spaces without compromising on functionality.

The oak displays gorgeous natural grain and a rich, warm colour throughout, giving the piece plenty of character and visual appeal.

Its pleasing proportions, quality construction and understated design make it a particularly desirable example that will complement both traditional and contemporary interiors.

Presented in good condition, this handsome oak open bookcase is both decorative and practical. A delightful piece of 20th century furniture with enduring appeal, it would make a perfect addition to any home.

Product Reference : AF - 6253

Measurements : 75.5cm Width x 26.5cm Depth x 80.5cm Height

Shelf Height [ Top ] - 19cm

Shelf Height [ Bottom ] - 27.5cm

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

80.5cm (31.69")

Width

75.5cm (29.72")

Depth

26.5cm (10.43")

Declaration

ActFurniture LTD has dated this Antique Oak Open Bookcase to the Edwardian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1230240

Dealers Internal Reference

AF-6253

Description

Antique 20th century small open bookcase in oak, a charming and versatile piece that combines practical storage with timeless period styling.

“

Well made and of good quality, this attractive bookcase is ideally proportioned for use in a study, living room, hallway or bedroom.

ActFurniture LTD

fig 1. A small 20th-century open oak bookcase featuring two drawers at the top with dark twisted ring handles above two open shelves. — fig 1. Antique 20th Century Small Open Bookcase in Oak

The upper section is fitted with two useful drawers, each retaining its original handles and providing convenient storage for smaller household items. Beneath is a spacious open shelf, ideal for displaying books, ornaments or decorative pieces while keeping them easily accessible. Its compact size makes it particularly versatile, allowing it to fit comfortably into smaller spaces without compromising on functionality.

fig 2. A small 20th-century open oak bookcase featuring two drawers at the top with dark twisted ring handles above two open shelves. — fig 2. Antique 20th Century Small Open Bookcase in Oak

The oak displays gorgeous natural grain and a rich, warm colour throughout, giving the piece plenty of character and visual appeal.

Its pleasing proportions, quality construction and understated design make it a particularly desirable example that will complement both traditional and contemporary interiors.

fig 3. A small 20th-century open oak bookcase featuring two drawers at the top with dark twisted ring handles above two open shelves. — fig 3. Antique 20th Century Small Open Bookcase in Oak

Presented in good condition, this handsome oak open bookcase is both decorative and practical. A delightful piece of 20th century furniture with enduring appeal, it would make a perfect addition to any home.

fig 4. A small 20th-century open oak bookcase featuring two drawers at the top with dark twisted ring handles above two open shelves. — fig 4. Antique 20th Century Small Open Bookcase in Oak

Product Reference : AF - 6253

Measurements : 75.5cm Width x 26.5cm Depth x 80.5cm Height

Shelf Height [ Top ] - 19cm

Shelf Height [ Bottom ] - 27.5cm

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

fig 5. A small 20th-century open oak bookcase featuring two drawers at the top with dark twisted ring handles above two open shelves. — fig 5. Antique 20th Century Small Open Bookcase in Oak

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 small 20th-century open oak bookcase featuring two drawers at the top with dark twisted ring handles above two open shelves. — fig 6. Antique 20th Century Small Open Bookcase in Oak

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 small 20th-century open oak bookcase featuring two drawers at the top with dark twisted ring handles above two open shelves. — fig 7. Antique 20th Century Small Open Bookcase in Oak

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.