What is a bureau bookcase?

A bureau bookcase is a dual-purpose piece of storage furniture that combines a slant-front writing desk with an upper glazed cabinet for display and book storage. Originating in the early 18th century, these pieces became standard features in formal study spaces and libraries throughout the Georgian and Victorian eras.

What materials were traditionally used to construct yew wood bureau bookcases?

These cabinets typically feature yew wood veneers over pine or oak carcases, prized for the characteristic burr grain and warm golden-brown tones of the wood. Construction features include dovetail joints on the drawers, brass drop handles, and individual panes of glass held in wooden astragal glazing bars.

How can 20th-century Georgian style bureau bookcases be identified?

Identification involves examining the joinery methods, such as drawer linings and backboards, alongside checking for authentic lock plates and brass hardware. Later pieces often display uniform machine sanding marks, plywood backing panels, or modern finishing techniques consistent with 20th-century manufacturing.

How can a bureau bookcase be integrated into a modern interior space?

Positioning a bureau bookcase in a home office, living room, or hallway creates a focal vertical element while providing concealed work space. Pairing the warm timber tones with light neutral walls, understated modern seating, or modern task lighting balances historical form with contemporary functionality.

How should yew wood furniture be maintained and preserved?

Yew wood should be dusted regularly with a soft, dry cloth and polished periodically with a beeswax polish to protect the finish and nourish the timber. Direct exposure to intense sunlight and placement adjacent to central heating radiators should be avoided to prevent veneer warping and fading.

for sale €684 $743

£585

ActFurniture LTD

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Antique 20th Century Bureau Bookcase in Yew Wood

Name: Antique 20th Century Bureau Bookcase in Yew Wood
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1233978
Price: 585 GBP
Availability: InStock

1900 - 1920

For Sale by ActFurniture LTD

Description

Antique 20th century bureau bookcase in yew wood, an elegant and highly practical piece that combines a writing bureau, generous drawer storage and a glazed bookcase in one beautifully designed form.

Well made and of good quality, it offers a wealth of traditional detail while remaining wonderfully useful for everyday living. The lower section features three large drawers, with two smaller drawers above, all fitted with decorative brass handles.

The bureau section opens to reveal a fitted interior with storage compartments and small drawers, creating an organised space for stationery, correspondence and personal items. Above, two glazed doors open to reveal three shelves, ideal for displaying books, china, glassware or ornaments.

Crossbanding can be found around the piece, adding a refined decorative finish and enhancing its elegant appearance. The yew wood has a rich, warm colour with gorgeous natural grain throughout, giving the bureau bookcase plenty of depth and character. Presented in good condition, this impressive piece would make a wonderful addition to a study, living room, bedroom or reception room.

Product Reference : AF - 6403

Measurements : 86cm Width x 41cm Depth x 193cm Height [ 73cm Desk Height ]

Shelf Height [ Top ] - 17.5cm

Shelf Height - 17.5cm

Shelf Height - 17.5cm

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

193cm (75.98")

Width

86cm (33.86")

Depth

41cm (16.14")

Declaration

ActFurniture LTD has dated this Yew Wood Bureau Bookcase to the Edwardian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1233978

Dealers Internal Reference

AF-6403

Description

Antique 20th century bureau bookcase in yew wood, an elegant and highly practical piece that combines a writing bureau, generous drawer storage and a glazed bookcase in one beautifully designed form.

“

Well made and of good quality, it offers a wealth of traditional detail while remaining wonderfully useful for everyday living.

ActFurniture LTD

 The lower section features three large drawers, with two smaller drawers above, all fitted with decorative brass handles.

fig 1. A Georgian style yew wood bureau bookcase featuring an upper cabinet with Gothic astragal glazed doors over a slant-front desk and four drawers. — fig 1. Antique 20th Century Bureau Bookcase in Yew Wood

The bureau section opens to reveal a fitted interior with storage compartments and small drawers, creating an organised space for stationery, correspondence and personal items. Above, two glazed doors open to reveal three shelves, ideal for displaying books, china, glassware or ornaments.

fig 2. A Georgian style yew wood bureau bookcase featuring an upper cabinet with Gothic astragal glazed doors over a slant-front desk and four drawers. — fig 2. Antique 20th Century Bureau Bookcase in Yew Wood

Crossbanding can be found around the piece, adding a refined decorative finish and enhancing its elegant appearance. The yew wood has a rich, warm colour with gorgeous natural grain throughout, giving the bureau bookcase plenty of depth and character. Presented in good condition, this impressive piece would make a wonderful addition to a study, living room, bedroom or reception room.

fig 3. A Georgian style yew wood bureau bookcase featuring an upper cabinet with Gothic astragal glazed doors over a slant-front desk and four drawers. — fig 3. Antique 20th Century Bureau Bookcase in Yew Wood

Product Reference : AF - 6403

Measurements : 86cm Width x 41cm Depth x 193cm Height [ 73cm Desk Height ]

Shelf Height [ Top ] - 17.5cm

Shelf Height - 17.5cm

Shelf Height [ Bottom ] - 22cm

fig 4. A Georgian style yew wood bureau bookcase featuring an upper cabinet with Gothic astragal glazed doors over a slant-front desk and four drawers. — fig 4. Antique 20th Century Bureau Bookcase in Yew Wood

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.

fig 5. A Georgian style yew wood bureau bookcase featuring an upper cabinet with Gothic astragal glazed doors over a slant-front desk and four drawers. — fig 5. Antique 20th Century Bureau Bookcase in Yew Wood

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 Georgian style yew wood bureau bookcase featuring an upper cabinet with Gothic astragal glazed doors over a slant-front desk and four drawers. — fig 6. Antique 20th Century Bureau Bookcase in Yew Wood

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 Georgian style yew wood bureau bookcase featuring an upper cabinet with Gothic astragal glazed doors over a slant-front desk and four drawers. — fig 7. Antique 20th Century Bureau Bookcase in Yew Wood

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.