Can the shelves hold heavy books?

Most antique glazed cabinets were built specifically as bookcases. The thick wooden shelves and heavy carcase are more than capable of supporting a full library. Adjustable shelves on wooden pegs might need a check to ensure the supports fit tightly. If the pegs are sound, the weight of the books helps keep the structure stable.

My living room ceiling is quite low and has a modern beam across it, so do these cabinets separate into smaller parts for moving?

Almost all tall case furniture from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries breaks down into at least two sections. The glazed upper half simply lifts off the solid base, making transport and installation much easier. Very large breakfront models often dismantle further. The cornice detaches, and the individual vertical banks of shelves unscrew from each other to pass through standard doorways. Always lift the upper section from the lowest point of its frame. You'll want to avoid pulling on the glazing bars or the fragile top cornice.

How do you clean the glass?

Spray a soft cloth with standard glass cleaner. Never spray directly onto the door, as drips will damage the polish on the wooden astragals. Wipe gently. Old putty holding the panes can be brittle.

The doors on the one I am looking at swing open slightly on their own when left unlocked, is there a way to fix that easily?

This usually means the cabinet isn't sitting level on the floor. Floors settle, and even a slight tilt forward will cause heavy glazed doors to swing open under their own weight. Slide a small wooden wedge or folded card under the front feet. Packing the base levels the carcase, bringing the hinges back into alignment. If levelling doesn't work, the brass hinges might be worn. A cabinet-maker can pack behind the hinge plates to correct the drop.

Home > Cabinets > Glazed Cabinets > Page 49

Antique Glazed Cabinets

← Page 49 of 53 →

Tall wooden case furniture fitted with glass doors, these were originally built to protect books or porcelain from dust while keeping them visible. They usually feature solid bases with drawers or cupboards below a lighter, transparent upper section.