Antique Bookcases
Jump To Our PicksBookcases have long been viewed as a staple for any home, and an antique bookcase will add heaps of class to your living space. Usually decorated in woods that have darker veneers or gloss for that vintage aesthetic, they will complement all of your favorite books perfectly. Whether you want something tall and simple or a vintage bookcase with a design, we’ve picked out some of the best types of antique bookcases for you below.
Chloe is a highly-regarded expert in all things vintage and antique. She’s excited to share her vast knowledge with readers and clients wishing to infuse their homes with a mixture of old-time warmth and modern comfort. In addition to her design work, Chloe regularly volunteers at her local community center, teaching DIY projects to adults and kids.
10 Recommendations and 165 Ideas
Curved Antique Bookshelf
Birch Lane™
Arriving fully assembled, this bookcase features curved detail that would suit a coastal farmhouse décor style. Measuring 76 inches tall, it is made from solid and manufactured wood and has 5 equally-sized shelves for all of your books.
Available in a rich cognac brown, the purposeful distressing of these bookshelves give them a well-loved look that will make any room appear warm and cozy.
$1019.99
$1304
Designer Advice:
The subtle scalloping at the top is reminiscent of historic libraries – create a similar vibe with mosaic rugs and metal lamps for that old-fashioned aesthetic.
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Tall Antique Bookcase
Darby Home Co
Available in 8 different colors and finishes, this bookcase measures 72 inches tall and is crafted from solid and manufactured wood. With a weight capacity of 75lbs per shelf, it features a straightforward design.
$949.99
Designer Advice:
Natural wood grain finishes will always look more antique than smooth finishes, but colors like gray or white are viewed as more contemporary. For a classy look, go for antique brown. The small imperfections in the wood grain will lend your purchase even more of a vintage vibe.
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X Shape Design Antique Bookshelves
Alcott Hill®
These bookshelves feature 4 shelves, including one at the bottom that has a back board for stability, great for smaller books that tend to fall. Treated with powder painting, it will be easy to maintain.
Designer Advice:
While X-shape furniture is usually viewed as more modern, the rich brown walnut shade of this bookcase has a glossy antique look to it. Stylish and chic, it would look amazing in a room with high ceilings near a window so it can truly shine.
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Understated Vintage Bookcase
Winston Porter
This understated bookcase looks as though it could be straight out of the 1950s. The 4 shelves can each hold up to 150lbs, and even better, it is foldable, meaning it would be great for shared apartments, college dorms, or small spaces.
$161.99
$239.99
Designer Advice:
Although it comes with 2 finish options – espresso and natural – we recommend opting for the dark espresso color to truly achieve a vintage vibe. This is because darker wood looks more expensive and we tend to associate it with luxury and glamour, as opposed to lighter wood which looks more contemporary.
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Antique Bookshelves with Storage
With smooth, clean lines and 2 doors at the bottom, this antique bookcase doubles up as a storage option, too. Arriving fully assembled, it is mostly made from solid wood and features 4 upper shelves.
Designer Advice:
We recommend this bookcase for a smaller home due to its multifunctional design – the distressed brown finish would look best in a room with wooden floors and cream or off-white accents for a cozy antique feeling. Additionally, you could place it in an entryway to impress guests and store important everyday items.
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Floating Shelf Vintage Bookshelf
This vintage-look bookshelf stands out from the crowd. Featuring 7 floating shelves, it has a solid wood frame and wooden shelves. Whilst innovative, the design of this shelving means your bookcase won’t hold as many books, which could be an issue for some.
Designer Advice:
The nut-brown color of this bookcase would look stunning with warmer neutral shades such as beige and off-white for a calm Scandinavian look that also takes inspiration from the past. For a cohesive look, a cream rug would bring the look together.
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Lattice Antique Bookcase
Red Barrel Studio®
Evoking 1920s glamor, this antique bookcase features intricate carving detailing at the sides. Made from hard-wearing mango wood, it has 2 open shelves that would look beautiful when filled with books, plants, or ornaments.
Also decorated with a deliberately distressed look, this bookcase is full of personality due to it being handcrafted.
Designer Advice:
The elegant and sophisticated carvings will add tons of character to your living space, but we think it would look best in a room with gray or white walls so the ashy-brown color can stand out.
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Retro Vintage Bookcase with Cubbies
This vintage bookcase screams retro – we can just imagine it in a 1960s home. Measuring only 31.5 inches wide, it would be an ideal choice for rooms with not as much wall space. Moreover, the cubby holes mean you can organize your literature collection properly.
Designer Advice:
The rugged material construction makes it plausible that this bookcase could be a genuine vintage piece. If you want to exaggerate this vibe, opt for decorative objects or a lampshade in groovy and abstract prints which possess that all-important 1960s and 1970s vintage aesthetic.
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Corner Antique Bookcase
Red Barrel Studio®
Crafted from metal and wood, this bookcase features a single drawer and 2 shelves below. A matte black mission slat base adds a small modern touch to an otherwise fully traditional product.
$329.99
Designer Advice:
If you’re short on space, a corner antique bookcase like this one is great for making the most of what you do have. The medium oak color will blend nicely with different shades of wood, with the exception being woods that are super light in color. This is because light wood tends to wash out darker shades.
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Industrial Style Victorian Bookshelf
If your décor style leans towards the minimalist, this bookshelf has an industrial look to it that is reminiscent of the Victorian era. It features 3 solid mango wood shelves, which contrast with iron legs that could be straight out of a Dickens novel.
Designer Advice:
The stripped-back look of this product means it would look good in a modern home as well as a more traditional one. Featuring a closed file drawer at the bottom, it would best suit rooms with dark wood furniture and more subtle colors rather than bold ones.
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