Wooden Bookcases With Glass Doors

Chloe Hughes Interior Design Expert

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.

Updated 21/04/2021

Dust is one of the biggest dangers to books. Beyond heat, moisture and time, dust can muddy the clean look of your personal library, even possibly destroying older books. So to keep those dust particles at bay, might we suggest a wooden bookcase with glass doors for the protection of your favorite pastime. Your books will appreciate it.

Buying Guide

Bookcases leave little protection from dust and dirt. Wooden bookcases with glass doors that were popular in the early 20th century are returning with a passion. Collectors of books, art and paraphernalia are finding that there was good purpose to this style.

Options of low cabinets with bottom knobs to grand wall length open and closed glass doors are finding their way into modern homes. Regardless of the decor, warm wood with protective glass gives a high-end presence to any room.

What are the best types of wood for bookcases with glass doors?

A wide selection of wood and quality glass make a distinct impact on libraries, living rooms and home offices. Here are a few ideas for finding the right bookcase model for your areas.

Oak - A hardwood, like oak, shows structural soundness for a bookcase. Stained to a golden brown and cast with burl inlays, a traditional Chippendale presence is achieved. Quality glass inserts protect contents while showing off prized possessions. Barrister styles are also popular in oak hardwood and are available in different wood shades.
Pine - Solid pine is a good wood for creating imperfections for adding character to bookcases. Very accepting to paint and stains, large stand alone units, made of pine, often feature 4-pane wood inserts against quality glass.
Reclaimed Wood - Reclaimed pine that is scarred and painted in distressed gray shows how transitional decor can make good use from recyclables and still have charm. A glass front with slim wood panels adds even more emphasis on a natural look.

What styles of wooden bookcases with glass doors are there?

Traditional - Stately cherry wood finish and strong silhouettes of the classic design always make these wooden bookcases with glass doors an eye-stopper. Supporting a tease as to what lies beyond the glass facade, it is a must in a library or den.
Contemporary - A straight design with no fuss is relative of contemporary form. A pair of plain 4-panel glass doors may rest against a base of white and outlined with a golden oak top. Natural wood with a light finish is also a nice touch to contemporary styling.
Modern - While glass-fronted bookcases are not thought of in the world of modern design, they can fit nicely when a modular unit that has long ridged glass panel doors is used. Usually standing tall at 5' or more, they blend well with home offices.
Rustic/Country - Reclaimed pine adds a touch of elegance to rustic or country decors with glass doors that offer a peak of collectibles. This look can be used for rustic industrial as well.

How to maintain wooden bookcases with glass doors?

Even though doors prevent dust from getting directly on books and items, the inside wood or glass shelving should be dusted on a monthly basis. Keep the exterior glass clean and shining with a vinegar and water solution or glass cleaner and lint-free cloth. Wood should be dry dusted with a microfiber cloth and lightly oiled monthly.