Relevant categories: Bookcases
( Above Photo: George II Bureau Bookcase - 18th Century Mahogany )
Do you want to decorate your home with a valuable antique from the Georgian era? The antique bureau bookcase can create the perfect centerpiece in any room and provide ample storage space. Its design involved the combination of the bureau and the bookcase?
So, what exactly is an antique bureau bookcase? This article explores the terms ‘bureau’ and ‘bookcase’ and how the two came to represent one furniture piece.
( Above Photo: Sheraton Bureau Bookcase Painted Satinwood 1890 )
A bureau is a desk with a front lid that slopes to serve as a writing surface. The froth lid is held together by chains and loppers when in use. Sometimes, the bureau might have a roll-top or tambour top.
The first bureaus appeared in the 17th century and had pigeon holes and small drawers in their interior. In the lower part, the cabinet consisted of a cupboard or drawers. When part of a bookcase, the resultant furniture piece is called a bureau bookcase.
There was a clear distinction between the bureau and the secretaire concerning how the writing surface got concealed. On a secretaire, the writing surface is a hidden drawer rather than a mere front lid.
( Above Photo: Georgian Bureau Bookcase Walnut Desk Glazed Top )
Since its entry into England in the 17th century, the bookcase became integral to civilized English homes. The early form of the bookcase was a glazed cabinet, plinth to pediment. It had square glass panes.
In later years, the secretaire emerged with double-height bookshelves above a cupboard or desk base. The earliest bookcases had blind paneled or mirror door fronts, later replaced with clear glass.
( Above Photo: Queen Anne Bureau Bookcase - Antique Walnut Cabinet 18th Century )
The antique bureau bookcase is a creation of Georgian furniture makers who combined the bureau with the bookcase. Typically, its base is composed of a bureau, above which the bookcase sits. The upper part of the bureau bookcase has a glazed bookcase, an idea for storing books.
In the lower part is a bureau, perfect for writing, studying, and doing any other work that requires a desk. Once retracted, the writing panel reveals smaller drawers and pigeon holes for storing pens and other stationery.
Given their emergence during the Georgian period, the bureau bookcase was mainly made from mahogany or walnut. They had astragal glazed doors that concealed adjustable shelves, perfect for storing books or displaying decorative items.
There are many antique bureau bookcases from the Edwardian period, which were built in many unique designs. However, the influences of the Chippendale and Sheraton decorations lingered on. They had high-quality brass fittings and elegant inlays.
Designers created them as two separate pieces for easy transportation. The two pieces would then be assembled to form flawless bureau bookcases. They remain of great interest to collectors looking for new and fresh items.
You can buy an antique bureau bookcase to decorate your interior space. It is excellent for storing books or displaying art pieces. Besides, the bureau bookcase is an elegant furniture piece that can create a fantastic centerpiece. If you’re looking for an antique bureau case to buy, don’t hesitate to check out the collection!
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