If you have books that you would like to protect from dust, moisture or other elements, harmful to books, then a barrister bookcase would be a better choice than the average bookcase without doors. Not all every bookcase with doors is a barrister bookcase. To be truly worthy of the name the doors on the bookcase must be hinged on the top, not on the side of the doors.
An added protection you might get from the doors of the bookcase is that you can lock the doors, keeping your valuable books away from fingers that should not be handling them without cause.
While all barristers bookcases seem to have the same basic design with two to fives shelves, each with a glass door hinged at the top, there are in fact different designs to choose from. First the type of wood, and the finish will already change the look of this traditional bookcase. There is a big difference between a mahogany and an oak bookcase or a walnut bookcase. In addition real stylistic differences will be noted. Barrister bookcases have been around for several hundred year, since lawyers in England found that having hinged door at the top allowed them to move their books from office to office without having to empty the case. In these several hundred years styles have changed. You will find for example a fine Victorian bookcase either in mahogany, cherry or walnut with an ornate crown and a rope pattern base, this style extended well into the Edwardian era, and would vary from the art nouveau or art deco bookcases that followed. Many of the antique barrister bookcases have been restored, but for a less expensive solution you might consider a reproduction. Some online stores specialize in the reproduction of fine antiques, some will only handle one period and others will spread across several. For people who prefer a more contemporary look you will have not problems finding something you can be proud of displaying in your home, you can even find white barrister bookcases.
Glass on the doors serve as already mentioned to keep dust away from the books, they also protect the spines from sunlight and ensuing discoloration. They will provide additional stylistic appeal. Some doors will have a clear glass, while others may have an ornate lead ornament, or a diamond bevel pattern. Finally for a more personalized look you can stack barrister bookcases and create wall units with interesting combinations.
Why should you choose a barrister bookcase?
Besides the protection of books already mentioned you will find that because they are period or good reproduction of a period piece, they are made of better quality, stronger woods, and will not warp or crack as easily as do modern furniture. If you don’t have heavy books this may not be an issue. You can always inquire from the manufacturer about the weight capacity of the shelf you are considering. Lastly I would to add that many people today buy a barrister bookcase but do not necessarily display books in them, but use them to display precious collections.
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