Barristers bookcases originated in England several hundred years ago. Back then they were typically used by barristers to keep their legal volumes clean and dry, hence the name "barrister" bookcase. Nowadays, barrister bookcases are used by people from all walks of life. They are chosen both for their style and for their practicality.
Anyone in a dusty or humid climate can attest to the notion that books age poorly when exposed to free-flowing air. The advantage that barrister bookcases offer is the doors that come attached to the front of the selves. The doors serve to protect your books from the elements. These doors are usually made of glass and come in a variety of styles. It is important to note that while styles vary, one misconception that is prevalent today is that any doors on a bookcase confers the name of barrister bookcase. Nothing could be further from the truth. A barrister bookcase door must hinge from the top. This said it does not mean that you will not get very good use and all the benefits of a barrister bookcase by buying a bookcase with side hinged doors. The reason for the top hinged door was that barristers moved from one chamber to another and would take the cases with the books still in. We obviously have different needs today.
In spite of our changing needs, most people appreciate the functionality of a barrister's bookcase. Not only can you relocate them easily but they are self standing and stackable. If you know that you might need additional book storage at a later date then you might select a 3 tier bookcase, on which you will be able to stack another. If on the other hand, you know you will want this case to stand alone then you could opt for a 4 tier bookcase. The gallery of images is to give you a very quick look into what is available on today's market. All the cases shown are current issues and can be purchased. If you want an antique barrister bookcase my advise would be to search for a reputable antique dealer. For a barrister style bookcase, many stores online offer a good variety of styles, wood and finishes. Should you click on any image in the gallery below you will be taken to a page where you can buy the bookcase.
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You can find bookcases with older-style engravings that would suit a room with classically styled furniture. You can find bookcases with more modern, sleek glass doors that would suit homes with a more contemporary style. Whatever the style of your home, the popularity of barrister bookcases means that you are sure to find a bookcase that will suit the aesthetics of your room perfectly, including a white barrister bookcase if that is what you want.
In addition to glass door style, you will have to choose the material from which the actual bookcase is made. Oak is a popular option, and there are styles of oak barrister bookcases to suit everyone's taste. The advantage of oak bookcases is their strength and durability, as oak is very dense wood. The disadvantage is that you may need to spend a little extra for such a bookcase.
If you don't think you need the extra strength, there are cheaper options out there that are more likely to suit a tight budget. However, as with most things in life, keep in mind that you generally get what you pay for. Among the less expensive models of barrister bookcases you will find the Sauder barrister bookcase which ships unassembled, and is a good quality piece of furniture at a moderate price.
Materials, style are important and so is size. You need to buy a bookcase that will fit in the space you have and that can also accommodate your storage needs. You are making a wise choice if you select stackable barrister bookcases. It means that you can go with the size you need currently but you will be able to add to your bookcase at a later date. Another advantage of stackable bookcases is that you can move a two part bookcase more easily than you can a big heavy one, and you can also re-arrange them differently should the need arise.
If you plan to buy a bookcase, you're generally buying something that will be with you for decades, if not the rest of your life. With that in mind, it may be worth paying that little bit extra for the peace of mind you get from knowing your bookcase will be around for as long as you like. In a time when people read less and less, when technology has become the new religion, a good bookcase is comforting, and as it can bring back memories for adults, it can help create memories for the younger generation. Your child or your grandchild will always remember good times spent on mom's or grandpa's lap, next to a beautiful barrister bookcase, awakening to the universe of Rudyard Kipling, Jules Verne, or Charles Dickens.
Because these bookcases are so special I have found out that it is a favorite project for people who like to work with wood. Using barrister bookcase plans, that offer instructions on how to build a bookcase. If you can follow directions and you know how to work wood then you can make an authentic stackable bookcase.
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