This second-hand bookcase combines dark wood, glass and black metal in a contemporary, understated design. The glazed upper section reveals a shelf, while the niche with an open shelf below provides an ideal space for selected books, decorative objects or tableware. Further down, two doors conceal a shelf and provide more discreet storage, while the black metal legs lighten the overall look. In a living room or study, it can display both beautiful books and a few ceramic pieces. Placed against a wall with a lamp on top and a bouquet of dried flowers, it creates an elegant display. Like all second-hand furniture, it bears the marks of its past: a few signs of age.
Length: 77 cm
Width: 48 cm
Height: 163 cm
Height of the upper niche: 43 cm
Total height of the lower niche: 48 cm
A brief history of the bookcase
Long reserved for palaces, the bookcase entered private homes in the 18th century with the growing appreciation for literature. It is distinguished by its adjustable shelves, made possible by a rack-and-pinion system—a technical innovation that allowed the height to be adjusted according to the size of the bindings. Before becoming a freestanding piece of furniture, it was often built into the wood paneling of castles; it was the bourgeoisie that turned it into a freestanding piece that could be moved as desired. Whether open or glazed, it is a sanctuary of knowledge, once referred to as a "library" in old inventories.
