Transition from bookcases to bookshelf
The
bookcase as it is recognised today should perhaps more correctly be called the
bookshelf. Bookcases were actually enclosed cases used for protecting the books that were painstakingly written and illustrated by hand up to and during the Middle Ages. The development of the printing press was the internet revolution of its day. Now knowledge could be captured on paper and easily disseminated. Critics who were used to knowledge being passed on from person to person worried that if a book caught fire or was damaged, the knowledge would be lost, whereas committing knowledge to memory was safer and more reliable.
In any event, libraries became more widespread and the bookshelf came into being. Some of the oldest bookcases in Britain are at Oxford University. Writers of books and films have often used the bookcase as the source for the crucial missing clue in thrillers or as a facade to hidden passages or corridors.
The Modern bookcase
Modern bookcases or bookshelves fall into two broad categories: built-in and freestanding. The built-in bookcase, like the Billy Bookcase, can be an expensive, bespoke installation or a simple set of shelves put up by a DIY enthusiast. This same range of quality and cost also applies to the freestanding category of bookcases. The problem with cheaper bookcases is that they are either made of steel and look like a warehouse, or they are made with low cost materials and do not have the strength to stand unsupported when filled with books. Of course this may not be a problem if they are used for displaying ornaments or when wedged between other furniture or walls.
We hope that you have found something that suits you on our page of
bookcases.
At Right Price Furniture we do offer some high quality, low cost, bookcase. However all of the bookcases we have available are fully assembled
oak bookshelves with backs made of good qualit solid timber. These
wooden bookcases look good when displaying a few simple items but also have the strength to accommodate shelves completely filled with books. Please remember that many are available in a choice of finishes, so if you do not see a colour you like don't forget to check what other colours or finishes are available.
A form of bookcase was used in really early times: the illuminated manuscript Codex Amiatinus (ad 689–716) in Florence shows an illustration of the prophet Ezra writing in front of a cupboard with open doors that reveal shelves holding books. Recesses in walls were used to hold books from the earliest times. After the invention of printing, books were still such a rare luxury that they were commonly kept in a chest or on a shelf beneath a desk. Nowadays bookcases are so so widespread and of course they are now no longer restricted to holding just books, but now they hold a plethora of items ranging from family Heirlooms to pictures, to vases and everything in between.
Modern day bookcases are mainly constructed from various types of woods. A wooden bookcase could be made from solid woods such as Oak, or mahogany, whilst other types of wood, would be softwood such as pine. If you are looking for a brand new solid oak bookcase, or a brand new rustic bookcase then we have a massive selection. Our large variety of bookcases makes it easy to choose a solid wood bookcase that is perfect for your home. All our bookcases are hand crafted to the highest standards. If you have any questions or comments please get in touch with us.
All our
Oak Bookcases come in a variety of traditional,
contemporary and rustic choices and all our Oak bookcases come with antique style handles where applicable for drawers. We also have some great deals on
Oak nest of tables, that will complement any solid oak bookcase. Remember; just because its called a bookcase doesn’t mean you just have to put books on it, you can also add a DVD collection to your bookcase, or even put your bookcase in the bathroom to store your towels on. The possibilities are endless.
Bookcases are great for storing anything, not just books, whether it be trophies, dvds, xbox, playstation, wii, or pc computer games. Maybe you have lots of family pictures, or a unusual collection you would like to have neatly displayed? The possibilities are endless. Officially they are called bookcases, but we prefer to think of them as a
'store-anything-you-like-on-them' cases. All made from solid wood, all delivered for free to a room of your choice, and all are already built, so no self assembly required.
Some Basic Tips on Buying a Bookcase
Before you go out, shopping for
wooden bookcases, there are some basic questions you should ask yourself. This guide can help you zero in on the basics of buying wooden bookcases. Budget, choice of wood, construction, finish, and quality should all be considered before you commit to the purchase.
What is your budget for a wooden bookcase?
Even though you will unlikely stick to it, a budget for buying any type of furniture is a good guideline when you start to begin shopping. If you recognize prime building techniques, fine woods, and unique design you could be enticed to spend more for these key elements. You may decide that your budget can be tweaked if you fall in love with something beyond your wildest expectations. That being said, a budget can keep you in check.
What style of decorating do you like?
If you’ve already found your favourite style of wooden bookcases – Well done you! Yet, more decorators and homeowners are using an eclectic style — meaning mixing a number of various styles together. Different styles of wood furniture in one room can appear more “collected”, adding interest to the room.
What kind of wood do you like?
All wooden bookcases are made from either hardwood (trees that lose their leaves seasonally) or softwood (from trees that keep their leaves year round). Oak and teak are hardwoods that really are hard and heavy. Fine hardwoods like walnut, mahogany, maple, cherry, or oak are found in the most expensive wooden bookcases. Softwoods like Pine are used in less formal pieces of furniture. Obviously budget is something that should be considered and stuck to.
What kind of finish is on the wood?
The finish on wooden bookcases can enhance the natural look of the wood. A finish of oil or wax gives the wood, some shine. For more enduringness, lacquer or varnish is applied when the piece is produced. Distressed furniture can either be natural (as with an old piece) or man-made (via sanding or beating the wood with chains). Painting, gilding, and inlays can change the look of a bookcase as well. The finish should be smooth to the touch.