What is a lawyer's bookcase?
Asked by: Ms. Connie Metz | Last update: July 30, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (74 votes)
A barrister bookcase is a solid backed bookcase with self contained shelving units that can be stacked one on top of another inside a free standing bookcase. Each shelf features a door mechanism that opens outward, then slides up and over the top of the shelf, similar to a rolltop desk's tambour top that slides open.
What is a lawyer's cabinet?
A barrister bookcase, often referred to as a lawyer's cabinet, is a modular bookcase known for its stacked, glass-fronted compartments. This design makes it a versatile piece that is both functional and stylish, perfect for showcasing collections and safeguarding books or decorative items from dust.
Why are barrister bookcases so expensive?
Typically, antique barrister bookcases are fairly expensive compared to modern versions, and are readily available in antique furniture stores. Antique barrister bookcases are often sought after because they are constructed from solid woods, ensuring for a quality bookcase.
How does a barrister bookcase work?
Each section of the bookcase is a separate, self-contained unit, complete with a glass-front door that lifts up and slides back into the frame, protecting the contents inside. This design was originally created for barristers (lawyers) who needed to protect their legal books from dust while still having easy access.
How old are barrister bookcases?
Barrister bookcases became popular in the mid-to-late 19th century, and were born out of necessity.
Barrister Bookcase | S13 E13
Why is it called a lawyer's bookcase?
The barrister bookcase was born out of necessity. Barristers, or lawyers that specialize in case law and represent clients in court, found themselves in need of a piece of furniture that could not only store volumes of reference books but also could be transported safely and easily as they traveled from court to court.
How much do built in bookcases cost?
And with a built-in bookshelf, you can put them all on display while making the most of your wall space. Built-in bookshelves cost from $1,398 to $4,873 to install on average, with most homeowners spending about $3,068.
What is the bookshelf rule?
A good rule of thumb when decorating a shelf is to follow the rule of 3's which is grouping 3 items together on a shelf, which I say “lets make them friends.” Select 3 decor pieces with varying height and texture that compliment each other.
What is a secretaire bookcase?
These antique bookcases are called secretaire or bureau bookcases because they have a desk drawer or fall front desk. They are also referred to as secretary bookcases or escritiore bookcases.
What is the difference between a bookshelf and a bookcase?
A bookcase can be called a closed unit that encases books and is designed to sit on the floor whereas a bookshelf doesn't have ecased ends and is often designed to hang on the wall. Bookcases are more traditional compared to bookshelves and are often installed as permanent fixtures in a house.
Why do designers put books in bookcases backwards?
The main argument for why designers like this look is that it shows the whites of the pages, creating a cohesive color palette on your bookshelf. “I love the sculptural effect you get by facing the pages out,” Meininger added.
What is a Canterbury bookcase?
The Canterbury Bookcase with cupboard is a traditional bookcase made in solid Oak with three adjustable shelves in the top section and two doors in the base section. The bookcase can be made to your specification and polished to any of our standard finishes or to match your existing furniture.
What is the oldest bookcase in the world?
The oldest existing bookcases are at Oxford University, built in the sixteenth century. These are the earliest examples of shelved galleries over flat walls. At Hale Manufacturing, we continue the tradition of beloved bookcases for generations.
Why do attorneys call it the bar?
The term is a metonym for the line (or "bar") that separates the parts of a courtroom reserved for spectators and those reserved for participants in a trial such as lawyers.
Can you stack barrister bookcases?
Can I stack on top of deep sections or lateral file units? Yes, you can do so with a reducer crown.
What do you put after a lawyer's name?
- Write the person using a standard courtesy title (“Mr. Robert Jones” or “Ms. Cynthia Adams”)
- Skip the courtesy title and put “Esquire” after the name, using its abbreviated form, “Esq.” (“Robert Jones, Esq.” or “Cynthia Adams, Esq.”)
Why is it called Billy bookcase?
The name Billy was chosen by Lundgren after an IKEA advertising manager named Billy Liljedahl stated that he wanted "a proper bookcase just for books" to be designed. The bookcase's first inclusion in the IKEA Catalogue was in the 1979 edition.
What does an escritoire look like?
A secretary desk or escritoire is made of a base of wide drawers topped by a desk with a hinged desktop surface, which is in turn topped by a bookcase usually closed with a pair of doors, often made of glass. The whole is usually a single, tall and heavy piece of furniture.
Should a bookcase have doors?
They protect items from dust and damage.
Perhaps the number one reason to add doors to a bookcase is the added protection they provide. For precious old books that you want to keep and pass on, an added layer of protection is a good idea.
What is the 5 finger rule for books?
The number of fingers they're holding up by the end of the page tells them if the book is the right level: 0-1 fingers: It's too easy. 2-3 fingers: It's just right. 4-5 fingers: It's too hard for independent reading (best read aloud with a buddy).
What is the bookshelf effect?
It says the books at the bottom are symbolic of a person's thoughts from childhood. The ones on the top represent recent memories and recollections. If the bookshelf were to be shaken, the books on the top (representing the most recent memories) would fall off first. This represents short-term memory loss.
What is the 50 page book rule?
Give a book 50 pages. When you get to the bottom of Page 50, ask yourself if you're really liking the book. If you are, of course, then great, keep on reading. But if you're not, then put it down and look for another.
Is it cheaper to build or buy a bookcase?
If you can find cheap materials and have the time to build the bookshelf, then it is probably cheaper to build a bookshelf than to buy one. However, if you need to buy materials and do not have the time to build the bookshelf, it is probably more expensive to build a bookshelf.
Should built-in bookcases go to the ceiling?
Bookcases are for a lot more than just books these days! Cons: If bookcases are floor to ceiling, they might provide too much “visible” storage and not enough “concealed” storage. If a client wants full-wall bookcases, I usually recommend cabinets on the bottom and open storage on top.
Do built-in bookcases add value to a home?
A lone shelf or two isn't going to trigger any kind of major adjustment in the value of your property. Built-ins like bookshelves can increase a property's value if they're made with high quality materials (such as hardwood, rather than medium-density fiberboard) and expert craftsmanship.