Why is it called a barrister bookcase?
Asked by: Ms. Eloisa Lang Jr. | Last update: October 7, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (56 votes)
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.
Why do they call it a barrister bookcase?
The barrister bookcase dates back to the 1800s, when English barristers would often need to transport large quantities of law books between their offices, courtrooms, and clients' homes. To meet this need, modular stacking units were developed, allowing barristers to take only the sections they needed.
What's the difference between a bookshelf and a bookcase?
Although many people use the terms bookcase and bookshelf interchangeably, these two furnishings have their own unique differences. A typical bookcase has three closed panels encasing your novels and trinkets on all sides, while a bookshelf usually has an open or ladder-style frame.
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.
Why do barrister bookcases have glass?
History of Barrister Bookcases
Their unique design allowed not only for efficient mobility, but most also included glass frontage and door mechanisms on each shelf to provide protection from dust during travel and deter people from touching or taking the tomes or trinkets housed within.
Barrister Bookcase | S13 E13
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.
Do all barrister bookcases come apart?
Do all barrister bookcases come apart? Yes, one of the main features of barrister bookcases is their stackable, modular design. Each section can be removed and rearranged, making it easy to transport or change the layout.
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.
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 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 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 do you call a bookshelf with doors?
A bookshelf with doors is usually called a bookcase.
Should you have a bookcase in your bedroom?
If you're a student or if you simply like having books in your bedroom, a bookcase can obviously add a gracious and elegant touch to your room when filled with books. Some book lovers love to lay out their favorite reads in chromatic order, which looks aesthetically pleasing and organized.
Why are they called barristers?
One of these involved the most highly qualified practitioners being 'called' to the highest place in the court room – a railing or bar separating officials from the public. The Inns of Court each had such a partition, which students symbolically crossed when they qualified, becoming 'barristers'.
How old are barrister bookcases?
Barrister bookcases became popular during the mid to late 19th century.
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 is a bookcase vs bookshelf?
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.
What is the oldest bookcase in the world?
The oldest existing bookcases are at Oxford University, built in the sixteenth century.
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.
Where should you not put bookshelves?
Avoid a humid basement because the moisture may encourage mold growth. And steer clear of any area that frequently floods or experiences extreme temperatures. Heat can cause book bindings to melt or crack. Place the boxes on a shelf (in case of water leaks).
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.
Should bookcases have glass doors?
If you have delicate or valuable items that require extra protection, a bookcase with glass doors might be the better choice. On the other hand, if accessibility and versatility are top-of-mind, an open bookcase may be the preferred option. Lastly, consider your personal style and the overall aesthetics of your space.
Why is it called barrister bookcase?
Traditionally, barristers (an English word for a certain league of high-court lawyers), would be required to lug their law books to court, or to clients' homes, and barrister bookcases with their modular breakaway units would provide a smart means of transport for several tomes at once.
Why do old bookcases have chains?
Books that in the past were attached to shelves, reading desks, pulpits, pews, etc., by means of chains. From the 15th to the early 18th century, books were secured in this manner to prevent them from being stolen.
What is the board on the back of a bookshelf called?
The final piece in how to build a bookcase is the backer board or back panel. The backer board is the place for creativity. You could paint or stain it to match the bookshelf, or you might pick a contrasting color for a pop of personality.