What are the best styles of bookcases that could hold a library with a 2026 number of books? Is the answer just many more of the Doric/1921 style shelves? Can you tell us more about what isn’t right about the style of those built ins?
It's not that there is something wrong with them, they just are an invention of the last 40-50 years. If you are hoping to create something timeless, that will look dated over time. Historic precedent is where I would start. The book shelves will most likely be more decorative and contributing to the architecture. I hope that helps.
Yes I would love to know when you will be in Philly as well. Found your information just in time as I’m contemplating new crown in historic home and removal of later added beams and need professional advice
Love the old bookcase but now with books so available it’s hard to find antique ones that “match” I have been able to source some beautiful built ins for a pantry area and we use one as a bookcase but I’m not giving up! We do have some good cabinet makers but it’s hard to find the ones with the old style adjustable shelves but with patience I’ve found 2! I have a strange question about paint… you see many things painted and I’m not against it! But the built ins I’ve found are not painted but then I see some that are… paint is hard for me to figure out… I assume that if 2 different woods were used (scraps and maybe a lower grade wood) was painted but items that are all the same wood maybe would have been stained or shellacked? Is there or a better question… was there a rule on painting furniture, built ins, or even trims? Around doors, windows, and even the base that goes around the floor (not sure what’s that called 🤦♀️) the whys and when’s of paint is interesting to me especially as my husband and I work on our home. Sorry, that just flowed from thinking about bookcases and then my mind went to built ins and then paint 🙃
Most millwork is paint grade before the Industrial Revolution and then stain grade after. There isn't a specific right or wrong. Since most book cases are a post industrial revolution piece, stain grade is a good choice.
When will you be in Philly? Can you tell me where I can get tickets if necessary?
Thanks, yes let me get more details. I’ll share here when I have something more concrete. Cheers
Great insight Mr. Hull. Your attention to detail inspires me to hold myself to a higher standard of design.
So glad to hear it. Thanks.
Do you think your book will last 100 years?
Good question. We'll see.
What are the best styles of bookcases that could hold a library with a 2026 number of books? Is the answer just many more of the Doric/1921 style shelves? Can you tell us more about what isn’t right about the style of those built ins?
It's not that there is something wrong with them, they just are an invention of the last 40-50 years. If you are hoping to create something timeless, that will look dated over time. Historic precedent is where I would start. The book shelves will most likely be more decorative and contributing to the architecture. I hope that helps.
Yes I would love to know when you will be in Philly as well. Found your information just in time as I’m contemplating new crown in historic home and removal of later added beams and need professional advice
Hi Jacqueline. Please reach out here: https://brenthull.com/inquire
Love the old bookcase but now with books so available it’s hard to find antique ones that “match” I have been able to source some beautiful built ins for a pantry area and we use one as a bookcase but I’m not giving up! We do have some good cabinet makers but it’s hard to find the ones with the old style adjustable shelves but with patience I’ve found 2! I have a strange question about paint… you see many things painted and I’m not against it! But the built ins I’ve found are not painted but then I see some that are… paint is hard for me to figure out… I assume that if 2 different woods were used (scraps and maybe a lower grade wood) was painted but items that are all the same wood maybe would have been stained or shellacked? Is there or a better question… was there a rule on painting furniture, built ins, or even trims? Around doors, windows, and even the base that goes around the floor (not sure what’s that called 🤦♀️) the whys and when’s of paint is interesting to me especially as my husband and I work on our home. Sorry, that just flowed from thinking about bookcases and then my mind went to built ins and then paint 🙃
Most millwork is paint grade before the Industrial Revolution and then stain grade after. There isn't a specific right or wrong. Since most book cases are a post industrial revolution piece, stain grade is a good choice.
Fantastic! That answered so many questions with paint and stain! Thank you!