Christmas is a magical time for giving, and finding the perfect gift for friends and family who adore books can be a challenge. For those with a love of history, timeless craftsmanship, and exquisite design, an antique is an unforgettable gift that they’ll treasure for years. Our fine antiques selection offers pieces from the 18th to 19th centuries, each with its own story, style, and purpose. Here’s an antiques Christmas gift guide with a handpicked selection of our most inspiring items for the avid reader or book lover in your life.
1. Victorian Walnut Veneered Open Bookcase
Nothing completes a home library quite like a beautiful open bookcase. This Victorian walnut-veneered open bookcase is the ideal way to display a treasured collection. With three adjustable shelves, it provides plenty of space for favourite reads, and its bevelled base and moulded surround lend an understated elegance. Perfect for those who appreciate classic style and quality, this bookcase would be at home in any cosy reading nook or study. Gift it to someone who loves displaying their books in style or who needs an eye-catching centrepiece for their library space.
Why it’s special: The combination of walnut veneer and classic Victorian craftsmanship makes this bookcase both functional and an elegant work of art, sure to elevate any reading space.
2. Large William IV Mahogany Breakfront Library Bookcase
For those with a more extensive collection, this grand William IV mahogany breakfront library bookcase is a showstopper. With four glazed doors above panelled cupboard doors, it offers both display and storage space, making it an extraordinary gift for anyone with a vast library or love for antique furniture. The glazed doors provide an impressive view of books or prized possessions, while the lower cupboards keep other items neatly tucked away. This bookcase embodies a dignified grandeur, ideal for making a statement in a study, living room or library.
Why it’s special: The fine mahogany construction and distinctive breakfront design are hallmarks of the William IV era, and this piece brings a timeless sophistication to any room.
3. Early Victorian Mahogany Reading Table by Alfred Carter, London
For the true bibliophile, the Early Victorian mahogany reading table by Alfred Carter is a marvel of design and functionality. This table can extend in height, slide horizontally, and tilt to accommodate any reading angle. Equipped with two adjustable reading stands and detachable mahogany ledges, it’s as practical as it is beautiful, allowing users to keep books in place for hands-free reading or clear the top for everyday use. An added touch of charm comes from the lockable storage compartment under the bookstands, stamped with “Alfred Carter, 47 Holborn Viaduct, London,” giving it a distinguished provenance.
Why it’s special: With its versatile design and fine craftsmanship, this reading table makes reading a delight, blending functionality and beauty. It’s the ideal gift for a passionate reader who appreciates both comfort and quality.
4. Cassell’s Illustrated Shakespeare by Cassell & Company - Complete Set of 35
For the literature lover with a taste for the classics, this complete set of 35 volumes of Cassell’s Illustrated Shakespeare is a rare and thoughtful gift. These books were originally made available to subscribers only, adding a touch of exclusivity. Despite their age, the writing and illustrations throughout are vivid, capturing the essence of Shakespeare’s works in a truly antique form. While some volumes show signs of age – including marks, aged spines, and a missing cover on the first book – these qualities only add to their antique charm, preserving the sense of history that true collectors appreciate.
Why it’s special: This set isn’t just a collection; it’s a legacy. Each volume has been touched by time, and giving it as a gift means sharing a piece of literary history. Ideal for Shakespeare fans or anyone who values the tactile beauty of antique books.
The Antique Christmas Gift Guide for Book Lovers Conclusion
Whether you’re shopping for a loved one or treating yourself to something truly unique this Christmas, these antique pieces offer more than just functionality – they bring character, history, and a sense of timelessness to any home. The joy of gifting an antique is knowing that it’s a one-of-a-kind piece, crafted in an era when quality was paramount, and designed to last. Explore our website to discover these beautiful pieces and more, and bring the warmth of history into your Christmas celebrations this year.
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