With its black metal structure and dark wood shelves, this second-hand bookshelf exudes a contemporary and understated appeal. The two top shelves provide a nice support for books, decorative objects, or a beautiful selection of ceramics, while the two doors conceal an inner shelf. The taller niche at the bottom easily accommodates large-format books, boxes, or folded linens, depending on how you wish to use it. In a living room or an office, it works well with raw materials and sleek lines, while structuring the wall with subtlety. Filled with bound volumes and topped with a table lamp, this elegant piece forms a very harmonious ensemble. As a second-hand item, it bears the traces of its history: a few signs of wear. Length: 82 cm Width: 40 cm Height: 205 cm Height of the niche: 46 cm Height of the bottom niche: 31 cm A brief history of the bookshelf Long reserved for palaces, the bookshelf made its way into private interiors in the 18th century with the rise of the taste for literature. It is characterized by its adjustable shelves, thanks to a rack and pinion system, a technical innovation allowing for height adjustment according to the binding format. Before becoming a mobile piece, it was often built into the woodwork of castles; it was the bourgeoisie that turned it into a standalone piece that could be moved at will. Whether open or glass-fronted, it is the sanctuary of knowledge, formerly referred to as a "library" in old inventories.