While the digital age may have rendered barrister bookcases — bookcases comprised of glass-fronted boxes that could be disassembled to haul heavy law books to court — defunct, there’s no denying their beauty. In fact, when reimagined for purposes other than storing books, the barrister bookcase’s perfect melding of function and design truly shines. Here, we spotlight three unconventional ways to use a barrister bookcase.
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1. Use one as a Bar
Load up a barrister bookcase with spirits and glassware and you have a practical bar that possesses the functionality to rival any bar cart. The glass-fronted cabinets protect easy-to-break bottles while still allowing your collection to be on display. Best of all, the multiple bookshelf compartments can be used to easily break up barware basics into quick grab-and-go categories. Use one shelf for bottles. Another for glassware. Another for barware books and bowls full of barware tools like jiggers, cocktail picks, and more.
2. Use one as kitchen storage
Whether you use one for storing pantry items or kitchen cookware or serveware, a barrister bookcase makes a fine addition to any kitchen. If you’re short on cabinet space, a barrister bookcase has the added perk of looking like an extension of custom cabinetry. To up the effect, you could even paint one the same color as your cabinets. Since these bookcases do have glass fronts, going the extra mile to keep pantry staples looking tidy is advisable. Swapping out opened boxes for glass weck jars or Mason jars really will make all the difference.
3. Use one as closet storage
Chances are that unless you’ve had the opportunity to splurge on a custom closet, you’ve grappled with where to stack shoes or sweaters in your life. With its thin profile, a barrister bookcase can be shimmied into just about any closet to provide storage galore. Use the separate bookshelf compartments to store folded items like sweaters or jeans. Unlike traditional open shelving, the glass front will prevent sweaters from toppling or shoes from dropping. Outfit other compartments with small baskets to corral items like scarves, socks, or even jewelry or cosmetics.