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    Arts-and-Crafts Cottage Bookcase

    This classic Limbert design offers a unique twist on a traditional style

    Author Headshot By Willie Sandry #274-Mar/Apr 2019 Issue
    Article Image

    Synopsis: With glass doors, pierced panels with integral corbels, and eye-catching details, this bookcase is based on Charles Limbert’s No. 355 Cottage Bookcase. This project will provide a lot of storage space and plenty of authentic Arts and Crafts style.


    I like to build in the Arts and Crafts style, and I usually design each piece from the ground up. But once in a great while, I stumble onto a design that cannot be improved. This was the case with Charles P. Limbert’s No. 355 Cottage Bookcase. With its glass doors and pierced panels featuring integral corbels, it’s a true gem among Arts and Crafts designs.

    Start with the sides

    The No. 355 is like three small bookcases in one. There is a main case behind the glass door, flanked by two side-facing banks of open shelves. These side assemblies are the place to start. I use a pair…

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    Comments

    1. joeleonetti | Jul 15, 2020 04:45pm | #1

      I have been drooling to make one of these (wood just arrived first though to Mike P's chimney cupboard) so this would be after that.

      Do you think the Limbert bookcase would look good in walnut?

    2. User avater
      pintodeluxe | Sep 09, 2020 06:32pm | #2

      A Limbert case would probably look good in walnut or cherry, but it's hard to imagine in anything but white oak. If you do use walnut, I'd avoid any sapwood. With many angled Limbert designs, I find sapwood quite distracting to the overall aesthetics of the piece.
      What about chestnut? Limbert did build some pieces of furniture with it too.

    3. User avater
      user-7750466 | Oct 06, 2020 08:56pm | #3

      When I view the PDF it says "To purchase expanded plans and a complete parts list for this Limbert-Style Bookcase and other
      projects, go to FineWoodworking. com/PlanStore." I am not able to find the expanded plans.

    4. User avater
      pintodeluxe | Oct 06, 2020 11:49pm | #4

      Please put a call into customer service. They will quickly point you in the right direction.

      The expanded plans are worth getting.

    5. User avater
      user-7750466 | Oct 07, 2020 12:48pm | #5

      I called customer service and they said the plans are no longer available for purchase. Does anyone know where else I can get the plans for Limbert NO. 355 Bookcase?

    6. BetsyE | Oct 07, 2020 03:38pm | #6

      We should have digital plans available. I've put the call in to get them back into the store. It might take a few days.

    7. User avater
      user-7750466 | Oct 08, 2020 09:49am | #7

      Great! Thank You

    8. user-7582744 | Nov 18, 2020 10:07am | #8

      Can someone post the link to the digital plans in this thread?
      I would like to purchase them.

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