New to Quality Furniture Buying

[Lucho]

This far I have lived as a "drifter", I am finally settled in and would like to unpack my many odds and ends. But I have never really owned a quality piece of furniture. I figure if I am going to get something that isn't walmart or ikea I might as well get something that will last a lifetime.

As such I found this forum. I'm good with a tape measure and math so I can figure out dimensions and doorways, etc.

What I am currently in the market for is two sturdy bookcases. To keep it simple let's say I need to house something like 1.5x full copies of the old Encyclopedia Britannica. I know that I want something classic or traditional, I'll try to include some idea pictures. Dark colored maybe cherry? If the bottom half can be cabinets or drawers that's a plus. Lighting is another plus.

Problem is I have a difficult enough time finding things i like let alone knowing if they are well made. So I'm hoping maybe people here can help me. I'm more than happy to buy through The Keeping Room, but I didn't see an office or bookcase section on the site.

Thanks in advance. Sorry again that I don't know anything about furniture.