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Mid-Century Modern Bookends

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Pair of Large Abstract Sommerso Bookends by Luciano Gaspari for Murano Glass
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous pair of large abstract sommerso bookends by Luciano Gaspari for Murano Glass, circa 1960's. The pair are in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measure...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Blown Glass

Ceramic Bird Bookends in the Style of Georges Jouve, 1950s
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Ceramic Bird Bookends in the style of Georges Jouve, 1960s.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Ceramic

1950's Wood Carved Polynesian Couple Bookends
Located in Spring Valley, CA
Beautiful pair of mid century bookends. Done in a traditional folk style. From the island-nations of the South Pacific.
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Wood

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #1928 'Hands' Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck model #1928 'Hands' brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated and polished brass. P...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4635 Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck model #4635 brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated and polished brass. Price i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3530 'Flatiron' Patinated Brass and Cane Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck model #3530 'Flatiron' patinated brass and cane bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3651 Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck model #3651 brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated and polished brass. Price i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3654 Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck model #3654 brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated and polished brass. Price i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4636 Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck model #4636 brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated and polished brass. Price i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3847 Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3847 brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in polished and patinated brass. Price i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3848 Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck model #3848 brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in polished brass. Price is per pair. Av...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Italian 1950s Architectural Brass Bookends
Located in Milan, IT
Italian 1950s Architectural Brass Bookends in the style of Ignazio Gardella.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Vintage Martz for Marshall Studios Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
A unique set of bookends designed by the Martz for Marshall Studios. Solid walnut bodies inlaid with handmade glazed ceramic tiles. These are both functional and fun additions to any...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Wood

Vintage Pair of Brass Hermes Style Horse Saddle Stirrup Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful pair of horse saddle stirrup bookends in brass. This beautiful set is sure to create interesting impact in your décor or office. The brass shapes are light on the eye but...
Category

1970s Korean Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of Solid Iron Nautical Anchor Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
A pair of solid iron black enameled finish bookends circa 1970's beautiful and elegant in the style of Ralph Lauren.
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Italian Marble and Alabaster Set of Bookends, 1920's
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very nice Italian set of bookends, fabricated in the early 1900's. It is handcrafted out of very beautiful marble and alabaster. The fabulous marble features a very nice pattern of ...
Category

1920s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Marble, Alabaster

Mid-Century Modern Surfboard Shape Tier Bookshelf
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Walnut

Set of Polished Brass Nautilus Shell Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
This Mid-Century Modernist pair of bookends offers abstracted sculptural renditions of the nautilus shell- a Classic inspiration in modern design (for everything from Vladimir Kagan ...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

1960s Design Line Metal Jack Jax Bookend California
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents George Nelson Style Design Line Single Jack Bookend California Bill Curry Unmarked 6.25 h x 7.5 w x 7.5 d Unrestored vintage original preowned condition Review our ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Blenko Clear Textured Glass "Owl" Bookends by Wayne Husted
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of MCM Wayne Husted designed clear textured glass Owl bookends for Blenko, circa 1960s. In fine condition, no damage. no Label. In fine condition, no issues.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Glass

Pair of Bill Curry for Design Line Jax or Jacks bookends
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Pair of Bill Curry Jacks (Jax) bookends. These are truly mid century modern icons and vintage must haves. These are Design Line Model J-1 Jacks, made in California. They are cast iro...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Vintage Green Cast Glass Bookends by Blenko
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A fantastic pair of heavy mid-century modern green cast glass semi-circular column bookends by Blenko. In very good vintage condition with wear consistent with age and use. 5" x 5"...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Glass

Archimede Seguso Murano Sommerso Glass Cat Bookends, Italy, 1950's
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Archimede Seguso Murano Sommerso Glass Cat Bookends, Italy, 1950's.
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Glass, Art Glass

Pair of Vintage Copper and Brass Sculptural Bookends
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With elements of Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern, this pair of sculptural copper and brass bookends can blend in with many styles. Designed from two long pieces of brass that are be...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass, Copper

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4100 Patinated Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4100 patinated brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated brass. Price is f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Vintage Abraham Lincoln Bust Bookends by Philadelphia Manufacturing Co.
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a pair of vintage Lincoln bookends made by the Philadelphia Manufacturing Co. The bookends depict a detailed bust of President Abraham Lin...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Bronze

1980s Faceted Lucite Bookends by Ritts Co. of Los Angeles
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A pair of mid-century modern "Astrolite" lucite bookends by the Ritts Company of Los Angeles that are strikingly etched and polished, which catches and refract lights beautifully. T...
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Lucite

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3846 Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck model #3846 brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in polished brass. Price is for the pair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Vintage Cast Glass Ice Cube Bookends by Blenko
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A fantastic pair of heavy mid-century modern cast glass ice cube shaped bookends by Blenko. Front and back are polished smooth and all four sides are textured. In very good vintage...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Glass

Solid Glass Block Bookends By Blenko
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Solid Glass Block Bookends By Blenko, textured edge.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Glass

Roseville Wincraft Art Pottery Bookends, Floral, C1948
Located in Big Flats, NY
Roseville Wincraft Art Pottery Bookends, Floral, C1948 Measures- 6''H x 5''W x 4.5''D
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Pottery

Carl Auböck Vintage Brass "T" Bookends
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Pair of vintage Carl Auböck patinated brass "T" bookends for Werkstätte Carl Aubock. Circa 1949. Model #3847. Impressed with foundry stamp "Aubock, Made in Austria".
Category

1940s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of Mid-Century White Marble "Chief" Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice pair of mid-century white marble "Chief" bookends, circa 1970s. The bookends are heavy and well crafted. They measure 8.5"W x 2.75"D x 7.25"H and would make a great addition t...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Alabaster

Pair Mid-Century Modern Beveled Rectangle Lucite Bookends
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Vintage pair of tall, heavy monogramed thick lucite bookends with beautiful beveled edges on aluminum bases. These bookends almost glow when the light hits them. Polished and substan...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Aluminum

Murano Glass Pear Bookend Paperweight or Decorative Piece
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art Glass Murano Hand Blown Pear Bookend or paperweight with interior burst of orange. A wonderful mid century piece that can easily stand or lay on its side with a flattened side. ...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Murano Glass

Pair of Ben Seibel for Jenfredware Sculptural Two Tone Brass Bookends
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of sculptural brass bookends Designed by Ben Seibel for Jenfredware. Unique, scarcely seen examples incorporating a two-tone, textured design (there are blackened areas which ar...
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of Midcentury Ben Seibel Sculptural Flame Bookends
Located in New York, NY
Sculptural Ben Seibel for Jenfred book ends, circa 1950s. In brass finish. Some wear, patina and scratches but overall nice condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Modernist Rectangular Chrome Bookends by Smith Metal Arts
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful pair of modernist chrome bookends by Smith Metal Arts. These sizeable pieces of chrome are captivating as they are commanding. Their styling is simple timeless. Aged chrom...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Chrome

Pair of MCM Sculptural Brass Bookends in the style of William Macowski
By William Macowski
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of MCM sculptural brass bookends in the style of William Macowski, 1970s. The pair are in very good vintage condition with a great patina and measure 7.5"W x 5.5"D x 6"H. Grea...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Important Industrial Metal Mold Sculpture Bookends, a pair
Located in Atlanta, GA
This pair of industrial stainless steel hand-shaped molds were used in the 1950s to manufacture gloves. Those forms are the female and male parts of a complete mold. They will look s...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

Modernist Pair of Solid Marble Bookends Memphis Era
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible pair of modernist solid marble bookends in emerald green and white tones, circa the 1980s. The pair has a sharp "Memphis Era" design by its bold profile. The organic beauty of the marble in this set, with its multi color/tone adaptability against the striking sharp design profile allow this pieces to add design and style to your decor. An incrediblie addition to your decor. Mid-Century, Hollywood Regency, Art Deco, Eclectic, Coastal, Modern, Boho, Organic Modern, Minimalist, Scandinavian, Milano Memphis
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Marble

Vintage Cast Glass Bookends by Blenko
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A fantastic pair of heavy Mid-Century Modern cast glass semi-circular column bookends by Blenko. In very good vintage condition with wear consistent with age and use. 5" x 5" x 2.5...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Glass

Mid Century A to Z Brushed Steel Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible pair of midcentury, solid brushed steel, "A to Z" bookends circa 1970s. Incredibly solid with an impactful presence, these sculptural pieces render style to any decor. C...
Category

1970s Indian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Stainless Steel

Pair of Modernist Chrome Chain Link Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous pair of modernist chrome chain link bookends, circa 1970s. The pair are very heavy and in good vintage condition; they measure 14.75"W x 6.25"D x 6.5"H. Great addition to an...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Pair of Cast Brass Mallard Duck Bookends Mid Century Modern
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage pair of Mallard duck bookends is made of polished cast brass with detailed eyes, cheeks and beaks. The wide bases curve gently down, providing extra stability to the heavy, ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Art Deco Architectural Bird Bookends Art Brass Co NY Geometric Pair Owl Falcon
By Art Brass Co.
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Pair of brass American Art Deco Bird bookends designed in sharply geometric patterns, like metropolis architectural elements of the 1920-1940. ...
Category

1930s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of 1970s Black & Clear Lucite Bookends
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A pair of mid-century modern bookends in black and clear lucite. Sophisticated and clean with a light-catching quality that adds a polished element to any bookshelf. In good vintag...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Lucite

Post Modern White Metal Bookends
Located in Vienna, AT
White metal bookends made in Sweden in the 1990s.
Category

1990s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

Italian World Globe Bookends, Pair
Located in New York, NY
An Italian pair of world globe bookends with brass accents, circa mid-20th century, Italy. A great pair for an office, library, living room, etc. Marked 'Made in Italy' on back as sh...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of Solid Brass Folding Chinese Foo Dog Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful pair of solid brass folding foo dog bookends, circa 1960s. The bookends are in good vintage condition and measure 7"W x 3.5"D x 6"H. Great look! #3588
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of Mid-Century Teak Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of mid-century teak bookends, circa 1960s. Two sets available. #3559
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

Vintage Pair of Hand Carved Wooden Wall Self or Corbel
Located in Seattle, WA
This could be used for a variety of purposes such as Book Ends, Corbels or wall shelving. Painted intricate wood design with beautiful Patina. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age a...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Wood

Jean Gillon Jacaranda Equine Sculptural Bookend Pair, Labelled, Brazil, 1960s
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Jean Gillon Mid-Century Jacaranda Equine Sculptural Bookends, Brazil, 1960s. Handcrafted with hard rosewood (also known as jacaranda), rare pair of horse head bookends by Jean Gillo...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Jacaranda

Pietro Fornasetti, Rare metal Bookend Janus Two-Faced 1950s (First edition)
Located in Argelato, BO
Pietro Fornasetti, Rare metal bookend from the 1950s (First edition) In the extraordinary creative imagination of Pietro Fornasetti every household object is transformed and embelli...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

2 bookends vienna around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
2 bookends vienna around 1950s Brass Original patina The books are not for sale they are only for the photoshooting
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Oggetti Italian Marble Bookends
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Oggetti Italian marble bookends. Brilliant veining throughout. Signed. Small chip on bottom of one (please refer to photos). Please note they are slightly different in height. One st...
Category

1980s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Marble

Mid-Century Modern Blenko Clear Textured Glass Bear Bookends by Wayne Husted
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of MCM Wayne Husted designed clear textured glass bear bookends for Blenko, circa 1960s. In fine condition, no damage. partial labels. In fine condition, no issues. Model 4034
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Glass

Z Bookend by Curtis Jere Signed & Dated 1971 in Gold Leaf Finish
Located in San Diego, CA
Solid iron midcentury Z Curtis Jere bookend with gold leaf finish. Signed and dated "1971".
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Mid-century Modern bookends for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern bookends for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage bookends created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, brass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern bookends made in a specific country, there are North America, Europe, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original bookends, popular names associated with this style include Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Blenko, Ben Seibel, and Curtis Jeré. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for bookends differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $50 and tops out at $7,500 while the average work can sell for $525.

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