Mid-Century Modern Shelves
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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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
Poul Cadovius Wall Unit or Room Divider
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Poul Cadovius, open bookshelf or room divider, metal, Denmark, 1960s
This sizable and minimalist shelving unit was designed by Poul Cadovius. This shelving system exists of a thin f...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal
George Nakashima 6 Foot Free Edge Corner Counter Shelf or Console, Signed, 1971
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A corner-mounted counter shelf or floating console table by George Nakashima comprising a single slab in American black walnut with two free edges, signe...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Walnut
Mid-20th Century Room Dividers in Bent-Wood by Ludvik Volak, Praque, 1960s
By Ludvik Volak
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-century room dividers in Blond Bent-Wood by Ludvik Volak, Praque 1960s.
A memorable blond room divider from a villa in Prague was purchased from the original owner. This objec...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Bentwood, Plywood
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern 4-Tier Sculpted Walnut Bookshelf
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished
With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Oak, Walnut
Charlotte Perriand Nuage Shelving Unit, Wood and Aluminium by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Shelving Unit designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1952-56.
Relaunched by Cassina in 2012.
Manufactured by Cassina in Italy.
Authenticity and avant-garde characterise Charlotte Perria...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Aluminum
Mategot Style Perforated Yellow Wall Mount Shelf by Pilastro
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Pilastro perforated, yellow enameled metal wall mounted, single shelf. Newly painted and lightly refinished. In good condition with some remaining visible wear consistent wit...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal
Dutch Mid-Century Mario Vender Style Three Section Pine Shelving Unit by Pastoe
By Pastoe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Dutch Mid-Century "Combex" series 3 section pine shelving unit by Pastoe with great lines. Left section (32.75”w) with 3 upper shelves and a lower burlap faced double door cabinet....
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Leather, Pine
Charlotte Perriand Nuage Shelving Unit, Wood and Aluminium by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Shelving Unit model Nuage designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1952-1956.
Relaunched by Cassina in 2012.
Manufactured by Cassina in Italy.
Authenticity and avant-garde characterise Ch...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Aluminum
Franco Albini Rattan and Bamboo Italian Wall Shelf, Italy 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous midcentury rectangular wall shelf in curved rattan, bamboo and hand-woven wicker. This charming French Riviera style shelf was designed by Franco Albini and produced in Ita...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan, Wicker
Italian Floor to Ceiling Shelving Unit, Second Half 20th Century
Located in London, GB
A floor-to-ceiling shelving unit, with space for both display and storage. Italy, second half 20th century. Designer unknown.
The set is made of wooden block-board, finished in waln...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
Dieter Rams Designed System 606 Metal Wall Mount Shelving Unit by Vitsoe
By Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare all metal shelving unit from the "606" series, made by Vitsoe and designed by the renowned German designer Dieter Rams in 1960. The "less, but better" mentality of German indust...
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal
Large Poul Cadovius Teak Wall System for Royal system Denmark
Located in Den Haag, NL
Large Iconic Teak Wall System. 5 uprights . 3 Cabinets and 17 shelves, And the rare magazine shelve comes with all its hardware .
This modular system can be changed in every way you ...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Teak
Franco Albini Midcentury Wall Shelf in Curved Rattan and Bamboo, Italy 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous Mid-Century wall shelf in curved rattan and bamboo. This stylish organic shelf was designed by Franco Albini in Italy during the 1960s.
In amazing conditions and with a cha...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
American Designer, Shelf, Walnut, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut shelf or console table designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s.
Refinished.
Dimensions: 45.75” H x 94.25” W x 24.5” D
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Walnut
Freestanding Wall unit, Bookshelves, Roomdivider, Midcentury Modern, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Modular wall unit or room divider designed by Jos De Mey for Van den Berghe-Pauvers, Ghent Belgium. 1958. Four black metal mounted on oblique, four tapering legs, brass stretchers ad...
Category
1950s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal
Galerie L'Orme Modular Wall Unit in Solid Elm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Galerie l'Orme, modular wall unit, solid elm, glass, France, 1970s.
French modular wall unit manufactured by Galerie l'Orme in Paris. Executed in solid elm, this cabinet exhibit a ...
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Glass, Elm
Mid-20th Century Room Dividers in Bent-Wood by Ludvik Volak, Praque, 1960s
By Ludvik Volak
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-century room dividers in Bent-Wood by Ludvik Volak, Prague 1960s.
We have acquired a memorable room divider from a villa in Prague that can be used as a wall-mounted shelving un...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Bentwood, Plywood
Angelo Mangiarotti Italian Wood Bookcases Shelves Cavalletto Model for Agapecasa
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
A furnishing system made entirely of wood, designed by Angelo Mangiarotti in 1953.
Its distinctive feature is a trestle in the shape of an upturned “V”, which means it is superimposable by means of a siply gravity joint, and whose special perimeter section can accomodate bookshelves on which closed containers...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Wood
Vivai del Sud Italian Bookcase Etagere Four Shelves in Bamboo and Rattan, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous mid-century bookcase fully made in curved bamboo and rattan. This charming and unique piece was designed by Vivai del Sud and produced in Italy during the 1970s.
In fabul...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
Charlotte Perriand Nuage À Plots, Wood and Aluminium by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Shelving Unit designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1952-56. Relaunched by Cassina in 2012.
Manufactured by Cassina in Italy.
Nuage à Plots by Charlotte Perriand belongs to a select gro...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Aluminum
Poul Cadovius Room Divider Teak Royal Wall System Free standing shelving Unit
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A rare opportunity to acquire an original free-standing room divider with 7 solid teak poles (only 6 photographed) from Poul Cadovius’ iconic Royal System. Designed in 1948, the Roya...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal
Franco Albini Midcentury Wall Shelf or Console in Rattan and Bamboo, Italy, 1960
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful midcentury large wall shelf or console in curved bamboo, rattan and hand-woven wicker. This incredibly charming piece was designed by the mastery of Franco Albini and produ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan
Pierre Chapo Modular "GO" Shelving Unit in Elm, 1980s
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The GO system was created by Pierre Chapo in 1983 and can be considered an end-of-career highlight for the highly influential French designer. The piece is a visually appealing and i...
Category
1980s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Elm
Four section String Shelving Unit by Kajsa & Nils Nisse Strinning, Sweden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century, Classic Scandinavian pine shelving unit by the groundbreaking design duo and spouses Kajsa & Nils Nisse Strinning for String, Sweden. This unit consists of five sections...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal
A set of Mid-Century teak bookshelves with five shelves
Located in London, GB
A set of Mid-Century teak bookshelves with five shelves, the upper shelf is set back slightly.
Category
1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Tricom Italian Etagere or Wall Unit after Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman, Tricom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large symmetrical chrome and glass etagere in the style of Milo Baughman. It features a heavy chrome frame with clear rectangular sized glass shelves.
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Chrome
Paul Evans Wall-Hanging Console, Sculpted Bronze, Slate, Signed
Located in New York, NY
Paul Evans Wall-Hanging Console, Sculpted Bronze, Slate, Signed. In original condition and purchased from the original owner. Large scale chunky wall mounted shelf, finished dark in ...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Slate, Bronze
Milo Baughman Shelving Unit for Glenn of California c1950s
Located in Oakland, CA
Stunning and very practicable three level shelving unit designed by Milo Baughman for Glenn of California. Well documented and uncommon piece executed in walnut. Beautiful vintage co...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Walnut
Poul Cadovius modular Teak Wall system Denmark 1960s
Located in Den Haag, NL
Poul Cadovius Royal Wall system 1960s Denmark .consisting of . 3 uprights
Three cabinets . One display Glass door cabinet ,One Large Three drawers cabinet ,and one small cabinets wi...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Teak
A mid-century teak bookcase by Pierre Cruège - France - 1950s
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
This mid-century teak bookcase, designed by Pierre Cruège (1913-2003) for Éditions Formes in France during the 1950s, presents a harmonious fusion of sculptural artistry and sturdy c...
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Teak
Michel Ducaroy Modular Wall Unit in Black Lacquered Wood and Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Michael Ducaroy, free-standing wall unit, chrome-plated steel, lacquered wood, France, 1970s
Sleek and stunning free-standing wall unit designed by Michael Ducaroy in the 1970s. In ...
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
Vivai del Sud Italian Bookcase Etagere Four Shelves in Bamboo and Rattan, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous mid-century bookcase fully made in curved bamboo and rattan. This charming and unique piece was designed by Vivai del Sud and produced in Italy during the 1970s.
In fabul...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
Midcentury Rattan and Bamboo Wall Shelf, Franco Albini, Italy, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Extraordinary Mid-Century wall shelf in curved rattan, bamboo and wicker. This marvellous object was made in Italy in the 1960s and is attributed to the mastery of Franco Albini.
Th...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan
Mid-Century Tomado Style Teak Wall Mount Shelf, 1960's
By Tomado
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Tomado style teak wall mounted shelving unit with black enameled metal risers and three adjustable shelves. This Dutch, early 1960's wall shelf is a versatile and functio...
Category
1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Wire
Explorer Cabinet Small Red by Jaime Hayon for BD Barcelona 2023
By Jaime Hayon
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Explorer Cabinet Small by Jaime Hayon for BD Barcelona
The sinuous and elegant Explorer cabinet comes with space-age curves, functional storage and rich colours.
Hayon wants furnitur...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Space-Age Red Plastic Cube Modular Shelving Record Storage
Located in Lake Worth, FL
This vintage space-age red plastic cube modular shelving system, dating from the 1970s-80s, is a stylish and functional piece of furniture. Made of hard plastic this original set inc...
Category
1970s Unknown Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Plastic
Galerie L'Orme Modular Wall Unit in Solid Elm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Galerie l'Orme, modular wall unit, solid elm, glass, France, 1970s.
French modular wall unit manufactured by Galerie l'Orme in Paris. Executed in solid elm, this cabinet exhibit a ...
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Glass, Elm
Pilastro 2 Section Wall Mount Shelving Unit with Drop Down Desk and Light
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dutch Mid-Century Pilastro enameled metal wall shelving unit. This unit features a metal drop down desk cabinet with olive green door, grey light fixture, red shelf and three mini en...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal
Danish Modern Wall Unit by Sven Ellekaer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Danish Modern 2-Bay Wall Unit by Sven Ellekaer. 80.5w 16.5d 72h. Cabinets and shelves can be re-arranged.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Walnut
Vintage Medium Size Enameled Metal Hefty Utility Bins
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Medium sized multi-color enameled metal stacking utility bins in original condition with visible patina and wear. Mostly in shades of gray, brown and blue...
Category
1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal
Carlo Scarpa for Bernini '795' Library in Metal and Walnut
By Bernini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carlo Scarpa for Bernini, library or wall unit, model '795', walnut, metal, Italy, design 1935, edition made in 1980s
Stunning library designed by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini. This wal...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal
Mid Century Paul McCobb Calvin Irwin Collection Shelf Bookshelf Room Divider
Located in New York, NY
Rare Mid Century sideboard, shelf unit, room divider, designed by Paul McCobb as part of the sought after Irwin Collection series for Calvin, circa 1950’s.
This example features ble...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Brass
Charlotte Perriand Nuage Shelving Unit, Wood and Aluminium by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Shelving Unit designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1952-56.
Relaunched by Cassina in 2012.
Manufactured by Cassina in Italy.
Authenticity and avant-garde characterise Charlotte Perria...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Aluminum
Minimalist Alvar Aalto Drawer Wall Shelf Model B 114, 1950s for Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful drawer shelf / console by Alvar Aalto in solid birch and oak veneer for Artek. A small and very practical addition to your entrance or any wall space to keep keys or smal...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Birch, Oak
1950s Italian Modular Bookshelf with Desk – Exotic Wood, Brass Hardware
Located in Rome, IT
This stunning example of 1950s Italian design is a modular bookshelf with an integrated desk, fully restored to its original glory. Crafted from exot...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Formica, Wood
1970s Danish Cadovius Teak 5-Bay Cado Modular Shelving System Bookshelf Library
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
A stunning 1970s five-bay Danish teak CADO shelving system designed by Paul Cadovius consisting of 32 pieces including the uprights, plus 50 brackets. Th...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Teak
Milo Baughman Shelving Unit for Glenn of California c1950s
Located in Oakland, CA
Stunning and very practicable three level shelving unit designed by Milo Baughman for Glenn of California. Well documented and uncommon piece executed in walnut. Beautiful vintage co...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Walnut
Franco Albini Rosewood Mid-Century Modern “LB7” Modular Bookcase for Poggi, 1957
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in Vicenza, IT
LB7 bookcase, designed by Franco Albini and manufactured by Poggi in 1957.
Modular bookstore composed by upholds, containers with flying and doors, shelve. The industrial standard for every product component allows permanent and different solutions, from the bearing structures to the elements. The structure does not need anchorages to the wall and can be placed in the middle of the space.
This set is composed of 3 modules, ten shelves, and three containers.
It is made of Rosewood, iron, and brass.
Excellent vintage condition.
Franco Albini was born in Robbiate in 1905, and after his childhood and part of his youth, he moved to Milan.
He graduated at Politecnico of Milan, Faculty of Architecture, in 1929, and He collaborated for three years in Giò Ponti and Emilio Lancia’s office. He probably had his international contacts here, at The International Exposition of 1929 in Barcelona and Paris, where he visited le Corbusier’s office, as Franca Helg used to tell.
Throughout these first three years, his works were undoubtedly related to XIXth Century. His meeting with Edoardo Persico marks an evident turnover towards rationalism and writers for “Casabella” magazine. Persico’s thoughtful and ironical comments on some of Albini’s drawings for office furniture caused him deep upsetting. “I spent days of real anxiety – tells Albini – I had to answer all questions. I had a long fever”.
The new phase that the meeting provoked begins with opening his own first office at Via Panizza with Renato Camus and Giancarlo Palanti. The group of Architects starts taking care of social housing, participating in the competition for the Baracca neighborhood in 1932, and then realizing the Ifacp neighborhood: Fabio Filzi (1936/38), Gabriele D’Annunzio, and Ettore Ponti (1939).
During those years, He also worked for his first private villa (Pestarini).
It is mainly in the context of exhibitions that the Italian architect experiments the compromise between rigor and poetic fantasy that Pagano was talking about; He conceived all the elements that would become recurrent in all types of his work – Architecture, Interiors, Design. The 1933 opening of the new Triennale of Milano, in Palazzo dell’Arte, becomes an occasion to express the highly innovative character of rationalist thinking. In this place, to experiment with new materials and solutions, but most of all a “method”.
Young rationalist architects cultivated the art of exhibiting as a communication lab, an open field to space solutions.
Albini, with Giancarlo Palanti, sets the steel structure house (with R. Camus, G. Mazzoleni, G. Minoletti and coordination by G. Pagano) designing also its furniture. For the next Triennale in 1936, marked by Persico’s early death, Franco Albini, together with a group of young architects around Pagano, takes care of the exhibition of Dwelling, where he presented 3 types of lodgings.
In the same year, Albini and Romano design the exhibition for Ancient Italian jewelry: vertical uprights, simple linear poles design space. This element is recurring in other works, like the Scipione exhibition (1941), Vanzetti stand (1942), and Olivetti shop in Paris (1956). The architectural space is readable through a grid, introducing a third dimension, the vertical one, with a sense of lightness and transparency.
Upright is also used in design objects, such as the Veliero bookcase...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Brass, Iron
Poul Cadovius Room Divider Teak Royal Wall System Free standing shelving Unit
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A rare opportunity to acquire an original free-standing room divider with 7 solid teak poles (only 6 photographed) from Poul Cadovius’ iconic Royal System. Designed in 1948, the Roya...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal
Rayonnage Mural Jean Prouvé 1936 France mid century modern industrial architect
By Jean Prouvé, Vitra
Located in Dronten, NL
The streamlined shape of the two wall brackets of the Rayonnage Mural bookcase (1936) is a recurring element in Prouvé's creative oeuvre. Executed in Prouvé Blanc Colombe (ecru) enam...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
1960s Wall shelf, Kai Kristiansen, FM Møbler
Located in Neuss, NW
Classic wall shelf from the 1960s. The high-quality shelves are veneered in oak. The system consists of 17 shelves and four ladders made of aluminum and oak veneer.
Quality Features...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Oak
Mid-Century "Combex" Three Section Dark Stained Pine Shelving Unit by Pastoe
By Pastoe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century "Combex" series, three section, wenge color stained, pine shelving unit by the highly acclaimed Dutch post-war design powerhouse Pastoe. Comes with multiple shelves, two ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Smoked Glass, Pine
Charlotte Perriand Nuage À Plots, Wood and Aluminium by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Shelving Unit designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1952-56. Relaunched by Cassina in 2012.
Manufactured by Cassina in Italy.
Nuage à Plots by Charlotte ...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Aluminum
Mid-Century Triangular Bamboo and Rattan Italian Corner Bookcase, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous mid-century bamboo and Rattan triangular corner bookshelf. Franco Albini inspired the design of this piece, produced in Italy during the 1970s.
This fantastic piece feature...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Bamboo, Wood, Rattan, Cane, Wicker
Poul Cadovius Room Divider Teak Royal Wall System Denmark 1960s
Located in Den Haag, NL
For sale this very exclusive and rare poul cadovius room divider comes with 2 Steel telescopic legs, works with a spring .so is adjustable in height .
can be used on both sides .com...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Teak
Set of Five Kartell Inspired White Floating Molded Acrylic Wall Shelves
By Kartell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 5 molded, Mid-Century, acrylic floating wall shelves. Two small (1 bright white, 1 off white) 17.75 x 12.125 x 13.75", two medium (off whi...
Category
1970s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Acrylic
Staples Ladderax Shelving Unit, Teak Mid-Century like String Shelves, 1 of 2
By Ladderax, Robert Heal
Located in London, GB
Robert Heal for Staples, 1964
'Ladderax' shelving system
[ NO. 1 of 2 UNITS AVAILABLE - THIS LISTING IS FOR THE LEFT HAND SIDE UNIT IN THE PHOTOS ]
One bay system. Four wooden shel...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal
Angelo Mangiarotti Italian Wood Bookcases Shelves Cavalletto Model for Agapecasa
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
A furnishing system made entirely of wood, designed by Angelo Mangiarotti in 1953.
Its distinctive feature is a trestle in the shape of an upturned “V”, which means it is superimposable by means of a siply gravity joint, and whose special perimeter section can accomodate bookshelves on which closed containers...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Wood
Poul Cadovius for Cado "Royal System" Modular Wall Shelve, circa 1948
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
'Royal System' wall shelve designed by Poul Cadovius, circa 1948.
Manufactured by Cado in Denmark.
In good original condition with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina.
Materials:
Wood
Metal
Dimensions:
D 20.2 cm x W 60.5 cm x H 99 cm
Poul Cadovius (1911-2011) was a Danish designer and manufacturer. Trained as a saddler and upholster, Cadovius became interested in industrial design and established his own furniture manufacturing company under the name of Royal Systems in 1945.
Between 1964-1967, Cadovius purchased the well-established furniture manufacturer France & Søn and renamed the company Cado. Cadovius collaborated with the impressive roster of iconic Danish designers through France & Søn and Cado, including Sigvar Bernadotte, Grete Jalk, Arne Vodder, Edvard Kindt-Larsen, and Finn Juhl.
His minimalistic aesthetic is considered a perfect harmony between form and function, industrial and organic, affordable and elegant. Although the Royal System shelving unit...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal
Vintage Ikea 'Enetri' Shelf by Niels Gammelgaard for Ikea, 1980s String Shelving
Located in Zagreb, HR
The famous Ikea shelf designed by Niels Gammelgaard in the 1980s, first introduced as the ‘Moment’ shelf, and later changing its name to ‘Enetri’ and ‘Guide’.
One of the most search...
Category
1980s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal
Milo Baughman Style Tall Chrome and Glass Column Étagère
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Milo Baughman style tall chrome and glass column étagère,
Each one fitted with four 17 inch square clear glass shelves. Each cube shelf has a display heigh...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Chrome
Pop Design, Grande étagère Originale Modulable En Bois Laqué Circa 1960
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Pop Design, Grande étagère Originale Modulable En Bois Laqué Circa 1960
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Wood
Mid Century modern iron and glass hanging shelves
Located in Hudson, NY
Add a touch of mid-century sophistication to your space with these floating shelves. Crafted from sturdy iron, the black finish adds a contemporary edge and complements a variety of ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Iron
Walnut Floating Shelving Unit Still Life Floating Shelf
Located in Birmingham, AL
This Floating Shelving Unit offers a new and modern take on Mid-century wall storage. Defined by sturdiness and minimalism, this Still Life floating shelving unit is available in nat...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Walnut
4 Floating Shelves with 6 Sculptural Wooden Pebbles, Sereno by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Set of Four Floating Shelves with Six Sculptural Wooden Pebble Accents, Sereno by Joel Escalona
—
What happens when the practical becomes art?
What happens when ornamentation gains...
Category
2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Wood, Hardwood, Oak
Mid-century Italian Floor-To-Ceiling Wall Unit - 1960s
Located in Uccle, BE
Mid-century Italian Floor-To-Ceiling Wall Unit - 1960s
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal
Alvar Aalto Minimalistic Double Shelf Model 112-2 in Birch, Artek 1940s
Located in Helsinki, FI
This is an iconic minimalist shelf by Alvar Aalto in double deck. Due to the back rail, the shelf is easier to hang with four screws instead of eight.
The shelf unit is from the 1940...
Category
1940s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Birch, Plywood
Mid-Century French Étagère/Bookcase by Kim Moltzer, 1970's
By Kim Moltzer
Located in Vilnius, LT
Mid-Century French gilt metal/steel étagère/bookcase by Kim Moltzer from 1970s.
The structure is in square form gilt steel with shelves in smoky glass on black color base.
Very good ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
1960s Sculptural Pair Étagère Roger Sprunger for Dunbar
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
1960s Mid Century Sculptural Étagères Set of 2 by Roger Sprunger
for Dunbar Indiana
79.25, 79x 20.25 x 20.25
One Étagère is .5 inch...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Wood
Comprehensive Storage System by George Nelson for Herman Miller
Located in Dallas, TX
Early production 'CSS" - Comprehensive Storage System designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1959. This system is in excellent condition with the early Herman Miller lable cons...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Aluminum
De Coene Norm Office 770 Modular Wall Unit , 1969, Belgium Design
Located in Antwerp, BE
Impressed facade of a Modular wall unit in oak designed by the Coene Manufacture, Belgium ,1969 "Norm office 770" is an universal modular system construction...
Category
1960s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Oak
Pierre Chapo Special Black Edition Wall-Mounted Book Shelve B17
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Special black edition of B17 wall-mounted book shelve designed by Pierre Chapo, circa 1970 in France.
Manufactured by Chapo Creation, 2019.
Oakwood.
...
Category
2010s French Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Wood
Charlotte Perriand Berger Wood Stool by Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Stool model Berger designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1953-61.
Relaunched by Cassina in 2011.
Manufactured by Cassina in Italy.
Reclaiming simple materials and basic shapes, with an eye to architecture and mountain life...
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Aluminum
Mid-century Modern shelves for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern shelves 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 shelves created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, wall decorations, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern shelves made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original shelves, popular names associated with this style include Cassina, Charlotte Perriand, Poul Cadovius, and Mathieu Matégot. 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 shelves differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $65 and tops out at $120,000 while the average work can sell for $2,886.