$3,486Sale Price|30% Off
19th Century French Louis Philippe Bookcase ~ Display Armoire
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Louis Philippe Bookcase ~ Display Armoire features a tailored architecture that allows it to blend with a wide variety of styles and decors! The classic arched b...
Brass
Copacabana natural oak and travertine open bookcase with brass details by Duistt
By Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
The contrast between natural oak, travertine stone, black lacquered wood, and brushed brass gives the piece a timeless mid-century modern character with a contemporary luxury aesthet...
Travertine, Brass
French Henri II Style Oak Bookcase Vitrine Second Part 19th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
French armoire vitrine bookcase of the Napoléon III period (late 19th century) Glass, oak, brass. This elegant display cabinet and bookcase, crafted from solid oak in the second ha...
Brass
Walnut bookcase, Italy 1955
Located in Catonvielle, FR
4-post bookcase in oak and walnut, Italy 1955. Only surviving example of a furniture set created for Italy's first apartment hotel in Ventimiglia. Brass slides are embedded in the bl...
Brass
Bethehem Furn. Rosewood Neoclassical Bookcase Breakfront Entertainment Cabinet
By Bethlehem Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Very functional and beautiful high quality breakfront / bookcase. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 84" H x 95" W x 18" D.
Brass
Modern Lage Burnished Brass and Oak Bookcase, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple, Rute Martins
Located in Lisboa, PT
Modern Lage Bookcase, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Lage bookcase was designed to be the focal point of any office or living space. It...
Metal, Steel, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Etagere by Paul McCobb, Brass & Walnut, USA, 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century brass and walnut etegere / display cabinet with 2 top shelves over a 2-sliding textured glass door cabinet above an adjacent solid cabinet with a drop-down front...
Glass
Mid-Century Modern Lucite and Brass Wall Unit Etagere by Charles Hollis Jones
By Charles Hollis Jones
Located in North York, ON
Introducing the Mid-Century Modern Acrylic and Brass Wall Unit Etagere, a stunning piece of furniture designed by renowned designer Charles Hollis Jones, made in the USA circa 1970’s...
Brass
Bookcase in Walnut, Elm, Beech and Brass in the Style of William Watting, 1950's
By William Watting
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Bookcase in Walnut, Elm, Beech and Brass in the Style of William Waiting, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Walnut, elm, beech and brass Style: Mid century, Scandinavia Produ...
Brass
Baker Furniture Style Georgian Flame Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful Georgian or Chippendale style breakfront bookcase cabinet or dining cabinet In the manner of Baker Furniture By Trogdon Furniture USA, Mid-20th Century Carved flame m...
Brass
Wonderful Scottish Painted Bookcase
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Wonderful early 19th C Scottish painted bookcase / TV cupboard with flat folding doors with brass grill inserts in the top and panelled folding doors on the base. For a TV unit, we c...
Brass
Antique English 19th Century Early Victorian Mahogany Two Door Bookcase Cabinet
Located in Glasgow, GB
A handsome and unusual early Victorian mahogany two door bookcase / cabinet dating to c.1850. The top section with rectangular moulded cornice above two arched glazed doors and a lo...
Brass
Italian Rosewood Bookcase, circa 1960s.
Located in Houston, TX
1960s Italian Rosewood cabinet. This handsome cabinet has wonderful storage to include open shelving, drop down cabinet doors with glass shelves, base cabinet with sliding doors and ...
Brass
19th Century Pair of Floor Mounted Bookcases in the Egyptian Revival Style
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century pair of mahogany Neoclassical Style floor mounted bookcases with Egyptian revival brass mountings. The side columns are headed by exceptional cast gilt-bronze mounts in ...
Brass
$3,176Sale Price / item|28% Off
Bookcase by Umberto Mascagni, 1950s
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Modular bookcase unique in style, design, planning and materials. The Mascagni company for the excellent quality and uniqueness of its products boasted in the 50's a reference of exc...
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
Fabrizio Mangoni Unique bookcase Italy 1969
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Its rarity and uniqueness make it a standout addition to any interior, a true conversation piece for enthusiasts of modernist and mid-century design. In very good original condition ...
Brass
$3,232Sale Price|27% Off
Bookcase by Umberto Mascagni, 1950s
By Umberto Mascagni
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Modular bookcase unique in style, design, planning and materials. The Mascagni company for the excellent quality and uniqueness of products boasted in the 50's a reference of exclusi...
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
Large Modular Wood Bookcase, Italy, 1960s
Located in Milan, IT
Large modular bookcase composed by movable black painted shelves and wood uprights with brass feet. More uprights and shelves available.
Brass
$7,750 / item
Bernini Italian Bookcases in Walnut and Glass
By Bernini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bernini, bookcases, walnut, glass, metal, brass, Italy, 1970s Pair of Italian Bernini bookcases from the 1970s, made in walnut with glass doors. The design is tall and straightforwa...
Metal, Brass
$5,100Sale Price|40% Off
Paul Evans Cityscape Free Standing Etagere Bookcase
By Paul Evans
Located in Bradenton, FL
A rare signed iconic Paul Evans 'Cityscape' large freestanding bookcase etagere, circa 1970s. Chrome & brass clad design- even on the underside- with thick glass slide in shelves...
Brass, Chrome
Linear Bookcase in Espresso Walnut by Stamford Modern
By Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Linear Bookcase The Linear Bookcase is a sculptural interpretation of mid-century modern shelving, defined by clean architectural lines, balanced proportions, and an emphasis on nega...
Brass
Teak bookcase by Esposizione Permanente Mobili Cantu’ 1960s
By Esposizione Permanente mobili Cantù
Located in Parma, IT
Self-supporting two-bay bookcase produced by Esposizione Permanente Mobili Cantu‘ in the 1960s. Teak wood structure with brass runners. Adjustable shelves with bar cabinet compartmen...
Brass
Lacquered Burl Elm Bookcase by Jean Claude Mahey, France, 1970s
By Jean Claude Mahey
Located in Tresbœuf, FR
Exceptional tall bookcase designed by Jean Claude Mahey, France, circa 1970s. This striking architectural piece features a beautifully figured burl elm veneer enhanced by a rich high...
Brass
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookshelves by Vittorio Dassi, Italy
By Vittorio Dassi
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A dark-brown, vintage Mid-Century modern Italian pair of slim bookshelves with a top rack made of hand crafted polished Walnut and Rosewood, designed most likely by Vittorio Dassi in...
Metal, Brass
Wall bookcase by Gunnar Nielsen for Tibergaard, Denmark, 1960s
By Gunnar Nielsen Tibergaard
Located in Vigevano, PV
Teak floor-to-ceiling bookcase by Gunnar Nielsen for Tibergaard, Denmark, 1960s. Four-bay bookcase composed of five wooden uprights, five modules, and nine shelves. The bookcase is...
Brass
Vintage English Mahogany Bookcase with Lattice Mullions and Adjustable Shelves
Located in Centennial, CO
A beautiful and functional vintage English three section bookcase with 12 adjustable shelves. Notable are the doors with original glass and ellipse lattice mullions, which gives this...
Brass
Italian Modern, Floor to Ceiling Bookcase, Stained Wood, Glass, Italy, 1940s
Located in Stamford, CT
Italian Mid-Century Modern, Floor to Ceiling Bookcase or Shelving Unit, Stained Wood, Glass, Italy, 1940s A stained wood, glass, and brass floor to bookcase or shelving unit designe...
Brass
Ilmari Tapiovaara Bookcase Produced by La Permanente Mobili
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare and large freestanding bookcase designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara. Produced by La Permanente Mobili, Cantù in Italy.
Brass
Midcentury Trumeau Bookcases or Cabinets by Paolo Buffa, 1940
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant trumeau bookcases produced by Fratelli Lietti. Exceptional design furniture by the famous Italian designer Paolo Buffa, in mahogany wood, front finely inlaid decoration with ...
Brass
1960s, Teak Bookcase By Carl Axel Acking for Bodafors, Sweden
By Bodafors, Carl-Axel Acking
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Its minimalist lines, balanced proportions, and timeless aesthetic make it a standout example of mid-century Swedish furniture design. A functional and stylish addition to any moder...
Brass
Chinese Chippendale Carved Mahogany & Floral Wallpaper Lined Bookcase / Shelf
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a sweet petite mahogany Chinese Chippendale style bookcase. It has two drawers and floral wallpaper lined shelves. The top shelf paper is a little loose. The piece dates to t...
Brass
Swedish Baroque Bureau Bookcase in Black Paint, Circa 1730–1750
Located in Kastrup, DK
Impressive Swedish bureau bookcase crafted during the Baroque period, circa 1730–1750. Constructed in two sections, the piece features a beautiful black-painted finish with an attra...
Brass
19th C. French Napoleon III Period Neoclassical Mahogany Bookcase ~ Biblioteque
Located in Dallas, TX
Richly carved and exceptionally well proportioned, this 19th century French Napoleon III bibliothèque reflects the remarkable level of craftsmanship associated with the finest cabine...
Brass
$44,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Mogens Koch Modular Bookcase Wall System for Rud. Rasmussen Denmark 1955c.
By Rud Rasmussen, Mogens Koch
Located in Chicago, IL
Denmark, circa 1955–60 Pine with brass hardware Set of fifteen modules: ten bookcase sections and five cabinet bases An architectural, large-scale modular bookcase and cabinet system...
Brass
Midcentury Trumeau Bookcases or Cabinets by Paolo Buffa, 1940
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant trumeau bookcases produced by Fratelli Lietti. Exceptional design furniture by the famous Italian designer Paolo Buffa, in mahogany wood, front finely inlaid decoration with...
Brass
Midcentury Trumeau Bookcases or Cabinets by Paolo Buffa, 1940
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant trumeau bookcases produced by Fratelli Lietti. Exceptional design furniture by the famous Italian designer Paolo Buffa, in mahogany wood, front finely inlaid decoration with...
Brass
$8,462Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Trumeau Bookcase or Cabinet by P.Buffa, 1940
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant trumeau bookcases produced by Fratelli Lietti. Exceptional design furniture by the famous Italian designer Paolo Buffa, in mahogany wood, front finely inlaid decoration with...
Brass
Floor-to-ceiling modular bookcase produced by FEAL, 1950s, Italy
By Feal
Located in Milano, IT
We offer a rare and valuable floor-to-ceiling modular bookcase produced by FEAL in the 1950s, an authentic example of the best Italian postwar design. This particular version stands ...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Woven Rattan Cabinet by Bielecky Brothers, USA
By Bielecky Brothers
Located in Southampton, NJ
Mid 20th Century Campaign style woven rattan two door cabinet with one removable shelf & two drawers on bun feet. Very sweet multifunctional storage ready for use.
Brass
Modern Oirase Bookcase, Natural Oak, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple, Rute Martins
Located in Lisboa, PT
Modern Oirase Bookcase, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Oirase bookcase draws inspiration from the gentle flow and natural rhythm of the...
Brass
Napoleon III Period French Louis XVI Mahogany & Bronze Bookcase ~ Bibliotheque
Located in Dallas, TX
Napoleon III Period French Louis XVI Mahogany & Bronze Bookcase ~ Bibliotheque is a work of art executed by the master artisans of Paris during the reign of France's last monarch. T...
Brass, Bronze
$6,320Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit by Eugenio Escudero, Mexico, 1960
By Eugenio Escudero
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Spectacular wall unit attributed by the Spanish designer and fervent admirer of Gio Ponti who settled in Mexico, Eugenio Escudero. Escudero is cataloged one of the greatest icons of ...
Brass
Modern Oirase Bookcase, Natural Oak, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple, Rute Martins
Located in Lisboa, PT
Modern Oirase Bookcase, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Oirase bookcase draws inspiration from the gentle flow and natural rhythm of the...
Brass
Antique English George III Chippendale Period Pine Country House Double Bookcase
By Thomas Chippendale
Located in Glasgow, GB
A mid 18th century Chippendale period pine country house double bookcase cabinet featuring a fluted and ornate fret-carved cornice with large carved acorn topped urn finials above a ...
Brass
Fine Mid-Century Trumeau Bar Cabinet Attr. to Paolo Buffa, 1950
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Rome, IT
Dry bar, walnut, Italy, 1940s Elegant Italian bar cabinet in walnut and ebonized wood, inside with Mosaic mirrored glass attributed to Paolo Buffa, 1940. Lower part with two drawers...
Brass
Modern Hobart Bookcase, Walnut Veneer, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Modern Hobart Bookcase, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Hobart bookcase captures the natural ebb and flow of life through its ingenious ...
Brass
Modern Oirase Bookcase, Brown Walnut Oak, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By Rute Martins, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Modern Oirase Bookcase, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Oirase bookcase draws inspiration from the gentle flow and natural rhythm of the...
Brass
Tomaso Buzzi and Emilio Lancia attr. bookcase cabinet veneered root walnut, 1940
By Tomaso Buzzi, Emilio Lancia
Located in Rome, IT
high and unique bookcase with cabinet designed by Tomaso Buzzi and Emilio Lancia circa 1940 central door with a key for the secretere elegant and unique piece in set with the sidebo...
Brass
$8,462Sale Price|20% Off
Fine Mid-Century Trumeau Bar Cabinet Attr. to Paolo Buffa, 1950
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Rome, IT
Dry bar, walnut, Italy, 1940s Elegant Italian bar cabinet in walnut and ebonized wood, inside with Mosaic mirrored glass attributed to Paolo Buffa, 1940. Lower part with two drawers...
Brass
Fine Mid-Century Trumeau Bar Cabinet Attr. to Paolo Buffa, 1950
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Rome, IT
Dry bar, walnut, Italy, 1940s Elegant Italian bar cabinet in walnut and ebonized wood, inside with Mosaic mirrored glass attributed to Paolo Buffa, 1940. Lower part with two draw...
Brass
Antique Arts & Crafts Oak & Brass Embossed Folding Wall Hanging Letter Holder
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Arts & Crafts Oak & Brass Embossed Folding Wall Hanging Letter Holder. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 10.5" H x 11.5" W x 5" D.
Brass
Vintage Brass & Gunmetal Display Cabinet Styled After MasterCraft
By Mastercraft
Located in North Hollywood, CA
✨ Vintage Brass & Gunmetal Display Cabinet with Mirrored Back ✨ This elegant vintage bookcase makes a striking statement with its refined blend of brass, glass, and gunmetal finishe...
Metal, Brass
Jules Wabbes Illuminated Library in Wood and Brass
By Jules Wabbes
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jules Wabbes for Mobilier Universel, bookcase, in brass and wood, Belgium, 1960s Rare wall unit designed by master furniture-maker Jules Wabbes. This exceptional piece could be use...
Brass
Poul Cadovius Butterfly 6 shelves in brass Denmark 1960
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Paris, IDF
Wall shelves made by Danish Designer Poul Cadovius in 1960 They can be hung in different ways and can also be used for decorational purposes only. Rare brass edition. Set Of 6 shelve...
Brass
Billy Baldwin Brass and Lacquered Mahogany Three Part Etagere and Cabinet
By Billy Baldwin
Located in Locust Valley, NY
A Billy Baldwin étagère cabinet, a mid-century polished brass and lacquered mahogany modular shelving system with a three section cabinet base. Originally designed in 1954 by Frederi...
Brass
Roomdivider in Teak and Brass by Louis Van Teeffelen
Located in Brussels, BE
Room divider shelving system by Louis Van Teeffelen from Netherlands. Commonly seen as an independent Wall unit shelving system, this rare one is fully equipped and in very good co...
Brass
Italian Teak, Black Metal and Brass Midcentury Bookshelves Roomdivider
By Poggi, Franco Albini and Franca Helg
Located in Varese, Lombardia
This bookshelves was produced in Italy by SELEX in the 1960s. Thanks to its adjustable height ( 278 - 284,5 /285 cm max) it can be placed against a wall or anywhere in a room, used ...
Brass, Metal
Custom Pair of Brass and Wood Etageres From P. E. Guerin
By P. E. Guerin
Located in Locust Valley, NY
A pair of corner etageres of brass and wood from quintissential artisans P. E. Guerin. Crafted by pioneers in luxury finishes and artistic metalwork, the etageres are designed as&nbs...
Brass
Teak and Brass Midcentury Free Standing Bookshelf Attributed to ISA
By ISA Bergamo
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Bookshelf made from teak wood in the 1950s.It is equipped with storage unit and shelfs. Overall good condition: this bookshelf has never been restored with the exception of some mino...
Brass
Four-Tier Brass Console Small Étagère with Smoked Glass Shelves
By Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern solid brass square profile 4-tier step étagère with smoked glass shelves storage display unit. Perfect Paul McCobb Calvin group decor match.
Brass
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.
Whether you proudly shelve your books in regal mahogany or behind glass cabinet doors, an antique bookcase — or perhaps more than one — is essential to creating a cozy nook for any book lover.
As long as curious people have collected stories, we have needed a place to stow them away and preserve them. When auction houses and book dealers proliferated by the late 17th century, the bibliophile was born. And, of course, as with any treasured decorative objects or collectibles, a book lover’s volumes were suddenly worthy of a luxurious display — enter the bookcase.
Americans of means during the 19th century took to amassing art as well as rare books, and bookcases of the era — rife with hand-carved decorative accents and architectural motifs — were ideal for displaying their handsome leather-bound wares.
Although our favorite titles may change over the years, the functionality and beauty of their home within our home is timeless. Even those who don’t covet the perfect home library can benefit from an attractive display case, as bookcases can easily double as charming étagères.
Contemporary and customizable options make it easier for you to find the perfect bookcase for your style and stacks. If you don’t wish to fill your storage piece so that your collection is snug within its confines, incorporate extra space to allow for additional displays and decorative objects. And by introducing a striking dark wood Art Deco bookcase or low-profile mid-century modern design by Paul McCobb into your living room, your signed first editions won’t be the only items making a statement.
Find barrister bookcases, Globe Wernicke bookcases, bookcases with doors and other vintage and antique bookcases on 1stDibs now.