Cast Iron Bookends
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Bookends
Iron
Early 20th Century Unknown Arts and Crafts Bookends
Iron
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Bookends
Bronze, Iron
20th Century American Bookends
Iron
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Bookends
Iron
Late 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Bookends
Iron
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Bookends
Iron
Early 20th Century American Bookends
Iron
Vintage 1930s American Rustic Bookends
Iron
Late 20th Century Bookends
Iron
Early 20th Century American Bookends
Iron
Early 20th Century American Bookends
Iron
20th Century American Folk Art Bookends
Iron
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Bookends
Brass
Early 20th Century American American Craftsman Bookends
Metal
20th Century American Modern Bookends
Iron
Vintage 1930s Unknown Rustic Bookends
Iron
20th Century American American Colonial Bookends
Iron
Mid-20th Century Spanish Colonial Bookends
Iron
Vintage 1920s American Bookends
Iron
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Bookends
Iron
Early 20th Century American Classical Bookends
Iron
Vintage 1930s American Bookends
Iron
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Bookends
Iron
Early 20th Century American Bookends
Iron
Early 20th Century American Bookends
Iron
Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Bookends
Iron
Mid-20th Century American Adirondack Bookends
Iron
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends
Iron
Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Bookends
Iron
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends
Iron
Early 20th Century American American Colonial Bookends
Iron
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Bookends
Iron
Early 20th Century American Bookends
Iron
20th Century American Art Deco Bookends
Iron
20th Century English Bookends
Iron
2010s Austrian Bookends
Brass
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Bookends
Iron
Early 20th Century Bookends
Iron
Vintage 1930s American Art Nouveau Bookends
Iron
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Bookends
Iron
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends
Iron
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Bookends
Copper, Metal, Iron
Vintage 1960s Bookends
Iron
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Bookends
Iron
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Bookends
Iron
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Bookends
Iron
Mid-20th Century American Bookends
Iron
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Bookends
Chrome, Iron
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends
Iron
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends
Iron
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends
Iron
Early 20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Metalwork
Bronze
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Doors and Gates
Iron
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Figurative Sculptures
Iron
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Iron
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco More Folk Art
Iron
- 1
Cast Iron Bookends For Sale on 1stDibs
Finding the Right Bookends for You
A good pair of antique, new or vintage bookends will look wonderful in your reading nook. And the need for these trusty home accents has stood the test of time, which means there are many different kinds to suit any design taste or furniture style.
Bookends weren’t created until the 1870s. Serving faithfully in the background, they went unobserved for a while. The authors of the Oxford English Dictionary report that the term “book end” didn’t appear in printed material until 1907. The primary function of bookends is to ensure that your books remain upright in your bookcase, but style and form have taken the lead over the years. Furniture makers have ensured that bookends demand as much attention as the books themselves. Indeed, while competing with carefully curated first editions or rows of colorful spines is no small task, plenty of bookends steal the stage.
If you’re looking to add a dose of intrigue or decorative flourish to your reading room that will be difficult to ignore, stone bookends and metal bookends can take on the appearance of small, provocative sculptures rather than functional accessories to keep your books orderly on your shelves. Depending on what kind of textures you’re thinking of introducing to your home office or study, a pair of brass bookends or a bronze set will pop against your dusty hardcovers and any decorative objects you’ve accumulated while working to style your bookcase. A pair of mid-century modern bookends carved from dark, exotic woods such as teak can also introduce warmth to a home office or study. While teak was a favorite of designers who worked with furniture in the mid-20th century, all manner of wood bookends have emerged over the years, with some woodworkers carving ornate patterns or figures into their pieces.
Bookworms, take note: You can find an extraordinary range of antique, new and vintage bookends for your dazzling book displays and bookshelves today on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024The difference between iron and cast iron comes down to content. Iron is generally pure iron, a chemical element that is a solid metal at room temperature. Cast iron is a mix of iron, carbon, silicon, manganese, sulfur, phosphorus and other elements. Both iron and cast iron can be used to produce furniture, cookware, decorative objects and other items. Generally, cast iron is heavier than iron. Shop an assortment of iron and cast iron pieces on 1stDibs.
- Who invented cast iron?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024The name of the person who invented cast iron is unknown. However, anthropologists and archaeologists have determined that the ancient Chinese were the first to develop it. The earliest known examples of cast iron date back to the 6th century B.C. Cast iron production didn't begin in Europe until the 14th century A.D. Shop a collection of cast iron furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
- What are cast iron columns?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Cast iron columns are vertical supports produced out of cast iron, a material made from iron and alloys with a carbon content of more than two percent. During the 19th century, cast iron columns were used in architecture. Today, they primarily function as decorative objects. Shop a range of cast iron columns on 1stDibs.
- Are cast iron columns hollow?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023Whether cast iron columns are hollow depends on the piece. Most cast iron columns are hollow due to the manner of crafting, but some are solid. On 1stDibs, find a selection of columns.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023Yes, you can generally use cast iron as a planter because the material is durable and sturdy. However, you may need to drill drainage holes in a cast iron piece that wasn't intended to function as a planter to allow excess water to exit the vessel. On 1stDibs, find a selection of cast iron planters.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022A cast iron fireplace insert is a firebox that fits into an existing fireplace surround. The insert is made of cast iron, a type of iron that is more than 2 percent carbon. Cast iron is highly durable and very resistant to the effects of heat. You'll find a selection of cast iron fireplace inserts on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021Cast iron trivets are used for many things but are especially ideal for slow cooking meat. They can prop up food in Dutch ovens to prevent burning and increase heat distribution.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Cast iron doorstops originated in the late 18th century. Osbourn Dursey invented the first doorstop in 1878. Decorative cast iron stops became popular in the 1920s and remained so throughout World War II. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of antique cast iron doorstops.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Cast iron is stronger than steel.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
To keep a piece made of cast iron from rusting, place it in a cool, dry space with good air circulation.
- How do I hang a cast iron bell?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022How to hang a cast iron bell depends on the style. Some cast iron bells have loops at the top that you can hang from a hook anchored onto your desired mounting surface. Others have brackets or frames that you can secure with mounting screws. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of cast iron bells.
- Do cast iron tables rust?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Yes, cast iron tables can rust. Pieces are more likely to develop rust when exposed to humidity, such as in bathrooms or outdoor living spaces in coastal areas. Wiping surfaces clean regularly and touching up scratches and chips can reduce the risk of rust. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of cast iron tables.
- Do cast iron Firebacks work?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021Yes, cast iron firebacks are quite sturdy and work really well. As they are made of solid iron, it's a challenge to move and place them. Given that, cast iron firebacks are the best protection for the back wall of the fireplace. Find a variety of firebacks on 1stDibs.
- When were cast iron beds made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Cast iron beds were made starting in the 1850s. These types of beds were handmade until World War I through the use of molds.
- Does cast-iron furniture rust?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Yes, cast-iron furniture rusts.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023Cast iron is often used for benches because of its characteristics. Its strength makes it well-suited to support the weight of two or more adults, and its hardness allows it to resist damage due to weather exposure. Shop a range of cast iron benches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Cast iron is frequently used for fireplaces due to its properties. The metal is highly durable, allowing it to hold up to the effects of frequent use. It also readily conducts heat to help warm up interiors. You'll find a variety of cast iron fireplaces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Unlike cast iron, wrought iron is not brittle and will bend rather than break. Wrought ironwork is produced with a hammer and anvil and tends to be more intricate than cast ironwork, which is characterized by repetitive designs that can be carved into a wooden pattern and cast.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023To tell if a cast iron doorstop is valuable, always look for original paint. Any that have been repainted or repaired will have diminished in value. You can also use online resources to try and research items, but the best way to find out if a cast iron doorstop is worth anything is to consult a certified appraiser. An experienced professional can evaluate the condition, determine the maker and research the piece to assign an approximate value. On 1stDibs, find a range of doorstops.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Whether cast iron is good for outdoor furniture is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, many people prefer cast iron due to its strength, durability and timeless Old World charm. On 1stDibs, find a collection of cast iron outdoor furniture.
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