$3,080 / set
H 33.47 in W 41.15 in D 11.03 in
Pair of Carl Malmsten “Visingsö” Shelving Units in Pine, Svensk Fur, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten, Svensk Fur
Located in Odense, DK
produced by Svensk Fur in Sweden during the mid-20th century. Each unit features three open shelves
Pine
$1,584
H 12.6 in W 33.67 in D 14.97 in
1960s Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Cabinet Wall Unit by Feldballe Mobelfabrik
By Feldballes Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
1960s Kai Kristiansen cabinet wall unit in teak by Feldballe Mobelfabrik Teak cabinet for Kai
Teak
50 Piece Barzilay Walnut Wall Unit
By Barzilay
Located in Los Angeles, CA
We have over 50 pieces of this amazing Barzilay walnut wall unit with aluminum accents. Please
Aluminum
Wall Unit "Extenso" by Amma Torino, 1960s
By Amma
Located in bruxelles, BE
Large fully modular wall unit comprising 4 black uprights, 7 planks, 1 small pedestal with 2
Brass
5 Tiers Shelves Unit with Clear Glass Trays
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and decorative 5 tiers shelves unit is made of brass with clear glass trays. This is
Brass
Pr. Wrought Iron and Glass Arch Top Shelf Units
By Paul McCobb, Arthur Umanoff
Located in New York, NY
Pair of architectural Mid Century wrought iron and glass dome top shelf units, design reminiscent
Wrought Iron
Bamboo, Brass and Smoked Glass Étagère or Shelving Unit
Located in Roma, IT
a mid-century, Hollywood Regency or organic modern interior, ideal as a bookshelf, display unit or
Brass
Officina, moden Tv Unit in Mimetica Veneered
By Clan Milano
Located in Barlassina, Monza-Brianza
Officina, Tv Unit in Mimetica Veneered. Meaning Officina is the Italian name of the auto-repair
Metal
$3,000
H 70.75 in W 41.25 in D 15.5 in
Vintage 1960s Kurt Ostervig for K.P. Mobler Freestanding Danish Teak Wall Unit
By K.P. Møbler 1
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
storage space and two sliding drawers with blue felt lining. This freestanding wall unit is in very good
Teak
1960s Mirrored Shelving Unit with Rattan Frame, French
Located in London, GB
A vintage mirrored shelving unit featuring a beautifully crafted rattan-wrapped frame and clean
Rattan, Glass, Mirror
$4,950
H 81 in W 41.5 in D 19.25 in
Hans Wegner Danish Teak Single Column Freestanding Modular Wall Unit Room Divide
Located in Baltimore, MD
attributed to Hans Wegner for RY Mobler. This amazing vintage wall unit/ storage cabinet features gorgeous
Teak
Faux Large Parchment Tall Étagère Shelving Unit
By Karl Springer
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern lacquered faux goat skin étagère.
Goatskin
Ib Kofod-Larsen for Faarup Møbelfabrik Wall Unit
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large two-piece wall unit with bottom wide drawer storage and bookcase topper with glass doors
Teak
$2,393Sale Price|20% Off
H 16.93 in W 25.99 in D 7.88 in
Rare 1960s Poul Cadovius Two Shelves Wall Unit
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Rare handmade solitary teak wall unit with two shelves designed by acclaimed Danish designer Poul
Wood, Teak
Pilastro Multi-Colored Enameled Metal Two Section Wall Unit
By Pilastro, Tjerk Reijenga
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dutch Mid-Century, Pilastro manufactured wall unit with a red and blue cabinet, four shelves in
Metal
Pair of mid-century scandinavian sideboards
Located in Roma, RM
Pair of mid-century scandinavian sideboards Product details Storage units with sliding doors
Wood
$9,999Sale Price|23% Off
H 81.75 in W 95 in D 18 in
Midcentury Italian Black Lacquer and Brass Wall Unit
Located in Troy, MI
Italian display unit in black lacquered wood with glass shelves and brass accents, circa 1970s
Brass
$4,186
H 93.31 in W 34.26 in D 15.75 in
Shelving unit by Pierre Guariche for Negroni, La Plagne, 1960s
By Pierre Guariche
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Shelving unit designed by Pierre Guariche for the development of La Plagne ski resort, produced by
Plywood
Galerie L'Orme Modular Wall Unit in Solid Elm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
. Altogether, this unit will bring great joy to every bibliomaniac with a keen eye for French Mid-Century
Elm
$20,000
H 98 in W 39 in D 12 in
Brazilian Modern Modular Shelving Unit by Ernesto Hauner, Brazil, 1960s
By Ernesto Hauner
Located in New York, NY
disciplined elegance and material sophistication that define Brazilian mid-century modern design. Crafted in
Brass
$18,500
H 88 in W 117.13 in D 21.75 in
Ico Parisi Attributed, Teak Wall Display Unit with Multi-Colored Drawers
By Ico Parisi, Gio Ponti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom Mid-Century Italian Teak and Maple Wall Display Unit Attributed to Ico Parisi In the style
Brass
$1,950
H 26 in W 35 in D 11.5 in
Collectible Open Etagere Shelving Unit Late 1940s Northwest Chair Company
By Northwest Chair Co.
Located in Lomita, CA
proportioned mid-century shelving unit by the Northwest Chair Company of Tacoma, Washington. It is crafted in
Abalone, Birch, Maple
Sensational Grey Laminate Wall Unit Bar with Sensual Shape
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Sensational customer grey laminate and glass wall unit having sculptural shape, brass hardware on
Glass, Laminate
$40,000 / set
H 98 in W 39 in D 12 in
Brazilian Modern Modular Shelving Units by Ernesto Hauner, Brazil, 1960s
By Ernesto Hauner
Located in New York, NY
disciplined elegance and material sophistication that define Brazilian mid-century modern design. Crafted in
Brass
Wall Unit by Leonardo Fiori for Isa Bergamo, 1960s
By ISA Bergamo, Leonardo Fiori
Located in bruxelles, BE
Modular wall unit with 7 shelves and 2 boxes containing one shelf. Adjustable height: height
Metal
$5,071Sale Price|20% Off
H 98.43 in W 31.5 in D 11.82 in
Freestanding Wall unit, Bookshelves, Roomdivider, Midcentury Modern, 1950s
By Jos De Mey, Van den Berghe-Pauvers 1
Located in Antwerp, BE
Modular wall unit or room divider designed by Jos De Mey for Van den Berghe-Pauvers, Ghent Belgium
Metal
Danish Modern Teak Bookshelf Wall Unit
Located in Atlanta, GA
Danish Modern Teak Bookshelf Wall Unit, Denmark, circa 1960s. This piece is a versatile size and
Glass, Wood, Teak
Kai Kristiansen Wall Unit for FM Møbler, 1960s
By FM Møbler, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Puslinch, ON
oak wall unit by Kai Kristiansen for FM Møbler. Freshly imported from Denmark. Completely modular
Metal
Price Upon Request
H 80 in W 37 in D 16.75 in
Danish Walnut Stand Alone Wall Unit / Room Divider / Bookshelf
By HG Furniture
Located in Kensington, MD
Danish Walnut Stand Alone Wall Unit / Room Divider / Bookshelf Additional information: Material
Walnut
Wall unit E22 by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1950s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in bruxelles, BE
Modular wall unit made of wood and metal with 8 shelves and 1 cabinet with 2 sliding doors
Metal
Vladimir Kagan Burl Wood Wall Unit Cabinet Sideboard
By Vladimir Kagan, Milo Baughman
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice Mid-Century Modern burl wood liquor cabinet bar, display cabinet or sideboard by V. Kagan
$1,584
H 12.6 in W 33.67 in D 14.97 in
Restored Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Cabinet Wall Unit by FM in Excellent Condition
By Feldballes Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
1960s Kai Kristiansen cabinet wall unit in teak by Feldballe Mobelfabrik Teak cabinet for Kai
Teak
Pair of Italian Gold Gilt Étagères Shelving Units
By LaBarge
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Pair of vintage Italian gold gilt smoked glass shelves étagères with pineapple finials. Smoked glass shelving and a cane shelf. Classic styling with a pop. Curbside to NYC/Philly $600
Metal
Vintage Three Tier Intricate Inlay Corner Shelving Unit
Located in Seattle, WA
This Shelving unit Features a Bright White Floral Motif. Possibly She’ll Inlay , Possibly From
Wood
Galerie L'Orme Modular Wall Unit in Solid Elm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
bibliomaniac with a keen eye for French Mid-Century design.
Glass, Elm
$2,691
H 56.7 in W 86.62 in D 15.75 in
Large vintage highboard/sideboard/wall unit from the 1960s/1970s
Located in Breda, NB
Large vintage highboard/sideboard/wall unit from the 1960s/1970s. This impressive vintage
Wood
Paul McCobb, Irwin Collection for Calvin Wall Unit Hutch Credenza
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, two piece, walnut and brass, wall unit hutch credenza by Paul McCobb for Calvin
Brass
George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS Wall Unit, 1950
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS Wall Unit, 1950’s. Unit is Walnut and made in Zeeland
Walnut
$3,360Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 47 in W 72 in D 18.5 in
American of Martinsville Dania 3 Piece Louvered Walnut Desk Modular Unit
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Mid-Century Modern walnut low bench with modular desk and drawer cabinet designed by Merton Gerhsun
Brass
$16,512 / item
H 55.91 in W 46.07 in D 20.87 in
Charlotte Perriand Nuage Shelving Unit, Wood and Aluminium
By Charlotte Perriand, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Shelving unit designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1952-56. Relaunched by Cassina in 2012
Aluminum
Teak & Oak Unit Chest & Mirror
Located in London, GB
A highly unusual piece of Scandinavian furniture. To be used as an entrance unit or bedroom dress
Mirror, Teak, Oak
$720Sale Price|60% Off
H 72.05 in W 72.45 in D 14.97 in
Ca. 1930 Large Industrial Metal Shelving Unit with 12 Adjustable Shelves
Located in Markington, GB
ideal for a variety of storage and display needs. Designed with practical use in mind, the unit can be
Metal
Dark Stained Oak Floating Shelving Unit Still Life Floating Shelf
By Alabama Sawyer
Located in Birmingham, AL
This Floating Shelving Unit offers a new and modern take on Mid-century wall storage. Defined by
Oak
$38,273
H 874.02 in W 1,653.55 in D 248.04 in
Illuminated Wall Unit Designed by Roberto Monsani for Acerbis
By Roberto Monsani, Acerbis
Located in Melbourne, VIC
Modular "Life" wall unit designed by Roberto Monsani for Acerbis, circa 1970. Featuring six upright
Pierre Chapo Wall Unit Model 'B17A' in Solid Elm
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, wall unit 'bibliothèque' model 'B17A', elm, France, 1975-1976 This is a wall-mounted
Elm
$20,000
H 98 in W 39 in D 12 in
Brazilian Modern Modular Shelving Unit n Hardwood, Ernesto Hauner, Brazil, 1960s
By Ernesto Hauner
Located in New York, NY
disciplined elegance and material sophistication that define Brazilian mid-century modern design. Crafted in
Brass
$12,700 / set
H 59.5 in W 148 in D 17 in
Danish Modern Modular 4 Bay Wall Unit by Lyby Mobler, c. 1960
By Lyby Mobler
Located in Deland, FL
storage space with interior shelves as well. This unit has finished backs to serve well as a room divider
Teak
Danish Modern Modular 2 Bay Wall Unit by Lyby Mobler, C. 1960s
By Lyby Mobler
Located in Deland, FL
storage space with interior shelves as well. This unit has finished backs to serve well as a room divider
Teak
$6,638 / item
H 88.59 in W 14.18 in D 14.18 in
Achille Castiglioni 'Lungangolo' Wood Shelving Unit by Karakter
By Achille Castiglioni
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Shelving unit designed by Achille Castiglioni in 1991. Castiglioni is said to ponder a lot on
Wood
$6,641 / item
H 88.59 in W 14.18 in D 14.18 in
Achille Castiglioni 'Lungangolo' Wood Shelving Unit by Karakter
By Achille Castiglioni
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Shelving unit designed by Achille Castiglioni in 1991. Castiglioni is said to ponder a lot on
Wood
Wall Unit ‘Module’ by Kho Liang Ie for Fristho
By Kho Liang Ie, Fristho
Located in Beerse, VAN
wall unit is made of beech and dark grey painted wood and consists of shelves, a storage compartment
Beech
$10,000
H 72.5 in W 54 in D 17 in
Broyhill Brasilia Model 6140-72/73 Room Divider Base & Deck Walnut Wall Unit
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
-Century twist. The arches house three shelves in total, making for a lot of easy storage space. It really
Walnut
1950s Johnson Carper Curved Walnut Desk Dresser Shelving Unit
By Kipp Stewart, Stewart MacDougall, Paul McCobb, Johnson Carper
Located in Bensalem, PA
This is a six piece set.Please look at pictures and videofor overall condition detail, and some measurements solid brass pulls. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
Brass
Lio Carminati for Casa e Giardino, Gio Ponti Style Shelving Unit
By Casa e Giardino, Lio Carminati, Gio Ponti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A masterfully designed three-section Italian Mid-Century shelving unit, a testament to the elegant
Wire
1960s Continental Oak Bar Unit with Shelving – Room Divider
Located in London, GB
mid-century European furniture. A rectangular top sits above an open framework with vertical supports
Oak
John Keal Wall Unit / Vitrine with Drawers for Brown Saltman
By John Keal
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This versatile Mid-Century Modern vitrine / wall unit designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman
Glass, Mahogany
Burl Wood Thick Glass Shelves 3 Bay Wall Unit
By Pace Collection, Milo Baughman
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mirror chrome polished stainless steel frame, burl wood cabinets, thick glass shelves Mid-Century
Stainless Steel, Chrome
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.
Of all the vintage storage cabinets and antique case pieces that have become popular in modern interiors over the years, dressers, credenzas and cabinets have long been home staples, perfect for routine storage or protection of personal items.
In the mid-19th century, cabinetmakers would mimic styles originating in the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI eras for their dressers, bookshelves and other structures, and, later, simpler, streamlined wood designs allowed these “case pieces” or “case goods” — any furnishing that is unupholstered and has some semblance of a storage component — to blend into the background of any interior.
Mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts will cite the tall modular wall units crafted in teak and other sought-after woods of the era by the likes of George Nelson, Poul Cadovius and Finn Juhl. For these highly customizable furnishings, designers of the day delivered an alternative to big, heavy bookcases by considering the use of space — and, in particular, walls — in new and innovative ways. Mid-century modern credenzas, which, long and low, evolved from tables that were built as early as the 14th century in Italy, typically have no legs or very short legs and have grown in popularity as an alluring storage option over time.
Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This furnishing was initially a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. The drawers served as perfect utensil storage. It wasn’t until the design made its way to North America that it became enlarged and equipped with enough space to hold clothing and cosmetics. The very history of case pieces is a testament to their versatility and well-earned place in any room.
In the spirit of positioning your case goods center stage, decluttering can now be design-minded.
A contemporary case piece with open shelving and painted wood details can prove functional as a storage unit as easily as it can a room divider. Alternatively, apothecary cabinets are charming case goods similar in size to early dressers or commodes but with uniquely sized shelving and (often numerous) drawers.
Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard that features colored glass and metal details, an antique Italian hand-carved storage cabinet or a glass-door vitrine to store and show off your collectibles, there are options for you on 1stDibs.