Italian Mid-Century Modern Modular Shelf System, Italy, 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
balance modern creativity and classical elegance, but as this model shows, they found a way to overcome
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Modular Shelf Unit, Olli Mannermaa, Finland 1950s
By Olli Mannermaa
Located in Helsinki, FI
modular and easily assembled or disassembled, allowing the shelves to be positioned according to need. The
Metal
1960s String Style Modular Bookshelf, Black Enameled Wire, Plywood Shelves
Located in Los Angeles, CA
modular systems revolutionized Mid-Century storage solutions with their flexible, space-efficient design
Enamel, Wire
Poul Cadovius Mid- Century Modern Modular Teak Wall Unit Shelving for Cado, 1960
By Cado, Poul Cadovius
Located in The Hague, NL
Danish modern teak wall unit designed by Poul Cadovius, Denmark, circa 1960s. This piece is
Teak
Poul Cadovius Mid- Century Modern Modular Teak Wall Unit Shelving for Cado, 1960
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in The Hague, NL
Danish modern teak wall unit designed by Poul Cadovius, Denmark, circa 1960s. This piece is
Metal
$1,100 / set
Mid Century Faux Bamboo Modular Etageres
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Pair of fun, chic faux bamboo etageres. plated in contrasting brass tone. Modular pieces so you can
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern French Modular System Shelve, Wood and Metal
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-Century Modern French shelve. By unknown manufacturer from France, circa 1950. In original
Metal
Brutalist Rustic Mid-Century Modern Freestanding Modular Wall Unit, 1980s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Decorative and rare Brutalist Rustic Mid-Century Modern freestanding modular wall unit. Striking
Wrought Iron
Mid-Century Modern Multi-Colored 5600 Modular Wall Unit by Cordemeyer for Gispen
By André R. Cordemeyer, Gispen Culemborg
Located in Amsterdam, NL
and shelves. Comes with the original Gispen keys! This wonderful Mid-Century Modern 5600 modular wall
Metal
Franco Albini Rosewood Mid-Century Modern “LB7” Modular Bookcase for Poggi, 1957
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Vicenza, IT
LB7 bookcase, designed by Franco Albini and manufactured by Poggi in 1957. Modular bookstore
Brass, Iron
1960s McCobb Modular Walnut Sculptural Bookcase Etagere Shelves Display Cabinet
By Paul McCobb
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
! The modular distinctive craftsmanship frame that give this piece a delightful mid century design
Brass
Mid Century Omni Wood Modular Wall Unit Shelving & Bookcase by George Nelson
By George Nelson
Located in Detroit, MI
This vintage mid century modern Omni wall unit shelving system designed by George Nelson is circa
Metal, Aluminum
Mid-Century Style Modular Floating Wall Shelf in Aluminum & Wood.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This wall-mounted, floating shelf in the style of French modern designers combines the warmth of
Aluminum
Mid Century Danish HG Teak Wood Modular Wall Unit Shelving & Bookcase
By Hansen & Guldborg Møbler
Located in Detroit, MI
This vintage mid century Danish modern Hansen & Guldborg modular teak wood wall unit shelving
Metal
Mid-Century Set of Modular Wooden Cubes by Derk Jan de Vries, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Set of Modular Wooden Cubes by Derk Jan de Vries, 1960s
Wood
1950s French Industrial Modular Shelving System
By Pierre-Paul Prud’hon
Located in London, Lambeth
Industrial modular shelving with 20 adjustable shelves in a amazing color mounting on a black frame.
Steel
Modern Modular Teak Wall Unit by Louis van Teeffelen for Webe
By Louis Van Teeffelen
Located in Antwerp, BE
Modern modular teak wall unit designed by Louis van Teeffelen for Webe, circa 1960. Black lacquered
Teak
Midcentury Modular Bookshelf, Teak, Sliding Glass Doors, 1960s
By RS Associates Montreal
Located in Montréal, CA
approach to mid-century design, focused on flexibility and everyday functionality. The set includes two
Teak
Vintage Modular Shelving Units By Van Pelt
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Exquisite MCM Modular Shelving Units by Van Pelt, crafted with meticulous attention to detail in
Teak
Enzo Mari Dima Modular Wall Shelving System
By Enzo Mari, Simon Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Enzo Mari Dima Modular Wall Shelving System for Simon International Dima Italy, circa 1970 Enameled
Steel
Kai Kristiansen Teak Wall Unit / Modular Shelving System, Denmark, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in BERKEL EN RODENRIJS, NL
Danish mid-century wall unit designed by Kai Kristiansen and made in the 1960s. The unit is crafted
Metal
Elio Monesi Modular Wall Unit and Credenza, Italy, 1950s
By Elio Monesi
Located in Berlin, DE
support adjustable shelves and cabinet elements. Each shelf and cabinet measures 140 cm wide and 35 cm
Rosewood, Wenge
Space Age Modular Wall or Ceiling Panels, 1970s, Set of 4
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
design store, complete with integrated lighting. These modular pieces are highly versatile — perfect as
Plastic
$4,628Sale Price|50% Off
Modular Wall Mounted Storage System by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset
By Michel Ducaroy
Located in Basildon, London
The Modular Wall Mounted Storage System by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset is a versatile and modern
Metal
Italian Modular Shelving Wall Unit with Cabinets in Walnut Stainless Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Modular shelving wall unit, walnut, stainless steel, smoked glass, Italy, 1970s Designed and made
Stainless Steel
20th century white and blue design modular porcelain wall shelf 1970 design
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Modular porcelain shelf White and blue 2àth century design porcleain wall shelf Original
Porcelain
Olof Pira Modular Teak Shelving System, Sweden, 1950s
By String Design AB, Olof Pira
Located in Rødekro, DK
iconic Scandinavian storage solution that combines functionality, modularity, and timeless mid-century
Stainless Steel
Osvaldo Borsani Modular Rosewood Bookcase Wall Unit with Removable Panels
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large modular rosewood bookcase/wall unit by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno (ca. 1960, Italy). Composed
Metal, Aluminum, Steel
Tomado modular shelving system Teak 1950s Holland
By Tomado, Adriaan Dekker
Located in Den Haag, NL
stamped + 3 teak wood shelves with fixings included. The whole is in very good condition and each of the
Teak
“MF 710” Modular Bookshelf in Hardwood & Metal, Geraldo de Barros, Brazil, 1956
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in New York, NY
—the MF series reflects De Barros’s belief that modern furniture should be rational, adaptable, and
Brass, Iron
Galerie L'Orme Modular Wall Unit in Solid Elm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
joy to every bibliomaniac with a keen eye for French Mid-Century design. Please note that this item
Elm
Rare Free Standing Modular George Nelson Wall Unit Bookcase, Herman Miller Inter
Located in Gaggenau, DE
Rare midcentury Free standing Modular George Nelson Wall Unit Bookcase, Herman Miller International
Wood
$1,523 / item
Pin Modular Shelf System Wooden 120 cm by Hermhaus
By hermhaus
Located in istanbul, TR
The Pin Modular Shelf System Wooden 120 cm by Hermhaus offers a refined and versatile storage
Wood
$1,305 / item
Pin Modular Shelf System Red 90 cm by Hermhaus
By hermhaus
Located in istanbul, TR
lacquered MDF, the shelves feature a striking red finish that adds a vibrant, modern accent to your space
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
Space-Age Red Plastic Cube Modular Shelving Record Storage
Located in Lake Worth, FL
. These can be configured any way you like, they are not connected. The mid-century modern design and
Plastic
$1,378 / item
Pin Modular Shelf System Red 120 cm by Hermhaus
By hermhaus
Located in istanbul, TR
balanced and modern aesthetic. Produced in lacquered MDF, the shelves combine durability with refined
Wood
$1,523 / item
Pin Modular Shelf System Wooden 90 cm by Hermhaus
By hermhaus
Located in istanbul, TR
The Pin Modular Shelf System Wooden 90 cm by Hermhaus offers a refined and flexible storage
Wood
Midcentury George Nelson Omni Herman Miller Modular Shelving System Walnut 1950s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
This is a rare American ‘Omni’ modular freestanding shelving system in walnut and aluminium
Metal, Aluminum
Umbo Modular Shelving Unit by Kay LeRoy Ruggles for Directional
By Directional, Kay Leroy Ruggles
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. USA. Modular shelving unit with gorgeous sun fading.
Plastic
LINE Bookcase by Hermhaus – Minimalist Modular Bookcase with Large Storage
By hermhaus
Located in istanbul, TR
clean lines and modern structure, the bookcase balances functionality with refined aesthetics. Designed
Wood
$2,784Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Teak Modular Wall System by Tomado for Musterring, 1960s.
By Musterring International, Tomado
Located in Eindhoven, Noord Brabant
Musterring International. It features 4 teak cabinets, 3 teak shelves. and 8 metal racks. The system was
Iron
Umbo Modular Shelving Unit by Kay LeRoy Ruggles for Directional
By Kay Leroy Ruggles, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. USA. Modular shelving unit with gorgeous sun fading.
Plastic
Danish Teak 3-Bay Cado Modular Shelving System Poul Cadovius Bookshelf Desk 1960
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
11 shelves, four uprights, plus 22 brackets. These designer shelves are fully modular, allowing a
Teak
Modular Shelving System ‘Pira’ by Olaf Pira for String Design, Sweden, 1960s
By String Design AB, Olof Pira
Located in Stockholm, Stockholms län
Vintage modular shelving system designed by Olof Pira and manufactured by String Design AB in
Steel
Modular Oak shelving system by Hansen & Guldborg Mobler, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Gaggenau, DE
Danish modern modular Oak shelving system by Hansen & Guldborg Mobler, Denmark, 1960s Danish
Oak
Modular Oak shelving system by Hansen & Guldborg Mobler, Denmark, 1960s
By H.G. Møbler 1
Located in Gaggenau, DE
Danish modern modular Oak shelving system by Hansen & Guldborg Mobler, Denmark, 1960s Danish
Oak
Teak Modular Wall Unit, Rival, Brodrene Jatogs Mobelfabrik, Norway, 1960s
Located in Wrocław, Poland
spaces. Bring home the Mid Century Modern spirit and enjoy fantastic craftsmanship and smart design of
Teak
Avalon Modular Teak & Metal Multi Piece Shelving & Cabinet Storage Wall Units
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Avalon Modular Teak & Metal Multi Piece Mid Century Modern Bookcase Wall Unit SECTIONS 1 and 2
Steel
Pierre Chapo "GO" Modular Shelving Unit in Solid Elm, 1983
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A masterpiece of adaptability and design, this Pierre Chapo "GO" Modular Shelving Unit in solid elm
Elm
Poul Cadovius "CADO" 3-bay Rosewood Modular Shelf System Wall Unit Denmark 1960
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in Buffalo, NY
Denmark consisting of 4 modular cabinets and 10 adjustable shelves which can be arranged to user's
Rosewood
Modular Wall Unit by Michel Ducaroy, Lacquered Wood and Steel, France, 1970s
By Michel Ducaroy
Located in Brussels, BE
Modular Wall Unit by Michel Ducaroy, Lacquered Wood and Steel, France, 1970s
Metal
Galerie L'Orme Modular Room Divider or 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
$539Sale Price|20% Off
1950's Extra Large String Wall Desk System – Classic Scandinavian Modular Design
By Nils Nisse Strinning
Located in Markington, GB
Width: 60 cm (23.6 in) – Shelves A timeless and highly collectible piece of Scandinavian modular design
Metal
Michel Ducaroy Modular Wall Unit in Black Lacquered Wood and Steel
By Michel Ducaroy
Located in Waalwijk, NL
five closed cabinets and multiple shelves to find. The black lacquered wood is combined with the steel
Steel
Modular Teak shelving system by Kai kristansen for FH Möbel , Denmark, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Gaggenau, DE
Danish modern modular Teak shelving system by Kai kristansen for FH Möbel , Denmark, 1960 Danish
Teak
Modular Teak shelving system by Kai kristansen for FH Möbel , Denmark, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Gaggenau, DE
Danish modern modular Teak shelving system by Kai kristansen for FH Möbel , Denmark, 1960 Danish
Teak
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.
From valuable historical memorabilia to rare architectural models to priceless family photos, there’s no shortage of collectibles and curiosities worthy of adorning your home. Why not take the time to find the ideal antique, new or vintage shelves for your treasured trinkets?
For every space and object, there’s sure to be a wall-mounted or sturdy floor solution that matches your shelving needs on 1stDibs. And while shelves should technically stick out from your wall, they shouldn’t from the rest of your decor.
Because you can find shelves made with a wide variety of materials today, everything from teak to brass, your shelving can seamlessly support your existing color scheme and design style. An arrangement of shelves from floor to ceiling can turn your wall into a proud storage space for displaying artwork, decorative objects and books. Options abound with regard to shelving for the latter, as furniture designers know that literature creates an inviting atmosphere in any room, and one of the simplest ways to integrate books into an interior design is with the right shelves or bookcase.
Elegant shelving is a must for a happy home office or library, but a sharp shelving system can freshen up virtually any room in your home. Proudly display your vintage dinner plates and other tableware with open shelving in the kitchen or tuck away linens in big baskets on shelves in your bathroom if you’re navigating life without a proper linen closet.
On 1stDibs, find a wide range of shelves that includes everything from mid-century modern floating shelves to decorative Chinese shelves dating from the 18th century to contemporary statement-making structures that are as provocative as they are convenient.