modular wall shelving Scandinavian mid-century modern design C. 1970
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, AR
Floating modular shelving in Mid-Century Modern style made from petiribí wood, with two wooden uprights that incorporate hidden metal rails that allow the shelf height to be changed ...
Wood
Italian Mid-Century Modern Modular Shelf System, Italy, 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
At the core of the design of this shelving system is Modernism that brought waves of innovative solutions, materials, and creativity to Italy. At first, most Italian designers found ...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Modular Shelf Unit, Olli Mannermaa, Finland 1950s
By Olli Mannermaa
Located in Helsinki, FI
An elegant and highly functional modular "Tehora" wall shelving system designed by Olli Mannermaa, Finland, in the 1950s. The unit combines three slender black lacquered metal uprig...
Metal
1960s String Style Modular Bookshelf, Black Enameled Wire, Plywood Shelves
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modular shelving system embodies the functional minimalism of 1960s Scandinavian design. Black enameled wire frame supports six plywood shelves arranged vertically, with diagonal X-b...
Enamel, Wire
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 contains one cabinet with drawers and 7 shelves This piece is completely adjustable, and...
Teak
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 condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful pati...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Multi-Colored 5600 Modular Wall Unit by Cordemeyer for Gispen
By Gispen Culemborg, André R. Cordemeyer
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Mid-Century Modern 5600 modular wall unit. Design by Andre R.
Metal
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...
Brass, Iron
1960s McCobb Modular Walnut Sculptural Bookcase Etagere Shelves Display Cabinet
By Paul McCobb
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, versatile, bookcase, etagere display shelves with drawers you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. T...
Brass
Vintage wood and Metal Multistrux Iron Modular Shelving Unit or Library Shelves
By Multistrux
Located in Markington, GB
Set includes: 4 metal ladders 6x wooden slat Dimensions: Height: 59 cm Width: 149 cm Depth: 17 cm A stylish and practical example of European mid-century modular design, ideal for...
Metal
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 1960.
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 oak with the sleek precision of aluminum, creating a striking balance of materials. M...
Aluminum
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 wooden uprights with ant legs. Multiple teak wooden shelves with brass hang system...
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 Belgium. These versatile shelving units are designed to adapt to any space, providing...
Teak
Enzo Mari Dima Modular Wall Shelving System
By Simon Furniture, Enzo Mari
Located in Chicago, IL
Enzo Mari Dima Modular Wall Shelving System for Simon International Dima Italy, circa 1970 Enameled steel, shelves adjustable with solid plastic holders. Each individule shelve: 36 ...
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 from teak and consists of wall-mounted metal rails, adjustable 6 open shelves, and...
Metal
Modular Wall Unit "Aggregabili" by Anonima Design for Bonetto, Italy, 1969
By Rodolfo Bonetto
Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest
Exceptional and highly important modular wall unit from the celebrated "Aggregabili" series, designed by the Turin-based collective Anonima Design and produced by Bonetto, Italy, in ...
Wood
Elio Monesi Modular Wall Unit and Credenza, Italy, 1950s
By Elio Monesi
Located in Berlin, DE
Unique wall unit with matching credenza designed by Elio Monesi (1927–1994), created for his private home in Milan. The system is composed of two rosewood wall panels and three wenge...
Rosewood, Wenge
Space Age Modular Wall or Ceiling Panels, 1970s, Set of 4
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
Striking 1970s Space Age-style panels originally used as decorative ceiling elements in a Danish design store, complete with integrated lighting. These modular pieces are highly vers...
Plastic
$4,662Sale Price|50% Off
Modular Wall Mounted Storage System by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset
By Michel Ducaroy
Located in Rochester, England
The Modular Wall Mounted Storage System by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset is a versatile and modern storage solution. Designed by the renowned Michel Ducaroy, this system offers flex...
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 in Italy, a streamlined bookcase that is meant to be affixed to the wall. The const...
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 of six gold aluminum uprights forming five bays/sections with the five original, re...
Metal, Aluminum, 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 sculptural design piece possibility of placing it in several positions orginial fery go...
Porcelain
Rosewood HG Systemi Three-Bay Modular Wall Unit, Denmark 1960s by Rud Thygesen
By Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen, Hansen & Guldborg Møbler
Located in Trenton, NJ
Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sørensen’s HG Systemi for Hansen & Guldborg places itself confidently in the distinguished tradition of Danish modular wall systems — alongside the work o...
Wood
Olof Pira Modular Teak Shelving System, Sweden, 1950s
By String Design AB, Olof Pira
Located in Rødekro, DK
An iconic Scandinavian storage solution that combines functionality, modularity, and timeless mid-century design.
Stainless Steel
Danish Modular Wall System by Poul Cadovius, 1960s
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Beerse, VAN
Danish modular wall system, designed by Poul Cadovius in the 1950s. It’s made of teak wood and designed to be mounted directly to the wall. Such systems became popular in the 1950s...
Teak
Tomado modular shelving system Teak 1950s Holland
By Tomado, Adriaan Dekker
Located in Den Haag, NL
Tomado wall shelf from the 50s, it is made up of 2 black metal uprights dyed in the mass and stamped + 3 teak wood shelves with fixings included. The whole is in very good condition ...
Teak
“MF 710” Modular Bookshelf in Hardwood & Metal, Geraldo de Barros, Brazil, 1956
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 1955 by Geraldo de Barros for Unilabor, the MF 710 bookshelf stands as one of the most refined expressions of Brazilian post-war modernism, where industrial rigor meets h...
Brass, Iron
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 collection "Vitra", 1960s brushed steel Chrome, White lacquered wood. It has...
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 solution defined by its vertical supports and horizontal surfaces. Designed with a modul...
Wood
$1,305 / item
Pin Modular Shelf System Red 90 cm by Hermhaus
By hermhaus
Located in istanbul, TR
The Pin Modular Shelf System Red 90 cm by Hermhaus combines style, functionality, and flexibility in a contemporary shelving solution. Featuring vertical supports and horizontal surf...
Wood
$1,378 / item
Pin Modular Shelf System Red 120 cm by Hermhaus
By hermhaus
Located in istanbul, TR
The Pin Modular Shelf System Red 120 cm by Hermhaus offers a bold and contemporary storage solution defined by its vertical supports and horizontal surfaces. Designed with a modular ...
Wood
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 ...
Glass, Elm
$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 solution defined by its vertical supports and horizontal surfaces. Designed with a modular...
Wood
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...
Plastic
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, designed by George Nelson in 1952 and manufactured by Herman Miller, America. The shelvi...
Metal, Aluminum
LINE Bookcase by Hermhaus – Minimalist Modular Bookcase with Large Storage
By hermhaus
Located in istanbul, TR
The LINE Bookcase by Hermhaus combines minimalist design with generous storage capacity, offering an elegant and contemporary solution for organizing books and decorative objects. De...
Wood
Teak Modular Wall Unit, Rival, Brodrene Jatogs Mobelfabrik, Norway, 1960s
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This smartly designed teak modular wall was unit produced in Norway around 1960s by Brodrene Jatogs Mobelfabrik, most probably designed by Kjell Riise (still has original label in on...
Teak
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 design by H.G Møbler Design year: 1960s Dimensions: : 30--- 22 D x 179 W x 220 H c...
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 design by H.G Møbler Design year: 1960s Dimensions: : 41 D x 270 W x 220 H cm It i...
Oak
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
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 Overall height: 183cm Overall width: 167cm Depth of the shelves 31cm Size of the three...
Steel
Danish Teak 3-Bay Cado Modular Shelving System Poul Cadovius Bookshelf Desk 1960
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
A lovely 1960s three-bay Danish teak CADO shelving system designed by Paul Cadovius consisting of 11 shelves, four uprights, plus 22 brackets. These designer shelves are fully modula...
Teak
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 represents an esteemed end-of-career highlight for the highly influential French d...
Elm
Vittorio Introini for Proposals Pair of Modular Wall Bookcase in Metal
By Alberto Rosselli Saporiti, Vittorio Introini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vittorio Introini for Proposals, storage wall system, model 'P700', chrome-plated steel, stainless steel, smoked glass, Italy, 1969 An impressive open bookcase, both visually and st...
Steel, Stainless Steel, Chrome
Poul Cadovius "CADO" 3-bay Rosewood Modular Shelf System Wall Unit Denmark 1960
By Cado, Poul Cadovius
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning "CADO" 3-bay Rosewood Modular Shelf System Wall Unit designed by Poul Cadovius ,made in Denmark consisting of 4 modular cabinets and 10 adjustable shelves which can be arran...
Rosewood
Galerie L'Orme Modular Room Divider or Wall Unit in Solid Elm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Galerie l'Orme, modular wall unit or room divider, solid elm, leather, France, 1970s Grand modular wall unit or room divider manufactured by Galerie l'Orme in Paris. Executed in sol...
Elm
Vintage Teak Modular Wall Shelf by Olof Pira for String, 1950s, Set of 11
By String Design AB, Olof Pira
Located in Rødekro, DK
An iconic Scandinavian storage solution that combines functionality, modularity, and timeless mid-century design.
Metal
$541Sale Price|20% Off
1950's Extra Large String Wall Desk System – Classic Scandinavian Modular Design
By Nils Nisse Strinning
Located in Markington, GB
An extra large wall-mounted desk from the iconic String Furniture system, originally designed in 1949 by Nils Strinning. Since its introduction, the String system has evolved from a...
Metal
Vittorio Introini for Proposals Set of Five Modular Wall Bookcase in Metal
By Vittorio Introini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vittorio Introini for Proposals, storage wall system, model 'P700', chrome-plated steel, stainless steel, smoked glass, Italy, 1969 An impressive open bookcase, both visually and st...
Steel, Stainless Steel, Chrome
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 design by F.H Møbler Design year: 1960s Dimensions: : 25 D x 174 W x 220 H cm ...
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 design by F.H Møbler Design year: 1960s Dimensions: : 46--25 D x 174 W x 220 H ...
Teak
Modular Shelving Unit by Jorge Zalszupin for l'Atelier, Brazil, 1960's
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Modular shelving rounded corner unit designed by Jorge Zalszupin in the 1950s, made from Brazilian Rosewood, also known as Jacaranda. The wood displays rich, natural patterns with da...
Wood
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 design by F.H Møbler Design year: 1960s Dimensions: : 48 D x 260 W x 190 H cm ...
Glass, Teak
High modular Wall Unit with Dry Bar in Wood, Metal and Brass, Italy, 1960's
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Rare 1950s–60s Italian modular wall system in wood with black lacquered steel uprights and refined brass detailing, featuring an integrated drop-front cabinet. This elegant wall-mou...
Metal, 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.
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.