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Open Wall Shelves

Chippendale Period Mahogany Hanging Wall Shelves
Chippendale Period Mahogany Hanging Wall Shelves

Chippendale Period Mahogany Hanging Wall Shelves

$7,577

H 52 in W 25.25 in D 10.5 in

Chippendale Period Mahogany Hanging Wall Shelves

By Thomas Chippendale

Located in Lymington, Hampshire

A fine set of 18th century open fret work hanging wall shelves. This set of wall shelves have been

Category

Antique 1790s English Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Arts and Crafts Oak Wall Hanging Bookshelf, Open Shelves, 1880
Arts and Crafts Oak Wall Hanging Bookshelf, Open Shelves, 1880

Arts and Crafts Oak Wall Hanging Bookshelf, Open Shelves, 1880

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Arts and Crafts Open Front Wall Hanging Bookshelf The unit has open shelves and a carved

Category

Antique 1880s Arts and Crafts Shelves

Materials

Oak

French Handcrafted White Cream Lacquered Open Bookcase in Solid Oak Wood
French Handcrafted White Cream Lacquered Open Bookcase in Solid Oak Wood

French Handcrafted White Cream Lacquered Open Bookcase in Solid Oak Wood

Located in Landivy, FR

full wall of bookcases. This unit has one fixed wooden shelf + 3 removable and adjustable shelves

Category

2010s French Neoclassical Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Oak, Wood

French Neoclassical–Style Blackened Iron Wall Shelf, Art Deco / Moderne Revival
French Neoclassical–Style Blackened Iron Wall Shelf, Art Deco / Moderne Revival

French Neoclassical–Style Blackened Iron Wall Shelf, Art Deco / Moderne Revival

By Maitland Smith

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

proportions allow the shelf to function equally as display furniture and sculptural wall décor. Three open

Category

Late 20th Century Neoclassical Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Metal

Open Front Wall Hanging Yew Bookshelf, Arts and Crafts Style, 1950
Open Front Wall Hanging Yew Bookshelf, Arts and Crafts Style, 1950

Open Front Wall Hanging Yew Bookshelf, Arts and Crafts Style, 1950

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Arts and Crafts Open Front Wall Hanging Yew Bookshelf This superb quality bookcase has 4 open

Category

Vintage 1950s Adam Style Shelves

Materials

Yew

Rural Travail Populaire Shelving Unit, France, 19th Century
Rural Travail Populaire Shelving Unit, France, 19th Century

Rural Travail Populaire Shelving Unit, France, 19th Century

Located in Antwerp, BE

imperfection, this open wall unit features multiple shelves for unique presentation. The aged materials and a

Category

Antique 19th Century French Rustic Cupboards

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Aldo Tura Parchment Covered Pedestal Bar Light Up Mirrored Interior
Mid-Century Aldo Tura Parchment Covered Pedestal Bar Light Up Mirrored Interior

Mid-Century Aldo Tura Parchment Covered Pedestal Bar Light Up Mirrored Interior

By Aldo Tura

Located in Troy, MI

tray. The interior has a light that comes on when the locking, hinged door is open with mirrored wall

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Brass

Recent Sales

Wooden Open Wall Shelf by Walter Wirz for Wilhelm Renz, Germany, 1960s
Wooden Open Wall Shelf by Walter Wirz for Wilhelm Renz, Germany, 1960s

Wooden Open Wall Shelf by Walter Wirz for Wilhelm Renz, Germany, 1960s

By Wilhelm Renz, Walter Wirz

Located in Munich, Bavaria

This elegant wooden wall-mounted shelf was designed by Walter Wirz and made by German premium

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Teak

Wooden Open Wall Shelf Designed by Walter Wirz for Wilhelm Renz, Germany, 1960s
Wooden Open Wall Shelf Designed by Walter Wirz for Wilhelm Renz, Germany, 1960s

Wooden Open Wall Shelf Designed by Walter Wirz for Wilhelm Renz, Germany, 1960s

By Walter Wirz, Wilhelm Renz

Located in Munich, Bavaria

This elegant wooden wall-mounted shelf was designed by Walter Wirz and made by German premium

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Teak

Wooden Open Wall Shelf Designed by Walter Wirz for Wilhelm Renz, Germany, 1960s
Wooden Open Wall Shelf Designed by Walter Wirz for Wilhelm Renz, Germany, 1960s

Wooden Open Wall Shelf Designed by Walter Wirz for Wilhelm Renz, Germany, 1960s

By Walter Wirz, Wilhelm Renz

Located in Munich, Bavaria

This elegant wooden wall-mounted shelf was designed by Walter Wirz and made by German premium

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Teak

Danish Modern Floating Display Shelves
Danish Modern Floating Display Shelves

Danish Modern Floating Display Shelves

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H 4.5 in W 33 in D 12 in

Danish Modern Floating Display Shelves

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Floating pair of Danish modern teak display shelves. This 1960s pair features an attractive top

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Lou Hodges Huge Wall Unit in Solid Natural Oak Modern California Design, 1970s
Lou Hodges Huge Wall Unit in Solid Natural Oak Modern California Design, 1970s

Lou Hodges Huge Wall Unit in Solid Natural Oak Modern California Design, 1970s

By Lou Hodges

Located in Chula Vista, CA

oakwood wall unit with open shelves and two cabinets. Doors feature contrasting geometric patterns to the

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Oak

Danish Modern Teak Floating Shelf
Danish Modern Teak Floating Shelf

Danish Modern Teak Floating Shelf

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H 22 in W 36.25 in D 11.25 in

Danish Modern Teak Floating Shelf

Located in Brooklyn, NY

sliding tambour door conceals the upper shelf, while a narrower open shelf is below. Teak. In excellent

Category

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Antique Gothic Oak and Cast Iron Open Wall Mount Shelf
Antique Gothic Oak and Cast Iron Open Wall Mount Shelf

Antique Gothic Oak and Cast Iron Open Wall Mount Shelf

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Antique, Gothic, open, wall mount shelf features decorative cast iron braces with oak shelves.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Gothic Shelves

Materials

Iron

Antique Knotty Pine Country Farm Rustic Wall Shelf/Open Cupboard
Antique Knotty Pine Country Farm Rustic Wall Shelf/Open Cupboard

Antique Knotty Pine Country Farm Rustic Wall Shelf/Open Cupboard

Located in Wilmington, DE

table can be used/ store against a wall as a hallway or room bench. Its size and functionality lends

Category

Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Pine

Pair of Large Open Back Bookcases Shelves Wall Units Room Dividers
Pair of Large Open Back Bookcases Shelves Wall Units Room Dividers

Pair of Large Open Back Bookcases Shelves Wall Units Room Dividers

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Pair of very nice high quality all solid wood craftsmanship free standing bookcases - room dividers.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Vintage Scandinavian Teak Bookcase by Ulferts, 1960s
Vintage Scandinavian Teak Bookcase by Ulferts, 1960s

Vintage Scandinavian Teak Bookcase by Ulferts, 1960s

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H 68.51 in W 39.38 in D 20.08 in

Vintage Scandinavian Teak Bookcase by Ulferts, 1960s

By Ulferts Swedish

Located in Asaa, DK

Vintage Scandinavian teak bookcase by Ulferts, 1960s Mid-Century Modern wall unit with open

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Vintage Scandinavian Teak Bookcase by Ulferts, 1960s
Vintage Scandinavian Teak Bookcase by Ulferts, 1960s

Vintage Scandinavian Teak Bookcase by Ulferts, 1960s

Sold

H 68.51 in W 39.38 in D 20.08 in

Vintage Scandinavian Teak Bookcase by Ulferts, 1960s

By Ulferts Swedish

Located in Asaa, DK

Vintage Scandinavian teak bookcase by Ulferts, 1960s Mid-Century Modern wall unit with open

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Vintage Scandinavian Teak Bookcase by Ulferts, 1960s
Vintage Scandinavian Teak Bookcase by Ulferts, 1960s

Vintage Scandinavian Teak Bookcase by Ulferts, 1960s

Sold

H 68.51 in W 39.38 in D 20.08 in

Vintage Scandinavian Teak Bookcase by Ulferts, 1960s

By Ulferts Swedish

Located in Asaa, DK

Vintage Scandinavian teak bookcase by Ulferts, 1960s Mid-Century Modern wall unit with open

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Teak

English 19th Oak Wall Plate Rack with Carved Cornice and Three Open Shelves
English 19th Oak Wall Plate Rack with Carved Cornice and Three Open Shelves

English 19th Oak Wall Plate Rack with Carved Cornice and Three Open Shelves

Located in Atlanta, GA

open shelves, this English oak wall plate rack from the 19th century will make for a great addition to

Category

Antique 19th Century English Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Oak

19th Century Country French Etagere "Open Shelf Unit"
19th Century Country French Etagere "Open Shelf Unit"

19th Century Country French Etagere "Open Shelf Unit"

Located in Dallas, TX

With carved aprons that depict buntings draped from a balcony, this antique country French etagere Shelf Unit is perfect for displaying your prized possessions! circa 1880s Measure...

Category

Antique 1880s French Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Vintage Louis XIV Open Bookshelf ~ Wall Unit
Vintage Louis XIV Open Bookshelf ~ Wall Unit

Vintage Louis XIV Open Bookshelf ~ Wall Unit

Located in Dallas, TX

Vintage Louis XIV Open Bookshelf ~ Wall Unit is the perfect choice for high-traffic areas, being as

Category

Mid-20th Century French Louis XIV Shelves

Materials

Oak

Late 20th Century Vintage Regency Mastercraft Burnished Brass Glass Etagere-Pair
Late 20th Century Vintage Regency Mastercraft Burnished Brass Glass Etagere-Pair

Late 20th Century Vintage Regency Mastercraft Burnished Brass Glass Etagere-Pair

By Mastercraft

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

back. Burnished brass frame. Open glass walls and shelves and smoked mirror back panel. Acquired from a

Category

Late 20th Century American Regency Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Carved 19th Century Chinese Open Wall Shelves
Carved 19th Century Chinese Open Wall Shelves

Carved 19th Century Chinese Open Wall Shelves

Located in Darwen, GB

Carved 19th century Chinese open wall shelves. The finely carved gallery above two shaped shelves

Category

Antique 1880s Shelves

Antique Set of Open Back Wall Shelves
Antique Set of Open Back Wall Shelves

Antique Set of Open Back Wall Shelves

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H 29 in W 52 in D 11 in

Antique Set of Open Back Wall Shelves

Located in Culver City, CA

A classic set of English country shelves formed in pine, circa 1870's or earlier. Constructed in a

Category

Antique 19th Century English Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Pine

Gio Ponti open bookcase
Gio Ponti open bookcase

Gio Ponti open bookcase

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H 39.77 in W 35.44 in D 8.67 in

Gio Ponti open bookcase

Located in London, GB

Fruitwood and lacquer open bookcase. from the Ponti residence in via Dezza.

Category

20th Century Italian Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Wooden Open Wall Shelf, Designed by Walter Wirz for Wilhelm Renz, Germany
Wooden Open Wall Shelf, Designed by Walter Wirz for Wilhelm Renz, Germany

Wooden Open Wall Shelf, Designed by Walter Wirz for Wilhelm Renz, Germany

By Wilhelm Renz, Walter Wirz

Located in Munich, Bavaria

This elegant wooden wall-mounted shelf was designed by Walter Wirz and made by German premium

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Teak

Wooden Open Wall Shelf, Designed by Walter Wirz for Wilhelm Renz, Germany
Wooden Open Wall Shelf, Designed by Walter Wirz for Wilhelm Renz, Germany

Wooden Open Wall Shelf, Designed by Walter Wirz for Wilhelm Renz, Germany

By Wilhelm Renz, Walter Wirz

Located in Munich, Bavaria

This elegant wooden wall-mounted shelf was designed by Walter Wirz and made by German premium

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Teak

Wooden Open Wall Shelf Designed by Walter Wirz for Wilhelm Renz, Germany, 1960s
Wooden Open Wall Shelf Designed by Walter Wirz for Wilhelm Renz, Germany, 1960s

Wooden Open Wall Shelf Designed by Walter Wirz for Wilhelm Renz, Germany, 1960s

By Wilhelm Renz, Walter Wirz

Located in Munich, Bavaria

This elegant wooden wall-mounted shelf was designed by Walter Wirz and made by German premium

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Teak

Wooden Open Wall Shelf Designed by Walter Wirz for Wilhelm Renz, Germany, 1960s
Wooden Open Wall Shelf Designed by Walter Wirz for Wilhelm Renz, Germany, 1960s

Wooden Open Wall Shelf Designed by Walter Wirz for Wilhelm Renz, Germany, 1960s

By Wilhelm Renz, Walter Wirz

Located in Munich, Bavaria

This elegant wooden wall-mounted shelf was designed by Walter Wirz and made by German premium

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Teak

Wooden Open Wall Shelf Designed by Walter Wirz for Wilhelm Renz, Germany, 1960s
Wooden Open Wall Shelf Designed by Walter Wirz for Wilhelm Renz, Germany, 1960s

Wooden Open Wall Shelf Designed by Walter Wirz for Wilhelm Renz, Germany, 1960s

By Wilhelm Renz, Walter Wirz

Located in Munich, Bavaria

This elegant wooden wall-mounted shelf was designed by Walter Wirz and made by German premium

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Teak

Wooden Open Wall Shelf Designed by Walter Wirz for Wilhelm Renz, Germany, 1960s
Wooden Open Wall Shelf Designed by Walter Wirz for Wilhelm Renz, Germany, 1960s

Wooden Open Wall Shelf Designed by Walter Wirz for Wilhelm Renz, Germany, 1960s

By Wilhelm Renz, Walter Wirz

Located in Munich, Bavaria

This elegant wooden wall-mounted shelf was designed by Walter Wirz and made by German premium

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Teak

Vintage Lucite Wall Rack or Open Showcase
Vintage Lucite Wall Rack or Open Showcase

Vintage Lucite Wall Rack or Open Showcase

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H 23.82 in W 17.72 in D 5.32 in

Vintage Lucite Wall Rack or Open Showcase

Located in Retie, BE

Lucite wall rack or open showcase made of lucite with brass details. This presentation rack from

Category

Late 20th Century European Modern Shelves

Materials

Brass

Wilhelm Renz Wooden Open Wall Shelf, Germany, 1960s
Wilhelm Renz Wooden Open Wall Shelf, Germany, 1960s

Wilhelm Renz Wooden Open Wall Shelf, Germany, 1960s

Sold

H 10.44 in W 78.75 in D 7.49 in

Wilhelm Renz Wooden Open Wall Shelf, Germany, 1960s

By Wilhelm Renz

Located in Maastricht, NL

A wooden wall-mounted shelf by Walter Wirz for Wilhelm Renz. Ideal for glasses, ceramics or other

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Wood

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George III Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase
George III Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase

George III Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase

$28,000

H 95 in W 104 in D 16 in

George III Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase

Located in Essex, MA

Nicely proportioned with broken arch carved pediment terminating with flower heads over a fluted frieze over a pair of doors flanked by a pair of doors all with honeycomb mullions en...

Category

Antique 1770s English George III Bookcases

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Mahogany

English Chippendale Mahogany Hanging Wall Shelf with Orig. Brasses, circa 1780
English Chippendale Mahogany Hanging Wall Shelf with Orig. Brasses, circa 1780

English Chippendale Mahogany Hanging Wall Shelf with Orig. Brasses, circa 1780

Located in Charleston, SC

English Chippendale mahogany three tiered hanging wall shelf with flanking decorative carved fret work, two lower sliding drawers, interior locks and retains the original decorative ...

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Antique 1780s English Chippendale Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Brass

19th Century Dutch Renaissance Open Bookcase
19th Century Dutch Renaissance Open Bookcase

19th Century Dutch Renaissance Open Bookcase

$5,980

H 90 in W 71.5 in D 20 in

19th Century Dutch Renaissance Open Bookcase

Located in Dallas, TX

19th Century Dutch Renaissance Open Bookcase was designed to impress on a variety of levels! First, only the affluent could afford an education sufficient to warrant the ownership o...

Category

Antique 1870s Dutch Renaissance Revival Bookcases

Materials

Oak

Geo III Mahogany 2 Drawer Wall Shelf, C1785
Geo III Mahogany 2 Drawer Wall Shelf, C1785

Geo III Mahogany 2 Drawer Wall Shelf, C1785

$4,500

H 39.25 in W 24.75 in D 8 in

Geo III Mahogany 2 Drawer Wall Shelf, C1785

Located in valatie, NY

Geo III mahogany 2 drawer wall shelf, C1785. The shelf has 4 equally spaced tiers, 2 drawers with original brass pulls and inset locks. The sides beautifully fret carved. Trent Ant...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English George III Shelves

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century French Louis Philippe Style Open Bookcase
19th Century French Louis Philippe Style Open Bookcase

19th Century French Louis Philippe Style Open Bookcase

Located in Dallas, TX

19th Century French Louis Philippe Style Open Bookcase is the perfect answer for the efficient floor plan! Sporting three adjustable shelves and a sturdy floor to make four surfaces...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis Philippe Bookcases

Materials

Sycamore, Pine

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Open Wall Shelves For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of open wall shelves available on 1stDibs. Each of these unique open wall shelves was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, hardwood and teak. Open wall shelves have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. Open wall shelves are generally popular furniture pieces, but Mid-Century Modern, Louis XVI and Modern styles are often sought at 1stDibs. There have been many well-made open wall shelves over the years, but those made by Wilhelm Renz and Walter Wirz are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are Open Wall Shelves?

Prices for open wall shelves can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, open wall shelves begin at $495 and can go as high as $16,100, while the average can fetch as much as $1,176.

Finding the Right Case Pieces And Storage Cabinets for You

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.

Questions About Open Wall Shelves
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    Typically, the best way to hang wall shelves on a wall is through the studs. The studs are the strong vertical beams that form the frames of walls. You can locate them using a tool called a stud finder. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of wall shelves.

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