Tension Bookcase

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the tension bookcase you’re looking for. Frequently made of metal, wood and aluminum, every tension bookcase was constructed with great care. Find 3 options for an antique or vintage tension bookcase now, or shop our selection of 17 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. There are many kinds of the tension bookcase you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 20th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Each tension bookcase bearing mid-century modern, modern or Art Deco hallmarks is very popular. A well-made tension bookcase has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Cassina, Franco Albini and Charlotte Perriand are consistently popular.

Prices for a tension bookcase start at $1,085 and top out at $44,265 with the average selling for $12,607.

As long as curious people have collected stories, we have needed a place to stow them away and preserve them. When auction houses and book dealers proliferated by the late 17th century, the bibliophile was born. And, of course, as with any treasured objects, a book lover’s volumes were suddenly worthy of a luxurious display — enter the bookcase. Americans of means during the 19th century took to amassing art as well as rare books, and antique bookcases of the era, rife with hand-carved decorative accents and architectural motifs, were ideal for displaying their handsome leather-bound wares.

Although our favorite titles may change over the years, the functionality and beauty of their home within our home is timeless. Whether you proudly shelve your books in regal mahogany or behind glass cabinet doors, a bookcase — or perhaps more than one — is essential to creating a cozy nook for any book lover. Even those who don’t covet the perfect home library can benefit from an attractive display case, as bookcases can easily double as charming étagères. 

Contemporary and customizable options make it easier for you to find the perfect bookcase for your style and stacks. If you don’t wish to fill your storage piece so that your collection is snug within its confines, incorporate extra space to allow for additional displays and decorative objects. And by introducing a striking dark wood Art Deco bookcase or low-profile mid-century modern design by Paul McCobb into your living room, your signed first editions won’t be the only items making a statement. 

Find your dream bookcase on 1stDibs now.