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Tension Shelves

Vintage ‘Omni System’ Tension Pole Unit by George Nelson
Vintage ‘Omni System’ Tension Pole Unit by George Nelson

Vintage ‘Omni System’ Tension Pole Unit by George Nelson

By George Nelson

Located in Raleigh, NC

Mid-century tension single bay wall unit. The ‘Omni System’ unit was designed by George Nelson

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Tension Pole Free Standing Emerald Gold Aluminum Omni Wall Unit by George Nelson
Tension Pole Free Standing Emerald Gold Aluminum Omni Wall Unit by George Nelson

Tension Pole Free Standing Emerald Gold Aluminum Omni Wall Unit by George Nelson

By George Nelson, Omnibus Design

Located in Chattanooga, TN

elegant tension rather than permanent fixtures. Paired with rich teak shelves, the unit blends airy

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Aluminum, Metal

Tension Pole Free Standing Rose Gold Aluminum Omni Wall Unit by George Nelson
Tension Pole Free Standing Rose Gold Aluminum Omni Wall Unit by George Nelson

Tension Pole Free Standing Rose Gold Aluminum Omni Wall Unit by George Nelson

By George Nelson, Omnibus Design

Located in Chattanooga, TN

refined utility. Four spring-loaded tension poles, finished in rare rose-gold, extend from floor to

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Midcentury George Nelson Omni Herman Miller Modular Shelving System Walnut 1950s
Midcentury George Nelson Omni Herman Miller Modular Shelving System Walnut 1950s

Midcentury George Nelson Omni Herman Miller Modular Shelving System Walnut 1950s

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

Located in Sherborne, Dorset

comprises of three tension poles, five adjustable shelves, a lectern shelf for vinyl or magazines, and a 2

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Danish Modern Modular Adjustable Wall Unit Shelving 1960s-- 22 pcs Complete Wall
Danish Modern Modular Adjustable Wall Unit Shelving 1960s-- 22 pcs Complete Wall

Danish Modern Modular Adjustable Wall Unit Shelving 1960s-- 22 pcs Complete Wall

By Poul Cadovius

Located in Madison, WI

the shelves Springs for tension pole mounting-- you will need the top and bottom brackets, from the

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal

Recent Sales

Mid-Century Brass Tension Pole Shelf, 1960s
Mid-Century Brass Tension Pole Shelf, 1960s

Mid-Century Brass Tension Pole Shelf, 1960s

Sold

H 98.43 in W 19.69 in D 13.39 in

Mid-Century Brass Tension Pole Shelf, 1960s

Located in Benalmadena, ES

Spectacular Mid-Century Brass Tension Pole Shelf from Floor to Ceiling, 1960s Design. This

Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Modern Free Standing Tension Pole Shelving Unit
Mid Century Modern Free Standing Tension Pole Shelving Unit

Mid Century Modern Free Standing Tension Pole Shelving Unit

Located in Astoria, NY

This truly unique shelving unit was made in America in the 1960's. It has kidney-shaped shelves

Category

20th Century American Shelves

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Herman Miller CSS Unit
Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Herman Miller CSS Unit

Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Herman Miller CSS Unit

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

Located in Lake Worth, FL

or placed anywhere in the room. Unit includes 3 black tension poles, ten 32" shelves and all hardware

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Aluminum

1960 Modular by Olof Pira String Shelving System Room Divider Wall Unit Library
1960 Modular by Olof Pira String Shelving System Room Divider Wall Unit Library

1960 Modular by Olof Pira String Shelving System Room Divider Wall Unit Library

By Olof Pira, String Design AB

Located in Sherborne, Dorset

side. Consisting of 5 uprights, 18 shelves and two Lectern shelves. The tension poles have holes from

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Steel

Rare 1980s ALU Manfrotto Modular Bookcase Shelf System Wall Unit or Display
Rare 1980s ALU Manfrotto Modular Bookcase Shelf System Wall Unit or Display

Rare 1980s ALU Manfrotto Modular Bookcase Shelf System Wall Unit or Display

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

tension cables and counterweights. These shelves are organized into three-piece sections, with each

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Shelves

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson CSS Shelving Unit with Chalkboard by Herman Miller
George Nelson CSS Shelving Unit with Chalkboard by Herman Miller

George Nelson CSS Shelving Unit with Chalkboard by Herman Miller

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

Located in Highland, IN

three tension-mounted uprights supporting six shelves, a desk with three drawers, and a rare chalkboard

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson ‘Omni’ Shelving
George Nelson ‘Omni’ Shelving

George Nelson ‘Omni’ Shelving

Sold

H 90 in W 161 in L 90 in

George Nelson ‘Omni’ Shelving

By George Nelson

Located in Merced, CA

freestanding tension mounted uprights. 24 standard shelves. 1 cabinet box with sliding doors. 1 cabinet

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Aluminum

People Also Browsed

Vintage 1949 Mid-Century Modern Custom L-Shaped Office Desk by George Nelson
Vintage 1949 Mid-Century Modern Custom L-Shaped Office Desk by George Nelson

Vintage 1949 Mid-Century Modern Custom L-Shaped Office Desk by George Nelson

$14,000Sale Price|60% Off

H 79.5 in W 84 in D 108.5 in

Vintage 1949 Mid-Century Modern Custom L-Shaped Office Desk by George Nelson

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

Located in Lafayette, IN

This remarkable piece is a one-off desk/wardrobe/bar/bookcase/storage cabinet custom-designed by George Nelson in 1949 to match his Basic Cabinet Series (BCS) for Herman Miller. The ...

Category

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Aluminum

Casey Lurie Studio Modern High "Primo" Shelving System in Walnut with Brass
Casey Lurie Studio Modern High "Primo" Shelving System in Walnut with Brass

Casey Lurie Studio Modern High "Primo" Shelving System in Walnut with Brass

By Casey Lurie

Located in Chicago, IL

“Shelving can be the most mundane thing you own, or it can be the beautiful bones of a room as pleasing to see as anything it displays. Casey Lurie’s Primo system would be the latter...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel, Metal

Mid-Century Rosewood Frame and Headboard by Luigi Bartolini
Mid-Century Rosewood Frame and Headboard by Luigi Bartolini

Mid-Century Rosewood Frame and Headboard by Luigi Bartolini

By Luigi Bartolini

Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija

Luigi Bartolini, an influential Italian furniture designer, created a timeless masterpiece in the 1960s with a stunning rosewood bed frame and headboard. The bed features a distincti...

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Cocobolo

Pair of Four-Panel Reversible French Chinoiserie Coromandel Screens Paris, 1920s
Pair of Four-Panel Reversible French Chinoiserie Coromandel Screens Paris, 1920s

Pair of Four-Panel Reversible French Chinoiserie Coromandel Screens Paris, 1920s

Located in Miami, FL

Eight-Panel Reversible Chinese Coromandel Screen Pair of French chinoiserie screens, Paris, 1920s This French chinoiserie screens from the 1920s are composed of four panels richly ...

Category

Early 20th Century French Chinoiserie Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Wood, Mother-of-Pearl

Danish 2-Bay Rosewood Wall Unit with Desk in by Kai Kristiansen for FM, 1960s
Danish 2-Bay Rosewood Wall Unit with Desk in by Kai Kristiansen for FM, 1960s

Danish 2-Bay Rosewood Wall Unit with Desk in by Kai Kristiansen for FM, 1960s

By Feldballes Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen

Located in Asaa, DK

Danish 2-Bay Rosewood Wall Unit with Desk in by Kai Kristiansen for FM, 1960s. Vintage Danish modular rosewood/palisander wall unit by Danish architect Kai Kristiansen for Feldballe...

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Rosewood

"Perf" Sideboard in Varnished Steel by Moroso for Diesel
"Perf" Sideboard in Varnished Steel by Moroso for Diesel

"Perf" Sideboard in Varnished Steel by Moroso for Diesel

$1,712Sale Price / item|20% Off

H 25.6 in W 59 in D 13.8 in

"Perf" Sideboard in Varnished Steel by Moroso for Diesel

By Diesel Creative Team 1, Moroso

Located in Brooklyn, NY

"Perf" is a credenza, designed by Diesel Creative Team and manufactured by Moroso, in varnished steel black mat, with doors in varnished steel available in these colors: copper, blac...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sideboards

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Modern Large Italian Bookcase in Cherry and Brass
Mid-Century Modern Large Italian Bookcase in Cherry and Brass

Mid-Century Modern Large Italian Bookcase in Cherry and Brass

Sold|$11,000

H 76.78 in W 109.45 in D 18.51 in

Mid-Century Modern Large Italian Bookcase in Cherry and Brass

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Wall unit, cherry, brass, Italy, 1960s Hailing from a skilled artisan of Italy, this exceptional library unit excels in form, material use, composition, and craftsmanship. The bookc...

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass

George Nelson per Herman Miller Libreria "CSS", italia 1960s
George Nelson per Herman Miller Libreria "CSS", italia 1960s

George Nelson per Herman Miller Libreria "CSS", italia 1960s

$16,940

H 118.12 in W 97.25 in D 18.12 in

George Nelson per Herman Miller Libreria "CSS", italia 1960s

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

Located in Naples, IT

Libreria modulare del modello CSS disegnata da George Nelson per Herman Miller. Il sistema è un'iconica unità di scaffalatura modulare che incarna la filosofia del design moderno di ...

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1920s / Sideboard Wabi Sabi
Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1920s / Sideboard Wabi Sabi

Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1920s / Sideboard Wabi Sabi

$2,800

H 34.65 in W 34.06 in D 17.33 in

Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1920s / Sideboard Wabi Sabi

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

This is a very old drawer storage chest made in Japan. It dates back to the Meiji era (1860s–1920s) and is crafted from Japanese cedar wood. The metal fittings are made of iron. In ...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Michel Ducaroy Modular Wall Unit in Black Lacquered Wood and Steel
Michel Ducaroy Modular Wall Unit in Black Lacquered Wood and Steel

Michel Ducaroy Modular Wall Unit in Black Lacquered Wood and Steel

By Michel Ducaroy

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Michael Ducaroy, free-standing wall unit, chrome-plated steel, lacquered wood, France, 1970s Sleek and stunning free-standing wall unit designed by Michael Ducaroy in the 1970s. In ...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Steel

Spectacular Pierre Cardin Burled and Brass Dining Table Mid-Century Modern
Spectacular Pierre Cardin Burled and Brass Dining Table Mid-Century Modern

Spectacular Pierre Cardin Burled and Brass Dining Table Mid-Century Modern

By Pierre Cardin

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Handsome burl and brass dining table by Pierre Cardin, circa 1970s. Bookmatched olive wood with lovey brass detail. Pure sophistication! Very nice vintage condition, brass with wonde...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Brass

George Nelson - Omni System - Shelving or Wall Unit Walnut Cabinet Only - Parts
George Nelson - Omni System - Shelving or Wall Unit Walnut Cabinet Only - Parts

George Nelson - Omni System - Shelving or Wall Unit Walnut Cabinet Only - Parts

By George Nelson

Located in St. Louis, MO

Mid-Century Modern 1960s George Nelson designed for Omni Systems, this is part for a wall unit, a four drawer cabinet in walnut, no hardware. Part # 6315324. I need to confirm the de...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

1960s Pair of Teak  Cabinets / Room Dividers by Kajsa & Nils "Nisse" Strinning
1960s Pair of Teak  Cabinets / Room Dividers by Kajsa & Nils "Nisse" Strinning

1960s Pair of Teak Cabinets / Room Dividers by Kajsa & Nils "Nisse" Strinning

By Kajsa Strinning 1, String Design AB, Nils Nisse Strinning

Located in Silvolde, Gelderland

This modular teak shelving system, designed by Kajsa and Nils "Nisse" Strinning in the 1960s, is a prime example of Scandinavian functionalism. Versatile sectional design, perfect a...

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Teak

George Nelson - Omni System - Shelving or Wall Unit Walnut Cabinet Only - Parts
George Nelson - Omni System - Shelving or Wall Unit Walnut Cabinet Only - Parts

George Nelson - Omni System - Shelving or Wall Unit Walnut Cabinet Only - Parts

By George Nelson

Located in St. Louis, MO

Mid-Century Modern 1960s George Nelson designed for Omni Systems, this is part for a wall unit, a four drawer cabinet with files in oiled walnut, no hardware. Does not include the bl...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

Modern Modular Teak Wall Unit by Louis van Teeffelen for Webe
Modern Modular Teak Wall Unit by Louis van Teeffelen for Webe

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...

Category

Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Teak

George Nelson - Omni System - Shelving or Wall Unit Walnut Cabinet Only - Parts
George Nelson - Omni System - Shelving or Wall Unit Walnut Cabinet Only - Parts

George Nelson - Omni System - Shelving or Wall Unit Walnut Cabinet Only - Parts

By George Nelson

Located in St. Louis, MO

Mid-Century Modern 1960s George Nelson designed for Omni Systems, this is part for a wall unit, Two Drawer File Cabinet in oiled walnut, no hardware. I need to confirm the measureme...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

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Tension Shelves For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of tension shelves is available at 1stDibs. The range of distinct tension shelves — often made from wood, metal and walnut — can elevate any home. There are 4 antique and vintage tension shelves for sale at 1stDibs, while we also have 29 modern editions to choose from as well. Tension shelves have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. Tension shelves are generally popular furniture pieces, but modern and mid-century modern styles are often sought at 1stDibs. Many tension shelves are appealing in their simplicity, but Cassina, La Chance and Franco Albini produced popular tension shelves that are worth a look.

How Much are Tension Shelves?

Prices for tension shelves start at $820 and top out at $28,134 with the average selling for $6,900.

Finding the Right Shelves for You

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.