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Tension Shelves

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 Omnibus Design, George Nelson

Located in Chattanooga, TN

. (4) spring loaded tension poles provide architectural support for (9) walnut shelves without the need to anchor into your wall (unless you want to).

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Aluminum, Metal

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

The two bay wall unit comprises of three tension poles, five adjustable shelves, a lectern shelf for vinyl or magazines, and a 2-door sectioned cupboard with a pull-out, ventilated c...

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

Very cool, versatile wall unit shelving modular set. Includes 9 regular shelves Includes 6 Medium shelves Includes 3 Large shelves 37 shelving brackets of various sizes 4 mounting po...

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal

Recent Sales

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, circa 1960s.

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

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

Mid-Century Brass Tension Pole Shelf, 1960s

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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.

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

A tension bar attaches to the ceiling allowing for a free standing but stable piece.

Category

20th Century American Shelves

Materials

Brass

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

Designed for Herman Miller’s Omni Group, the unit exemplifies Nelson’s genius for modularity, balance, and refined utility. Four spring-loaded tension poles, finished in rare rose-g...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

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

Unit includes 3 black tension poles, ten 32" shelves and all hardware required.

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

Consisting of 5 uprights, 18 shelves and two Lectern shelves. The tension poles have holes from top to bottom, therefore the brackets and shelves can be set up in all number of varia...

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

In addition to these easy-to-install components, this complete system features twelve sleek, inter changeable aluminum shelves, each equipped with tension cables and counterweights.

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

The beautiful Minimalist design is comprised of 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

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H 90 in W 161 in L 90 in

George Nelson ‘Omni’ Shelving

By George Nelson

Located in Merced, CA

This set includes; 6 aluminum freestanding tension mounted uprights. 24 standard shelves. 1 cabinet box with sliding doors. 1 cabinet with box with one interior shelf. 1 b...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Aluminum

People Also Browsed

Custom Made Modern English Arm Sofa in Performance Linen Velvet - 86"
Custom Made Modern English Arm Sofa in Performance Linen Velvet - 86"

Custom Made Modern English Arm Sofa in Performance Linen Velvet - 86"

By Bloom Home Inc

Located in Old Town Orange, CA

This beautiful english arm sofa has a modern twist, with its single bench cushion, and beautiful curved apron sides. It’s upholstered in a Linen Velvet Performance fabric. Shown in...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas

Materials

Linen, Velvet

Rosso Wall Mirror

Rosso Wall Mirror

$1,395 / item

H 31.5 in W 23.63 in D 1.97 in

Rosso Wall Mirror

By Specchi Veneziani

Located in Milan, IT

Crafted in the finest Murano tradition, this exquisite Venetian mirror is a true work of art. Assembled with crystal and gold elements, and adorned with red glass flowers, each piece...

Category

2010s Italian Renaissance Wall Mirrors

Materials

Glass

The 'Matisse' Etagere
The 'Matisse' Etagere

The 'Matisse' Etagere

$2,533 / item

H 21.66 in W 24.02 in D 16.54 in

The 'Matisse' Etagere

Located in London, GB

The 'Matisse' wrought iron side table. A hand made and patinated wrought iron etagere with whimsical Matisse style cut-out decoration. Made to order based on a 1960s original. Avail...

Category

2010s English Folk Art Side Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Vintage Inspired Handcrafted Fluted Farmhouse Porcelain Pendant Light
Vintage Inspired Handcrafted Fluted Farmhouse Porcelain Pendant Light

Vintage Inspired Handcrafted Fluted Farmhouse Porcelain Pendant Light

By DBO Home

Located in Sharon, CT

Classic, elegant, with a perfectly imperfect touch. We just love our new porcelain Parasol Fluted Pendants. Inspired by a vintage pie cover, we designed them to hang over our kitchen...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Bohemian Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Pair of Nightstands in Oak by Børge Mogensen, Made in Sweden
Pair of Nightstands in Oak by Børge Mogensen, Made in Sweden

Pair of Nightstands in Oak by Børge Mogensen, Made in Sweden

$4,500 / set

H 33.08 in W 26.78 in D 14.18 in

Pair of Nightstands in Oak by Børge Mogensen, Made in Sweden

By Karl Anderson, Børge Mogensen

Located in Lejre, DK

Pair of nightstands in oak with adjustable shelves. Designed by Danish architect Børge Mogensen for Karl Andersson cabinetmakers. Made in Sweden in the 1960s. Great condition.

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Oak

Pair Mid Century Italian Walnut Shelf Cabinets
Pair Mid Century Italian Walnut Shelf Cabinets

Pair Mid Century Italian Walnut Shelf Cabinets

$1,995 / set

H 59.25 in W 22.75 in D 14 in

Pair Mid Century Italian Walnut Shelf Cabinets

Located in Troy, MI

Found in Italy, this pair of mid-century walnut shelf cabinets dates from circa 1950. Each unit features four open shelves above a single-door enclosed cabinet, supported by uprights...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Maple, Walnut

Pair of Delord & Garrault Floor to Ceiling Lamps
Pair of Delord & Garrault Floor to Ceiling Lamps

Pair of Delord & Garrault Floor to Ceiling Lamps

$28,321 / set

H 110.24 in W 13.78 in D 17.72 in

Pair of Delord & Garrault Floor to Ceiling Lamps

By Garrault-Delord

Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF

Pair of rare "Sol au plafond" (floor to ceiling) lamps, made of different section of metal tubes holding an enlightnen plexi globe. Adjustable height both at the top and bottom thank...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Sculptural Scandinavian Modern Chair in Wood Denmark - 1960s
Sculptural Scandinavian Modern Chair in Wood Denmark - 1960s

Sculptural Scandinavian Modern Chair in Wood Denmark - 1960s

Located in Berlin, DE

Sculptural Scandinavian Modern Chair in Wood, Denmark - 1960s.

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

Crackle Textured Handmade Ceramic Mushroom Lamp, Blue
Crackle Textured Handmade Ceramic Mushroom Lamp, Blue

Crackle Textured Handmade Ceramic Mushroom Lamp, Blue

$1,250 / item

H 16 in W 11.5 in D 11.5 in

Crackle Textured Handmade Ceramic Mushroom Lamp, Blue

By Ethan Streicher, Streicher Goods

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Every mushroom lamp is hand-made and hand-painted by Ethan Streicher, the founder and designer behind the Streicher Goods brand in Brooklyn, NY. The lamp's silhouette is simple and c...

Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

"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

$2,140 / item

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

Geometric Mid Century Open Bookcase
Geometric Mid Century Open Bookcase

Geometric Mid Century Open Bookcase

$7,485 / item

H 87 in W 59 in D 18 in

Geometric Mid Century Open Bookcase

Located in Westwood, NJ

Finished in Batavia Black with a Sandbar finish interior, this bookcase showcases rhythmic, crescent-shaped oval cut-outs that form an architectural silhouette—an homage to the sculp...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Bed with bedside tables from the 1970s by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau
Bed with bedside tables from the 1970s by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau

Bed with bedside tables from the 1970s by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau

By Luigi Massoni, Poltrona Frau

Located in SAN PIETRO MOSEZZO, NO

Double bed complete with bedside tables from the 1970s. Design by Luigi Massoni for Poltrona Frau (manufacturer's mark present). The bed is in good vintage condition although there ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Leather, Wood

Antique 19th Century French Set of Four Copper Pans
Antique 19th Century French Set of Four Copper Pans

Antique 19th Century French Set of Four Copper Pans

$1,900 / set

H 4.34 in W 8 in D 8 in

Antique 19th Century French Set of Four Copper Pans

Located in Suffolk, GB

Antique Victorian French set of four copper pans of circular form having a tempered copper base, iron handles with copper rivets and hanging holes. They are heavier than the average...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Victorian Serving Pieces

Materials

Copper

Forsyth Mushroom Pouf Ottoman in Zebra
Forsyth Mushroom Pouf Ottoman in Zebra

Forsyth Mushroom Pouf Ottoman in Zebra

$3,850 / item

H 20 in W 22 in D 22 in

Forsyth Mushroom Pouf Ottoman in Zebra

Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO

This Forsyth mushroom pouf ottoman was created and designed by the Forsyth design team. Each ottoman is handcrafted in Saint Louis. A cute decorative piece for any room adding textur...

Category

2010s American Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Zebra Hide

Ligne Roset by Michel Ducaroy Togo Pink Corner Modular Sofa, Set of Three
Ligne Roset by Michel Ducaroy Togo Pink Corner Modular Sofa, Set of Three

Ligne Roset by Michel Ducaroy Togo Pink Corner Modular Sofa, Set of Three

By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy

Located in Rochester, England

The iconic Togo sofa, originally designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset in 1973 has become a design Classic.

This three-piece modular set is incredibly versatile and can be conf...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Gardenia Italian bed, Designer Luciano De Gennaro for Brivio, 1977
Gardenia Italian bed, Designer Luciano De Gennaro for Brivio, 1977

Gardenia Italian bed, Designer Luciano De Gennaro for Brivio, 1977

$4,201Sale Price|20% Off

H 25.6 in W 70.87 in D 82.68 in

Gardenia Italian bed, Designer Luciano De Gennaro for Brivio, 1977

Located in Milano, IT

A masterpiece of Italian design from the 1970s, this "Gardenia" double bed was designed in 1977 by Luciano De Gennaro for Brivio Industria Mobili of Novedrate (Como), one of the most...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

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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.