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Mid-Century Modern Bookends

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

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.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Ben Seibel Brass "Keys" Bookends, USA 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Whimsical pair of "Keys" bookends by Ben Seibel in Brass with green enameled accents.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Pair of Midcentury Ben Seibel Sculptural Brass Bookends
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Sculptural brass Ben Seibel for Jenfred bookends, circa 1950s. A freeform, organic design in brass finish with applied patina that has deepened over time giving them an even more ric...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Solid Glass Block Bookends By Blenko
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Solid Glass Block Bookends By Blenko, textured edge.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Glass

Mid-20th Century Brass Bookends Inspired by 'the Thinker' from Auguste Rodin
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A pair of brass bookends, depicting The Thinker by Auguste Rodin. Presumably made in Italy, around 1960-1970. Good condition, beautiful colour and patina. Dimensions: 18 (h) x 8,5 ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Don Shoemaker Bookends for Señal
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Born in Nebraska, Don S. Shoemaker studied painting at The Fine Arts Institution of Chicago. In the late 1940s, he moved to Mexico with his family and settled in Santa Maria de Guido...
Category

1960s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Hardwood

Mid-Century Vintage Crystal Bookends in the Style of Cartier
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredibly sculptural bookends that are modernist and unique. Crafted in glass, these pieces stand alone as sculptures that accent your decor. Their weightless perspective summed w...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Crystal

MCM Brass "Stirrup" Bookends by Ben Seibel for Jenfred-Ware
Located in San Diego, CA
A super cool MCM brass "Stirrup" bookends by Ben Seibel for Jenfred Ware, circa 1960s. The set have a fabulous patina and measure 5.5"W x 5.5"D x 5.5"H. A classic set that would ma...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Quirky and fun pair of Bookends in carved Birch from the Mid-20th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Quirky and fun pair of Bookends in carved Birch from the Mid-20th Century, Sweden. Two men sit and read their books. Wear consistent with age and use
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Birch

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Glass Owl Bookends by Blenko
Located in San Diego, CA
Cool pair of MCM hand-blown glass owl bookends by Blenko, circa 1970s. The bookends are heavy and solid with a smooth back side a finish and a textural finish on the front. Very cool...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Blown Glass

Pair of Bill Curry White Jax Bookends or Door Stops, Mid Century Modern
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
This heavy set of Mid-Century Modern Jacks bookends or doorstops are made by Bill Curry for Design Line. This pair of white painted bronze in nice age appropriate patinated white col...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Bronze

Pair Of Vintage Greyhound Figures, Italian, Dog Statue, Bookends, Mid Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a pair of vintage Greyhound figures. An Italian, ceramic seated dog statue or decorative bookends, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950. Loveable figures with appealin...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Teak Signed Balinese Sculptures Bookends
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Hand Carved Signed Balinese figure bookends or sculptures - two outstanding carved wood figures - both intricately carved. The pair are lovely island people and can work as ...
Category

20th Century Balinese Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Teak

A pair of vintage Italian alabaster bookends, mid 20th century
Located in View Park, CA
A pair of vintage Italian alabaster bookends, mid 20th century. In rare scintillating tones of coral and persimmon with aubergine veining, these unique bookends will add bold style a...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Alabaster

Whimsical set of MCM Patinated Painted Cast Iron Whale Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
whimsical pair of cast iron painted patinated whale bookends , circa 1960's very unique set.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Pair of Mid-Century Marble Horse Head Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Very stylish pair of mid-century marble horse head bookends, circa 1970s. The bookends are heavy and solid and well crafted. They measure 8"W x 2.75"D x 6.25"H and would make a great...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Marble

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3846 Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck model #3846 brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in polished brass. Price is for the pair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Wrought Iron Brutalist Bookends with Spiral Design
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Heavy and sculpturally interesting pieces indeed are our pair of spiral wrought iron Brutalist bookends - if you are a fan of midcentury pieces,...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Wrought Iron

Blenko Ice Glass Elephant Bookends
Located in New York, NY
Modernist set of tinted ice blue glass stylized elephant bookends. Blenko Glass Co.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Art Glass

Large Vintage Handmade Iron Jack by Bill Curry Paperweight
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Large vintage handmade cast iron Jack, Jax, designed by Bill Curry of Design Line, 1967. This bookend is made of cast iron and is in original condition. Great addition to any decor, Industrial retro Pop Art...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Set of Polished Brass and Chrome Tennis Racket Bookends
Located in New York, NY
Set of brass and chrome tennis racket bookends. Has thin foam on bottom to prevent scratching furniture. 5.5" high. Great on a book shelf or desk. Nice condition, ready to use. Any ...
Category

1980s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Pair Carl Auböck Minimalist Mid-Century Brass Bookends #3653, Vienna, Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
A pair of minimalist sculptural book ends in the organic shape. Model number 3653, handmade of solid patinated and partly polished brass. Designed by Werkstätte Carl Auböck in the 19...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of Mid-Century Sculptural Italian Marble Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Very stylish pair of mid-century sculptural Italian marble bookends, circa 1960s. The bookends are heavy and solid and well crafted. They measure 8"W x 2.5"D x 6.5"H and would make a...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Marble

Carl Auböck Mid-Century Bookends with Brass Hands #1928, Vienna, Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
A pair of minimalist but charming sculptural book ends in the shape of a hands. Model number 1928, handmade of solid polished brass and metal, designed by Werkstätte Carl Auböck in t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of MCM Lucite "Aquarium" Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice pair of MCM lucite "aquarium" bookends, circa 1970s. The pair are in very good vintage condition and would make a great addition to any mid-century study or library! They meas...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Lucite

Pair of Mid-Century White Alabaster Sculptural Fish Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice pair of mid-century white alabaster sculptural fish bookends, circa 1970s. The bookends are heavy and well crafted. They measure 10.25"W x 2.5"D x 5"H and would make a great a...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Alabaster

Pair of Italian Gold Gilt Folding Bookends by Franco Tacchi
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful air of Italian gold gilt folding bookends by Franco Tacchi circa 1960s. The bookends are in good vintage condition and measure 7"W x 3.5"D x 6"H. Great look! #4114
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Gold Leaf

2 Italian Alabaster Gray Book Shaped Bookends Objects of Art Mid-Century Modern
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of hand carved Italian Alabaster Marble bookends in the shape of a single book. These are very substantial, heavy and well handmade bookends. They are handmade white with gray n...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Alabaster, Marble

2 Vintage Beige Onyx Cube Handmade Bookends Objects of Art Sculpture Pedestal
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of hand carved Italian Tan, Taupe, Beige Cube Onyx bookends in the Style of Lella & Massimo Vignelli. These are very substantial, heavy and well handmade bookends. They are hand...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Onyx

2 Italian White Carrara Marble Horse Head Shaped Animal Bookends Objects of Art
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of hand carved Italian white Carrara Marble bookends in the shape of a Horse Head. These are very substantial, heavy and well handmade bookends. They are handmade white with gra...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Marble, Carrara Marble

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #5535 'Rainbow' Patinated Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck model #5535 'Rainbow' patinated brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated and polis...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Italian Solid Cast Brass Anchor Candle Holders
Located in Elkhart, IN
A charming pair of cast solid brass anchor candlestick holders. Perfect for your Nantucket, Cape, or Hamptons home! USA, Mid-20th Century Measures: 6"W x 4.25"D x 3.5"H. Good ori...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of Vintage 1950s Bronze Carl Auböck Austria Bronze Square Bookends #4575
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of vintage circa 1950s "Square" handmade bookends #4575 designed by Carl Auböck Austria. Square bookends with round hole in the center and cross hatch lines with nice warm patin...
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Bronze

Rookwood William McDonald 1948 XLVIII Rook Bird Raven Library Bookends 5"
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century Rookwood raven / rook bird bookends by William P McDonald. Circa 1948. Shape 2278. William Purcell McDonald was born in Cincinnati on September 18, 1864. He joined Roo...
Category

1940s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Pottery

Pair of Vintage Brass Buffalo Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of vintage brass buffalo bookends, circa 1970s. The set is in very good vintage condition with a fine patina and measures 3.5"W x 5.25"D x 4.25"H. Very nice set! #4083 ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Sculptural Jacks Bookends by Bill Curry for Design Line
Located in San Diego, CA
Solid iron sculptural jacks bookends in pink and plue by Billy Curry for Design Line. Could also be used as doorstops. 1960s.  
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Pair of Astrolite Mid-Century Modern Beveled Lucite Bookends
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Thick Lucite Mid-Century Bookend Set, 1960's. These heavy Lucite bookends with beautiful beveled edges almost glow when the light hits them. Polished and substantial, this pair is an...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Lucite

Pair Art Deco Bookends with Harer by Marti Font, 1920-1930
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very nice pair of Art Deco book ends with sculptures of two harer, France 1920-1930. Made of casted spelter, patinated in a green bronze-like color, on marble bases. Marked Marti F...
Category

1920s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Marble, Spelter

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Dog Book Ends on Onyx Bases
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Pair of Mid Century Modern Dog Book Ends on Onyx Bases. We see this set added to a current collection or resting on a bookshelf in a home library. Wonderful set to give a gift or kee...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Onyx, Metal

Vintage Modernist Rectangular Black and Green Marble Bookends Vermont Marble Co
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful pair of modernist marble bookends by Vermont Marble Company. These sizeable pieces of marble are captivating as they are commanding. The veining that develops on the black ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Marble

1970's Religious Cross Bookend
Located in San Diego, CA
Black lacquered wood with resin cross bookend circa 1970's.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Resin, Wood

Pair of Jack Jax Bookends by Bill Curry for Design Line
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-Century Modern decorative jack bookends by Bill Curry. Made of heavy cast iron. Great bookend, paperweight or iconic Mid-Century Modern decor made of iron. Amazing condition for...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Pair of Italian Mid-Century Mushroom Alabaster Bookends Sculptures
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
These substantial alabaster Mushroom sculptures were hand carved in Italy. This classic pair most certainly would accentuate your home on a bookcase, table, or desk. This pair is a f...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Alabaster

Pair of Art Deco Bookstands
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of Art Deco Bookstands
Category

1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Wood

Italian Architectural Black Marble Bookends 1970s
Located in San Diego, CA
Sculptural solid black marble bookends. Italy, 1970s
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

Pair of Acrylic Lucite Bookends
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Lucite / Acrylic bookends by Ritts and Co. - super sleek and perfect for any space. Especially good for the modern or minimalist space. The pair a...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Lucite

Mid-Century Modern Bill Curry Orange Jax Bookend or Door Stop
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Jax bookend or doorstop by Bill Curry for Design Line. This Jack bookend is made of heavy cast iron with a stunning bright orange powder coat that gives character.  
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Rare Vintage US Navy Officer Crest Wood Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful pair of wood crafted spread-wing eagle bookends in the style of Virginia Metalcrafters. The eagle is shown with its wings fully spread on a crest. The eagle motif in décor...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Wood

Gucci Horsebit Bookends, Tan Leather, Brass, Wood, Signed
Located in New York, NY
Gucci Horsebit Bookends, Tan Leather, Brass, Wood, Signed. Medium scale bookends finished in "Cognac Brown" leather and decorated with brass and wood equestrian horsebits. Signed wi...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Vintage Hand painted Duck Motif Bookends
Located in Seattle, WA
This pair of vintage handpainted bookends are adorned with a scene of a duck in a pond and gives a cottagecore feel. This piece has nice patina and character.Vintage condition as pic...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Wood

Silvered Bronze Bulldog Bookends. France 1930´s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Silvered Bronze Bulldog Bookends. c1930´s. Lovely pair of Bulldog bookends. Silvered Bronze mounted over Black and Gold ¨portoro¨ italian marble. Very n...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Original Vintage Midcentury Glass Owl Bookends by Blenko
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful pair of midcentury glass owl bookends by Blenko from the 1960s with original signature seal sticker. Incredible craftsmanship and detail in this pair of glass bookends that...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Blown Glass

1970s Korean Brass Bookend Sculptural Stirrup
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Single Korean Brass Bookend Sculptural Equestrian Stirrup 5 h x 4.75 w x 3.25 Original vintage condition Refer to images
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Bill Curry Bronze Jax Bookend or Door Stop
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Jax bookend or doorstop by Bill Curry for Design Line. This Jack bookend is made of heavy cast bronze with a charming age appropriate patina that gives character.  
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Bronze

Joel Myers for Blenko Pair of Crystal Cube Bookends, 1967
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Pair of vintage solid glass cube bookends feature textured side surfaces with abstract designs of sand dollar or starbursts on two opposing sides; the top side has contracting gloss...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Uranium Glass

Pair of Hand Carved Modern Mexican Cocobolo Wood Bookends by Don Shoemaker
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of hand carved modern Mexican cocobolo wood bookends by Don Shoemaker, circa 1960s. Retains original labels from his workshop in Señal Mexico. This design was included in the 2...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Cocobolo

Piero Fornasetti - Libri Proibiti Bookends, Italy 1950
Located in Chicago, IL
Fornasetti - Libri Proibiti Bookends, Italy 1950's. Pair of hand silkscreened metal bookends is embellished with the Libri Proibiti (Forbidden Books). Original Measure 8" tall
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Bullicante Glass Bookend Vases By Carl Erikson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This wonderfully unique pair of mid-century modern glass vases double as bookends for a fantastic accent in any room. The bookend vases were designed by Swedish American master glass...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Art Glass

Marshall Studios Gordan Jane Martz Tile Walnut Bookends Mid Century
Located in Forest Grove, PA
Iconic walnut and ceramic tile plinth bookends, designed by Jane and Gordon Martz of Marshall Studios. 1960s. One retains the original production sticker. The thickness of the walnut...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

Mid-century Modern bookends for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern bookends for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage bookends created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, brass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern bookends made in a specific country, there are North America, Europe, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original bookends, popular names associated with this style include Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Blenko, Ben Seibel, and Curtis Jeré. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for bookends differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $50 and tops out at $7,500 while the average work can sell for $525.

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