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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
Pair Carl Auböck Mid-Century Earlobes Brass Bookends #3848, Vienna, Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
A pair of minimalist sculptural bookends in an organic form, lovingly referred to by Auböck as “earlobes.” Model number 3848. Handcrafted from solid brass with a patinated and polish...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of Chrome Elephant Bookends by Walter von Nessen for Chase USA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of chrome bookends by Walter von Nessen for Chase, c.1930s, USA. The pair of bookends feature two chrome plated brass elephants with curved tubular bodies and geometric shaped h...
Category

1930s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Pair of Large Carl Auböck Model #4219 'Hands' Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Large Carl Aubo¨ck Model #4219 'Hands' Brass Bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in polished brass. Hand ful...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

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 Vintage Round Geode Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of vintage round geode bookends, circa old! The set is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures 4.5"W x 4.5"D x 3.75"H. #3542
Category

15th Century and Earlier American Antique Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Rock Crystal

Pair of Vintage Rare Pink & White Geode Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Versatile set of pink and white geode bookends, circa 1980s. The set is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks.
Category

15th Century and Earlier American Antique Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Rock Crystal

Pair of Vintage Owl Figure Bookends, English, Carved Oak Book Rest, Circa 1970
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a charming pair of vintage bookends, featuring beautifully carved barn owls, crafted in appealing English oak, circa 1970. This decorative book rest combines warm caramel ton...
Category

1970s British Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Oak

Vintage Brass Nautical Captain Ship Wheel Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautifully forged in solid brass, these nautical ship wheels have a classic aesthetic that is ideal for coastal and nautical décor but can easily translate to industrial and eclecti...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Chrome I-Beam Bookends
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cast I-Beam Bookends in the Style of Ben Seibel Bohemian / midcentury / Brutalist - circa 1970s "some minor discoloration and pitting"
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Chrome

1970s Vintage Triangular Grey Marble Stone Bookends - a Pair
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are really pleased to offer a vintage, sleek pair of polished stone bookends, dating back to the 1970s. This stunning set is constructed from solid, heavy-weight marble and showc...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Stone, Marble

Atomic Era Jack / Jax Bookend, Doorstop or Paperweight by Bill Curry
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool vintage atomic era / MCM iron jack / jax in the style of Bill Curry, circa 1970s. The piece in well worn vintage condition with a great lime green...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

1950s Ben Seibel Brass Clam Shell Bookend Set
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Ben Seibel Brass Clam Shell Bookend Set Brass bookends designed by Ben Seibel for Jenfredware 5.5 h x 4 d x 5.5 w Preowned original vin...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

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

Golf Clubs Shoehorn Brass Vintage German 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Super cool and nice design sculptural golf clubs shoehorn, made by Gerstenberg, Kunstgewerbe in Germany. material is polished brass. Nice golf collectible or just do use it. Nice add...
Category

1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Amethyst Specimen Lucite Encased Bookends, 1970s
Located in San Diego, CA
A pair of Amethyst Specimen lucite encased bookends from the 1970s. A unique statement piece.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Amethyst

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 Brass Bookends Elephants, 1970s
Located in Barntrup, DE
Vintage brass bookends from circa the 1970s. Beautiful bookends, each with an elephant sculpture, mounted on brass bases. France, circa the 1970s. Dimensions: height: 15 cm / 5.9 in;...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of French Art Deco Metal and Wood Sculptural Bookends
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Very substantial and versatile pair of art deco bookend sculptures. These sturdy vintage bookends have been crafted into a striking scroll design with multiple uses for the modern bo...
Category

Early 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

Cast Brass Tall Duck Head Waterfowl Bookends, Korea 1970s
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
10" tall Cast Brass Waterfowl Bookends From Korea. Nice patina to the brass from age.
Category

1970s Korean Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

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

Set of Four Sculptural German Art Nouveau Brass Bronze Bookends 1900
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of four decorative Art Nouveau brass/bronze bookends. Germany, 1900s.   
Category

Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Vintage Boho Sculptural Travertine Bookends - Set of 2
Located in west palm beach, FL
Infuse your shelves and tabletops with organic elegance and a touch of bohemian flair with this captivating set of two Vintage Boho Sculptural Travertine Bookends. Crafted from natur...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Travertine

Mid Century Sculptural Jacks Jax Bookends by Bill Curry
Located in San Mateo, CA
Pair of jacks bookends designed by Bill Curry for his company Design Line. These are painted cast iron. The jacks are in great original condition. There are a few minor paint losses ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American 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

Mid Century Sculptural Solid Walnut Bookends, c.1960
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Mid Century Sculptural Solid Walnut Bookends, c.1960.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Walnut

Carl Auböck Bookends # 3652
Located in Berlin, DE
Classic pair of Carl Auböck bookends in polished brass.
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of Marble Bookends with Solid Cylinder Detail
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A lovely pair of Carrara marble bookends - two 90 degree angle pieces with a solid cylinder as a very nice and simple detail. The pair would be a complement to any desk, or work ...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Carrara Marble

Pair of Mid Century Solid Brass Ben Seibel Bookends
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Solid Brass Mid Century Modern bookends. The light and architectural look is very chic, while holding larger and more substantial books. Very Modern, and a compliment to an...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Rare 1955 Cranbrook School Aim High Logo Design by Eero Saarinen Oak Bookends
Located in St. Louis, MO
Rare pair of bookends with cast aluminum seal of Cranbrook School - Aim High logo and the year 1955 mounted to the oak boards. The Aim High logo was designed by Eero Saarinen, son of Eliel Saarinen who designed the schools campus and was president from 1932 - 1946. "In 1927, 'Aim High' was adopted as the motto of Cranbrook School. Along with the motto, a seal was created. This seal, designed by Eero Saarinen, displays an archer, Acestes, aiming his arrow high up into the sky. Famous Alums of Cranbrook, Charles & Ray Eames, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Jack Lenor Larsen, Fumihiko Maki, Gyo Obata, Ralph Rapson, Harry Weese, Toshiko Takaezu, Niels Diffrient, Harvey Littleton, Richard DeVore, Eero Saarinen and Olga de Amaral among others. Noted Faculty Carl Milles, Keith Haring, Daniel Libeskind, Marshall...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage Modernist Steel Railroad Tie Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage heavy train railroad tie track bookends in the style of Ward Bennett. Green felt to bases, smooth metal finish to tops, front and back with textured steel on the sides. Great additions to your Modernist and Mid Century décor...
Category

1960s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Steel

Cast Brass Bookends, Israel 1967
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Cast Brass Bookends, Israel 1967 made by Tarra Sancta Guilt.
Category

1960s Israeli Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

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

Mid Century Modernist Rectangular Chrome Bookends by Smith Metal Arts
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful pair of modernist chrome bookends by Smith Metal Arts. These sizeable pieces of chrome are captivating as they are commanding. Their styling is simple timeless. Aged chrom...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Chrome

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

Salviati Murano Glowing Uranium Art Glass Italian Bird Bookend Sculptures
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown uranium yellow with orange tails Italian art glass chirping birds bookend sculptures. Documented to the Salviati Company. Each has a generic "Mura...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Uranium Glass, Glass, Sommerso, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass

Pair of Reclining Lion Bookends
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of reclining lion bookends, a stunning pair with the look of limestone, but a composition material. The pair are of good weight for those larger bo...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Composition

Abingdon Pottery Pair White Ceramic Mid Century Modern Horse Head Bookends 1940s
Located in Miami, FL
Handsome Pair of Mid Century white Horse Head Modern Bookends by Abingdon Potteries. Beautiful designed horse heads bookends in glossy creamy white glaze which were produced from 193...
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

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

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

Sculptural Brass Gazelle Bookends, 1960's
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Sculptural Brass Gazelle Bookends, 1960's, Nice original patina to the brass.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

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

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

Brutalist Iron + Petrified Wood Bookends
Located in Round Top, TX
A sculptural and weighty pair of hand-forged steel and wood bookends, crafted in the 1970s and evocative of Don Shoemaker’s iconic studio craft aesthetic. These unique pieces blend B...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

1950s Ben Seibel Teardrop Brass Flame Bookend Pair
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Ben Seibel Brass Flame Bookend Set Tear-drop form brass bookends designed by Ben Seibel for Jenfred Ware as part of the Flame series. listed item is a pair of bookends 7 h x 2....
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

1960s Design Line Single Jack Patinated Bookend California
Located in Chula Vista, CA
George Nelson Style of Design Line Single Jack Bookend California Bill Curry Unmarked 4.75 h x 6 w x 5.25 d Unrestored vintage original preowned condition Review our images
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

Pair of Midcentury Black Marble Horse Head Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Very stylish pair of midcentury marble horse head bookends, circa 1970s. The bookends are heavy and well crafted, Dark marble with organically elegant veining add classic style with ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Marble

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Brass Duck Bookends
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Set of Mid-Century Duck Brass Bookends Sculptures Substantial in size and weight, these solid vintage brass ducks are both form and function. Fabulous pair displayed on a bookshelf ...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

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

Vintage Cast Solid Brass Owl Bookends Mid-Century Modern 1950s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Cast solid Brass Owl Figurine Sculpture Bookends Mid-Century Modern 1950s. Detailed Pair of solid brass book ends in the shape of owl sculptur...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Italian 1950s Architectural Brass Bookends
Located in Milan, IT
Italian 1950s Architectural Brass Bookends in the style of Ignazio Gardella.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Bronze Dancers Couple 1970s Belgium Artist V D Brande
By V. D. Brande
Located in Antwerp, BE
Beautiful set of two expressive dancers from the seventies, handcrafted in bronze, inspired by sculpted clay sculptures a technique that is characteristic of the seventies and gives ...
Category

1970s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Bronze

Italian Sculpture Book Ends, Italy, 1970s, Pair
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Wonderful pair of sculpture book ends in the shape of two dogs.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Travertine

Pair of Scroll Leaf Brass Bookends by Philadelphia Manufacturing Company (PMC)
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of heavy scroll leaf brass bookends by P.M.C. (Philadelphia Manufacturing Co.), circa 1970s. The set is in very good vintage condition and measures 9.5"W x 3"D x 5.25"H. Marke...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Three Italian Greek Key Brown Leather Bookends, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
We are offering 3 Classic Mid-Century Leather Bookends. These handcrafted bookends with Greek Key gold embossing would certainly accentuate your home on a bookcase, table, or desk. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Leather

Pair Of Vintage Acorn Bookends, English, Decorative Book Rest, Mid Century, 1960
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a pair of vintage acorn bookends. An English, mahogany decorative book rest, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1960. Fascinating turned form, a treat for the study desk...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Wood

Blenko Glass Owl Book Ends
Located in Denton, TX
1960s Blenko glass bookends, designed by Joel Myers rare emerald green solid cast glass with textured design in the front and smooth on the back.
Category

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

Materials

Glass

20th Century Italian Pair of Mid-Century Vintage Chromed Metal Golf Bookends
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern pair of Italian bookends made of hand crafted chromed metal and brass, depicting a golf ball, in good condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Circa ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal, Brass, Chrome

Abingdon Pottery 1940s Mid Century Modern Pair Black Horse Head Bookends
Located in Miami, FL
Handsome Pair of Mid Century Horse Head Modern Bookends by Abingdon Potteries. Beautiful designed horse heads bookends in glossy black glaze which were produced from 1938 through 1...
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

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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