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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
Handsome Pair of Ben Seibel Stirrup bookends
Located in Evanston, IL
Own a piece of decorative arts history with Ben Siebel's stirrup bookends, designed for Jenfred-Ware. Crafted from brass, these bookends showcase Seibel's signature blend of sculptu...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Mexican Modern Bookends by Don Shoemaker
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1970. We offer this Hand carved bookends made in Cocobolo by Mexican Modernist Don Shoemaker. Include original labels from his workshop in Señal Mexico.
Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Wood

Brass Bookends marked Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Cork, IE
Stylish and timeless in their design, these decorous brass bookends hail from the studios of the renowned Swedish designer Hans-Agne Jakobsson. One of the bookends is labeled with t...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of Ritts Astrolite Modern Abstract Lucite Bookends
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A good pair of Ritts Astrolite Lucite bookends,  of an abstract, modernist design with pierced central openings. Height: circa 6 3/4 in. Items purchased from David Sterner Antiques...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Lucite

Pair of Mid-Century Teak Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of mid-century teak bookends, circa 1960s. Two sets available. #3559
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

Pair of Modernist Chrome Chain Link Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous pair of modernist chrome chain link bookends, circa 1970s. The pair are very heavy and in good vintage condition; they measure 14.75"W x 6.25"D x 6.5"H. Great addition to an...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Pair of Early 20th Century English Golfer Bronze & Marble Bookends
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Early 20th century pair of golfer bronze & marble bookends, signed, English. Patinated bronze on marble bookends, signed & dated "G. Reece, 09". These are attributed variously as 190...
Category

Early 20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Pair of Mid-Century Onyx Marble Horse Head Bookends Library Mexico
Located in Toronto, CA
Striking and sculptural, this pair of large Mid-Century marble horse head bookends exudes timeless elegance and craftsmanship. Made in Mexico circa 1970s, each piece is expertly carv...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Onyx

Pair of Vintage Chinese Hand Carved Hard Wood Foo Dogs
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice pair of vintage Chinese hand carved hard wood foo dogs or bookends which I believe are made from elm, rosewood or another type of hardwood, circa 1950s. The dogs have gla...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Hardwood

Lars Hellsten for Orreford Glass Elephant Bookends
Located in New York, NY
Stunning pair of large and heavy art-glass elephant bookends designed by Lars Hellsten for Orrefords, in vintage original condition both of them are signed.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Art Glass

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4100 Patinated Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4100 patinated brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated brass. Price is f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4635 Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck model #4635 brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated and polished brass. Price i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Large Midcentury Oversize Gold Brass Duck Bookends a Pair, Made in Spain
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Two very large brass duck bookends. This pair is not the average size brass mallard bookend that you see often. This set is quite a bit larger than th...
Category

20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Rams Head Ceramic Sculpture Bookend
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very nice and large sculpture of a Rams Head - perfectly suited as a bookend for large books, or a Stand-alone decorative piece. No Chips or Cracks.
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Ceramic

Small Sculptural Jack / Jax Bookend / Paperweight in the Style of Bill Curry
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice small sculptural jack / jax bookend, door stop or paperweight the style of Bill Curry for Design Line, circa 1970s. The piece is in good vintage condition with a nice patina a...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Vintage Mid Century Modern Art Deco Adjustable Book Lectern by Tiffany Stand Co
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Mid Century Modern Art Deco Adjustable Book Lectern by Tiffany Stand Co. Item features a very unique spring/hydraulic like mechanism that balances the weight of the book on t...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

1980s Faceted Lucite Bookends by Ritts Co. of Los Angeles
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A pair of mid-century modern "Astrolite" lucite bookends by the Ritts Company of Los Angeles that are strikingly etched and polished, which catches and refract lights beautifully. T...
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Lucite

Sculptural Jack / Jax Bookend / Paperweight in the Style of Bill Curry
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice sculptural jack / jax bookend, door stop or paperweight the style of Bill Curry for Design Line, circa 1970s. The piece is in good vintage condition with a nice patina and mea...
Category

Mid-20th Century Taiwanese Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Hawaiian Male and Female Bookends, Pair
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This pair of Hawaiian Mid-Century Modern bookends feature skillfully carved male and female busts that have been coated in a sand/plaster finish further enhancing their antiqued look...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Modernist Solid Brass Bookends. Sleek Timeless Decor Ben Seibel
Located in Peoria, AZ
SLEEK! MODERN SCULPTURAL MID CENTURY BRASS BOOK ENDS GREAT LOOK! DIMENSIONS: EACH APPROX. 7" BY 5-1/2" In the manner of Ben Seibel These book ends are a clean addition to any d...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Vintage Stacked Solid Wood Bookends
Located in Denton, TX
Vintage solid wood bookends made of ash, walnut, mahogany and maple. Glued together in a stacked design then shaped in a curved pattern. They make nice decorative sculptures.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Mahogany, Maple, Oak, Walnut

Vintage Italian White Carrara Marble, Red, Black Dice Bookends Pair Of Polished
Located in North Miami, FL
This pair of vintage unusual Italian 1960s white carrara marble bookends have large dice propped as the focal point with red and black resin dots. They have been professionally polis...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Marble

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Charles Hollis Large Lucite Dice
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Feast your eyes on this glorious oxblood red pair of acrylic dice by Charles Hollis. These are spectacular when the light hits them, as they glow in burgu...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Acrylic

1970s Blue Quartz Stone Bookends Ethereal Blue
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Midcentury pair of organic modern bookends polished floating blue quartz stone 4 1/2" H x 3 1/2" W x 4 1/4" D (each) Original organic vintage unrestored condition. Refer to images.
Category

1970s Unknown Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Quartz

Pair of Clear Glass Half Moon Glass Bookends by Wayne Husted for Blenko
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous clear glass half moon bookends designed by Wayne Husted for Blenko, circa 1960s. They are in very good vintage condition with no chips or scra...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Glass

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #1937 'Bamboo' Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #1937 'Bamboo' bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed hand cut and polished bamboo and brass....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Fish Bookends by Blenko
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-century era, pair of Blenko, thick glass fish bookends. Solid, handblown, with back side a smooth finish and front side a textural finish.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Glass

Ben Seibel Bookends for Jenfred-Ware
Located in San Francisco, CA
Ben Seibel design copper plated bookends for Jenfred-Ware, U.S.A.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Copper

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

Pair of Midcentury Glass Owl Bookends by Blenko
Located in San Diego, CA
Midcentury pair of handblown owl bookends by Blenko, circa 1960s. The bookends are heavy and solid with a smooth back side a finish and a textural finish on the front. Very cool deco...
Category

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

Materials

Blown Glass

Pair of Brass and Wood Block Bookends by Walter von Nessen for Chase USA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of brass and wood bookends by Walter von Nessen for Chase, c.1930s, USA. The pair of bookends feature two brass figures with curved tubular bodies and geometric shaped wood head...
Category

1930s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of Marble Dice Bookends with Marble Bases
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Marble Dice on Marble bases. The pair are a nice compliment to any shelf and great for the game aficionado or child's room. The roll of the dice an...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Marble

Mid-Century Sheldon Rose AlphaSculpt Typesetter Block Sculpture Bookend
Located in San Diego, CA
Signed Sheldon Rose (American 20th Century) Typesetter cube sculpture, can also be used as bookend. In polished polychrome silver metal. Sheldon Rose (American, 20th century), attend...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

Pair of Italian Red and Green Leather Equestrian Bookends, circa 1950s
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Extra Large Set of Vintage Leather Bookends with Patinated Bronze Horses in Full Sprint, Italy circa 1950s. One bookend is in red leather and...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Bronze

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

Carl Auböck Pair of Bookends, Austria 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck pair of bookends, Austria 1960s.
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Vintage Polished Cast Brass Duck Bookends, circa 1950
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Pair of polished decorative brass duck bookends in Sarried style. Set of midcentury vintage cast metal brass duck sculpture bust bookends. Aged wa...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Iconic Midcentury Gender Symbol / Sex Bookends by C. Jere
Located in San Diego, CA
Original pair of midcentury sculptures / bookends featuring the universal symbols for male and female (Sexes) signed by C. Jere, circa 1960s The pieces are made of heavy metal with a gold leaf-like finish and have a wonderful, worn vintage patina. Each symbol is approx. 7" tall and sits upon a 4" x 4" base. These iconic 1960s Curtis Jere gender symbol bookends...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

1960s Silver Jack Bookend Modern Pop Art George Nelson Design Line CA
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Bookend Vintage single silver Jack bookend accessory Modern Pop Art Style George Nelson 1960s No label, attributed to George Nelson Design Line California Measures: 4.5 tall x 5 ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

Pair of Modernist Chrome Chain Link Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous pair of modernist chrome chain link bookends, circa 1970s. The pair are in very heavy and in good vintage condition; they measure 11.5"W x 8"D x 7"H. Great addition to any MCM office...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Pair of Tennis Players on Quartz Court Bookends by Curtis Jere for Artisan House
Located in San Diego, CA
Excellent and rare pair of bronze tennis players on quartz court bookends by Curtis Jere for Artisan House, circa 1976. The pair are signed and da...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Quartz, Bronze

Pair of Patinated Brass Rams Head Bookends, Midcentury
Located in San Diego, CA
A pair of vintage brass rams head bookends, circa 1970s. The bookends are in very good condition nice patina.
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Vintage Native American Bust with Headdress single Bookend
Located in Seattle, WA
Believed to be cast iron , not confirmed. Single Bookend of Native American bust with headdress. Vintage condition as pictured. Listening is for described item only. Online Box H2 D...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4637 Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck model #4637 brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated and polished brass. Price i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Bookends by Carl Auböck III
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare pair of bookends by Carl Auböck III. Nickel plated steel. 1970s.  
Category

1970s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Steel

Vintage Boho Brass Egret Bookends - Set of 2
Located in west palm beach, FL
Elevate your home library or display shelves with this exquisite pair of Vintage Boho Brass Egret Bookends. These captivating designer bookends showcase masterful craftsmanship, feat...
Category

Late 20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Marble, Brass

Vintage Mid-Century Wood Plank Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Unique and simply exceptional pair of vintage bookends. Deriving on the uniqueness of the wood grain, these bookends are elegant and modernist. Simple lines contrast with organic pat...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Wood

Rare Bronze Train Locomotive Bookends 1940´s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Nice & Rare Silvered Bronze Train Locomotive Bookends 1940´s. Heavy Bookends. Hight quality. Train entering a tunel. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau an...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Bronze

Brass Doberman Bookends with Marble Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of patinated guard dogs for your books. Marble base steadies the books, so dogs appear to be jumping, rather than pressing against the books. A compliment to any bookshelf.  
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Marble, Brass

Pair of Bronze "X O" Bookends in the Style of Curtis Jere
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool pair of bronze "X O" bookends in the style of Curtis Jere, circa 1990s. The pair are in very good vintage condition with a wonderful patina and measure 4"W x 5.5"D x 6.5...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Bronze

Large Atomic Era Jack / Jax Bookend, Doorstop in the Style of 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 patina and measures 8"W x 8"D x 6....
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Italian Marble and Alabaster Set of Bookends, 1920's
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very nice Italian set of bookends, fabricated in the early 1900's. It is handcrafted out of very beautiful marble and alabaster. The fabulous marble features a very nice pattern of ...
Category

1920s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Marble, Alabaster

Carl Auböck Model #4630 Large Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Aubo¨ck model #4630 large 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

Pair of Midcentury Lucite Bookends by Herb Ritts for Astrolite
Located in San Diego, CA
A gorgeous pair of mid-century lucite bookends by Herb Ritts for Astrolite, circa 1970s. The pair are in excellent condition and would make a great addition to any midcentury study o...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Lucite

1970s Italian Vintage Red & Black Lacquered Metal Post-Modern Geometric Bookends
Located in New York, NY
Modern stylish design metal bookends in shiny lacquered black & red color. Both bookends are made complementary in style but with different geometric form. The black bookend...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

Carl Auböck Bookends #3848
Located in Berlin, DE
Classis pair of Carl Auböck bookend in a patina and polish brass mix.  
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Polished Brass Teddy Bear Vintage Bookends Paperweights
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Polished brass teddy bear vintage bookends or paperweight. Vintage mid-century brass teddy bear bookends. These pair of teddy bear would make a luxu...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

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

1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Wood

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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