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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
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

1950s Ben Seibel Copper Clam Shell Bookend Set
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Ben Seibel Copper Clam Shell Bookend Set Copper bookends designed by Ben Seibel for Jenfredware 5.75 h x 5 w x 4 d Preowned original vintage condition Refer to listed images
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Copper

Book Holder, 1950s Attr. Richard Rohac
Located in Wien, AT
Book holder, 1950s Attr. Richard Rohac Brass blackened Original marble Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Marble, Brass

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

Vintage Extending Book Slide, Venetian, Gilt, Tulipwood, Bookrest, Mid Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage extending book slide. A Venetian, gilt finished tulipwood bookrest, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950. Delightfully presented book slide, with appealing f...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Giltwood

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4102 Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck model #4102 brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated and polished brass. Produced...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Set of Three Vintage Atomic Jacks/Jax Bookends/Doorstop Attributed to Bill Curry
Located in San Diego, CA
Set of three 1950s atomic era, Mid-Century Modern iron jacks-jax. The pieces can be used as bookends, a doorstop, or decorative accents. in aluminum, black and bronze finish with a n...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron, Aluminum

Richard Rohac, a Pair of Bookends, Austria, Mid-1900s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of rare abstract bookends in solid bronze, designed by Richard Rohac, Austria, mid 1900s. Marked RR Made in Austria 7 In good condition, few small signs of wear / age rela...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Bronze

Mid Century Elephant Bookends, Blenko
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century solid cast glass stylized elephant bookends. Backs are polished smooth, while fronts are textured.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Art Glass

Pair of Midcentury Amber Glass Owl Bookends by Blenko
Located in San Diego, CA
Midcentury pair of handblown amber colored 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. ...
Category

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

Materials

Blown Glass

1950s Atomic Era Mid-Century Modern Single Iron Jack-Jax Bookend Doorstopper
Located in San Diego, CA
Gold Leaf finish on this solid iron jack, which can be used as a bookend or door stopper, is circa 1950s original finish is nicely worn.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Pair of Mid-Century Owl Bookends Sculptures in Silver
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Century Pair Metal Silver Painted Bookends. Absolutely spot on in terms of this MCM period, these sturdy owls sitting on a branch will add to that vibe classic modern vibe displa...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

Bill Curry Sculptural Jax Bookends Design Line
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of fun / sculptural bookends by Bill Curry for Design Line. Great patina and original creamy white paint.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Arrow Brass and Wood Bookends with Hand Stiched Leather, France 1960's
Located in Den Haag, NL
Arrow Brass and Wood Bookends with Hand Stiched Leather, France 1960's
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Leather, Wood

Onyx Figural Bookends, a Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
Fantastic pair of Onyx figural bookends. Measure 5" W x 5.25" H W6051522.  
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Onyx

Pair of Solid Brass Folding Chinese Foo Dog Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful pair of solid brass folding foo dog bookends, circa 1960s. The bookends are in good vintage condition and measure 7"W x 3.5"D x 6"H. Great look! #3588
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of Beech and Copper Barrel Bookends, France, circa 1940
Located in Labrit, Landes
Pair of French bookends Beech and copper, made in France Shipping: L 20 P D 15 H 12 1 kg.
Category

1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Copper

Pair of MCM Ceramic Tile and Walnut Bookends by Jane & Gordon Martz
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice pair of MCM ceramic tile and walnut bookends by Jane & Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios, circa 1950s. The bookends are in very good vintage condtion and measure 8.5"W x 5"D x...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Pottery, Walnut

Vintage Triangular Cast Glass Bookends by Blenko
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An awesome pair of heavy mid-century modern cast glass triangle shaped bookends by Blenko. Two sides are polished smooth and the other three sides are textured. In very good vintag...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Glass

Funky Danish Bookends
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Funky Danish bookends-blond guy and dark guy caricatures! Well made and hand painted.
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Teak

Pair of Vintage MCM Mouse / Cheese Wedge Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
A whimsical pair of vintage MCM brass mouse on walnut cheese wedge bookends, circa 1970s. The bookends are in very good vintage condition and measure 8.25"...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Blenko Clear Glass Half Circle Bookends, Pair
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of vintage handmade half circle bookends in solid glass by Blenko. Both with original foil label.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Glass, Art Glass

Pair Mid-Century Modern Beveled Rectangle Lucite Bookends
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Vintage pair of tall, heavy monogramed thick lucite bookends with beautiful beveled edges on aluminum bases. These bookends almost glow when the light hits them. Polished and substan...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-Century Modern Pair of Sailboat Bookends, Powder-Coated White
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Powder-Coated Creamy White Set of Mid-Century Sailboat Bookends Substantial in size and weight, these solid vintage brass newly powder-coated boats are both form and function. Fabu...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

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

Mid-Century Modern 1970s Geometric Trapezoid Lucite Bookends - Astrolite
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of MCM 1970s Herb Ritts for Astrolite designed clear & frosted lucite Trapezoid shaped bookends. In fine condition, no damage. no Label. In fine condition, no issues.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Lucite

1960s Vintage Midcentury Double Panel Teak Bookends
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Vintage Midcentury Double Panel Teak Bookends 7 h x 5.25 d x 5 w Unrestored preowned original vintage condition Wear and tear are present Refer to all images for condition
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Teak

Massive Pair of Brass on Walnut Base Rams Head Bookends by Sarreid
Located in San Diego, CA
A massive pair of brass rams head bookends on walnut bases by Sarreid, circa 1970s. The bookends, which were made in Spain, are in very good condition and have a great look. They mea...
Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Pine

Pair of Vintage Brass and Copper Trench Art Bookends
Located in San Jose, CA
Pair of mid century trench art bookends in copper circa 1950's. Features a rustic hammered texture and bullet casing in patinated brass. The perfect accessory to organize your books or library and pairs well with industrial modern and Scandinavian decor.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass, Copper

Brass Judaica Shalom Peace Tree of Life Bookends
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful pair of Midcentury modern brass Shalom Judaica bookends. Brass with lovely patina with color enameled accents. Felt under the stands for use on multiple surfaces, signed “T...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of MCM Brass Bookends with Louis Vuitton Monogram Fabric
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Pair of 1970's Brass Bookends with Vintage Louis Vuitton Fabric, Mid Century Modern These monogrammed bookends have been custom made and hand cra...
Category

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Rare Vintage Mid Century Lucite Bookends with Embedded Sea Shells
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage mid century lucite bookends with embedded shell. These 1960s gems are glamorous, lustrous and enigmatic. Two perfectly proportioned seashell specimens float in luci...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Lucite

Signed 1980s Arts and Crafts Handcrafted Pressed Plywood Sitting People Bookends
Located in Miami, FL
Mid Century Modern handcrafted pressed plywood sitting people bookends, table sculptures, decor, room accents and accessories. Signed by Artist. O-542-335
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Plywood

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Sunshine Yellow Boat Bookends
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Powder-Coated Sunshine Yellow Set of Mid-Century Sailboat Bookends These solid vintage newly powder-coated boats are both form and function. Fabulous pair displayed on a bookshelf ...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal, Iron

Antonio da Ros Handmade Glass Sculptural Bookends, circa 1960
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antonio da Ros handmade glass sculptural bookends, circa 1960 Absolutely beautiful vintage 1960s bookends by noted Italian glass master Antonio da Ros. This matching pair measu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Art Glass

Ermanno Nason for Cenedese Italian Murano Alexandrite Glass Horse Head Sculpture
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Stunning, rare and vintage midcentury centrepiece glass sculpture by Ermanno Nason (1928-2014) for Cenedese of Murano, Venice, Italy. An absolutely stunning piece of Mid-Century Mura...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Vintage BLENKO USA Glass Duck Bookends a Pair from the 1980s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Striking pair of duck glass bookends by Blenko, circa 1980s. Pair of Blenko Ducks bookends featured in a clear textured glass. Pair of handmade heavy and sturdy glass bookends with t...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Art Glass

Musical Violin and Horn Sculpture Cast Metal Bookends Vintage Circa 1950's
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage cast metal bookends in musical instruments orchestra violin horn sculpture theme. Mid-Century Modern Pair of bronze cast metal bookends in the shape of musical instruments. M...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

Pair of Mid-Century Italian Abstract Marble and Ceramic Bookends
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage pair of abstract marble and ceramic bookends. This interesting design is attributed to Fratelli Mannelli and was manufactured by Raymor. These stylish pair of abstract mar...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Marble

Post Modern Marble Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful pair of vintage Italian marble bookends, circa 1970s. In the style of Sergio Asti. Stone is beautifully veined and in great c...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Marble

F.lli Mannelli Pair of Bookends in Rapolano Travertine Marble, Italy 1970s
Located in Naples, IT
Pair of stone bookends by Fratelli Manelli. Made from exquisite Rapolano Travertine, a type of Italian travertine known for its distinctive cream color and delicate veining.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Marble

Italian Equestrian Brass Sculptural Bookend in the shape of a Horse Head, 70s
Located in Roma, IT
I am offering for sale a sculptural bookend made in Italy between the 70s and 80s, probably a gift made by, or coming from, an office of the Rome Airports, as is engraved in the arti...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of Modernist Chrome and Cork Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool and hard to find pair of modernist chrome and cork bookends, circa 1970s. The pair are heavy and in good vintage condition; they measure 4.75"W x 4.5"D x 6"H. Great addi...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Sea Birds on Ocean Pylon Bookends by Curtis Jere for Artisan House
Located in San Diego, CA
Excellent and rare pair of sea birds on ocean pylon bookends by Curtis Jere for Artisan House, circa 1977. The pair are signed and dated and are in very good vintage condition with a...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Quartz, Copper

Mid Century Rectangular Bookends by DAPCO
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and incredibly minalist set of walnut bookends by DAPCO. This pair is simple lined and graphic squared. A beautiful leather plaque is contained by walnut edges along with a...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Glass Bookends in the Style of Lalique
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful pair of frosted Horse Head sculpture bookends. The pair could be used as decorative pieces but also are perfect for bookends, especially in a Childs room. They are molded...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Art Glass

Pair of Large Abstract Sommerso Bookends by Luciano Gaspari for Murano Glass
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous pair of large abstract sommerso bookends by Luciano Gaspari for Murano Glass, circa 1960's. The pair are in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measure...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Blown Glass

1970s Walnut Wood Bookends Live Edge Design
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Bookends Pair of walnut wood organic form bookends live edge natural design. Artist signed Wetter Original vintage unrestored preowned. Measures: 5.75 W x 6.5 H x 6.25 D inches. Preo...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Walnut

Curtis Jere Tic - Tac - Toe Onyx and Metal Sculptures or Bookends
Located in Saint Louis, MO
One of a kind Curtis Jere onyx and metal Tic Tac Toe sculptures or bookends, sold individually or as a pair. All of Jere's Tic Tac Toe sculptures are unique ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Onyx, Metal

American Eagle Ceramic Bookends Faux Wood Finish
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare sculpture ceramic eagle bookends Beautiful faux wood finish with a rustic cerused whitewash. Books are not included. Versatile design ...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Ceramic

1970s Emaus Bookends Mahogany Steel Copper Mexico
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents pair of Bookends, Mid Century Mexican Modernist. Unmarked, attributed to Emaus. Made in Mexico circa the 1970s. Mahogany, stainless steel, copper. 6.5H x 4.63 W x 5...
Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Copper, Steel, Stainless Steel

Grouping of Six Carl Auböck Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Grouping of six Carl Auböck brass bookends. Includes one pair each of models #4635, #4636 and #4637. Designed in the 1950s, these incredibly...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

1950s Ben Seibel Modern Brass Bookends Sculptural Tear Drop Flame
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Brass bookends 1950s Ben Seibel modern bookends tear drop flame in brass Selling a pair. Measures: 7.5 H x 4.5 W x 2.25 D inches Preowned original unrestored vintage condition. ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Late 20th Century American Mid Century Modern A - Z Bookends by, Curtis Jere
Located in Englewood, NJ
A Pair of Mid Century Modern cast iron "A-Z" Iron Bookends finished in original gilt finish. They are each signed "@ C Jere 1970" They are In great vintage condition with some loss o...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Pair of MCM Leather Wrapped World Map Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Classic pair of large leather wrapped bookends with a midcentury brass world map plaque embedded in the front, circa 1970s. The bookends measure 9" W x 6" D x 6.5" H and would make a...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Vintage Mid-Century Atomic Wire Mesh Black Table Top Book Shelf
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredibly clean and modernist lines define this unique table top book shelf. This simple piece carries strong lines that manifest its era and car...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

Mcm Jane & Gordon Martz Walnut & White Tile Bookends for Marshall Studios 1960s
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of Mid-Century Modern walnut bookends with vertical white inset tiles by Jane & Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios on brass bases. Very nice original condition.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Blenko Glass Twisted Hearts Clear Block Bookends Wayne Husted, 1969
Located in Miami, FL
Blenko glass twisted hearts clear block bookends, Wayne Husted 1969 Offered for sale is a pair of Blenko "Twisted Hearts" clear block bookends designed by Wayne Husted in 1969. Th...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Glass

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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