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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
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

Alfred James Perry, Mid-Century Turtle Bookends, Signed & Dated, circa 1950
Located in Chatham, ON
ALFRED JAMES PERRY - mid-century - folk art - turtle form bookends - articulated shell and features - each hand carved from a solid block of pine - weighted - original finish - each ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Softwood

Achille Castiglioni, 1991 Right Handed Oiled Oak Lungangolo For Karakter
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Achille Castiglioni, 1991 Right Handed Oiled Oak Lungangolo For Karakter Castiglioni is said to ponder a lot on lost space. Empty inches and square meters that could be filled with ...
Category

2010s Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Oak

Pair of Hand Carved Wooden Bookends Sturgeons, Germany, 1970s
Located in Barntrup, DE
A charming pair of ash wood bookends with carved figurines of sturgeons with beautiful yellow and black eyes. Germany, circa the 1970s. These adorable bookends will make a wonderful...
Category

1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Wood

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

Jane and Gordon Martz Ceramic Tile and Walnut Bookends for Marshall Studios
Located in Chicago, IL
These ceramic tile and walnut bookends were designed and made by Jane and Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios. The rectangular forms are softened by the loose brush strokes in the glaz...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Walnut, Ceramic

Pair of Rare Carl Aubock Brass and Tin Book Ends, First Generation, 1935-1945
Located in Vienna, AT
Vintage, made in the very first pre-war period of the existance of the werkstatte Aubock in Vienna. Model number: 3531 - Illustrated in the exhibition catalogue of the Vienna Historical Museum. For sale are a pair of super rare bookends...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass, Pewter

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3654 Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck model #3654 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

Pair of Art Glass Cast Elephant Bookends by Don Shepherd for DAS Designs
Located in San Diego, CA
A pair of art glass cast elephant bookends by Don Shepherd for DAS Designs, circa 1980s. The pair are the back and front end of an elephant and are in ve...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Art Glass

Carl Aubock Patinated Brass Bookends #4636
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
Carl Aubock patinated brass bookends #4636. Produced by Carl Auböck IV in the original Auböck workshop in Vienna, Austria using the same standards, high-quality materials, original m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

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

1950s Ben Seibel Abstract Gold Silver Brass Bookend Set
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Ben Seibel Modernist Abstract Gold Silver Bookend Pair designed by Ben Seibel for Jenfredware 5.5 h x 3.25 d x 5.5 w Preowned original vintage condition Refer to listed images
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal, Brass

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

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

Vintage Pair Of Decorative Bookends, English, Book Rest, Mid Century, Art Deco
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage pair of decorative bookends. An English, Portland stone book rest, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1940. Pleasingly robust forms w...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Stone

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 Sculptural Brass Jack / Jax Bookends in the Style of Bill Curry
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice pair of cast iron sculptural jack / jax bookends in the style of Bill Curry for Design Line, circa 1980s. The set is in good vintage condition and measures 10"W x 5.5"D x 4.5"...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Pair of American solid Oak Bookends California Design
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of solid oak bookends nicely crafted circa 1970's California made and design very nice condition and patina.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

Ben Seibel Aged Bronze Srirrup Bookends
Located in New York, NY
Custom finished aged bronze stirrup bookends, c.60s.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

Pair of Sculptural Brass Jack / Jax Bookends in the Style of Bill Curry
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice pair of solid brass sculptural jack / jax bookends in the style of Bill Curry for Design Line, circa 1980s. The set is in good vintage condition and measures 11"W x 5"D x 4.25...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Studio Crafted Wood Heart Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Sweet pair of Studio Crafted Wood Heart Bookends for the book lover in your life. Solid carved wood.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Wood

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

Achille Castiglioni, 1991 Right Handed Black Oiled Oak Lungangolo For Karakter
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Achille Castiglioni, 1991 Right Handed Black Oiled Oak Lungangolo For Karakter Castiglioni is said to ponder a lot on lost space. Empty inches and square meters that could be filled...
Category

2010s Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Oak

Aldo Londi Bitossi for Raymor Cordova Bookends, Ceramic, Blue, Green, Signed
Located in New York, NY
Aldo Londi Bitossi for Raymor Cordova Bookends, Ceramic, Blue, Green, Signed. Small scale stacked, rectangular form, bookends from Aldo L...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Ceramic

Z Bookend by Curtis Jere Signed & Dated 1971 in Gold Leaf Finish
Located in San Diego, CA
Solid iron midcentury Z Curtis Jere bookend with gold leaf finish. Signed and dated "1971".
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

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

Pair of MCM "L" Shaped Lucite Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice pair of MCM "L" shaped lucite bookends, circa 1970s. The pair are in excellent condition and would make a great addition to any mid-century study or library! The measure a hef...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Lucite

Achille Castiglioni, 1991 Left Handed White Oak Lungangolo For Karakter
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Achille Castiglioni, 1991 Left Handed White Oak Lungangolo For Karakter Castiglioni is said to ponder a lot on lost space. Empty inches and square meters that could be filled with b...
Category

2010s Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Oak

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

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

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

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

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

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 patina and...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

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

Achille Castiglioni, 1991 Right Handed White Oak Lungangolo For Karakter
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Achille Castiglioni, 1991 Right Handed White Oak Lungangolo For Karakter Castiglioni is said to ponder a lot on lost space. Empty inches and square meters that could be filled with ...
Category

2010s Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Oak

Vintage Danish Teak Bookends 1960s, Set of 2
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish teak bookends 1960s, Set of 2 Pair of Danish Mid-Century Modern bookends in solid teak with metal base. Very good original condition. Ready to support.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Teak

Large Atomic Jack / Jax Bookend or Doorstop in the Style of Bill Curry
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage atomic era, mid-century modern large iron jack / jax in the style of Bill Curry, circa 1970s. The piece is functional as either a bookend, door stop or decorative accent and ...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

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

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

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

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Chrome

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

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

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

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

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4636 Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck model #4636 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

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

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

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 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

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 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

Pair of Midcentury Marble and Wooden Horse Head Bookends
Located in Antwerp, BE
Stylish pair of midcentury wooden horse head bookends, circa 1970s. The bookends are heavy and well crafted, they are honey cream in color on a black marble base. Great addition to a...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Marble

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

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

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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