Modern Bookends
MODERN STYLE
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”
Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.
Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair — crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.
It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.
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Style: Modern
Italian Murano Art Glass Fruit Bookends
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and substantial pair of Italian Murano pear and peach fruit bookends or decorative object sculptures, circa mid to late-20th century, Italy. These beautiful Murano art gl...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Bookends
Materials
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$1,250 / set
Cuyo Large Alpaca Silver & Blue Onyx Stone Pair of Bookends
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Cuyo bookends are solid heavy beautiful pieces of geometrical onyx stone, mostly in square base and round top. Very sharm for a personal library.
Our pieces are made by hand. One of...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Bookends
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Italian Murano Art Glass Fruit Bookends Decorative Objects, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and substantial set Italian Murano pear fruit and egg decorative art glass bookends or decorative objects with a controlled bubble design in th...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Bookends
Materials
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Handmade Glass Bookends by Blenko - a Pair
By Blenko Glass
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of handmade glass bookends with smooth top and textured sides by Blenko Glass, USA circa 1980s.
Measurement for each block: w3.5" d4" h3.75"
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Bookends
Materials
Glass
Frosted Glass Horse Head Bookends with Black Glass Base in the Style of Lalique
By Lalique
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Solid glass Horse head bookends with solid black glass base. The pair are wonderful and are very reminiscent of Lalique. Very sophist...
Category
20th Century Modern Bookends
Materials
Art Glass, Wood
Pair of 2 Small Structural I-Beam Gold Bronze Bookends by Henry Wilson
By Henry Wilson
Located in Geneve, CH
Pair of 2 Small Fin Bronze Bookends by Henry Wilson
Dimensions: W 8 x D 6 x H 13 cm
Materials: Bronze
Fin bookends come in two sizes. Each is made, finished, and polished in Sydney,...
Category
2010s Australian Modern Bookends
Materials
Bronze
Gucci Leather Bookends with Birds Sculptures, circa 1970
By Gucci
Located in Atlanta, GA
Gucci, Italy, designed this superb pair of handcrafted leather and metal bookends circa 1970. This rare large-scale ensemble features two gilded metal partridges resting on a hand-st...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Bookends
Materials
Brass
Pair of Mid Century Murano Art Glass Aqua and Gold Vetro Sommerso Book Ends
Located in Tustin, CA
Very striking pair of hand made and mouth blown in Italy, Murano art glass sommerso twist motif bookends in a vibrant shade of aqua blue color with rich golden center. The word "som...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Bookends
Materials
Murano Glass
Salta Large Square Black Onyx Stone Pair of Bookends
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Salta province is called the beautiful, and this adjective introduces us to its profound beauty. Its fertile valleys, windy desert, colorful mountains and blue sky are the images tha...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Bookends
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
$1,100 / item
Medium & Large, Bookends Cuyo, Onix Stone & Silver Alpaca
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
4" x 4" x 7.8"
4.8 "x 4.8" x 9.5"
Cuyo bookends are solid heavy beautiful pieces of geometrical onyx stone, mostly in square base and round top. Very sharm for a personal library.
...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Bookends
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Cuyo Medium Alpaca Silver & Cream Onyx Stone Pair of Bookends
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Cuyo bookends are solid heavy beautiful pieces of geometrical onyx stone, mostly in square base and round top. Very sharm for a personal library.
Our pieces are made by hand. One of...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Bookends
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Rainbow Nesting Sculpture, Contemporary Colored Concrete Piece by Erik Olovsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rainbow nesting sculpture made in colored concrete in 4 separate pieces. Each piece is casted in high quality pastina cement by skilled craftsmen from Italy. The sculpture could be u...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Bookends
Materials
Concrete
Restoration Hardware Industrial Modern Metal Spinning Globe Bookends - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Restoration Hardware Industrial Modern Metal Spinning Globe Bookends - a Pair. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 6.5" H x 5" W x 6...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Bookends
Materials
Metal
Classic Gucci Bookends
By Gucci
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of Classic bookends by Gucci. Classic brown leather stripe with brass bases. Beautiful stitching and attention to details.
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Bookends
Materials
Brass
$1,800 / set
Pair of Striped Carrera Marble Bookends
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful pair of Carrera Marble Bookends - the "pyramid' shape in addition to the divisional use of stripes is very creative and decorative.
Turn a subtle shelf and book area i...
Category
20th Century Modern Bookends
Materials
Carrara Marble
Cuyo Large Alpaca Silver & Black Onyx Stone Pair of Bookends
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Cuyo bookends are solid heavy beatiful pieces of geometrical onyx stone, moustly in square base and round top. Very sharm for a personal library.
Our pieces are made by hand. One ...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Bookends
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Pair of Book ends, in Onyx, White Color, Horse Shape Pattern, France, Circa 1970
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Pair of book ends, in onyx, the motif pattern are horse heads. They are white in color, and were made in France in the 1970s.
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Bookends
Materials
Onyx
$335 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Astrolite Clear Acrylic Book Ends With Bronze And Gold Metallic Inclusions
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Shirley Ritts was an influential American designer known for her innovative work in interior and furniture design during the mid-20th century. A key figure in the rise of California ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Bookends
Materials
Acrylic
Vintage Cast Brass Double Golf Club Bookends, Pair
Located in Elkhart, IN
A beautiful pair of cast brass bookends in the form of two golf clubs and golf balls.
Circa 1980s
Measures: 4.88"W x 1.88"D x 6"H.
Good original vintage condition.
Category
1980s Taiwanese Vintage Modern Bookends
Materials
Brass
Unique Art Deco Bronze Brass Pair of Bookends, Mid Century Modern Austria 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Channeling old world glamor into your home decor, this set of two brass bronze finish bookends is both a useful and decorative addition to your home office, library, study or lounge....
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Modern Bookends
Materials
Metal
Pair of 1920s Brass Figurative Bookends with White Onyx Base
Located in Austin, TX
This pair of vintage brass and white onyx bookends dates to the 1920s and are clearly inspired by Rodin's 'The Thinker.' From time to time, similar bookends will surface, but differi...
Category
Early 20th Century American Modern Bookends
Materials
Onyx, Brass
Cuyo Large Alpaca Silver & Cream Onyx Stone Pair of Bookends
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Cuyo bookends are solid heavy beatiful pieces of geometrical onyx stone, moustly in square base and round top. Very sharm for a personal library.
Our pieces are made by hand. One ...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Bookends
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Vintage Cast Brass Golf Club Bookends, Pair
Located in Elkhart, IN
A beautiful pair of cast brass bookends in the form of golf clubs and golf balls.
Circa 1980s
Measures: 3"W x 3"D x 5.38"H.
Good original vintage condition.
Category
1980s Taiwanese Vintage Modern Bookends
Materials
Brass
Abstract Bronzed Copper Metal Wood Sculpture, circa 1960s
Located in New York, NY
A signed copper abstract sculpture on wood base, circa 1960s. Sculpture is copper, with a beautiful rich dark brown patina, adhered to rectangular wood base. Signature (illegible) on...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Bookends
Materials
Copper
Cuyo Medium Alpaca Silver & Blue Onyx Stone Pair of Bookends
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Cuyo bookends are solid heavy beautiful pieces of geometrical onyx stone, mostly in square base and round top. Very sharm for a personal library.
Our pieces are made by hand. One of...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Bookends
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Vintage Pair of Dolphins Bronze Bookends
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage pair of bronze dolphins bookends.
The dolphin figurines are displayed hovering a wave
Size: each 10" height x 3" x 5".
Weight: heavy: 5lbs. 8.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Bookends
Materials
Bronze
$450 / set
Salta Medium Bordeaux Onyx Stone Pair of Bookends
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Salta province is called the beautiful, and this adjective introduces us to its profound beauty. Its fertile valleys, windy desert, colorful mountains and blue sky are the images tha...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Bookends
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Cuyo Large Alpaca Silver & Bordeaux Onyx Stone Pair of Bookends
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Cuyo bookends are solid heavy beautiful pieces of geometrical onyx stone, mostly in square base and round top. Very sharm for a personal library.
Our pieces are made by hand. One of...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Bookends
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Salta Round Cream Onyx Stone Pair of Bookends
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Salta province is called the beautiful, and this adjective introduces us to its profound beauty. Its fertile valleys, windy desert, colorful mountains and blue sky are the images tha...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Bookends
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Resin Bolt Bookends, Acrylic Blocks, Steel
Located in New York, NY
Resin Bolt Bookends, Acrylic Blocks, Steel. Tall chunky transparent acrylic rectangular block bookends with encased bolt inclusions. Yellowing and scattered surface scratches to the ...
Category
1990s Modern Bookends
Materials
Steel
$2,065 Sale Price / set
30% Off
Wrought Iron Walking Man and Shadow Bookends
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Wrought iron walking man and shadow bookends, each one with fine hand forged detail. The books in the listing are for display only and are not included.
Category
20th Century European Modern Bookends
Materials
Wrought Iron
$396 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Salta Round Blue Onyx Stone Pair of Bookends
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Salta province is called the beautiful, and this adjective introduces us to its profound beauty. Its fertile valleys, windy desert, colorful mountains and blue sky are the images tha...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Bookends
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Pair of Marble Horse Head Bookends
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Marble Horse Head Bookends
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Bookends
Materials
Marble
$2,800 / set
Brass Fold Bookend by Stem Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Brass Fold Bookend by Stem Design
Dimensions: D 11 x W 11 x H 18 cm.
Materials: Brass.
Finish: Tumbled and burnished.
Weight: 2,5 kg.
Finished and assembled by hand in India. Please contact us.
Fold bookend captures the recurring act of turning a page as a sculptural object. The simplified form reveals a bold character by allowing the material to take over the conversation. Designed to be used as a bookend, the interior surface reveals itself mysteriously as you move around it. Fold layers on as a metaphor in space beautifying its timeless nature. Sand cast in solid brass, each piece is finished working closely with master artisans.
The objects layers on as a metaphor and showcases the beauty of being who you are. It strips off all the layers of ornamentation and artificial finishes to build an immediate and intuitive connection with the product that lasts a lifetime.
Stem is a contemporary Indian...
Category
2010s Indian Modern Bookends
Materials
Brass
$658 / item
Vintage Cast Brass Double Tennis Racket Bookends, Pair
Located in Elkhart, IN
A beautiful pair of cast brass bookends in the form of two tennis rackets and tennis balls.
USA, Circa 1980s
Measures: 5.5"W x 2.63"D x 5.5"H.
Good original vintage condition.
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Bookends
Materials
Brass
$396 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Salta Large Square Bordeaux Onyx Stone Pair of Bookends
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Salta province is called the beautiful, and this adjective introduces us to its profound beauty. Its fertile valleys, windy desert, colorful mountains and blue sky are the images that led us to design our largest collection. It has pure and contemporary lines, a classic vision but with modern design. The chosen materials are alpaca and onyx...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Bookends
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Pair of Scandinavian Modernist Polished Brass Rectilinear Bookends by Skultana
Located in New York, NY
This stunning pair of Scandinavian modernist bookends were realized by the esteemed Swedish maker Skultana during the latter half of the 20th century. They offer dynamic rectilinear ...
Category
20th Century Swedish Modern Bookends
Materials
Brass
Velvet Dark Gold Rabbit Door Stopper / Bookends
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Velvet dark gold rabbit as a door stopper / bookends.
Made in Italy:
Made in Italy furniture means design, quality, style and sophistication.
The typical...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookends
Materials
Velvet
Early Italian Art Glass pair of Apples Bookends
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Italian Art Glass apples. Wonderful deep red transparent color with intentional bubbles on the surface of the apples. The green stem is a seperatly added piece completing eac...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Modern Bookends
Materials
Blown Glass
Stone Bookends
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stone Bookends, nice color weight and size! Ready to go!
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Bookends
Materials
Stone
$265 / set
Fornasetti Bookends Gift Tema E Variazioni N. 171 Black/White/Red Metal
By Fornasetti
Located in MILANO, IT
There can be wit and unpredictability in the order: this was Fornasetti idea when he designed his first bookends. The mix of images with their functional design make these accessorie...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookends
Materials
Metal
Esther Fuhrman Abstract Bronze Stairway Scupture '20th C.'
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible piece by Esther Fuhrman (American, b. 1939). This beautiful abstract modern bronze sculpture of a stairway leading to a gold-tone element pie...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Bookends
Materials
Bronze
$680 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Pair of Faux Marble Pop Art "Ear" Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of large faux marble surrealist pop art "ear" bookends, circa 1970s. They are in good vintage condition and each bookend measures: 3.125" W x 8.875" H x 6.5" D. Super fun editio...
Category
Early 20th Century American Modern Bookends
Materials
Resin
$680 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Salta Medium Square Cream Onyx Stone Pair of Bookends
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Salta province is called the beautiful, and this adjective introduces us to its profound beauty. Its fertile valleys, windy desert, colorful mountains and blue sky are the images tha...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Bookends
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Fuchsia Rabbit Door Stopper / Bookends, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Fuchsia rabbit as a door stopper / bookends.
Made in Italy:
Made in Italy furniture means design, quality, style and sophistication.
The typical eleg...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookends
Materials
Plastic
Yellow Rabbit Door Stopper / Bookends, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Yellow rabbit as a door stopper / bookends.
Made in Italy:
Made in Italy furniture means design, quality, style and sophistication.
The typical elega...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookends
Materials
Plastic
Ring Mini - Calacatta Macchia Vecchia Marble Bookends Set
Located in Cologna Veneta, IT
A circle that encompasses balance, beauty and functionality.
Ring is much more than a simple bookend: it is an essential graphic sign that transforms the bookcase into a living compo...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Bookends
Materials
Marble, Carrara Marble
Contemporary 21st Century bookcase accessory, sculptural bookend made in Italy
By Spinzi
Located in Milano, IT
Capo is a collection of bookends designed by Milano based studio Spinzi, and artisanally handcrafted from metal in Italy. They are small in size yet big in personality: rather then s...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Bookends
Materials
Metal
Pair of Bookends with Authentic Fossil Ammonites - Exclusive Design
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
Add a touch of elegance and prehistoric charm to your bookshelf with this pair of bookends made of black slate and authentic fossil ammonites. A unique work that combines modern aest...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Bookends
Materials
Slate
Set of 2 Large Structural I-Beam Gold Bronze Bookends by Henry Wilson
By Henry Wilson
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Large Fin Bronze Bookends by Henry Wilson
Dimensions: W 12 x D 8 x H 16 cm
Materials: Bronze
Fin bookends come in two sizes...
Category
2010s Australian Modern Bookends
Materials
Bronze
Salta Round Bordeaux Onyx Stone Pair of Bookends
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Salta province is called the beautiful, and this adjective introduces us to its profound beauty. Its fertile valleys, windy desert, colorful mountains and blue sky are the images tha...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Bookends
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Clarabell and Emmet Kelly Bronze Bookends, PM Craftsman 1970s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
The set features two bookends shaped like clowns, with the character Clarabell and Emmet Kelly. The bookends have beautiful, age-appropriate patina; they are marked with manufacture...
Category
20th Century American Modern Bookends
Materials
Brass
Onyx Square Large Bookends or Sculpture Pedestals 90's
Located in North Miami, FL
These pair of heavy square vintage onyx bookends or pedestals for small sculptures or objects are vintage from the 90's. They are 6" x 6" surround. The variants of the onyx are off w...
Category
1990s American Modern Bookends
Materials
Onyx
SALTA Medium Square Black Onyx Stone Pair of Bookends
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Salta province is called the beautiful, and this adjective introduces us to its profound beauty. Its fertile valleys, windy desert, colorful mountains and blue sky are the images tha...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Bookends
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Salta Large Square Black Onyx Stone & Brass Pair of Bookends
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Salta province is called the beautiful, and this adjective introduces us to its profound beauty. Its fertile valleys, windy desert, colorful mountains and blue sky are the images tha...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Bookends
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Salta Large Square Cream Onyx Stone Pair of Bookends
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Salta province is called the beautiful, and this adjective introduces us to its profound beauty. Its fertile valleys, windy desert, colorful mountains and blue sky are the images tha...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Bookends
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
$1,100 / item
Unique Leaning Tower of Pisa Pair of Bookends, Modernist Italy 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Channeling old world glamor into your home decor, this set of two brass finish bookends is both a useful and decorative addition to your home office, library, study or lounge. Found ...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Bookends
Materials
Metal
Vintage Cast Brass Double Tennis Racket Bookends, Pair
Located in Elkhart, IN
A beautiful pair of cast brass bookends in the form of two tennis rackets and tennis balls.
USA, Circa 1980s
Measures: 4"W x 3"D x 5.5"H.
Good original vintage condition.
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Bookends
Materials
Brass
$396 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Set of 3 Chess Figure Bookends, King, Queen, Bishop & Pawn, Italy 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Channeling old world glamor into your home decor, this set of three brass finish bookends is both a useful and decorative addition to your home office, library, study or lounge. Foun...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Bookends
Materials
Metal
Pair of Vintage Horse Bust Bookends, English, Cast Brass, Decorative, Novel Rest
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a pair of vintage horse bust bookends. An English, cast brass decorative novel rest, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1970.
Wonderful equin...
Category
Late 20th Century British Modern Bookends
Materials
Brass
Modern bookends for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique 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, stone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern bookends made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and South America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original bookends, popular names associated with this style include AIREDELSUR, ANAKTAE, Opinion Ciatti, and Stefano Giovannoni. 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 $130 and tops out at $11,095 while the average work can sell for $691.
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