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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
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
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
Portal Clear Glass Bookends, ANDREW HUGHES
Located in New York, NY
The Portal design is a simple exercise in optics and color. The clear color and reflective light are diffused by a surface etching on the top third of the interior of each bookend. A...
Category
2010s American Modern Bookends
Materials
Blown Glass
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
Contemporary Handcrafted Bookend "Aether" in Oxidized Brass by Anaktae
By ANAKTAE
Located in Athens, GR
Contemporary, handcrafted bookend model "Aether" in oxidized brass with a curved contour.
This bookend is part of the "Proetus Series", a collection of six bookends in brass.
Variati...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Greek Modern Bookends
Materials
Brass
Resin Bolt Bookends, Acrylic, Steel
Located in New York, NY
Resin Bolt Bookends, Acrylic, Steel. Tall Chunky transparent acrylic bookends with encased bolt inclusions. Yellowing and scattered surface scratches to the resin - photographed. Goo...
Category
1990s Modern Bookends
Materials
Steel
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
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
COPPIA FERMALIBRI - Ottone argentato (base) é dorato(racchette) - USA 1980.
Located in Milano, IT
Coppia di ferma libri in ottone argentato e dorato ,con racchette da tennis .
In ottimo stato.
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Bookends
Materials
Brass
Modernist Bookends Black Granite and Glass Slab, circa 1980
By Paris Studio
Located in Atlanta, GA
This architecturally designed pair of bookends, circa 1980, is a modernist marvel. The large round disk glass slab is etched with clouds and dots, and the base is constructed of blac...
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Bookends
Materials
Granite, Stone, Metal, Chrome
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
Set of Polished Brass and Chrome Tennis Racket Bookends QUICK SHIP
Located in New York, NY
Set of brass and chrome tennis racket bookends. Has thin foam on bottom to prevent scratching furniture. 5.5" high. Great on a book shelf or desk. Nice condition, ready to use. QUICK...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Bookends
Materials
Brass, Chrome
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
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
Pair of Geometric Bookends in Lucite by Amparo Calderon Tapia for Cain Modern
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning and beautiful pair of geometric bookends in polished Lucite designed by Amparo Calderon Tapia for Cain modern, the pieces have wonderful sh...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Bookends
Materials
Lucite
Salta Round Brown 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
Modern Acrylic Bookends, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A pair of clear acrylic bookends with Modern edge and jewel-like design, circa mid-20th century, 1960s. Each measure: 6" Height.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Bookends
Materials
Acrylic, Lucite
Cuyo Medium 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 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
Onyx, Stone, 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
Salta Medium 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
Salta Round 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
Fallon Marble Bookends
Located in Paonia, CO
The (wh)ORE HAüS STUDIOS small goods collection was made for those that wanted to experience the (wh)ORE HAüS brand without committing to our larger pieces. Our Fallon Marble Bookend...
Category
2010s American Modern Bookends
Materials
Marble
Stone Bookends
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stone Bookends, nice color weight and size! Ready to go!
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Bookends
Materials
Stone
Aurora Pink Portal Glass Bookends, ANDREW HUGHES
Located in New York, NY
The Portal design is a simple exercise in optics and color. The Aurora color and reflective light are diffused by a surface etching on the top third of the interior of each bookend. ...
Category
2010s American Modern Bookends
Materials
Blown Glass
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
Contemporary 21st Century Capo Metal Bookend by Spinzi, Italian Modern Design
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
Contemporary Handmade Dark Brass Bookend HIPPOS, Ancient Greek Forms by Anaktae
By ANAKTAE
Located in Athens, GR
Contemporary, handcrafted bookend, model "Hippos" in oxidized brass, dark oxidation.
This bookend is part of the "Althaea Series", a collection of four bookends in brass Inspired by ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Greek Modern Bookends
Materials
Brass
Substantial Pair of Etched Crystal Globe Bookends by Nicole Miller
Located in San Diego, CA
Substantial pair of etched crystal globe bookends by Nicole Miller, circa 2000s. The bookends are in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measure 9.5"W x 4.75"D x ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Bookends
Materials
Crystal
John Lee Bookend by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
John Lee Bookend by Fakasaka Design
Dimensions: W 13 cm D 11.5 cm H 18 cm
Materials: black/brown bronze.
FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production of high-end furnitur...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Bookends
Materials
Bronze
Contemporary Handmade Brass Bookend "Hippos" in Ancient Greek Forms by Anaktae
By ANAKTAE
Located in Athens, GR
Contemporary, handcrafted bookend, model "Hippos" in oxidized brass.
This bookend is part of the "Althaea Series", a collection of four bookends in brass Inspired by ancient Greek symbols...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Greek Modern Bookends
Materials
Brass
Norman Bleckner Brass Bull Bookends Pair Of Vintage
Located in North Miami, FL
These pair of vintage polished Norman Bleckner brass bull bookends have the original label on the bottom. New black felt feet were replaced with the ol...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Bookends
Materials
Brass
Devon Bookend by Madheke
Located in Geneve, CH
Devon bookend by Madheke
Dimensions: D 11.2 x W 16.2 x H 21.2 cm.
Materials: Leather, wood, metal.
Encased leather booked with internal compartments.
Reflecting the finest in craftsmanship, innovation and heritage, Madheke creates tailored and crafted goods that reflect understated classic elegance, blending tradition and contemporary - vintage and modern...
Category
2010s Indian Modern Bookends
Materials
Metal
Fornasetti Bookends Strumenti Musicali Gold on 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
Bronze Acrylic Magazine Holder by Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1960’s bronze acrylic “Box Line” magazine holder designed by renowned American designer Charles Hollis Jones.
Book not included.
Measurements: 17” w...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Bookends
Materials
Bronze
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
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 aes...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Bookends
Materials
Slate
Opinion Ciatti Ombres de Chats #6 Bookend
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ombres de Chats by Angelo Barcella are poetic objects, delicate table sculptures. Shadows of curious, busy, sore, angry or bored cats, instants which are made eternal when transforme...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookends
Materials
Steel
Opinion Ciatti Ombres de Chats #2 Bookend
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ombres de Chats by Angelo Barcella are poetic objects, delicate table sculptures. Shadows of curious, busy, sore, angry or bored cats, instants which are made eternal when transforme...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookends
Materials
Steel
Opinion Ciatti Ombres de Chats #5 Bookend
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ombres de Chats by Angelo Barcella are poetic objects, delicate table sculptures. Shadows of curious, busy, sore, angry or bored cats, instants which are made eternal when transforme...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookends
Materials
Steel
Oxid Slate Bookend Natural Stone Contemporary Design by Joaquín Moll In Stock
By Meddel, Joaquín Moll
Located in VALVERDE DEL MAJANO, CL
Oxid Slate Bookend Natural Stone Contemporary Design by Joaquín Moll In Stock
This exquisite oxidized slate bookend blends the beauty of natural stone with a modern, minimalist desig...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Bookends
Materials
Stone, Slate
Spinzi Capo Sculptural Bookend in Metal, Tiffany Blue, Collectible Decorative
By Spinzi
Located in Milano, IT
Capo is a sculptural bookend designed by Spinzi Milano and hand-crafted from metal. Finished in shades of bright colors, it is designed to add an unexpected and playful touch of vibr...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Bookends
Materials
Metal, Steel
Italian Lira magazine rack by Pierangelo Gallotti for Gallotti and Radice, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Lira magazine rack by Pierangelo Gallotti for Gallotti and Radice, 1980s.
Lira model magazine rack with curved steel rod structure and curved smoked glass support surface ins...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Bookends
Materials
Steel
Talon Bookend with Leather Body by Madheke
Located in Geneve, CH
Talon bookend with leather body by Madheke
Dimensions: W 6.2 D 15.2 H 21 cm
Materials: Leather, Carbon Fibre, Wood
The TALON bookend offers both functionality and style and is a...
Category
2010s Indian Modern Bookends
Materials
Brass
Limes Bookends by Imperfettolab
Located in Geneve, CH
Limes bookends by Imperfettolab
Dimensions: 25 x 25 x H 41 cm
Materials: Fiberglass
Imperfetto Lab
Who we are ? We are a family.
Verter Turroni, Emanuela Ravelli and our child...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Bookends
Materials
Fiberglass
Yellow Marble & Crystal Bookend Contemporary Design Joaquín Moll in Stock Meddel
By Meddel, Joaquín Moll
Located in VALVERDE DEL MAJANO, CL
Yellow Marble & Crystal Bookend Contemporary Design Joaquín Moll in Stock Meddel
This stunning bookend, crafted from Spanish yellow marble and crystal, seamlessly combines functional...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Bookends
Materials
Stone, Marble, Crystal
Apollineo Bookend 2 in Leccese Stone and Hand-Painted Ceramic
By TIPSTUDIO
Located in Florence, IT
The Apollineo collection mergs classical and contemporary elements to define a unique aesthetic inspired by Mediterranean architecture and vibes. Sun-blessed pure volumes, shapes mar...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Bookends
Materials
Limestone, Stone
Secondo Fuoco Contemporary Bookends in Bronze
By TIPSTUDIO
Located in Florence, IT
Secondo Fuoco is an investigation into bronze, a reflection on the multiple souls of matter: its mineral origin, re-obtained by smelting processes and it...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Bookends
Materials
Bronze
Suite of Three Italian Paperweights in Veined Black Marble, 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
SUITE OF THREE ITALIAN PAPERWEIGHTS In veined Black Marble 20th century
In veined black marble, one square, another conical and the last pyramidal.
Cone dimensions: h. 15cm
Good c...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Bookends
Materials
Marble
Pair of Vintage Chrome Bookends, 20th. Century
Located in New York City, NY
Pair of Vintage Chrome Bookends, 20th. Century
Sleek and tubular in composition, these bookends are highly sculptural and present an elegant symmetry when in use.
Category
20th Century Modern Bookends
Materials
Chrome
Materials Matter Set by Theodora Alfredsdottir
Located in Geneve, CH
Materials matter set by Theodora Alfredsdottir
Unique set
Materials: Granite
Dimensions: 11 x 6 x 18 cm
Theodora Alfredsdottir is a product design studio based in London.
The...
Category
2010s English Modern Bookends
Materials
Granite, Marble
Mould for Bookend by Theodora Alfredsdottir
Located in Geneve, CH
Mould for bookend by Theodora Alfredsdottir
Unique piece
Materials: MDF
Dimensions: 19 x 22 x 10 cm
Theodora Alfredsdottir is a product design studio based in London.
Theodor...
Category
2010s English Modern Bookends
Materials
Plastic, Wood
John Lee Bookend by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
John Lee bookend by Fakasaka Design
Dimensions: W 13 cm D 11.5 cm H 18 cm
Materials: polished bronze.
FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production of high-end furniture, ...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Bookends
Materials
Bronze
John Lee 2 Bookend with Onyx base by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
John Lee Bookend by Fakasaka Design
Dimensions: W 13 cm D 11.5 cm H 18 cm, base D 14cm.
Materials: polished bronze, onyx base.
JOHNLEE BOOKEND / DOOR HOLDER...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Bookends
Materials
Onyx, Bronze
John Lee 2 Bookend with Onyx Base by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
John Lee bookend by Fakasaka Design.
Dimensions: W 13 cm D 11.5 cm H 18 cm.
Materials: dark bronze, onyx base.
Johnlee Bookend / door holder / sculpture.
...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Bookends
Materials
Onyx, Bronze
Apollineo Candle Stand in Leccese Stone and Hand-Painted Ceramic
By TIPSTUDIO
Located in Florence, IT
The Apollineo collection mergs classical and contemporary elements to define a unique aesthetic inspired by Mediterranean architecture and v...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Bookends
Materials
Limestone, Stone
Pair of “Dilàdiquà” Bookcases from “Trasformatio” Collection, Italy 1940/2022
Located in Napoli, IT
Pair of “DilàDiquà” bookcases from the “Trasformatio” collection,
design Michele Iodice exclusively for the Esprit Nouveau gallery.
Limited Edition 2/2
Movable structures in b...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Bookends
Materials
Iron
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.