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Teak Bookcases

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Material: Teak
Mid-Century Bodafors Style Teak Bookcase System w/ Cabinets, Drawers, & Shelves
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Teak bookcase system with two tall units and shelves between. One tall unit has a credenza height cabinet and drawer set. The other unit has a double cabinet base. Striki...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Large Danish Teak Bookcase by Sejling Skabe, 1960s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Large Danish Teak Bookcase by Sejling Skabe, 1960s. Large and impressive Scandinavian Modern 3 bay bookcase in beautiful teak veneer. This three part Danish library with plenty of s...
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1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

1960s Pair of Teak Cabinets / Room Dividers by Kajsa & Nils "Nisse" Strinning
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
This modular teak shelving system, designed by Kajsa and Nils "Nisse" Strinning in the 1960s, is a prime example of Scandinavian functionalism. Versatile sectional design, perfect a...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Teak

Early 1950s Scandinavian Double Wall Unit / Bookcase
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
A beautifully designed mid-century modern wall unit from Sweden, dating back to the early 1950s. Materials: Teak veneer, golden teak, and beech supports Storage: Left cabinet: Four ...
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1950s Swedish Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Danish Modular Royal Teak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1960s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modular Royal Teak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1960s. Mid-Century Modern 3 bay shelving system model Royal. This is an original vintage floating bookcase designed in...
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1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Danish Modern Teak Small Rare Bookcase by P H Hansen
Located in San Diego, CA
Versatile beautiful teak bookcase by PH Hansen Denmark freshly refinished the bookcase black lacquered the tapered legs nice stamped piece great for books or display objects. comes w...
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20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Mid Century Modern Vintage Teak Danish Dyrlund Bookcase China Display Cabinet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elevate your home with a piece of iconic design from Mid Century Traders. This stunning china display cabinet with solid teak legs by Dyrlund is a testament to impeccable Danish craf...
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Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

English mid century curved freestanding teak bookcase by Remploy
Located in Leicester, GB
A fabulous English freestanding bookcase in Teak. This petite mid-century bookcase has a beautiful curved shape - a lovely simple design. The three shelves are a perfect size for boo...
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Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

1960s Bookcase Shelves "Parade" by Kajsa & Nils Nisse Strinning , Denmark
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
This beautiful modular teak shelving system, designed by Kajsa and Nils "Nisse" Strinning in the 1960s, is a prime example of Scandinavian functionalism. Versatile sectional design,...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Danish Modular Royal Teak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1960s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modular Royal Teak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1960s. Mid-Century Modern 4 bay shelving system model Royal. This is an original vintage floating bookcase designed in 1948 by Danish architect Poul Cadovius. Cadovius had the revolutionary idea to design a floating, modular shelving system that would maximize floor space and signify the end of conformity in shelving. The Royal System shelving unit went on to win the gold medal at the Finland Furniture Fair in 1950 and silver medal at the XI Triennale di Milano 1957 and remained a hallmark of Scandinavian modern design throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Versatile and flexible floating bookcase that allows for continuous rearranging to suit individual needs. This original Cado Royal System is suitable for both living room, home office or library. The cabinet with the sliding double doors also has one height adjustable shelf. The display cabinet features the original glass doors with etched motifs and one glass shelf. One original fixture with two sliding bookends...
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1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Davis Cabinet Co Teakwood Chinoiserie Library Bookcase Cabinet Shelf Commode
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Davis Cabinet Company bookcase commode. Made of teakwood featuring Asian styling with upper book shelves and lower cabinet. Circa late 20th century, Nashville Tennessee. #151...
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Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Danish Modern Teak Tall Double Bookcase Poul Hundevad
Located in Baltimore, MD
An exceptional teak tall double wide bookcase by Poul Hundevad from Denmark. Gorgeous Mid-Century Modern Teak bookcase / tall bookshelf unit. Beautiful, minimalist, clean, straight l...
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20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Danish Modern 3-Bay Modular Teak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1960s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern 3-Bay Modular Teak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1960s. Mid-Century Modern 3 bay shelving system model Royal. This is an original vintage floating bookcase desi...
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1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Antique & Sturdy Solid Teak Wood Late Victorian Era Library Stairs / Steps 1890s
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique and top quality crafted, solid teak, library steps with dovetail joints. In all our years of buying and selling rare antiques we have never had the priviledge of finding antique English...
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Late 19th Century European Arts and Crafts Antique Teak Bookcases

Materials

Wood, Teak

Isa Bergamo Wall Bookstore, Italy 1960s
Located in Naples, IT
Hanging bookcase made of teak veneer wood and enameled metal rod. Produced in the 1960s by ISA BERGAMO. Featuring metal supports and 4 wooden shelves, the bookcase has a suspended, a...
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1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Hans Wegner Model Ry 100 Wall Unit / Room Divider Shelving with Drop Down Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
Hans J Wegner RY 100 Room divider / wall unit Ry Møbler, Denmark circa 1965 Teak, plated steel, and aluminum. with manufacturer's labels This configuration features three adjustable shelves, a drop-down desk with cabinet...
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1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Grete Jalk Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Design Teak Bookcases, 1950s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern design teak bookcases set designed by Grete Jalk and produced by P. Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, movable vertical partition...
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1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Danish Bookcase by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
The two-piece stacking teak bookcase by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for John Stuart Inc. epitomizes a harmonious blend of form and functionality. Meticulously crafted from ...
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1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Teak Wood Bookcase with Graphite Metallic Accents, Modern Design, Lim Collection
Located in Miami, FL
A Lim teak wood bookcase by Uultis Studio with graphite metallic finish. The Lim teak wood bookcase by Uultis effortlessly combines modern aesthetics with practical functionality. Featuring a sleek teak wood frame and shelves, it is perfectly complemented by the graphite metallic accents that add a bold yet refined touch. The bookcase showcases an open, minimalist design with clean lines, allowing it to fit seamlessly into contemporary or modern homes. Each shelf offers ample space for storing and displaying books, decorative objects, or collectibles, helping to keep your living room, office, or bedroom organized while adding an elegant visual statement. Crafted from sustainably sourced materials, the Lim bookcase...
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2010s Brazilian Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Swedish Sky / Floor Bookcase in Teak and Brass, 1960s
Located in taranto, IT
Large Swedish sky / earth bookcase, original from the 1960s, made of teak with three compartments on four metal uprights, floor and ceiling fixing with brass elements, shelves and do...
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1960s Italian Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Large modular bookcase mod. E22 by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1960s
Located in SAN PIETRO MOSEZZO, NO
Large modular bookcase model E22 by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno from the 1960s. The library is in excellent condition. The teak frame consists of 3 glass doors, 2 open doors, 4 cabin...
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1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Teak

Mid-Century Danish Teak Low Compact Bookcase
Located in Baltimore, MD
Fantastic Danish teak, low, compact bookcase made in Denmark. This slim beautiful vintage teak bookcase features two adjustable shelves, the left shelf measures 28″ wide x 11″ deep t...
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1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Vintage Danish Modular Teak Wall Unit by Kai Kristiansen for FM, 1960s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish modular teak wall unit by Kai Kristiansen for Feldballes Møbelfabrik, Denmark, 1960s Vintage modular 2 bay shelving system model FM Reolsystem. This set consist of: ...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Danish Modern Tall Teak & Beech Bookcase/Cabinet
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Teak & beech Danish bookcase/cabinet circa 1960s. Highly functional design combines a chest of drawers, double door cabinet, slide-out desk and an open bookshelf! Lovely beech wood s...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak, Beech

Danish Modern Teak Bookcase, 1960s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Teak Bookcase, 1960s. Danish Mid-Century Modern bookcase and cabinet in teak. Manufactured in Denmark in the 1960s. In the style of Carlo Jensen/Hundevad/Børge Mogensen...
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1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Danish Modern Teak Bookcase, 1960s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Teak Bookcase, 1960s. Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern bookcase in teak. Lower part with two wide drawers. Sculpted pulls in solid teak. Upper part has three height adj...
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1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Mid Century Modern Vintage G Plan Bookcase China Display Cabinet Danish Style
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the timeless elegance of the Mic Century Modern Vintage G Plan Bookcase China Display Cabinet Danish Style at Mid Century Traders. This G Plan multi-use china display cabine...
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Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Modern Bookcase in Teak by Lawrence Peabody
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Lawrence Peabody Manufacturer: Craft Associates Furniture Period/Model: Mid-Century Modern Specs: Teak This Lawrence Peabody modern bookcase cabinet for Craft Associates Furniture is expertly hand crafted. The Peabody collection pieces are licensed reintroductions for Craft Associates. This bookcase cabinet is solid black walnut and Claro walnut veneer. It is available in multiple variations (all walnut / black or normal sliding door / brass or black pulls). Craft Associates Furniture is proud each modern piece is made in the US. We strive to craft a product that will stand the test of time. We use the best materials and have the best craftsman and upholstery in the business. We stand 100% behind our product. Dimensions: H 49" (124.46cm) L 58.875" (149.54cm) D 14.5" (36.83cm) Drawer interiors 8" width (20.32cm) x 12" depth (30.48cm) History Lawrence “Larry” Peabody (1924-2002) was an architect, interior designer, and furniture designer. As an American born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, his distinctive design were often influenced by his Scandinavian roots. Lawrence studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, Denmark and at the Rhode Island School of Design. His early career with Selig Mfg. Co. was prolific and helped put both himself and Selig on the map for modern furniture. He then started Lawrence Peabody & Associates in 1955, a design firm in Boston which included a vast client list (Sears, Roebuck & Co., Kohler, Regal Rugs, Boyd Lighting, Chapman Lamps, and Richardson Brothers). In 1961, Mr. Peabody won a Citation for Merit for his Peabody Collection for Richardson/ Nemschoff. Winner of the 1962 International A.I.D. design award for his wood frame rattan cradle...
Category

2010s American Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Book Case System by Børge Mogensen for FDB Møbler 1960s
Located in Handewitt, DE
Large book case system, model no.152 by Børge Mogensen for FDB Møbler. Made in teak. He designed his China Series in 1960s. Produced i1960s. Nice pati...
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Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Taichiro Nakay for La Permanente Mobili Cantù Wall Cabinet in Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Taichiro Nakay (Nakai) for La Permanente Mobili Cantù, wall cabinet, teak, coated steel, brass, glass, Italy, circa 1955 Taichiro Nakay is an incredibly talented Japanese designer ...
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1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Brass, Steel

Danish Modern Tall Teak & Beech Bookcase/Cabinet
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Teak Danish bookcase/cabinet, circa 1960's. Highly functional design combines: bank of drawers, locking double door cabinet, slide-out desk and open bookshelf with mini chest of draw...
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1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Beech, Teak

Danish Modern Teak & Glass Cado Wall Unit Display Cabinets 2 Available
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful teak wall display cabinets designed by Poul Cadiovious for the Cado wall system , we have 2 cabinets available one of the cabinets the glass was replaced , buyer has the ch...
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Teak

Danish Freestanding Teak Shelf System 1950s with Cabinets
Located in Handewitt, DE
Danish freestanding and conical shaped teak shelf system with cabinets, bar, shelfes and double chest of drawers. With nice teak color and in origina...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Mid Century Modern Danish Bookcase by Poul Hundevad. Circa 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid Century Modern Danish Bookcase by Poul Hundevad. Circa 1970s Features a Quintessential Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Sleek design with a beautiful teak wood grain. Off...
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1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Bookshelf by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen 1950s
Located in Handewitt, DE
Two parts bookshelf by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for Søborg Møbler 1950s Made in teak. On the back with Illums Boighus Kbh. mark. In very good vintage condition, with nice ...
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Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

1950s Vintage Bookcase / Shelfs In Teak With Black Lacquered Stands
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Very decorative Scandinavian bookcase cabinet made in Sweden in the 1950s. The teak cabinet with the lockable doors consists one internal, fixed, shelf. The three book shelfs on top ...
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1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Faux Leather, Beech, Teak

Midcentury Freestanding Bookcase in Teak by Kurt Østervig, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Bookcase in teak designed by Kurt Østervig M.A.A. for K.P furniture in 1960s. Made in Denmark, great condition.
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1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Italian Teak, Black Metal and Brass Midcentury Bookshelves Roomdivider
Located in Varese, Lombardia
This bookshelves was produced in Italy by SELEX in the 1960s. Thanks to its adjustable height ( 278 - 284,5 /285 cm max) it can be placed against a wall or anywhere in a room, used ...
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1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Brass, Metal

Pierre Jeanneret File Rack Unit with Stencil Marks
Located in Soho, London, GB
Pierre Jeanneret file rack unit from the Administrative Buildings of Chandigarh. This piece presents a beautiful patina and a rare stencil mark on...
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Mid-20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Pair Danish Scandinavian Modern Teak Low Bookcase/Cabinets With Shaped Supports
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Pair of Matching Danish Mid Century Modern Glazed Teak Low Bookcases With Shaped Supports. Provenance: The Estate of John Graham architect (1927-2021) of Harlow, Essex. John Gra...
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Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Teak

Ilmari Tapiovaara Modular Bookshelf "Pala" In Teak, Asko 1950s
Located in Helsinki, FI
This monumental bookshelf "Pala" is by Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara (1914-1999) for Asko. A perfect example of a mid 20-th century bookshelf design from the 1950-1960s. It is ...
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1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Teak Bookcases by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard - Nielsen for John Stuart Inc
Located in Oceanside, US
A striking pair of modular teak bookcases designed by the acclaimed Danish duo Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for John Stuart Inc., circa 1960s. These finely crafted mid-centu...
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1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

1960s Teak Table Model Bookcase By Carl Axel Acking for Bodafors, Sweden
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Elegant teak table model bookcase with two drawers and adjustable shelfs. Build up in high quality materials and overall in good condition. Designed by Carl-Axel Acking for Bodafors,...
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1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Borge Mogensen Bookcase Medium
Located in London, GB
A bastion of the Danish Modern design movement, to us, Børge Mogensen embodies integrity. His functional and diplomatic approach to furniture design paved the way for Danish design c...
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1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Oak, Teak

Large Bookcase in Teak and Chromed Steel by Nils Strinning, 1960's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Large Bookcase in Teak and Chromed Steel by Nils Strinning, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Teak and chromed steel Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Large bookcase model String Continental...
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20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Bookshelf in teak, Denmark 1960s
Located in Torino, IT
Bookshelf in teak, Denmark 1960s Code 006
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Adrien Adoux and Frida Minet Rope and Teak Wall hanging Bookcase, France 1950's
Located in Den Haag, NL
Adrien Adoux and Frida Minet Rope and Teak Wall Bookcase, France 1950's
Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Rope, Teak

Vintage Mid Century Modern Danish Bookcase. Circa 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid Century Modern Danish Bookcase. C 1970s Features a modern Scandinavian minimalist design with a beautiful teak wood grain...
Category

1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Beautiful Ilmari Tapiovaara, Modular Teak 'Pala' Bookshelf, Asko, 1950s
Located in Helsinki, FI
This minimalistic bookshelf "Pala" is by Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara (1914-1999) for Asko. A perfect example of a mid 20th century bookshelf design from the 1950-1960s. It i...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern wide teak tall bookcase (2) cabinet doors Made in Denmark
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Stunning Mid-Century Modern wide teak tall bookcase with (2) cabinet doors Made in Denmark. This bookcase is completely original and in very good vintage condition. The bookcase has ...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Danish Design Low Teak Bookcase by Carlo Jensen for Hundevad & Co, 1960s
Located in Breda, Netherlands
Danish Design: Bookcase Danish tall bookcase in beautiful teak veneer. Designed by Carlo Jensen and made by Hundevad & Co. The sloping shelves are...
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1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Scandinavian bookcase with storage compartment
Located in Brescia, IT
Modular cabinet with sideboard and open shelving. The frame is teak, original 1960s. The lower part features a compartment with two practical sliding doors, while the numerous open ...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Italian Mid-Century Teak Wood Bookcase Four Modules by Vittorio Dassi, 1950s
Located in Traversetolo, IT
This bookcase consists of four modules freestanding, suitable to be moving and placed at will in the home. It's composed by #5 uprights, and equipped with #9 shelves, #2 cabinets tw...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Carlo Jensen Narrow Teak Bookcase With Lower Locking Cabinet
By Aage Hundevad, Carlo Jensen
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Carlo Jensen Manufacturer: Hundevad + Co Era: 1960s Materials: Teak Measurements: 27.5" wide x 17" deep x 77.25" tall Condition: In excellent original con...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Børge mogensen bookcase in teak
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Borge Mogensen Manufacturer: Soborg Era: 1958 Materials: Teak Measurements: 39.5" wide x 12.5" deep x 57" tall Condition: In excellent original condition w...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Bodafors teak bookcase
Located in Brescia, IT
Retro design and modern functionality, featuring curved wooden handles and green interior. This distinctive piece fits perfectly in different environments, offering practicality and ...
Category

1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Teak Bookcase
Located in Baltimore, MD
Fantastic mid-century teak, bookcase storage cabinet/hutch. This amazing vintage bookcase and storage cabinet features an upper open bookcase with two removable shelves. Below is amp...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Edvard Valentinsen Model 191 Narrow Teak + Oak Bookcase
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Edvard Valentinsen Manufacturer: Edv. Valentinsen Furniture Factory Era: 1950s Materials: Teak, Oak Measurements: 39" wide x 14" deep x 45.25" tall
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Oak, Teak

Vintage Teak Bookcases for Sale on 1stDibs

A vintage teak bookcase — or perhaps more than one — is essential to creating a cozy nook for any book lover.

As long as curious people have collected stories, we have needed a piece of storage furniture to stow them away and preserve them. When auction houses and book dealers proliferated by the late 17th century, the bibliophile was born. And, of course, as with any treasured decorative objects or collectibles, a book lover’s volumes were suddenly worthy of a luxurious display — enter the bookcase.

Americans of means during the 19th century took to amassing art as well as rare books, and bookcases of the era — rife with hand-carved decorative accents and architectural motifs — were ideal for displaying their handsome leather-bound wares.

Although our favorite titles may change over the years, the functionality and beauty of their home within our home is timeless. Even those who don’t covet the perfect home library can benefit from an attractive display case, as bookcases can easily double as charming étagères

Appreciated for its dense grain and rich luster, old-growth teak was a sought-after material among mid-century modern designers who created bookcases and other structures for the home — and who also pushed teak to the brink of extinction.

“Teak is incredibly slow-growing, so much of what is still harvested is young, and from a sustainability standpoint, this is far from ideal,” says Brian Volk-Zimmerman of Volk Furniture in Brooklyn. When he does use it, he only goes for reclaimed teak, as many species of the tree have been over-forested.

It wasn’t always this way. In the previous century, according to Jenny Cashin — owner of the shop Mid-Century Modern Home, in British Columbia — Danish designers, and Scandinavian modernists in general, harvested teak as much as they liked. This enhanced their pieces’ handcrafted look and came to define the timeless simple shapes of mid-century modern design. While America embraced mass-produced design by the likes of Herman Miller and Charles and Ray Eames, Scandinavian manufacturers held fast to their handmade traditions, as seen in vintage Scandinavian bookcases from the 1950s and ’60s.

If you opt for a teak bookcase, experts recommend that it be oiled on a regular basis to maintain its original color.

Maybe you don’t wish to fill your storage piece so that your collection is snug within its confines. If not, incorporate extra space to allow for additional displays and decorative objects. And by introducing a striking dark wood Art Deco bookcase or low-profile mid-century modern design by Paul McCobb into your living room, your signed first editions won’t be the only items making a statement. 

Find vintage teak bookcases and other bookcases on 1stDibs now.

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