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Modern Bookcases

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chaircrafted 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
Bespoke Tubular Steel Low Bookcase, Chrome, Lacquered Wood, Sliding Glass Panels
Located in Berlin, DE
Bauhaus tubular steel low bookcase with case in chrome plated metal, lacquered blockboard and sliding glass panels.
Category

2010s German Modern Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Black Turtle Bookcase, Designed by Marcantonio, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (2.2) In Stock in Los Angeles A multipurpose turtle: its carapace acts as a support for a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Hug Bookcase by Rejo Studio
Located in Riyadh, SA
This Bookcase, was designed to resemble to some extent, what stormed us in this new life, that no one ever thought of, and how it left us unaware of anything An unusual bookcase...
Category

2010s Asian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Stainless Steel

Kartell Sound Rack Modular Bookcase in Smoke by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Multi-shaped and multi-purpose shelving system, stackable and modular, offering the possibility of creating a variety of geometric and chromatic compositions. This accessory can play the dual role as both container and room divider. It is a go...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Resin

Kartell Sound Rack Modular Bookcase in Tangerine by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Multi-shaped and multi-purpose shelving system, stackable and modular, offering the possibility of creating a variety of geometric and chromatic compositions. This accessory can play the Dual role as both container and room divider. IT IS a go...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Resin

Kartell Sound Rack Modular Bookcase in Nude by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Multi-shaped and multi-purpose shelving system, stackable and modular, offering the possibility of creating a variety of geometric and chromatic compositions. This accessory can play the dual role as both container and room divider. IT IS a go...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Resin

Kartell Sound Rack Modular Bookcase in Marine by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Multi-shaped and multi-purpose shelving system, stackable and modular, offering the possibility of creating a variety of geometric and chromatic compositions. This accessory can play the dual role as both container and room divider. IT IS a go...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Resin

White Turtle Bookcase, by Marcantonio, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 500 other unique products. (2.2) A multipurpose turtle: its carapace acts as a support for a series of accessories. Onc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Crafted Bookcase, shelves, shelf sideboard wood Medulum Cabinet
Located in Meolo, Venezia
Bookcase made of a series of solid wood poles with circular section, veneered shelves with solid wood edging, all made of Canaletto walnut finished with transparent paint. The head of the poles is coated with a blue protective paint. The system is completed by two storage compartments that feature sliding doors with integrated handle. The library is shipped semi assembled. Design by Accardi Buccheri for Medulum Libreria costituita da pali continui a sezione circolare in legno massello. Ripiani impiallacciati con bordatura in massello. Il tutto realizzato in noce Canaletto finito con vernice trasparente. La testa...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Solid Rustic Oak Dovetail Record Crate for 7"/45 Rpm Records, in Stock
Located in Nyack, NY
As avid record collectors we all have albums we want close at hand. Whether storing new finds or favorite titles that are in heavy rotation, our Dovetail Record Crate...
Category

2010s American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Room Divider Shelving "30/30 S" in Oak by Casey Lurie Studio
Located in Chicago, IL
Part room divider, part bookcase, part screen, the "30/30" series is an extremely versatile shelving system. Named for the degrees of the alternately angled dividers which give the p...
Category

2010s North American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Carlton Wood Miniature Bookcase by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Here you are shown an authentic and perfect reproduction of the Carlton bookcase, originally designed in 1981 by Ettore Sottsass. The vivid colors and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood, Plastic

Opinion Ciatti Ptolomeo Wall Small Bookcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ptolomeo Wall is the wall version of the Original Ptolomeo and could be defined as the "column of knowledge”. A stack of levitating books or a ground-air column (floor-ceiling) for e...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Opinion Ciatti Ptolomeo Wall Medium Bookcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ptolomeo wall is the wall version of the Original Ptolomeo and could be defined as the "column of knowledge”. A stack of levitating books or a ground-air column (floor-ceiling) for e...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Bookcase, partially closed cabinet, separator cabinet for environments, storage
Located in Meolo, Venezia
Bookcase made of a series of solid wood poles with circular section, veneered shelves with solid wood edging, all made of Canaletto walnut finished with transparent paint. The head of the poles is coated with a blue protective paint. The system is completed by two storage compartments that feature sliding doors with integrated handle. The library is shipped semi assembled. Libreria costituita da pali continui a sezione circolare in legno massello. Ripiani impiallacciati con bordatura in massello. Il tutto realizzato in noce canaletto finito con vernice trasparente. La testa...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Baleri Italia Mac Gee Bookshelf in Black Steel by Philippe Starck
Located in Milan, IT
Modular bookshelves in steel sheet with epoxy finish in matte RAL 9005. A central upright structure supports five shelves of decreasing depth.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Casey Lurie Studio Modern High "Primo" Shelving System in Walnut with Brass
Located in Chicago, IL
“Shelving can be the most mundane thing you own, or it can be the beautiful bones of a room as pleasing to see as anything it displays. Casey Lurie’s Primo system would be the latter.” William L. Hamilton, The wall street journal The Primo shelving system is composed of notched solid wood planks...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal, Brass, Stainless Steel

Solid Walnut Dovetail Record Crate
Located in Nyack, NY
As avid record collectors we all have albums we want close at hand. Whether storing new finds or favorite titles that are in heavy rotation, our dovetail record crate...
Category

2010s American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Pair of Cherry Wood and Brass Bookcases, 1980s
Located in Florence, IT
Pair of Cherry wood bookcases with brass profiles and 5 shelves with brass edges. The Italian manufacture is functional and high quality pieces of furniture captured the innovative s...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Modern Lage Bookcases Set/2, Brass Oak Root, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set of 2 Lage bookcases, Contemporary collection, handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Lage modern bookcase was designed to be the focal ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal, Brass

Modern Hobart Bookcase, American Oak, Bronze, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Hobart Bookcase, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Hobart modern bookcase was born to mimic the natural ebb...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood, Oak

Modern Hobart Bookcase, Walnut Veneer, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Hobart Bookcase, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Hobart modern bookcase was born to mimic the natural ebb...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Brera Bookshelf in Aluminium by Altreforme
Located in Calolziocorte (Lecco) Italy, IT
Ancient and authentic soul of Milan, Brera represents a connection between emotion and the experienced. Narrow and pebbly lanes, a constellation of antique stores where everyone can...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage Boho Polished Chrome Notched Etagere - a Pair
Located in west palm beach, FL
Infuse your space with eclectic charm using this pair of Vintage Boho Polished Chrome Notched Etagères. Combining sleek chrome with bohemian flair, these etagères exude a timeless Am...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Bookcase with Cast Brass Structure & Glass Shelves
Located in New York, NY
This bookcase stands as a graceful memento of branches springing from a quiet river bank. Designed to be filled with ideas, it’s structure is made of tree branches molded in cast bra...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Pair of Modern Oak and Brass Bookcase Cabinets
Located in North York, ON
Introducing our new Modern Oak and Brass Bookcase Cabinets, proudly made in the USA. This stunning piece combines sleek design with functionality, making it the perfect addition to a...
Category

2010s American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal, Brass

Modern Metal Bookcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tall metal frame bookcase with plexiglass shelves. Please confirm the item location (NY or NJ).
Category

20th Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Kartell Sound Rack Modular Bookcase in Amber by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Multi-shaped and multi-purpose shelving system, stackable and modular, offering the possibility of creating a variety of geometric and chromatic compositions. This accessory can play the dual role as both container and room divider. IT IS a go...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Resin

Splendid bookcase by Jacques Adnet, 1955, France
Located in Paris, FR
Jacques Adnet (1900-1984), wood, lacquered metal, brass, circa 1955 Dimensions : 106.5 x 65 x 17 cm / 41.929 x 25.590 x 6.693 inches. Sublime bookcase crafted by Jacques Adnet. The b...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of Modern Black Bookcases in Solid Wood
Located in North York, ON
Pair of modern black bookcases in solid wood. Finished in a satin black finish with sleek modern styling. Sold in a pair, 4 total available. P...
Category

2010s American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Suvretta Plastic Bookcase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Suvretta bookcase in plastic laminate was originally designed in 1981, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano. Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 1917. In 1939 he graduated...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Plastic

Modern Black Bookcase Shelving Cabinet
Located in North York, ON
The Modern Black Bookcase Shelving Cabinet. This stunning piece is proudly made in the USA and boasts a sleek satin black lacquer finish that add...
Category

2010s American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Amorph Flux modern wall mounted shelf red color lacquer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Flux shelf is a sculptural art furniture piece designed by Amorph. Flux could be fitted in modern office or home as a featured contemporary piece...
Category

2010s American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Bookshelf Giralt
Located in Carnota, A Coruña, Galicia
This modular bookcase boasts a 1-meter width per unit and is expertly crafted from Oregon pine. Its middle shelf's height can be tailored to your preference. Designed with the purpos...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Bookcases

Materials

Hardwood, Softwood

Rare Bookcase or Dry Bar by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman, c1950
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bookcase or bar designed for Brown Saltman by "architect to the stars" Paul Laszlo, c1950. The Bookcase is executed in a dark forest green over mahogany and features opposing X-bases...
Category

1940s American Vintage Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Pair of Milo Baughman Chrome and Glass Six Shelf Étagères
Located in Toledo, OH
Pair of Milo Baughman chrome and glass six shelf étagères. Glass is 1/4" thick.
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Chrome

Ellen Bookcase with TV lift - by KLN Studio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This eye catching bookcase is made to order, and can be painted in any color under the sun! Hand built to last, the Ellen bookcase is sure to take center stage in any space. This ver...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Ellen Bookcase - 2x3 size - by KLN Studio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This eye catching bookcase is made to order, and can be painted in any color under the sun! Hand built to last, the Ellen bookcase is sure to take center stage in any space. The roun...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Ellen Bookcase - 1x2 size - by KLN Studio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This eye catching bookcase is made to order, and can be painted in any color under the sun! Hand built to last, the Ellen bookcase is sure to take center stage in any space. The roun...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Ellen Bookcase - 2x2 size - by KLN Studio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This eye catching bookcase is made to order, and can be painted in any color under the sun! Hand built to last, the Ellen bookcase is sure to take center stage in any space. The roun...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Crescent Bookshelf - Modern White Lacquered Bookshelf with Brass Dividers
Located in London, GB
The Crescent collection is inspired by the graceful curvature of the antique arches, intertwined between them to bring its architectural majesty into our houses. It's a structure mad...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass

1990s Industrial Modern Metal Bookcase Tiered Shelving Unit
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1990s Industrial Modern Tiered Shelving Unit Four Shelf Bookcase Etagere Black Metal Bookcase 36 h x 37 w x 9.25 d Original preowned vintage condition....
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Vintage Chrome 3-Tiered Black Glass Shelves Etagere, A Pair
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Chrome 3-Tiered Black Glass Shelves Etagere, A Pair Offered for sale is a pair of late 20th-century vintage chrome framed etageres with glass shelves. The chrome curves and ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Chrome

Provide Series – Shelving in solid Oak
Located in Vancouver, CA
The Provide Series Furniture Collection was created in collaboration with David Keeler of Provide and Lock & Mortice. The Provide Series is a distinctive collection of solid wood fur...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Oak

Modern Hobart Bookcase, American Oak, Bronze, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Hobart Bookcase, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Hobart modern bookcase was born to mimic the natural ebb and flow of life. Through its ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Industrialist Metal & Wood Etagere
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Industrialist etagere with white painted metal frame and six wooden shelves. Provenance: From a 1025 5th Avenue estate. Dealer: S138XX
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Danish Modern Rosewood Bookcases
Located in Tulsa, OK
**Please Read Entire Description** Please view all listing pictures on a laptop if possible. Some cell phones don’t display all listing pictures and some could be pictures relating to condition. Please read all the way down through this entire description box to view the entire description of the item. Please keep in mind that these are 40-75 year old items and will have some expected normal wear. We strive to represent our items well, and most of these items are in above average vintage condition. Noticeable flaws will be represented in the listing pictures and the text but we cannot describe or picture every small scratch, ding, or area of slight wear. Once delivered, furniture CANNOT be refused, returned, or refunded unless damage has occurred in the shipping process. Our shipper takes care to wrap each item and pack it safely therefore we have rarely had any issues with damage in transit. All items must be picked up within 3 weeks of order if buyer secures his own shipper. Shipping usually requires 3-6 weeks delivery through our shipping contacts and is only available in the continental US for large furniture items. Some smaller items are available to be shipped internationally through USPS/UPS. * * * Mid Century Danish Modern Rosewood...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Modern Bookcases

Materials

Rosewood

Modern Steel and Glass Vitrine Etagere Shelving
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
A modern yet elegant steel and glass etagere. Brushed steel frame hols unique freeform glass shelves to create a sophisticated and modern look. Thick glass shelves in varying shapes ...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Modern Leather Mounted Brass & Glass Etagere
Located in New York, NY
Modern Leather Mounted Brass and Glass Etagere, 20th century. Provenance: From a New York City Collection. Dealer: S138XX
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Leather, Glass

Modern Wood & Glass Gilt-FInial Etageres, Pair
Located in New York, NY
Modern Wood & Glass Gilt-FInial Etageres, Pair, 21st Century. Dealer: S138XX
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Wood

Streamline Moderne Chrome Wall Mounted Etagere
Located in New York, NY
Streamline Moderne Art Deco chrome wall mounted etagere with five glass shelves. Dealer: S138XX
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Modern Bookcases

Materials

Chrome

Bespoke Bauhaus Tubular Steel Low Bookcase, Stained Wood, Sliding Glass Panels
Located in Berlin, DE
Bauhaus tubular steel low bookcase with case in veneered blockboard and sliding glass panels. Reedition with original components.
Category

2010s German Modern Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Hans Eichenberger Galvanised Steel Amor Pillar Box Cupboard for Wogg Switzerland
Located in London, GB
Hans Eichenberger (1926 – present) is a prominent Swiss designer whose work is represented at MoMA in New York, Vitra Design Museum and the Museum of Design in Zurich. His ingenuity ...
Category

1990s Swiss Modern Bookcases

Materials

Steel

21st Century, Modern, Oak, Wood, Metal, Modular, Array Bookshelf
Located in Istanbul, TR
Array Modular Bookshelf Please contact us for custom sizing and different finishes.  
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Henredon Burl Wood Cabinet
Located in Denton, TX
Elm burl wood veneer. Recessed lighting in the cabinet to illuminate the adjustable glass shelving. Smoked glass doors & smoked mirror backed. Brass hardware is a stunning accent to ...
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Wood, Burl

Late 20th Century Solid Cherry Pigeon Hole Cube Bookcase
Located in Germantown, MD
A Late 20th Century Solid Cherry Pigeon Hole Cube Bookcase in lacquered finish. Each cube measures 5.6" W x 6.25"D x 6.25"H. Great vintage condition.
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Bookcases

Materials

Cherry, Plywood

Italian Large Mahogany and Glass Wall Unit, Bookcase by Dassi, 1940
Located in Rome, IT
Dassi wall unit, bookcase and a radiator covering Part of a unique living room Two shelves, a door covered by several glass sheets, two frontal door...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Vintage Postmodern Chrome & Lucite Shelf
Located in Elkton, MD
Vintage Postmodern Chrome & Lucite Shelf—a fusion of timeless elegance and modern design. Its sturdy chrome frame seamlessly complements the translucent allure of lucite shelves, cre...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Bookcases

Materials

Chrome

Modern bookcases for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern bookcases 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 bookcases created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, more furniture and collectibles, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern bookcases made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and Denmark pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original bookcases, popular names associated with this style include DeCastelli, Kartell, Souda, and Danese Milano. 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 bookcases differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $120 and tops out at $96,530 while the average work can sell for $3,910.

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