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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
21st Century by Pelizzari Studio Etched Brass Bookcase
Located in Brescia, IT
This brass bookcase is more than just a piece of furniture-it is an element that transforms and illuminates any context in which it is placed. Made of the highest quality materials, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Modern Bookcase Cabinet in Brass and Black Lacquer
Located in North York, ON
Indulge in the epitome of modern sophistication with our exclusive black bookcase cabinet, a masterpiece handcrafted in Canada. This striking piece boasts an alluring blend of high-g...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal, Brass

Modern White Lacquer Bookcase by Piero Lissoni for Cassina Italy
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
PRICED EACH! Modern White Lacquer Bookcase by Piero Lissoni for Cassina Italy. This listing is for one etagere but we actually have two availab...
Category

1990s Modern Bookcases

Materials

Lacquer

Rare Gunmetal and Black Lacquer Etagere or Bookcase by Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Rare 1970’s ‘Cole Porter Etagere’ or bookcase by Karl Springer. Constructed of metal with a polish gunmetal finish and black lacquered shelfs. It...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

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

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

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 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

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

Clear Acrylic New-In-Box “Sound Rack” by Ludovica & Roberto Palomba for Kartell
Located in San Gabriel, CA
Another modular piece from Kartell designers, the “Sound Rack” by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba is a small cabinet that can take on many forms. It can be sta...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Acrylic

Pair Mid-Century Vintage Solid Pine Low Bookcases
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair Mid-Century Vintage hand crafted Solid Pine Low Bookcases. Good vintage condition. Measure 30" in width, 11" in depth and stand 29" tall. Lower shelf clearance is 13" and uppe...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Pine

Riva 1920 PIANO DESIGN BOOKSHELF BY RENZO & MATTEO PIANO
Located in Boston, MA
The impressive bookcase created by Renzo and Matteo Piano showcases a remarkable equilibrium between solid and empty spaces. Connected by just six pairs of stainless steel rods, it a...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Stainless Steel

Pair of Modern Oak Bookcase Cabinets in Natural Washed Finish
Located in North York, ON
Pair of Modern Oak Bookcase Cabinets in Natural Washed Finish. This pair of modern oak bookcases is perfect for adding a touch of modern styling to any room. With a natural washed fi...
Category

2010s American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Oak

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

Fine Contemporary White Painted Bookshelf Cabinet
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very made Cabinet with simple elegant lines, X decorated glass panel doors, four adjustable top shelves and one fixed shelf below. There are two pull out returns for help in sorting and all of the doors with contrasting Pewter tone pulls. The Cabinet is extremely versatile and may be used as a Bookshelf, Pantry Cabinet or Collection display case...
Category

20th Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Raphael Raffel Bookcase, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Raphael bookcase in his signature Béka lacquer finish, a technique he championed that gave the lacquer an ombré appearance; it rests on gilt bronze legs, Signed on a bras...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Bookcases

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Medium Size Solid Cherry Open Bookcases
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair of handcrafted solid cherry open bookcases from the late 20th century. Good vintage condition.. Measure 22" in width, 7.25" in depth and stand 35" tall and 19.25" in width, 7.25...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Cherry

Vintage Oak 4 Tier Industrial x Frame Freestanding Bookcase Etagere Shelf
Located in Dayton, OH
An open frame industrial style x frame bookcase or room divider from the last quarter of the 20th century. Made from oak with four long shelves. The unit can be broken down folding u...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Oak

Natural Birch "Climb" Shelving System, Bashko Trybek
Located in Geneve, CH
Natural birch "Climb" shelving system, Bashko Trybek Dimensions: 120 W x 22 D x 155 H cm Materials: Polished birch boards, steel threads Different finishes, colors and sizes are a...
Category

2010s Polish Modern Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Librero A-2, Mexican Contemporary Bookcase by Emiliano Molina for Cuchara
Located in Ciudad De México, ME
LIBRERO A-2 Librero A-2, Mexican Contemporary Bookcase by Emiliano Molina for CUCHARA The DEDO bookcases are simple and versatile pieces in which light columns give structure to the...
Category

2010s Modern Bookcases

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Art Deco Style Geometric Metal & Glass Triangular Corner Shelf Etagere Stand
Located in Dayton, OH
An art deco style triangular geometric corner shelf. Features tempered glass shelves. Brackets along the top allow it to be mounted to the wall. Measures: 63".
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

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

Green Sculptural "Rocky" Credenza, Charles Kalpakian
Located in Geneve, CH
Green sculptural "Rocky" Credenza, Charles Kalpakian Dimensions: W 140 x D 36 x H 95 cm Materials: Steel Different colors are available Rocky is a sculptural piece. It can be used as a console or a credenza, but will also accommodate books and objects to become the most graphic display or bookshelf. Designer Charles Kalpakian plays with our perception of space and volume with an object that reveals itself and changes according to the observer’s point of view. Charles Kalpakian was born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1982.After collaborating with prestigious agencies including the Ora Ito...
Category

2010s French Modern Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Dada Est. Custom Oak Vinyl Record Cabinet, Handcrafted Storage with Midcentury
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Discover the perfect blend of style and functionality with this Dada Est. Contemporary Oak Vinyl Record Cabinet. Handcrafted with the finest mater...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Bookcases

Materials

Oak

Pontile bookcase and cabinet, in oak wood by AccardiBuccheri for Medulum
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 Oak wood finished with transparent paint. The head of the poles is coated with a brick red protective paint. The system is completed by two storage compartments that feature sliding doors with integrated handle. The library is shipped semi assembled. Cod. e DIM: — PON bookcase W200 x H200 x D40 cm MATERIALS: oak wood COLORS: colors head poles 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 legno di rovere finito con vernice trasparente. La testa...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood, Oak

Hatt Shelving System 4 Shelves + Storage Unit Ash Wood
Located in Monte-Serzedo, 13
Imagine that you could have a system to organize your books in the order that suits you better. You might even have the option of having some storage for your office. Imagine that yo...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Hatt Shelving System, 6 Shelves Ash Wood
Located in Monte-Serzedo, 13
Imagine that you could have a system to organize your books in the order that suits you better. You might even have the option of having some storage for your office. Imagine that yo...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

German Modernist Wall Unit by Schieder Mobel
Located in Denton, TX
Combination of ebonized oak with teak and glass make this wall unit usable as a bookcase / display cabinet or media center. The faceted arched glass doors...
Category

20th Century German Modern Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Mirror, Wood

Black "Rocky" Side Table, Charles Kalpakian
Located in Geneve, CH
Black "Rocky" side table - Charles Kalpakian Dimensions: W 35 x D 35 x H 45 cm Materials: Steel Different colors are available Rocky is a sculptural piece. It can be used as ...
Category

2010s French Modern Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Constantin Bookends, C by Colé Italia
Located in Geneve, CH
Constantin Bookends by Colé Italia, C with Agustina Bottoni Dimensions: H.20 D.7 W.7 cm Materials: The body is a cube in Marquina black marble with white veins. The top is in solid...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Red "Rocky" Side Table, Charles Kalpakian
Located in Geneve, CH
Red "Rocky" side table - Charles Kalpakian Dimensions: W 35 x D 35 x H 45 cm Materials: Steel Different colors are available Rocky is a sculptural piece. It can be used as a console or a credenza, but will also accommodate books and objects to become the most graphic display or bookshelf. Designer Charles Kalpakian plays with our perception of space and volume with an object that reveals itself and changes according to the observer’s point of view. The abstract shape of Rocky side lives by itself to become both a coffee table, a side table or a bedside table. Charles Kalpakian was born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1982.After collaborating with prestigious agencies including the Ora Ito...
Category

2010s French Modern Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Modern Danish Teak Bookcase Domino Mobler
Located in Toledo, OH
Mid-Century Modern Danish teak bookcase. Original finish by Domino Mobler. Very nice condition. Measures: 31" x 11.5" x 72".
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

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

Jacques Lucite and Brass Étagère
Located in New York, NY
Clearly cool. Our Jacques collection is the perfect blend of simplicity and glamour, modern and traditional. Shown in crystal clear Lucite with brushed brass. Also available in moody...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Lim Bookcase in Teak Wood Finish and Graphite Metal
Located in Miami, FL
The Lim bookcase from Uultis epitomizes versatility with its modern design that harmoniously blends noble materials such as teak-finished wood and graphit...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Elegant Tall Brass and White Laquer Etagere with 2 Drawers
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A sleek stylish modern tall etagere bookcase having a sexy mix of brass, white lacquer and 4 smoky glass shelves. There are two roomy drawers on the botto...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Pair of Modern Walnut and Black Bookcases
Located in North York, ON
Pair of Modern Walnut and black bookcases. Custom finished with a satin dark walnut exterior and satin black interior. Made in USA and custom finished ...
Category

2010s American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

Lucite and Brass Etagere by Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Glamorous 1960’s clear lucite and polish brass with glass shelves etagere by American renowned designer to the starts Charles Hollis Jones. Part of the ‘Metric Line’ designed for H...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Blue Sculptural "Rocky" Credenza, Charles Kalpakian
Located in Geneve, CH
Sculptural "Rocky" credenza, Charles Kalpakian Dimensions: W 140 x D 36 x H 95 cm Materials: Steel Different colors are available Rocky is a sculptural piece. It can be used as a console or a credenza, but will also accommodate books and objects to become the most graphic display or bookshelf. Designer Charles Kalpakian plays with our perception of space and volume with an object that reveals itself and changes according to the observer’s point of view. Charles Kalpakian was born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1982.After collaborating with prestigious agencies including the Ora Ito...
Category

2010s French Modern Bookcases

Materials

Steel

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

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 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

Natural Walnut "Climb" Shelving System, Bashko Trybek
Located in Geneve, CH
Natural Walnut "Climb" shelving system, Bashko Trybek Dimensions: 135 L x 27 W x 185 H cm Materials: Walnut Boards, Black Wires Different finishes, colors and sizes are available ...
Category

2010s Polish Modern Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Hatt Shelving System, 6 Shelves Ash Wood
Located in Monte-Serzedo, 13
Imagine that you could have a system to organize your books in the order that suits you better. You might even have the option of having some storage for your office. Imagine that yo...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Vintage Cabinets by František Jirák for Tatra Nábytok Pravenec
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Vintage cabinets by František Jirák for Tatra nábytok Pravenec. Closet 75 x 107 x 40 Wardrobe 169 x 110 x 48 Bookcase 158 x 110x 44.
Category

1960s Slovak Vintage Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Pink Primitive Bookshelf by Studio Nucleo, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The Primitive bookshelf was one of the strongest and most iconic products designed by Studio Nucleo. Initially made as a limited-edition product, t...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Casey Lurie Studio Modern Low "Pylon" Shelving System in Ash
Located in Chicago, IL
The “Pylon” profile comprises overhanging, interleaved shelves grounded by stacked, conical spacers. These solid elements add visual weight and totemic structure to the shelf system’...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal, Brass, 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 Blue 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

Pair of Modern Gray Bookcase Cabinets
Located in North York, ON
Pair of modern grey bookcase cabinets. New, made in the USA and custom finished by the Carrocel artisans. Minimalist design featuring 3 glass shelves and...
Category

2010s American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Hatt Shelving System, 4 Shelves + Storage Unit Ash Wood
Located in Monte-Serzedo, 13
Imagine that you could have a system to organize your books in the order that suits you better. You might even have the option of having some storage for your office. Imagine that yo...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Lucite / Bamboo / Glass Etagere in the Style of Karl Springer
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very well crafted Etagere with clear Lucite posts straddled by hardened bamboo pieces woven to each corner making for nice detailed construction . Five glass shelves that include t...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Bookcases

Materials

Bamboo, Glass, Lucite

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 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

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

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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