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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Customizable Items Only
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

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, Stainless Steel, 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 Black Lage Bookcase, Brass Walnut, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Lage Bookcase, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Lage modern bookcase was designed to be the focal point in a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal, Brass

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

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

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 - 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

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

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

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 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

Custom Made Corner Sofa Bookcase in Walnut
Located in Los Angeles, CA
W59.5 D34.5 H27.5 Order your custom version today! This is our walnut floor model, still available now, made in walnut with solid and veneer wood elements. This bookcase can be cu...
Category

2010s Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

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

"Dany" aluminum bookcase by William Mulas
Located in Modugno, BA
Dany with invisible interlocking system and wall anchorage, integrates harmoniously into our interior spaces, giving with its structure so thin and minimal, a touch of personal elega...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Aluminum

Bespoke Asymmetrical Bookcase of solid walnut.
Located in London, GB
Low curved bookcase in English walnut with panelled back, can be used centrally in a room or placed against a wall. Each end of the bookcase is made fr...
Category

2010s English Modern Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

Ash Noir Eternel Bookcase by Milla & Milli
Located in Geneve, CH
Ash Noir Eternel Bookcase by Milla & Milli Signed by Maša Vukmanović, Jelena Lukač Kirš, Jakov Šrajer Dimensions: W 180 x D 47 x H 200 cm Materials: Ash Noir Lacquered, Black Metal....
Category

2010s Croatian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Ash

Ash Umber Eternel Bookcase by Milla & Milli
Located in Geneve, CH
Ash Umber Eternel Bookcase by Milla & Milli Signed by Maša Vukmanović, Jelena Lukač Kirš, Jakov Šrajer Dimensions: W 180 x D 47 x H 200 cm Materials: Ash Umber Oiled, Black Metal. ...
Category

2010s Croatian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Ash

Handcrafted walnut bookcase #1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
W48 // D12.25 // H32.5 Made in house by Vintage On Point. Made of solid and veneered walnut .
Category

2010s Modern Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

Lungo
Located in Wilmington, DE
Low-profile bookcase with patinated orthogonal metal shelving set within a wooden frame presents a balanced design of symmetric lines and material.
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Obsidian Bookshelf - Modern Black Lacquered Bookshelf with Steel Dividers
Located in London, GB
The steep accents of the Obsidian collection confers its unique design with a sublime and powerful presence, gifting it with a head-turning look and a sharp personality of its own. T...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Bookcases

Materials

Stainless Steel

Ben King Colorful Stand Designed by Thomas Dariel
Located in Geneve, CH
Ben King colorful stand designed by Thomas Dariel, Maison Dada Measures: W 38 x D 36.6 x H 55 cm Structure in MDF with painted ash veneer Metal base plated with Champagne colour f...
Category

2010s French Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

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

Ben King Colorful Stand Designed by Thomas Dariel
Located in Geneve, CH
Ben King colorful stand designed by Thomas Dariel, Maison Dada. Measures: W 38 x D 36.6 x H 55 cm. Structure in MDF with painted ash veneer. Metal base plated with Champagne color...
Category

2010s French Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Gervasoni Daen 72 Bokshelf by Federico Peri
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bookshelf with ash wood frame and MDF shelves lacquered in date, blueberry or ginger colours. Back panel covered in water repellent and cleanable faux-leather vibes available in azul...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

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

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

Pacifico Evolution Bookcase by Lapo Ciatti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modular open steel bookcase, available in three versions. The shelf desk is made of water-repellent, flame-retardant compact multilayer without formaldehyd...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Librero DUNA, Mexican Contemporary bookcase by Emiliano Molina for CUCHARA
Located in Ciudad De México, ME
It belongs to the exclusive line of Cuchara, showcasing the highest quality materials and exquisite craftsmanship. With its unique blend of black electro-painted carbon steel and sol...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood, Oak, Walnut

Konus Bookshelf - a Sculptural Piece of Furniture
By HEMO
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Introducing the captivating and avant-garde Konus bookshelf - a stunning piece of furniture that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Boasting a design that melds sculptural finess...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Cabinet Loom Tay di Dalmoto
Located in Como, IT
Loom is a wall cabinet that celebrates two excellences of the region: the skill of craftsmenship in the process of bending wood and the Como tradition of weaving. The composition of ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Tropical Stone "Aedicula" Bookcase design by MMDesign for Officina della Scala
Located in Milano, IT
Designed to house books and objects, “AEDICULA” can stand on its own in order to divide spaces or it can lean against a wall; like ancient Roman libraries, it becomes an element of d...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Marble, Aluminum

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

Portoro-GoldLeaf "Aedicula" Bookcase design by MMDesign for Officina della Scala
Located in Milano, IT
Designed to house books and objects, “AEDICULA” can stand on its own in order to divide spaces or it can lean against a wall; like ancient Roman libraries, it becomes an element of d...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Marble, Aluminum, Gold Leaf

Librero A-1, Mexican Contemporary Bookcase by Emiliano Molina for Cuchara
Located in Ciudad De México, ME
LIBRERO A-1 Librero A-1, 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 Mexican Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood, Oak, Walnut

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

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

Green "Rocky" Side Table, Charles Kalpakian
Located in Geneve, CH
Green "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 and 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

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

Aspis Shelves by Imperfettolab
Located in Geneve, CH
Aspis shelves by Imperfettolab Dimensions: 194 x 30 x H 194 Materials: Fiberglass Imperfetto Lab Who we are? We are a family. Verter Turroni, Emanuela Ravelli and our children...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Fiberglass

Solo Shelves by Imperfettolab
Located in Geneve, CH
Solo Shelves by Imperfettolab Dimensions: 100 x 51 x H 250 cm Materials: Metal Imperfetto Lab Who we are ? We are a family. Verter Turroni, Emanuela Ravelli and our children E...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Ellen Bookcase - 2x4 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 round shelves...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Solo Shelves by Imperfettolab
Located in Geneve, CH
Solo shelves by Imperfettolab Dimensions: 300 x 51 x H 350 cm Materials: Fiberglass Imperfetto Lab Who we are ? We are a family. Verter Turroni, Emanuela Ravelli and our child...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Legere Bookshelf by Delvis Unlimited
Located in Geneve, CH
Legere bookshelf by Delvis Unlimited Dimensions: D 45 x W 135 x H 100 cm Material: Alder wood, chromed sheet metal. Designed by Oliver Thomas Wall. ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Solo Shelves by Imperfettolab
Located in Geneve, CH
Solo Shelves by Imperfettolab Dimensions: 100 x 51 x H 350 cm Materials: Metal Imperfetto Lab Who we are ? We are a family. Verter Turroni, Emanuela Ravelli and our children E...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Solo Shelves 250 by Imperfettolab
Located in Geneve, CH
Solo Shelves 250 by Imperfettolab Dimensions: 300 x 51 x H 250 cm Materials: Metal Imperfetto Lab Who we are ? We are a family. Verter Turroni, Emanuela Ravelli and our childr...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Blue "Rocky" Side Table, Charles Kalpakian
Located in Geneve, CH
Blue "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...
Category

2010s French Modern Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Black Sculptural "Rocky" Credenza, Charles Kalpakian
Located in Geneve, CH
Black sculptural "Rocky" credenza - Charles Kalpakian Dimensions: W 140 x D 36 x H 95 cm Materials: steel Different colors are available Rocky...
Category

2010s French Modern Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Red Sculptural "Rocky" Credenza, Charles Kalpakian
Located in Geneve, CH
Red 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

Amuneal's Collector's 1 Bay Shelving Unit
Located in New York, NY
This single bay version of Amuneal’s Collector’s shelving unit features solid machined brass fittings and posts in a warm brass finish. The unit mou...
Category

2010s American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Shelving Room Divider "30/30 L" in Walnut 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 ...
Category

2010s North American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Walnut, Wood

Fluid Shelf by Roberto Giacomucci
Located in Geneve, CH
Fluid shelf by Roberto Giacomucci Materials: Wood, liquid metal Dimensions: L 100 x P 40 x H 180 cm The freak collection is made of wood coated with liquid metal, a 95% real met...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

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

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

Contemporary Shelving Room Divider "30/30 S" in Walnut 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 ...
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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