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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chair — crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.
It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.
679
84
16
to
81
487
244
779
168
249
1,143
779
345
234
230
198
157
154
84
58
54
50
46
44
39
25
10
7
84
695
2
19
58
3
4
3
23
12
6
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
527
419
139
111
110
563
285
155
155
145
41
20
19
16
13
Style: Modern
Bespoke Tubular Steel Low Bookcase, Chrome, Lacquered Wood, Sliding Glass Panels
By GMD Berlin
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
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
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
Casey Lurie Studio Modern High "Primo" Shelving System in Walnut with Brass
By Casey Lurie
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
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
Modern Black Lage Bookcase, Brass Walnut, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
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 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, Walnut Veneer, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
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
Italian modern wooden bookcase Nuvola Rossa Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern wooden bookcase Nuvola Rossa Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1980s
Bookcase mod. Nuvola Rossa entirely made of wood. The structure is composed of four diagonals with a s...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
Ready to ship Alton Hutch by Crump and Kwash / Modern solid wood bookcase
Located in Baltimore City, MD
Alton Hutch / Bookcase by Crump and Kwash
Featuring a solid walnut case / adjustable walnut shelves / oiled finish / leather wrapped drawer fronts / premium, full extension, soft c...
Category
2010s American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Brass, Cut Steel
Modern Bookcase Cabinet in Brass and Black Lacquer
By Carrocel
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
Baleri Italia Segno Bookshelf in Black Aluminium by A+B, Dominoni and Quaquaro
Located in Milan, IT
(a+b) are PhDs, architects, designers, experts in architecture and design for space and extreme environments. They design by crossing research and technological innovation with poetr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Aluminum
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’s designed with adjustable bracket...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
Vintage Handcrafted Walnut Finish Rattan Petite Bookcase Etagere
Located in Germantown, MD
Vintage Handcrafted dark walnut Rattan Petite Bookcase Etagere. Measures 20" in width, 11.5" in depth and stands 35" tall. Shelves clearance is 11.5".
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Modern Bookcases
Materials
Rattan
Modern White Lacquer Bookcase by Piero Lissoni for Cassina Italy
By Cassina
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 available.
Category
1990s Modern Bookcases
Materials
Lacquer
Meuble de rangement bibliothèque en bois
Located in SAINT-CLÉMENT-DE-RIVIÈRE, FR
Bibliothèque en bois contre contre plaqué et en état moyen. Le bois est taché et rayé. Il est vermoulé.
Category
1990s French Modern Bookcases
Materials
Laminate
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
Contemporary Brera Bookshelf in Aluminium by Altreforme
By Marco Piva
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
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
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 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
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
White Turtle Bookcase, by Marcantonio, Made in Italy
By MARCANTONIO
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 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
Contemporary Room Divider Shelving "30/30 S" in Oak by Casey Lurie Studio
By Casey Lurie
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
Opinion Ciatti Portariviste Magazine Rack
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Portariviste, an object that identifies exactly its function and there is no need for a different name to define it. Portariviste is so similar in the concept but so distant in the e...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Steel
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 Original Ptolomeo Medium Bookcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Original Ptolomeo is the free-standing bookcase that doesn’t require any further presentation: it is simple, revolutionary, innovative, as sudden as ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian 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
By Paul Laszlo
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
Ellen Bookcase with TV lift - by KLN Studio
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
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
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
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
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
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
Modern Hobart Bookcase, American Oak, Bronze, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Riva 1920 PIANO DESIGN BOOKSHELF BY RENZO & MATTEO PIANO
By Renzo Piano, Riva 1920
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
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
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
Italian modern black wood and metal bookcase E22 by Borsani for Tecno, 1970s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black wood and metal bookcase E22 by Borsani for Tecno, 1970s
Wall bookcase mod. E22 in wood and metal. It features three metal uprights, seven black lacquered wooden...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
"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
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
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
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.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Antique Book Shelf Antique Furniture
English Open Bookcase
Unusual Bookcases
Antique Mission Arts And Crafts
Pair Book Cabinets
Georgian Style Doors
Wood Bookcase Side By Side
Sheraton Style Cabinet
Retro Teak Display Cabinet
Wood Bookcase With Desk
French 19th Century Antique Bookcase
Pairs Of Book Cabinets
Vintage Mid Century Bookcase
Design Modular Bookcase
Vintage Wood Bookshelf
Antique Bureau Bookcase Furniture
Antique Bureau Bookcase Antique Furniture
Antique Bureau Bookcases