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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
680
85
16
to
9
42
41
85
85
85
1,058
300
228
215
183
147
141
85
70
52
50
46
44
35
28
20
10
7
85
2
19
59
3
4
3
23
13
6
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
49
41
26
11
7
47
34
17
15
4
2
2
2
2
2
Item type: Antique and Vintage
Style: Modern
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
Dutch modern wood wall bookcase by Derk Jan De Vries with rounded shelves, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Dutch modern wood wall bookcase by Derk Jan De Vries with rounded shelves, 1980s
Rectangular wooden wall bookcase. The bookcase is made up of two rectangular panels that are joined t...
Category
1980s Dutch Vintage Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Clear Acrylic New-In-Box “Sound Rack” by Ludovica & Roberto Palomba for Kartell
By 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
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
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
Italian modern Asymmetric bookcase with 2 shelves in light wood, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Asymmetric bookcase with 2 shelves in light wood, 1980s
Asymmetric fantastic bookcase in light wood. The two compartments are join...
Category
1980s Vintage Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood
Caos San bookcase in metal and glass by Antonia Astori for Driade, c. 1990.
By Antonia Astori, Driade
Located in MIlano, IT
Metal and glass bookcase model Caos San with a structure composed of three burgundy-colored metal uprights, with orange metal and glass shelves of different sizes between the first a...
Category
1990s Italian 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
Italian modern modular black white bookcase by Carlo de Carli for Fiarm, 1970s
By Fiarm, Carlo De Carli
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern modular bookcase by Carlo de Carli for Fiarm, 1970s
Modular bookcase made up of 12 square, 3 rectangular and 4 corner modules. Black and white painted wood...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood
Italian modern Squared modular bookcase or display in smoked plexiglass, 1990s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Squared modular bookcase or display in smoked plexiglass, 1990s
Modular bookcase made entirely of smoked plexiglass. The modules are 6 squares and 4 rectangles, with r...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Plexiglass
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
Italian Modern Brick System Bookcase by DDL Studio for Collezioni Longato 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern modular plastic Brick System bookcase by De Pas, D'Urbino and Lomazzi for Collezioni Longato Padova, 1970s.
Brick System modular bookcase, ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases
Materials
Plastic
Folding and self-supporting bookcase, modern Italian, by Pool Shop ca. 1980.
Located in MIlano, IT
Freestanding bookcase with folding wooden slatted frame, different colors, with rectangular shape. Ability to hold the bookcase either vertically or horizontally or hang it on the wa...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood
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
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
Italian modern very solid dirty white metal sel-supporting bookcase, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern very solid dirty white metal sel-supporting bookcase, 1970s.
Self-supporting bookcase with structure entirely in metal, very solid, made up of ten cubes with a side of...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
Luca Meda Shelving Unit, Molteni, Italy, c1970
By Luca Meda, Molteni & C
Located in London, GB
Luca Meda grew up and studied in Milan, graduating from the renowned Art School of Brera in the heart of the city. He continued his studies in Germany, at the Hochschule für Gestaltu...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood
Italian modern Irregular wooden folding floor wall bookcase by Pool Shop, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Irregular wooden folding floor and wall bookcase by Pool Shop, 1980s
Irregularly shaped wooden folding bookcase with 11 square compartments a...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood
Libreria Berione Di Andrea Branzi Per Cassina
Located in Baranzate, IT
Libreria disegnata da Andrea Branzi per Cassina negli anni '80. Si caratterizza per la sua assoluta purezza sia nelle linee che nella struttura. È sostenuta da una doppia struttura t...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases
Materials
Marble, 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
Angelo Mangiarotti "Loico" Bookcase in Green Alpi Verdi Marble for Skipper 1970s
Located in Almelo, NL
Angelo Mangiarotti "Loico" Bookcase in White Carrara Marquita Green Alpi Verdi Marble for Skipper 1970s
This bookcase is a part of the "Loico collection" for the Skipper factory i...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases
Materials
Carrara Marble
Milo Baughman Style Burl Wood Lighted Bookcase or Display Cabinet by Henredon
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Milo Baughman style lighted display cabinet or bookcase with glass front doors
By Henredon, "Scene Two" Collection
USA, 1980s
Burled olive wood, with ash case and...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Bookcases
Materials
Glass, Mirror, Ash, Ebony, Burl
Bielecky Brothers Rattan Arch Top Etagere
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very rare vintage Bielecky Brothers rattan arch top etagere. Each shelf floats on the arch folding frame and could also be used as a room divi...
Category
1970s Vintage Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood, Glass
Oak Laminate Bentwood Bookcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modern four shelf standing bookcase, made of bentwood panels of laminate oak. Metal supports connect the shelves for a sturdy unit.
Please confirm location NY or NJ.
Category
20th Century Modern Bookcases
Materials
Bentwood
Enzo Mari Dima Modular Wall Shelving System
Located in Chicago, IL
Enzo Mari Dima modular wall shelving system for Simon International Dima Italy, circa 1970
Enameled steel, shelves adjustable with solid plastic holders...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
Italian Modern Colored Solid Wood Self-Supporting Bookcase, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern colored solid wood self-supporting bookcase, 1980s.
Self-supporting bookcase with structure entirely in solid wood composed of two ...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood
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
Italian Modern Chromed Steel and Smoked Glass Self Supporting Bookcase, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern chromed steel and smoked glass self supporting bookcase, 1970s.
Self-supporting bookcase with structure entirely in chromed steel, ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases
Materials
Steel
Mid Century Milo Baughman for John Stuart Chrome Frame Rosewood Bookcase
By John Stuart
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Milo Baughman for John Stuart chrome framed bookcase. Black Lacquer with Rosewood Doors. 2 rosewood doors with chrome handles open to shelved interi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Bookcases
Materials
Chrome
Italian modern Angular bookcase in black lacquered and white wood, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Angular bookcase in black lacquered and white wood, 1980s
Elegant and fantastic angular bookcase with triangular base in black lacquered wood. It has 3 triangular shel...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood
Italian Swivel Bookcase Model "Centro" by Claudio Salocchi for "Sormani"
Located in Vicenza, VI
Swivel center bookcase lacquered in white with central metal support.
This is the "CENTRO " model created by designer Claudio Salocchi, poroducted by the Italian company SORMANI b...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
1990s Baxter Black Leather and Steel Bookcases
By Baxter
Located in IT
Black leather bookcases with steel structure by Baxter form Italy form 1990s period.
Excellent conditions. They were part of furniture of a prestigious law firm.
Size of each book ca...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Bookcases
Materials
Steel
Italian Modern Wooden Glass Bookcase Zibaldone by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini, 1974
By Bernini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Wooden and glass Bookcase mod. Zibaldone by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini, 1974
Bookcase mod. Zibaldone with structure in veneered wood and glass. This particular bookcase ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
Bamboo Standing Etagere Bookcae, 1970's
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Bamboo standing etagere shelf bookcase. The six shelves and sides with split bamboo surface in a natural finish. Made in the Philippines, 1970's.
Category
1970s Philippine Vintage Modern Bookcases
Materials
Rattan
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
Mid-Century Modern backlight wall modular system by Acerbis. Italy 1970s
Located in Catania, CT
Very good vintage condition with normal trace of age and use for this modular bookcase designed by Roberto Monsani for Acerbis. Produced in Italy during the 70s and made from lacquer...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
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