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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
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Item Ships From: Europe
Style: Modern
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
Opinion Ciatti Ptolomeo Wall Medium Bookcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ptolomeo wall is the wall version of the Original Ptolomeo and could be defined as the "column of knowledge”. A stack of levitating books or a ground-air column (floor-ceiling) for e...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Steel
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
Modern Hobart Bookcase, American Oak, Bronze, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Hobart Bookcase, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
The Hobart modern bookcase was born to mimic the natural ebb...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood, Oak
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
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 Small Bookcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Original Ptolomeo is the freestanding bookcase that doesn’t require any further presentation: it is simple, revolutionary, innovative, as sudden as a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Steel
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
Black Turtle Bookcase, Designed by Marcantonio, Made in Italy
By MARCANTONIO
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
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
Opinion Ciatti Ptolomeo Art Large Bookcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ptolomeo Art is the last born in the Ptolomeo family and the extra large version of the famous bookcase, indeed thanks to its generous size can contain magazines, large format books,...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Steel
Opinion Ciatti Original Ptolomeo Large 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
Opinion Ciatti Ptolomeo Art Small Bookcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ptolomeo Art is the last born in the Ptolomeo family and the extra large version of the famous bookcase, indeed thanks to its generous size can contain magazines, large format books,...
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
Baleri Italia Mac Gee Bookshelf in Black Steel by Philippe Starck
Located in Milan, IT
Modular bookshelves in steel sheet with epoxy finish in matte RAL 9005. A central upright structure supports five shelves of decreasing depth.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Steel
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Nendo Small Drop Bookcase in Matte Lacquered Laser-Cut Sheet Metal by Cappellini
By Nendo, Cappellini
Located in New York, NY
An ingenious challenge against the force of gravity, the Drop, by Nendo, is a two-sided column bookshelf offered in 3 different heights. The Drop bookshelves are made of Matte lacque...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
Bookcase, partially closed cabinet, separator cabinet for environments, storage
Located in Meolo, Venezia
Bookcase made of a series of solid wood poles with circular section, veneered shelves with solid wood edging, all made of Canaletto walnut finished with transparent paint. The head of the poles is coated with a blue protective paint.
The system is completed by two storage compartments that feature sliding doors with integrated handle.
The library is shipped semi assembled.
Libreria costituita da pali continui a sezione circolare in legno massello. Ripiani impiallacciati con bordatura in massello. Il tutto realizzato in noce canaletto finito con vernice trasparente.
La testa...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood, Walnut
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
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
Bespoke Bauhaus Tubular Steel Low Bookcase, Stained Wood, Sliding Glass Panels
By GMD Berlin
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
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
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
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
Italian modern red lacquered plywood bookcase, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern red lacquered plywood bookcase, 1970s
Free-standing bookcase in glossy red lacquered plywood. This bookcase features three larger shelving units and one smaller unit. ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood
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
Caos San bookcase in metal and glass by Antonia Astori for Driade, c. 1990.
By Driade, Antonia Astori
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
Bespoke Low Bookcase, Stained Wood, Sliding Glass Panels and Tubular Steel Base
By GMD Berlin
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
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
Dada Est. Custom Oak Vinyl Record Cabinet, Handcrafted Storage with Midcentury
By DADA est.
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
Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec Cloud Two-Sided Bookcase for Cappellini
Located in New York, NY
The cloud bookshelf by Ronan & Bouroullec, with hollow compartments, is an extravagant furnishing element with a pop flair and an absolutely unforgetta...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Plastic
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
Contemporary Handcrafted Bookcase, Shelf Sideboard, Cabinet Oak Wood Frommedulum
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
Oak, Wood
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
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
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
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
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
Pair of “Tango” Bookcases from “Trasformatio” Collection, Italy, 1960/2022
Located in Napoli, IT
Pair of “Tango” bookcases from the collection “Trasformatio”, design Michele Iodice exclusively for the Esprit Nouveau gallery.
LIMITED EDITION 2/2
Modular structures in pre-pa...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Iron
Orthogonals Free standing Library Small
Located in Milano, IT
The ORTHOGONALS FREE STANDING LIBRARY transcends the realm of ordinary furniture—it is an exclusive statement of refined taste and discerning aesthe...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Bookcases
Materials
Marble
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
OLLIE Freestanding Bookshelf with Mirror by Yabupushelberg for Glas Italia
Located in Macherio, IT
Freestanding totem bookcase with vertical back panel in double-sided extra clear mirror, laminated 10+10 mm.
The shelves, bonded to the back panel, are made from 10 mm. extra-clear ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Mirror
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
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
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
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
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
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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