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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
194
42
8
to
8
244
486
244
71
95
529
244
114
99
65
57
57
49
47
47
38
31
27
25
10
4
4
3
42
202
2
10
25
1
2
8
2
1
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
161
138
65
59
48
118
105
86
69
18
41
18
16
11
11
Item Ships From: USA
Style: Modern
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
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
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, Brass, Stainless Steel
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
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
Contemporary Shelving Room Divider "30/30 L" in Walnut 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 ...
Category
2010s North American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Walnut, Wood
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 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
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
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
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
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
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 Medium Bookworm Bookcase in Aluminum by Ron Arad
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An artist's creativity combined with a great company’s technology results in to a bookcase design of Industrial scale that can rightfully be considered the world’s most daring and re...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Plastic
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
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
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
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 - 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
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
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
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 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
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 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
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
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
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
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
Kartell Sound Rack Modular Bookcase in Amber by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Multi-shaped and multi-purpose shelving system, stackable and modular, offering the possibility of creating a variety of geometric and chromatic compositions. This accessory can play the dual role as both container and room divider. IT IS a go...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Resin
Danese Milano Livorno Red Bookcase in Metal by Marco Ferreri
Located in Hicksville, NY
Red Livorno is a small bookcase with two shelves made in powder-coated metal. The design of the piece is minimal and is characterized by the...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
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
Fabio Novembre Driade "Venus" Bookcase in Natural Oak, Designed 2017
By Fabio Novembre, Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The "Venus" bookcase designed by Fabio Novembre and manufactured by Driade. The structure is made of oak veneer while the statue consists of marble powder mixed with resin. Novembre draws his inspiration from the wooden crates used...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Marble
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
Contemporary 3 Bay Light Green Wooden Mortise Shelving System in Maple by JUNTOS
By JUNTOS
Located in New York, NY
Mortise is a low-rise bookshelf conceived for elegant and flexible storage, capable of extending up to 9' ft wide thanks to a smart modular design that can be packed flat. The piece ...
Category
2010s American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Hardwood, Maple
Contemporary 3 Bay Dark Blue Wooden Mortise Shelving System in Maple by JUNTOS
By JUNTOS
Located in New York, NY
Mortise is a low-rise bookshelf conceived for elegant and flexible storage, capable of extending up to 9' ft wide thanks to a smart modular design that can be packed flat. The piece ...
Category
2010s American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Hardwood, Maple
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
Modern Geometric Etagere Cabinet
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern Geometric Etagere Cabinet, A modern geometric trellis-back cabinet with shelves. This etagere style piece has three glass inset shelves above the figured sycamore cabinet base...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
Custom Leather Wrapped Console Bookcase by Century Furnture
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Ultra chic Century Furniture custom console bookshelf having speckled cream and brown faux leather wrapping and handsome brown leather corners. The ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Faux Leather, Glass, Mahogany
Kartell Sound Rack Modular Bookcase in Tangerine by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Multi-shaped and multi-purpose shelving system, stackable and modular, offering the possibility of creating a variety of geometric and chromatic compositions. This accessory can play the Dual role as both container and room divider. IT IS a go...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Resin
Kartell Sound Rack Modular Bookcase in Blue by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Multi-shaped and multi-purpose shelving system, stackable and modular, offering the possibility of creating a variety of geometric and chromatic compositions. This accessory can play the dual role as both container and room divider. It is a go...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Resin
Kartell Sound Rack Modular Bookcase in Smoke by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Multi-shaped and multi-purpose shelving system, stackable and modular, offering the possibility of creating a variety of geometric and chromatic compositions. This accessory can play the dual role as both container and room divider. It is a go...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Resin
Kartell Sound Rack Modular Bookcase in Crystal 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
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
Coastal Breeze Etagere
Located in Westwood, NJ
The perfect place to display your most treasured decor, the Etagere displays an open X brace design with five tapered shelves for maximum storage and is finished in our new sea salt ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood
Danese Milano Archivio Vivo Small Book Stand in Blue Aluminum by James Irvine
Located in Hicksville, NY
Archivio vivo is a bookstand that is available in two versions. The first version is freestanding and can be placed on a table or desk whereas the second can be fixed to the wall. Th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Aluminum
Danese Milano Archivio Vivo Medium Book Stand in Silver Aluminum by James Irvine
Located in Hicksville, NY
Archivio vivo is a bookstand that is available in two versions. The first version is freestanding and can be placed on a table or desk whereas the second can be fixed to the wall. Th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Aluminum
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
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
Contemporary Room Divider Shelving "30/30 L" 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
Ellen Bookcase - 2x4 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 round shelves...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American 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
Light Modern Open Bookcase
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern Bookcase is a modern two-door bookcase in figured cathedral ash available in our dune finish with metal pulls in Ember. Completed three exposed fixed shelves in our exclusive ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Bookcases
Materials
Composition
Fine Contemporary White Painted Bookshelf Cabinet
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very made Cabinet with simple elegant lines, X decorated glass panel doors, four adjustable top shelves and one fixed shelf below. There are two pull out returns for help in sorting and all of the doors with contrasting Pewter tone pulls. The Cabinet is extremely versatile and may be used as a Bookshelf, Pantry Cabinet or Collection display case...
Category
20th Century Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
Raphael Raffel Bookcase, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Raphael bookcase in his signature Béka lacquer finish, a technique he championed that gave the lacquer an ombré appearance; it rests on gilt bronze legs, Signed on a bras...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Modern Bookcases
Materials
Bronze
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