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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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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Style: Modern
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 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
"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
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
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
Bespoke Asymmetrical Bookcase of solid walnut.
Located in London, GB
Low curved bookcase in English walnut with panelled back, can be used centrally in a room or placed against a wall.
Each end of the bookcase is made fr...
Category
2010s English Modern Bookcases
Materials
Walnut
Ash 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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Lungo
By Simon Hamui
Located in Wilmington, DE
Low-profile bookcase with patinated orthogonal metal shelving set within a wooden frame presents a balanced design of symmetric lines and material.
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
Casey Lurie Studio Modern Low "Pylon" Shelving System in Ash
By Casey Lurie
Located in Chicago, IL
The “Pylon” profile comprises overhanging, interleaved shelves grounded by stacked, conical spacers. These solid elements add visual weight and totemic structure to the shelf system’...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal, Brass, Stainless Steel
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Pair of Modern Oak Bookcase Cabinets in Natural Washed Finish
Located in North York, ON
Pair of Modern Oak Bookcase Cabinets in Natural Washed Finish. This pair of modern oak bookcases is perfect for adding a touch of modern styling to any room. With a natural washed fi...
Category
2010s American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Oak
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
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
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
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
Orizaba Two Sided Bookcase Module B, Wood and Aluminium, Contemporary Design
Located in Mexico City, MX
This two sided bookshelf stands out for its sleek design. This bookshelf was conceived as a compound of modular pieces that can be assembled in differe...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
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
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
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
Librero A-2, Mexican Contemporary Bookcase by Emiliano Molina for Cuchara
Located in Ciudad De México, ME
LIBRERO A-2
Librero A-2, Mexican Contemporary Bookcase by Emiliano Molina for CUCHARA
The DEDO bookcases are simple and versatile pieces in which light columns give structure to the...
Category
2010s Modern Bookcases
Materials
Oak, Walnut
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
Dark Modern Open Bookcase
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern Bookcase is a modern two-door bookcase in figured cathedral ash available in our dark earth finish with metal pulls in Ember. Completed three exposed fixed shelves in our excl...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Bookcases
Materials
Composition
Set of 3 Strut Shelves from Souda, Black and Maple, Made to Order
By Souda
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Price on this configuration includes 3 52" shelves & 6 brackets. This shelving system is really easy to customize: we offer multiple wood finishes, bracket finishes, and we can adjus...
Category
2010s American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal, Steel
Librero DUNA, Mexican Contemporary bookcase by Emiliano Molina for CUCHARA
Located in Ciudad De México, ME
It belongs to the exclusive line of Cuchara, showcasing the highest quality materials and exquisite craftsmanship. With its unique blend of black electro-painted carbon steel and sol...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood, Oak, Walnut
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 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
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
Amuneal's Collector's 1 Bay Shelving Unit
By Amuneal
Located in New York, NY
This single bay version of Amuneal’s Collector’s shelving unit features solid machined brass fittings and posts in a warm brass finish. The unit mou...
Category
2010s American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Brass
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
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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