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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Modern Italian-style Brass and Chrome Shelving Unit with Smoked Glass
Located in Greenwich, CT
Cipriani Tower Display Case is a modern metal shelving unit for use as a bookcase or open credenza solution. Features a harmonious combination of brass, ...
Category
2010s Modern Bookcases
Materials
Brass, Chrome
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 by Giuseppe Carpanelli Mistral Bookcase Composition
By Carpanelli
Located in Desio, IT
Bookcase composition with bifacial shelves. The shelves are in Sycomoro dark frisè wood.
The original metal part is the supporting element for the realization of the bookcase and it...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
Customizable Modern Bookshelf Orizaba Tall, Solid wood, Valchromat and Metal.
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
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
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
Italian modern wood and red metal self-supporting bookcase by Arflex, 1970s
By Arflex
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern wood and red metal self-supporting bookcase by Arflex, 1970s.
Self-supporting bookcase with curved metal structure and glossy red enamel, with solid wood shelves and c...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
Majj Studio 24-Legged Bookcase
By MAJJ STUDIO
Located in Seyrantepe, 34
24-Legged Bookcase can be located at various places in interiors according to usage. The size of the bookcase can be extended by adding modules. Each module is 150 cm length. The bookcase, which composed of two modules, has 24 wooden round legs. It is made of walnut veneered, silk matte varnish on mdf and raw walnut wooden lathe legs.
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Bookcases
Materials
Walnut
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
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
21st Century Modern Bookshelf with Agglomerated Wood Top Ethrio Made in Italy
Located in Sant'Elena, IT
This is a very flexible shelving system that can suit any type of space. With a simple shifting in the assembling of the shelves, a variety of possible configurations is available, d...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Steel
Contemporary Half Moon Etagere
Located in Westwood, NJ
A contemporary-style half-moon etagere with a light and airy design. The tall frame has been given a high polished gold finish and surrounds each of the six...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
Spanish Bookshop 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Spanish bookshop 20th century
perfect condition
158cm x 84cm x 34cm
wood and iron.
Category
20th Century Spanish Modern Bookcases
Materials
Iron
21st Century Psyco Bookcase in Black Chrome Finishing by Gianfranco Ferré Home
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
A new chrome-plated London smoke grey for the Psycho bookcase was presented for the first time at the Salone del Mobile, in 2018. The original orient...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Chrome
Liber Glass Bookcase, Designed by Luca Papini, Made in Italy
By Papini
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
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Bookcase, showcase or bed side table, available in different sizes. Wooden drawers mat white or RAL lacquered. Available in transparent, extra clear and smoked glass.
Designed by Luca Papini...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Glass
Gold Contemporary Modular Bookshelf of, 24-Karat Gold-Plated
By Paolo Rizzo, SEM
Located in Brooklyn, NY
SEM Gold collection, modular bookshelf of interlocking steel elements plated in 24-karat polished yellow gold. Elements measurement: (35/30/25/18 cm)...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Steel, Gold
DeCastelli Celato 45 Cabinet in Stainless Steel by R & D De Castelli
By DeCastelli
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Celato is a reference to what is concealed to keep a memory intact; it’s an archetype in which beauty is revealed in stages. A monolithic appearance makes Celato a contemporary menhi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Stainless Steel
Large Modern Shelving Unit
Located in Greenwich, CT
Our La Scalia shelving unit is a large custom built bookshelf with four pillars supporting floating shelves. Each pillar is wrapped in a textured vinyl that comes in five different color ways: Platinum, Silver, Rose Gold, Old Bronze and Iron. Each shelf shown is lacquered in white dove with a glossy finish. Customers choose color, finish and size. The unit is a functional modern design perfect for storing books and home decor accents...
Category
2010s American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
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
Cross Bookcase by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Cross Bookcase by Alva Design
Materials: MDF veneered in natural wood, Tempered glass 12mm
Dimensions: w 141 x h 182 x d 41,2 cm
Finishing: Cristal glass
Wood (availa...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Glass, Wood
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 bookcase was designed to be the focal point o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal, Brass, Steel, Stainless Steel
Italian modern bookcase with brown wood slats structure and glass shelves, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern bookcase with brown wood slats structure and glass shelves, 1970s
Elongated bookcase with two bays. The structure is made of square-section wooden strips, and is paint...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases
Materials
Glass, Wood
Contemporary Five Level Stainless Steel Shelf with Natural Stones by Lee Sisan
Located in Geneve, CH
Proportions of Stone Shelf Level 05 by Lee Sisan
Dimensions: W 64 x D 59 x H 110 cm
Materials: Stainless steel, natural stone
Each piece is made to order ...
Category
2010s South Korean Modern Bookcases
Materials
Stone, Steel
Spino Stand Alone Bookshelf / Coat Hanger in Hand Treated Iron by Mario Milana
By Mario Milana
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The structure of the Spino is created from a laser-cut bent iron sheet. The iron itself is hand treated with a special oxidized finish, and is available in matte or glossy finish. Wh...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Iron
Randal Tysinger Modern Ebonized China Display Cabinet
Located in North York, ON
This modern display cabinet is designed by Randal Tysinger. Composed of ebonized wood, the cabinet has a top section with two glass doors and three glass shelves inside with drawers ...
Category
2010s American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
Modern Lage Bookcase 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 bookcase was designed to be the focal point o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal, Brass, Steel, Stainless Steel
Riva 1920 PIANO DESIGN BOOKSHELF BY RENZO & MATTEO PIANO
By Riva 1920, Renzo Piano
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
Thousand Legs Large Colored Wooden Bench Designed by Aldo Cibic
By Aldo Cibic
Located in Como, IT
Thousand Legs is a colored, lacquered and waxed "walking" bench that can have multiple lives: a
bookshelf, a TV-stand, or a place where to sit and tal...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood
Ghidini 1961 Flexor Bookcase by Robert Stadler
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
La struttura in estrusione di alluminio del sistema di scaffalature Flexor consente infinite possibilità di combinazione.
I robusti elementi metallici collegano e sostengono i vari...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood
Customizable Modern Bookshelf Orizaba Staggered, Solid wood, Valchromat, Metal
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
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
"Zigzag" Mirror Finished Steel Low Bookcase by Konstantin Grcic, Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Zigzag" is a low bookcase version, designed by Konstantin Grcic and manufactured by Driade, featuring structure and shelves in polished steel with mirror finish. Bookends in sheet m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Steel
Customizable Modern Bookshelf Orizaba Horizontal, Solid wood, Valchromat, Metal
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
This two siede bookshelf stands out for its sleek design. It was conceived as a compound of modular pieces that can be assembled in different variation...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
Column Shelving, High by WL Ceramics
Located in Geneve, CH
Column shelving, High by WL CERAMICS
Design: David Derksen
Materials: Porcelain with blue dripping glaze, corten steel
Dimensions: 110 x 25 (ceramic ), 150 x 40 x 110 cm
Also A...
Category
2010s Chinese Modern Bookcases
Materials
Steel
Rare bibliothèque Jacques Adnet
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare bibliothèque composée d'un meuble bas à caisson cubique en chêne entièrement gainé de cuir noir à piqure sellier. Ils présentent des plateaux rectangulaires en bois mélaminé noi...
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Meridian Modular Credenza, Modern Steel Etagere Bookcase, by Force/Collide
Located in Seattle, WA
The most versatile piece of furniture in Force/Collide's portfolio, the Meridian Modular Credenza is an all-steel construction consisting of double-si...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Steel
"Zigzag" Bronze Painted Steel and Oak Veneered Low Bookcase by K. Grcic, Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Zigzag" is a low bookcase, designed by Konstantin Grcic and manufactured by Driade, featuring structure in bronze painted steel and oak veneered shelves. Bookends in sheet metal ste...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Steel
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
Leyva High Bookcase in Glossy White Finish by Giuseppe Viganò
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Leyva table is made of painted iron rod welded into a grille of uniform squares. Sophisticated and unintrusive, Leyva decorates the living room with a light, contemporary touch. The Leyva collection also includes a latticework bookcase with the same design, a cleancut and essential silhouette. Its willowy minimal contours conjure up an airy lightness. Whether it is wall-mounted or free-standing, it will easily blend into any setting. Perfect for modern settings and a seamless solution for industrial surrounds, it could also bestow an unexpected twist on more classical décor. Moveable shelves and the base, for floor version, are in coated sheet metal.
The designer Giuseppe Viganò...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Iron
Modern Herringbone Oak Bookcase - Dark
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Modern herringbone parquetry bookcase in our dark oak Dusk finish with three veneered shelves and a herringbone parquetry design on the bottom drawer. It sits on tapered legs with ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Bookcases
Materials
Oak
Italian Modern Wooden Glass Bookcase Zibaldone by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini, 1974
By Carlo Scarpa, Bernini
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
Pair of Modern Gray Bookcase Cabinets
Located in North York, ON
Pair of modern grey bookcase cabinets. New, made in the USA and custom finished by the Carrocel artisans. Minimalist design featuring 3 glass shelves and...
Category
2010s American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
Ghidini 1961 Plomis Bookcase by Richard Hutten
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
La libreria Plomis è un simbolo del lusso e dell'eleganza italiana. Ispirato ai fiori, il design giocoso e sorprendente aggiunge raffinatezza a qualsiasi spazio.
Versatile, Plomis ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood
Modern Rustic Oak Etagere, Light
Located in Westwood, NJ
A modern rustic-style light oak etagere with five oak-crafted display shelves firmly supported by a crossed "X" stretcher at its back. It is secured with a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood
Rare Bibliothèque Jacques Adnet
Located in PARIS, FR
Bibliothèque à structure en laiton doré imitant le bambou enserrant des étagères superposées entièrement gainées de cuir noir.
Jacques Adnet, est un architecte décorateur et designe...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Modern Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Orange Luna Walnut Cabinet by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Geneve, CH
Orange Luna walnut cabinet by Patricia Urquiola
Materials: Walnut veneer on MDF
Dimensions: 110 x 40 x 175 cm
The Luna is a strong and creative piece, in walnut veneer or in orange lacquered medium, with 2 sliding doors. It is a colorful storage cabinet with original shapes
Iconic architect, Patricia Urquiola has created a new small lounge armchair...
Category
2010s French Modern Bookcases
Materials
Walnut
Italian Modern Bookcase by Saporiti in Light Briar and Smoked Glass, 1970s
By Saporiti
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Bookcase by Saporiti in light briar and smoked glass, 1970s
Rectangular wall bookcase or sideboard in light briar. It has of a hinged door in smoked glass, inside ther...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases
Materials
Smoked Glass, Wood
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
21st Century Carpanese Home Italia Bookshelf Modern, Aida 220
Located in Sanguinetto, IT
Precious bookshelf that is more than a piece of furniture that serves you, it is a true piece of art.
Realized only with the best materials, it is perfect for every luxury environme...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Marble, Metal
Fluid Shelf by Roberto Giacomucci
Located in Geneve, CH
Fluid shelf by Roberto Giacomucci
Materials: Wood, liquid metal
Dimensions: L 100 x P 40 x H 180 cm
The freak collection is made of wood coated with liquid metal, a 95% real met...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
Sky-Land Bookcase, 'Puntello Modulare' Modular and Adaptable Bookcase
Located in Milan, IT
Sky-floor bookcase 'PUNTELLO MODULARE'
PUNTELLO MODULARE is a modular and adaptable sky-floor bookcase. Starting from our Prop, we have designed a modular system that allows you to ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Brass, Iron
Italian modern Glass, wood metal Bookcase Gritti by Andrea Branzi Memphis, 2000s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Glass, wood and metal Bookcase Gritti by Andrea Branzi for Memphis, 2000s
Floor bookcase mod. Gritti with a rectangular base, in wood, glass and metal. The peculiarity...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
Filing Tree Mobile Storage Unit, Designed by Laurie Beckerman in 2007
Located in New York, NY
This is a unique and highly functional mobile storage unit. It's an ideal place for files and papers that need to be easily accessed from work areas. Designed in 2007.
Made-to-ord...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Aluminum
Teteia, Wall Shelve by Cultivado Em Casa
Located in Geneve, CH
Thethea - wall shelve by Cultivado Em Casa
Dimensions: 50 x 38 x 140 cm
Materials: MDF, carbon steel. Painting in Duco paint
Teteia is a suspended bookcase...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Steel
Italian Modern Bookcase by Saporiti in Light Briar with Smoked Glass, 1970s
By Saporiti
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Bookcase by Saporiti in light briar with smoked glass, 1970s
Wall bookcase composed of 3 rectangular modules in light briar. Each module has an open compartment in th...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases
Materials
Smoked Glass, Wood
Soft Shelves Green by Manon Ritaly
Located in Geneve, CH
Soft shelves green by Manon Ritaly
Dimensions: 100 x 65 x 30cm
Materials: Steel, fabric, foam, ceramic
Manon Ritaly, Designer, visual artist, dream...
Category
2010s French Modern Bookcases
Materials
Steel
Set of 3 Strut Shelves from Souda, 116in, Black, Made to Order
By Souda
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Price on this configuration includes 3 116" Shelves & 12 Brackets. This shelving system is really easy to customize: we offer multiple wood finishes, bracket finishes, and we can adj...
Category
2010s American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal, Steel
1970s Bamboo Rattan and Brass Glass Shelf Étagére
Located in Saddle River, NJ
Modern Bamboo Rattan and Brass Glass Shelf Étagère.
Elevate your home decor with this stunning Modern Bamboo Rattan and Brass Glass Shelf Étagère. This unique piece combines natural...
Category
1970s Vintage Modern Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Fjord Frame Shoe Cabinet by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
Fjord frame shoe cabinet by Lassen
Dimensions: D 70 x W 21 x H 42 cm
Materials: Finér, melamin, melamine, metal, veneer
Also available in different co...
Category
2010s Danish Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
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
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.