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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chaircrafted 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
Contemporary Inori Glass Bookcase by Setsu & Shinobu Ito for Fiam Italia
By FIAM
Located in Chicago, IL
The Inori modular bookcase, designed for Fiam by Setsu & Shinobu Ito, is the first system in the furniture industry entirely made of glass, and composed of modular elements. Showr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Glass

Modern Contemporary Boxes in Orange and Green Mdf by Marc Morro
Located in Barcelona, ES
Olmo are a pair of stackable boxes with 2 different heights. They are made with different layers of MDF and plywood, what creates a light and resistant structure that allow them to s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Bookcases

Materials

Beech

Italian Modern Black Metal and Tempered Glass Bookcase, 1990s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black metal and tempered glass bookcase, 1990s Floor bookcase composed of 4 rectangular shelves in tempered glass. The accordion structure, on which the glass rests, ...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Gallotti & Radice, Smoked Glass and Lacquered Wood Cabinet from 70s
Located in Catania, CT
Great vintage condition with normal trace of age snd use for this cabinet made from smoked glasses and lacquered wood.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Lacquer

Pair of Modern Herringbone Oak Bookcases
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

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

One of a Kind Custom Emmett Moore Limed Oak Bookcase, USA, 2014
Located in Miami, FL
One of a kind bookcase rendered in limed oak with undulating oak shelves and six adjustable glass shelves, numerous uniquely shaped compartments make this piece multifunctional for c...
Category

2010s American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Oak

Italian Modern Black Wood Convex Shape Wall Bookcase Joe Colombo Style, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black wood convex shape wall bookcase in the style of Joe Colombo 1980s. Bookcase in black wood, composed of 3 long vertical shelves a...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Mirrored Pair Contemporary Shelving "Paso" in Walnut by Casey Lurie
Located in Chicago, IL
Paso shelving was designed to embody simplicity and harmony through the use of rhythmical geometries and warm natural materials. Alternating ladder-like shelves create discrete secti...
Category

2010s North American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

GLASS SHELVES #1 '1976', by Shiro Kuramata for Glas Italia
Located in Macherio, IT
Glass Shelves #1 (1976) Shelves is shown here in the transparent glass. Bookcase characterised by the extraordinary formal cleanness and the golden proportions, entirely realized in ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Glass

Fragmented Minimalist Bookshelf in Stainless Steel
By Objects With Narratives
Located in London, GB
A window is historically understood as a condition to observe the world. Today computers and smartphones are our new windows to perceive society. These screens try to idealize everyt...
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Stainless Steel

Leyva Wall Bookcase in Glossy Black 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

TIVOLI Bookcase with Ceramic Back
Located in Frazão, Porto
Emphasized with a geometric design of the shelves and beautifully accented with ceramic panels, this bookcase includes led lighting to give the illusion of more depth and space, highlighting the ceramic plate. TIVOLI is crafted with timeless and sleek lines to be able to complement any interior. Use a pair to create a stunning scenery or a single bookcase to enhance a special spot in your room. Available in a large collection of finishes to suit any design needs. Primary image: shown matte lacquered structure in CM10 color, with Orobicco Dark ceramic...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Bookcases

Materials

Lacquer, Ceramic

Blue and Green Translucent Hand Dyed Acrylic Tone Shelf by Sohyun Yun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The tone shelf is inspired by the traditional colors of Korea, especially "Hanbok," which is a traditional Korean dress for formal occasions. Here, those traditional colors are made into art furniture with a modern sensibility, in Korean jade and sky blue. The tone of the blue gives an elegant and dreamy vibe. As artisans dye each piece of acrylic by hand, the tone in this piece is completely different from that of a mass-produced product, and as such, has its own value as a limited artwork. Wide spaces between the shelves can fit large...
Category

2010s Korean Modern Bookcases

Materials

Acrylic

Hug Bookcase by Rejo Studio
Located in Riyadh, SA
This Bookcase, was designed to resemble to some extent, what stormed us in this new life, that no one ever thought of, and how it left us unaware of anything An unusual bookcase...
Category

2010s Asian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Stainless Steel

Kartell Bookworm in Cobalt
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bookworm, the flexible bookcase, is the result of the encounter between the creativity of an artist such as Ron Arad, combined with Kartell's technology, giving life to a revolutiona...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Plastic

Capanna Solid Wood Library, Walnut in Hand-Made Natural Finish, Contemporary
Located in Cadeglioppi de Oppeano, VR
Capanna is a wall bookcase equipped with shelves and support floors and made of precious canaletto walnut finished with acrylic. The Italian artisan tradition is reinterpreted in a c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

Capanna Solid Wood Library, Walnut in Hand-Made Natural Finish, Contemporary
Located in Cadeglioppi de Oppeano, VR
Capanna is a wall bookcase equipped with shelves and support floors and made of precious canaletto walnut finished with acrylic. The Italian artisan tradition is reinterpreted in a c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

Capanna Solid Wood Library, Walnut in Hand-Made Natural Finish, Contemporary
Located in Cadeglioppi de Oppeano, VR
Capanna is a wall bookcase equipped with shelves and support floors and made of precious canaletto walnut finished with acrylic. The Italian artisan tradition is reinterpreted in a c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

Modern Walnut Nightstand
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Modern walnut nightstand is made in the heart of Ohio with locally sourced wood. Each piece is hand-made with solid walnut and finished w...
Category

2010s American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

Capanna Solid Wood Library, Walnut in Hand-Made Natural Finish, Contemporary
Located in Cadeglioppi de Oppeano, VR
Capanna is a wall bookcase equipped with shelves and support floors and made of precious canaletto walnut finished with acrylic. The Italian artisan tradition is reinterpreted in a c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

Kartell Sundial Modular Bookcase in Crystal and White by Nendo
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sundial is the bookcase whose dividing elements, placed in different directions, create a game of unexpected and original proportions.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Resin

Yellow Primitive Bookshelf by Studio Nucleo, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The Primitive bookshelf was one of the strongest and most iconic products designed by Studio Nucleo. Initially made as a limited-edition product, t...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Plastic

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

Capanna Solid Wood Library, Walnut in Hand-Made Natural Finish, Contemporary
Located in Cadeglioppi de Oppeano, VR
Capanna is a wall bookcase equipped with shelves and support floors and made of precious canaletto walnut finished with acrylic. The Italian artisan tradition is reinterpreted in a contemporary design to create a refined piece of wooden furniture...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH MOS Bookcase in Wood with Brass Feet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
MOS is the family of storage units designed by GamFratesi with console, bookcase and side table, which can also be used as a bedside table, that incorporates the style of the bench o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Modern Rustic Oak Etagere - Dark
Located in Westwood, NJ
A modern rustic-style dark 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

Modern Herringbone Oak Bookcase, Light
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Modern herringbone parquetry bookcase in our light 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

White Lacquered Modern Double Bass or Cello Form Three Shelf Cabinet or Bookcase
Located in Milford, NH
A wonderful modern double base or cello form white lacquered cabinet which slides open from the center to reveal three hidden interior shelves, supported by...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Chrome

Soller Bookcase
Located in Milan, IT
This gorgeous bookcase will imbue any decor style with utmost refinement and a timeless allure. Boasting three glass doors and three wooden shelves, ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Collector's Bookshelf with glass and wooden doors in French oak, France
Located in Landivy, FR
SIENNA Collection This bookcase is part of the contemporary collection SIENNA designed by Christophe Lecomte in Vendée. SIENNA is characterized by taut lines slightly softened by curved handles or drawers. The oak, a noble species from the French forests is, with SIENNA, highlighted with finishes using a trendy, slightly bleached natural color in contrast with matte black or a chestnut color in harmony with a more "charm" interior. For a practical and maximum access to the storage niche, the opening of the upper glass flap door is from down to up and the opening of the lower glass flap door is from up to down with a cable opening system. 1 adjustable wooden shelf is avaialble and adjustable between the 2 wooden swing...
Category

2010s French Modern Bookcases

Materials

Oak, Glass, Wood

Kartell Bookworm in Aluminum
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bookworm, the flexible bookcase, is the result of the encounter between the creativity of an artist such as Ron Arad, combined with Kartell's technology, giving life to a revolutiona...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Plastic

Mondrian Mid-Century Modern Bookcase, Unique Piece
Located in Miami, FL
Mondrian Mid-Century Modern bookcase, unique piece. In the taste of Mondrian, 1940.
Category

Mid-20th Century European Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Kartell Bookworm in White
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bookworm, the flexible bookcase, is the result of the encounter between the creativity of an artist such as Ron Arad, combined with Kartell's technology, giving life to a revolutionary project produced on an industrial scale...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Plastic

FF Grid Shelving 1
Located in East-Bolton, Quebec
A slender tower-like sculptural bookcase, made from a rigid hand polished aluminum structure. Through the grid-like structure, a cast form of the collection's signature texture flows continuously through the layers. The polishing of the aluminum creates illusions of transparency on the outside, and interiors that glow, reflecting the light from the room. *Note: The model pictured has been sold, but commissions are available. About the Future Fossils Collection...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Aluminum

Kartell Bookworm in Black
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bookworm, the flexible bookcase, is the result of the encounter between the creativity of an artist such as Ron Arad, combined with Kartell's technology, giving life to a revolutionary project produced on an industrial scale...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Plastic

Casey Lurie Studio Modern Low "Primo" Shelving System in Walnut with Brass
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

Kartell Bookworm in Black and Gold
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bookworm, the flexible bookcase, is the result of the encounter between the creativity of an artist such as Ron Arad, combined with Kartell's technology, giving life to a revolutionary project produced on an industrial scale...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Plastic

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

Danese Milano Archivio Vivo Small 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

Contemporary Bookcase Lacquered, Veneer Oak/Walnut
Located in New York, NY
Modular bookcase that is available in various sizes. It consists of shelves, back panels and fronts in the shape of a cross. The back panels and the shelves can be either wood veneer...
Category

2010s European Modern Bookcases

Materials

Lacquer, Wood

FF Void Shelving 1
Located in East-Bolton, Quebec
A slender tower-like sculptural bookcase, with a continuous cavernous void that rises through a rigid structure. The hand polished aluminum reflects light from the room onto the interior of the piece, highlighting the collections signature texture, while also creating illusions of transparency through reflection. About the Future Fossils Collection...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage Cabinets by František Jirák for Tatra Nábytok Pravenec
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Vintage cabinets by František Jirák for Tatra nábytok Pravenec. Closet 75 x 107 x 40 Wardrobe 169 x 110 x 48 Bookcase 158 x 110x 44.
Category

1960s Slovak Vintage Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Monument, Black Ash Wood and Travertin by Mathieu Girard for La Chance
Located in FR
Monument is a collection of shelving units that combines wood and marble. This piece was imagined by Mathieu Girard and Gauthier Pouillart of Atelier Cocorico. The visual strength a...
Category

2010s French Modern Bookcases

Materials

Marble

21st Century Matteo Zorzenoni Bookcase Wood Bones Scapin Collezioni
Located in Tezze sul Brenta, IT
Bones bookcase, Colorama Collection Design by Matteo Zorzenoni for Scapin Collezioni Soft lines and visual lightness are the key traits that dist...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood, Ash

Customizable White Oak Minimal Bookshelf by SinCa Design
Located in Tolland, CT
This bookshelf is handmade with traditional joinery and high level of craftsmanship. Thanks to its clean design and minimal elements it is easy to customize. It work well by it own or you can cover...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Oak

Pair of Modern Stainless Steel and Brass Bookshelf Stands Italy, 1970's
Located in North York, ON
Pair of Modern stainless steel and brass bookshelf stands Italy 1970's. In the style of Romeo Rega. All original in good condition, wear consistent wit...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

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

Modern Bookcase with Shelves in Walnut Wood and Brushed Brass
Located in Vila Nova Famalicão, PT
The "Bookcase ExCentric 2.0" listed here is made in walnut wood and brushed brass. However, we can also produce this in customized options: Structure: Stainless steel (polished or b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal, Brass, Steel, Stainless Steel, Cut Steel

Set of 5 Strut Shelves from Souda, Black, Extra Long, Made to Order
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Price on this configuration includes 5 116" shelves and 20 brackets. This shelving system is really easy to customize: we offer multiple wood finishes, bracket finishes, and we can a...
Category

2010s American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal, Steel

Danese Milano Livorno 60 Black Bookcase in Metal by Marco Ferreri
Located in Hicksville, NY
Black Livorno 60 is a small bookcase with three shelves made in powder-coated metal. The design of the piece is minimal and is characterized by the simplicity of the form and materia...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Shelving Room Divider "Paso" in Walnut by Casey Lurie USA
Located in Chicago, IL
Paso shelving was designed to embody simplicity and harmony through the use of rhythmical geometries and warm natural materials. Alternating ladder-like shelves create discrete sections which are ideal for displaying favorite books and objects. This understated design lends itself to any space, and can be produced in mirrored pairs for added spatial symmetry. Entirely made by hand in ecologically sourced American black walnut using...
Category

2010s North American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Modern Minimalist Bookcase with Shelves in Walnut Wood and Brushed Brass
Located in Vila Nova Famalicão, PT
The "Bookcase ExCentric 2.0" listed here is a Showroom Sample made in walnut wood and brushed brass. It's also available an Executive Desk from the same collection, with the same ma...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Bookcases

Materials

Cut Steel, Metal, Brass

Contemporary Shelve Unit by Johan Viladrich, Collectible Design, 2020, Rotterdam
Located in Antwerp, BE
Collectible design; Contemporary; Johan Viladrich; Functional Art; Polyethylene; Sabine Marcelis; Everyday Gallery; French design; Art; Bookcase; Office furniture; Store furniture...
Category

2010s French Modern Bookcases

Materials

Plastic

White Primitive Bookshelf by Studio Nucleo, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The Primitive bookshelf was one of the strongest and most iconic products designed by Studio Nucleo. Initially made as a limited-edition product, t...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Plastic

Musa Ivory Bookcase
Located in Milan, IT
Intersecting elements arranged in impeccable harmony define the airy and dynamic silhouette of this bookcase, a superb design whose prized materials make it a plush accent in professional contexts or living rooms. The rectangular-cut, cylindrical metallic structure is upholstered in ivory leather and equipped with four crystal clear shelves...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Leather

Kartell Bookworm in White
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bookworm, the flexible bookcase, is the result of the encounter between the creativity of an artist such as Ron Arad, combined with Kartell's technology, giving life to a revolutiona...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Plastic

Cassina Veliero Bookcase in Ash by Franco Albini
Located in Vancouver, BC
The iconic Veliero bookcase re-invents the concept of balance, becoming the furniture poster child for the visionary work of Franco Albini. Given its ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

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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