Skip to main content

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.

to
60
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
469
187
597
86
17
1,030
261
213
211
173
155
141
74
53
48
47
43
39
28
28
9
7
86
614
1
20
58
3
5
2
27
16
5
470
383
131
89
88
521
258
156
156
122
700
164
239
41
20
18
14
13
Style: Modern
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. An Executive Desk from the same collection, with the same materials and finishes...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal, Brass

35 Base Frame Box by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
35 base frame box by Lassen Dimensions: W 35 x D 35 x H 28 cm Materials: Metal Also available in different colours and dimensions. Weight: 5 kg By Lassen is a Danish design ...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Italian modern modular bookcase Programma 1 Antonia Astori De Ponti Driade 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern modular bookcase Programma 1 Antonia Astori De Ponti Driade 1970s Modular bookcase mod. Programma 1 composed of 4 dark blue lacquered wooden modules with a matte finis...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Opinion Ciatti La Gabbia Shelving Unit
Located in Brooklyn, NY
La Gabbia, Lapo Ciatti's storage cabinet is a sculptural element of scenic impact made of metal and aluminum, embellished with 24 glossy studs. La Gabbia is a practical organizer equ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Aluminum, Metal

Intersection Commode by Neri & Hu
Located in Geneve, CH
Intersection Commode by Neri&Hu Dimensions: W 201.8 x D 49 x H 85 cm Materials: Canaletto Walnut Veneer Wood Doors: Dark green, prune, warm white lacquered mdf Founded in 2004 ...
Category

2010s French Modern Bookcases

Materials

Other

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

"ZigZag" Black or White Painted Steel High Bookcase by Konstantin Grcic, Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"ZigZag" is a high bookcase, designed by Konstantin Grcic and manufactured by Driade, featuring structure and shelves in steel finished with epoxy paint in white or black colors. Boo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Gotham Bookcase - Customizable Wood and Metal
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The elegant and striking Gotham bookcase features alternating oxidized Ambrosia maple and burnished bronze shelves with a blackened steel frame. One available in-stock: W 42 in. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Bookcases

Materials

Bronze, Steel

"ZigZag" Bronze Painted Steel and Oak Veneered High Bookcase by K. Grcic, Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"ZigZag" is a high bookcase, designed by Konstantin Grcic and manufactured by Driade, featuring structure in bronze painted steel and oak veneered shelves. Bookends in sheet metal st...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Modern White Painted Hutch
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern white painted hutch, made of solid pine and painted in a bright solid white. The interior was fitted with wine racks, and drawers, with glass fron...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Wood

Modern Minimalist Large Bookcase with Shelves Ebony Macassar Wood Brushed Brass
Located in Vila Nova Famalicão, PT
The Large Bookcase ExCentric 2.0 listed here is made of ebony macassar wood and brushed brass. However, we can also produce this in customised options. Structure: Stainless steel (polished or brushed); brass (polished or brushed). Shelves: Another kind...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal, Brass

21st Century Carpanese Home Italia Bookshelf Modern, Aida 120
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

Modern Minimalist Bookcase with Shelves in Ebony Macassar Wood and Brushed Brass
Located in Vila Nova Famalicão, PT
The Bookcase ExCentric 2.0 listed here is made of ebony macassar wood and brushed brass. However, we can also produce this in customised options: Structure: stainless steel (polishe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal, Brass

Modern Accent Bookcase with Shelves in Tineo Wood & Brushed Stainless Steel
Located in Vila Nova Famalicão, PT
The ExCentric 1.0 Bookcase listed here is made of tineo wood and brushed stainless steel. However, we can also produce this in customized options: Structure: Stainless steel (polished or brushed), brass (polished or brushed), or lacquered steel (in any RAL colour). Shelves: Another kind...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal, Steel, Cut Steel, Stainless Steel

Modern Large Accent Bookcase with Shelves Tineo Wood & Brushed Stainless Steel
Located in Vila Nova Famalicão, PT
The Bookcase ExCentric 1.0 listed here is made of tineo wood and brushed stainless steel. However, we can also produce this in customized options: Structure: Stainless steel (polished or brushed), brass (polished or brushed), or lacquered steel (in any RAL colour). Shelves: Another kind...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal, Steel, Cut Steel, Stainless Steel

Corbel Shelf by Mentemano
Located in Geneve, CH
Corbel shelf by Mentemano Dimensions: 116 x 42 x H 190.5 cm Materials: tempered glass Mentemano is a design concept brand leading to a precise matter: is the “mente” (mind) lead...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Other

Modern Minimalist Bookcase with Shelves in Oak Wood and Brushed Stainless Steel
Located in Vila Nova Famalicão, PT
The Bookcase ExCentric 2.0 listed here is made of oak wood and brushed stainless steel. However, we can also produce this in customised options: Structure: Stainless steel (polished...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal, Steel, Stainless Steel, Cut Steel

Luna Walnut Cabinet by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Geneve, CH
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

Small Bookshelf by Neri & Hu
Located in Geneve, CH
Small Bookshelf by Neri&Hu Dimensions: W 201.8 x D 55 x H 123 cm Materials: Canaletto walnut veneer wood Doors: Dark green, prune, warm white lacquered mdf Founded in 2004 by p...
Category

2010s French Modern Bookcases

Materials

Other

Blue Sculptural "Rocky" Credenza, Charles Kalpakian
Located in Geneve, CH
Sculptural "Rocky" credenza, Charles Kalpakian Dimensions: W 140 x D 36 x H 95 cm Materials: Steel Different colors are available Rocky is a sculptural piece. It can be used as a console or a credenza, but will also accommodate books and objects to become the most graphic display or bookshelf. Designer Charles Kalpakian plays with our perception of space and volume with an object that reveals itself and changes according to the observer’s point of view. Charles Kalpakian was born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1982.After collaborating with prestigious agencies including the Ora Ito...
Category

2010s French Modern Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Ash Noir Eternel Bookcase by Milla & Milli
Located in Geneve, CH
Ash Noir Eternel Bookcase by Milla & Milli Signed by Maša Vukmanović, Jelena Lukač Kirš, Jakov Šrajer Dimensions: W 180 x D 47 x H 200 cm Materials: Ash Noir Lacquered, Black Metal....
Category

2010s Croatian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Ash

Sand Frame Shoe Cabinet by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
Sand 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 col...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Aspis Shelves by Imperfettolab
Located in Geneve, CH
Aspis shelves by Imperfettolab Dimensions: 194 x 30 x H 194 Materials: Fiberglass Imperfetto Lab Who we are? We are a family. Verter Turroni, Emanuela Ravelli and our children...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Fiberglass

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

Black "Rocky" Side Table, Charles Kalpakian
Located in Geneve, CH
Black "Rocky" side table - Charles Kalpakian Dimensions: W 35 x D 35 x H 45 cm Materials: Steel Different colors are available Rocky is a sculptural piece. It can be used as ...
Category

2010s French Modern Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Rome, unstructured Travertine bookshelf, Dainelli Studio for Somaschini, Italy
Located in Cabiate, IT
A column fitting shelves on top of each other in different directions deconstructs the classic image of a bookcase. A clear reference to historical architecture based on repeated, mi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Travertine

Ellen Bookcase - 1x2 size - 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

Black Ash Frame Shoe Cabinet by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
Black ash frame shoe cabinet by Lassen Dimensions: D 70 x W 21 x H 42 cm Materials: Finér, Melamin, Melamine, Metal, Veneer, Ash Also available in dif...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Italian modern Self-supporting bookcases in black plastic by Robots, 1990s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Self-supporting bookcases in black plastic by Robots, 1990s Pair of self-supporting floor bookcases in black plastic. The shelves and rectangular uprights have grooves...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Plastic

Vintage Chrome Steel Bookcases: Style and Functionality
By A. Manzoni
Located in Villa Verucchio, Emilia-Romagna
"Elegant Vintage Chrome Steel Bookcases: Style and Functionality" Vintage Chromed Steel and Glass Etagere Design Our elegant bookcases are a tribute to vintage design, with a chrome-...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Stainless Steel

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

Bosco Bookshelf by Mentemano
Located in Geneve, CH
Bosco bookshelf by Mentemano Dimensions: 116 x 42 x H 190.5 cm Materials: Natural CDF Mentemano is a design concept brand leading to a precise matter: is the “mente” (mind) lead...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Other

Solo Shelves by Imperfettolab
Located in Geneve, CH
Solo shelves by Imperfettolab Dimensions: 300 x 51 x H 350 cm Materials: Fiberglass Imperfetto Lab Who we are ? We are a family. Verter Turroni, Emanuela Ravelli and our child...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Green "Rocky" Side Table, Charles Kalpakian
Located in Geneve, CH
Green "Rocky" side table - Charles Kalpakian Dimensions: W 35 x D 35 x H 45 cm Materials: Steel Different colors are available Rocky is a sculptural piece. It can be used as a console or a credenza, but will also accommodate books and objects to become the most graphic display or bookshelf. Designer Charles Kalpakian plays with our perception of space and volume with an object that reveals itself and changes according to the observer’s point of view. The abstract shape of Rocky side lives by itself to become both a coffee table, a side table and a bedside table. Charles Kalpakian was born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1982.After collaborating with prestigious agencies including the Ora Ito...
Category

2010s French Modern Bookcases

Materials

Steel

35 Oak Frame Box with Door by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
35 oak frame box with door by Lassen. Dimensions: W 35 x D 35 x H 35 cm Materials: Finér, melamin, melamin, melamine, metal, veneer, oak. Also available in different colors and d...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Buffet & the Library Signed by Gigi Design
Located in Geneve, CH
The Buffet & The Library Signed by Gigi Design Dimensions: H 90 cm x W240 cm x D40 cm Materials: Oak slat – Recycled plastic. Through this creation, we wanted to revisit the traditi...
Category

2010s French Modern Bookcases

Materials

Plastic, Oak

Column Shelving, Low by WL Ceramics
Located in Geneve, CH
Column shelving, low by WL Ceramics. Design: David Derksen Materials: porcelain, dark brown effect glaze, corten steel Dimensions: (70 x 25 ceramic), 150 x 40 x 70 Also availab...
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Bookcases

Materials

Steel

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

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

LateB Metal Contemporary Sculptural Bookcase Made in Italy by LapiegaWD
Located in Verona, IT
Two arches enclose and enhance stacks of books gently suspended from a light and resistant structure. Designed by Enrico Girotti LateB is a sculptural bookcase...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Obsidian Bookshelf - Modern Handcrafted Bookshelf in Black Lacquer and Steel
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

Green Sculptural "Rocky" Credenza, Charles Kalpakian
Located in Geneve, CH
Green sculptural "Rocky" Credenza, Charles Kalpakian Dimensions: W 140 x D 36 x H 95 cm Materials: Steel Different colors are available Rocky is a sculptural piece. It can be used as a console or a credenza, but will also accommodate books and objects to become the most graphic display or bookshelf. Designer Charles Kalpakian plays with our perception of space and volume with an object that reveals itself and changes according to the observer’s point of view. Charles Kalpakian was born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1982.After collaborating with prestigious agencies including the Ora Ito...
Category

2010s French Modern Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Solferino Bookcase by Marcos Zanuso Jr
Located in Geneve, CH
Solferino bookcase by Marcos Zanuso Jr Materials: Bookcase in matt black epoxy metal. Matt lacquered natural oak veneer shelves Gray lacquered backres...
Category

2010s French Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Three Level Stainless Steel Shelf with Natural Stones by Lee Sisan
Located in Geneve, CH
Proportions of Stone Shelf Level 03 by Lee Sisan Dimensions: W 54 x D 54 x H 65 cm Materials: Stainless steel, natural stone Each piece is made to order a...
Category

2010s South Korean Modern Bookcases

Materials

Stone, Steel

Centina Totem Shelves by Oeuffice
Located in Geneve, CH
Centina totem shelves by Oeuffice Edition: 8 + 2AP 2011 Dimensions: 86 x 86 x 205 cm Materials: Solid handcrafted stained oak The Centina totem re...
Category

2010s English Modern Bookcases

Materials

Oak

Crescent Bookshelf - Modern Handcrafted Bookshelf in White Lacquer and Brass
Located in London, GB
The Crescent collection is inspired by the graceful curvature of the antique arches, intertwined between them to bring its architectural majesty into our houses. It's a structure mad...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Red Sculptural "Rocky" Credenza, Charles Kalpakian
Located in Geneve, CH
Red sculptural "Rocky" credenza - Charles Kalpakian Dimensions: W 140 x D 36 x H 95 cm Materials: steel Different colors are available Rocky is a sculptural piece. It can be used as a console or a credenza, but will also accommodate books and objects to become the most graphic display or bookshelf. Designer Charles Kalpakian plays with our perception of space and volume with an object that reveals itself and changes according to the observer’s point of view. Charles Kalpakian was born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1982. After collaborating with prestigious agencies including the Ora Ito...
Category

2010s French Modern Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Wave Shelve by Hamilton Holmes
Located in Geneve, CH
Wave Shelve by Hamilton Holmes Oxalino Collection 2020 Dimensions: H 203.2, W 101.6, D 35.6 cm Materials: White oak and brass screw This is a freestanding shelving system made from tubular parts and flat shelves...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass

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

Rossana Orlandi Aqua Shelf C in Mirrored Gold by Francesco Messina for Cypraea
Located in Milan, IT
Designed by Francesco Maria Messina The collection is characterized by the use of two materials and two textures that are brought together to create a dialogue, mirroring the rela...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mauritian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Aluminum

35 Fjord Frame Box with Door by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
35 Fjord frame box with door by Lassen Dimensions: w 35 x d 35 x h 35 cm Materials: Finér, Melamin, Melamin, Melamine, Metal, Veneer, Also available in different colors and dimen...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Konus Bookshelf - a Sculptural Piece of Furniture
By HEMO
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Introducing the captivating and avant-garde Konus bookshelf - a stunning piece of furniture that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Boasting a design that melds sculptural finess...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

21st Century Mackintosh Bookcase in Brass and Wood by Gianfranco Ferré Home
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
A versatile double-sided bookcase with a contemporary decorative allure, worthy of a starring role in any living space. An architectural construction in which the geometric cubes that compose the bookcase are attached only through the brass bars that cross them, giving birth to a spectacular and captivating set, distinguished by an evocative sense of lightness. Mackintosh Bookcase...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Ellen Bookcase with TV lift - 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

70 Fjord Frame Box with 2 Shelves by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
70 fjord frame box with 2 shelves by Lassen Dimensions: D 35 x W 35 x H 70 cm Materials: Finér,melamin, melamin, melamine, metal, veneer Also available i...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Blue "Rocky" Side Table, Charles Kalpakian
Located in Geneve, CH
Blue "Rocky" side table - Charles Kalpakian Dimensions: W 35 x D 35 x H 45 cm Materials: steel Different colors are available Rocky is a sculptural piece. It can be used as a...
Category

2010s French Modern Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Light Grey Frame Shoe Cabinet by Lassen
Located in Geneve, CH
Light grey frame shoe cabinet by Lassen Dimensions: D 70 x W 21 x H 42 cm Materials: Finér, Melamin, Melamine, Metal, Veneer Also available in differen...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Ellen Bookcase - 2x2 size - 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

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 All