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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Period: 1970s
Rare Gunmetal and Black Lacquer Etagere or Bookcase by Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Rare 1970’s ‘Cole Porter Etagere’ or bookcase by Karl Springer. Constructed of metal with a polish gunmetal finish and black lacquered shelfs. It’s designed with adjustable bracket...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Danish Modern Rosewood Bookcases
Located in Tulsa, OK
**Please Read Entire Description** Please view all listing pictures on a laptop if possible. Some cell phones don’t display all listing pictures and some could be pictures relating to condition. Please read all the way down through this entire description box to view the entire description of the item. Please keep in mind that these are 40-75 year old items and will have some expected normal wear. We strive to represent our items well, and most of these items are in above average vintage condition. Noticeable flaws will be represented in the listing pictures and the text but we cannot describe or picture every small scratch, ding, or area of slight wear. Once delivered, furniture CANNOT be refused, returned, or refunded unless damage has occurred in the shipping process. Our shipper takes care to wrap each item and pack it safely therefore we have rarely had any issues with damage in transit. All items must be picked up within 3 weeks of order if buyer secures his own shipper. Shipping usually requires 3-6 weeks delivery through our shipping contacts and is only available in the continental US for large furniture items. Some smaller items are available to be shipped internationally through USPS/UPS. * * * Mid Century Danish Modern Rosewood...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Modern Bookcases

Materials

Rosewood

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

Italian modern black wood and metal bookcase E22 by Borsani for Tecno, 1970s
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

Italian modern modular black white bookcase by Carlo de Carli for Fiarm, 1970s
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

Italian Modern Brick System Bookcase by DDL Studio for Collezioni Longato 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern modular plastic Brick System bookcase by De Pas, D'Urbino and Lomazzi for Collezioni Longato Padova, 1970s. Brick System modular bookcase, ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases

Materials

Plastic

Luca Meda Shelving Unit, Molteni, Italy, c1970
Located in London, GB
Luca Meda grew up and studied in Milan, graduating from the renowned Art School of Brera in the heart of the city. He continued his studies in Germany, at the Hochschule für Gestaltu...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

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

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

Bielecky Brothers Rattan Arch Top Etagere
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very rare vintage Bielecky Brothers rattan arch top etagere. Each shelf floats on the arch folding frame and could also be used as a room divi...
Category

1970s Vintage Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood, Glass

Enzo Mari Dima Modular Wall Shelving System
Located in Chicago, IL
Enzo Mari Dima modular wall shelving system for Simon International Dima Italy, circa 1970 Enameled steel, shelves adjustable with solid plastic holders...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Italian Modern Chromed Steel and Smoked Glass Self Supporting Bookcase, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern chromed steel and smoked glass self supporting bookcase, 1970s. Self-supporting bookcase with structure entirely in chromed steel, ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Italian Modern Wooden Glass Bookcase Zibaldone by Carlo Scarpa for Bernini, 1974
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

Lucite and Brass Etagere by Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Glamorous 1960’s clear lucite and polish brass with glass shelves etagere by American renowned designer to the starts Charles Hollis Jones. Part of the ‘Metric Line’ designed for H...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Bamboo Standing Etagere Bookcae, 1970's
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Bamboo standing etagere shelf bookcase. The six shelves and sides with split bamboo surface in a natural finish. Made in the Philippines, 1970's.
Category

1970s Philippine Vintage Modern Bookcases

Materials

Rattan

Italian Modern Bookcase by Saporiti in Light Briar and Smoked Glass, 1970s
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

Italian Modern Bookcase by Saporiti in Light Briar with Smoked Glass, 1970s
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

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

Cityscape wall unit with display shelf Paul Evans
Located in Atlanta, GA
A custom made large wall unit by Paul Evans Studio for Directional. It consists of four portals with cityscape brass and chrome patchwork that support eight smoke glass shelves and a...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Italian Freestanding Red Enamelled Metal Bookcase by Arflex, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian freestanding red enameled metal bookcase by Arflex, 1970s Freestanding bookcase with curved and glossy red enameled metal frame, with solid wood shelves and removable central drawer on...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

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

Libreria modulare Congresso in metallo rosso scuro, italiana, di Lips Vago 1968
Located in MIlano, IT
Libreria modulare modello Congresso con struttura interamente in metallo di colore rosso scuro, originale dell'epoca, composta da quattro montanti, di cui quelli centrali dallo spess...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Italian Modern Glass Exhibitor Bookcase on Wheels by Gallotti & Radice, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern glass exhibitor bookcase on wheels by Gallotti & Radice, 1970s Exhibitor with mobile structure on wheels with glass shelves and deta...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

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Casey Lurie Studio Modern High "Primo" Shelving System in Walnut with Brass
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“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...
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Mid-Century Modern Chrome Smoked Glass Étagère Bookcase Shelf Baughman Style
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Mid-Century Modern chrome and smoked glass étagère bookcase shelf. Item features sleek chrome metal frame, five smoked glass shelves, clean modernist lines, circa 1970s. Meas...
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Long + Low Mid Century MODERN Danish ROSEWOOD BOOKCASE / credenza, c. 1960's
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Mid Century Teak Danish Bookcase / credenza - Made in Denmark by Bernhard Pedersen. Plenty of room for books or displaying your ...
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Midcentury Italian Modern Rattan and Bamboo Bookcase with Doors, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful French Riviera bookcase with doors made in rattan, bamboo and woven wicker. This fantastic piece was produced in Italy during the 1970s b...
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Mid-Century Triangular Bamboo and Rattan Italian Corner Bookcase, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Amazing mid-century bamboo and Rattan triangular corner bookshelf. Franco Albini inspired the design of this piece, produced in Italy during the 1970s. This piece is fantastic thank...
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Mid-Century Modern Bookcase by Ico Parisi for MIM Rome
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
Wall unit designed by Ico Parisi 1958 for MiM, Rome. All shelves are adjustable in height and also has moveable stands for books which are adjustable. The unit is designed to lean on...
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Mid-Century Modern Danish Rosewood Bookcase by Kai Winding, 1960s
Located in Asaa, DK
Mid-century Modern Danish Rosewood Bookcase by Kai Winding, 1960s. Elegant and beautiful Scandinavian Modern bookcase designed by Danish architect Kai Winding for Hundevad & Co. Den...
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Michel Dumas Large Chrome, Clear Plexiglass Shelf Unite by Roche Bobois
Located in Haderslev, DK
Rare shelf system by Michel Dumas for Roche Bobois, France early 1970s. High quality built clear plexi glass and chrome plated details. The system consists of a bar, cabinet for vinyl...
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Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno White Wall Unit
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, wall-mounted wall unit, metal, white laminated wood, Italy, 1950s  This wall mounted shelving system was designed by Osvaldo Borsani. Its purpose was a co...
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1950s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases

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Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno White Wall Unit
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno White Wall Unit
H 103.15 in W 84.26 in D 15.16 in
Post Modern Custom Design Zebra Wood & Chrome Etagere Bookcase Shelf Wall Unit
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Post Modern Custom Design Zebra Wood & Chrome Etagere bookcase shelf wall unit.
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21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Bookcases

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Osvaldo Borsani E22 Double Sided Freestanding Wall Unit for Tecno, Italy, 1950s
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
This double-sided freestanding E22 bookcase is a rare and peculiar example of Borsani's innovative design and the Tecno manufacturing expertise. Its construction of metal, wood, and ...
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Previously Available Items
Libreria in legno - Pool shop
Located in Milano, IT
Libreria POOL SHOP Anno: 1970 circa Colore: Bianco e giallo Dimensioni: a. 108 cm., l. 108 cm., p. 29 cm. Materiali: Legno laccato e ferramenta in ottone Condizioni: buone con segni...
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1970s Vintage Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Libreria in legno - Pool shop
Libreria in legno - Pool shop
H 42.52 in W 42.52 in D 11.82 in
Italian modern red bookcase Dodona 300 by Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern red bookcase Dodona 300 by Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide, 1970s Modular sky-earth bookcase mod. Dodona 300 in bright red plastic. The compo...
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1970s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases

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Metal

Italian modern Bookcase Dodona by Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Bookcase Dodona by Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide, 1970s Modular self-supporting floor bookcase mod. Dodona in bright green plastic. This bookcase features several she...
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1970s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases

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Plastic

Italian modern Bookcase Dodona by Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Bookcase Dodona by Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide, 1970s Modular self-supporting floor bookcase mod. Dodona in bright green plastic. This bookcase features several she...
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Italian Modern Wood Cavalletto Modular Bookcase by Angelo Mangiarotti, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern wood Cavalletto modular bookcase by Angelo Mangiarotti, 1970s Cavalletto model bookcase with modular structure made up of 14 uprights and 6 wooden shelves, which each...
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1970s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases

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Modern Bookcase Etagere in Copper Colored Finish
Located in North York, ON
Modern bookcase Etagere in copper colored finish. Iconic Mid-Century Modern design, America, circa 1970’s. Unique cylindrical design with brush...
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1970s Vintage Modern Bookcases

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Italian Modern Glass Exhibitor Bookcase on Wheels by Gallotti & Radice, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern glass exhibitor bookcase on wheels by Gallotti & Radice, 1970s Exhibitor with mobile structure on wheels with glass shelves and deta...
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Metal

Italian Modern Lacquered Wood Folding Bookcase by POOL Shop, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern lacquered wood folding bookcase by Pool Shop, 1980s Folding bookcase with structure in white painted wooden slats in the shape of a ladder, w...
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Italian modern Green plastic modular Bookcase Dodona by Gismondi Artemide, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Green plastic modular Bookcase mod. Dodona by Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide, 1970s Modular sky-earth bookcase mod. Dodona in br...
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Materials

Metal

Italian modern yellowed plastic wall shelves by Marcello Siard for Kartell 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern set of three yellowed white plastic wall shelves by Marcello Siard for Kartell, 1970s Set of three cream white plastic shelves designed by Marcello Siard for Kartell i...
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Lou Hodges California Modern Modular Bookcase / Room Divider in Walnut, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This modular bookcase is by Lou Hodges, designed and produced in California in the 1970s through early 1980s. You can configure this modular set in so many ways, each of the two unit...
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1970s American Vintage Modern Bookcases

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Walnut

Pink Cerused Oak Modular Bookcase Room Divider by Lou Hodges, 1970s, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This absolute show-stopper modular bookcase refinished in gorgeous pink cerused oak is by Lou Hodges, designed and produced in California in the 1970s. You can configure this modular set in so many ways, also we have additional sections and shelves if you are looking to combine more pieces into something two or even three times larger. Lou Hodges has become such a collectible designer in the past decade, as 1970s California Modern design has surged in demand and value. This bookcase, refinished in a beautiful pink ceruse, will bring some rock and roll vibe into any room. Consider using as a wall unit, a stand alone room divider, a bookcase or display cabinet or even as an entertainment storage system. There are many statement pieces out there, but if you want something truly unique for your client that no one else has - this could be that one thing you don't want to let slip away to your competition. This set comes with two modular bays, each with a single floating cabinet, and seven (7) adjustable shelves. By using the shelves in between the two bays you are able to create a three-section system as shown in the photos. This cerused pink room divider cabinet by Lou Hodges would work great in a Post-Modern, Mid-Century Modern, Space Age Mod, Scandanavian Modern or Danish Modern home or penthouse apartment but could also look fantastic in a Contemporary or Zen / Minimalism room. Also consider mixing it up in a Traditional, Transitional, Hollywood Regency, Classical or Art Deco room with a splash of juxtaposition. Would also be an apt choice in a commercial project such as a hotel lobby lounge or members club, creative design studio or high-rise executive office. MEASUREMENTS: Each Bay Section (2): H 78" x W 34" x D 18" Combined with shelves in the center: H 78" x W 94" x D 18" *You can add an additional bay unit...
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1970s American Vintage Modern Bookcases

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Oak

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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