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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Period: 21st Century and Contemporary
Librero A-1, Mexican Contemporary Bookcase by Emiliano Molina for Cuchara
Located in Ciudad De México, ME
LIBRERO A-1
Librero A-1, Mexican Contemporary Bookcase by Emiliano Molina for CUCHARA
The DEDO bookcases are simple and versatile pieces in which light columns give structure to the...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood, Oak, Walnut
Kartell Sound Rack Modular Bookcase in Marine by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Multi-shaped and multi-purpose shelving system, stackable and modular, offering the possibility of creating a variety of geometric and chromatic compositions. This accessory can play the dual role as both container and room divider. IT IS a go...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Resin
Solid Rustic Oak Dovetail Record Crate for 7"/45 Rpm Records, in Stock
Located in Nyack, NY
As avid record collectors we all have albums we want close at hand. Whether storing new finds or favorite titles that are in heavy rotation, our Dovetail Record Crate...
Category
2010s American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Contemporary Room Divider Shelving "30/30 S" in Oak by Casey Lurie Studio
By Casey Lurie
Located in Chicago, IL
Part room divider, part bookcase, part screen, the "30/30" series is an extremely versatile shelving system.
Named for the degrees of the alternately angled dividers which give the p...
Category
2010s North American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood
Casey Lurie Studio Modern High "Primo" Shelving System in Walnut with Brass
By Casey Lurie
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
Solid Walnut Dovetail Record Crate
Located in Nyack, NY
As avid record collectors we all have albums we want close at hand. Whether storing new finds or favorite titles that are in heavy rotation, our dovetail record crate...
Category
2010s American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Contemporary Shelving Room Divider "30/30 L" in Walnut by Casey Lurie Studio
By Casey Lurie
Located in Chicago, IL
Part room divider, part bookcase, part screen, the "30/30" series is an extremely versatile shelving system.
Named for the degrees of the alternately angled dividers which give the ...
Category
2010s North American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Walnut, 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 modern bookcase was designed to be the focal ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal, Brass
Modern Hobart Bookcase, Walnut Veneer, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Hobart Bookcase, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
The Hobart modern bookcase was born to mimic the natural ebb...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Modern Hobart Bookcase, American Oak, Bronze, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Hobart Bookcase, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
The Hobart modern bookcase was born to mimic the natural ebb...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood, Oak
Kartell Sound Rack Modular Bookcase in Nude by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Multi-shaped and multi-purpose shelving system, stackable and modular, offering the possibility of creating a variety of geometric and chromatic compositions. This accessory can play the dual role as both container and room divider. IT IS a go...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Resin
White Turtle Bookcase, by Marcantonio, Made in Italy
By MARCANTONIO
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 500 other unique products. (2.2)
A multipurpose turtle: its carapace acts as a support for a series of accessories. Onc...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
Opinion Ciatti Portariviste Magazine Rack
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Portariviste, an object that identifies exactly its function and there is no need for a different name to define it. Portariviste is so similar in the concept but so distant in the e...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Steel
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
Opinion Ciatti Ptolomeo Wall Medium 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
Opinion Ciatti Original Ptolomeo Small Bookcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Original Ptolomeo is the freestanding bookcase that doesn’t require any further presentation: it is simple, revolutionary, innovative, as sudden as a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Steel
Bespoke Tubular Steel Low Bookcase, Chrome, Lacquered Wood, Sliding Glass Panels
By GMD Berlin
Located in Berlin, DE
Bauhaus tubular steel low bookcase with case in chrome plated metal, lacquered blockboard and sliding glass panels.
Category
2010s German Modern Bookcases
Materials
Steel
Custom Made Corner Sofa Bookcase in Walnut
Located in Los Angeles, CA
W59.5 D34.5 H27.5
Order your custom version today!
This is our walnut floor model, still available now, made in walnut with solid and veneer wood elements. This bookcase can be cu...
Category
2010s Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood
Black Turtle Bookcase, Designed by Marcantonio, Made in Italy
By MARCANTONIO
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (2.2)
In Stock in Los Angeles
A multipurpose turtle: its carapace acts as a support for a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
Bookcase with Cast Brass Structure & Glass Shelves
Located in New York, NY
This bookcase stands as a graceful memento of branches springing from a quiet river bank. Designed to be filled with ideas, it’s structure is made of tree branches molded in cast bra...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Opinion Ciatti Ptolomeo Art Large Bookcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ptolomeo Art is the last born in the Ptolomeo family and the extra large version of the famous bookcase, indeed thanks to its generous size can contain magazines, large format books,...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Steel
Opinion Ciatti Ptolomeo Art Small Bookcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ptolomeo Art is the last born in the Ptolomeo family and the extra large version of the famous bookcase, indeed thanks to its generous size can contain magazines, large format books,...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Steel
Opinion Ciatti Original Ptolomeo Medium Bookcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Original Ptolomeo is the free-standing bookcase that doesn’t require any further presentation: it is simple, revolutionary, innovative, as sudden as ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Steel
Opinion Ciatti Original Ptolomeo Large Bookcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Original Ptolomeo is the free-standing bookcase that doesn’t require any further presentation: it is simple, revolutionary, innovative, as sudden as ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Steel
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
Baleri Italia Mac Gee Bookshelf in Black Steel by Philippe Starck
Located in Milan, IT
Modular bookshelves in steel sheet with epoxy finish in matte RAL 9005. A central upright structure supports five shelves of decreasing depth.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Steel
Modern Black Bookcase Shelving Cabinet
Located in North York, ON
The Modern Black Bookcase Shelving Cabinet. This stunning piece is proudly made in the USA and boasts a sleek satin black lacquer finish that add...
Category
2010s American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood
Pair of Modern Oak and Brass Bookcase Cabinets
Located in North York, ON
Introducing our new Modern Oak and Brass Bookcase Cabinets, proudly made in the USA. This stunning piece combines sleek design with functionality, making it the perfect addition to a...
Category
2010s American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal, Brass
Bookshelf Giralt
Located in Carnota, A Coruña, Galicia
This modular bookcase boasts a 1-meter width per unit and is expertly crafted from Oregon pine. Its middle shelf's height can be tailored to your preference. Designed with the purpos...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Bookcases
Materials
Hardwood, Softwood
Contemporary Brera Bookshelf in Aluminium by Altreforme
By Marco Piva
Located in Calolziocorte (Lecco) Italy, IT
Ancient and authentic soul of Milan, Brera represents a connection between emotion and the experienced.
Narrow and pebbly lanes, a constellation of antique stores where everyone can...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Aluminum
Ellen Bookcase with TV lift - by KLN Studio
By KLN Studio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This eye catching bookcase is made to order, and can be painted in any color under the sun! Hand built to last, the Ellen bookcase is sure to take center stage in any space. This ver...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood
Ellen Bookcase - 2x2 size - by KLN Studio
By KLN Studio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This eye catching bookcase is made to order, and can be painted in any color under the sun! Hand built to last, the Ellen bookcase is sure to take center stage in any space. The roun...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood
Ellen Bookcase - 2x3 size - by KLN Studio
By KLN Studio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This eye catching bookcase is made to order, and can be painted in any color under the sun! Hand built to last, the Ellen bookcase is sure to take center stage in any space. The roun...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood
Ellen Bookcase - 1x2 size - by KLN Studio
By KLN Studio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This eye catching bookcase is made to order, and can be painted in any color under the sun! Hand built to last, the Ellen bookcase is sure to take center stage in any space. The roun...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood
Crescent Bookshelf - Modern White Lacquered Bookshelf with Brass Dividers
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
Provide Series – Shelving in solid Oak
Located in Vancouver, CA
The Provide Series Furniture Collection was created in collaboration with David Keeler of Provide and Lock & Mortice. The Provide Series is a distinctive collection of solid wood fur...
Category
2010s Canadian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Oak
Modern Hobart Bookcase, American Oak, Bronze, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Hobart Bookcase, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
The Hobart modern bookcase was born to mimic the natural ebb and flow of life. Through its ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Modern Wood & Glass Gilt-FInial Etageres, Pair
Located in New York, NY
Modern Wood & Glass Gilt-FInial Etageres, Pair, 21st Century.
Dealer: S138XX
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Bookcases
Materials
Glass, Wood
21st Century, Modern, Oak, Wood, Metal, Modular, Array Bookshelf
Located in Istanbul, TR
Array Modular Bookshelf
Please contact us for custom sizing and different finishes.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Kartell Sound Rack Modular Bookcase in Amber by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Multi-shaped and multi-purpose shelving system, stackable and modular, offering the possibility of creating a variety of geometric and chromatic compositions. This accessory can play the dual role as both container and room divider. IT IS a go...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Resin
"Dany" aluminum bookcase by William Mulas
Located in Modugno, BA
Dany with invisible interlocking system and wall anchorage, integrates harmoniously into our interior spaces, giving with its structure so thin and minimal, a touch of personal elega...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Aluminum
Danese Milano Livorno Red Bookcase in Metal by Marco Ferreri
Located in Hicksville, NY
Red Livorno is a small bookcase with two shelves made in powder-coated metal. The design of the piece is minimal and is characterized by the...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
Modern Black Lage Bookcase, Brass Walnut, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Lage Bookcase, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
The Lage modern bookcase was designed to be the focal point in a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal, Brass
Handcrafted walnut bookcase #1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
W48 // D12.25 // H32.5
Made in house by Vintage On Point. Made of solid and veneered walnut .
Category
2010s Modern Bookcases
Materials
Walnut
Contemporary Crafted Bookcase, shelves, shelf sideboard wood Medulum Cabinet
Located in Meolo, Venezia
Bookcase made of a series of solid wood poles with circular section, veneered shelves with solid wood edging, all made of Canaletto walnut finished with transparent paint. The head of the poles is coated with a blue protective paint.
The system is completed by two storage compartments that feature sliding doors with integrated handle.
The library is shipped semi assembled.
Design by Accardi Buccheri for Medulum
Libreria costituita da pali continui a sezione circolare in legno massello. Ripiani impiallacciati con bordatura in massello. Il tutto realizzato in noce Canaletto finito con vernice trasparente.
La testa...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Bespoke Asymmetrical Bookcase of solid walnut.
Located in London, GB
Low curved bookcase in English walnut with panelled back, can be used centrally in a room or placed against a wall.
Each end of the bookcase is made fr...
Category
2010s English Modern Bookcases
Materials
Walnut
Nendo Small Drop Bookcase in Matte Lacquered Laser-Cut Sheet Metal by Cappellini
By Nendo, Cappellini
Located in New York, NY
An ingenious challenge against the force of gravity, the Drop, by Nendo, is a two-sided column bookshelf offered in 3 different heights. The Drop bookshelves are made of Matte lacque...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
Bookcase, partially closed cabinet, separator cabinet for environments, storage
Located in Meolo, Venezia
Bookcase made of a series of solid wood poles with circular section, veneered shelves with solid wood edging, all made of Canaletto walnut finished with transparent paint. The head of the poles is coated with a blue protective paint.
The system is completed by two storage compartments that feature sliding doors with integrated handle.
The library is shipped semi assembled.
Libreria costituita da pali continui a sezione circolare in legno massello. Ripiani impiallacciati con bordatura in massello. Il tutto realizzato in noce canaletto finito con vernice trasparente.
La testa...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Fabio Novembre Driade "Venus" Bookcase in Natural Oak, Designed 2017
By Fabio Novembre, Driade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The "Venus" bookcase designed by Fabio Novembre and manufactured by Driade. The structure is made of oak veneer while the statue consists of marble powder mixed with resin. Novembre draws his inspiration from the wooden crates used...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Marble
Bespoke Bauhaus Tubular Steel Low Bookcase, Stained Wood, Sliding Glass Panels
By GMD Berlin
Located in Berlin, DE
Bauhaus tubular steel low bookcase with case in veneered blockboard and sliding glass panels. Reedition with original components.
Category
2010s German Modern Bookcases
Materials
Steel
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
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
Contemporary 3 Bay Light Green Wooden Mortise Shelving System in Maple by JUNTOS
By JUNTOS
Located in New York, NY
Mortise is a low-rise bookshelf conceived for elegant and flexible storage, capable of extending up to 9' ft wide thanks to a smart modular design that can be packed flat. The piece ...
Category
2010s American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Hardwood, Maple
Contemporary 3 Bay Dark Blue Wooden Mortise Shelving System in Maple by JUNTOS
By JUNTOS
Located in New York, NY
Mortise is a low-rise bookshelf conceived for elegant and flexible storage, capable of extending up to 9' ft wide thanks to a smart modular design that can be packed flat. The piece ...
Category
2010s American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Hardwood, Maple
Riva 1920 PIANO DESIGN BOOKSHELF BY RENZO & MATTEO PIANO
By 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
Modern Geometric Etagere Cabinet
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern Geometric Etagere Cabinet, A modern geometric trellis-back cabinet with shelves. This etagere style piece has three glass inset shelves above the figured sycamore cabinet base...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
Lungo
By Simon Hamui
Located in Wilmington, DE
Low-profile bookcase with patinated orthogonal metal shelving set within a wooden frame presents a balanced design of symmetric lines and material.
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
Custom Leather Wrapped Console Bookcase by Century Furnture
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Ultra chic Century Furniture custom console bookshelf having speckled cream and brown faux leather wrapping and handsome brown leather corners. The ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Faux Leather, Glass, Mahogany
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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