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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Returnable Items Only
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
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, Stainless Steel, Brass
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
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
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
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
Italian modern wooden bookcase Nuvola Rossa Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern wooden bookcase Nuvola Rossa Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1980s
Bookcase mod. Nuvola Rossa entirely made of wood. The structure is composed of four diagonals with a s...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
Ready to ship Alton Hutch by Crump and Kwash / Modern solid wood bookcase
Located in Baltimore City, MD
Alton Hutch / Bookcase by Crump and Kwash
Featuring a solid walnut case / adjustable walnut shelves / oiled finish / leather wrapped drawer fronts / premium, full extension, soft c...
Category
2010s American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Brass, Cut Steel
Modern Bookcase Cabinet in Brass and Black Lacquer
By Carrocel
Located in North York, ON
Indulge in the epitome of modern sophistication with our exclusive black bookcase cabinet, a masterpiece handcrafted in Canada. This striking piece boasts an alluring blend of high-g...
Category
2010s Canadian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal, Brass
Baleri Italia Segno Bookshelf in Black Aluminium by A+B, Dominoni and Quaquaro
Located in Milan, IT
(a+b) are PhDs, architects, designers, experts in architecture and design for space and extreme environments. They design by crossing research and technological innovation with poetr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Aluminum
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
Vintage Handcrafted Walnut Finish Rattan Petite Bookcase Etagere
Located in Germantown, MD
Vintage Handcrafted dark walnut Rattan Petite Bookcase Etagere. Measures 20" in width, 11.5" in depth and stands 35" tall. Shelves clearance is 11.5".
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Modern Bookcases
Materials
Rattan
Meuble de rangement bibliothèque en bois
Located in SAINT-CLÉMENT-DE-RIVIÈRE, FR
Bibliothèque en bois contre contre plaqué et en état moyen. Le bois est taché et rayé. Il est vermoulé.
Category
1990s French Modern Bookcases
Materials
Laminate
Vintage Boho Polished Chrome Notched Etagere - a Pair
Located in west palm beach, FL
Infuse your space with eclectic charm using this pair of Vintage Boho Polished Chrome Notched Etagères. Combining sleek chrome with bohemian flair, these etagères exude a timeless Am...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
Splendid bookcase by Jacques Adnet, 1955, France
Located in Paris, FR
Jacques Adnet (1900-1984), wood, lacquered metal, brass, circa 1955
Dimensions : 106.5 x 65 x 17 cm / 41.929 x 25.590 x 6.693 inches.
Sublime bookcase crafted by Jacques Adnet. The b...
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal, Brass
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
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
Modern Metal Bookcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tall metal frame bookcase with plexiglass shelves.
Please confirm the item location (NY or NJ).
Category
20th Century Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
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 Milo Baughman Chrome and Glass Six Shelf Étagères
Located in Toledo, OH
Pair of Milo Baughman chrome and glass six shelf étagères. Glass is 1/4" thick.
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Chrome
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
Rare Bookcase or Dry Bar by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman, c1950
By Paul Laszlo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bookcase or bar designed for Brown Saltman by "architect to the stars" Paul Laszlo, c1950. The Bookcase is executed in a dark forest green over mahogany and features opposing X-bases...
Category
1940s American Vintage 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
1990s Industrial Modern Metal Bookcase Tiered Shelving Unit
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1990s Industrial Modern Tiered Shelving Unit
Four Shelf Bookcase Etagere
Black Metal Bookcase
36 h x 37 w x 9.25 d
Original preowned vintage condition....
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
Vintage Chrome 3-Tiered Black Glass Shelves Etagere, A Pair
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Chrome 3-Tiered Black Glass Shelves Etagere, A Pair
Offered for sale is a pair of late 20th-century vintage chrome framed etageres with glass shelves. The chrome curves and ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Chrome
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 Steel and Glass Vitrine Etagere Shelving
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
A modern yet elegant steel and glass etagere. Brushed steel frame hols unique freeform glass shelves to create a sophisticated and modern look. Thick glass shelves in varying shapes ...
Category
1980s Unknown Vintage 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
Late 20th Century Solid Cherry Pigeon Hole Cube Bookcase
Located in Germantown, MD
A Late 20th Century Solid Cherry Pigeon Hole Cube Bookcase in lacquered finish. Each cube measures 5.6" W x 6.25"D x 6.25"H. Great vintage condition.
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Bookcases
Materials
Cherry, Plywood
Italian Large Mahogany and Glass Wall Unit, Bookcase by Dassi, 1940
Located in Rome, IT
Dassi wall unit, bookcase and a radiator covering
Part of a unique living room
Two shelves, a door covered by several glass sheets, two frontal door...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases
Materials
Brass
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
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
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
"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
Vintage Oak 4 Tier Industrial x Frame Freestanding Bookcase Etagere Shelf
Located in Dayton, OH
An open frame industrial style x frame bookcase or room divider from the last quarter of the 20th century. Made from oak with four long shelves. The unit can be broken down folding u...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Bookcases
Materials
Oak
Clear Acrylic New-In-Box “Sound Rack” by Ludovica & Roberto Palomba for Kartell
By Kartell
Located in San Gabriel, CA
Another modular piece from Kartell designers, the “Sound Rack” by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba is a small cabinet that can take on many forms. It can be sta...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Acrylic
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
Art Deco Style Geometric Metal & Glass Triangular Corner Shelf Etagere Stand
Located in Dayton, OH
An art deco style triangular geometric corner shelf. Features tempered glass shelves. Brackets along the top allow it to be mounted to the wall. Measures: 63".
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
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
Italian modern Asymmetric bookcase with 2 shelves in light wood, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Asymmetric bookcase with 2 shelves in light wood, 1980s
Asymmetric fantastic bookcase in light wood. The two compartments are join...
Category
1980s Vintage Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood
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
Caos San bookcase in metal and glass by Antonia Astori for Driade, c. 1990.
By Antonia Astori, Driade
Located in MIlano, IT
Metal and glass bookcase model Caos San with a structure composed of three burgundy-colored metal uprights, with orange metal and glass shelves of different sizes between the first a...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Metal
Obsidian Bookshelf - Modern Black Lacquered Bookshelf with Steel Dividers
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
German Modernist Wall Unit by Schieder Mobel
Located in Denton, TX
Combination of ebonized oak with teak and glass make this wall unit usable as a bookcase / display cabinet or media center. The faceted arched glass doors...
Category
20th Century German Modern Bookcases
Materials
Glass, Mirror, 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
Pair of Modern Oak Bookcase Cabinets in Natural Washed Finish
Located in North York, ON
Pair of Modern Oak Bookcase Cabinets in Natural Washed Finish. This pair of modern oak bookcases is perfect for adding a touch of modern styling to any room. With a natural washed fi...
Category
2010s American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Oak
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
Italian modern modular black white bookcase by Carlo de Carli for Fiarm, 1970s
By Fiarm, Carlo De Carli
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
Ben King Colorful Stand Designed by Thomas Dariel
Located in Geneve, CH
Ben King colorful stand designed by Thomas Dariel, Maison Dada
Measures: W 38 x D 36.6 x H 55 cm
Structure in MDF with painted ash veneer
Metal base plated with Champagne colour f...
Category
2010s French Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood
Italian modern Squared modular bookcase or display in smoked plexiglass, 1990s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Squared modular bookcase or display in smoked plexiglass, 1990s
Modular bookcase made entirely of smoked plexiglass. The modules are 6 squares and 4 rectangles, with r...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Plexiglass
Pair Mid-Century Vintage Solid Pine Low Bookcases
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair Mid-Century Vintage hand crafted Solid Pine Low Bookcases. Good vintage condition. Measure 30" in width, 11" in depth and stand 29" tall. Lower shelf clearance is 13" and uppe...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Pine
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
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
Folding and self-supporting bookcase, modern Italian, by Pool Shop ca. 1980.
Located in MIlano, IT
Freestanding bookcase with folding wooden slatted frame, different colors, with rectangular shape. Ability to hold the bookcase either vertically or horizontally or hang it on the wa...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood
Pair of Medium Size Solid Cherry Open Bookcases
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair of handcrafted solid cherry open bookcases from the late 20th century. Good vintage condition.. Measure 22" in width, 7.25" in depth and stand 35" tall and 19.25" in width, 7.25...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Bookcases
Materials
Cherry
Baleri Italia Mac Gee Bookshelf in Black Steel by Philippe Starck
Located in Milan, IT
Mac Gee is the essence of a bookshelf. Philippe Starck cleaned and cleaned the structure to only keep the square root, the skeleton of a bookshelf. Therefore avoiding styles, the tim...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Steel
Ben King Colorful Stand Designed by Thomas Dariel
Located in Geneve, CH
Ben King colorful stand designed by Thomas Dariel, Maison Dada.
Measures: W 38 x D 36.6 x H 55 cm.
Structure in MDF with painted ash veneer.
Metal base plated with Champagne color...
Category
2010s French 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.
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