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Mid-Century Modern Shelves

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by legendary manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

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Item Ships From: USA
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Small MCM Teak Wall Shelf / Key Organizer
Located in San Diego, CA
A small MCM teak wall shelf / key organizer with three shelves and four brass hooks, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measure...
Category

Mid-20th Century Thai Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Teak

Handcrafted wood and brass wall-mounted shelf
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"Elevate No. 2", is a one-of-a-kind wall-hanging shelf sculpture as part of Huy Lam's "Elevate" collection. This piece is hand-crafted by the artist in Canada with hand-carved wood f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Brass

Chrome Glass and Oak Etagere in the style of Baughman c. 1970's
Located in New York, NY
Voguish 1970's Mod chrome etagere shelf unit, with tinted glass insert shelves that rest in oak frames. The etagere features four shelves, a lower, a second ( 25 H ) Middle ( 48...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Chrome

Danish Modern Floating Vanity by Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Mobelfabrik
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Incredible Danish Modern floating vanity by Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Mobelfabrik. Features brass insiders which keep it suspended. Table by op opens...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Brass

1980s Midcentury Bamboo Three Tier Etagere
Located in Pasadena, CA
Three Tier Bamboo Shelf with two door storage compartment that has a shelf within. This bamboo shelf is a strong yet light weight etagere, there are 2 glass shelves and one of the gl...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Bamboo

Syrian Bone And Ebony Wood Inlaid Mahogany Corner Wall Shelf
Located in Germantown, MD
Mid-Century Exquisite Syrian Bone And Ebony Wood Inlaid Mahogany Corner Wall Shelf. Very fine details. Measures 15" in width, 10.5" in depth and 28"...
Category

Mid-20th Century Syrian Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Bone, Ebony, Mahogany

Outstanding Early George Nelson C S S, , 4-Bay Wall System, Herman Miller
Located in Buffalo, NY
Outstanding and Early George Nelson C S S (comprehensive storage system) ,,manufactured by Herman Miller..4 bAYS consisting of 10 Shelves,...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Faux Bamboo Pagoda Etagere
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Pagoda form faux bamboo etagere in painted metal with four removable glass shelves. Curbside to NYC/Philly $400
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Iron

Early 20th C. Syrian Bone And Ebony Wood Inlaid Mahogany Corner Wall Shelf
Located in Germantown, MD
Early 20th Century Exquisite Syrian Bone And Ebony Wood Inlaid Mahogany Corner Wall Shelf. Very fine details. Measures 16" in width, 11" in depth an...
Category

Early 20th Century Syrian Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Bone, Ebony, Mahogany

Mid Century Brass & Glass Bamboo Form Etagere
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A Mid Century in Faux Bronze finish brass having a Bamboo form with 5 glass shelves having cantered corners. Ringed elements creating bamboo form elements. Dimensions: 74 1/4" H, 3...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Brass

Pair Mastercraft Dome Shape Burl Wood Curio Display Cabinets w Shelves Lights
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair Mastercraft dome shape burl wood curio display cabinets w shelves lights.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Brass

Restored Rattan & Bamboo 3 Tiered Wall Shelves
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Restored rattan and bamboo tikki hut bar shelves with 3-tiered glass. Perfect for displaying your beverages and glassware. It can be used on a tabletop...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Rattan, Glass

1980s Pair of Brass Etageres in the Style of Milo Baughman
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful pair of brass Etageres in the style of Milo Baughman with 5 glass shelves. The brass and glass shelves are in very good condition.
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Walnut & Chrome Shelves
Located in Bradenton, FL
A mid-century free-standing set of shelves. Made of walnut with chrome corners. Three shelves are made with wooden slats. Could also be attached to a wall.
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Chrome

Walter Lamb Style Étagère Iron and Glass
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Fabulous Iron and Glass Etagere in the style of Walter Lamb. Aged patina finish with glass shelving. Striking angles with visual impact. Curbside to NYC/Philly $400
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Iron

Harvey Probber Midcentury Walnut and Brass Etagere Shelf
Located in Countryside, IL
Harvey Probber midcentury Walnut and Brass Etagere Shelf This etagere measures: 60 wide x 13 deep x 62 inches high All pieces of furniture ca...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Rustic Open Bookshelf ~ Bookcase
Located in Dallas, TX
Mid-Century Rustic Open Bookshelf ~ Bookcase was hand-crafted from thick beams and planks of solid oak to literally last for generations! Four post upr...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Iron

Elegant Pair of Mahogany Etageres
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Pair of etageres featuring four tiers of shelving with cabinet storage with round center pull and detailed moulding. Each tier is supported by square columns with accent moulding. 2...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Mahogany

Milo Baighman Style Pair of Chrome and Glass Etageres Mid-Century Modern
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This pair of etageres is designed after the style of Milo Baughman, who popularized chrome etageres. This pair has four shelves per piece, all of a gray-black light smoky tint that c...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Vintage Modern Stainless Steel and Glass Bookshelf Etagere
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Italian étagère features a solid construction of brushed stainless steel with five glass shelves for display. Striking modern bookshelf for home or shop storage and display. Ple...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Stainless Steel

Black, Yellow & Red Tomado Style Industrial Metal Shelving by Drentea, 1960's
By Drentea
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Drentea Emmen industrial shelving with black, yellow and red shelves on black enameled metal wire risers. The shelves rest on the wire risers and can be arranged to diffe...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal

Black Steel & Wormy Chestnut Shelves 8 Foot Tall Etagere BookCase Display MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Black Steel & Wormy Chestnut Shelves 8 Foot Tall Etagere BookCase Display MINT!
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Tomado Yellow and Blue Industrial Shelving Unit
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Midcentury TOMADO industrial shelving with yellow and blue shelves on black enameled metal wire risers. Designed by Jan van der Togt. The shelves rest on ...
Category

1950s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal

Restored Mid-Century Modern Solid Wood Wall Unit with Black Leather & Steel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Step into the realm of mid-century elegance with our beautifully restored Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit. This piece is a perfect blend of vintage allure and modern sophistication, cra...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Stainless Steel, Chrome, Metal

Walnut Floating Shelving Unit Still Life Floating Shelf
Located in Birmingham, AL
This Floating Shelving Unit offers a new and modern take on Mid-century wall storage. Defined by sturdiness and minimalism, this Still Life floating shelving unit is available in nat...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Walnut

George Nakashima Custom Corner Shelf, 1968, with Original Receipt
Located in Brooklyn, NY
George Nakashima (1905-1990) Custom corner shelf, 1968 Single-slab shelves featuring free edges. American black walnut 64 x 42 x 40 1/4 in. (162.6 x 106.7 x 102.2 cm).
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Walnut

Joaquim Tenreiro Bookshelf, Rosewood Veneers, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern, 1950
Located in New York, NY
Original condition.
Category

1950s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal

Pair of Italian Mid Century Modern Geometric Chrome & Brass 6 Tier Etageres
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Italian Mid Century Modern Geometric Chrome & Brass 6 Tier Etageres Italy, 1970s Enhance your living space with this stunning pair of Italian Mid Century Modern geometric ch...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Midcentury Walnut China Cabinet by Hickory Manufacturing
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful two-piece hutch features sliding glass doors on top and cabinet doors on the bottom. A Tung Si Original case piece by Hickory Manufacturing. Elegant metal cabinet door...
Category

1970s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Etagere Shelf – Pair
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Etagere Shelf – Pair Each etagere measures: 20 wide x 20 deep x 79 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Glass, Wood

Midcentury Tall French Black and Brown Faux Bamboo Shelves, a Pair
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French tall shelves from the Midcentury period, with black faux-bamboo structure and brown shelves. A stylish manifestation of midcentury French design, this pair of tall shelves...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Faux Bamboo, Wood

2 Mid-Century Modern Geometric Modular Maple Shelving Bookcases Console Etagere
Located in Dayton, OH
A fun set of four "L" shaped modular bookcase units. Finished in Maple, circa 1970s. Each stacks nicely to create a geometric storage system. Can be ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Wood

Milo Baughman Style Chrome Étagère
Located in Redding, CT
Milo Baughman style chrome étagère with four glass shelves. Great for display piece for living room, office or bedroom. Domed open top makes...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Chrome

Set of 5 Kartell Inspired White Floating Molded Acrylic Wall Shelves
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 5 molded, mid century, plastic floating wall shelves, 2 small (1 bright white, 1 off white) 17.75 x 12.125 x 13.75", 2 medium (off white) ...
Category

1970s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Plastic

Danish Modern Shelving Unit with Sliding Glass Doors
Located in Freehold, NJ
This Danish modern shelving unit features pressed wood construction, teak veneer with original finish, two piece design for easy redecorating, adj...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Teak

75″ Chrome Milo Baughman Style Etagere
Located in Pasadena, TX
75? Chrome Milo Baughman Style Etagere Stylish multi-shelved unit in chrome with brass accents and smoked glass.
Category

Late 20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Chrome

Danish Teak Wall Unit Modular Room Divider by Kurt Ostervig
Located in Kensington, MD
- The statement piece that will define your space yet also help to contain, organize and curate your stuff. - Finished on the back for placement in the middle of a room. - Use the dr...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Teak

Dark Stained Oak Floating Shelving Unit Still Life Floating Shelf
Located in Birmingham, AL
This Floating Shelving Unit offers a new and modern take on Mid-century wall storage. Defined by sturdiness and minimalism, this Still Life floating shelving unit is available in nat...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Steel and Lucite "Waterfall" Etagere by Charles Hollis Jones
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Beautiful vintage steel and lucite “waterfall” etagere by Charles Hollis Jones, made in the United States, circa 1970s. This etagere belongs to the coveted waterfall collection, feat...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mid-Century Modern Sliding Glass Doors 4 Bays Stacking or Hanging Bookcase
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern sliding glass doors 4 bays stacking or hanging bookcase. Made in Yugoslavia.
Category

20th Century Macedonian Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Vintage Crespi Style Rattan Etagere Bookshelf
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Large rattan etagere features Gabriella Crespi style Rising Sun inlay across arched top and glass shelving for storage and display. Leather wrapped supports. Very good vintage condit...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Leather, Rattan, Glass

Mid-Century Custom Polished Steel and Frosted Lucite Illuminated Floating Shelf
Located in Miami, FL
Custom polished steel floating wall console or shelf with frosted lucite top circa 1970s. A welded steel bracket on the interior holds a new LED tube lamp that can be hardwired or p...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Steel

Italian Designer, Pair of Wall-Mounted Consoles, Bamboo, Rattan, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of bamboo and rattan wall-mounted consoles designed and produced by an Italian designer, Italy, 1960s.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Rattan, Bamboo

1960s Paul McCobb Planner Group Bookcase
Located in Saint Paul, MN
Paul McCobb for Winchendon, Planner Group bookcase, USA, 1950s, maple, wrought iron.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Iron

Faux Bamboo Arch Top Mid Century Modern Etagere Shaving Wall Unit Mid Century
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Faux Bamboo Arch Top Mid Century Modern Etagere Shaving Wall Unit Mid Century
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Tomado Blue and Yellow Industrial Shelving Unit
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Midcentury Tomado Industrial shelving with blue and yellow shelves on black enameled metal wire risers. Designed by Jan Van Der Togt. The shelves rest o...
Category

1950s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal

Brass Chrome Glass Tall Etagere
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mixed metals Mid-Century Modern etagere.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Pair of Stained Wicker Shelf Units with Three Glass Shelves
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
The pair of stained wicker shelf units with glass shelves will provide a unique display of special items.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Wicker, Glass

Lane Furniture Oil Drop Lacquer Four Shelf Bookcase / Etagere
Located in New York, NY
Mid-century four-shelf etagere / bookshelf with an oil drop lacquer finish. (LANE FURNITURE)
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Mid-Century Brass Etagere by DIA
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern bookcase with sliding base. Brass frame and glass shelving. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - with dealer).  
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Glass

Restored Circular Rattan "Skeleton" Wall Shelf W/ Slat Glass
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Original post-war circular rattan wall self with unique two-strand "Skeleton" design Featuring center poles that hold two glass shelves. 1950, United Staes Measurements: 27" diameter...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Rattan

Broyhill Brasilia Mid Century Walnut Room Divider
Located in Countryside, IL
Broyhill Brasilia Mid Century Walnut Room Divider The credenza bottom measures: 54 wide x 17 deep x 27 inches high The top shelving measures: 52 wide x 13 deep x 46 inches high The ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Walnut

French Midcentury Iron Baker’s Rack with Brass Accents and White Marble Shelves
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French vintage iron ‘grille à pain” baker’s rack from the Mid-20th Century, with brass accents, scrolling patterns and new white marble shelves. Created in France during the Midcen...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Marble, Brass, Iron

Maria Zachariae Outdoor 'Pantry Module 2' in Limestone and Teak for Skagerak
Located in Glendale, CA
Maria Zachariae outdoor 'Pantry Module 2' in limestone and teak for Skagerak Skagerak was founded in 1976 by Jesper and Vibeke Panduro, who took inspiration from their love of Sc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Limestone

Mid Century Walnut Floating Shelves, a Pair
Located in Countryside, IL
Mid century walnut floating shelves - A pair Each shelf measures: 35 wide x 10 deep x 19 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Walnut

Maria Zachariae Outdoor 'Pantry Module 1' in Limestone and Teak for Skagerak
Located in Glendale, CA
Maria Zachariae outdoor 'Pantry Module 1' in limestone and teak for Skagerak Skagerak was founded in 1976 by Jesper and Vibeke Panduro, who took inspiration from their love of Sc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Limestone

Perfectly Mid-Sized Adj Shelf Bookcase with Drawer in Manner of Paul McCobb
Located in Kensington, MD
Great bookcase by Paul McCobb wit drawer on top. Wonderful size with nice storage capacity in a small space.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Birch

Monumental Custom Brass and Lacquered Wood Display Cabinets
Located in Dallas, TX
These magnificent display cabinets came from an upper east side home in NYC. They appear to be custom made and possibly Maison Jansen. They are solid brass with a lacquered wood finish. There is tempered glass on the back and the sides along with four push front glass doors on the front of each cabinet. Each cabinet has five glass shelves. The lower section of the display cabinets has four lacquered doors ornamented by beautiful hammered brass handles. Each concealed section has a lacquered shelf...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Brass

Mid-century Modern shelves for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern shelves 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 shelves created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, wall decorations, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern shelves made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original shelves, popular names associated with this style include Cassina, Charlotte Perriand, Poul Cadovius, and Mathieu Matégot. 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 shelves differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $65 and tops out at $120,000 while the average work can sell for $2,886.

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