Skip to main content

Modern Shelves

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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

670
83
14
to
16
404
310
767
250
335
1,064
238
94
85
80
80
47
43
40
30
30
26
9
9
9
7
1
83
684
1
18
54
1
5
3
3
31
9
3
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
514
370
162
137
134
520
168
164
149
102
76
76
41
12
12
Style: Modern
Yusu Shelving and Storage Unit IV
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
Yusu Shelf and Storage Unit offers a solution where you can easily display and store your products. Yusu, made of durable beech plywood, offers customizable dimensions to suit your l...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal

Obelisk Form Etagere, C 1970s
Located in Norwalk, CT
Sculptural and functional wrought iron etagere with three glass shelves in a charming obelisk form. Made of quality wrought iron with a metal ball finial topped with a brass fastener...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Shelves

Materials

Wrought Iron

Handmade June Shelving System, 180cmL - Ebonized Oak - by BACD studio
Located in Værløse, DK
Create a refined space to showcase books and decor with a modern free standing shelving system. Beautiful from all sides, this piece can ...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Shelves

Materials

Hardwood, Elm, Maple, Oak, Walnut

SW-1 Stainless Wall Shelf
Located in Princeton Junction, NJ
NAME : SW-1 Stainless Wallshelf DESIGNER : GUVS DATE OF MANUFACTURE : 2023 MATERIAL : stainless steel CONDITION : NEW SIZE : 140cm(W) ​​x 8cm(D) x 30cm(H) Made of stainless steel a...
Category

2010s South Korean Modern Shelves

Materials

Stainless Steel

Gun Metal, Stainless, Glass Etagere Shelves or Room Divider
Located in Miami, FL
Gun Metal, Stainless, Glass Etagere Shelves or Room Divider Offered for sale is a fine-quality gun metal, stainless steel, and glass etagere shelving unit that can be used as a room...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal, Stainless Steel

Pair of Late 20th Century Mahogany Hanging Wall Shelves
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair of Late 20th Century Mahogany Hanging Wall Shelves in very good Condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Shelves

Materials

Mahogany

Late 20th Century Mahogany Hanging Wall Shelf
Located in Germantown, MD
Late 20th century Mahogany Hanging Wall Shelf in very good Condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Shelves

Materials

Mahogany

Karl Springer "Round Leg Etagere" in Solid Lucite and Steel 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Rare and exceptional "Round Leg Etagere" in solid lucite and brushed and polished steel with 5 customized glass shelves by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The craftsmanship of this ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Shelves

Materials

Steel

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 Shelves

Materials

Oak

Natural Birch "Climb" Shelving System, Bashko Trybek
Located in Geneve, CH
Natural birch "Climb" shelving system, Bashko Trybek Dimensions: 120 W x 22 D x 155 H cm Materials: Polished birch boards, steel threads Different finishes, colors and sizes are a...
Category

2010s Polish Modern Shelves

Materials

Steel

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 Shelves

Materials

Metal

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

2010s French Modern Shelves

Materials

Steel

Pontile bookcase and cabinet, in oak wood by AccardiBuccheri for Medulum
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 Oak wood finished with transparent paint. The head of the poles is coated with a brick red protective paint. The system is completed by two storage compartments that feature sliding doors with integrated handle. The library is shipped semi assembled. Cod. e DIM: — PON bookcase W200 x H200 x D40 cm MATERIALS: oak wood COLORS: colors head poles 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 legno di rovere finito con vernice trasparente. La testa...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Shelves

Materials

Wood, Oak

70s White and Stainless Steel System Cabinet by Jacob Jensen for Bang & Olufsen
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Absolutely rare system cabinet / audio cabinet in white combined with stainless steel stands and details designed by Jacob Jensen for Bang & Olufsen in Denmark Type: 2064 Model: SC50. It's a great system cabinet / audio cabinet to display your vinyl player...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal, Stainless Steel

Pair of Italian Modern Brass and Chrome Etageres
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Italian Modern etageres. Brass and chrome frames with clear glass shelves.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Shelves

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Tapparelle Wheels Cabinet, Azure by Colé Italia
Located in Geneve, CH
Tapparelle wheels cabinet, Azure by Colé Italia with Emmanuel Gallina Dimensions: H.55 D.40 W.40 cm Materials: Container on wheels with plinth and “tapparella” sliding shutter in s...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Shelves

Materials

Glass, Oak

Jacques Lucite and Brass Étagère
Located in New York, NY
Clearly cool. Our Jacques collection is the perfect blend of simplicity and glamour, modern and traditional. Shown in crystal clear Lucite with brushed brass. Also available in moody...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Shelves

Materials

Brass

Wall Mounted Sit/Stand Desk "Muro" in Oak and Stainless Steel by Casey Lurie
Located in Chicago, IL
Wall anchored stainless steel rails support three wood shelves of varying depths. Each shelf serves a different function: shallow for small objects and pictures, medium for books and larger objects...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Shelves

Materials

Steel

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 Shelves

Materials

Brass

Onda Strata, Sculptural, Floating Shelf in Cherry Wood by David Tragen
Located in Manchester, GB
Onda Strata progresses from the original Onda concept through the introduction of five additional layers creating a greater sense of movement. The inspiration for this piece, which i...
Category

2010s British Modern Shelves

Materials

Cherry, Walnut

Modern Black Oak Ladder, Medium
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Our Black Bloak Ladders are made of solid white oak finished with ink to blacken them while still letting the natural beauty of the wood grain come through. We use them to display blankets, towels or scarves. Great at the beach house for bathing suits and towels, as a drying rack for lavender or herb or in a guest room...
Category

2010s American Modern Shelves

Materials

Oak

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

2010s French Modern Shelves

Materials

Steel

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 Shelves

Materials

Resin

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 Shelves

Materials

Resin

Kartell Sound Rack Modular Bookcase in Tangerine 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 Shelves

Materials

Resin

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 Shelves

Materials

Resin

Onda Hand Carved, Sculptural, Floating Shelf in Cherry Wood by David Tragen
Located in Manchester, GB
Onda, is a gently flowing wave-like creation, designed to bring sensual curves into your living environment. This sculptural, wooden piece can be used purely as wall decoration or, w...
Category

2010s British Modern Shelves

Materials

Cherry, Walnut, Maple

Natural Walnut "Climb" Shelving System, Bashko Trybek
Located in Geneve, CH
Natural Walnut "Climb" shelving system, Bashko Trybek Dimensions: 135 L x 27 W x 185 H cm Materials: Walnut Boards, Black Wires Different finishes, colors and sizes are available ...
Category

2010s Polish Modern Shelves

Materials

Steel

Monument Travertine Shelves by Mathieu Girard & Gauthier Pouillart
Located in Geneve, CH
Monument travertine shelves by Mathieu Girard & Gauthier Pouillart Dimensions: L 130 x H 117 Materials: white travertine shelves and columns Material available: Birchwood, white ...
Category

2010s French Modern Shelves

Materials

Wood

Pink Primitive Bookshelf by Studio Nucleo, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The Primitive bookshelf was one of the strongest and most iconic products designed by Studio Nucleo. Initially made as a limited-edition product, t...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Shelves

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Casey Lurie Studio Modern Low "Pylon" Shelving System in Ash
Located in Chicago, IL
The “Pylon” profile comprises overhanging, interleaved shelves grounded by stacked, conical spacers. These solid elements add visual weight and totemic structure to the shelf system’...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal, Brass, Stainless Steel

Bench Sitting AccardiBuccheri Medulum Oak Sheet Metal
Located in Meolo, Venezia
Vodo is a line of furniture redefining internal landscapes. Objects made of bent sheets of metal, recalling voids like windows opened towards inhabited spaces, sculptures that become a bench, a bookcase, a bedside table or a consolle. Elementary forms inspired by architectural shapes...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Shelves

Materials

Sheet Metal

Kartell Sound Rack Modular Bookcase in Smoke 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 Shelves

Materials

Resin

Kartell Sound Rack Modular Bookcase in Blue 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 Shelves

Materials

Resin

Moooi Oblique Small Cupboard/Wall Shelf in Pure Orange Lacquered Beech
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Oblique is a cupboard slash a wall shelf. Make this the mood board of your lifestyle. Display all your favorite publications, company magazines, booklets, guides or photos in the chi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Shelves

Materials

Beech

Monument Shelves by Cocorico
Located in Geneve, CH
Monument shelves by Cocorico for La Chance Dimensions: D 45 x L 130 x H 197 cm Materials: black stained wood column, black staine wood shelves Material available: birchwood, whi...
Category

2010s French Modern Shelves

Materials

Wood

Pair of Bookshelves, Probably Italy, Late 20th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of steel bookcases with dish-shaped shelves of light blue glass.
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Shelves

Materials

Steel

Lucite / Bamboo / Glass Etagere in the Style of Karl Springer
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very well crafted Etagere with clear Lucite posts straddled by hardened bamboo pieces woven to each corner making for nice detailed construction . Five glass shelves that include t...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Shelves

Materials

Bamboo, Glass, Lucite

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 Shelves

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Contemporary Room Divider Shelving "30/30 S" in Oak by Casey Lurie Studio
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 Shelves

Materials

Wood

Comet, Hand Carved, Sculptural Floating Shelf in Ash Wood by David Tragen
Located in Manchester, GB
Comet catches the movement of light across the sky, in this angular, twisting floating shelf, which along with Corona, features in the Celestial Series. Its tapering form creates a s...
Category

2010s British Modern Shelves

Materials

Ash

Monument Travertine Shelves by Mathieu Girard & Gauthier Pouillart
Located in Geneve, CH
Monument Travertine shelves by Mathieu Girard & Gauthier Pouillart Dimensions: L 195 x H 197 Materials: White travertine shelves and columns Material available: Birchwood, white ...
Category

2010s French Modern Shelves

Materials

Wood

USM Haller Media O2 Storage System
Located in New York, NY
Offered by M2L. With two drop down doors and one cable cut out. Designed by Swiss architect Fritz Haller and Paul Schaerer in 1963. Made from powder coated steel and chrome-plated...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Shelves

Materials

Chrome, Steel

Opinion Ciatti Henry II Triangular Corner Wall Shelf
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Well defined with contemporary lines, a geometric design and unusual shapes in order to surprise and astonish. Henri is the collection of shelves designed by Bruno Rainaldi, characte...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Shelves

Materials

Stainless Steel

Bedside Table Stool Little AccardiBuccheri Medulum Wood Sheet Metal
Located in Meolo, Venezia
Vodo is a line of furniture redefining internal landscapes. Objects made of bent sheets of metal, recalling voids like windows opened towards inhabited spaces, sculptures that become a bench, a bookcase, a bedside table or a consolle. Elementary forms inspired by architectural shapes...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Shelves

Materials

Sheet Metal

USM Haller Side Table O118
Located in New York, NY
Offered by M2L. With one drop down door. Designed by Swiss architect Fritz Haller and Paul Schaerer in 1963. Made from powder coated steel and chrome-plated steel tubes, the USM H...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Shelves

Materials

Chrome, Steel

Opinion Ciatti Henry III Triangular Wall Shelf Right
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Well defined with contemporary lines, a geometric design and unusual shapes in order to surprise and astonish. Henri is the collection of shelves designed by Bruno Rainaldi, characte...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Shelves

Materials

Stainless Steel

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 Shelves

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Kartell Sound Rack Modular Bookcase in Crystal 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 Shelves

Materials

Resin

Modern Chrome and Glass Seven Shelf Étagère
Located in Toledo, OH
Modern chrome and 1/4" glass shelf étagère. 7 Shelves. 79" tall x 42" wide x 16" deep.
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Shelves

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Modern Black Bookcases in Solid Wood
Located in North York, ON
Pair of modern black bookcases in solid wood. Finished in a satin black finish with sleek modern styling. Sold in a pair, 4 total available. P...
Category

2010s American Modern Shelves

Materials

Wood

Bench in metal and wood - by Mauro Accardi & Silvia Buccheri for Medulum
Located in Meolo, Venezia
Vodo is a collection made up of folded sheet metal structures and solid wood shelves fixed by a joint. Whether it is our bench, stool, console or bookcase, Vodo will be perfect for any environment thanks to its clean line and lightness. Vodo is a line of furniture redefining internal landscapes. Objects made of bent sheets of metal, recalling voids like windows opened towards inhabited spaces...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Shelves

Materials

Sheet Metal

Contemporary Room Divider Shelving "30/30 L" in Oak by Casey Lurie Studio
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 Shelves

Materials

Wood

USM Haller Media O3 Storage System
Located in New York, NY
Offered by M2L. With two drop down doors elevated. Designed by Swiss architect Fritz Haller and Paul Schaerer in 1963. Made from powder coated steel and chrome plated steel tubes...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Shelves

Materials

Chrome, Steel

Opinion Ciatti Henry III Triangular Wall Shelf Left
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Well defined with contemporary lines, a geometric design and unusual shapes in order to surprise and astonish. Henri is the collection of shelves designed by Bruno Rainaldi, characte...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Shelves

Materials

Stainless Steel

Casey Lurie Studio Modern Low "Primo" Shelving System in Walnut with Brass
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 Shelves

Materials

Metal, Brass, Stainless Steel

Vintage Midcentury Custom Oak Gilt Steel Metal Shelf Etagere Display Case
Located in Wilton, CT
Large, vintage, custom gilt steel and oak etagere, circa 1960s-1970s, with four heavy 1/2" chamfered glass shelves. Measures: 78" high, 35" wide, 19" deep. Excellent vintage conditio...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Shelves

Materials

Steel

Contemporary and crafted drink cabinet, sideboards, shelves, bookcase in walnut
Located in Meolo, Venezia
Carabottino is a collection made of a clever play of textures and transparencies, that makes these objects the centerpiece of any environment. A storage unit, a mirror or a table that establishes a dialogue between inside and outside. A wooden grating in a two-dimensional form traditionally made with wooden slats, carabottino is considered to be an accessory element of relative importance, similar to window and door...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Shelves

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Modern shelves for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique 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 Modern shelves made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original shelves, popular names associated with this style include Marcel Wanders, Moooi, Souda, and Casey Lurie. 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 $11 and tops out at $88,764 while the average work can sell for $3,091.

Recently Viewed

View All