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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 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
Contemporary Gingko Bookshelf System in Metal and Hardwood
Located in Agrate Brianza (MB), Lombardy
This exhibitor design pays honor to Ginko Biloba, an elegant, ancient, regal, exceptional tree with magnificent fan-shaped leaves. The matte black painted iron structure is floor-to-ceiling tensioned with an Expansion system. The carved wood shelves...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Shelves
Materials
Iron
Modern Hobart Bookcase, Beige Gold Bronze, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Hobart Bookcase, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
The Hobart bookcase captures the natural ebb and flow of lif...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Shelves
Materials
Brass
Perforated Large Storage Box, Solid Birch Wood Perforated Box by Erik Olovsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Wooden storage box made in holed solid birch wood. Large holes creates a distinct graphic look and allows light to flow through. The boxes are light and easy to hold. They work both ...
Category
2010s Swedish Modern Shelves
Materials
Birch
Siam Bookshelf with Celadon 'Plant Not Include', Monkey Pod Wood
By Moonler
Located in Chiangmai, TH
A collaborative work of two renowned local brands from Chiang Mai, Moonler and Siam Celadon. The Siam bookshelf fuses celadon, the highly praised local ceramic, with Chamchuri wood, ...
Category
2010s Thai Modern Shelves
Materials
Celadon, Wood
Elemen Shelving Solid Walnut Shelving System, Custom Arrangements Possible
By KLN Studio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Elemen shelving system features solid walnut shelving with a gem cut edge, joined with single vertical members to produce a striking and dynamic visual statement. The concealed w...
Category
2010s American Modern Shelves
Materials
Walnut
Poul Cadovius, Shelf Unit, 1968
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Shelf unit - Poul Cadovius - Circa 1968
Midnight blue teak and melamine
3 shelves
Measures: H 190 x L 84 x P 44.
Category
1960s European Vintage Modern Shelves
Materials
Teak
Contemporary Bookcase A, Etched Brass, Pivoting Doors and Stone Elm Shelves
By Giacomo Moor, SEM
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sem Pivot collection, Bookcase A, simple and sculptural. The supporting structure is a rigid system of metal tubes to which are added shelves in beautiful stone elm wood combined with various lacquered...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal, Brass
$23,206 Sale Price / item
15% Off
Karl Springer styled Lucite / Bamboo / Glass Etagere
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
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 bookcase captures the natural ebb and flow of life through its ingenious geometr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Shelves
Materials
Brass
2023 Z-Shelf Kit 4 Library Left MO by Ron Arad for Moroso
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Z-shelf (left), originally designed by Ron Arad. These examples were produced by Moroso in Italy circa 2023. The shelves are made completely of black sheet steel. The liste...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
Set of 3 Strut Shelves from Souda, 52in, Black and Walnut, Made to Order
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Price on this configuration includes 3 52" shelves & 6 brackets. This shelving system is really easy to customize: we offer multiple wood finishes, bracket finishes, and we can adjus...
Category
2010s American Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal, Steel
Modern Herringbone Oak Bookcase - Dark
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Modern herringbone parquetry bookcase in our dark oak Dusk finish with three veneered shelves and a herringbone parquetry design on the bottom drawer. It sits on tapered legs with ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Shelves
Materials
Oak
$3,627 / item
Console Table Iron in Wood and Polished Brass Feet
Located in Lisbon, PT
Iron console is a high quality product by Mambo Unlimited Ideas, crafted in natural walnut veneer and lacquered metal feet. The console is divided by one shelf and in two drawers and...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal
$4,465 / item
Mirth Shelveing/Room Divider in Polished Concrete by Neal Aronowitz
Located in Portland, OR
The extraordinary and playful Mirth Shelving/Room Divider is a harmonious blend of functionality and artistic expression. Crafted from concrete, finished to an impeccably high smooth...
Category
2010s American Modern Shelves
Materials
Cement
Midcentury Adjustable Birch and Coated Wire Wall Shelves by String, Sweden, 8" D
Located in Toledo, OH
Mid-Century Modern adjustable birch and coated wire ladder wall shelves made in Sweden by String Design, circa 1960s. Size: 39" tall x 31.5 wide x 8" deep.
Category
1960s European Vintage Modern Shelves
Materials
Birch
$380 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Moooi Oblique Big Cupboard/Wall Shelf in Sapphire Blue Lacquered Beech
By MARCEL WANDERS, Moooi
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, g...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Shelves
Materials
Beech
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
Pair of Modern Stainless Steel and Brass Bookshelf Stands Italy, 1970's
By Romeo Rega
Located in North York, ON
Pair of Modern stainless steel and brass bookshelf stands Italy 1970's. In the style of Romeo Rega. All original in good condition, wear consistent wit...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Shelves
Materials
Brass, Stainless Steel
$8,400 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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
Copernico Bookshelf in Oak
By Unicuo
Located in San Pedro Garza García, N.L.
Part of the Cosmos Series, this bookshelf features ingenious joinery and finely crafted radial shelves made from solid wood. Its sculptural design offers the perfect space to house b...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Shelves
Materials
Hardwood
$3,569 / item
Patinated Steel Étagère Shelving with Solid Walnut Drawn Faces and Concrete Base
By Stefan Rurak
Located in Biddeford, ME
The E-1 is a dynamic étagère constructed from Walnut wood with a flame treated and patinated steel exterior. Three compartments, two doors and one drawer, feature Walnut wood faces with abstract line drawing etched into the wood. All hardware is Blum push-to-open. The case rests on two cast-concrete...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Shelves
Materials
Concrete, Steel
Modern Six Tier Etagere
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern Six Tier Etagere, built from hardwood solids with beveled, ebonized, posts and rails. The shelves feature flat-cut paldao with a light transparent ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal
$4,015 / item
Pastoe “Horizontals” A-Line Wall Cabinet by Shigeru Uchida
Located in Dronten, NL
Designed by Shigeru Uchida for Pastoe, this compact wall-mounted cabinet from the Horizontals A-Line series is a rare and elegant storage piece originally conceived for CDs. Uchida’s...
Category
Early 2000s Dutch Modern Shelves
Materials
Aluminum
Cross Bookcase by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Cross Bookcase by Alva Design
Materials: MDF veneered in natural wood, Tempered glass 12mm
Dimensions: w 141 x h 182 x d 41,2 cm
Finishing: Cristal glass
Wood (availa...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Shelves
Materials
Glass, Wood
$9,458 / item
shelve by Marcel Gascoin edited by Arhec
Located in PARIS, FR
This oak shelve from 1949 is an emblematic piece of Marcel Gascoin's work and of the housing Reconstruction period.
Marcel Gascoin, born August 24, 1907 in Le Havre and died October ...
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Shelves
Materials
Oak
Centina Totem Shelves by Oeuffice
Located in Geneve, CH
Centina totem shelves by Oeuffice
Edition: 8 + 2AP
2011
Dimensions: 86 x 86 x 205 cm
Materials: Solid handcrafted stained oak
The Centina totem re...
Category
2010s English Modern Shelves
Materials
Oak
$30,658 / item
Blue 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
Contemporary Bookcase B, Etched Brass, Pivoting Doors and Stone Elm Shelves
By Giacomo Moor, SEM
Located in Brooklyn, NY
SEM Pivot Contemporary collection, bookcase B, simple and sculptural. The supporting structure is a rigid system of metal tubes to which are added shelves in beautiful stone elm wood combined with various lacquered containers...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal, Brass
$23,047 Sale Price / item
15% Off
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
Thin Shelf Double in Contemporary Blackened Steel and Clear Glass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The thin shelf is the newest addition to the thin series, a collection exploring the potential of rigid yet pliant steel plates. The blackened steel arch of...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
Moooi Oblique Big Cupboard/Wall Shelf in Light Pink Lacquered Beech
By MARCEL WANDERS, Moooi
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
Moooi Oblique Big Cupboard/Wall Shelf in Curry Lacquered Beech
By Moooi, MARCEL WANDERS
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
Black 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
Plastic
Mid-Century Adjustable Birch, Coated Wire Wall Shelves by String Sweden 12" Deep
Located in Toledo, OH
Mid-Century Modern adjustable wall shelves. Constructed of birch and coated wire. Made by String in Sweden. Measures: 39" tall x 31.5" x 11.75"...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Modern Shelves
Materials
Birch
$460 Sale Price
20% Off
Capanna Solid Wood Library, Walnut in Hand-Made Natural Finish, Contemporary
By Dale Italia
Located in Cadeglioppi de Oppeano, VR
Capanna is a wall bookcase equipped with shelves and support floors and made of precious canaletto walnut finished with acrylic. The Italian artisan tradition is reinterpreted in a c...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Shelves
Materials
Walnut
Moooi Oblique Small Cupboard / Wall Shelf in Yellow Orange Lacquered Beech
By MARCEL WANDERS, Moooi
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, g...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Shelves
Materials
Beech
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
Cupboard in massive pine wood, designed by Gianfranco Fini, 1972
Located in Berlin, DE
Gianfranco Fini designed this beautiful cupboard in 1972. It convinces with its puristic, beautiful proportion and consists of two pieces. The bottom part differs from the upper part...
Category
1970s Vintage Modern Shelves
Materials
Wood, Pine
Moooi Oblique Big Cupboard/Wall Shelf in Ruby Red Lacquered Beech
By MARCEL WANDERS, Moooi
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
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
Capanna Solid Wood Library, Walnut in Hand-Made Natural Finish, Contemporary
By Dale Italia
Located in Cadeglioppi de Oppeano, VR
Capanna is a wall bookcase equipped with shelves and support floors and made of precious canaletto walnut finished with acrylic. The Italian artisan tradition is reinterpreted in a contemporary design to create a refined piece of wooden furniture...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Shelves
Materials
Walnut
Red Painted Wooden Shelves by Walter Wirz for Wilhelm Renz, 1960s , Set of 2
Located in Uccle, BE
Pair of German manufacturing shelves produced by Wilhelm Renz in the 1960s on Walter Wirz project.
Structure in red painted wood.
Good general conditions, small signs and short comin...
Category
1960s German Vintage Modern Shelves
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Bronze Glass Light Up Shelf Étagère with Smoked Acrylic Accents
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Vintage Disco era glass light-up etagere with bronze wash frame and smoked acrylic accents. The shelf features a unique light-up base and a large spotlight...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
$2,435 Sale Price
36% Off
e15 Customizable Arie Shelf by Arik Levy
Located in New York, NY
With its striking concept, shelf Arie is an ideal storage solution. A multitude of seamless combinations are possible without apparent visual repetitions. In- and outside corners can...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Shelves
Materials
Wood
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
$6,000 / set
Unison Vinyl Record Storage Cabinet in Solid Natural Walnut
Located in Nyack, NY
The Unison Vinyl Record Storage Cabinet is a perfect stand alone solution for vinyl record storage or it also makes a great companion to any Unison Record Stand...
Category
2010s American Modern Shelves
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Modern Herringbone Oak Bookcase, Light
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Modern herringbone parquetry bookcase in our light oak Dusk finish with three veneered shelves and a herringbone parquetry design on the bottom drawer. It sits on tapered legs with...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Shelves
Materials
Oak
$3,627 / item
Rossana Orlandi Aqua Shelf A in Mirrored Gold by Francesco Messina for Cypraea
Located in Milan, IT
Designed by Francesco Maria Messina
The collection is characterized by the use of two materials and two textures that are brought together to create a dialogue, mirroring the rela...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mauritian Modern Shelves
Materials
Aluminum
Rossana Orlandi Aqua Shelf C in Mirrored Gold by Francesco Messina for Cypraea
Located in Milan, IT
Designed by Francesco Maria Messina
The collection is characterized by the use of two materials and two textures that are brought together to create a dialogue, mirroring the rela...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mauritian Modern Shelves
Materials
Aluminum
Italian modern black shiny plastic shelf by Marcello Siard for Kartell, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black shiny plastic shelf by Marcello Siard for Kartell, 1970s
Glossy black plastic shelf with geometric profile. The shelf is not central to the structure, so it can ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Shelves
Materials
Plastic
Perforated Small Low Storage Box, Birch Wood Perforated Box by Erik Olovsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Wooden storage box made in holed solid birch wood. Large holes creates a distinct graphic look and allows light to flow through. The boxes are light and easy to hold. They work both ...
Category
2010s Swedish Modern Shelves
Materials
Birch
Contemporary Black Steel "Etagere No.1" by Alex Drew & No One, 2016
Located in Detroit, MI
"Etagere No.1" is from the new 2016 collection of Alex Drew & No One. Inspired by traditional craftsmanship while incorporating a modern edge, AD&NO's work plays on light, textures, ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal, Steel
Contemporary Half Moon Etagere
Located in Westwood, NJ
A contemporary-style half-moon etagere with a light and airy design. The tall frame has been given a high polished gold finish and surrounds each of the six...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal
$6,800 / item
Bend Mirror with Shelf by Buket Hoşcan Bazman
Located in Geneve, CH
Bend mirror with shelf by Buket Hoscan Bazman
2019
Dimensions: W 90, D 17, H 85 cm
Material: Stainless steel and mirror
Buket Hoscan Bazman was born in Izmir, Turkey, in 1989. Graduated at the Isik University and after few years of working in the industry, she founded own design brand under the name “marbleous” in 2015, which produces marble detailed furniture...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Shelves
Materials
Stainless Steel
$5,870 / item
Column Shelving, Low by WL Ceramics
Located in Geneve, CH
Column shelving, low by WL Ceramics.
Design: David Derksen
Materials: porcelain, dark brown effect glaze, corten steel
Dimensions: (70 x 25 ceramic), 150 x 40 x 70
Also availab...
Category
2010s Chinese Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
$3,557 / item
Small Bookshelf by Neri & Hu
Located in Geneve, CH
Small Bookshelf by Neri&Hu
Dimensions: W 201.8 x D 55 x H 123 cm
Materials: Canaletto walnut veneer wood
Doors: Dark green, prune, warm white lacquered mdf
Founded in 2004 by p...
Category
2010s French Modern Shelves
Materials
Other
$37,892 / item
Contemporary Wooden Two Eyes Bookcase by Rejo Studio
Located in Riyadh, SA
This Artistic bookcase has unique two windows for your books, inspired by the Architecture of Ancient Oriental Houses.
Dimension. W 50 x D 40 x H 160 cm
Material. Oak wood
Year...
Category
2010s Saudi Arabian Modern Shelves
Materials
Oak
Dragon Shelf by Daniel Nikolovski
Located in Geneve, CH
Dragon shelf by Daniel Nikolovski
Dimensions: W 80 x D 28 x H 125 cm
Materials: Massive walnut
Also available in oak.
The Dragon Series is a mini collect...
Category
2010s Macedonian Modern Shelves
Materials
Walnut
$3,313 / item
Large Shelf in Lacquered Metal, circa 1970
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Large shelf in lacquered metal, circa 1970.
Rack and pinion system, fully adjustable and dismantable. Dual sided.
Category
Late 20th Century European Modern Shelves
Fluid Shelf by Roberto Giacomucci
Located in Geneve, CH
Fluid shelf by Roberto Giacomucci
Materials: Wood, liquid metal
Dimensions: L 100 x P 40 x H 180 cm
The freak collection is made of wood coated with liquid metal, a 95% real met...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal
$28,179 / item
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.
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