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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 Clay Bookshelves by Maarten Baas
By Maarten Baas
Located in Warsaw, PL
These vibrant Bookshelves are from Maarten Baas’s iconic ‘Clay’ collection launched in 2006. The idiosyncratic childishness of this collection is created through Baas’s individual ha...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal
$23,327 / item
Onda Hand Carved, Sculptural, Floating Shelf in Cherry Wood by David Tragen
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, Maple, Walnut
Marble "Duo Shelf" Shelf, Ilaria Bianchi
Located in Geneve, CH
Marble "Duo Shelf" shelf - Ilaria Bianchi
Dimensions: 80 x 24 x 35cm
Materials: Marble
In the collection of shelves “Duo”, marble off cuts are combined with expanded polystyren...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Shelves
Materials
Marble
$4,602 / item
alvar aalto 111 shelf
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
1940' alvar aalto design 111 shelf.
This is made in Hedemora for export to abroad aalto furnitures during WW2.
Category
1940s Finnish Vintage Modern Shelves
Materials
Birch
$39,600 Sale Price
20% Off
Tapparelle Large Cabinet, Cherry Red by Colé Italia
Located in Geneve, CH
Tapparellelarge cabinet, cherry red by Colé Italia with Emmanuel Gallina
Dimensions: H.135, D.46, W.78 cm
Materials: Container with legs and “tapparella” sliding shutter in solid oak...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Shelves
Materials
Oak
$8,834 / item
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
Pedestal Table by Kristina Dam Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Pedestal table by Kristina Dam Studio
Materials: Black powder-coated steel.
Also available in different colors.
Dimensions: 28 x 28 x H 102cm.
...
Category
2010s Danish Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
$1,459 / item
Genie Sculptural Hand Carved, Floating Shelf in Ash Wood by David Tragen
By David Tragen
Located in Manchester, GB
If you’re looking to conjure up something special for displaying your favourite ornament, Genie will be more than happy to grant you this wish. As if from nowhere a smoke-like wisp a...
Category
2010s British Modern Shelves
Materials
Ash
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
Hypostila Shelfs
Located in Geneve, CH
Hypostila Shelfs
Dimensions:
Flat shelf 15.5 cm (max. 250 cm in a single piece).
Flat shelf 25cm (max. 250 cm in a single piece).
Length of vertical s...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Shelves
Materials
Aluminum
$6,635 / item
Interconnected Rectangular Prisms, Stainless Steel Shelf with Stone by Lee Sisan
Located in Geneve, CH
Proportions of stone shelf by Lee Sisan, 2020
Dimensions: W 36 x D 28 x H 80 cm
Materials: Stainless steel, natural stone
Each piece is made to o...
Category
2010s South Korean Modern Shelves
Materials
Stone, Steel
Console Table Iron in Wood and Lacquered Metal
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
$4,501 / item
Double Arched Brass Plated Étagère Display with Glass Shelves
Located in San Francisco, CA
Brass double arched étagère in good condition. The brass is distressed/worn, giving a nice patina. The clear glass shelves are in good condition, with one small crack on the middle s...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal, Brass
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
$2,000 Sale Price
20% Off
Bosco Bookshelf by Mentemano
Located in Geneve, CH
Bosco bookshelf by Mentemano
Dimensions: 116 x 42 x H 190.5 cm
Materials: Natural CDF
Mentemano is a design concept brand leading to a precise matter: is the “mente” (mind) lead...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Shelves
Materials
Other
$6,220 / item
Perforated Medium 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
21st Century Psyco Bookcase in Brushed Bronze finishing by Gianfranco Ferré Home
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
An imposing, sculptural element with an oriental-inspired design, whose structure is the result of a symmetrical game between two identical pieces. Original and scenographic, it play...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian 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
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
Modern Peter Protzman for Herman Miller Zebra Wood and Chrome Tubular Wall Unit
Located in Toledo, OH
Mid-Century Modern Peter Protzman for Herman Miller zebra wood and chrome wall /shelf unit. Part of the Tubular Collection circa 1970-1971. Tw...
Category
1970s North American Vintage Modern Shelves
Materials
Chrome
Modern Rustic Oak Etagere, Light
Located in Westwood, NJ
A modern rustic-style light oak etagere with five oak-crafted display shelves firmly supported by a crossed "X" stretcher at its back. It is secured with a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Shelves
Materials
Wood
$2,985 / item
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
$3,585 / item
Yusu Shelving and Storage Unit II
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
Manhattan Bookcase by Marmi Serafini
Located in Geneve, CH
Manhattan bookcase by Marmi Serafini
Materials: Oak Grey marble, wood, brass, metal.
Dimensions: D 50 x W 102 x H 175 cm
Available in other marbles.
As the famous New York skyline, ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Shelves
Materials
Marble, Metal, Brass
$16,950 / item
Contemporary Shelf in 3D printed Silica Sand, Amorphous Solids, by Erik Olovsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Amorphous Solids is shapeless and without order.
The project is an exploration of the physical and digital and between production and craft.
Amorphous Solids are direct translations of hand-drawn motifs.
Organic and immediate, the extruded structures are intersected with straight lines to create cell-like chambers.
Each chamber suggests a place for something, but for what is unclear. The amorphous forms can be developed into endless new structures.
3D printed in silica and phenol resin, the granular surface texture is a result of a process typically used in casting mold...
Category
2010s Swedish Modern Shelves
Materials
Other
Contemporary Minimal Sculptural Metal Black Corner Shelf, USA, in Stock
Located in Chicago, IL
This contemporary sculptural single metal minimal corner shelf is perfect for any space be it a living room, office, or bathroom.
In stock: These Minimalist shelves, whether insta...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
e15 Profil Shelf by Jörg Schellmann
By Jörg Schellmann, e15
Located in New York, NY
Evoking associations with minimal art, the wall-mounted shelf profil by Jörg Schellmann bears a distinct sculptural appeal. The aluminum shelf is produ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Shelves
Materials
Aluminum
Red Metal Shelf attributed to Mathieu Mategot, France, c. 1940
Located in New York City, NY
Painted, patinated red metal shelf with unique hole pattern, attributed to Mathieu Mategot
Category
1940s French Vintage Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal
21st Century Psyco Bookcase in Black Chrome Finishing by Gianfranco Ferré Home
Located in Cantù, Lombardia
A new chrome-plated London smoke grey for the Psycho bookcase was presented for the first time at the Salone del Mobile, in 2018. The original orient...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Shelves
Materials
Chrome
Modern Red Fiberglass Vintage Shelf The Guzzini Stone Enzo Calabrese 1980s Italy
Located in Vienna, AT
Modern vintage shelf for compact discs from red lacquered plastic, fits for 65 pieces of compact discs, 1980s Italy.
The wall shelf was designed by Enzo C...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Shelves
Materials
Fiberglass
Teteia, Wall Shelve by Cultivado Em Casa
Located in Geneve, CH
Thethea - wall shelve by Cultivado Em Casa
Dimensions: 50 x 38 x 140 cm
Materials: MDF, carbon steel. Painting in Duco paint
Teteia is a suspended bookcase...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
$1,912 / item
Moooi Oblique Small 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
Contemporary Five Level Stainless Steel Shelf with Natural Stones by Lee Sisan
Located in Geneve, CH
Proportions of Stone Shelf Level 05 by Lee Sisan
Dimensions: W 64 x D 59 x H 110 cm
Materials: Stainless steel, natural stone
Each piece is made to order ...
Category
2010s South Korean Modern Shelves
Materials
Stone, Steel
Floral Shelf with Three Plates by Chanel Kapitanj
Located in Geneve, CH
Floral Shelf with Three Plates by Chanel Kapitanj
Dimensions: D 62 x W 40 x H 100 cm
Materials: Metal
Unique Piece
This collection aims to offer completely unique pieces. Each is di...
Category
2010s Belgian Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal
$3,682 / item
Moooi Oblique Small Cupboard/Wall Shelf in Grass Green 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
White Grid Wall Shelf by Kristina Dam Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
White Grid wall shelf by Kristina Dam Studio
Materials: White Powder-Coated Steel.
Also available in different colors.
Dimensions: 25 x 75 x h 25cm.
The Modernist furniture co...
Category
2010s Danish Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
$986 / item
Poul Cadovius 'abstracta' wall unit / room divider - 1960s
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Poul Cadovius 'abstracta' wall unit / room divider - 1960s
Shelf - Decoration - Bookshelf
Measures : 84x43cm H:172cm
Materials: glass & chrome-plated steel
Chrome pitted in some pl...
Category
20th Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Chrome
Small Black Steel Contemporary Shelf
Located in Geneve, CH
Small black steel contemporary shelf
Dimensions: L 39 x W 23 x H 23 cm
Materials: Steel with Powder Coating.
Available in colors: Black, Bordeaux, for...
Category
2010s Danish Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
$433 / item
Soft Shelves Black by Manon Ritaly
Located in Geneve, CH
Soft shelves black by Manon Ritaly
Dimensions: 180 x 170 x 30 cm
Materials: Steel, fabric, foam, ceramic
Manon Ritaly, Designer - Visual artist, dr...
Category
2010s French Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
$2,367 / item
Small Silver Contemporary Shelf
Located in Geneve, CH
Small silver Contemporary shelf
Dimensions: L 40.4 x W 25.3 x H 12 cm
Materials: Steel.
Also available in black and gold.
It is not always ...
Category
2010s Danish Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
$473 / item
2023 Ron Arad for Moroso Z Shelf Kit Set of 4 Library Right
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Z-shelf (right), 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 list...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
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
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
Small Black and Steel Minimalist Shelf
Located in Geneve, CH
Small black and steel minimalist shelf
Dimensions: L 50 x W 18 x H 12 cm
Materials: Steel W. Powder Coating, Brass Plating & Black Ash MDF.
Also available in Walnut and in size ...
Category
2010s Danish Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
$473 / item
Soft Shelves Green by Manon Ritaly
Located in Geneve, CH
Soft shelves green by Manon Ritaly
Dimensions: 100 x 65 x 30cm
Materials: Steel, fabric, foam, ceramic
Manon Ritaly, Designer, visual artist, dream...
Category
2010s French Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
$1,841 / item
Buredo Moku I Shelving and Storage Unit
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
- LED illuminated back panel
- Natural oak veneer shelves
- Natural oak veneer removable storage cases
- Robust metal frame
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal
$2,300 / item
Aspis Shelves by Imperfettolab
Located in Geneve, CH
Aspis shelves by Imperfettolab
Dimensions: 103 x 30 x H 194
Materials: Fiberglass
Imperfetto Lab
Who we are ? We are a family.
Verter Turroni, Emanuela Ravelli and our childre...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Shelves
Materials
Fiberglass
$8,715 / item
Totem shelve by Valeric Doubroucinskis for Rodier, 1970s
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Totem shelve by Valeric Doubroucinskis for Rodier, 1970s
Totem - 1970s - Vintage
Measures : 30x44cm H:172cm
Material : Fiberglass
Knitwear shelves specially manufactured for the Rodi...
Category
20th Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Fiberglass
Contemporary Metal Shelf Sculpted with Natural Form Grey Stone by Niclas Wolf
By Niclas Wolf
Located in Geneve, CH
Exsitu_019 shelves by Niclas Wolf
Edition 1 of 1
Dimensions: D 70 x W 200 x H 200 cm.
Materials: Cast in bronze with white patinated surface and hand polished surfaces.
In his ...
Category
2010s German Modern Shelves
Materials
Bronze
Librero Duna 2 by Eliana Portilla
Located in Geneve, CH
Librero Duna 2 by Eliana Portilla
Dimensions: D 35 x W 140 x H 105 cm.
Materials: Steel with brass coat.
This shelf is made of eight modular pieces. Please contact us.
Eliana Porti...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Shelves
Materials
Brass, Steel
$40,240 / item
Fossil N.2 by The Whole Elements
Located in Geneve, CH
Fossil N.2 by The Whole Elements
2017
Unique Piece
Dimensions: H 78 x W 52 x D 26 cm
Materials: Hand carved, oak
Fossils are objects that require...
Category
2010s Polish Modern Shelves
Materials
Oak
$7,758 / item
Modern Asir Shelves by Rejo Studio
Located in Riyadh, SA
Inspired by the architecture of Asir, the organically shaped shelves come in a harmonious rhythm to create a pleasing neat look.
Dimension. W 160 x D 22 x H 152 cm
Material. Mapl...
Category
2010s Saudi Arabian Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
Contemporary Bookcase A, Etched Brass, Pivoting Doors and Stone Elm Shelves
By SEM, Giacomo Moor
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
Round Shelf with Blue Matte Finish, Colored Glass, by Erik Olovsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Round shelf with matte Nextel coating. A centered lacquered glass shelf with a brown hand blown glass piece thats included in the shelf. The core is made i...
Category
2010s Swedish Modern Shelves
Materials
Cement
$1,434 Sale Price / item
25% Off
Janet Schwietzer, Pace, Modern Obra Bookshelf, Red Lacquer, Steel, glass, 1990s
Located in Manhasset, NY
Pace Collection "Obra" three section wall unit by Janet Schwietzer
Iconic design by Janet Schwietzer for Pace Collection, circa 1970s. A group of three Illuminating étagère wall uni...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal
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
Parade Single Wall Shelf, by Morten & Jonas from Warm Nordic
Located in Viby J, DK
Elegant metal shelving unit with plenty of space for all your favourite possessions. Parade is perfect for putting your belongings on display with the shelving unit serving as a beau...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
Curve Shelf System, Smoked Glass Shelves, Brass Frame
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
The CURVE SHELF SYSTEM, emphasizing the subtle elegance of brass with its elegant curve details on its corners, impresses in your space...
Width: 90 cm / 35.4 inch
Depth: 40 cm / 15...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Shelves
Materials
Brass
Filing Tree Mobile Storage Unit, Designed by Laurie Beckerman in 2007
Located in New York, NY
This is a unique and highly functional mobile storage unit. It's an ideal place for files and papers that need to be easily accessed from work areas. Designed in 2007.
Made-to-ord...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Shelves
Materials
Aluminum
Red Sculptural "Rocky" Credenza, Charles Kalpakian
Located in Geneve, CH
Red 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
$11,201 / 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.