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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Wall Mounted Console Drawer, Black Wood & Bronze Ribbon Hardware by Debra Folz
By Debra Folz
Located in Pawtucket, RI
An interest in the translation of textile languages and soft surfaces through furniture forms has led to the development of a unique hardware and storage collection. Inspired by ribb...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Shelves
Materials
Bronze
AS4 modular wall unit 22" wide bookshelf in solid walnut and blackened steel
Located in Newburgh, NY
The AS4 modular shelving unit is handmade using solid hardwood with dovetail joinery, and solid steel. This single-bay shelving unit can easily be rearranged, expanded upon, and rel...
Category
2010s American Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
AS6 wall unit 24" wide shelves in white lacquer and powder coated steel
Located in Newburgh, NY
More than just a shelving system, the AS6 wall unit is a design tool for creating wall mounted furniture distilled to the essentials of line, plane and form. We encourage the unconst...
Category
2010s American Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
Set of 2 Strut Shelves from Souda, 116in, Black, Made to Order
By Souda
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Price on this configuration includes 2 116" Shelves & 8 Brackets. This shelving system is really easy to customize: we offer multiple wood finishes, bracket finishes, and we can adju...
Category
2010s American Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal, Steel
Black Bookcase - Metal and glass - 20th
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Black Bookcase - Metal and glass - 20th
Shelf - Decoration - Clautra
2 glasses with unpolished edges
2 chipped glass tray corners - See Photos
Measures : 90x31,5cmH:183cm
Materials...
Category
20th Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal
AS6 wall unit 48" wide shelves in solid walnut and powder coated steel
Located in Newburgh, NY
More than just a shelving system, the AS6 wall unit is a design tool for creating wall mounted furniture distilled to the essentials of line, plane and form. We encourage the unconst...
Category
2010s American Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
Set of 5 Strut Shelves from Souda, 52in, Black and Walnut, Made to Order
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Price on this configuration includes 5 52" shelves & 10 brackets. This shelving system is really easy to customize: we offer multiple wood finishes, bracket finishes, and we can adju...
Category
2010s American Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal, Steel
ClassiCon Paris 2 Shelves in Light Grey by E. Barber & J. Osgerby
Located in New York, NY
Furnishing is a creative game of possibilities. The shelving unit Paris by the London design team of Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby offers plenty of scope to indulge the urge to play....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
AS6 wall unit 24" wide shelves & drawer cabinet in white lacquer
Located in Newburgh, NY
More than just a shelving system, the AS6 wall unit is a design tool for creating wall mounted furniture distilled to the essentials of line, plane and form. We encourage the unconst...
Category
2010s American Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel, Bronze
Set of 4 Strut Shelves from Souda, 84in, Black and Walnut, Made to Order
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Price on this configuration includes 4 84" shelves & 12 brackets. This shelving system is really easy to customize: we offer multiple wood finishes, bracket finishes, and we can adju...
Category
2010s American Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal, Steel
AS6 wall unit 24" wide shelves in solid walnut and powder coated steel
Located in Newburgh, NY
More than just a shelving system, the AS6 wall unit is a design tool for creating wall mounted furniture distilled to the essentials of line, plane and form. We encourage the unconst...
Category
2010s American Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
Wall Unit in Matt Lacquer & Wood by David Lopez Quincoces for Lema
Located in Chicago, IL
LT 40 wall unit by David Lopez Quincoces for Lema
Modular system with versatile aesthetics and function
LT40 is a fully customisable modular system of containers and wall elements available in four configurations: floor, sideboard, wall-mounted and panelling. Ideal in any room of the house, the four configurations can be liberally combined and supplemented with a series of additional elements: double side containers, benches and storage solutions for multimedia equipment, tops in marble and stone, box containers in wood or glass and an integrated LED lighting system. Also available with the push and pull opening further enhancing the pureness of its essential lines.
Another unique feature of the LT40 system is the wooden LT_FRAME containers, which can be attached to the wall and have a strong graphic impact, bringing colour to any space. They are available in two sizes and six predefined configurations featuring closed and open sections, while a LED lighting system adds definition to the profile. The compositions are finished with 10 mm side and top panels, which are cut to fit as snugly as a bespoke suit...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Shelves
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Set of 3 Strut Shelves from Souda, 84in, Black and Maple, Made to Order
By Souda
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Price on this configuration includes 3 84" shelves & 9 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
Set of 4 Strut Shelves from Souda, 116in, Black and Walnut, Made to Order
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Price on this configuration includes 4 116" shelves & 16 brackets. This shelving system is really easy to customize: we offer multiple wood finishes, bracket finishes, and we can adj...
Category
2010s American Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal, Steel
Set of 5 Strut Shelves from Souda, 116in, Black and Maple, Made to Order
By Souda
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Price on this configuration includes 5 116" shelves & 20 brackets. This shelving system is really easy to customize: we offer multiple wood finishes, bracket finishes, and we can adj...
Category
2010s American Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal, Steel
Set of 3 Strut Shelves from Souda, 84in, Black and Walnut, Made to Order
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Price on this configuration includes 3 84" Shelves & 9 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
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
Set of 4 Strut Shelves from Souda, 84in, Modern White Wood Wall Shelf/Bookcase
By Souda
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Price includes 4 84" long shelves with 12 white brackets. This shelving system is really easy to customize: we offer multiple wood finishes, bracket fin...
Category
2010s American Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal, Steel
Set of 2 Strut Shelves from Souda, 84in, Black, Made to Order
By Souda
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Price on this configuration includes 2 84" 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
Set of 4 Strut Shelves from Souda, 52in, White and Maple, Made to Order
By Souda
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Price on this configuration includes 4 52" Shelves & 8 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
Set of 3 Strut Shelves from Souda, 84in, White, Made to Order
By Souda
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Price on this configuration includes 3 84" Shelves & 9 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
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
ClassiCon Taidgh Shelf B in Oak by Taidgh O’Neill
Located in New York, NY
Sculpture or shelf, storage surface or object – the various models of the Taidgh series created by the Californian designer Taidgh O’Neill move within these poles. Surfaces provide r...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Shelves
Materials
Oak
Set of 5 Strut Shelves from Souda, 116in, Black, Extra Long, Made to Order
By Souda
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Price on this configuration includes 5 116" shelves and 20 brackets. This shelving system is really easy to customize: we offer multiple wood finishes, bracket finishes, and we can a...
Category
2010s American Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal, Steel
Set of 5 Strut Shelves from Souda, 116in, Black, Extra long, Made to Order
By Souda
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Price on this configuration includes 5 116" shelves and 20 brackets. This shelving system is really easy to customize: we offer multiple wood finishes, bracket finishes, and we can a...
Category
2010s American Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal, Steel
Set of 3 Strut Shelves from Souda, 116in, Maple, Extra Long, Made to Order
By Souda
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Price on this configuration includes 3 116" shelves and 12 brackets. This shelving system is really easy to customize: we offer multiple wood finishes, bracket finishes, and we can a...
Category
2010s American Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal, Steel
Ghidini 1961 Legs Bookshelves in Crystal and Brass by Paolo Rizzatto
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Bookshelves in crystal and brass.
The designer imagines a turning point in the use of such a precious finishes such as polished brass: from the idea of almost a unique object in its...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Shelves
Materials
Crystal
AS6 wall unit 24" wide shelves & drawer cabinet in Hague blue lacquer
Located in Newburgh, NY
More than just a shelving system, the AS6 wall unit is a design tool for creating wall mounted furniture distilled to the essentials of line, plane and form. We encourage the unconst...
Category
2010s American Modern Shelves
Materials
Bronze, Steel
ClassiCon Taidgh Shelf C in Walnut by Taidgh O’neill
Located in New York, NY
Sculpture or shelf, storage surface or object – the various models of the Taidgh series created by the Californian designer Taidgh O’Neill move within these poles. Surfaces provide r...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Shelves
Materials
Walnut
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
Bonham Walnut and Roasted Ash Shelf
By Brett Paulin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
The Bonham shelf features a stunning combination of rich walnut and roasted ash, handcrafted to create a luxurious storage solution that effortlessly...
Category
2010s Canadian Modern Shelves
Materials
Ash, Walnut
AS6 wall unit 24" wide shelves in Hague blue lacquer and powder coated steel
Located in Newburgh, NY
More than just a shelving system, the AS6 wall unit is a design tool for creating wall mounted furniture distilled to the essentials of line, plane and form. We encourage the unconst...
Category
2010s American Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
Honeycomb shelves by Quinze & Milan, designed by Clive Wilkinson
Located in Oostende, BE
Honeycomb by Quinze & Milan and designer: Clive Wilkinson
Set comprises 1 green module and 2 grey modules. The black module is damaged and is added fo...
Category
2010s Belgian Modern Shelves
Materials
Plastic
Lolah Bar Cabinet by Kenneth Cobonpue
Located in Geneve, CH
Lolah bar cabinet by Kenneth Cobonpue
Materials: Rattan, nylon twine, steel, maple.
Dimensions: 50cm x 120cm x H 194.5cm
Created using construction techniques similar to boat-bu...
Category
2010s Philippine Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
Wall-Mounted Tidal Shelf in Black Powder-Coated Aluminum by Jonathan Nesci
Located in Columbus, IN
The wall-mounted, tidal shelf is formed out of 1/4 inch thick, powder-coated aluminum. Each shelf has a welded U-channel to the reverse of the shelf and ea...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Shelves
Materials
Aluminum
AS6 wall unit 24" wide shelves & drawer cabinet in solid walnut
Located in Newburgh, NY
More than just a shelving system, the AS6 wall unit is a design tool for creating wall mounted furniture distilled to the essentials of line, plane and form. We encourage the unconst...
Category
2010s American Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
Luis Pons, Frame Nightstand White
By Luis Pons
Located in Geneve, CH
Frame nightstand white.
FRA-03B frame collection.
Design by Luis Pons.
Two drawers nightstand featuring a walnut finish interior. Antique bro...
Category
2010s American Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
Atrium, Wood and Metal Bookshelf, Studio Mohs
By Zeynep Saz
Located in Istanbul , Istanbul
Atrium Bookshelf by Studio Mohs is the final piece of the Entity collection, embodying the contemporary architectural essence of its journey. More than just a furniture, it stands as...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal
Bloopy Doopy Shelf, Medium, 2
By Fort Makers
Located in Brooklyn, NY
By Margot DeMarco
Materials: Pinewood with oil/wax finish. Each contour is hand shaped and rounded over following the unique grain pattern of the wood.
Category
2010s American Modern Shelves
Materials
Pine
Monument Shelves in White Travertine by Mathieu Girard & Gauthier Pouillart
By La Chance
Located in Geneve, CH
Monument Shelves in White Travertine by Mathieu Girard & Gauthier Pouillart
Dimensions: L 195 x H 197
Materials: White travertine shelves and columns
Material available: Birchwood, ...
Category
2010s French Modern Shelves
Materials
Wood
One of a Kind Custom Emmett Moore Limed Oak Bookcase, USA, 2014
By Emmett Moore 1
Located in Miami, FL
One of a kind bookcase rendered in limed oak with undulating oak shelves and six adjustable glass shelves, numerous uniquely shaped compartments make this piece multifunctional for c...
Category
2010s American Modern Shelves
Materials
Glass, Oak
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
Contemporary Sculptural Black Steel Etagere Bookcase Storage Shelf Pair, USA
Located in Chicago, IL
This set includes two modern Etagere bookcases Storage Shelves which are contemporary and sculptural.
The functional modern yet minimal sculptural Ah...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
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
Two Square Black Marble and Wood Plinth Pedestals with Marble Tops, a Pair
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Set of two wood display pedestals with marble tops. Each pedestal is square with a black overlay. One very tall one, and the other shorter. Removable stone tops in white give them a ...
Category
20th Century American Modern Shelves
Materials
Stone, Marble
Contemporary Modern Minimal Black Zigzag Modular Bookcase Room Divider, USA
Located in Chicago, IL
Conceived as a minimal and contemporary bookcase to breakup the plane of the wall, this modular system, is versatile as a modern room divider as well as a backdrop in any space, be i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
Casamania Sean Yoo étagères Opus Incertum
Located in PARIS, FR
Sean Yoo est un designer américain d'origine coréenne dont le talent et la créativité ont marqué l'univers du design contemporain. Diplômé de l'École de design de l'Université de Har...
Category
1990s Modern Shelves
Materials
Other
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
Bloopy Doopy Shelf, Small, 1
By Fort Makers
Located in Brooklyn, NY
By Margot DeMarco
Materials: Pinewood with oil/wax finish. Each contour is hand shaped and rounded over following the unique grain pattern of the wood.
Category
2010s American Modern Shelves
Materials
Pine
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
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
Bloopy Doopy Shelf, Medium, 1
By Fort Makers
Located in Brooklyn, NY
By Margot DeMarco
Materials: Pinewood with oil / wax finish. Each contour is hand shaped and rounded over following the unique grain pattern of the wood.
Category
2010s American Modern Shelves
Materials
Pine
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
AERO shelf, Charcoal Black Monkey Pod Wood
By Moonler
Located in Chiangmai, TH
AERO shelf
-
Moonler’s products are mainly made of Chamchuri Wood (known as Acacia or Monkey Pod) which are solid wood and solid wood is a living material. It may move according to different weather conditions and environment humidity. It is normal for wood to increase and decrease its own dimensions according to the climate. Variations of 1-2% on solid wood table tops...
Category
2010s Thai Modern Shelves
Materials
Wood
Step Bookcase, in wood and brass, by Accardi Buccheri for Medulum
Located in Meolo, Venezia
Step is a modular bookcase with brass structure, consisting of welded metal
plate and tubes. Three different heights of the columns allow to create a variety
of compositions. The shelves are assembled through simple joints. Brass uprights, like tape attached to the wall, support thick, apparently suspended shelves...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Shelves
Materials
Brass
Riley 3 Shelf Unit by Dare Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Riley 3 shelf unit by Dare Studio, 2018
Dimensions: H 91.1 cm, D 40 cm, W 180 cm
Materials: European white oak with black stain, powder coated frame in black...
Category
2010s British Modern Shelves
Materials
Brass
Contemporary Sculptural Black Steel Etagere Bookcase Storage Shelf USA
Located in Chicago, IL
The contemporary modern Black Steel Ahn etagere is a study in positive and negative space. With its five different asymmetrical and organic surfaces, Ahn is a minimal sculpture in its own right, playing with balance and tension between the shelves while serving as an etagere, bookcase, or storage shelf...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
Into the Woods Bookcase, Walnut and Brass, Insidherland by Joana Santos Barbosa
Located in Maia, Porto
A long walk through a Swedish forest beneath intertwined branches of huge trees, was the inspiration of the dazzling Into the Woods bookcase.
T...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Shelves
Materials
Brass
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.