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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Period: 21st Century and Contemporary
Clouds Drawer Designed by Thomas Dariel
Located in Geneve, CH
Clouds drawer designed by Thomas Dariel, Maison Dada
Measures: W 120 x D 40 x H 147cm
Structure in MDF with color-painted ash veneer
Fronts and back in matte or glossy paint finis...
Category
2010s French Modern Shelves
Materials
Wood
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
Casey Lurie Studio Modern High "Primo" Shelving System in Walnut with Brass
By Casey Lurie
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, Stainless Steel, Brass
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
Modern Hobart Bookcase, Walnut Veneer, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Hobart Bookcase, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
The Hobart modern bookcase was born to mimic the natural ebb...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Shelves
Materials
Brass
Mensola 2017 - Shelf 2017
Located in Mosciano Sant'angelo, TE
Shelf and back in walnut strips are held together by two thin triangular cheeks in painted metal.
The simple and primitive shape gives the shelf the opportunity to be used with vario...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Shelves
Materials
Iron
Wen Xue Shelf by objective OBJECT Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Wen Xue Shelf by objective OBJECT Studio
Dimensions: D 47 x W 81.5 x H 198 cm
Materials: Concrete, brass.
objective OBJECT
an embodiment of our architectural ethos.
We represent a...
Category
2010s Chinese Modern Shelves
Materials
Concrete, Brass
Cave Sideboard by kar
Located in Geneve, CH
Cave sideboard by kar
Dimensions: W 40 x D 38 x H 50 cm.
Materials: FRP.
Available in black.
Kar, is the root of Sanskrit Karma, meaning karmic repetition. We seek the cause and eff...
Category
2010s Chinese Modern Shelves
Materials
Fiberglass
Kontra Shelves by SNICKERIET
Located in Geneve, CH
Kontra Shelves by SNICKERIET
Dimensions: D 41,2 x W 100 x H 243 cm.
Materials: Linoleum.
Adjustments can be discussed as long as the furniture archetype is maintained. Please conta...
Category
2010s Swedish Modern Shelves
Materials
Other
Kontra Shelves by SNICKERIET
Located in Geneve, CH
Kontra Shelves by SNICKERIET
Dimensions: D 41,2 x W 300 x H 243 cm.
Materials: Linoleum.
Adjustments can be discussed as long as the furniture archetype is maintained. Please conta...
Category
2010s Swedish Modern Shelves
Materials
Other
Graffiti Project Shelves by Wonwoo Koo
Located in Geneve, CH
Graffiti Project Shelves by Wonwoo Koo
Dimensions: D 35 x W 78,7 x H 45 cm.
Materials: Oak wood veneer.
Different color options are available: black, beige, white gray, blue or oran...
Category
2010s South Korean Modern Shelves
Materials
Oak
Librero Duna 1 by Eliana Portilla
Located in Geneve, CH
Librero Duna 1 by Eliana Portilla
Dimensions: D 35 x W 70 x H 175 cm.
Materials: Steel with brass coat.
This shelf is made of nine modular pieces. Please contact us.
I’m inspired b...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Shelves
Materials
Brass, Steel
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
Librero Duna 3 by Eliana Portilla
Located in Geneve, CH
Librero Duna 3 by Eliana Portilla
Dimensions: D 35 x W 35 x H 105 cm.
Materials: Steel with brass coat.
This shelf is made of three modular pieces. Please contact us.
I’m inspired ...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Shelves
Materials
Brass, Steel
Division Shelving by Phase Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Division Shelving by Phase Design
Dimensions: D 38,1 x W 91,4 x H 112,4 cm.
Materials: Powder-coated solid steel.
Solid steel sheet available in a flat black or white powder coat f...
Category
2010s American 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
AS6 wall unit 48" wide shelves & cabinet 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
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
Handmade June Shelving System, 180cmL - Ebonized Oak - by BACD studio
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
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
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
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
TRANSFIX Storage Unit in Glass, by Marc Krusin, Kensaku Oshiro from Glas Italia
Located in Macherio, IT
Transfix storage unit is shown here in the transparent extralight glass. Display and storage unit and element dividing and screening the spaces, obtained by gluing slabs of laminated...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Shelves
Materials
Glass
Contemporary Room Divider Shelving "30/30 S" in Oak by Casey Lurie Studio
By Casey Lurie
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
BIJOU, modern sculptural shelf, object of art, collectible quiet luxury
Located in Hoboken, NJ
BIJOU- "an object, especially of a residence, small and elegant."
Sculptural shelf with organic curves. Showcase a favorite object, create an accent in a space. As functional as it i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Shelves
Materials
Sapele Wood
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
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
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
Modern Hobart Bookcase, American Oak, Bronze, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Hobart Bookcase, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
The Hobart modern bookcase was born to mimic the natural ebb and flow of life. Through its ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Shelves
Materials
Brass
Bronze and Walnut Interval Bookshelf by Ahser Israelow
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Asher Israelow designs work for the urban explorer. All the materials are ethically and locally sourced, building upon the importance of origins. Each piece narrates the story...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Shelves
Materials
Bronze
Mirth Shelves/Divider
Located in Portland, OR
The extraordinary Mirth Shelving/Room Divider is a harmonious blend of functionality and artistic expression. Crafted from concrete, finished to an impeccably high smooth polish, its...
Category
2010s American Modern Shelves
Materials
Cement
Vitra Planophore Bookshelf Roomdivider Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby Jean Prouvé
Located in Munster, NRW
Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby have designed Planophore 2014 for Vitra as a dual-purpose - room divider and bookshelf.
Its open sides create a horizontal emphasis underscored by the solid shelves with rounded bottom edges, which are reminiscent of aircraft wings and appear to float on the vertical panels. This also explains the name of the shelf: the original Planophore made its debut in 1871 as the first stable model aeroplane...
Category
2010s German Modern Shelves
Materials
Aluminum
Proportions of Stone Wall Object by Lee Sisan
Located in Geneve, CH
Proportions of Stone Wall Object by Lee Sisan
Dimensions: W 60 x D 60 x H 26 cm
Materials: Stainless steel, natural stone.
Each piece is made to order and uses natural stones, so pl...
Category
2010s South Korean Modern Shelves
Materials
Stone, Stainless Steel
Aluminum Domino Shelf by Mock Studio
By Mock Studio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Constructed from heavy-duty 1/4-inch aluminum plates, the Domino bookshelf is both a display shelf for medium-format art books as well as a spatial di...
Category
2010s American Modern Shelves
Materials
Aluminum
Naoto Fukasawa minimal model "X" shelf storage unit in Corian for B&B Italia
Located in Skokie, IL
Naoto Fukasawa minimal model "X" shelf storage unit in Corian for B&B Italia, Italy circa 2005
Additional Information:
Materials: White Corian
Dimensions: 57 1/4" H x 51 5/8" W x 14...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Shelves
Materials
Corian
Grey Wall Mounted Hypótila Shelving with Silver Aluminium Finish Ex.6
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Materials:
Aluminium
Dimensions:
D 26 cm x W 300 cm x H 75 cm
The Hypostila shelving was designed in 1979 by Lluis Clotet and Oscar Tusquets to support important amounts of weigh...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Shelves
Materials
Aluminum
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
Handcrafted wood and brass wall-mounted shelf
By Huy Lam
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"Elevate No. 3", is a one-of-a-kind piece as part of Huy Lam's "Elevate" collection. This piece is hand-crafted by the artist in Canada with hand-carved wood fashioned with classic j...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Shelves
Materials
Brass
Cave Shelf by kar
Located in Geneve, CH
Cave shelf table by kar
Dimensions: W 100 x D 38 x H 170 cm
Materials: FRP
Kar, is the root of Sanskrit Karma, meaning karmic repetition. We seek the cause and effect in aesthetics...
Category
2010s Chinese Modern Shelves
Materials
Fiberglass
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
Mies Shelving Unit 5PC
Located in New York, NY
Gorgeous Shelving Unit. Polished Stainless Steel combined with Cerused Oak Panels, featuring clear 2" thick acrylic shelves. Hand-crated in the US. Custom Sizes available upon request
Category
2010s American Modern Shelves
Materials
Stainless Steel
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 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
Nahima Shelf by La Lune
Located in Geneve, CH
Nahima Shelf by La Lune
Dimensions: D 25 x W 194 x H 140 cm.
Materials: Solid ash.
Produced in France. Custom sizes available. Please contact us.
La Lune is above all a project to ...
Category
2010s French Modern Shelves
Materials
Ash
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
Grey Wall Mounted Hypótila Shelving with Silver Aluminium Finish EX.7
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Materials:
Aluminium
Dimensions:
D 26 cm x W 400 cm x H 70 cm
The Hypostila shelving was designed in 1979 by Lluis Clotet and Oscar Tusquets to support important amounts of...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Shelves
Materials
Aluminum
Nita Shelf by La Lune
Located in Geneve, CH
Nita Shelf by La Lune
Dimensions: D 25 x W 76 x H 140 cm.
Materials: Solid ash.
Produced in France. Custom sizes available. Please contact us.
La Lune is above all a project to fin...
Category
2010s French Modern Shelves
Materials
Ash
Wall Mounted Hypótila Shelving with Silver Aluminium Finish Ex.2
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Wall Mounted Hypótila Shelving with Silver Aluminium Finish EX.2
Materials:
Aluminium
Dimensions:
D 26 cm x W 250 cm x H 200 cm
The Hypostila shelving was designed in 19...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Shelves
Materials
Aluminum
Contemporary Asymmetrical Bookcase with Teak Wall Panel and Aluminum Shelving
By Tisettanta
Located in Chicago, IL
Bookcase unit to be horizontally or vertically positioned. Shelves in aluminium varnished folded sheet metal. Back panel in teak wood.
Designed by Giuseppe Vigano for Tisettanta
...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Shelves
Materials
Aluminum
Monument Shelves by Cocorico
By La Chance
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
Set of 3 Strut Shelves from Souda, Black and Maple, Made to Order
By Souda
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 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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