Skip to main content

Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by legendary manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

103
4
to
19
52
46
107
103
105
107
67
18
15
12
11
11
10
9
8
6
5
5
5
4
2
1
1
102
4
81
16
1
24
27
13
1
Height
to
Width
to
94
41
27
23
14
67
36
28
19
17
5
4
3
3
2
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Color:  Brown
Adams Shelf Bundle 'Brackets + Shelf Board' Walnut Wood Hairpin Supports
Located in Cincinnati, US
Simple yet elegant hairpin shelf design that blends with both contemporary or rustic styles and it’s versatile to fit any room of the house. It includes (qty) 2 brackets and a wood shelf board...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Steel

1950s Monumental Desk Dry Bar Wall Cabinet System Eugenio Escudero Mexico
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Eugenio Escudero extravagant custom piece desk dry bar wall unit system. Fabulous piece entertainment receiving desk social mingle center. Unmarked attribution Eugenio Escuder...
Category

1950s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Bronze

Pair of James Mont Wall Brackets
Located in Hanover, MA
Pair of stylized Asian modernist triangular wall mounted brackets in black lacquer and gold leaf by James Mont Designs. Demilune display ledge is ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Wall Mounted Console by Osvaldo Borsani for ABV
Located in New York, NY
Wall mounted console by Osvaldo Borsani for ABV Italy, c. 1948 Bleached maple, mirrored glass, brass. Fantastic undulating console with 2 drawe...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Maple

Tomado Midcentury Modular Wall Unit, Shelving System with Rare Bookstands
Located in Schagen, NL
This modular industrial piece, features 3 shelves, two gliding stands for books and one stand to place upon the shelves. These stands are not often to be found anymore. Every shelf ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Metal

Arthur Umanoff Mid Century Iron Wine Rack
Located in Countryside, IL
Arthur Umanoff mid century iron wine rack The wine rack measures: 8.75 wide x 7.75 deep x 13.75 inches high This set is in Great Vintage Condition with minor wear. We take ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Iron

Founders Style Mid Century Walnut and Cane Display Shelf
Located in Countryside, IL
Founders style mid century walnut and cane display shelf The shelf measures: 30.5 wide x 16.25 deep x 77.5 inches high All pieces of ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Cane, Walnut

Italian Mid-Century Pair of Wooden Shelves, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century pair of wooden shelves, 1980s. Pair of black painted wooden shelves with steel finishes in different sizes. 1980s. Go...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Steel

Giuseppe Rivadossi Pair of Cabinets in Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giuseppe Rivadossi, cabinets, oak, glass, Italy, 1975. An exceptional pair of cabinets by the Italian sculptor and designer Giuseppe Rivadossi, featuring a high level of craftsmansh...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Oak

Original French Design Classic Pierre Chapo B17 Bookshelf, 1970s
Located in Renens, CH
A beautiful, original edition B17 bookshelf designed by Pierre Chapo in French solid elm. The vintage B17 shelf is a highly sought after piece from the Chapo workshop; it combines ingenious design with a sculptural appearance. French elm is due to the Dutch elm disease extremely rare to find these days, and recent editions are generally made of oak which have a completely different appearance compared to the warm, vintage look that an aged Chapo piece provides. Vintage Chapo...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Elm

Pair of Wall Shelves, Anonymous, Sweden, 1950’s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of wall shelves, anonymous, Sweden, 1950s. Teak. Dimensions: H: 30 cm / 11 3/4" W: 90 cm / 3' D: 18cm / 7"
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Teak

Stunning Midcentury Paul McCobb Planner Group Room Divider Etagere Walnut
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Midcentury American designer Paul McCobb freestanding Maple with walnut finish room divider for Planner Group. Unit is Solid Maple wood with Walnut brown lacquer finish. This unit is in vintage condition - Has lower cabinet and (1) lower drawer - all maple with an original Walnut lacquer finish - Original Solid brass knobs...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Teak Book Shelving Rack or Wall Unit by Dekker for Tomado Holland, 1950s
Located in Delft, NL
Teak Book Shelving Rack or Wall Unit by Dekker for Tomado Holland, 1950s Metal frame in black, two large sizes and one shorter size Five teak wooden sh...
Category

20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Metal

Italian Wall Console Attr. to Melchiorre Bega in Walnut and Blue Fabric
Located in Milano, IT
Large Italian console or wall shelf from the 1950s. The console is attributed to the great designer Melchiorre Bega because of its shape and line...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

S. Pinna Wooden Wall Piece Italian Mid Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
S. Pinna; Wooden; Wall Piece; Art Piece; Italian; Mid Century; Craftmanship Hand-crafted wooden wall piece. The carefully crafted details create depth and hold a historical value.  
Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Wood

Rosewood Metal Glass and Formica Wall Unit Baugnman Attributed for John Stuart
Located in New York, NY
Stunning wall unit having rosewood cabinets with white Formica surfaces, brushed metal trim, and tinted glass shelves. Impressive three bay unit, having storage cabinets, drawers and...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Metal

Wall Mounted Shelf by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An Edward Wormley designed shelf in solid walnut supported by two (2) laminated mahogany brackets in the original black lacquer finish. Manufactured by Dunbar in the 1960s. Shelf is ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Danish Modern Teak and Cane Wall Mounted Mirror or Hallway Cabinet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stylish, yet functional Danish hallway cabinet or wall mounted mirror in teak. The single, cane-fronted door slides to reveal storage divided by an adj...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Cane, Mirror, Teak

Pace Collection Chrome and Burl Wall Unit by Janet Schwietzer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage modern wall unit by Janet Schwietzer for Pace Collection features quality midcentury construction and striking streamlined design...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Chrome

Large Italian Wall Unit in Rosewood, Teak and Mahogany, 1964
Located in New York, NY
Wall unit with adjustable shelving system, cabinet, chest and flip top desk in rosewood, teak and mahogany by I.S.A., Italian 1964 (label on...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany, Rosewood, Teak

Wall-Mounted Bar Cabinet Designed by Eugenio Escudero
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Amazing design in mahogany wood and brass accents, circa 1950.
Category

1950s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Large Mid-Century Modern Bookcase or Wall Unit
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This impressive Mid-Century Modern wall unit boasts natural wood finish and spacious storage options add to the appeal of this stunning piece. This vintage modern sideboard features ...
Category

1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Edmund Spence Blonde Wood Swedish Modern Hanging Bookcase w/ Glass Sliding doors
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Swedish modern bookcase with glass sliding doors.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Birch

Gerald McCabe Barzilay Wall Unit
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a nine bay Barzilay wall unit by Gerald McCabe of Los Angeles. Oiled walnut with aluminum detail in great condition. We have a variety of ca...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-Century Modern Wall Document Holder in Wood
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern wooden wall-mounted document holder with three separate sections for documents, each one having a metal tag holder. The piece has two hinges on the back to attach ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Metal

Jacques Adnet Oak and Leather Wall Shelf, circa 1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Jacques Adnet oak and leather wall shelf, circa 1950.
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Coatrack Wardrobe, Beechwood Patinated Brass Bronze Hooks, 1950s
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A coat rack by Carl Auböck, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1950. It is made of a beechwood frame in an aged and very warm tone. There are six patinated brass hooks (similar to bronze) which can be positioned randomly on the rows. This wardrobe is in very good original condition with only little wear. About Carl Auböck II 25 August 1900, Vienna (Austria)-17 July 1957, Vienna (Austria) Carl Auböck was an Austrian painter and designer of the Classic modern movement. His best-known designs include the Baumtisch (eng. "tree table") and the Umkehrlampe (eng. "reversible lamp"). Auböck began his apprenticeship as a bronze worker and chaser in his father's workshop. From 1917-1919, he studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna. After this, he followed his teacher Johannes Itten to the Bauhaus in Weitmar and became friends with the director, Walter Gropius. Little over a year later, he left in order to take over his father’s workshop in Vienna and raise a family. Here, through his circle of friends and acquaintances, he became convinced of the ideas of Adolf Loos and developed into an opponent of the Viennese workshops. Alongside his Viennese bronze and Art Deco design work for the domestic and American markets, he began to produce paintings and drawings. The styles he developed in the early 1940s for everyday objects achieved cult status after the Second World War. In May 1945, he served a six-month prison sentence in the Vienna District Court I due to his membership in the NSDAP. At the end of the 1940s, he worked with his son Carl in the workshop. In 1954, he was awarded a total of four gold medals at the Triennale in Milan. In 2010, Auböck’s works were placed under protection by the Austrian Federal Monuments Office (BDA). Hundreds of original designs were produced during his long creative career but his Baumtisch and Umkehrlampe are outstanding examples. Carl Auböck / Carl Aubock...
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Wood and Rope Shelf Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet
Located in Austin, TX
Wood and rope shelf Audoux Minet, circa 1960. 3 shelves.
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Rope, Wood

Carl Auböck Coat Rack Wardrobe, Wood Patinated Blackened Brass Hooks, 1950s
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A coat check by Carl Auböck, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1950. It consists of a refurbished wooden frame and six polished brass hooks with lovely patina. Five ...
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Italian Plates & Pots Rack, Kitchen Shelf, solid Walnut, Dresser 4 Drawers
Located in Vigonza, Padua
An excellent Mid-Century Italian Tyrolean kitchen shelf or plate rack, with four drawers in massive blond walnut, wax polished. A very useful item for y...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Italian Modern Sidebar by Vittorio Dassi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage Italian wall unit features stunning Mid-Century design and offers a modular cabinet display perfect for storage in any modern setting. Rich lacquered wood finish is comp...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Charles Hollis Jones Treillage Wall Candle/Plant Holder Made in Solid Brass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Charles Hollis Jones “Treillage” wall candleholder/display in solid brass with an antique finish. Measures: 49” wide x 36” high x 8” d...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Brass

George Nelson Style Mid-Century Storage Cabinet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This large modular wall cabinet features a stunning array of storage options in a uniquely designed package. Numerous drawers and cabinets are mat...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley Long John Shelf for Dunbar
Located in Chicago, IL
Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Long John Shelf can be used as shelf or console. Walnut wood with great sapwood striped details.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Important Benjamin Baldwin Burl Wood Shelf or Wall Console
Located in Chicago, IL
Benjamin Baldwin custom wall-mounted console in burled elm, from the C.F. Murphy Jr. residence, Chicago. Hidden bracket for Minimalist look secures to wall. Woodwork Corporation of A...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Burl

Urio Three-Section Bookcase by Ico Parisi for MIM, Roma
Located in East Hampton, NY
Parisi revisited a project done in 1946 for Arte Casa Cantù, updating materials and production technology for Industrial production required in the late 1950s. The bookcase is compr...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Rare and Early Walnut Wall Hanging Cabinet by Paul Evans and Phillip Powell
Located in Atlanta, GA
An early wall hanging walnut cabinet crafted in collaboration between Paul Evans (1931 - 1987) and Phillip Lloyd Powell (1919 - 2008) when they ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Metal

Wall Unit by Ludvik Volak for Drevopodnik Holesov, 1960s, Bent Plywood, Restored
Located in Wrocław, Poland
Midcentury Wall Unit in bent plywood designed by Ludvik Volak, produced by Drevopodnik Holesov in1960s. A memorable design of Mr. Volak, yet still very fresh and modern piece. This o...
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Plywood

Mid-century modern italian wood Suspended Consoles - set of 3
Located in Brussels , BE
3 Mid-century modern Console, in wood, Italy for sale in Furniture, Other Via Antica
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Hans Wegner Danish Teak Single Column Wall Unit / Room Divider with Display Case
Located in Kensington, MD
Hans Wegner Danish Teak Single Column Wall Unit / Room Divider with Display Case Additional information: Material: Teak Featured at DC Use alone o...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Teak

Modular Bookcase in Cherry Midcentury Italian Design 1950s Shelves Drawers Dassi
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Modular bookcase in Cherry midcentury Italian Design 1950s shelves drawers Dassi.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Cherry

George Nelson for Herman Miller Wall Unit Mid-Century Modern
Located in Toledo, OH
George Nelson for Herman Miller Omni wall unit 98" wide. George Nelson designed, Omni Systems wall unit in great condition. There are nine shelves, ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

90 Piece Pega Wall System by Juul Christensen, Customizable
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Pega Wall System by Juul Christensen is a one-of-a-kind modular wall system that allows you to maximize the use of space in any room. The wall sys...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Teak

90 Piece Teak Wall Unit by Scandiline, Norway Customizable
Located in Los Angeles, CA
We have over 90 pieces of this is a great Scandinavian Modern wall unit made from beautifully selected teak veneer over solid wood. Current inventory includes over 10 solid teak wall panels...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Teak

Gerald McCabe Barzilay Wall Unit, Sold by Component
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a nine bay Barzilay wall unit by Gerald McCabe of Los Angeles. Oiled walnut with aluminum detail in great condition. We have a variety of ca...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Aluminum

Rosewood Cado System Wall Unit
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Highly versatile and functional Cado System wall unit in Brazilian rosewood by Danish designer Poul Cadovius. Wall unit can be customized with va...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Rosewood

Gerald McCabe Barzilay Wall Unit
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a four bay Barzilay wall unit by Gerald McCabe of Los Angeles. Oiled walnut with aluminum detail in great condition. We have a variety of ca...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-Century Three-Tiered Bookcase or Display Unit in Solid Oak and Iron
Located in Miami, FL
Solid oak and iron on this 1950s McCobb style bookshelf or freestanding display unit. Excellent condition. The iron has a beautiful patina and would great in any midcentury or conte...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Iron

Teak Desk Royal System Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: wall unit teak wood Cado system. Designer: Poul Cadovius Producer: Cado, Denmark Description: Original Danish wall unit designed by Poul Cadov...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Teak

Mid-century Modern shelves and wall cabinets for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern shelves and wall cabinets 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 and wall cabinets created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations, case pieces and storage cabinets, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern shelves and wall cabinets made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original shelves and wall cabinets, popular names associated with this style include Joel Escalona, Poul Cadovius, Paul Evans, and Dorothee Maurer-Becker. 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 and wall cabinets differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $64 and tops out at $60,000 while the average work can sell for $3,448.

Recently Viewed

View All