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Mid-Century Modern Bookends

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.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Solid Glass Block Bookends By Blenko
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Solid Glass Block Bookends By Blenko, textured edge.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Glass

Carl Auböck Vintage Brass "T" Bookends
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Pair of vintage Carl Auböck patinated brass "T" bookends for Werkstätte Carl Aubock. Circa 1949. Model #3847. Impressed with foundry stamp "Aubock, Made in Austria".
Category

1940s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Archimede Seguso Murano Sommerso Glass Cat Bookends, Italy, 1950's
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Archimede Seguso Murano Sommerso Glass Cat Bookends, Italy, 1950's.
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Glass, Art Glass

Vintage Green Cast Glass Bookends by Blenko
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A fantastic pair of heavy mid-century modern green cast glass semi-circular column bookends by Blenko. In very good vintage condition with wear consistent with age and use. 5" x 5"...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Glass

Set of Polished Brass Nautilus Shell Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
This Mid-Century Modernist pair of bookends offers abstracted sculptural renditions of the nautilus shell- a Classic inspiration in modern design (for everything from Vladimir Kagan ...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #1928 'Hands' Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck model #1928 'Hands' brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated and polished brass. P...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3530 'Flatiron' Patinated Brass and Cane Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck model #3530 'Flatiron' patinated brass and cane bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4635 Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck model #4635 brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated and polished brass. Price i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of Vintage Copper and Brass Sculptural Bookends
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With elements of Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern, this pair of sculptural copper and brass bookends can blend in with many styles. Designed from two long pieces of brass that are be...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass, Copper

Roseville Wincraft Art Pottery Bookends, Floral, C1948
Located in Big Flats, NY
Roseville Wincraft Art Pottery Bookends, Floral, C1948 Measures- 6''H x 5''W x 4.5''D
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Pottery

1980s Faceted Lucite Bookends by Ritts Co. of Los Angeles
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A pair of mid-century modern "Astrolite" lucite bookends by the Ritts Company of Los Angeles that are strikingly etched and polished, which catches and refract lights beautifully. T...
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Lucite

Vintage Cast Glass Ice Cube Bookends by Blenko
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A fantastic pair of heavy mid-century modern cast glass ice cube shaped bookends by Blenko. Front and back are polished smooth and all four sides are textured. In very good vintage...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Glass

Vintage Abraham Lincoln Bust Bookends by Philadelphia Manufacturing Co.
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a pair of vintage Lincoln bookends made by the Philadelphia Manufacturing Co. The bookends depict a detailed bust of President Abraham Lin...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Mid-Century White Marble "Chief" Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice pair of mid-century white marble "Chief" bookends, circa 1970s. The bookends are heavy and well crafted. They measure 8.5"W x 2.75"D x 7.25"H and would make a great addition t...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Alabaster

Pair Mid-Century Modern Beveled Rectangle Lucite Bookends
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Vintage pair of tall, heavy monogramed thick lucite bookends with beautiful beveled edges on aluminum bases. These bookends almost glow when the light hits them. Polished and substan...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Aluminum

Pair of vintage Italian marble mushroom bookends, 1960s
Located in View Park, CA
A pair of vintage Italian alabaster marble mushroom bookends, hand-carved in Volterra circa mid 1960s. Tones of chestnut, pewter, and caramel. Some wear consistent with age and use b...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Alabaster, Marble

Murano Glass Pear Bookend Paperweight or Decorative Piece
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art Glass Murano Hand Blown Pear Bookend or paperweight with interior burst of orange. A wonderful mid century piece that can easily stand or lay on its side with a flattened side. ...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Murano Glass

Pair of Ben Seibel for Jenfredware Sculptural Two Tone Brass Bookends
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of sculptural brass bookends Designed by Ben Seibel for Jenfredware. Unique, scarcely seen examples incorporating a two-tone, textured design (there are blackened areas which ar...
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Modernist Rectangular Chrome Bookends by Smith Metal Arts
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful pair of modernist chrome bookends by Smith Metal Arts. These sizeable pieces of chrome are captivating as they are commanding. Their styling is simple timeless. Aged chrom...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Midcentury Ben Seibel Sculptural Flame Bookends
Located in New York, NY
Sculptural Ben Seibel for Jenfred book ends, circa 1950s. In brass finish. Some wear, patina and scratches but overall nice condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of MCM Sculptural Brass Bookends in the style of William Macowski
By William Macowski
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of MCM sculptural brass bookends in the style of William Macowski, 1970s. The pair are in very good vintage condition with a great patina and measure 7.5"W x 5.5"D x 6"H. Grea...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Important Industrial Metal Mold Sculpture Bookends, a pair
Located in Atlanta, GA
This pair of industrial stainless steel hand-shaped molds were used in the 1950s to manufacture gloves. Those forms are the female and male parts of a complete mold. They will look s...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

Mid Century A to Z Brushed Steel Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible pair of midcentury, solid brushed steel, "A to Z" bookends circa 1970s. Incredibly solid with an impactful presence, these sculptural pieces render style to any decor. C...
Category

1970s Indian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Danish Teak Bookends 1960s, Set of 2
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish teak bookends 1960s, Set of 2 Pair of Danish Mid-Century Modern bookends in solid teak with metal base. Very good original condition. Ready to support.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Teak

Modernist Pair of Solid Marble Bookends Memphis Era
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible pair of modernist solid marble bookends in emerald green and white tones, circa the 1980s. The pair has a sharp "Memphis Era" design by its bold profile. The organic beauty of the marble in this set, with its multi color/tone adaptability against the striking sharp design profile allow this pieces to add design and style to your decor. An incrediblie addition to your decor. Mid-Century, Hollywood Regency, Art Deco, Eclectic, Coastal, Modern, Boho, Organic Modern, Minimalist, Scandinavian, Milano Memphis
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Marble

Vintage Cast Glass Bookends by Blenko
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A fantastic pair of heavy Mid-Century Modern cast glass semi-circular column bookends by Blenko. In very good vintage condition with wear consistent with age and use. 5" x 5" x 2.5...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Glass

Pair of Modernist Chrome Chain Link Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous pair of modernist chrome chain link bookends, circa 1970s. The pair are very heavy and in good vintage condition; they measure 14.75"W x 6.25"D x 6.5"H. Great addition to an...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Italian World Globe Bookends, Pair
Located in New York, NY
An Italian pair of world globe bookends with brass accents, circa mid-20th century, Italy. A great pair for an office, library, living room, etc. Marked 'Made in Italy' on back as sh...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of Cast Brass Mallard Duck Bookends Mid Century Modern
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage pair of Mallard duck bookends is made of polished cast brass with detailed eyes, cheeks and beaks. The wide bases curve gently down, providing extra stability to the heavy, ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of 1970s Black & Clear Lucite Bookends
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A pair of mid-century modern bookends in black and clear lucite. Sophisticated and clean with a light-catching quality that adds a polished element to any bookshelf. In good vintag...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Lucite

Art Deco Architectural Bird Bookends Art Brass Co NY Geometric Pair Owl Falcon
By Art Brass Co.
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Pair of brass American Art Deco Bird bookends designed in sharply geometric patterns, like metropolis architectural elements of the 1920-1940. ...
Category

1930s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Brass Bookends Ben Seibel for Jenfred Ware Orb, 1950s
Located in London, GB
Pair of rounded sculptural brass bookends in organic form by Ben Seibel for Jenfred Ware, distributed by Raymor, USA, 1950's. Cast metal with shiny brass finish and partly a dark pat...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Vintage Pair of Hand Carved Wooden Wall Self or Corbel
Located in Seattle, WA
This could be used for a variety of purposes such as Book Ends, Corbels or wall shelving. Painted intricate wood design with beautiful Patina. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age a...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Bookends by Kai Kristiansen for FM 1960s, Set of 8
Located in Asaa, DK
Mid-century bookends by Kai Kristiansen for FM 1960s, set of 8. Very decorative Danish modern bookends in rosewood and metal designed by Danish designer Kai Kristiansen for Feldball...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Hardwood

Don Shoemaker for Señal Bookends in Solid Cocobolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of solid wood bookends by Mexican-American designer Don Shoemaker for his company, Señal. Rendered in highly figured cocobolo wood, a species of local tropical wood similar to...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Cocobolo

Jean Gillon Jacaranda Equine Sculptural Bookend Pair, Labelled, Brazil, 1960s
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Jean Gillon Mid-Century Jacaranda Equine Sculptural Bookends, Brazil, 1960s. Handcrafted with hard rosewood (also known as jacaranda), rare pair of horse head bookends by Jean Gillo...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Jacaranda

Pair of Solid Brass Folding Chinese Foo Dog Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful pair of solid brass folding foo dog bookends, circa 1960s. The bookends are in good vintage condition and measure 7"W x 3.5"D x 6"H. Great look! #3588
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of Mid-Century Teak Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of mid-century teak bookends, circa 1960s. Two sets available. #3559
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

Pair of Mid-Century Italian Travertine Horse Head Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Very stylish pair of mid-century Italian travertine horse head bookends, circa 1970's. The bookends are heavy and solid and well crafted. They wold ma...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Travertine

2 bookends vienna around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
2 bookends vienna around 1950s Brass Original patina The books are not for sale they are only for the photoshooting
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Oggetti Italian Marble Bookends
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Oggetti Italian marble bookends. Brilliant veining throughout. Signed. Small chip on bottom of one (please refer to photos). Please note they are slightly different in height. One st...
Category

1980s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Marble

Vintage Large Handmade Iron Jack by Bill Curry
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Large vintage handmade cast iron Jack, Jax, designed by Bill Curry of Design Line, 1967. This bookend is made of cast iron and is in original condition. Great addition to any decor, Industrial retro Pop Art...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Pair of Glossy Black Porcelain Eagle Head Bookends by Hispania Daiso / LLadro
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool pair of glossy black porcelain bald eagle head bookends by Hispania Dasio / Lladro of Spain, circa 1985. The set is quite striking and in v...
Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Porcelain

Mid-Century Modern Blenko Clear Textured Glass Bear Bookends by Wayne Husted
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of MCM Wayne Husted designed clear textured glass bear bookends for Blenko, circa 1960s. In fine condition, no damage. partial labels. In fine condition, no issues. Model 4034
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Glass

Pietro Fornasetti, Rare metal Bookend Janus Two-Faced 1950s (First edition)
Located in Argelato, BO
Pietro Fornasetti, Rare metal bookend from the 1950s (First edition) In the extraordinary creative imagination of Pietro Fornasetti every household object is transformed and embelli...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

Z Bookend by Curtis Jere Signed & Dated 1971 in Gold Leaf Finish
Located in San Diego, CA
Solid iron midcentury Z Curtis Jere bookend with gold leaf finish. Signed and dated "1971".
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Mid Century Sheldon Rose Alpha Sculpt Cube Letterpress Sculptures Bookends 1960s
Located in Troy, MI
Pair of Mid Century Modern typographic cube sculptures or bookends designed by Sheldon Rose circa 1960s Titled "Alpha Sculpt" formed of cast metal with raised letters and symbols ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

Post Modern White Metal Bookends
Located in Vienna, AT
White metal bookends made in Sweden in the 1990s.
Category

1990s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

Steven B. Levine Handcrafted Wood Bookends
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Steven B. Levine Handcrafted Wood Bookends. Each bookends has one hidden stash box. Each is signed with the woodworkers mark. One bookends retains a inventory label from Selo/She...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Wood

Vintage Italian purple marble bookends, 1960s
Located in View Park, CA
A very unique and incredibly rare pair of vintage Italian marble bookends in hand-carved geometric form, circa mid 1960s. Glorious tone...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Marble

Abstract Ceramic Bookends
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Abstract pair of Ceramic Bookends. They have the feel of some that Ben Seibel designed and made of metal. In good shape and heavy enough to hold books in place!
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Ceramic

1950's Wood Carved Polynesian Couple Bookends
Located in Spring Valley, CA
Beautiful pair of mid century bookends. Done in a traditional folk style. From the island-nations of the South Pacific.
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Wood

Pair of Vintage Round Geode Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of vintage round geode bookends, circa old! The set is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures 4.5"W x 4.5"D x 3.75"H. #3542
Category

15th Century and Earlier American Antique Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Rock Crystal

Midcentury Sculptural Jack Bookend or Door Stop
Located in San Diego, CA
Solid metal sculptural jack bookend. Could also be used as doorstop. 1950s.  
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of Mid-Century White Marble Horse Head Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Very stylish pair of mid-century white marble horse head bookends, circa 1970s. The bookends are heavy and solid and well crafted. They measure 8"W x 2.25"D x 8.5"H and would make a ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Alabaster

A pair of pink marble bookends by Vermont Marble Co, mid 20th century
Located in View Park, CA
A pair of pink marble bookends by Vermont Marble Co, mid 20th century. Pale pink with burgundy and brilliant coral veining. Felted bottoms. Note the ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Marble

Pair of Wooden Arts & Crafts Dice Bookends
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome pair of 1950s-1960s vintage rounded hand-carved oak library bookends with large ebonized 6-sided dice. Each die rotates on it's axis and has pips made from iron nails. Fits ...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Teak

1950s Atomic Era Mid-Century Modern Single Iron Jack-Jax Bookend Doorstopper
Located in San Diego, CA
Gold Leaf finish on this solid iron jack, which can be used as a bookend or door stopper, is circa 1950s original finish is nicely worn.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Mid-century Modern bookends for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern bookends 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 bookends created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, brass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern bookends made in a specific country, there are North America, Europe, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original bookends, popular names associated with this style include Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Blenko, Ben Seibel, and Curtis Jeré. 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 bookends differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $50 and tops out at $7,500 while the average work can sell for $525.

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