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

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Glass

Mid-Century Sheldon Rose AlphaSculpt Typesetter Block Sculpture Bookend
Located in San Diego, CA
Signed Sheldon Rose (American 20th Century) Typesetter cube sculpture, can also be used as bookend. In polished polychrome silver metal. Sheldon Rose (American, 20th century), attend...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

Vintage Regency Hand-Painted Bookends - a Pair
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fabulous pair of vintage Regency bookends. A charming little couple in period dress. Hand painted detail on a ceramic cast. Acquired from a Palm Beach e...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Contemporary Carved Column Bookends- a Pair
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fabulous pair of vintage Contemporary bookends. A beautiful deep red on a carved wooden column. A chic and simple design. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate.
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Wood

Curtis Jere Signed A to Z Bookends, United States, 1960's
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Curtis Jere Signed A to Z Heavy Gold Leaf over Iron Bookends, United States, 1960's.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron, Gold Leaf

Vintage Midcentury Glass Owl Bookends by Blenko
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful pair of midcentury glass owl bookends by Blenko from the 1960s. Incredible craftsmanship and detail in this pair of glass bookends that can adapt to your style as sculpture...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Blown Glass

Studio Crafted Wood Heart Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Sweet pair of Studio Crafted Wood Heart Bookends for the book lover in your life. Solid carved wood.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Blenko Bookends by Wayne Husted, USA, 1960's
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Mid-Century Modern Blenko Bookends by Wayne Husted, USA, 1960's.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Glass, Art Glass

Pair of Brass Finish "Ladder-Form" Bookends by Ben Seibel for Jenfred Ware
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Ladder" bookends designed by Ben Seibel for Jenfred Ware in the 1950s (New York) and distributed by Raymor. Beautifully aged with a rich, patinated brass finish. Wear throughout, as...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

Carl Auböck Bookends #3653
Located in Berlin, DE
Classic pair of Carl Auböck bookends in a patina and polish brass mix.  
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Blenko Clear Glass Half Circle Bookends by Wayne Husted
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of Wayne Husted designed clear half glass bookends for Blenko, circa 1960s. In fine condition, no damage. Original Label, possible model # 434.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Glass

Vintage Brass and Wooden Apples Bookends
Located in Barntrup, DE
Vintage brass and wooden apple bookends. Beautiful bookends, each with a wooden apple sculpture with a brass apple stem and leaf, mounted on brass bases....
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of Alpha and Omega Brass Bookends, Germany, 1960s
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of beautiful brass book ends with great patina. The Greek letters Alpha and Omega (beginning and end). Produced in Germany, 1960s. Great condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

American Eagle Pair of solid Pewter bookends By Wilton Columbia
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful solid cast pewter American Eagle cast bookends circa 1970's Wilton Columbia Pa.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Pewter

1960s Rusty Jack Bookend Style George Nelson Design Line Calif
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Jack Bookend Style George Nelson Design Line Calif Selling as vintage rustic condition 4.75 tall x 6.25 w x 5.25 d Original Unrestored Vintage Condition See images.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

Sculptural Brass Elephant Bookends, 1970's
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Sculptural Brass Elephant Bookends, 1970's. Nice original patina.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of Vintage Solid Onyx Aztecs Mexican Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of solid onyx bookends, circa 1970's Aztec style some light chips due to age Sold AS/IS.
Category

20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Onyx

Blenko Glass Owl Book Ends
Located in Denton, TX
1960s Blenko glass bookends, designed by Joel Myers rare emerald green solid cast glass with textured design in the front and smooth on the back.
Category

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

Materials

Glass

Pair of Metal Flower Bookends, 1960's
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Pair of Metal Flower Bookends, 1960's
Category

20th Century Korean Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

Piero Fornasetti Book End
Located in Toronto, ON
This is a charming one half of a rare Fornastti bookend. It is nonetheless a wonderful collectible and highly decorative accent piece for a desk, or bookshelf display. Who knows may...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

Grouping of Eight Carl Auböck Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Grouping of eight Carl Auböck brass bookends. Includes one pair each of Models #3651, #3652, #3653 & #3654. Designed in the 1950s, these inc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair of Mid-Century Brass Bookends with Louis Vuitton Monogram Fabric
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Century Pair of Brass Bookends with Louis Vuitton Monogram Fabric These custom made, substantial and very classic French fleur de lis bookends...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Vintage Pair of Brass Hermes Style Horse Saddle Stirrup Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful pair of horse saddle stirrup bookends in brass. This beautiful set is sure to create interesting impact in your décor or office. The brass shapes are light on the eye but...
Category

1970s Korean Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Vintage Large Scale Brass Rams Head Bookends, 1970's
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Vintage Large Scale Brass Rams Head Bookends, 1970's
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Set of Three Vintage Atomic Jacks/Jax Bookends/Doorstop Attributed to Bill Curry
Located in San Diego, CA
Set of three 1950s atomic era, Mid-Century Modern iron jacks-jax. The pieces can be used as bookends, a doorstop, or decorative accents. in aluminum, black and bronze finish with a n...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron, Aluminum

Mid Century Sculptural Jacks Jax Bookends by Bill Curry
Located in San Mateo, CA
Pair of jacks bookends designed by Bill Curry for his company Design Line. These are painted cast iron. The jacks are in great original condition. There are a few minor paint losses ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Pair of MCM Ceramic Tile and Walnut Bookends by Jane & Gordon Martz
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice pair of MCM ceramic tile and walnut bookends by Jane & Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios, circa 1950s. The bookends are in very good vintage condtion and measure 8.5"W x 5"D x...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Walnut, Pottery

Marshall Studios Gordan Jane Martz Tile Walnut Bookends Mid Century
Located in Forest Grove, PA
Iconic walnut and ceramic tile plinth bookends, designed by Jane and Gordon Martz of Marshall Studios. 1960s. One retains the original production sticker. The thickness of the walnut...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

Pair of Mid-Century Brass Chrome Bookends with Louis Vuitton Monogram Fabric
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Century Pair of Brass and Chrome Bookends with Louis Vuitton Monogram Fabric These custom, very substantial monogrammed bookends are...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Pair of Midcentury Marble and Wooden Horse Head Bookends
Located in Antwerp, BE
Stylish pair of midcentury wooden horse head bookends, circa 1970s. The bookends are heavy and well crafted, they are honey cream in color on a black marble base. Great addition to a...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Marble

Mid-Century Bookends by Kai Kristiansen for FM 1960s, Set of 9
Located in Asaa, DK
Mid-century bookends by Kai Kristiansen for FM 1960s, set of 9. Very decorative Danish modern bookends in rosewood and metal designed by Danish designer Kai Kristiansen for Feldballe...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Hardwood

Set of Four Sculptural German Art Nouveau Brass Bronze Bookends 1900
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of four decorative Art Nouveau brass/bronze bookends. Germany, 1900s.   
Category

Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Solid Heavy Brass Vintage Mallard Bookends
Located in East Hampton, NY
These vintage heavy brass Mallard head bookends show a wonderful patina from age and use. One panel is slightly taller than the other ( see detail images). THIS ITEM IS LOCATED AN...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Arrow Brass and Wood Bookends with Hand Stiched Leather, France 1960's
Located in Den Haag, NL
Arrow Brass and Wood Bookends with Hand Stiched Leather, France 1960's
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Leather, Wood

1960s Rustic Gold Jack Bookend George Nelson Design Line Calif
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Rustic Jack Bookend Decor George Nelson Design Line Calif 4.5 tall x 5.75w x 4.75d Original Rustic Unrestored Vintage Condition Item, preowned. Refer to images.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

Pair of Solid rosewood & Brass Italian Nautical Anchor Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
A pair of solid rosewood and patinated solid brass bookends circa 1970's beautiful and elegant in the style of Ralph Lauren, made in Italy in nice condition.
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

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

Vintage Italian Alabaster Owl Bookends
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Vintage Italian Alabaster Owl Bookends. Expressive faces with glass eyes gives these bookends a striking presence.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Alabaster

Vintage Pair of Music Note Bookends, Powder-Coated Orange
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Powder-Coated Orange Set of Music Note Bookends Pair of vintage brass bookends in newly powder-coated orange. This pair are classic music notes on a square base. Absolutely one of a...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Pair Solid Marble Bookends with Louis Vuitton Monogram Leather
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Pair of 1960's Marble Bookends Sculptures with Vintage Louis Vuitton Fabric, Mid Century Modern These LV monogrammed bookends have been custom ma...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Marble

Pair of Vintage Rare Freeform Geode Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Versatile set of white and gray colored geode bookends, circa 1960s. The set is in very good vintage condition. This particular set is a unique pair that parallels two sides. One s...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Rock Crystal

Pair of Sculptural Brass Jack / Jax Bookends in the Style of Bill Curry
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice pair of cast iron sculptural jack / jax bookends in the style of Bill Curry for Design Line, circa 1980s. The set is in good vintage condition and measures 10"W x 5.5"D x 4.5"...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Pair of Bronze "X O" Bookends in the Style of Curtis Jere
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool pair of bronze "X O" bookends in the style of Curtis Jere, circa 1990s. The pair are in very good vintage condition with a wonderful patina and measure 4"W x 5.5"D x 6.5...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Bronze

Pair of MCM Brass Bookends with Louis Vuitton Monogram Fabric
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Pair of 1970's Brass Bookends with Vintage Louis Vuitton Fabric, Mid Century Modern These monogrammed bookends have been custom made and hand cra...
Category

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Brass Bookends Dolphins with ball, France 1950s
Located in Appeltern, Gelderland
Unique pair of bookends, each of three dolphins holding a big globe They are made of brass. It is a beautiful set for any home or office decor and would look great on table top or bo...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Elephant Bookends, Blenko
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century solid cast glass stylized elephant bookends. Backs are polished smooth, while fronts are textured.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Art Glass

Mid-Century Modern Pair of Sailboat Bookends, Powder-Coated White
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Powder-Coated Creamy White Set of Mid-Century Sailboat Bookends Substantial in size and weight, these solid vintage brass newly powder-coated boats are both form and function. Fabu...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Rude Osolnik Bookends
Located in San Francisco, CA
Rude Osolnik design and crafted bookends. High quality walnut executed in a sculptural bookend, signed on bottom.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Walnut

1950s Japanese Owl Sculptures Brutalist Metalsmith Birds Iron like Isamu Noguchi
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Designed by an unknown Japanese craftsman. A pair of heavy welded metal abstract bird sculptures, minimalist in design and creation. Some remna...
Category

1950s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

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

Pair of Triangle Travertine Bookends by Fratelli Mannelli, 1960s
Located in Troy, MI
Fratelli Mannelli Triangle Travertine Bookends for Raymor Pair of travertine triangle form bookends made in Italy by Fratelli Mannelli for Raymor circa 1960s Additional Informatio...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Travertine

Carl Aubock Iron & Brass Coin Medal Midcentury Bookend, Austria, 1970s
Located in Vienna, AT
This is a rare modernist book end, designed and manufactured by Carl Auböck III in the 1970s. The bookend consists of a large brass medal, which displays the coat of arms of the hous...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass, Iron

Vintage Extending Book Slide, Venetian, Gilt, Tulipwood, Bookrest, Mid Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage extending book slide. A Venetian, gilt finished tulipwood bookrest, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950. Delightfully presented book slide, with appealing f...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Giltwood

Pair of Rare Carl Aubock Brass and Tin Book Ends, First Generation, 1935-1945
Located in Vienna, AT
Vintage, made in the very first pre-War period of the existence of the Werkstätte Auböck in Vienna. Model number: 3531 - Illustrated in the exhibition catalogue of the Vienna Histori...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal

Pair of Rare Emerald Green Glass Bookends by Blenko
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of solid emerald green bookends by Blenko excellent condition.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Glass

Ben Seibel Orb Bookends, Brass, Jenfred-Ware
Located in New York, NY
Ben Seibel Orb bookends, brass. Pair of rounded sculptural brass over white metal bookends with cutout handles - the form resembling Turkish kettlebells. The warm patina to the brass...
Category

1950s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal, Brass

Vintage Pair of Carved Aztec Onyx Stone Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful pair of onyx bookends. These beautiful pieces are carved in the likes of aztec warrior deities. The onyx veining and translucent beauty comes t...
Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Onyx

Funky Danish Bookends
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Funky Danish bookends-blond guy and dark guy caricatures! Well made and hand painted.
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Teak

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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