23 Of The Best Mid-Century Modern Bookcases (Updated!)
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Bookcases can do a whole lot more than store your favorite hardcover editions and well-loved paperbacks. They’re also an excellent way to create fabulous displays of home accessories, artwork, and more. You can also express a lot of your personal style through the bookcase you choose.
Will you opt for oversized, multi-shelf units that would make a library blush? Or, do you prefer some understated pieces where you can thoughtfully showcase your most beloved treasures? The choice is up to you, but oh, there are so many choices.
Whether wood, metal, glass, or anything in between, bookcases come in many forms, colors, and sizes. If you plan to create a space in your house with a mid-century vibe, a bookcase can be a valuable addition. No matter if it’s for storage or displaying your curated collections, we’ve gathered 23 options of mid-century modern bookcases so you can turn the page on your next design.
Check Out Our Favorite Mid-Century Modern Bookcases Below!
1. Cut Out Cubes
- Accessible Open Storage
- Wood Grain Veneer
- Sturdy Construction
Give your books and home decor a sophisticated look with the Modway Transmit Bookcase from Amazon. It features three tiers of offset cubes that sit atop splayed, tapered legs, perfect for displaying your treasures. It is 11.5 inches deep, 45 inches wide, and 52.5 inches tall.
2. A for Angled
- Floor Protectors
- Lifetime Warranty
- Modern Scandinavian Style
The A-shaped legs and angled design of the Nathan James Telos Cubby Shelf from Amazon give it a distinct shape and style. It features four separate cubes and comes in a striking combination of wood and glossy white. It is 36 inches by 16 inches by 32 inches.
3. Rustic and Retro
- Push-to-Open Doors
- Solid Rubberwood
- Holds 110 Pounds
Add a dash of rustic to your retro space with the VASAGLE Retro Bookcase from Amazon. With two shelves and a lower cabinet, you get a perfect mix of open and hidden storage. It’s 23.6 inches wide, 11.8 inches deep, and 47.2 inches tall and comes in brown or walnut.
4. S-Shaped Shelves
- Hollow Core Panel Construction
- Five-Tier Shelf
- Durable Metal Frame
The classic S-design gives the Bestier Bookcase from Amazon a geometric pattern that sings of mid-century modern style. It offers plenty of room to hold various memorabilia, artwork, and more, measuring 31.4 inches wide, 11.5 inches deep, and 59.4 inches tall. It’s also available in an oak finish.
5. Classic Tall Bookcase
- Adjustable Shelves
- Metal Hairpin Legs
- Open and Closed Storage
For an understated retro style and lots of modern beauty, the Walker Edison Tall Bookcase from Amazon fits the bill. It offers ample room, measuring 68 inches tall, 26 inches wide, and 14 inches deep, and you can choose from either dark walnut or slate grey finishes.
6. Sculptural Zig Zag
- Elegant Matte Finish
- Unique Geometric Silhouette
- Floating Design
With a perfect balance between contemporary and mid-century design, the Manhattan Comfort Petrolina Z-Shelf from Amazon features five cubbies and five open shelf spaces. It measures 30.91 inches wide, 72.44 inches tall, and 12.2 inches deep, and it comes in white, nut brown, or light brown finishes.
7. Streamlined Storage
- Handcrafted
- Protective Lacquer
- Recessed Drawer Pulls
Offering sleek book storage and a timeless design, the SIMPLIHOME Draper Bookcase features solid wood construction, 6 shelves, and two drawers. It is 35 inches wide, 14 inches deep, and 64 inches tall, and it is available in white, teak brown, and medium auburn brown. The pulls showcase an antique brass finish.
8. Slim and Sophisticated
- Space-Saving Size
- Hand-Finished Stain
- One Year Warranty
If you’re working with limited space, think narrow and tall for your storage pieces. This slim DRAPER Bookcase from SIMPLIHOME is 14 inches deep, 22 inches wide, 64 inches tall and features recessed drawer pulls in antique brass. Plus, you can choose from teak brown or medium auburn brown stains.
9. Open Concept Display
- No Assembly Required
- Welded Together
- Elm Finish
A classic retro mix of wood and iron gives this RIVET Bookcase from Amazon an industrial flavor. The stair-step design of the shelf offers visual interest as well as multi-level storage space. The piece is 47.2 inches by 31.5 inches by 14.2 inches and works well in small spaces.
10. Timeless Combination Storage
- Kiln-Dried Eucalyptus Wood
- GREENGUARD Gold Certified
- Anti-Tip Kit Included
This classic bookcase from West Elm makes a perfect addition to your living room or office. With three drawers for the things you want to store out of sight and spacious shelves for the rest, it’s functional and beautiful. Measuring 20.5 inches wide, 19 inches deep, and 69 inches tall.
11. Bookcase Display
- Adjustable Levelers
- Low Emission Wood
- Easy to Assemble
This small and stylish bookcase, designed by Mark Daniels for Crate & Barrel, is a perfect addition to a kid’s room. The four separate cubbies offer an excellent way to display book covers and hold toys and other odds and ends. It measures 36 inches wide, 14 inches deep, and 30 inches tall.
12. Ladder Bookcase
- Steel and Wood Frame
- Wall-Mount Feature
- Space-Saving Design
The slim silhouette and industrial vibes of the Ciotti Ladder Bookcase by George Oliver from Wayfair give it a sturdy yet delicate appearance. It’s a great storage solution for a small space, featuring four roomy shelves. It is 59.1 inches tall, 25.19 inches wide, and 13.77 inches deep.
13. Geometric Design
- Open Back
- Anti-Tip Kit Included
- 90-Day Warranty
Bold and crisp are great ways to describe the contemporary lines of the Angelica Geometric Bookcase by Hashtag Home from Wayfair. Available in white or nut brown, this piece offers five offset cubes for storage and measures 72.44 inches tall, 30.91 inches wide, and 12.2 inches deep.
14. Classic Corner Shelves
- Paper Melamine Veneer
- Easy to Maintain
- Available in Multiple Colors
The space-saving qualities of the Piotrowski Corner Bookcase by George Oliver from Wayfair certainly don’t come at the expense of style. The unit offers five shelves in a seamless design that works well in multiple spaces and schemes. It is 71 inches tall, 16.5 inches wide, and 16.5 inches deep.
15. Beautiful in Brass
- Powder Coated Steel Frame
- Wood and Glass Shelves
- Also Available in Black
For an elegant and airy display piece in your mid-century modern space, check out this stunning Lilyana Steel Geometric Bookcase by Wade Logan® from Wayfair. The streamlined shape and open-concept design make this piece visually light and interesting. It is 72 inches tall, 40 inches wide, and 13 inches deep.
16. Boxy with an Open Back
- 8 Separate Shelves
- Freestanding Shelving Unit
- Cam-Bolt Joinery
Ready to elevate your room’s style? The Chrysanthos Geometric Bookcase by Mercury Row® from Wayfair provides a contemporary and sharp look to your modern living space. It measures 71 inches tall, 35.5 inches wide, and 11.5 inches deep and is available in both black and white finishes.
17. Angled Profile
- Handmade
- Customizable Legs
- Various Wood Stains Available
This beautiful and unique mid-century bookshelf from Etsy showcases a classic vintage charm through its angled design and rich wood grain. The open space on the bottom and in the legs keeps the piece from feeling too visually heavy. It is 28 inches wide, 12 inches deep, and 36 inches tall.
18. Short and Stylish
- Natural Wood Grain Variations
- Customizable Options
- High-Quality Hardwood Legs
For a handcrafted piece with retro flair, consider this mid-century modern bookshelf from Etsy. It offers a zig-zag pattern, perfect for adding lots of style to a smaller space. It is 36 inches wide, 12 inches deep, and 30 inches tall, but you can customize the size and the color.
19. Visually Light and Airy
- Easy to Clean Underneath
- Powder-Coated Steel Frame
- Includes Two Drawers
To keep your storage from feeling too visually heavy, try the Zachary Steel Ladder Bookcase by Orren Ellis from Wayfair. The unique look and finishes on this set of wall-mounted shelves almost give it the appearance that it’s floating in mid-air. It’s 72.44 inches tall, 24 inches wide, and 12 inches deep.
20. Refined and Rustic
- Tapered Metal Legs
- Warm Honey Brown Finish
- Solid Wood Construction
Featuring an urban-inspired style, the Skyla Wood Geometric Bookcase by Corrigan Studio® from Wayfair provides a rustic approach to modern design. It consists of seven open compartments for showing off your favorite collections and belongings. It’s 36 inches tall, 47 inches wide, and 14 inches deep.
21. Mix Wood and Metal
- Raised Back Panels
- Includes Wall-Mounting Hardware
- Steel and Wood Construction
The mix of gold-finished metal and warm cherry tones give the Rexdale Etagere Bookcase by Mercury Row® from Wayfair a luxe, retro vibe. It’s 31.88 inches tall, 60 inches wide, and 16 inches deep, and it has three shelves to display your books, art, and more.
22. Boomerang Bookcase
- Solid Wood Construction
- Natural Wood Grain Variations
- Each Shelf Holds 25 Pounds
There’s no denying that the contours and profile of the Hazleton Etagere Bookcase from AllModern are aesthetically appealing and conversation starters. The unique boomerang design gives this piece a modern, retro edge without compromising on storage space. This bookcase measures 66 inches tall, 40 inches wide, and 17 inches deep.
23. Two-Tone Statement
- Recycled Materials
- Honeycomb Inlay Panels
- Finished Back
Sporting a sleek, wide silhouette, the Anais Geometric Bookcase from AllModern provides ample storage with its five shelves and numerous cubbies. The zig-zag pattern is distinctly retro, and the two-tone finish adds interest. It measures 63 inches tall, 61 inches wide, and 13 inches deep and comes in a variety of color combinations.
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