Skip to main content

Teak Bookcases

to
20
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
179
74
253
15
1
136
79
12
4
1
1
2
5
246
16
6
210
17
1
1
42
123
11
16,991
4,417
1,855
996
859
202
144
92
36
20
269
255
256
14
12
9
8
7
Material: Teak
Expertly Restored - Bertil Fridhagen Teak Oak Bookcase Cabinet for Bodafors
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Category

1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Brass

1960s, Teak Bookcase By Carl Axel Acking for Bodafors, Sweden
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Teak Bookcase with Drawers by Carl Axel Acking for Bodafors (Sweden, 1950s–60s) A beautifully proportioned teak bookcase designed by renowned Swedish architect and designer Carl Axel...
Category

1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Brass

A pair of Mid Century Modern Danish Bookcases with Storage Cabinets. Circa 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of Vintage Single-Column Danish Teak Bookcases with Cabinet Storage. Circa 1970s Features a mid-century modern Scandinavian minimali...
Category

1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Drop-Down Bookcase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Teak, Original Brass Skeleton Key Style: Danish Modern This Danish Modern teak drop-down bookcase, crafted in the 1960s, is a beau...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Danish Mid-Century Modern Chest from Bornholms Møbelfabrik, 1970s
Located in Breda, Netherlands
Danish midcentury small sideboard or bookcase in beautiful teak veneer by Bornholms Møbelfabrik, as indicated by the used door grips. This ...
Category

1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

1950s, Double Wall Unit / Bookcase in Teak Veneer, Sweden
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
1950s, Sweden — elegant double wall unit crafted in teak and golden teak veneer, with uprights in solid beech. The composition features two lower cabinets: one with four drawers, a h...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak, Beech

Osvaldo Borsani and Agenore Fabbri E22 shelving system for Tecno, Italy, 1950s
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
This E22 modular bookcase/wall system, conceived by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, presents a remarkably poetic and functional architecture of display and storage. The composition begins...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid Century Danish Modern Combination Bookshelf Dining Table Desk by Domino
Located in New York, NY
Unusual Mid Century Danish Modern combination bookshelf, desk, dining table, made by Domino Mobelfabrik, circa 1960/70s. The case features open shelves at the lower section of the p...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

“Sistema Reale” Modular Bookshelf by Poul Cadovius for Cado
Located in Roma, RM
“Sistema Reale” Modular Bookshelf by Poul Cadovius for Cado Product details Scandinavian shelving system with five wall panels supporting various shelves, drawers, and display cabine...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Metal

A large mid century modern hutch by UP Møbelfabrik, Denmark circa 1965
Located in View Park, CA
An imposing Danish mid century modern bookshelf / shelving unit / hutch in teak wood UP Møbelfabrik, mid twentieth century. The glorious grain of this wood really shines on this piec...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern wide teak tall bookcase (2) cabinet doors Made in Denmark
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning Mid-Century Modern wide teak tall bookcase with (2) cabinet doors Made in Denmark. This bookcase is completely original and in very good vintage condition. The bookcase has ...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern Teak Danish Bookcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Striking mid-century modern Danish bookcase and media cabinet crafted from richly grained teak. Tall and elegant, it features open shelving above and enclosed storage below, offering...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Grete Jalk Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Design Teak Bookcases, 1950s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern design teak bookcases set designed by Grete Jalk and produced by P. Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, movable vertical partition...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Vintage Mid Century Modern Danish Bookcase. Circa 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
Features a modern Scandinavian minimalist design with a beautiful teak wood grain. Offers plenty of storage space with three adjustable floating shelves edged with solid teak profile...
Category

1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Antique and Meaningful Dutch Arts Crafts Bookcase w. Learning Theme Sculptures
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique three-door Arts & Crafts bookcase / book shelves cabinet with hand carved sculptural door panels, the carved panels strongly resemble the work of the Dutch famous sculptor Lam...
Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Teak Bookcases

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Mid-Century Modern Glass and Teak Display Bookcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A mid-century modern display bookcase crafted in warm teak and fitted with sleek glass doors. The piece offers a balanced blend of open visibility and enclosed storage, making it ide...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Teak

Pierre Jeanneret, Authentic PJ-R-27-B, Circa 1955, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Hasselt, VLI
Authentic PJ-R-27-B by Pierre Jeanneret - This double-sided low cupboard, known as “5-hole rack” or "file rack” by Pierre Jeanneret, usually made in solid sisso (Indian rosewood) or ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Wood, Teak

A British Colonial Teakwood Bookcase
Located in Chicago, IL
A handsome British Colonial bookcase, crafted in solid teakwood and designed with classic glass-paneled doors for displaying books and cherished objects. Divided into upper and lower...
Category

Early 20th Century Burmese British Colonial Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Bibliothèque étagère italienne double modulable vintage en teck et métal
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Bibliothèque étagère modulable vintage style scandinave des années 60, en 2 parties, superbe design italien : série Selex de Barovero Torino, en teck et métal noir, 5 étagères ouvert...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Mid Century Modern Danish Style Teak G Plan Form Five Two Section Bookcase 1967
Located in Portland, OR
Original Mid Century Modern two section Danish style teak bookcase on cabinet, by G-Plan from the " Form Five " range, designed by Roger Bennett, 1967. This very stylish mid century ...
Category

1960s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Bibliothèque étagère italienne double modulable vintage en bois et métal
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Bibliothèque étagère modulable vintage style scandinave des années 60, en 2 parties, en bois foncé et métal noir, 3 étagères ouvertes, 3 caissons de rangement fermés par des portes a...
Category

1960s Italian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Modular Bookcase in Teak Design Vittorio Dassi, 1960s
Located in taranto, IT
Original 1960s teak bookcase, Vittorio Dassi design, composed of three wooden uprights (not metal!), 3 closed elements of which 2 with sliding doors and one with folding doors, and 6...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Ilmari Tapiovaara Modular Bookshelf "Pala" In Teak, Asko 1950s
Located in Helsinki, FI
This monumental bookshelf "Pala" is by Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara (1914-1999) for Asko. A perfect example of a mid 20-th century bookshelf design from the 1950-1960s. It is ...
Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Mid Century Danish Teak Room Divider Credenza Bookcase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This mid-century bookcase/room divider was designed in Denmark during the 1960s. This handsome bookcase is a wonderful storage piece, with lower storage cupboards, three drawers and ...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Danish Modern Teak Bookcase, 1960s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Teak Bookcase, 1960s. Danish Mid-Century Modern bookcase and cabinet in teak. Manufactured in Denmark in the 1960s. In the style of Carlo Jensen/Hundevad/Børge Mogensen...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Danish Teak Bookcases
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A pair of mid-century modern–style Danish teak bookcases featuring clean lines and warm, classic wood grain. Each unit offers generous open shelving ideal for books, display pieces, ...
Category

Late 20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

1960s Pair of Teak Cabinets / Room Dividers by Kajsa Nils "Nisse" Strinning
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
This modular teak shelving system, designed by Kajsa and Nils "Nisse" Strinning in the 1960s, is a prime example of Scandinavian functionalism. Versatile sectional design, perfect a...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Teak

Davis Cabinet Co Teakwood Chinoiserie Library Bookcase Cabinet Shelf Commode
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Davis Cabinet Company bookcase commode. Made of teakwood featuring Asian styling with upper book shelves and lower cabinet. Circa late 20th century, Nashville Tennessee. #151...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Ilmari Tapiovaara for La Permanente Mobili Cantù Bookcase
Located in Waalwijk, NL
IImari Tapiovaara for Permanente Mobili Cantù, bookcase, teak, colored fabric, Italy, design 1957 This grand bookcase, executed in teak, is designed by the Finnish designer Ilmari T...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Teak

Vintage Danish Teak Bookcases, Set of Three, Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit, 1960s
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
An elegant Set of Three Danish bookcases, crafted from teak veneer in a Mid-Century Modern style, featuring multiple shelves for ample storage and display. Each bookcase is made fro...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Poul Cadovius, Teak Royal System, Scandinavian Midcentury, Denmark 1960s
Located in Göteborg, SE
Poul Cadovius designed the Royal System shelving system in 1948. It was one of the world's first shelves that hung on the wall, freeing up floor space. The shelving system quickly be...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Danish Cabinet w/ Smoked Glass Bookcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish made teak two door cabinet with a bookcase topper featuring a two door smoked glass cabinet. This two piece unit gives great storage with a modern appeal. Please confirm locat...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Smoked Glass, Teak

Danish Teak Bookcase by Domino Møbler
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A mid-century modern Danish stackable bookcase crafted in warm teak by Domino Møbler of Denmark. This versatile piece features integrated lighting, a fold-out writing table with a fu...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Danish Freestanding Teak Shelf System 1950s with Cabinets
Located in Handewitt, DE
Danish freestanding and conical shaped teak shelf system with cabinets, bar, shelfes and double chest of drawers. With nice teak color and in origina...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Swedish Sky / Floor Bookcase in Teak and Brass, 1960s
Located in taranto, IT
Large Swedish sky / earth bookcase, original from the 1960s, made of teak with three compartments on four metal uprights, floor and ceiling fixing with brass elements, shelves and do...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Bibliothèque étagère modulable vintage style scandinave moderniste en teck
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Bibliothèque étagère des années 60, style scandinave moderniste dans le goût des meubles de Antoine Philippon et Jacqueline Lecoq pour Degorre ou de Pierre Guariche pour ARP Minviell...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Danish Teak Stackable Bookcase by Domino Møbler
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A beautiful mid-century modern Danish stackable bookcase crafted in warm, richly grained teak by Domino Møbler of Denmark. This modular unit features integrated lighting for dramatic...
Category

Late 20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Tall Teak Danish Modern Bookcase / Secretary Desk
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: Unknown Era: 1960s Materials: Teak Measurements: 37.5″ wide x 17.5″ deep (25.5" with desk pulled out)x 73″ tall
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Pair of Wall-Mounted Bookcases in Solid Teak by Mogensen Koch
Located in Lejre, DK
Pair of units in solid Teak. Designed by Mogens Koch for Rud. Rasmussen cabinetmakers in 1933. Made in Denmark. Great original condition.
Category

1950s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

MCM Modular Upright Bookcase, Teak, Warm Finish, Denmark, c. 1960s
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
A distinctive bookcase in the mid-century modern Scandinavian tradition, crafted from richly grained teak veneer and showcasing a sleek, upright profile with open shelving above and ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

1960s Teak Book Case System Børge Mogensen FDB Mobler Danish Mid-Century Modern
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Eight foot wide, set of four modular teak bookcases, two with plinth bases, and two without. All shelves are adjustable, four adjustable shelves per unit. Some ink stamp marked on b...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Danish Dresser w/ Cabinet Topper
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Danish made teak unit packs a lot of storage into a small footprint. A chest of drawers at the base with a two door cabinet bookcase on top. Please confirm location with vendor...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Teak Sliding Door Bookcase by Henry Walter Klein, 1960s
Located in Savannah, GA
A teak bookcase with sliding smoked glass door by Henry Walter Klein for Bramin, Denmark, 1960s. 48 ¾ inches wide by 17 inches deep by 48 ½ inches
Category

1960s Danish Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Ilmari Tapiovaara for La Permanente Mobili Cantù Bookcase in Teak and Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
IImari Tapiovaara for Esposizione Permanente Mobili Cantù, bookcase, teak, walnut veneer, Italy, 1957 This impressive bookcase, crafted in teak and walnut, was submitted to the Sele...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak, Walnut

Danish Mid-Century Modern Corner Teak Bookcase Shelving Unit Etagere Mint!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Danish Mid-Century Modern Corner teak bookcase shelving unit Eetagere MINT!
Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Danish Teak Tambour Doors Long Credenza Dresser Server with Glass Doors Hutch
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Danish Mid-Century Modern finished back teak long credenza with sliding glass doors hutch.
Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Teak

Lyby Mobler Danish Modern Modular Teak Cabinet and Bookshelf
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This Lyby Mobler Danish-Modern modular teak cabinet / bookshelf is a superb example of Scandinavian design that combines form, craftsmanship, and flexibility in one elegant unit. Me...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

LB7 Bookshelves, Franco Albini for Poggi, 1960
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The LB7 "Infinito" bookcase by Franco Albini for Poggi is an iconic creation of 1950s Italian design. This bookcase, designed in 1957, bears Albini's distinctive signature with its c...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Antique Bookcase
Located in BEEKBERGEN, NL
Beautiful antique teak colonial bookcase in Globe Wernicke style. It is a stackable cabinet consisting of six sections. The sections are beautifully deep and tall, with four drawers ...
Category

1880s Indian Antique Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

1960s Bookcase Shelves "Parade" by Kajsa Nils Nisse Strinning , Denmark
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
This beautiful modular teak shelving system, designed by Kajsa and Nils "Nisse" Strinning in the 1960s, is a prime example of Scandinavian functionalism. Versatile sectional design,...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Franco Albini Infinito Modular Bookcase
Located in Milano, IT
Franco Albini (1905-1977) Infinito original book unit. Large modular bookcase made up of 6 vertical uprights, container elements with hinged doors and lo...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Danish Modern Teak Shelving Unit with Vertical Record Storage
Located in Freehold, NJ
This Danish Modern teak shelving unit features pressed wood construction, teak veneer with original finish, two adjustable shelves up top, vertical...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Modern Bookcase in Teak by Lawrence Peabody
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Lawrence Peabody Manufacturer: Craft Associates Furniture Period/Model: Mid-Century Modern Specs: Teak This Lawrence Peabody modern bookcase cabinet for Craft Associates Furniture is expertly hand crafted. The Peabody collection pieces are licensed reintroductions for Craft Associates. This bookcase cabinet is solid black walnut and Claro walnut veneer. It is available in multiple variations (all walnut / black or normal sliding door / brass or black pulls). Craft Associates Furniture is proud each modern piece is made in the US. We strive to craft a product that will stand the test of time. We use the best materials and have the best craftsman and upholstery in the business. We stand 100% behind our product. Dimensions: H 49" (124.46cm) L 58.875" (149.54cm) D 14.5" (36.83cm) Drawer interiors 8" width (20.32cm) x 12" depth (30.48cm) History Lawrence “Larry” Peabody (1924-2002) was an architect, interior designer, and furniture designer. As an American born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, his distinctive design were often influenced by his Scandinavian roots. Lawrence studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, Denmark and at the Rhode Island School of Design. His early career with Selig Mfg. Co. was prolific and helped put both himself and Selig on the map for modern furniture. He then started Lawrence Peabody & Associates in 1955, a design firm in Boston which included a vast client list (Sears, Roebuck & Co., Kohler, Regal Rugs, Boyd Lighting, Chapman Lamps, and Richardson Brothers). In 1961, Mr. Peabody won a Citation for Merit for his Peabody Collection for Richardson/ Nemschoff. Winner of the 1962 International A.I.D. design award for his wood frame rattan cradle...
Category

2010s American Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Ilmari Tapiovaara Bookcase Produced by La Permanente Mobili
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare and large freestanding bookcase designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara. Produced by La Permanente Mobili, Cantù in Italy.
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Mogens Koch Bookcase Wall Unit
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modular bookcase unit executed in teak, designed by Mogens Koch for Rud Rasmussen. This impressive set is comprised of nine individual units, including 6 bookshelves and 3 base cabin...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Poul Cadovius Midcentury Bücher- Wandregal Royal Systeme Cado
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes großes Wandregal vom dänischen Traditionshersteller Cado aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Das Regalsystem wurde von Poul Cadovius entworfen und erla...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

1960s Open Bookcase with Chest of Drawers by Vittorio Dassi for G. Cecchini C.
Located in Vigonza, Padua
1960s Open Bookcase with Chest of Drawers by Vittorio Dassi for G. Cecchini and C in Massive and Veneered Teak. Polished brass accessories and lacquered metal legs Vittorio Dassi Th...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Danish Bookcase w/ Storage
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This mid-century modern standing bookcase features adjustable shelves, drawers, and drop front cabinet storage. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Isa Bergamo Wall Bookstore, Italy 1960s
Located in Naples, IT
Hanging bookcase made of teak veneer wood and enameled metal rod. Produced in the 1960s by ISA BERGAMO. Featuring metal supports and 4 wooden shelves, the bookcase has a suspended, a...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Bookcase
Located in Tulsa, OK
**Please Read Entire Description** Please view all listing pictures on a laptop if possible. Some cell phones don’t display all listing pictures and some could be pictures relating to condition. Please read all the way down through this entire description box to view the entire description of the item. Please keep in mind that these are 40-75 year old items and will have some expected normal wear. We strive to represent our items well, and most of these items are in above average vintage condition. Noticeable flaws will be represented in the listing pictures and the text but we cannot describe or picture every small scratch, ding, or area of slight wear. Once delivered, furniture CANNOT be refused, returned, or refunded unless damage has occurred in the shipping process. Our shipper takes care to wrap each item and pack it safely therefore we have rarely had any issues with damage in transit. All items must be picked up within 3 weeks of order if buyer secures his own shipper. Shipping usually requires 3-6 weeks delivery through our shipping contacts and is only available in the continental US for large furniture items. Some smaller items are available to be shipped internationally through USPS/UPS. * * * Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Bookcase...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Teak Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Vintage Teak Bookcases for Sale on 1stDibs

A vintage teak bookcase — or perhaps more than one — is essential to creating a cozy nook for any book lover.

As long as curious people have collected stories, we have needed a piece of storage furniture to stow them away and preserve them. When auction houses and book dealers proliferated by the late 17th century, the bibliophile was born. And, of course, as with any treasured decorative objects or collectibles, a book lover’s volumes were suddenly worthy of a luxurious display — enter the bookcase.

Americans of means during the 19th century took to amassing art as well as rare books, and bookcases of the era — rife with hand-carved decorative accents and architectural motifs — were ideal for displaying their handsome leather-bound wares.

Although our favorite titles may change over the years, the functionality and beauty of their home within our home is timeless. Even those who don’t covet the perfect home library can benefit from an attractive display case, as bookcases can easily double as charming étagères

Appreciated for its dense grain and rich luster, old-growth teak was a sought-after material among mid-century modern designers who created bookcases and other structures for the home — and who also pushed teak to the brink of extinction.

“Teak is incredibly slow-growing, so much of what is still harvested is young, and from a sustainability standpoint, this is far from ideal,” says Brian Volk-Zimmerman of Volk Furniture in Brooklyn. When he does use it, he only goes for reclaimed teak, as many species of the tree have been over-forested.

It wasn’t always this way. In the previous century, according to Jenny Cashin — owner of the shop Mid-Century Modern Home, in British Columbia — Danish designers, and Scandinavian modernists in general, harvested teak as much as they liked. This enhanced their pieces’ handcrafted look and came to define the timeless simple shapes of mid-century modern design. While America embraced mass-produced design by the likes of Herman Miller and Charles and Ray Eames, Scandinavian manufacturers held fast to their handmade traditions, as seen in vintage Scandinavian bookcases from the 1950s and ’60s.

If you opt for a teak bookcase, experts recommend that it be oiled on a regular basis to maintain its original color.

Maybe you don’t wish to fill your storage piece so that your collection is snug within its confines. If not, incorporate extra space to allow for additional displays and decorative objects. And by introducing a striking dark wood Art Deco bookcase or low-profile mid-century modern design by Paul McCobb into your living room, your signed first editions won’t be the only items making a statement. 

Find vintage teak bookcases and other bookcases on 1stDibs now.

Still Thinking About These?

All Recently Viewed