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Victorian Open Bookcase Mirrored Back
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Unusual Early Victorian Open Bookcase. This Bookcase is Raised Upon a Plinth Base. Period Victorian
Category

Vintage 1980s Victorian Bookcases

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Victorian Open Bookcase Mirrored Back
Victorian Open Bookcase Mirrored Back
H 51 in W 36.5 in D 13 in
Victorian Open Front Bookcase Mirrored Back
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Unusual Early Victorian Open Bookcase. This Bookcase is Raised Upon a Plinth Base. Period Victorian
Category

Vintage 1980s Victorian Bookcases

Materials

Wood

L&JG Stickley Open Bookcase with Chamfered Board Back (2 Available)
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
L&JG Stickley open bookcase with chamfered board back and tenon & key construction c1906-1912
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Bookcases

Materials

Oak

VINTAGE TALL OPEN SOLID BOOKCASE 5 SHELVES MADE BY YOUNGER FURNITURE LONDON j1
Located in Pulborough, GB
home decor aesthetics. The open-back concept of the bookcase allows for the display of items from
Category

20th Century British Bookcases

Materials

Oak

1970's Italian wooden bookcase
Located in Nijlen, VAN
1970's Italian wooden bookcase This open-backed bookshelf, purchased in Italy in the 1970s, exudes
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Bookcases

Materials

Wood

1970's Italian wooden bookcase
1970's Italian wooden bookcase
H 59.85 in W 33.47 in D 9.06 in
Walnut Solid Wood Low Bookcase Storage with Open Back and Thick Shelves
By Alabama Sawyer
Located in Birmingham, AL
. Hand oiled finish. Made-to-measure. Pricing for bookcase in walnut in the 48" L version. All wood
Category

2010s American Organic Modern Shelves

Materials

Wood

Walnut Solid Wood Bookcase Media Center Storage with Open Back and Thick Shelves
Located in Birmingham, AL
. As a bookcase or media center, this beautiful, versatile piece of wooden furniture combines form and
Category

2010s American Organic Modern Shelves

Materials

Wood

Danish Modern Floating-Top Teak Desk with Bookcase by Dyrlund
By Dyrlund
Located in Miami, FL
, and two open bookcases in the back for additional storage; the whole floating between the sled style
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Desk by Valdemar Mortensen, 1960s.
By Vald Mortensen
Located in Asaa, DK
. Open back with bookcase and cabinet/bar unit. Cabinet has drop down door with lock. Rounded tapered
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Pair of Large Open Back Bookcases Shelves Wall Units Room Dividers
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of very nice high quality all solid wood craftsmanship free standing bookcases - room dividers.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Large Walnut Open Bookcase
Located in Cheshire, GB
Walnut open breakfront bookcase, the raised back to the large rectangular top above an arrangement
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Bookcases

Large Walnut Open Bookcase
Large Walnut Open Bookcase
H 43.5 in W 55.5 in D 13.5 in
Danish teak desk with open bookcase back in the style of Arne Vodder
By Arne Vodder
Located in Sayreville, NJ
Danish teak desk with open bookcase back in the style of Arne Vodder. Gorgeous Scandinavian teak
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

A Signed Dunbar Demi-lune Shaped Bookcase Desk
Located in New York, NY
A signed Dunbar demi-lune shaped mahogany bookcase desk with seven drawers and open bookcase back
Category

Vintage 1940s Desks

Midcentury Danish Modern Teak Wood Floating Top Writing Desk with Cubby Back
Located in Philadelphia, PA
open bookcase rear, unique joinery, solid wood construction, beautiful wood grain, finished back
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Kai Kristiansen Danish Writing Desk
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Oakland, CA
with brass pulls and circular cabinet. Finely finished back with open bookcase and cabinet. Tapered
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Kai Kristiansen Danish Writing Desk
Kai Kristiansen Danish Writing Desk
H 28.75 in W 54 in D 28 in
Vintage Danish Rosewood Desk, 1960s
Located in London, GB
and an open bookcase back. A very beautiful example boasting deep Rosewood colour and patterned
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Rosewood

Vintage Danish Rosewood Desk, 1960s
Vintage Danish Rosewood Desk, 1960s
H 27.56 in W 61.03 in D 29.34 in
Fully Restored Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Day Desk, 1950s
Located in Rome, IT
an open bookcase in the back and three drawers on the front This writing tables in made of teak wood
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage Danish Teak Desk by Domino Møbler, 1960s
By Domino Møbler
Located in Asaa, DK
, two with lock. Square drawer pulls in solid teak. Back has three open compartments/bookcases. Square
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Vintage Danish Teak Desk by Gunnar Nielsen Tibergaard for Tibergaard, 1960s
By Gunnar Nielsen Tibergaard
Located in London, GB
with wide and slim handles. The back has a beautiful open bookcase back, which is a lovely feature for
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

Vintage Danish Teak Desk by Tibergaard, 1960s
By Gunnar Nielsen Tibergaard
Located in Asaa, DK
. Another shelf between the drawer modules. Back features an open bookcase in the entire length of the desk
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Vintage Danish Teak Desk by Tibergaard, 1960s
Vintage Danish Teak Desk by Tibergaard, 1960s
H 28.75 in W 51.19 in D 25.99 in
Danish Modern Teak Desk by Tibergaard, 1960s
By Gunnar Nielsen Tibergaard
Located in Asaa, DK
features one open bookcase. Beautiful bookmatched veneer on all surfaces, frame and legs in solid teak
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Danish Modern Teak Desk by Tibergaard, 1960s
Danish Modern Teak Desk by Tibergaard, 1960s
H 28.75 in W 53.75 in D 26.58 in
1960s Danish Vintage Teak Desk
Located in London, GB
original, this has a lovely warm color and even tone. There is a built in open bookcase on the back, so
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

1960s Danish Vintage Teak Desk
1960s Danish Vintage Teak Desk
H 29.14 in W 53.15 in L 29.14 in
Vintage Danish Freestanding Teak Desk by Tibergaard, 1960s.
By Gunnar Nielsen Tibergaard
Located in Asaa, DK
each pedestal is an open shelf. Back features two open bookcases with one height adjustable shelf each
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Danish Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Desk by Valdemar Mortensen, 1960s
By Vald Mortensen
Located in Asaa, DK
. Open back with bookcase and cabinet. Cabinet has drop down door with lock. Rounded tapered legs with
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Vintage Danish Freestanding Teak Desk with Floating Top, 1960s.
Located in Asaa, DK
drawers each. All drawers with full width sculpted pulls. Back has two open shelves/bookcases and a bar
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Vintage Danish Freestanding Teak Desk with Floating Top, 1950s.
Located in Asaa, DK
drawers with eyelid pulls, two drawers with lock, key included. Back features two open bookcases and one
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Danish Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Desk by Valdemar Mortensen, 1960s
By Vald Mortensen
Located in Asaa, DK
are open shelf. Open back with bookcase and cabinet/bar unit. Cabinet has drop down door with lock
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Svend Aage Madesen Teak desk
By Sigurd Hansen Møbelfabrik
Located in London, GB
detailing on both the legs and draw handles. With six drawers at its front and an open bookcase at its back
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

Svend Aage Madesen Teak desk
Svend Aage Madesen Teak desk
H 27.56 in W 59.06 in D 28.35 in
Mid Century Danish Oak Desk By Arne Vodder For Sibast Vintage Retro MCM
By Sibast, Arne Vodder
Located in Cambridge, GB
. The desk is made in oak and features two sets of three drawers and open bookcase to the back
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Roche Bobois 'Omega' Illuminated Glass Shelf Open-Back Bookcase Etagere
By Roche Bobois
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This phenomenal 'Omega' bookcase designed by Daniel Rode for Roche Bobois (Paris) features a design
Category

2010s French Modern Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Tall French Bleached Oak Bookcase or Étagère with Adjustable Shelves
Located in Chicago, IL
, carved reeded supports, an open back and adjustable shelves. Bookcase breaks down to two pieces for
Category

Early 20th Century French Bookcases

Materials

Oak

Kai Kristiansen Danish Teak Bookcase Kneehole Desk, Circa 1950s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Peabody, MA
open shelving bookcase sections so that desk can be floated in a room if desired. This early version
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Gunni Omann Executive Teak Danish Modern Desk Model #75
By Gunni Omann
Located in Newfoundland, PA
draws. Features a fold down mini bar storage as well as open bookcases on the back of the desk. Simply
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

Vintage Danish Teak Desk by Tibergaard, 1960s
By Gunnar Nielsen Tibergaard
Located in Asaa, DK
. Another shelf between the drawer modules. Back features an open bookcase in the entire length of the desk
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Vintage Danish Teak Desk by Tibergaard, 1960s
Vintage Danish Teak Desk by Tibergaard, 1960s
H 28.55 in W 51.19 in D 25.99 in
Danish Modern Rosewood Desk by Svend Aage Madsen 1960s
By Sigurd Hansen Møbelfabrik, Svend Åge Madsen
Located in Asaa, DK
workspace. The back features an open bookcase with adjustable shelf. Rounded tapered legs in solid Rosewood
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Victorian Mahogany Open Bookcase
Located in Vancouver, BC
Solid mahogany open bookcase with panelled back, moulded rectangular top over two (2) open
Category

Antique 19th Century Scottish Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

Victorian Mahogany Open Bookcase
Victorian Mahogany Open Bookcase
H 48 in W 53 in D 16 in
George IV Rosewood Open Bookcase
Located in Newcastle Upon Tyne, GB
An early 19th century George IV rosewood break back open bookcase. The bookcase has six
Category

Antique 1830s British George IV Bookcases

Materials

Rosewood

George IV Rosewood Open Bookcase
George IV Rosewood Open Bookcase
H 39 in W 72 in D 20 in
Mahogany Tall Narrow Open Bookcase
Located in Atlanta, GA
decorative items in a narrow space. We date this vintage open bookcase back to the year 1980 or so. The
Category

Vintage 1980s English Georgian Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

Mahogany Tall Narrow Open Bookcase
Mahogany Tall Narrow Open Bookcase
H 72 in W 32 in D 12 in
Huge William IV Antique Mahogany Open Bookcase.
Located in Lancashire, GB
splits into two sections. The top open mahogany bookcase is stepped back in depth and sits on top of the
Category

Antique 19th Century English Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

Mid-Century Modern Solid Maple Desk
Located in San Diego, CA
open back bookcase. Very nice original condition. Circa 1960's.
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique Mahogany 4 Door Bookcase, Lawyers Sectional Bookcase, 1920s, B2352
Located in Vancouver, BC
doors that open and slide back into the bookcase Original brass pulls Solid mahogany sides All
Category

Vintage 1920s Scottish Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

George III Style Chinoiserie Decorated Secretary Desk
Located in Miami, FL
molded cornice above to wire mesh doors that open up to a glass back bookcase, the lower section has a
Category

Antique 19th Century English George III Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Quality Leaded Glass Oak Sectional Bookcase Globe Wernicke, Canada 1910, H1179
Located in Vancouver, BC
lifting knobs The doors open and retract back into the bookcase Below the bottom section there is drawer
Category

Vintage 1910s Canadian Cabinets

Materials

Oak

Art Deco Cabinet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Unusual hexagonal Art Deco cabinet with mirrored back and open bookcases on either side. Comes with
Category

Vintage 1940s American Cabinets

Art Deco Cabinet
Art Deco Cabinet
H 471.2 in W 46.5 in D 12 in
Pair of Italian Lamps
Located in Seattle, WA
made with an open back to light a bookcase or fire surround.Could be shipped by UPS.
Category

20th Century Italian Table Lamps

Materials

Wood, Paint

Pair of Italian Lamps
Pair of Italian Lamps
H 18.25 in W 8.5 in D 4 in
Regency Rosewood and Brass Mounted Side Cabinet
Located in Bradford on Avon, GB
cabinet stands on hairy brass paws to the front and solid rosewood feet to the back. The open bookcase is
Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Cabinets

Regency Rosewood and Brass Mounted Side Cabinet
Regency Rosewood and Brass Mounted Side Cabinet
H 37.41 in W 47.84 in D 13.78 in
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Open Back Bookcase For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal open back bookcase for your home. Frequently made of wood, walnut and metal, every open back bookcase was constructed with great care. If you’re shopping for an open back bookcase, we have 113 options in-stock, while there are 40 modern editions to choose from as well. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect open back bookcase — we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. Each open back bookcase bearing mid-century modern, Victorian or Regency hallmarks is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made open back bookcase over the years, but those crafted by Cassina, Gerrit Rietveld and Vico Magistretti are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Open Back Bookcase?

Prices for an open back bookcase can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $395 and can go as high as $142,324, while the average can fetch as much as $5,306.

Finding the Right Case Pieces And Storage Cabinets for You

Of all the vintage storage cabinets and antique case pieces that have become popular in modern interiors over the years, dressers, credenzas and cabinets have long been home staples, perfect for routine storage or protection of personal items. 

In the mid-19th century, cabinetmakers would mimic styles originating in the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI eras for their dressers, bookshelves and other structures, and, later, simpler, streamlined wood designs allowed these “case pieces” or “case goods” — any furnishing that is unupholstered and has some semblance of a storage component — to blend into the background of any interior. 

Mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts will cite the tall modular wall units crafted in teak and other sought-after woods of the era by the likes of George Nelson, Poul Cadovius and Finn Juhl. For these highly customizable furnishings, designers of the day delivered an alternative to big, heavy bookcases by considering the use of space — and, in particular, walls — in new and innovative ways. Mid-century modern credenzas, which, long and low, evolved from tables that were built as early as the 14th century in Italy, typically have no legs or very short legs and have grown in popularity as an alluring storage option over time. 

Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This furnishing was initially a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. The drawers served as perfect utensil storage. It wasn’t until the design made its way to North America that it became enlarged and equipped with enough space to hold clothing and cosmetics. The very history of case pieces is a testament to their versatility and well-earned place in any room. 

In the spirit of positioning your case goods center stage, decluttering can now be design-minded.

A contemporary case piece with open shelving and painted wood details can prove functional as a storage unit as easily as it can a room divider. Alternatively, apothecary cabinets are charming case goods similar in size to early dressers or commodes but with uniquely sized shelving and (often numerous) drawers.

Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard that features colored glass and metal details, an antique Italian hand-carved storage cabinet or a glass-door vitrine to store and show off your collectibles, there are options for you on 1stDibs.

Questions About Open Back Bookcase
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
    What open-back heels are called depends on the design of the back. A high-heeled shoe with a completely open back is a mule. On the other hand, heels with a strap in the back to keep the shoes in place are slingbacks. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of heels from some of the world's top boutiques.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
    What an open-back shoe is called depends on its style. If the shoe has a closed toe and a completely open back, it's a mule, while an open heel with a strap to hold it in place is a slingback. A sandal with an open back is usually referred to as a slide. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of shoes.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    It’s highly recommended that if you need to open the back of your Rolex watch, you take it to a Rolex dealer. A trained professional will use special tools to access the back. Attempting to open your watch by yourself — rather than visiting a professional — may cause damage to your luxury timepiece. If you want to open it anyway, it is said that you can open the watch with the use of a rubber ball that measures about three inches across. Press the ball hard into the back of the case, and twist it in a counter-clockwise direction. Find a collection of vintage and modern Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To open a Waltham pocket watch, seek the help of an experienced watch repairer. Opening a pocket watch on your own could end up damaging the timepiece. A professional has the tools necessary to perform the task safely. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Waltham pocket watches.

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