Horizontal Mid Century Modern Bookcases

Dr. Wendy Crosby
11 min readJun 20, 2024

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Welcome to our roundup of Horizontal Mid Century Modern Bookcases, where we showcase the perfect blend of vintage style and modern functionality. These bookcases are not just storage solutions, but also bring a unique charm to your home. We’ve handpicked the best of the best, so join us as we explore these timeless pieces and discover the one that suits your aesthetic and storage needs. Get ready to fall in love with our Horizontal Mid Century Modern Bookcases.

The Top 7 Best Horizontal Mid Century Modern Bookcases

  1. Prochaska Horizontal Bookcase: Mid Century Modern Design by Trent Austin — Experience the perfect blend of functionality and style with the Prochaska Horizontal Bookcase from Trent Austin Design, featuring unique options and a highly versatile design for your unique needs.
  2. West Elm 38" Horizontal Mid Century Modern Bookshelf — Wide Tower, White — Add charm to your home with the West Elm’s Mid-Century 38" Wide Bookshelf, featuring iconic design elements and certifications to ensure sustainability and health.
  3. Mid-Century Modern Natural Brown Rattan Bookcase with 3 Open Shelves — The Baxton Studio Faulkner bookcase seamlessly combines modern convenience with a vintage mid-century design, featuring natural wood and rattan accents for a visually stunning and durable storage solution.
  4. Modern 8-Cube Wooden Bookshelf with Open Horizontal Display Storage — Elevate your space’s organization and style with this premium 8-Cube Wooden Bookshelf, a versatile Mid-Century Modern storage solution.
  5. Portola Hills Walnut 5 Shelf Horizontal Bookcase — Studio McGee Design — Studio McGee’s 57" Portola Hills Walnut 5-Shelf Horizontal Bookcase: elegant style meets functional storage.
  6. Mid Century Modern 3 Shelf Horizontal Bookcase with Threshold x Studio McGee Design — Add a touch of sophistication to any space with the 32" Portola Hills 3 Shelf Horizontal Bookcase, designed by the renowned Studio McGee.
  7. Simple Living Margo: Modern Blush Pink 3-Shelf Bookshelf — Add a pop of blush pink to your living space with Simple Living Margo’s MID-CENTURY 3-SHELF BOOKSHELF, where style meets ample storage and easy assembly for a sophisticated organization solution.

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Reviews

Prochaska Horizontal Bookcase: Mid Century Modern Design by Trent Austin

The Prochaska Horizontal Bookcase from Trent Austin Design is a stylish and versatile addition to any space. With its unique blend of Mid-Century Modern design and practical features, this bookcase is perfect for displaying your favorite books, magazines, and home décor items. The bookcase includes a drawer with metal runners and safety stops, offering ample storage for various items.

The top surface of this bookcase features a cornered edge, providing the perfect spot to showcase photos and knick-knacks. The shelves can be tilted for optimal display of books, magazines, and artwork. The customizable design allows for the placement of shelves and drawers to suit your personal preference, ensuring a polished and complete look from all angles.

Users of this bookcase appreciate its visual appeal and the ability to fit well in various interior styles. The Prochaska Horizontal Bookcase from Trent Austin Design is a stunning combination of form and function, making it a standout choice for book lovers and home décor enthusiasts alike.

West Elm 38" Horizontal Mid Century Modern Bookshelf — Wide Tower, White

The Wide Mid-Century Bookshelf, found at West Elm, is a chic and modern addition to any home. With its slim legs and beveled edges, this piece is inspired by iconic furniture designs from the 1950s and 60s.

Made from sustainably-sourced wood in a fair trade certified facility, it’s kiln-dried solid poplar and engineered wood. Covered in white paint on all sides, it boasts an antiqued bronze finish on its metal hardware and three fixed shelves.

One of the best features of this bookshelf is its bottom drawer, which opens on smooth metal glides. The legs include built-in levelers to ensure stability, and with its Greenguard Gold certification, it meets stringent chemical and VOC emissions standards, making it both eco-friendly and health-conscious.

Mid-Century Modern Natural Brown Rattan Bookcase with 3 Open Shelves

Oh, the nostalgic charm of the Faulkner bookcase! I picked one up for my own home office and haven’t looked back since. The natural brown finish and the rattan accents have quickly become one of my favorite design elements. Not only does it fit perfectly into my mid-century theme, but it also has enough space for all my stationery and books.

The assembly process was a breeze too. I didn’t need any outside help. The detailed instructions made it relatively easy to put together. I also love how sturdy it is; it’s made me look twice before placing heavy items on the shelves.

However, I have to say, the instructions for the doors could use a little work. They didn’t align as well as I hoped. But all in all, it’s a pretty great addition to my room. If you’re looking for a bookcase that combines a bit of the old with a dash of the new, the Faulkner won’t disappoint!

Modern 8-Cube Wooden Bookshelf with Open Horizontal Display Storage

Transform your space with the versatile and functional 8-Cube Wooden Bookshelf. This contemporary design offers a clean and sophisticated aesthetic, complementing a variety of decor styles. The sturdy construction ensures that it not only looks good but also provides a reliable solution for organizing your items, perfect for your living room, office, or bedroom.

With seven open horizontal display shelves, each tier offers ample space to showcase your favorite books, collectibles, or photo frames. Add a touch of style to any room with this durable, multi-functional storage solution.

Portola Hills Walnut 5 Shelf Horizontal Bookcase — Studio McGee Design

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I recently added the Portola Hills 5-Shelf Horizontal Bookcase to my living room and couldn’t be happier. The bookcase, designed with Studio McGee, is a beautiful and sturdy addition to my space. The walnut finish is not only visually appealing but also adds a touch of sophistication.

One of the most notable features is the ample storage capacity. The five shelves provide enough space for various items, including books, magazines, and decorative plants. The construction is solid, and I appreciate the attention to detail in the design.

Assembling the bookcase was a relatively easy process, thanks to the clear instructions and the inclusion of all necessary tools. However, it was a bit time-consuming, as there were quite a few screws to be inserted.

One minor drawback is that the bookcase can be a bit wobbly, especially when it’s fully loaded. This could be a concern if you plan on placing heavier items on the shelves.

Overall, I’m very satisfied with my purchase of the Portola Hills 5-Shelf Horizontal Bookcase. It’s a stylish and functional piece that’s perfect for any home.

Mid Century Modern 3 Shelf Horizontal Bookcase with Threshold x Studio McGee Design

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I recently added the Portola Hills 3-Shelf Horizontal Bookcase to my living room, and I must say, it’s a real game-changer. This wooden bookshelf, designed by Studio McGee for Threshold, adds a touch of class to my space while also providing ample storage for my books, magazines, and a few plants.

The first thing that stood out to me was the attractive design. With three oblong shelves, this horizontally oriented bookshelf feels open and airy, making it a great fit for my room. The wooden finish is not only elegant but also practical, as it makes the shelves blend seamlessly with the room decor.

But there’s one aspect of the design I wish was better: the finish on the shelves. It appears to be a painted finish, which is understandable for the black color, but it’s a bit disappointing in the lighter wood option I chose. The veneer on the top shelf seems to be a bit unstable, especially when assembling the parts, which could be a potential concern in the long run.

Assembly was a breeze, and this bookshelf is quite sturdy — a testament to its solid construction. It’s a great addition to my living room, and I’m excited to showcase my favorite books and other belongings on its elegantly rounded shelves.

Overall, the Portola Hills 3-Shelf Horizontal Bookcase is a stylish and functional piece that has made a significant difference in my home. While the paint finish on the wood isn’t perfect, the overall design and quality more than compensate for this minor flaw.

Simple Living Margo: Modern Blush Pink 3-Shelf Bookshelf

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This lovely bookshelf, available in a delicate blush pink, is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any room. With three distinct shelves, you can easily organize your books and collectibles while maintaining a stylish aesthetic. The silver finished legs add an additional accent to the piece, and the muted antique blue finish ensures a subtle yet sophisticated appearance.

Assembling this bookshelf is a breeze, and once put together, it feels sturdy and well-built. The dimensions make it an ideal fit for a variety of spaces, whether you’re putting it in a home office, living room, or bedroom. The tiered shelf design provides ample storage without sacrificing style, and it’s easy to clean, making it a practical choice as well.

However, it’s essential to note that the shelf type is a bit more fragile than others, as some users have reported issues with the quality and durability of the construction. Additionally, the finish may scratch easily, so it’s crucial to handle it carefully. With proper care and attention, this bookshelf can be a beautiful addition to your home.

Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to adding a touch of elegance and style to your home, the right piece of furniture can make all the difference. One such piece that continues to stand out among homeowners and interior designers alike is the horizontal mid-century modern bookcase. In this buyer’s guide, we will take a closer look at the essential features, considerations, and advice for purchasing the perfect horizontal mid-century modern bookcase for your home.

Size and Space

Before you start shopping for your horizontal mid-century modern bookcase, it’s crucial to consider the space you have available. Measure the wall where you want to place the bookcase and choose one that fits comfortably without overpowering the area. The size of the bookcase will also determine its weight capacity, so ensure it can hold your desired number of books, decorative items, and other accessories.

Material and Construction

Mid-century modern bookcases are typically made from hardwoods such as oak, maple, or walnut. Look for a solid wood construction instead of particle board or MDF, which can be inferior in quality and may not last as long. The joints and hardware should also be sturdy, ensuring the bookcase can support the weight of your items without wobbling or tipping over.

Design and Styling

One of the defining characteristics of mid-century modern design is its clean lines and simplicity. When selecting a horizontal bookcase, focus on models with minimal ornamentation, flush edges, and elegant hardware. Consider the wood grain and natural finish, as these will enhance the simplicity of the design. Additionally, make sure the bookcase complements your existing decor and furnishings, creating a cohesive look throughout your home.

Functionality and Versatility

A horizontal mid-century modern bookcase can serve various purposes, from displaying books and decorative items to providing closed storage. Many models also come with adjustable shelves, making it easy to customize the arrangement and accommodate different types of items. Before making your purchase, think about how you will use the bookcase and ensure it meets your functional requirements.

FAQ

What is a Horizontal Mid Century Modern Bookcase?

A Horizontal Mid Century Modern Bookcase is a contemporary and stylish way to display your books. It holds a simple yet striking design, featuring a minimalist aesthetic inspired by the Mid-Century Modern movement. The movement, prominent from the 1940s to the 1960s, celebrated clean lines, organic shapes, and practical efficiency.

This unique bookcase is available in a variety of sizes, materials, and finishes to cater to a plethora of taste and space requirements. Its versatile nature makes it an excellent addition to any home or office setting.

Which materials are commonly used for Horizontal Mid Century Modern Bookcases?

Typically, Hardwoods such as Oak, Teak, and Walnut are used for Horizontal Mid Century Modern Bookcases. They not only provide durability but also a natural, rich look. Alternatively, some bookcases could be made from Engineered Wood or Metal or even a combination of the materials, providing a more budget-friendly option while maintaining the essence of the mid-century design.

It’s crucial when selecting a Horizontal Mid Century Modern Bookcase to consider the material as it influences the item’s durability, cost, and maintenance requirements.

How do I care for my Horizontal Mid Century Modern Bookcase?

To maintain the quality and charm of your Horizontal Mid Century Modern Bookcase, follow these maintenance guidelines. Regularly dust the bookcase, avoiding using harsh cleaning agents or chemicals that could spoil the finish. If needed, vacuum any hard-to-reach areas but be gentle to avoid abrasion.

Periodically, inspect the bookcase for any signs of wear or damage. If damages such as chips, scratches, or imperfections are spotted, gently sand the area to restore the finish.

Can I customize a Horizontal Mid Century Modern Bookcase for my specific needs?

Although Horizontal Mid Century Modern Bookcases usually come in standard sizes, many manufacturers or retailers offer customization options to create a piece specifically for your space’s needs. Discuss customization options with the seller before purchasing, providing dimensions such as height, width, and depth to ensure a proper fit.

Additionally, consider the materials, finishes, and additional features you would want the bookcase to have. Some manufacturers may offer custom colors, veneer choices, or unique hardware to create a truly unique piece that mirrors your individual style.

How do I assemble my Horizontal Mid Century Modern Bookcase?

Assembly guidelines for Horizontal Mid Century Modern Bookcases can differ depending on the manufacturer or model. However, below are the general steps you can expect:

  1. Unpack all the necessary parts, such as the bookcase frame, shelves, and mounting hardware.
  2. Attach the shelves to the bookcase frame using the provided screws and mounting hardware.
  3. Secure any additional fixtures to the bookcase according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Before starting assembly, make sure you have enough space and the appropriate tools. If you’re unsure or if you feel uncomfortable with the process, it’s best to seek the help of a professional or the manufacturer’s customer service team. Remember to ensure that the assembled bookcase is sturdy and level.

What is the average price range for Horizontal Mid Century Modern Bookcases?

Horizontal Mid Century Modern Bookcases’ pricing can vary extensively depending on factors like material, size, finish, and customization options. Solid wood bookshelves generally cost more than their engineered wood or metal counterparts. Larger or more complex models could be priced higher, while simpler, smaller models may be more affordable.

A budget-friendly option might start around $100, while premium solid wood bookcases could cost upwards of $500 or more. To get the best value for your money, compare prices at multiple retailers while considering any available discounts or promotions. Don’t forget to also take shipping or delivery costs into account.

As an Amazon Affiliate, we may earn through qualifying purchases.

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