Marble designs can range from Neoclassical to ultra-modern, so it can be helpful to have a sense of what style you’re most interested in before initiating your search. Alternatively, if your style is more organic modernist, or bohemian, you may want to consider raw geode designs. Consider marble if you’re looking for a touch of sophistication, onyx, or alabaster if you crave something vintage or French-inspired. Given the sheer variety of stone, stone bookends run the gamut. When it comes to adding texture and depth to a bookcase, it’s hard to top stone.
![modern bookends modern bookends](https://i.etsystatic.com/11582071/r/il/3b99c3/1775018935/il_fullxfull.1775018935_j2db.jpg)
If you favor something a bit more abstract, try hunting down some of Barbini’s “flame” designs. The set can be found in a stunning array of colors, ranging from magenta to chartreuse, to tangerine. Consider narrowing your search to designs by Alfredo Barbini, who was best known for his glass fruit bookends consisting of a single sommerso glass apple and pear. Although not as common as Murano bowls and lighting, it is possible to find Murano bookshelf decor. Smith was best known for its glass horse or stallion bookends.įor a slightly more sophisticated take on the glass bookend, consider Murano styles. Among the biggest manufacturers of carnival glass, L.E. Blenko has reportedly rolled out over 1,200 colors of glass during their time in business, which means it’s possible to find these mid-century glass bookends in all colors of the rainbow, ranging from cobalt to aquamarine to transparent glass that mimics the look of lucite.
![modern bookends modern bookends](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61RrpPueprL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
Most striking about them, of course, is their color. Blenko designs often have a textured or frosted, ice-like finish and frequently assume whimsical forms like pineapples, owls, elephants, and ducks. Founded in Wilton, West Virginia in 1921, Blenko is best known for its colorful glass vases and objects, including its bookshelf baubles. Among the most sought-after glass bookends are those designed by Blenko Glass. Glass designs are a bit more obscure than metal ones, but with a little digging, it’s easy to source a colorful array of designs. Whether your personal design style is Mid-Century-inspired and kitschy or indebted to glamorous Hollywood Regency style, there’s more than likely a vintage glass bookend to suit your tastes. Today, one of the most easy-to-source bookends is a classic bull and bear design, composed of a brass bear and brass bull each mounted on a hulking, slanted marble block. Depending on your style, you may want to opt for a brass figure mounted on a heavy stone plinth made of marble or alabaster. Some of the most popular designs from the mid 20th century include ram and duck busts as well as owls and pineapples. Among brand-less models, brass bookends crafted to look like animals are a common find. It’s easy to procure unmarked models that possess plenty of style. When shopping for metal bookends there’s no need to go with a big-name maker, of course. Their brass pineapple, eagle, and wagon wheel bookends are among some of their most iconic. If you’re on the hunt for a designer-grade design with a more classical approach, consider Virginia Metalcrafters. Many brass Carl Auböck bookends feature a black patinated exterior, which lends them a look similar to cast iron.
![modern bookends modern bookends](http://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/0a2182d80464bf3e_4-8705/contemporary-bookends.jpg)
Carl Auböck bookends, best known for their stark sculptural aesthetic, tend to be more modernist than Ben Seibel’s, but exude similar artistry. Some of the maker’s most iconic creations include his “clam” and “stirrup” designs. Ben Seibel is best known for heavy-bottomed brass ends with a vaguely amorphous quality. Designs by makers like Carl Auböck and Ben Seibel are worth seeking out if you’re enticed by more sleek and sculptural designs. If you’re shopping for brass, consider whether you’re more drawn to minimalist or detailed designs.
![modern bookends modern bookends](https://www.modernsouvenir.com/shop/bookends-collection/bookends-architecture/index_files/stacks-image-5108804.jpg)
It was an especially popular material during the mid 20th century. To help, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the most common materials and designs you’re likely to find when shopping for vintage bookends.īrass junkie? Thanks to its weight, brass is one of the most commonly used bookend materials. Designs by notable makers can also cost you a pretty penny, which means you’ll want to know what bookends are as collectible as they are chic before you start your hunt. With so many styles and mediums to choose from-brass, glass, stone, wood, ceramic-decisions abound. In fact, many even double as art! Of course, like books, the world of bookends can be overwhelming. Whether you use these stylish supports to brace books on a bookcase or simply use them as tabletop () bookends are among the easiest ways to add character to a space. You don’t need to be part of a bibliophile to appreciate the appeal of vintage bookends. TREAT YOUR SHELVES TO CHIC VINTAGE BOOKENDS