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. 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. 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. 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