Dutch Mid-Century Cabinet or Bookcase by Coen de Vries for Pilastro, The Netherlands 1960s

Elegant bookcase with a cabinet at the bottom by Dutch mid-century designer Coen de Vries. Made by Pilastro the Netherlands in the 1960s.

Metal industrial bookcases and shelving systems are among the most known items from the Dutch Mid-Century. Famous are the systems by Wim Rietveld, Friso Kramer and Tjerk Reijenga. All their designs feature the same concept: modular metal plates, often painted with all kind of colors, which can be used to make your own bookcase, cabinet or shelving system. A buyer could often choose from many components such as shelves, cabinets, magazine holders and desks. Nowadays, those systems are being sought by many collectors all over the world.

And then there is our cabinet or bookcase by Coen de Vries. An item which is kind of different compared to the others. The bookcase or cabinet by Coen the Vries is rather small, which makes it very elegant. Something other Dutch industrial designs often lack. A nice original detail is the wooden backplate Coen de Vries added. He probably thought the all metal designs were to cold and added something we could only love. The wood and size makes it a perfectly balanced item. It has the looks of the pure Dutch industrial design but with a warm and natural touch from Danish design.

We think this is one of the most beautiful Dutch Mid-Century industrial bookcases or cabinets ever made. Besides its unique looks, it is also pretty rare, which makes it a true Dutch collector’s item.

The items is in good condition with normal traces of use considering its age.

Coen de Vries was a Dutch industrial designer en furniture designer. He was important as a member of "Good Living" and for the development for Dutch furniture and interior after 1945.